Crew Martin

Welcome to the World sweet Beau

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 02:40:00 +0000

I've been reflecting on your birth recently, after having McCoy. So I penned this letter to you to remind myself just how precious you are to me!

My precious Beau entered the world early morning with the sun shining in through the window of our room surrounded by his brother's and his sister.

After losing a baby last April there was nothing my heart desired more than to fill that space with a precious little one. I had set my heart on that precious soul that awaits us in heaven and I longed to see God's creation in completion again.

Beau YOU are the answer to my every prayer in those days. Carrying you in my womb anticipating your arrival with joy. I was tired and weary running after those brothers and your sister but I longed to hold you.

As one by one our little ones came down with the 24 hour flu, mamma got hit hard. I was friends with the porcelain goddess (I'm not fond of her) and wretching in a way I hadn't experienced in a long while. This, my love, sent me into contractions.

9 days prior to your predicted arrival I felt you shift down and the power of giving you your first breath took over. That evening after laying everyone down in our room for the night with their sick tummy's and sweaty brows, I knew you were coming.

I spent that night on the couch with my headphones on and the audio I had created to keep my mind focused on Christ whispering in my ears. I knew the road could be long and I wanted to rest. God granted me that prayer and through many portions of the night I rested and fell asleep between contractions. No children rose, no one threw up, my sickness faded and when the morning broke at 6:00am I told your daddy it was the day.

I called my friends we had invited into your birth space and texted the midwife letting her know you were coming today.

As soon as the children were up the bustle began and daddy spent the earliest morning preparing the room/bed. My parents arrived to help with the older kiddos and I labored around the house moving from spot to spot finding comfort and ease in the contractions.

It felt like a breeze miraculously. I was overjoyed to be home and to have everyone there. As things progressed, within a short 5 hours you had made your way down we prepared for your entrance. All your siblings gathered round and the pressure intensified.

Carol moved that cervical lip I always have, it's as painful as it can get, but once it was moved you were barreling into the world.

It was just the most perfect and precious experience for me to be home and to bring you up into my arms. With all the children gathered around to see you take your first breath, we instantly fell in love. I praise the Lord for your most precious and perfect birth and I am blessed beyond measure.

I hold you close sweet boy. I treasure you. You are a gift to me and I'm so thankful to be your mommy. I would repeat that experience a thousand fold for the joy of holding a little one again!

Camping and Beau Turns 2

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 01:38:00 +0000

Beau turned 2 while we spent the weekend and Easter up in Stoneman Lake Camping with the Morton's and Pappa.

A little weekend getaway with the motorhome and the kiddos was a nice treat. At one point a couple came through with some horses and gave the kids that wanted to a ride. It was a nice little gift.

My little one is now 2 and I can't believe it. He's just the most precious little guy. Still nursing but as independent as ever.

It was VERY chilly, bone cold at times. I can't believe we made it through the weekend. At one point I thought we would freeze and head home. But, the sun came out and it was much better. We did an easter egg hunt up there for the kids. I love these little camping trips with the family.

It is a lot of work but the memories we make mean everything to me!

3rd Grade Field Trip to San Diego

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 01:34:00 +0000

The third grade at NCS takes an annual optional field trip to SD to participate in the Floating Lab. Its a boat that goes out and grabs things from the bottom of the bay and then the kids get to inspect them under microscopes as well as feel and touch them. It's pretty neat.

So, Justin took the three boys over to SD for the floating lab trip. They had a blast. They spent time at the beach, did the boat, went to the Aquarium, and then the last day the Zoo. Since they had to return that day early, the didn't get much time at the zoo, but they had fun none-the-less.

When it's just the 3 of them they get along and play nicely together. Its a nice break from the small kids and time with dad.

It's a nice tradition to begin since they will all eventually go through 3rd grade!

Look how cute they are!

Father Daughter Dance

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 00:29:00 +0000

This year Brynn got to go with Daddy on her first Father Daughter Dance with Branches Homeschool Co-op. She was adorable. All dressed up and looking like a lady (since she's a tomb boy it is rare) and ready to hit the town.

They had a great time dancing and snacking and I'm so thankful for a husband that doesn't ever complain about outings with the kids. This was special being his only girl and it was so precious. I hope they have many more of these special nights.

Pretty Girl, you are the light of our family. Our only daughter. Perfectly placed by God right in the middle, surrounded by boys. What a special life God intended for you to live. We love and cherish you!

Mommy

Martin Kids to NCS 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 20:25:00 +0000

It's that time of year again where we are graciously asking for tax credit donations to be made to lighten the

cost of sending the kids to Northwest Christian. It is a win-win for everyone.

This year we are also raising funds to send Brynn to NCS next year as well. This will make 4! Whew...they grow so fast.

The program is a tax CREDIT program, which means you will receive a dollar-for-dollar credit back on your taxes when you give. Everyone has tax liability to the state, this is a way to tell your funds exactly where you want them to go. It makes it easier and for many, possible, to attend a private school such as NCS. We are so thankful for this ability here in Arizona.

It is very simple. Once you begin filing your taxes you will see how much AZ State Tax Liability you have for the 2014 year. You can then pause, momentarily, go online to www.azto.org and make a tax credit donation in our family's name. You just need Cole, Brody, Trace and Brynn's names and the school they attend (Northwest Christian School).

You then make a donation online. If you happen to have more tax liability than the maximum amount for the standard credit, you can give in the PLUS credit option up to the amount you have in State Tax Liability.

You then finish your taxes noting your donation in order to receive your credit. If you have a tax accountant, well, they should know exactly what to do! :)

Here is the link to the form in case someone wanted to mail in their donation. And, our family letter!

