Walking everywhere!

I forgot to update everyone on Andrew's walking condition....two days after his check-up, you guessed it...EVERYWHERE! He is everywhere. Needless to say we did not do physical therapy. What a blessing! This picture was taken at Dr. Diegmann's house picking satsumas. Just one of our traditions. Off to work on my Christmas card list. That is next on the "to do" list....it is the 16th, Sarah:)

Full of Thanksgiving

Ahhh....the sound of fresh coffee brewing, the roar of a fire in the fireplace, peace and quiet... wait I live in a house with four lively children who were up at the crack of dawn, three of which have no clue it is a holiday (not to mention it is 70 degrees in Fairhope...no fire here). I do love my life. I am so thankful for the pitter patter of their feet and their question after question about everyday things. To be honest, I will miss it when they are older. The Lord will prepare me for that I am sure. But for now, I am going to go enjoy them...Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for friends and family...love to all.

Full of Physical Therapy

He climbs up the high chair, he empties baskets and sits on the edge of them(that is what he was doing in this picture),he climbs up the ladder onto the trampoline, he climbs up the steps to the tree house,he climbs....notice I don't say he walks! He is literally a monkey. So we go for his 15 month check up yesterday and he is weighing in at 18 pounds and 12 ounces. (Yes, I must get the ounces in, makes a big difference in my punkin'.)The doctor said, "I know he can walk, he just needs a little help". I say, "we have ride on toys that he pushes, we hold his hands as he walks, etc." "No Sarah....I mean REAL help" the doctor concludes. Physical therapy is in the future for my little monkey. Have to say, I was a little shocked. I know all will be well...just another opportunity for others to get joy from our sweet buddy! Oh by the way, last night he took four steps on his own! We will keep everyone posted...

Full of Fall!

Autumn is definately my favorite time of year. Crisp mornings,warm days, and being able to wear my favorite outfit of all...blue jeans and a t-shirt everyday! Life can't get any better. We got back from John's 20 year high school reunion last weekend and had a great time. There is just something about highschool. You just learn about life with those friends. You go back in time and are accepted no matter what. (At least this is the way we felt). We were relaxed and really enjoyed ourselves. Thanks "Aunt Kimberly" and "Uncle Raymond" for adding to our fun. The kids had a blast!

Full of Grace...

OK, so one of my fears came to life Friday night. I was in a car accident with all four kids in the car. We are all fine, however the story goes on. I am always wanting the kids to be exposed to different people...you know, not like us of our friends. So here goes. The man in the other car, very nice actually (ended up being an aquaintance of Johns)..no tag on his vehicle, says he has insurance (but no proof)has had two DUI's and just got out of a years time of jail. We all have thoughts about people like this. Be honest. I have friends who will NEVER incounter, much less be friends with any one who has been in jail. My children now personally know two and I think they are better for it. As I am thinking in my head of how I am going to explain this ...sweet Hartsel leans over and asks me, "Mommy, does he know the One True God?" Oh the faith of a child! As the story goes, he met the One True God in prision and truly loves Him and serves Him now. I'm out of a car this week, it is very nice to be still. "Every good and perfect gift is from above.." Meeting this man, truly a gift.

Full of Life!

OK, so this picture was taken on August 30 (my birthday) and I am just now posting and it is October! Where has the time gone. My parents tell me it goes by fast, and it does. School with Ellis is a challenge to say the least, Anna Hartsel hates to color....what four year old girl hates to color? That would be mine! Elizabeth fell in the bathtub the other night...a trip to the ER? No, we decided to "watch" the gooshy knot on the back of her head. An hour after the incident, she was jumping on her bed. Amazing! Andrew, sweet Andrew, let's learn how to walk my son. Such a cutie, but fusy because his brain can't quite tell his feet what to do and he is frustrated. Not trying to be negative, just bein' real my friends. Then the Lord reminds me, so sweetly that "blessed are the man whose quiver is full of them". Oh God, how faithful and gracious you are. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him'" Amen! Have a great day!

Full of Fun!

I now have two little soccer players! Ellis was joined by Hartsel for the annual soccer clinic this year. They had a great time and it is such fun to see them play together and rely on each other in a group setting. Ellis is a great big brother and Harstel...well she doesn't like the heat so much, but she did a great job!
School has started and we are getting into the swing of things. I now know why Ellen just giggled when I said I was going to start blogging. Until next time....