Spring it, warmer weather

Easter celebrating happened.

He is risen!

It never gets old to celebrate such exciting stuff

Gbread House

Fantastic cupcakes all the time.

I got to go with the cutest girl with newly pierced ears.

Size 2 shoes for this guy

when did that happen?

glad for Dad who has the patience for this....#bestdadever

sweet cuddles from this lil man in the fam

the cousins can't get enough of him

{ but neither can I, of course }

you can be a winner at the game of life

or you can spend the whole morning playing and lose

either way, you had fun with these 4, that's guaranteed

a school project for the star student of the week

we're glad for who he is, too

and that he's a part of this family (we heart Matt)

our new home comes with lots and lots and lots of flower gardens

most of them just plain need.to.go

but this one right in front of the house? 

Char and I are having fun trying to be green thumbs

no one needs to remind this kid to read for school

we can pretty much find him reading anywhere, anytime

brothers

green grass to play football on

bring it

listening to Library Mouse by Matthias

read in true kindergarten style

absolutely melts my heart.  

#anotherreaderinthefam

power tools with grandpa

a new counter to cover the dishwasher

spring projects overflow in our new house (!!!)

celebrating Justin's birthday

the big 3-4

rootbeer will be had in abundance

breaking in the fire pit in our new backyard

how can we have s'more if we haven't had any yet

fire is fun

crazy hair day for school spirit

a mohawk and a hawkmo

mercy

bringing back the weekly slushie trips

how convenient there's a sonic on the way home from school

nerds can now be added to slushies, children rejoice

{ parents gag }

with this smiley girl

there is lots of coloring and painting and coloring and playdoh

and coloring.  have i mentioned coloring?

Professor Caleb gets a chance to wow his class

as the 2nd grade groovy student

#cutestgroovystudentever

cousins

pizza

instaparty

Jon gives Little League a try

and loves it

complete with awesome water jug and new bat

keeping traditions alive with

star-spangled banner covered strawberries

Memorial Day 2014

great gift for new neighbors

some things there are no words for

with 3 big brothers and a knack for girlygirlness

this beautiful baby of the fam can be downright hilarious

we love her so

so spring it, warmer weather

we're living it up around here.

Goodbye plex, holla foreclosure

Praising God for His provision, driving away smiling 

At the sun illuminating the sky above a place we called

Home for 3 and a half years.

Moving on with a loud yell from the kids and I

Out the window of the Quest

Bye house

Oh the adventure ahead of home ownership.

Bring it.

Thank you, God, once again for amazing us with your goodness.

Our foreclosure home may be a lil beat up

But what can I say?

We're in love.

We'll take it, fix it on up, and call it

Home.

P vex 2013-2014

Dear Polar Vortex

we survived.

barely.

{grace of God prevails}

well that was an experience.

a once.in.a.lifetime one, we hope.

as you can see we gathered some wonderful moments

And braved the freeze and the frigid and thawed in between

so we could do it again.

now once again, you can go and leave us alone.

I don't want to build {another} snowman.

sincerely, 

Laurie for the fam

Triple J turns 11

Happy birthday, Jon!  

Your smile and excitable personality is contagious,

Lighting up a room whenever you're in it.

We love you.

We love you for who you are and all the millions of ways 

That make you, YOU.

Just when we think we grasp what a blessing you are to us,

You amaze us once again with your heart that seems to burst

With the good news of the gospel, the news of Jesus as Savior

And we are thrilled for what He has in store for you.

Legos and basketball and China and Camp T......

Those subjects can always get you talking up a storm these days,

All for different reasons.

Of course, you're always ready for a chat with us

Whether it's in the car ride to somewhere, sitting in the family room

Or around the kitchen table.....

Please never stop all these great chats with us, son--

We love them and we love you.

Here's to 11 being as fun as 10 and 9.....

Let's celebrate YOU!

Caleb Bo Baleb

Oh, Caleb

How we love you.

You brighten up our days with all your wonderful ways.

You are quick with your wit and silly sayings that make us laugh

And quick on your feet, loving to run and run and run

And quick to share all that you have with your siblings or anyone around

Now you are 8

And that is super great

Can you please keep your toothless grin for us to cherish forever??

You laugh and smile and laugh more.

I'm this past year you have gone through some yuck tummy stuff

And you have been so brave and cheerful through it all.

Such trust......in Dad and Mom as we helped walk you through the yuck

But especially in God who heard every prayer you prayed

And every prayer that was prayed for you.

Happy birthday to YOU!

Looking forward to the year ahead and all it holds.

Kids + Christmas

It's Christmastime around here.

So thankful for baby Jesus.

Peace on earth.