2015/2016 Family Letter and Donation Form

Trace's Broken Arm

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 00:53:00 +0000

Well, it's our first broken bone. Trace was simply playing in the backyard with a friend of theirs (Josiah) and he fell into the grass just right and broke his bone right above the elbow. It's been a rough few days of sleeping for him since he can't get comfy and finally he was able to get his cast on. I think he will have a lot of relief with it stabilized now. He's been very tough and the worst part was setting the bone for the cast since it moved a hair when it hit the ground.

With 5 boys, I'm sure we are bound to a few broken bones along the way but we've had a good track record so far.

I've been applying Comfrey leaf oil and giving him tea. It's called the bone healer and I'm praying it speeds the healing for him. I can't quite get to the elbow with the oil so we are just doing our best!

Sorry you hurt sweet boy. But, I guess getting out of your 2nd grade school work isn't so bad!

Christmas with my Kiddos

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:43:00 +0000

Christmas this year was great. The kids were precious as usual. We did a limited amount of gifts this year and they were more than blessed. Their adorable jammies from Grandma and Grandpa Martin were a hit. They always enjoy Christmas Jammies.

We spent the day with my parents and my sister and Nik. It was a calm day with lots of love!

We also celebrated Hanukkah this year. This was our second year participating in the Hanukkah tradition. I LOVE Hanukkah even more than Christmas. Christmas has been largely commercialized. It's all about the gifts no matter how much we read and talk about Jesus.

But, Hanukkah is a chance to celebrate something that really happened with the Jewish people that showed God's grace, provision, mercy and commitment to them. I love talking with the kids about the true light, Jesus, and how through the OT we see the holiday of Hanukkah differently. It's such an awesome piece of history.

Another Christmas has come and gone and Cole is now 9 turning 10 in 2015. Time flies and they grow and a piece of me each year goes with them! Love you darling babies.

Mommy

Letter to Westin

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 05:11:00 +0000

Westin,
My crazy, sweet, funny, laughing, tickling, spirited, unique little boy!!! You turned 4 this year. What in the world happened? How did you get so big?

You are a gift to us and our family. A gift we sometimes wonder why it has to be so loud?! You are pure joy. Everything you do is full speed. You play full speed, talk full speed, think full speed, and get upset at full speed! There is no limit to the volume with your joy too...it's okay it makes you unique.

The exciting thing is you jumped on a pedal bike the day before your birthday and just took off! It took one try and off you went. It was very exciting.

You love books, coloring, playing games, riding bikes out front, and playing with friends. You are such a sweet boy.

You, my love, you know no strangers and you are everyone's friend. I love that about you. You make us laugh everyday! You also make me crazy sometimes.

When we get in the car to drive anywhere...you don't stop talking. You pretty much ask a million questions which always require an answer. It's adorable and exhausting.

You only like specific foods...it's okay that is typical for a four year old. I don't mind making you PB&J Sandwiches, Chicken, Fruit, basghetti, and chips...oh you LOVE Chips. Let's just make an agreement that you'll try new things every once and a while...maybe some veggies!

You are precious with Beau...such an awesome big brother. God knew Beau needed you when we had Beau. You love him deeply and give him wonderful hugs. He LOVES you and it makes my heart happy.

God has something special planned for you. You're a shining soul and a real lover of people. I'm confident you'll be a great friend and a great father someday. I wouldn't be surprised if you ended up being a male midwife because you love babies so much!

It's been an incredible 4 years with you my sweet boy and I'm so proud to be your mom. Our lives wouldn't be the same without you...all your quirk and pizzaz!

Don't go growing up too fast. Mommy doesn't like that!

Love you sweet boy,
Love Mom

Annual Family Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 18 Oct 2014 21:25:00 +0000

We always LOVE our pictures with Ace Fanning. I mean he is a legit, wonderful, funny, a little inappropriate photographer and we are always happy with his work.

I am always thankful for the memories he captures for us. Frozen in time my little loves as days slip away faster and faster as they grow. I never really see how much they grow until I look back at pictures from years past. They are miracles and these years are the sweetest even though they are the hardest.

Who Are My Children--Brody

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 20:38:00 +0000

Brody, Brooks to be official, is a precious, unique, individual young man. He has such a tender spirit. He is sensitive to how others are feeling (most of the time) and willing to be helpful when I ask (most of the time)!

Being a twin has it's special place in our family. I remember like yesterday the day we found out we were having twins. I instinctively knew we were having two and had mentioned it the night before the ultrasound at 19 weeks. When the tech said, "Oh, it looks like it's two" we both looked at each other while Justin was holding Cole full of glee!

Then at home the "Oh My Gosh" set in. I was never worried about having two babies, to be honest, really just thought about the money it was going to cost. It was unexpected to say the least. But, the idea of having two boys was beyond my expectations. We were thrilled. Three BOYS! It's what I'd always wanted (before I wanted seven kids).

When they were born Brody was content, happy, smiley, and just full of life. I just loved that snuggle bug.

Now, 7 years later and what feels like a lifetime, he's got an incredible heart. A real lover. He and Trace have a special bond. I rarely hear much of a disagreement between them and they know each other like most brothers don't and they accept each other as they are.

Brody LOVES people. He cares about what they think and how they feel and what they think about him.

He LOVES dressing nice and doing his hair. (Not having it cut so much, that is a spectacle to be recorded sometime. It's quite incredible. You wouldn't know how crazy cut hair in your face can make you till you watch the twins get a hair cut.)

