Happy Birthday, Elizabeth!

Can you believe these two pictures are Elizabeth? She turned three on Monday, we celebrated on Sunday. What a great day all the way around. I ran in my first half marathon Sunday morning, went for a massage and lunch with my running partners and then home to a warm home to celebrate. Although I had to sit most of the "celebration", I enjoyed seeing the light in her eyes while Ellis and Anna Hartsel opened her gifts:)

Love to all!

Don't you just love getting Christmas card pictures and wondering how many tries it took the parents to get "just the right one"? We probably took a gazillion pictures at my parent's house on Christmas Eve for that "perfect picture". This is the best one we got. This was the best Christmas yet. We really enjoyed watching the kids enjoy their gifts. After a fun New Year's Eve, I am ready to get back into the swing of things. John is at the Sugar Bowl while I am planning tomorrow's activities without children! I do love them and I love homeschooling, but get very overwhelmed at times. I know this is part of the sanctification road for me...God is good to let me grow with my children at my side, but for now....Mommy needs a break:)More later...

Full of Blessings

Did I mention that I LOVE homeschooling. I am so honored to be able to teach my children about the Lord "when I sit in my house, when I walk along the way, when I lie down and when I rise up". Right now we know that this is what we are called to do. God is so good to bless me along the way. I am beginning to see fruit in Ellis and Anna Hartsel....I mean heart changes. I am thankful that I am here to see this. I have to keep this in perspective when I am cleaning the toilets at church....my second job. Yes, I have a Master's Degree and I am cleaning toilets, but I get to teach my children about the meaning of life...serving Christ! What a blessing. "Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised!"

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!