Summer is officially underway, we have 4 weeks until baby's expected arrival date and have tried to fit everything in that we can before that.  Starting with a surprise baby shower thrown by my mom, what a surprise that was!  I knew about the shower, but had no idea she was going to appear and make things so special.  She did it all...sewed a beautiful baby boy quilt, knitted him an adorable sweater, painted thank you cards, played her guitar and sang songs to sing for our beautiful bundle, and made matching embroidered burp cloths and receiving blankets and even a little sign to hang on the door for when baby is sleeping.  It was such a beautiful, wonderful surprise!  

Then we did our week of VBS, 9 kids under age 3 for a week wore me out, but it was fun!  And promptly followed up with horse camp (out the door by 6:30 every morning...yawn! but thank you, Dad, for driving her every day so we just had to do the noon pick up).  The same week we started the blue bird in swimming lessons, mid-week he was moved to a higher level class, which began at 8:30, but was such a good fit for him and we were up anyway.  Then we had an early birthday fairy party for the almost-9-year-old.  Didn't want to do it at the last minute with baby due 2 days after her Birthday.  She had fun coordinating crafts, making invites and decorations and even decorated her own cupcakes.  At the end of it all, after the last guests left and everyone was tucked into bed well after 10:00, she fell fast asleep, with glitter still on her face and the boys wearing their gnome hats (wish I'd have taken a picture of that), she woke early, at 6:00 to tell me, "that party was SO AWESOME! Can I make another fairy?"  So she did, wearing her new clothes picked out by her brothers, she crafted and crafted until I made her stop for lunch.  

That's the best response we could ask for...Awesome.  Isn't that what we as parents strive for?  Occassional awesomeness in the eyes of our children?  I loved it.  My prayers for my own grace to get through these first few weeks of chaos without feeling/acting stressed toward anyone have really been answered.  I've not been an angel, mind you, but I've been "fairly" relaxed and able to really enjoy all these moments.  Soaking up the joy with each child and really appreciating all the blessings God has given me.  Here are some pictures of just a few of those blessings.  Thank you, God!

Summer Kickoff!