He make friends EASY. He's talkative, energetic and easy to make conversation with. He will be loyal to the end.

He is INDEPENDENT. For the most part, he thinks for himself. Every so often I hear him say, "so and so was doing it" as an excuse for him doing something as well, but most often he sings his own song and does his own thing. It's really a precious thing to behold. Just when I think he's going to run off and go swimming with his brothers he stays behind to hang out with me and just talk (which he does a lot of).

He LOVES to talk. Lots and lots of talking. Lots of explaining, sorting it out, talking about "what if's" and making sure he knows the in's and out's of life.

He is SUPER SILLY. He loves to dance, shake him booty, laugh, and be crazy.

He is an ARTISTIC little guy. He enjoy drawing, coloring, and making new things.

He is a GREAT big brother to Beau. As usual Brynn and Westin have gotten too big to be cute to the big brothers, most of the time, although sometimes you catch glimpses of them appreciating each other. But, with Beau, Brody is tender, helpful, kind, protective and loving.

He does have pretty STINKY feet. That one I have to remember for when he's older.

He NEVER wants to sleep alone and most nights sleeps with Trace although lately they've been all 3 sleeping together in Cole's bed. They bicker and fight during the day but love each other at night.

He tends to WORRY or over-think, but we've been working on that. We've been praying and asking G-d to help him let things go when he worries and trying tactics to set his mind at ease. It's been much better but always something we must be on guard about.

He LOVES small storage containers; boxes, knife holders, basically anything that can hold trinkets. He such a boy that way.

He LOVES the outdoors, pocket knives, hiking, exploring, and having adventures with dad. (Except for when they whack a log with bees inside and he's stung at least seven times by angry bees.)

He OFTEN talks about when he will get married and looking into the future. He's got a big surprise coming when he realizes he can't quite plan everything out...but life is still fun.

He is GOOFY and SILLY and just loves to play. He can be easily flustered but most of the time is easy going and relaxed.

He LOVES Legos. He's my only boy (besides Westin) that will eat BOTH Peanut Butter and Jelly rather than just one or the other. And, he is the most NEAT of the three older boys by far. He keeps good track of his things (except his wallet of all things) and is nice and tidy (oh except for his laundry, that seems to be okay just thrown anywhere.)

He STILL loves Pirates, swords, guns, and knives. Total BOY and I LOVE that.

He doesn't LIKE to be sprayed with water while dressed...that is like end times kind of incidents.

He is giving and sweet, often tender and talking about his feelings. The other day, his second week at NCS, he heard someone laugh at Trace when he tripped, and he instantly said "Hey, don't laugh at my brother or you'll pay." Later that night at home, he came to me crying asking if he'd done the right thing because he
didn't want to make the boy that laughed feel bad. He's so concerned with doing the right thing and preserving people's feelings.

It will be fun to continue to watch them grow as they find who they are on their own, as twins, yet as unique creations with unique purpose. They have a special place in our family and Brody is a gift and gives our home a light we treasure.

Hone Family Reunion to Utah

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 21:50:00 +0000

We had another excellent trip to Utah for the Hone Family Reunion this year. We've made a tradition of heading to Zion and swimming at the swimming hole. This year Kara and Josh and kiddos met us there and we spent the day sitting in the shade and swimming in the hole while catching tadpoles.

We then drove up to the Snow College to meet up with everyone else for the Reunion.

The kids always have a great time playing with cousins and the weekend is nicely organized and the socializing is always nice. Grandpa has been sick these past few years with cancer, so this was a nice event for everyone to get together with him and make memories.

I came down with the flu while we were there. That killed a day for me. But, it was a great time!

Letter to Cole

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 03:31:00 +0000

Well Buddy it's another year down and now you are 9. Halfway through growing up in our home and on your way to being a young man. I can't hardly believe it (I know I say that all the time, it's a mom thing.) It's true though, time seems to fly and now I've blinked and you're a 9 year old cutie pie. Can I still call you that or does it embarrass you? I think you don't mind really...You're sweet that way, still full of hugs and kisses and snuggles for your dad and I. How'd we get so lucky.

Growing up is hard...emotions, expectations, correction, limits, trust, responsibility, and so much more. Especially being the oldest of 6. Whoa...I never had to do that. I really can't tell you I relate. What I do know is God made you to be the oldest in this crazy family. He called you and appointed you to this role and place in our family. Both to sharpen you and give you special leadership role. It can be both hard and a beautiful think to watch.

You often selflessly love your siblings, sacrificing for them, giving them your time and attention when you'd probably rather be doing something else. I catch glimpses of God's amazing love and servant-hood at time when I watch you. Of course, as with anyone, those moments can also be clouded with bickering, selfishness, and competition between you and them, but as we are fleshly beings your dad and I understand that. That is what we are here for...to guide you and show you the way. I suppose the most important thing is that we do that and that you, my son, listen and grow when you can.

The mark of a great leader is the ability to see where change needs to happen, take action to make those changes and celebrate God's mercy and love for you as you do so! Not perfection but growth. Not perfection but change. Not perfection but effort, love, grace, and humility.

You're a pretty incredible little guy...well not so little anymore. You wow me so often and humble me too. I pray fervently that the next 9 years are full of as much adventure and fun as these past 9 years have been and I pray God protects your heart and eyes, shows you His way, and that you choose Him above all things.

I'm going to blink and you'll be grown. My influence on your life will become small as your forge your own way. So, while we travel the road together I hope we can grow you into a responsible, hard working, loving, kind, servant leader who walks on God's path. I admit, I don't fully know how to do that. I will make mistakes and for that I'm sorry. But, I love you and we serve a good God. He is faithful to us as we pray and knows what we need before we utter it. Let's be praying together for your future. I know God has good things for you, even if sometimes the path seems rocky.

