Peek a boo!

Because it's been awhile...

Our big boy...



And our big girl...

We've been busy lately.
Ya know, the usual. Playing Super Hero's...




...and trying to keep the house clean...




...and playing at the park...






...and just being cute...





...and daily being able to reach further back on the kitchen counters...



So, as you can see, it's been a busy few weeks.

A Picture Post

Just stopping by to post some pictures of my Adorables...


Abbeygirl sportin' Daddy's hat...



Can you even believe this boy's eye lashes?!?!




"This way Momma!"



Cooking up something yummy...



Pausing mid-giraffe ride to give the babydoll some love...


Gorgeous boy...



And lastly, our little ones have been hammin' it up lately for the camera!



LOVE!!!!!

A post of their own...

Sweet Kaitlynn, our resident family photographer, was gracious enough to stop by last week when we were all together and take some photos for us...



My beautiful baby girl...


My beautiful baby boy...



Cousin love!



The three little ones...


Get used to hugs from the ladies, son....



All of us...






Thanks Kaitlynn! You are so very talented and we appreciate you!!!!

The Fab Five

Last Sunday all of my sisters and I were in the same room - for the first time in THREE YEARS!!!

(Emily, me, Natalie, Amanda, Vanessa)


We had plans to go to the beach for the day, but it ended up not working out, so we gathered at my Dad and stepmom's house and had a blast.


Me and my sweet boy...




Abbeygirl LOVES her Auntie Natalie!




Amanda, Vanessa and I walked over to a garage sale in the neighborhood. Amanda spotted a Water Table and asked how much, and the guy said "free, you can have it" SCORE!



Amanda and Natalie took turns making sure all the Littles stayed properly shaded...


Our kids alternated taking turns chillin' with Daddy...





After Luke and Abbey were thoroughly soaked from all the Water Table play, we changed them into their jammies and had some more indoor fun...


...which included getting their first taste of Cheetos...



It was so, so fun to get to have all my sisters under the same roof. And my sweet little niece too! Before we knew it, it was time to pack up the van and head home...all tuckered out...

Boys and Girls: Part 2

Last week was a busy one. My co-worker was on vacation and I worked nearly 30 hours to help cover (I normally only work 15) and Amanda & Cadence were in town.

By the end of the week, Luke was a little out of sorts. He's usually my more independent one, and it got to the point where he was having a hard time whenever I left the room. That was hard for me too. So by the time Saturday came around, I knew we needed a Momma-Son date =).

I had plans to hit up a giant consignment sale that day to stock up on clothes for the kids, so I packed up my baby boy and the Kelty backpack, and off we went! Luke is always up for an adventure, so I knew no matter what we did, he'd enjoy being out and about.

And fun we had!


He was SUCH a good boy and we talked and laughed and just enjoyed some one on one time. He is such a sweet boy, I swear I could just eat him up sometimes.



Meanwhile, back at home...


Daddy and Sis had a dance-off.


Pretty sure Sis won.

Daddy's Little Helpers

Brie, with a side of perspective

Last Thursday night, I wrote this post, in which I chronicled some of the challenges we are seeing in raising toddlers.

As a first time parent, it can be tempting to think "as soon as we pass (insert frustration situation here) stage, things will be much easier..."

Saturday night, I went out for appetizers an adult beverage with a dear friend. She has two children - a boy and a girl, just like I do - but hers are teenagers. As I listened to her talk about the things they are going through right now, and the parenting struggles she has, I was reminded (again) of my need to heed my Dad's sage words...

"Parenting is a journey, not a destination"

I must stop waiting - expecting- to arrive.

Cousins!!!

Remember last year when they met for the first time?



Well Amanda and Cadence are in Oregon again, and on Sunday we got to spend some time together!

(clearly, it's still not easy to get a good picture of all of us looking at the camera!)


We had such a fun afternoon and it was so, so great to get to see them again! Our other sisters Vanessa and Natalie were here as well...only missing Emily who is busy working, but will join us for some fun this weekend!

Sunday was a beautiful day, so we loaded up on sunscreen and headed to a SplashPad.

Abbey took right to it...



Auntie Natalie took one for the team and got soaked with the kids...



Cadence showing Abbey how it's done...


I just can't believe how much joy I feel when I get to see Cadence. She is a living, breathing, walking, talking miracle. And every time I am in her presence I am stunned anew by God's goodness.

For those of you who are new(er) here, Cadence was born in August 2007 at 26 weeks weighing 1 lb, 11oz. She was in the NICU for months, and had multiple surgeries on her tiny little body. For months we waited and prayed. We watched as my sister and brother in law remained strong and faithful, and fought on behalf of their daughter. And now, today, we get to play with her, and talk with her, and hug her. She is a gift. Her story defies the odds. I often wonder why the Lord has us walk the paths He gives us, and I give thanks when I see my stretch marks.


Looking forward to some more family fun this weekend! It'll be the first time in three years that all 5 of us sisters have been together!!

Then & Now

August 2, 2009




August 2, 2011



Thanks be to God.