feels good

This fills up my mama heart today :)

Fun day!

We took a little trip downtown today! And to make things more fun and interesting for the kids, we decided to take the train there. The kids had *so* much fun! We rode the train, played at the park, watched the goslings, watched fire trucks surround a high rise, shopped, ate lunch and made many people smile as they saw our 'little' family out on a fun outing :) And when we got home, I even got my garden planted, and we got pizza and watched a movie. What a GREAT day!!

Why I like spring

Because my boys like spring! I love them being outside, and they love being outside! Its win win around here these days :)

Just look at these beauties! What isn't there to be thankful for when I have 6 wonderfully healthy and beautiful children!

And on another note... This weather has been so awesome!! And when we went to take this pic of the kids down at our little forest, we discovered that our great horned owl that lives there has at least 2 little babies in her nest. I know animals are not the same as humans, but sometimes I wonder if they 'feel' like we do about their babies. I wonder if they mourn when they lose one, and if they feel pride watching them fly for the first time. I have been wanting to write more, but I'm choosing to be outside more. That reminds me, has anyone else seen this website http://www.letsgooutsiderevolution.com/wordpress/ I love the idea behind it all. We do need outside in our lives more than we think we do, but we are so confined to be indoors trying to make money and a perfect home. If only we took more time to enjoy the things God made more than man made. 

On that note though, I am going outside. I'm going to sit and just breathe and be thankful for the sunshine and warm air and dirty children playing in the mud and listen to the birds sing their sweet song. It doesn't get any better!

5 months!

Oh Baby!

I can't believe its been 5 months since you came into this world. You were so tiny, and we had so much worry and fear. Will you be healthy? How will we manage with another baby in the house? But Wyatt, you are a blessing to our family in more ways than I ever thought possible! You bring us joy and laughter, and bring our family together. We all love you so very much!

j

Anything sweeter?

Is there anything sweeter than a little boy who brings his mama flowers?! Years ago, I would have pooh-pooh'd getting these pretty yellow flowers, but now? Oh they fill my heart with more joy than I can even tell you. My heart softens just seeing his smile, and seeing his pride shine through. He loves his mama so. Thank you God for allowing me to truly treasure these moments.

Teenagers!

So thankful that my teen has something she loves! 

These pics were at her band competition, and while they aren't the best pictures, I love seeing her in her uniform :) It makes me proud!

I also love how her siblings were so proud of her, and watched so intently while she performed. And when she was done, Isaac was so excited to tell her all about how he was watching her. So sweet!

What I love!

I love watching my 8yo daughter, who has been *struggling* so much with school work, finally really truly getting it!
She has some very strong dyslexic tendencies and has just not been able to figure out this reading thing no matter what we were doing. And over the past 4 months, i've watched her go from knowing only letter sounds, to being able to read full sentences. And today, I watched with true joy as her math concept actually clicked with her.

Learning does not come easy for her, but boy do I love the look on her face when I tell her she got the question right.

Why everyone can be an optimist

I really liked this article :) My cup is full, even when it looks empty.

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/05/why-everyone-can-be-an-optimist/