I Love You Cole. With all I am! I'm proud to be your mom.

Love,
Mom

Summer Swim Team....again!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 21:37:00 +0000

We are going on another year of swim team and I just love to see these little monkey swim! It has taught them to be incredible swimmers and to do things they might be intimated about. To face the nerves and dive in. I'm so thankful for the lessons that come with swimming and the summer friends they have made. I'm not sure how long they will want to swim but I will cherish these days of them in the water.

The heat gets to me a little. It is pretty hot out there watching them practice and going to swim meets. But, it is worth it.

Trip to Prescott

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 21:31:00 +0000

We took a little trip to Prescott with my parents and stayed at Point of Rocks. It was beautiful mixed in with some warm! The kids had a great time as they always do. Running around, getting dirty, climbing these amazing rocks, hiking to the lake, and eating treats. They are just so adorable.

I'm thankful my parents schedule these little getaways and then invite us to come along. The kids love being in the motorhome and camping in general.

These are precious memories for the kids to make with my parents and I know I will treasure them and they will too!

A Letter To My Mother

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 22 May 2014 04:58:00 +0000

Mom,

The years have flown by and having my own children now, I realize how quickly time must have gone for you for too. How I wish I could have sped up time back then. I was anxious to grow up and looking to the horizon for some unknown mark of my life "beginning". How foolish I was for the longing and reaching to get older. Now, I wish I could slow time down. I pray for more years with you...more memories...more moments. I pray time would slow for my children as I watch them grow and I would get more moments and memories with them too. But, they too will ache to grow up, just as I did, I can already see it. They are planning for the future, for the boys' mark of manhood and Brynn's sweet girlish thrills.

I treasure all that time we spent together growing up. I appreciate more than words can say that you and dad were home, present, making memories with us, and being plugged in to what we needed and wanted as your children. I know now the sacrifice, sometimes heartache, but more often joy that came from being home to raise us girls in the early years. The commitment you made to sacrifice yourselves in order to be available to us is an incredible act of love.

Once we were school age there are very few memories I have that don't include one or both of you being present with me. You managed to balance being teachers and serving others as well as making time with us, watching our performances, attending our recitals, practices and performances your top priority. All the way through high school someone was always there to support me, to cheer me on, to be in my corner.

Mom, you were an incredible support to me, even in the hardest years when I was a middle schooler and I wasn't always appreciative. You held my hand when I needed to cry, gave sound and wise advise when I was lost, and never failed to walk with me down the road less traveled.

I know we are different. We see things differently and we approach the world differently but you have given me the wings and the courage to do things my way. You've built me up to be independent, brave, precise, administrative, passionate, loving, steadfast and faithful. So, no matter how different we may be, you've allowed me to be all the Lord has prepared for me to be.

You mom, are brave, strong, fearless in your own ways, independent, and fiercely talented. You are a giver, a servant to others, faithful, friendly and really enjoy life. There isn't anything you can't do, only things you won't do. I know your childhood wasn't nearly as wonderful as my own and I think of that often. It makes me both sad and forever grateful. But, somehow through some of the muck and mire you have become an awesome, incredible example for me and a blessing to those around you.

I want you to know how special you are to me and how much I love you, even when we don't see eye to eye or I'm stepping outside your comfort zone! :) I pray for many, many, many more years to make memories with you and with my children and to remember how precious being a mother truly is...

With all my heart,
Chelsea

The Champions

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 18 May 2014 05:40:00 +0000

Cole's baseball team, the Cowboys, pulled out the most amazing series of AAA Championship baseball games. They came into the championship tournament in the middle. Just an average team with an average win-loss streak. They lost the first game, sadly, putting them into the losers bracket. Agh, so scary. One more loss and they were out. But...can you believe it, they pulled out a winning streak that ended with them taking the whole damn thing! They WON! They WON! It was the most incredible series of games. I can't even sum it all up it was so awesome.
Cole had been struggling with hitting some. He has a great eye but sometimes hard times putting the bat to the ball. He had the chance to practice some at the neighbors house. That was awesome. They all came ready to play. It was the most incredible game. We were all so proud of them.

The Giving Mother

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 09 May 2014 20:02:00 +0000

I've been following Ann for years now...she's helped to mold my mother's heart when it becomes broken and weary. Although I'm still such a work in progress my perspective has been formed and has grown...slow as it may be. And although I grow weary and often selfish, she helps me to remember the Giving Mother this morning. Two days from Mother's Day and she has written words that pierce through the often forgotten or simply expected labor of a mother.

The world doesn't mean to forget mothers. We are like a working horse. Cherished, valued, and worn with love but sometimes there is the taking for granted. I think His creation sings praises to mother's every time it brings a new life to take it's first breath. Mothering is an aspect of G-d, given to the woman..the feminine side of being made in His image, the one we all cling to when we feel broken, lost, or needing someone to guide us through our fleshly life on earth.

And at times, and by no fault of their own, that man, whose loving arms support me can forget the goodness and grace of his children's mother. But, I want to take heart in knowing he too can be forgotten and his work can be taken for granted. This is why we work unto the Lord. We hold our children's hands, keep a home, prepare a meal, and measure our value as unto the Lord. Being a mother is like having 1 foot on earth and another in heaven.

Today I also read, "we are not mortal beings having a spiritual experience, but “spiritual beings having a mortal experience.” (Pierre Teilhard de Chardin) I don’t know much. But what I do know is this mortal life is a place to learn and grow under the tutelage of a Divine Teacher; a place where we learn how to see in the dark and hear the voice of God in our own wilderness."

