Morgan's photo shoot

Ok, so the following post will not win me any mother-of-the-
year awards. But this is just too funny not to pass along. The
other day I walked into our bedroom and Morgan had Greta
perched on the rocking chair sitting up straight and it looked
so cute. I ran and got the camera and snapped a shot. Morgan
asked if she could take some picts of Greta. I said sure and left
the room. The following is what happened in my absence. Funny
when I left, I was concerned about what Morgan might do to my
camera. Never occured to me to be concerned about what she might
do to the baby!!!

Catching up

We've had kind of a crazy week around here.  We spent as much

 time as we could with my brother and family last week and then

headed off for a 3 day retreat with the pastors and wives from

our church.  We had a great time as a team hanging out together.

Steve and I count it a great privilege to work with these couples.

Here we are as ladies.  There were 4 babies along on the trip too!

Happy one month b-day, Greta

Snuggling

Snoozing

A pic of my brother Chad and his wife Miranda with all the kids

Cuz's

It's been fun being able to spend some time with my brother
and his family this week. Here's all the kiddos:


Aaron and Afton


For whatever reason Avery always wanted to tackle Aaron
when trying to give him a hug and he would run from her
crying when he knew she was coming. Here is he being tortured
by her. It was so funny.


What cuties!!

Personal Parade

This past Sunday there was a big barn fire down the road
from us. Little Aaron was in his glory standing by the
door watching all the fire, police, and ambulance go by.
I was joking that he was having is own little personal
parade. He stood there for at least an hour and a half.
So cute.

Parade

Each September, our family enjoys going to a local
parade and fair. It is something that we have done
ever since I was a little girl. It is fun to bring my kids
to something that was such a highlight for me as a kiddo.
My brother and his family got be be with us this year
which made it extra fun. We go extra early and get our
seats and then enjoy greasy pizza and subs from the
restaurant across the street.

Here's Morgan eating her pizza and waiting for the parade
to start.


We joined up with our friends Emma and Ethan Witmer.


Aaron cheezin' with cousin Avery


Showing some love to cuz Afton


Our gang watching the parade

Little peanut

This was where Greta napped the other day. So sweet.

Ballet

My precious Claudia has taken a big step and started ballet
class. Ever since she was a baby I knew she had in her blood
to dance, she's always moving to the music. We finally have
been able to fit it in and thought this was a good age for her to
start. I am very excited for her and to see how she grows in this
area.


Striking a pose

Saturday fun

Morgan was burping Greta and this was her reaction
when Greta left out a huge belch!


Proud brother


Going for a ride in the "beep!!" Don't know why they
had the umbrella.

Snoozin"

See the smile?

Peaches on the porch

The 3 biggies enjoying some fresh peaches for bed time snack.
Yum...

Buds

Life with Greta

Our precious little Greta is now 10 days old. It has been so fun having her even though life has been a little crazy in the adjustment. Thankfully, all my other children adore her and want to smother her with kisses. Even little Aaron just wants to kiss and kiss her.
She has been doing well for me sleep wise. Nights have been short but bearable. She is taking some 3-4 hour stretches which is feels great compared to some nights with my other babies. We have been struggling in the eating and pooping dept. I'll spare you the details but let's just say that she's not doing either one of them very well yet. That's been somewhat stressful as there is only so much I can do there to help her out. Any prayers that you would like to offer up on her and my behalf would be much appreciated.  Tonight I was in the basement folding some laundry and Claudia came down and asked if she could pray for me and Greta.  She held my hand and very sweetly asked God to help me and Greta and that I would trust God in my struggle.  I was so challenged and strengthened by her sweet prayer.  I am doing my best to get to get this figured out but there has definitely been many tears!!  You think it would all come easy with number 4 but I guess that is not the case!!
I wrote a blog post for our church's blog today with a few more thoughts if you want to check it out.

Sleeping Beauty

Happy Birthday Claudia!!

I can hardly believe that my biggest baby girl is now 8 years old!!
Seems just like yesterday that we were bringing her home and trying
to figure out how to get her to sleep! And now she has turned into
a mature, loving, so helpful, sweet little girl. We are so thankful
for our Claudia!

Here she is with her butterfly cake made with grandma


Claudia and her new cup and saucer from g-ma


Tonight we had a steak dinner, Claudia ate the
whole thing!!


Playing with daddy in the yard after supper