Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Matthew is Four!

The Kirby's know how to keep a party going...so we got to celebrate Matthew's birthday a little after this big boy turned four!Matthew is probably the most athletic kid I know. He's been jumping off this thing practically since he could walk. We're hoping he'll be able to teach Elijah a few things~;-)Mason! I love these kids!

A lot.

Praying. Thanking God!

My kids were mostly excited about the juice boxes. ("And THEN I GET A JUICE BOX!?!?!")


Happy times! We are so thankful for our friends!

3.3.2011

Cousins!

On our way home from Pennsylvania, we stopped to see these wonderful children!
We spent a while at my favorite toy store in the entire world. This even beats the one I really liked in Chicago. All their toys are quality toys - cute, durable, able to teach, promoting imagination. Ah, wonderful! They also have some fun things outside.


This is the cutest baby I have ever seen.


This is why every little girl should wear bloomers.
These pictures make me so happy. I can't stop smiling as I look at them. Miles and Polly Jane are sure to be fast friends!


My sister has done a great job with her super fun playroom. Actually, beyond that, her whole house is an inspiration in organization, cuteness, and functionality.
Here is a shot someone snuck of Bella. She and Haven kept "borrowing" each other's shoes.
Sadly, our wonderful visit came to a crashing halt the next morning. I'll spare you the details, but only because I am not gifted enough to convey the horribleness of the experience. It involved vomit from the three oldest members of the family, over eight hours in the car, lots of praying, and lots of Ziplocs. Wow. It was so terrible, even the memory is hard!

2.26.2011

Friday, September 30, 2011

Parenting

Excellent, excellent article here about parenting! Totally Excellent!

"Grace is not a facilitator of sins, it is a solution to them. A good parent has two weapons to help them fight sin on behalf of their children. One is law, and one is grace. The point of both is restoration, forgiveness, and joy. If you don’t see those fruits in your home, then you need to reevaluate what you are wielding."

Oh, for godly wisdom in raising these children!

Monday, September 12, 2011

Concluding the Visit

One more 4:00 dinner with Gigi. Grandma kept trying to pass the children things from her plate~:-)
The Millards. I love this picture. "Elijah, please stop trying to steal the sugar." "Sitting on the table, however, is just fine...as long as you smile." Haven, trying to explain something to us.
Then, Daddy commandeered the rolling chairs. Much excitement ensued. Even tired boys know how to have fun.
Like this! Saying Goodbye. This is so hard; I always wonder "will this be the last time?" Giving Polly Jane a kiss. The bow doesn't give the best clue as to where her face actually is~;-)
Another party with Gigi! Unlike Elijah and Haven, Polly Jane was actually happy to sit in Gigi's lap! I was so glad. A classic Grandma look. The Elizabeths:Presents!The end of a long day, and a very fun week.Jolly, on the floor, refrained by the boppy: Elijah - on a half-folded cot, stuffed into a closet, with no air circulation. Haven, in the pack 'n play, the child who definitely must be confined to sleep.I am so thankful for these pictures of my children with their great-grandparents.
2.25.2011

Thanking God for...

{Gifts 342 - 360}

- Roasted Vegetables & Spiced Bran Muffins
- BookHouse, the collection!
- "I can help you, Haven."
- Remembering Michelle's sweet friendship on 9/11, 10 years ago

- Memories of travels
- This year's 9/11 - wonderful, non-exotic, birthday celebration with Mammie at Sonic
- A nap! A real, true, wake-up-feeling-rested nap
- Children running, shooting, climbing, squealing
- Haven needing me: "Momma! I want Momma!"

- Jolly's enunciation--Daaaa-deee--in Eric's presence
- Energy to love
- Laura's love for me shown in willingly, joyfully holding my baby
- A world full of wonder, much more than I can ever understand
- Missing my husband

- Two eggs in one day!
- Opportunities to serve the children of our church
- God's grace in giving joy in the midst of my serving
- Friend's gracious forgiveness
- Ish-bosheth & Mephibosheth & "Tell me Momma?"

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Hospitality



No sooner had Abigail, Bella, and Miles hit the road than my dear friend, Lauren, came to visit bringing Geneva and Peter. This was my first time to meet Peter who was, frankly, enormous. Geneva, however, is a little pixie of a girl! She even has a super sweet little pixie voice. This is the only picture of the visit I snagged, but I love it. It kind of represents my friendship with Lauren these days.


Drew threw us a surprisingly spontaneous twist - driving down himself to hang out! It was such a refreshing treat to spend time with this sweet family. Drew tried to teach us a tiny bit about Old Testament foreshadowing before we played Bananagrams for hours. I stayed up way too late and had a huge headache the next day, but it was totally worth it to see our friends.


Thanks for coming guys!


2.24.2011