This from a man who has lost his son in these past days. To be reminded we are here to glorify our maker...in our motherhood He has chosen to sculpt us for a purpose and in that purpose see and experience more of Him.

I put this in my blog today not only to remind myself as I read back at the books I have printed, but to also share with my children who will one day read these words. To share also with my friends who are also walking this sometimes lonely yet lovely path of motherhood. Remember the most gracious God we serve planted you here, for this time, this season and with these blessings. Soak them in.

I can't put into words these love she has already spoken here. Ann Voskamp has given mothers a glimpse of our treasured life. Read it here and then go there...and read it all again!

The Giving Mother who lets us take up whole places inside of you, who keeps making spaces, who never stops making spaces, growing soft and round, stretching thinner and growing fuller, your hearts and hips widening with a widening grace.

I never get over the shade of you, the grace of you, the limbs of you, the God-made Giving Tree —

Because God needed someone to love the least and the little into real whole people, and He knew that to love is to suffer so God made a mother.

God had said –

I need someone to get up at midnight and scoop the most fragile of humanity close to her warmth and rock though she can hardly stand.

And nourish though she’s mostly sleep-starved and change the diaper and the sheets and the leaked on, leaked through, and leaked down clothes though she’ll have to change them in the morning and next week and that won’t change for years.

So God made a Mother.

That God had said I need somebody with a strong heart.

Strong enough for toddler tantrums and teenage testing, yet broken enough to fall on her knees and pray, pray, pray.

Someone who knows that in every hard place is exactly where you extend grace, who looks a hopeful child in the eye and says yes, even though she knows every yes means a mess but this is how you bless, who has the courage to keep letting go because she’s holding on to Me.

So God made a mother.

God said I need somebody who can shape a soul and find shoes on Sunday mornings and get grass stains out of Levis.

And make dinner out of nothing and do it again 79, 678 times, and keep kids off the road and out of the toilet and in clean underwear and mainly alive though she’s mainly losing her mind and will put in an 80 hour week by Wednesday night and just do one more load of laundry.

And one more sink of crusted burnt pots.

And keep on going another eighty hours because raising generations matters and weaving families matters and tying heart strings matters and these people here in hidden places matter.

So God made a mother…

It had to be somebody who could comb back pigtails and tie up skates just-right tight.

Who could pretend she remembered algebra and how to get home from here and that really, she was just fine, no, really and that it must just be those silly onions.

Somebody who would run for the catch, jump on a trampoline and play one fierce game of soccer and not give a thought to all those labors and her weak pelvic floor.

Somebody who’d stay up late with a science project that never ends, who’d get up early for the game in the rain, somebody who’d wave at the door until the taillights were out of sight and still be smiling brave.

So God made a mother.

It had to be somebody willing to keep loving when it made no sense because that’s what love does.

Somebody who knew that life is not an emergency but a gift — so just. slow. down. There are children at play here and we don’t want anyone to get hurt and the hurry makes us hurt.

Somebody willing to feed and lead, lay down her life and pick up her cross, give of her time because they have her heart. Someone who knows that we all blow it — and what matters most is what we do with it afterward.

Someone who could humble herself into the tender sorry that covers a multitude of sins.

Someone who would live like a Giving Tree — who would would give grace, give life, and give thanks— eucharisteo: the giving thanks for every grace that gives back always joy.

Someone who would stand in the mess and the midst and give thanks anyways — becauseeucharisteo always, always, precedes the miracle of discovering that the Giver Himself is always,always more than enough.

Someone who would live it a thousand times: Give thanks – and discover that the Giver Himself is the Gift and He alone is always, always enough.

Someone who would pour out and bend down and surrender not only to the physical pain of childbirth but the far deeper, unending heart pain of letting go, letting go, letting go – from the womb, from the arms, from the front door.

Someone who would know that umbilical cords can be cut — but heart strings never can.

Someone who’d bow her head at night over the girl sleeping with the doll in the crook of her arm — and give thanks to her Father for this hidden life that’s turning a gear for the whole spinning world.

So God made a mother.

You.

The Giving Mother, made by God to be a safe shelter….

with your roots dipping like lines into aquifers to siphon love up out of the caving cup of His hands –

The Giving Mother clinging to The Giving Father who erases all ache with the grace of a Cross Tree.

Who Are My Children--Brynn

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 18:50:00 +0000

It's strange having a daughter...strange for me. I can't exactly put it into words but I'll try. She's so special. The only girl among 5 brothers, a daddy and a tom boy mother. G-d placed a special calling on her life from the moment she was conceived. At the time we didn't know how many children we would have although I was confident she wouldn't be our last. Everyone always assumed she would be. "Oh you got your girl, you can be done now." This is the statement of the year that year. I never felt having a girl would mean we were done. For me, I felt it was just the beginning to a new journey.

She has such a unique place in the world and her purpose and position are certainly exceptional. I'm sometimes not sure what to do with her. To be honest. She is innately different from the boys. She's creative, emotional, demanding all while being loving and sweet.

Well I've always understood boys. I think I was meant to be a boy mom. Being friends with boys was always easier. Hanging out with boys was always more fun (growing up that is). So, being her mommy, the mommy to a precious daughter is something I didn't see coming. I should have...right..everyone has a daughter at some point right?! I mean what were the chances we'd have 5 boys...

She is petite, precious, tenderhearted, emotional, sneaky, sometimes demanding...she is simply HER. She is her own person, created in G-ds amazing image and she stands her ground in ways that sometimes inspire me and sometimes inconveniences me!

