4 peas in a pod. 4 bumps on a log. 4 of a kind.

It seems I am forever trying to get a perfect decent picture of our 4 kids.  I'm sure as their mother, I am looking for a pose in which all four kids are looking at the camera, with sweet, innocent smiles.  At the same time.  At ages 8, 7, 6, and 4-1/2 it is getting semi easier to get them to cooperate.  Yet 'newtons law of photographing little kids' works its charm.  Someone blinks.  Someone looks away.  Someone smiles goofy(er).  And while I'm still searching for the perfect picture, I'm enjoying these natural poses.  The ones that their personalities shine through on.  The not-so-perfect pose, yet perfectly normal poses.

At any rate, I find all 4 perfectly cute and charming in their own unique ways.  My Our life has been blessed in ways I didn't think possible because of them.  So I'll continue to snap away.  Cherishing the moments.  Perfect and not so perfect.

The only way I can guarantee them to ALL cooperate is to ask for a silly shot.  Each happily obliges.  All at the same time.  (smile)

May

It's hard to believe we're already into the month of May!!!  We were spoiled with a mild(er) winter, so we've been enjoying some spring-like days for quite awhile.  Don't worry, we're having our share of typical spring days: cool and rainy. 

The nicer weather finds us outside as often as possible.  Riding bikes, nature walks in the woods, cleaning up the brush in the woods, (trans)planting trees/plants, prepping the garden. Speaking of gardens, we're looking forward to having a nice size garden this year.  Carolyn especially is very eager and willing to help.  The other three are excited as well, talking about what they want to plant and how yummy the food will be.  Lets hope the excitement continues all the way thru harvest time! :)

Daddy has been staying busy with trucking.  In his spare time he hits the studio to work on his new album project.  As for me, I stay occupied with cooking, cleaning, laundry, homeschooling and all the other day-to-day activies. But lucky for me, I love my job, so it's all good!

 This not-so-little-boy......

has been full of it lately.

Today he tried on his too-small shoes.  Naturally they were too tight.  So he promptly placed them on the front porch steps.  He told me to leave them there.  "The sun will make them grow bigger!"

Benji happens to have the exact same style (sizes bigger of course).  So I sneakily switched the 2 pair.  Now the shoes are too big, so they are sitting in the house shade to get smaller.

I have very good intentions of updating this blog with pictures and our latest happenings.  But before I know it, a week or more has passed with nothing to show for it on my blog.   {eeps}  I'd like to say and promise I'll be better at blogging, but we both know I won't hold my end of the bargain up.  But I do have some lots of pictures to share, so check back in a few.  hours.  days.  weeks....

wordless wednesday

Happy 6th Birthday Katie!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR KATIE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

I can't believe it's been 6 years since we impatiently awaited your birth.  You've added some much love, joy and excitment to our family.  Wishing you a day, as special and sweet as you are to us!

Happy 6th birthday Katie!

Love,

Dad, Mom, Benji, Carolyn and John

sweethearts from sunday

(Easter) Sunday I snapped these pictures just before we left.  It was sunny, but breezy and cool.

best buddy-brothers

sweet sisters

Guess Who?

 Meet Mr. "You don't know who I am when I'm wearing my super hero glasses"

He shows up frequently on our doorstep.  Knocks.  Giggles.  Then runs back to his bike and rides away.

The other day I asked John to pick up the toys in the Living Room.  He picked UP the toys alright.  Put them UP on the chair.

It's 'daddy-lion' season.  Each day when the kids come inside I'm greeted with handfuls of daddy-lion's.

(Is it just me, or is blogger giving other people trouble with uploading pictures?  I wanted to upload 5 pictures, these are the only 2 that uploaded!)

moments like this

Like most people, we have our moments/days. 
And then we have moments like this. 

Older brother willingly reading a book to little sister. 
While big sister (bright pink arm in the top right corner) helps mom put away laundry. 
Little brother is peacefully taking a much needed nap.