Swoosh's Birthday

We celebrated Swoosh's birthday very low-key this year.  It was really nice actually.  No fancy decorations, no stressing out about the house looked or if everything looked just so.  Just celebrating a boy that we love very much.  We went invited my husbands parents over for breakfast and celebrated with them one morning.  We poked two candles in Swoosh's french toast and called it good.  And it was. 

Another weekend when we were at my mom and dad's farm we celebrated with that side of the family.  I bought the cupcakes, handed them out and that was that. 

I can get too wrapped up in the details of things sometimes.  At times that's a good thing and at other times it's pretty annoying...even to me.  It was awesome to celebrate without much fuss, yet still celebrate.  Make sense?

Happy 2nd Swoosh!  We can't remember our family without you. You bring lots of  fun to our lives.

 

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Back to School

I can't believe that the first day of school was nearly two months ago.  Here's Red Shoes ready for his first day of first grade.

 Swoosh just couldn't believe that he would have the house practically to himself as all of the big kids were going off to school.  Really? I don't have to share EVERYTHING?

 Happy Feet was beyond thrilled to start going to every day pre-school.  I think she wore a dress for the first three weeks. 

Sure love these kids.  They are growing up so quickly! Pin It

A Family Photo Shoot, Summer 2012

We had family pictures taken this summer.  The last time this occurred Swoosh looked like this...Time goes by so quickly! 

 We had such a fun time...that can't usually be said of taking family pictures, but our photographer was really good with the kids and she got the job done quickly.  The kids have changed even since this summer.  Red Shoes just lost another tooth the other night.

I marvel at how generous God has been to me.  I remember a time in life when my husband and I wondered if we would ever hear the little footsteps of children in our home.  It's absolutely CRAZY here now, but we wouldn't want it any different.  Thank you Lord for these wonderful gifts you've given us.  

 

 

 

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Morgan's Wonderland

In March we took the two oldest to San Antonio, Texas for spring break.  One of the places we visited was Morgan's Wonderland.  I don't know that many have heard of it, but let me tell you, it was amazing.  Morgan's Wonderland is a theme park designed for children and families of children with disabilities. Everyone is invited to come though.

I will assure you that it has way more magic than Disney.  It won't break the bank to pay for admission, and everyone in the family will be able to enjoy it.

From the minute I walked in I knew that this place was special.  You won't find a nicer group  of people working at a theme park.  Many of these individuals were volunteering their time.

Being at Morgan's Wonderland was like being with family.  Being with people who understand without even knowing your family or what your child is facing.

Some things that make Morgan's Wonderland different:

• The price is afforable
• Entrance numbers are kept low.  Unlike Disney and other parks, you won't wait and wait and wait to go on a ride.  I loved this.
• When you pay to get into the park everyone in your family is fitted with a bracelet. If you would happen to lose your loved one (like I did at Sea World like 4 different times the day before) you just go to one of their many computer stations and scan your bracelet.  It will tell you exactly where everyone is at.  Yet, because they keep numbers down, this probably won't be a problem.

You really should try to visit.  It truly feels God breathed, it's inspiring and beautiful.  Definitely the highlight of our trip, and we did lots and lots of fun things.  Here's a glimpse at our morning at Morgan's Wonderland:




If you would like to visit the Morgan's Wonderland website you can go HERE for more information.

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Living Wreath Tutorial

When Red Shoes was finishing up pre-school last year, I wanted to make his teachers a special gift.  They were incredible teachers, and I felt tremendously blessed that they were Red Shoes' first teachers.  I made them both a living wreath. Here's what you need to make one:

• Hens and Chicks
• Sphagnum Moss wreath base (I bought mine HERE)
• Wreath Pins (I bought mine HERE)

I had a planter of hens and chicks.  I always put my mother in law on this for me.  She can always find me some cheap Hens & Chicks at garage sales.  

The first step in making your wreath is to soak your wreath base in water. 

You need to be able to push the pins in easily

Find a little helper if you need. 

Here's what the wreath pins look like

Next, pull your Hens & Chicks apart.  You're not going to hurt them.  Go for it.  Then soak them.  You just need to be able to see their root system. 

 

Then you just start pinning their roots to the base of the wreath. 

Just keep pinning until it looks good.  You'll know when you're done. Here's what mine looked like.

 Before I boxed up the wreaths and wrapped them I printed out a care card for the wreath.  It really is very simple to care for. The best part? It just keeps coming back year after year. 

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Swoosh Turns One

I wrote this post about 9 months ago... 

Hard to believe, but our baby Swoosh turned one last week.  The first year of his life was so fast, yet it seems like he's been a part of our family forever.  We feel so blessed to have him.  He's started walking and absolutely loves being outside.  Whenever a door opens he's walking or crawling as fast as he can to try to get out.  He's his dad made over.  Here's some pictures from his first birthday party.

I ordered the printable sea life designs from HERE

 

 

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Pictures from the Weekend

Here's more pictures from our weekend at my mom and dad's farm. It was fun. The kids ran wild exploring the woods, catching butterflies, gathering eggs and swimming.

The good stuff in life for sure.

Good morning cows!



Swoosh...red faced and hot!

My grandpa Hank

Grandpa talking to the newest baby in the family...kids love him!



Going for a morning walk...yes, Happy Feet is still in her pajamas. 

Throwing rocks into the creek

Look at those muscles!

My mom made this scrap metal owl! She's so creative.

Freshly picked onions, carrots, peas, beans and broccoli

My sister cooked us lunch over mom and dad's kettle.  It was so good!

It's not even the dog days of summer yet, but it sure feels like it!

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