She LOVES her daddy. Right now at age 5 he is the top of the list. She loves to wrestle and tickle with him (something they call rough house) and she'd give anything to snuggle with him uninterrupted.

She is a TINY, petite little firecracker. She can stand up for herself, sass talk you if you're pushing her, and make sure someone knows she's being bothered.

She LOVES to laugh and giggle and be wild. She has an extreme amount of energy.

She LOVES to play house but often lacks participants. It's so cute when the boys decide to play with her!

She LOVES to pick the TV show. It's not surprising because most of the time she doesn't get to. There are just too many boys to compete with.

She is ALL GIRL. She loves pink, purple, dresses, dress-up Princess dresses, sparkly shoes, tappy shoes, SHOES, and pretty much NEVER wants to wear jeans.

Now, that being said, she is also perfectly fine with getting DIRTY. She will wear jeans if we are going camping. She LOVES camping. and S'MORES...mostly campfires and s'mores. She loves hiking, the dunes, riding bikes, running around barefoot, and playing in the hose. She can SHED the girlie stuff in a heartbeat for activities she loves.
She pretty much NEVER remembers to put on those shoes she LOVES when we leave the house. It can be infuriating but it's also a little bit cute. It's one of those things we'll remember and look back on with laughter. But, today...it's crazy. Nothing like pulling up to the store with a daughter who forgot shoes. Ain't nobody got time for that!

She HATES me doing her hair. She's all prinecessy but could care less about her hair being done. She'd rather it be a train wreck and a bag of tangles. Anything to keep me from combing it and putting it up. But, DADDY can comb her hair after a bath no problem! It's a conspiracy I think.

She LOVES her Baby Brother and would give her right arm for a SISTER. I'd love to make that happen for her someday. I'd love to adopt a little, precious, girl who needs a family and Brynn would be over the MOON!

She is a PROFESSIONAL MIND CHANGER. She's hungry...no she's not really hungry. She wants Cheerios...not she doesn't really want Cheerios. She wants PB&J...no...after four bites...she's not really hungry. She wants to watch Strawberry Shortcake...after 10 minutes (barely half an episode) she's flipping to another show. I've never experienced anything like it. It still blows my mind sometimes.

She LOVES music and dancing. She's a twirling master and recently discovered toe touches. It's pretty cute and I can always count on her fabulous dance moves when I put the music on.

For MOST of her young life so far she's been confused as to what to call her female parts...I think we've finally convinced her she doesn't have a "penis" and that hers has another name! (Is that TMI? I thought it was a cute little factoid of an only girl among boys).

She LOVES to play with girls. Any girls...big girls, girls her own age...hopefully this will translate into her being a good friend with girls in the future (which I think I was lacking as a younger gal).

She ONLY likes like 5 foods. Cheese Roll Ups, Chicken, Go-Gurt, Chips, Apples or Pears...Oh and anything that can be dipped in Ketchup and Ranch. I'm sort of exaggerating but it's pretty close to the truth.

She's SMART as a WHIP and schooling her will be an easy task. She's ready now but I'm not quite ready to devote a lot of time to that. But, next year as the twins go to school, I'll have lots of time for her and I and I'm excited about that!

She MIGHT always want what someone else has even if there was no interest on her part 5 seconds before.

She recently started doing chores for an allowance and her first expenditure at a baseball game was for a TENNIS BALL!?! What? It was so weird. But, she bought it herself and she was so proud of that! Her second purchase was a water bottle (like a plastic bottle of water) even though we brought water and there is a drinking fountain...that one I didn't quite get also. Needless to say, I watch her spending a little more closely now!

She has a PRECIOUS little face with bright eyes and an adorable little smile! I LOVE HER.

My hope is that as she grows and we get to spend time together doing "girl" things that we will have a special friendship I don't have with the boys. I'd love to take trips with her, laugh with her, cheer her on in her activities, and relish in every moment of being her mother. I can't wait to one day watch her have her own child and experience the joy of being a mother. Mostly, I pray I can somehow, through my human-ness, point her towards Jesus and help her find her greatest value in being HIS daughter.

Beau Turns 1

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 20:11:00 +0000

My precious, blonde headed little boy turned 1 on April 5, 2014 and I can hardly stand it. I wrestle with the idea that this is my last one year old birthday, my last sweet baby turning 1, walking, baby talking and smirking his way into my heart. G-d really knew how special Beau would be to us and how precious he is as our last little guy. He makes all things right in the world and has a special place in our family.

It's been a quick year of watching him grow. Seeing him take his first breath in our bedroom, watching him learn to laugh and roll over, then seeing him take his first steps at only 10 months old...whew time flies. He's such a joy and a sweet baby. He LOVES music. Always kicks in with a dance move when he hears the music come on. He LOVES daddy. He LOVES water and he LOVES mommy! He's a lover for sure.

We just had a handful of friends over as an excuse to hang out and eat birthday cake. I cut out a portion of the cake for him to do a little cake smashing but he wasn't into it. He was not sure what to think about the frosting on his hands and was tentative to even touch it. His precious little skin and his belly rolls sitting there staring at his cake...agh swoon! I love him.

Happy Birthday sweet Beau, we love you!

Who Are My Children-Cole

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 03:52:00 +0000

Cole is 8 already and time if flying by. I feel like I was just holding my first born son at the birthing center after my first introduction to what laboring to give life to a child was all about. He is everything he was inside my tummy and everything we prayed he would be.
He is strong. This strength comes in many forms as he gets older. Both strong-willed and also bravely loving and strong enough to go against the grain when appropriate. We prayed all those years ago while he was rolling in my womb that G-d would grow in him a leadership quality. A resilient passion for serving Jesus and the strength to do so.

