Beautiful Motherhood

Just look what a year does...

God is faithful. He called me to motherhood. May He always find you so in whatever He calls you to do.

Ezekiel 5

Emmalani 4

Matthias 2

Marcus 15 Months

Welcome 2013!!

The tradition lives on...

Our tradition on New Years Eve is to go to Pikes Place Market and get fresh fish and take it home and spend a quiet evening together discussing goals and talking about the last year. 

New Years Eve day we continued our tradition and went to the city had our picture taken (like last year we chose the Gasworks Park location) went to the Troll for exploring, Gasworks for run time, and the market for Gyros (YUM)!! We didn't end up buying any fish to bring home but bought some fresh mizithra/mozarella from a cheese stand in the market as well as pepperoni to make mini pizzas that evening.  It was such a beautiful day that we decided to take the kids on the monorail, they were thrilled! We entered from the needle went to Westlake and got some coffee while window browsing with the littles.  We were there all day and the kids were fantastic, I sure hope we can continue with 5 little ones next year!! 

Death

In the last month I've almost lost 2 of my children...one almost drowned in a swimming pool, and another rolled down our hill in a Little Tikes car and by the providence of God crashed into our neighbors yard. Last Tuesday was Grandpa Lulays funeral (David's Grandfather) and today my Aunt Jackie died suddenly of heart failure.  It's ok if you leave now. I won't hold it against you.
 I reflect on how death has always been all around me. It's around all of us. I just see it more clearly now. We're all dying every day. Some faster. Some slower.  It's everywhere I look.  But there's that fleshly part of me that wants to ask the LORD if we can pause for a minute, that wants to make the case that I've met my death quota for the year (and maybe next year, too).
 And yes, I know that He doesn't give us more than we can bear, and I know that these precious saints are with Him and rejoicing. These thoughts have kept me centered many days.
Just remember that all of your everyday moments are gifts. Making your bed and changing diapers and washing clothes and cooking dinner.  Thank God for the gift of the little things that we'll later look back on and realize were very big things.

"Let all those that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee: let such as love Thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified. But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: Thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God."
~Psalm 40:16, 17

Delighting in Motherhood

Now there's a BIG BOY!

Where did my little boy go!? 

All four kids are in one room, Matthias is the oldest (@ 20 months) that we've transferred to a big boy bed but for some reason it was the hardest transition for me! I just want to soak up his baby years before he turns 2! 

I'm thankful for sleeping babies. Not because it gives me a break. Rather, it's such a beautiful thing to behold. The peace. The calm. The soft breathing. You want to suspend time and just linger. Just linger near the sweetness...and so I did. 

Happy Father's Day

It's in these moments that the hearts of children are turned to their fathers and the hearts of the fathers to their children. Step by step...in the daily tasks we do...the little things....patiently instructing...tying heart strings and pointing our children to their Saviour.

 And my dad...

"And He shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers..." Malachi 4:6

The Good Life

We spent 4 unexpected days in Daves hometown after getting word of his Grandpas health continuing to slowly take his life.  Although his brain is as sharp as a tack,  his heart is weak.  What a blessing to be able to see him, talk with him and share how much we care for him and listen to his stories.  The good life is knowing God and he certainly knows his Heavenly Father!  In between visits we watched movies, took naps, played with the kids without home responsibilities lingering, and celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary!  God continues to show us his treasures through day to day experiences.  We're SO blessed! 

Marcus turns 2 (months)

Marcus turned 2 months old yesterday!  He's giving us the sweetest grins.  (I told him the baby acne would soon go away.) He's learned quickly that the bassinet is overrated when brother and sister will gladly hold him til  fast asleep.  Life is good! 

Blessed to have a sister who will hold me oh so tightly 

                                                                Can you see me?? Naptime!

                                                                         More Snuggles

Aren't I handsome! Haven't gone in for my 2 month check up yet, but I'm hoping to see what my measurements are real soon. : )

Have YOU been to Buck's lately??

Mmmm this is good...

Did someone say something...

Brain Freeze! 

I wonder what this tastes like.

The 8 Week Photo Shoot!!

~After hearing Mommy explain how quickly time passes and the importance of capturing these soon-forgotten moments and that family is just waiting to see more photos, Marcus agrees to offer a more agreeable pose. :) 

 

Snuggles with Marcus

Spring!

We skipped Spring and went right into Summer! What a beautiful day! When the sun comes out (for real) everything is better!

Mother's Day 2012

Mother's Day was wonderful, after church the boys (dad and Amor) prepared a wonderful lunch for mom and me, I relaxed by enjoying conversation with mama and kayaking with my best friend.

"A Mother's Love"

A mother's love, how sweet the name!

What is a mother's love?

A noble, pure, and tender flame,

Enkindled from above,

To bless a heart of earthly mould;

the warmest love that can grow cold;

This is a mother's love.

~James Montgomery

Happy Birthday Amor!!

Happy Birthday to my hard working husband and Mi Amor! Thank you for being such a faithful husband and father and for leading your family in His truth and His ways. We love you!