A Special Post

I have never done one of *these* posts. I'm excited, and my fingers are tingling a tiny bit.

As we prepare for this baby, in our hearts and minds, all of us, have plans, ideas and LOVE. We all adore this person, who's growing and kicking, and listening to us.

It only seemed so natural and so right, that we know what kind of baby it is, so we can be that much more prepared.

My heart skipped a beat when the tec said the sex, and my eyes searched the room to see the reactions. Excitement, joy, elation, and a bit of disappointment with one.

I promised Klara that once she saw him, and held hims, and kissed him, she'd forget she ever wanted a girl!

We've named him Caleb Shephan! We can't wait to see him!

Caleb Stephan 

And to commemorate our baby,

Little Dancer

There really isn't a whole lot to say. The pictures tell the story. A beautiful story, of a girl who luvs to dress up, learn, be cheered on, and dance.

I'll never forget how intently she watched her teacher for the next move, how she smiled at her classmates, and watched their cues. I will remember her twirling. As her tiny feet raced to keep up with the speed of the turning, and her skirt swishing as she went.

I will forever be grateful to the never ending patience's  of her teacher. Klara was the youngest in the class, and often forgot, or got distracted. But her teacher was kind, and sweet and always brought her back calmly, and lovingly. She strives to bring out the best in all her students, and allowed Klara to shine! It was truly amazing! I hope I can be as good a teacher to her.

 

Twirl Klara twirl!

Happy 10th Birthday Grace

On January 7th, our Grace turned 10. 10!!! 

What does Grace mean??

Goodness and generosity. Latin ties it to "God's grace," and Greek mythology to beauty, blossom, and joy. 

All the things our Grace is. 

Happy Birthday Grace! Wishing you a wonderful year and many many more. 

Love Mom 

Snow

Yesterday:

It was cold and snowing when I went to get my bus. It was fluffy and soft, and the wind was blowing it around in beautiful swirls. It was still dark out, before dawn, but the light from the street lights and houses, and cars reflected off the snow giving this soft glow to every thing. I felt vibrant and alive! My senses were tingling!

The kids bundled in hats and mitts, and snow pants and boots. They laughed as the kicked up the snow, looked up at the falling snow, and made boot prints, Sam reached out his hand to catch it.  "Its light and fluffy!" "It doesn't feel that cold!" "Its still snowing!" We piled in the bus in the dark and began our morning.

After we arrived home we took the morning to head into the cold.

It was a day to remind us all of the goodness of us, of the blessings of family, cold weather, snow, and coming home.

Christmas Memories

  Pics and memories :)

1. An new ornament for someone who doesn't have a name yet, but brings us so much 'joy' already!

2. Daddy and Bryan

3. Opening gifts with Baka

4, My boys

4. A good-bye letter 

5. Grace and Baka

6. Cousins in PJs!!! 

7. One of Angelina's favs 

We filled the 2 weeks off with trips to visit with friends, Nana and Paka, Baka, having friends over for making. We went shopping, walking, and we went to the Christmas Eve service at church. All my littles lined up o the bench in the Christmas best, made me feel happy, peaceful, calm and happy. 

On a funny side note, I'm singing all these lovely Christmas songs when I look down and NOT ONE of my kids are singing all these lovely songs. At first I smile and whisper, "Sing!" but as a few lines go by and they are shifting uneasily, and kind of trying to look like they are mumbling, I glared at them and hissed "SING!" Music and singing are so tied into my memories with Christmas, this made me sad. 

They did get to the point of trying harder, And I realized this isn't going to change overnight, I will keep working on it every Sunday, and by next year, we'll all be singing together. 

So we continued with the candle lighting part of the service and I didn't have to hiss or scowl at anyone :) 

Memories and lessons all tucked away in my heart <3 p="">

Half a Dozen + 2

I'm trilled to say, we are adding one more! 

We will have 1/2 a dozen beautiful children!

"Every good and perfect thing comes from above..."
James 1:17 The Bible

Everyone is excited to welcome OUR baby. 

+ Goran and I, we are a family of 8. 

My heart is so full, I'm afraid it might burst. 

8 is Great

I'm 2 days late. On the day he was born 8 years ago, I was 7 days 'late'. I was grumpy and tired all week long. But that morning, I had renewed energy, I was ok waiting, and looking forward to meeting him when he was ready. 

Little did I know, by 7:45 pm my first son would in my arms. 

He is a boy full of energy, wakes up happy and ready to take on the day. Hes eager to please, sad to see others sad, and he likes to hang out with his dad and his paka. 

He has taught me so much. He has taught me that love has now bounds. He loves with no conditions, and now exceptions. Sure he gets mad, stomps his feet all the way to his room. he shouts "Thats not fair!" and slams the door! But he comes back later tear streaked and sorry, hugs and kind words. He tries to make it better by helping or giving, or sharing. 

I am so thankful for the gift of my son. For his love, lessons, and smile.