Now, as a young man, I see in him the wrestling that comes with this calling on his life. The wrestling between flesh and service to Jesus. He has a strength both physically and spiritually that one day will be used to glorify the kingdom of G-d.
He is witty and sarcastic. His humor often catches me off guard and I find myself surprised by the connections and relationships he makes that facilitates his humor.
He is playful, helpful, observant, loyal, compassionate, and eager.
He HATES Milk. He LOVES Chinese food, Teryaki Chicken to be exact about it.

He LOVES to read but prefers not to have to write, but he has nice handwriting.
He HATES to have to erase his work when he makes a mistake. It's best in his eyes just to NOT make a mistake but if you do, erasing it is just too much work. Agh.
He LOVES to play things he's good at and is not interested in things he's not as good at. But, he will usually try anything once.
I've CONVINCED him, Praise the Lord, that I know almost everything and even though he doubts me at first, I can always remind him that I KNOW and he agrees! It's awesome. I wonder how long this will last?
He LOVES babies and is always great with baby brothers and sisters.

He DOES NOT LOVE it when toddlers bother his stuff and get into his things.
He has a CRAZY cowlick in his hair making it impossible to cut his hair anywhere but a barber shop.
His feet USUALLY stink...although that seems to be getting better with age...or my nose has grown accustomed to it. I'm sure it's the latter and that is GROSS.
He is ALWAYS humming...or at least it seems that way. I hear this constant noise and I'm pretty sure it's Cole humming...but now that I think about it...maybe it's just my life with boys.
He is VERY responsible and trustworthy if he's not with the twins. Throw the twins into the mix and there is a competition for who is in charge along with a battle for justice and fairness.
He has GREAT insight into people and circumstances and is always observant and aware of his surroundings.
He LOVES to play with weapons. This started at 3 and has yet to make an exit. I'm cool with it.
He HATES hiking. He says he hates hiking. But, then when we go hiking he seems happy and jovial. So...I guess I'm still working this one out.
He THRIVES on being challenged, but not too hard that will result in tears. Success is key so learning to fail is something we are working on.
He has AMAZING freckles on his nose. Just a dash for some character and a side dish to his dimples.
He almost always cries when he doesn't understand something.
He always laughs at "BOY stuff" i.e. farting, pooping, burping, tackling, and more.
He WILL pee his pants if he laughs too hard.
He can't hear if he is watching T.V.--I think this is a boy problem in general but I'm just saying I say his name about 10 times before he hears me if he's watching television.
He catches on to things QUICKLY and is capable of so many things. Hopefully he will choose to do All Things for the Glory of G-d as he grows into a man.
Aside from my husband, he's really a rock for me. Helpful, motivated, loving, compliant (most of the time) and although he can struggle like everyone else with whining and complaining and tries to avoid helping sometimes, he's really such an awesome gift to me. G-d knew exactly what our family needed when He gave us Cole first and although we are all still finding out way with our first born son, he is an incredible kid.

Who Are My Children--Westin

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 01:52:00 +0000

Westin is 3 and I've been calling him a hippie and a gypsy for a while now when describing his personality. He's fierce, wild, earthy, always barefoot, knows no strangers, fearless, climbs everything, goes everywhere, never ceases to tire of trouble, and is full of infectious joy and laughter.
He says things to be in groupings of 3 if I'm lucky, but usually 5. For example, "mom we are going to the park right?", "we are going to the park right mom", "are we going to the park?"...so on and so forth. If I'm really lucky he does this while we are driving and he's seated all the way in the back and I'm shouting to him over the road noise, "Yes, Westin, we are" as I'm trying to keep us from driving off the road.
He LOVES the bath. He'd take a bath all day and then some more if I let him. He holds his breath under the bath water longer than the average 3 year old should, always tells me what he's going to wash with the soap (i.e. his buns) and never fails to cover the floor of the bathroom in water. I'll be surprised if we don't move out someday with mold in the master bathroom. He's famous for being in the bath about 5 minutes and then stating, "Mom, my fingers are angry" as they begin to prune.
He HATES shoes. I put them on, he takes them off. I put them on, he takes them off. It doesn't matter where we are or what we are doing...the shoes are always coming off his feet.
He LOVES food. Specifically Go-Gurt (frozen), chips, chicken nuggets and ketchup, strawberries, bologna, candy of any kind, cheese roll-ups and more candy. For this tiny little person who never stops eating you'd be amazed how much food he consumes.
He LOVES baby Beau and his sister Brynn and often wants to sleep with Cole at night (when Cole will let him).
He is excited about almost everything and shrieks loudly with pleasure. An inside voice is not known to him. When he's sad, the shrieking is equal to happiness only mad. You can imagine what that sounds like.
He can work a smartphone better than I can sometimes...is this a good thing?
Westin and I often get to spend time together while the big kids are at activities and such and I really enjoy him. He always has something to talk about and asks very inquisitive questions.
He takes really great naps but usually HATES to go to bed. When he wakes up he does not wake up quietly. He wakes up with loud sounds, "Ugh", "OOh", "Moooomy where are you?". That's all fine unless your baby is sleeping or you happen to be sleeping and it's 6:00am.
He brings me so much JOY and so much PAIN--considering he's a tornado, spill-er, mess maker, and still doesn't really want to go on the toilet. But, he fills my heart with his laughter, his smile brightens up my day, and when he flashes his I Love You in sign language I melt.

