Life in the Shoe

Believe it or not this is the first photo of our whole gang since Carrie was born. It is so hard to find a time when we are all home together! This picture was taken after a long day of fun and fellowship at the home of our friends. What a great day we had! We need more times like that. Not just our family, but all of us - relaxing and enjoying life together. It's hard though...we all have our own lives - and we are all busy. Sunday was a reminder to me that no matter how hectic life gets "in the shoe," we can and must make time to spend time - quality time - with friends.
Our lives are so enriched when we can sit back and marvel at all the "life" God has given us. I love this picture. Two little peas in a pod. It's funny but all my kids no matter who they are are like peas in a pod when they are playing. In the mornings while the other kids are at school these two are fast friends - laughind and playing and really having a great time together. Sara Joy gets to be the "big" sister. And Bo is her "widdle" bruddur. I was praising her and him for being good brother's and sister's the other day. This is what I heard a few moments later - Sara Joy: "I such a gooowood bid bruddur." She cracks me up! Bo is a bigger copy-catter than she ever thought of being. The other night he and Sara Joy and Riley were running from the dresser to the end of the bed in my room - counting - "1-2-3-go!" Bo crouched down, "Uh(1)-uh(2)-fee(3)-uh(go)!" And off he ran into the end of the bed.
Carrie is such a blessing to our family. Once again the Lord has given me a reminder of His love for me in her. He also reminds me to slow down and enjoy these little ones at my feet. I emailed my sister today telling her sometimes I feel like I am on a sinking ship, but when I look around at the sweet faces that surround me I can see the Lord smiling on me. Carrie Faith. Her name is a reminder to sing joyfully and expectantly about the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord.
These two little yahoo's are both "middle" children. They L-O-V-E to have their picture taken. Everything about them screams, "Hey, look at me...see me...laugh at me...clap for me...notice me...I am so cute and funny and great." Just a minute ago as I was typing the text for the first picture Riley was standing at the pantry getting some raisins practicing a song for his K5 graduation...'He's still working on me...He's still working on me." Tear whelled up in my eyes. I love him! Sydney, too! So full of life.
James got braces earlier this year. He loves them! :) This year I got yearbooks for him and Madelyn. It was so funny to read some of the things in his book. Several of the older girls commented on how they really liked James hair. He has the longer bangs that he whips over to the side and he REFUSES to let me cut them. I gave him a trim around the edges, but I was not going anywhere near the front. Funny! James is a great kid! He loves to play ball. He and Brad and the other kids (and Dads) were playing ball most of the afternoon this past Sunday at our friend's house. FUN!!!
Madelyn (on the right with the shorts) was in her first ever school play a couple of weekends ago. It was really, really good! We were all impressed. She loves drama. I think she will end up majoring in performing arts - if not she will be a writer. This sweet child has turned a corner. Back in the fall she began going to another church while staying at her Dad's. After a few weeks I started noticing a difference - a big difference. Well a few weeks later she told me she wanted to get baptized again. We talked about it - she shared her heart..."When I got baptized I was little and didn't really understand...but now I know - it's like I really have a relationship with Jesus - and I just want to tell everyone." YES! She has been such a breath of fresh air to me. It is invigorating to be around people who are full of life. It's freeing! She definately grounded and growing. It blesses me when I walk in her room and see the verses she has written on her mirror and posted on her wall. She is not only hearing the Word, but seeking to apply it! Another - YES! She just got braces the other day - she was nervous about how they would make her look, but I think they look really cute! She is such a beautiful girl!

Life in the Shoe is definately full - fast and furious - but as one of my friends always says, "It's all good!"