Isabelle's 9th Birthday

Last month Isabelle turned 9.  Not quite sure how the last 9 years have gone by so quickly but somehow here we are. 

We celebrated Isabelle's special day by doing what we've done the last year... we stayed home.  We tried to make it as special as we could.  Nana and Papa came over and we shared some food and watched the super bowl.  Isabelle actually was half-way excited about the game and was cheering for Brady.  

Every year around each of the kid's birthdays, I look back to the years before and reminisce about how special each year of their life has been and how they complete our lives because they are here. 

As I look back at the pictures of Isabelle each year, I am reminded about just how blessed we are to have her in our lives.  Her story, unique is special and cherished in so many ways.

I wish for all my children to know that they are always loved, that they are capable of being all they hope and dream for and that Dad and I would do what ever we can to help them.  While we try to teach them values, morals and the importance of doing what is right, they might see us remind them to stay on the right path or correct their mistakes.  While we are not trying to come down upon them, we are just trying to guide them to be the best person they can be.

I hope Isabelle will always find the courage in her heart to try the things she dreams of.  She is kind beyond her years, considerate, thoughtful, determined and a fighter.  These things will help her through all of the days in her life.  No matter what, I hope she knows that Dad and I will always be there to cheer her on, to reach out a hand when she needs help getting back up after a stumble and that she is always always loved more than she will ever know.

Isabelle on your 9th birthday (sorry this is belated), we see you growing and changing in front of our eyes.  These next few years will take you on a journey into a young woman (or a (pre-)teenager) and while those years can be hard, we hope you will always come to us, find comfort in knowing we will support you, and that you can do all you put your mind to.

So happy 9th birthday beautiful Belle.

We love you always,

Mom and Dad.

Good times in Hard times...

 This past year has not been easy.  In fact the longer the pandemic drags on, it seems the time has become more difficult.  While we hold onto hope for better days ahead and trust God has a plan greater than any I could hope or dream for, I'm trying to soak up the simple moments of joy and happiness that are still around.  As long as I take the time to look for them.  

Here are a few of the good moments, that help us through the hard...

This little guy... he is into everything and with that, he makes us see the world anew each and everyday.  His mind never stops thinking and he is always trying to figure out something new.  From wearing Madelyn's shoes, to using Michael's exercise band and gathering tools for his next adventure, he is a blessing each and everyday.

Over spring break I took the kids to the train museum... it's been one of our first outings testing the waters of reintroducing ourselves into society.  It was mainly outside and not busy, so we felt comfortable.  And the kids loved it.  Here's two busy men at work...

Jennings looking up at the big trains.

These two, they are the best of playmates and boy does Madelyn know how to tease Jennings.  I think she learned it from how well her big sister teases her.  Having two bigger sisters, who being girls scream a lot, Jennings has mastered the art of screaming too.  Our house is not quiet.

Getting ready to leave for one of our adventures out of the house during spring break.

This beautiful girl is growing up right in front of our eyes.  I hope she always knows how beautiful her smile is and how it radiates the love and light of her soul.

Michael was given a speed boat to race in the water, and lets just say he drew a crowd of fellow spectators within minutes.  The neighbor boy heard him racing the boat and had to come see, and of course Michael's shadow Jennings was there to admire his big brother's new toy too.

Why we ever buy toys I'll never know... thankfully with our Amazon orders to sustain us through the pandemic, there have been enough "box" toys to entertain the kids for hours.  Look at at big brother again being such a fun playmate to his little brother.

One of our favorite things to do during this pandemic has been to have family movies.  Recently we set up the air mattress and let the kids eat popcorn and Skittles while we watched a movie together.  They thought it was awesome!

These two have been having a lot of fun playing strategy games on their phones with each other.  This day in age, why play battleship on the actual board game, when you can play it on each of your phones and compete that way... or chess, or billiards, or checkers!

The girls were able to make some new jewelry with beads over the break.  

And there was lots of time to play outside.  The kids turned our side yard into a sand box (we have plenty of that here in the desert right) and made a city, complete with roads, buildings and the like.  So much for our side yard looking landscaped, it's all good, it provided them hours of entertainment. All of them... ages 1-13.

I also took them to Ripley's Believe it or Not Exhibit recently and they really liked it. We saw the 2-headed cow, the 4-legged chicken, the 110 piece burnt toast exhibit featuring Albert Einstein and the 9 foot tall man. 

We also visited our neighborhood park this past weekend where we realized Jennings has never been on a swing.  When we went into lock down a year ago he was only 8 months old.  Almost his entire life has been spent at home so to watch him experience a park swing for the first time, not only made me kind of sad of what this past year has been like, but also grateful for these moments and a fresh realization of what to NOT take for granted.  He was nervous at first but managed to smile and laugh within a few seconds.

As we navigate the coming days and hope for our world to become more peaceful, joy-filled and with healing... the other day as we played outside I felt like God remined me to keep the faith. 

In all our troubled times since losing Noah, the rainbow has been a reminder that after every storm there is beauty and goodness.

It just so happened sitting outside the clouds forms, the moisture sprinkled from the sky and minutes later the sun appeared... and then this...

I'm not going to lie, the moisture dropped from my eyes too.  There is hope.  I believe walking through the storm, there will be better days ahead, as I strive to focus on all the good still around us.

Until next time,

Angie

A visit from St. Patrick

 Happy St. Patrick's Day!

This morning the kids woke up to the tradition that St. Patrick had once again made his appearance.  He again left a trail of coins to a the kitchen table where each of the kids found a few small gifts.  

We had to wake up extra early today as Dad had to leave for work by 6 so it was extra hard for teen to get out of bed..... hence only pictures of the littles. 

St. Patrick's Day has always been a fun holiday for us to celebrate since the boys came home that first year, and while they have outgrown the fun, the little ones haven't.  And it is so fun watching them come up with ideas of how to trap the Leprechaun.  

The trail of coins, never mind the new play area the girls have taken over on the steps.  

Jennings and Isabelle were picking up the coins to put in their piggy banks.

And the littles got a new ball which they were excited about playing with.

I hope this St. Patrick's day bring joy and luck to all.

Until next time,

Angie