Roller Coasters, Mini Golf, and Arcade Games

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 20:01:00 +0000

My twins have turned 7. Impossible but true. I don't know how we got this far but I feel like we just brought them home a few years ago. I barely remember those days and nights of having two babies to feed and love. I have retained only happy memories of those times and am so thankful I took pictures. It helps stir the memory of what life was like back then although I'm confident not as hard as I had expected and certainly more joyful and rewarding than I had anticipated!

It's like with any babies, those early days slip away so fast and then you blink and you are looking at a talking, walking, little person and the lacking sleep and hard work are SO WORTH it. The kisses, hugs, laughter, and the joy on their faces is payment for the sacrifice put in to loving them, providing for them and giving them a home.

I'm not sure what has happened to today's mothers (besides the lies of the feminist movement and the lies of a "have it all" culture) that they think sleepless nights, rocking and holding babies, and the sacrifice and hard work of bringing them up is somehow an imposition rather than a glorious opportunity and the definition of the job "mother". That is what we are....MOTHERS and motherhood comes with being a little tired, and aching over what the best thing is for our children, and praying over our sleeplessness so we can find a little function in the morning.

Don't get me wrong...I was often tired, I still am with small children. I too struggle with the sacrifice and the aching. But it IS MOTHERHOOD. IT has BLESSINGS and JOY and it doesn't matter what job you choose you have sacrifice, aching, and challenges. ISN'T MOTHERHOOD WORTH IT?!

It was for me. Every minute of having two small babies, feeding and the balance of nursing them, loving them and making time for everyone to have a piece of me when they needed it...my 3 small boys were worth all the demands and now, 7 years has fluttered by and they don't NEED me nearly as much. They don't demand my TIME nearly as much. They are walking, talking, precious boys making all those sleepless nights worth it.

I'm so blessed to be their mom. Happy Birthday Brody and Trace.

For their birthday we kicked off the day with donuts and then they got to spend the day with daddy and Cole at Castles N' Coasters.

It was their first time going and we did a pass so they could do unlimited rides, mini golf, and $10 of arcade games. They spent the day there from 10-5. They had a great time.

There were two rides that, funny enough, Brody was tall enough and Trace wasn't. That half in difference really cramped Trace's style.

At 5:30 they were home for cake and ice cream and a few presents from grandparents. It was a special day!

Mickey Ears and Princess Dresses

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 21:30:00 +0000

My amazingly generous parents took Cole and Brynn to Disneyland at the end of February. They've been taking the kids to Disneyland since Cole was 3. This was Cole's second trip but Brynn's first time to the Happiest Place on Earth!

They spent the first day in Chinatown looking at goodies and eating some Chinese food. Cole's favorite type of food.

The second day they went to California Adventure and had a great time. There weren't too many people and the lines weren't too long. My dad was able to take Cole on some of the scarier rides while Brynn and my mom spent time together.

The third day they went to Disneyland and at 10:00am Brynn had an appointment at the Bippity Boppity Boutique to have a makeover and meet the Princesses. It was such a special thing my mom did for her. She had a wonderful time.

They had a great day of Fast passes and riding rides. Cole LOVED Space Mountain. Brynn loved the Princesses and the parades. It was just such a cool time for both of them and something I'm so grateful for...my parents willingness to take them places and invest in memories.

Thanks again mom and dad. We love you!

Valentine's Day Party

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 16:40:00 +0000

For Valentine's Day my friend Lisa and I planned a party for the kids. We collected some ideas from Pinterest and planned a little party where the kids could make some cute valentine's to give away, some fun snacks, and have breakfast served by the daddies and oldest boys.

I set the table for a cute little valentine's party and Lisa and I prepared our parts so we could come together on a Wednesday and have a little celebration. On Wednesday, we got together at 4:00pm and the kids made popcorn/candy corn crunch, snack bags, little mason jars with white chocolate bark and M&M's, painted their hands to do hand prints, and exchanged cards for each other.

At 5:30pm the daddies showed up and made us a breakfast dinner with eggs, sausage, pancakes in heart shapes, and bacon. Cole and Dane and Justin and Zach served us all dinner complete with Red Velvet Shakes, Donuts and strawberries.

It was a darling little get together and a cute things watching the big boys serve their families. I am thankful for friends like Lisa, willing to take time out to do little parties like this even though it is a lot of work, clean up and preparation.

I am also thankful for the daddies who supported this little party and came to make it fun! Daddies always add fun!

Just a Little Obsessed

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 01:20:00 +0000

It's obvious, I know, how much I love getting our family pictures taken. I can't help it. The kids grow and change so quickly that I feel, 6 months at a time, to capture all the goodness of them growing up! Because of this, they are total HAMS. They've been smiling for pictures their whole lives...and I'm so glad.

A friend of mine's aunt was running a holiday special in December so I snuck in and scheduled a shoot with her to get some good pics of Beau before he turned 1. At our last shoot with Ace he was sleepy still and not quite sitting up on his own. He was sooo close but not quite there. So, I was a little disappointed. Of course not with Ace but not having some cute pics of him on his own.

Well, we finally met with Lisa Lukas the other day (in January) and it was a real treat.

She was so gentle, happy, friendly, encouraging. She had a refined nature about her that we've been missing with Ace. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE Ace and he's talented but my kids were over some of the poopy, booty words to make them laugh. Lisa was able to make them smile without all that and I think she did an amazing job. Ah-maz-ing.

I almost can't pick which pictures to post in here there were so many cute ones.

She doesn't have a website, she's been busy from word of mouth without one. So, if you want her number...you gotta hit me up. Until then she's my special secret!