Luke and the Camel

A random camel was roped up at the county fair. He was a sweetheart and really liked Luke, not sure if the feeling was mutual.

Disgusted, delighted, or both? Nothing beats a camel breathing on you. We decided he must be safe since he was unattended, but for good measure kept the stroller at a distance.

Who could resist the pony rides? Little Noah was so excited to ride the pony.

Reany was ear to ear too.

Libby's friend Josilin had her horse there, so we got to see her at the barns too.

Mommy Chronicles

Aubrey was in a dance camp and got to dance during the half time of a varsity football game. She said it felt amazing to perform, nd she did wonderful. Her 3rd year of dnceline will be starting soon, but unlike the other girls that she practices umpteen hours a week with she does not perform. The TBI has made it really tough for her to stay on with all their fancy footwork, so for the competitive piece she has not been included for performances. Which makes it hard to support such dedication, but in the end she seems to continue to enjoy it, maybe this year she will catch up? She got a new teacher, after 4 years in the same room for certain helps, and that seems to be really benefitting her. She also has her permit and is working on her driving. Adam will be applying at coborns, and hopes to get a job this year. He has electronic wish lists! He is very diligent with his routines and has matured greatly. He enjoys giving rides around the block on the four wheeler. We are comfortable with this, his high speed is maybe 9 mph, but likely he sticks around 5;) David has once again joined into the general math curriculum, which makes him just gloat. His reading is also skyrocketing and we are glad he is getting the best services money can buy, thanks 742! He has a new friend that lives in town and they will be doing youth group things together, so that will be neat for David to become more involved with social events and for us to know he is not on his own either. He really likes the Christian music video programs and records them, his favorite artist is Lecrae. Lexi went out for swim team this year and took 1st at a couple meets! She is a little fish and we really hope she sticks with it. She is a natural athlete but doesn't plan to do a winter sport, boo. She got contacts and is growing up too fast. When I took her shopping she inspired to buy nose rings, but I rightly turned them over to her mom who seems to think she should wait on that (after years of fake nails and dyed hair I'm the one thinking..so what?!...but that was eier than an issue at the store:). She also generously bought her little sister overpriced barrettes at Gymboree, she wanted to spend her money! Libby is in the 4th grade, hard to think my little baby is becoming logical, reasonable, and independent. She has been able to stay home on her own a few occasions, and that is really fun for her. She wanted to cut her hair this summer, so no more buns and braids, snarls or fights about that! She also has been wanting to start a business, and has been inspired by an article she read in American girls magazine. She checks them out at the library, along with other favorite authors. Her latest interest has been stories of abandoned homes, pulled up Detroit and she loved it. Possible historian on our hands? Reany has proven to be talented at the piano, guessing like her big bio sister she may e playing 3+ instruments by graduation. I told the girls that his they continue with piano at the 1 year they can add an instrument, she chose guitar (come Jan.). She has learned how to set curlers in her hair at night, or braids, and get the curls by morning. Super cute!! She also is my singer, not sure how, but she can remember lyrics and tunes incredibly on pitch. I maybe haven't even heard a song before and she knows the words, plus she fakes it really good too sometimes! Noah, no no Noah. I knew we were plaguing him, "JK," as he says. He is getting his sense of humor and is really funny. So if his pro athlete, preacher, doctor, or other top scale position falls through he could still entertain! He has worked on bike jumps all summer long and his helmet is never too far away. He is going to school 3 mornings a week and has had 3 birthday parties this month already, jeesh! I am going to eat up every last moment with him for his last year home. His gitty excitement that next year he'll be on the bus everyday and at school makes me slightly less sad. Naomi Gladys has exploded in her conversations. She is the sweetest thing and her personality is very laid back, unless she Nantes something, then you know all about it. She has beautiful long hair she sometimes lets me do. Her favorite food is cereal, from shredded wheat to cocoa puffs, she loves it. Over the last 2 weeks has potty trained herself...Yey!! I was telling Luke I want to buy her something, as a token for not having to buy diapers anymore- even dry nights, which some of my boys have had issues with or continue to. I said what should I buy you? She said underware, so glad she's on the page of logic too;) Lillie Marie, cute as can be. That baby is a thief! She steals your heart at first sight and is just an irresistible munchkin! She has 4 teeth on the top, 2 on the bottom. She refuses to be fed, but will tackle anything independently, oh oh. At 7 1/2 months she is my most nursing dependent infant to that age. She loves extreme dad play, unlike Naomi, so Luke's all into flipping and flying her around. She claps and has a chunk style "Yey" down...did I mention she is cute as can be? The other newby has some great characteristics to work with, but lots of areas that are challenging. Waiting for new glasses, glad the school is going to give a referral so we can get a back up pair too because his glasses break easily for him. He is a reader! Yey! Him and Libs want to read, how refreshing for a parent! He is thoughtful and caring too. He has a great imagination and can be found in combat at any moment, drives when in a car, and also has some safety and rescue scenarios playing out. Very very lovable, so glad he's home!!

M. Luke

Baby pictures

Healthy. This was at camp too, we are enjoying getting to know you and look forward to your progress and adventures. You are delightful and imaginative, kind, and funny. We love you more than you might ever know and welcome you. We grieve with you and laugh with you forever more!

Cake was a book and gift was a nook. Cheers to a lifetime of celebrations and birthdays! Praise God!

Noah Curtis

My little champion, Noah Curtis is now 5! He is a very happy here because he got a trophy, we need to get him into something where he can really earn one, he would in many things! Natural and eager athlete, creative, and energetic.

Gather around the table, what better desert than birthday cake! Five years has been so fun with him and Noah is such a neat kid, everyone loves Noah and we cherish our time to watch him grow and raise him.

Happy Birthday Noah, you are a strong and beautiful person with great heart and passion, may God bless you and keep you. He requested marshmallows for his cake, so the baseball got some texture. And while at home, I have let go of wardrobe expectations. XOXO Noah!

David Andrew

Camp Picture! Lillie needs a bow for her outfit, looks like we skipped cabin cleanup, but David is quick to help out with his baby sisters and loves on them.

David turned 15!! Amazing, that he now be so old!! He's like growing into a man, and I want my lil boy still!! Wow! That was the best of an orange cake I could come up with.

Must have been concentrating on a wish! I am still stuck that he is growing up, and that isn't fair yet!! He is a charming brother and son, he has great ideas and can be the best of helpers. He has been doing great in school and we are so happy for him! He likes biking and doing things with friends, he is thoughtful. We are blessed to have David, and he keeps us on our toes! We are glad he is our son and we take such joy in knowing that our Father in heaven has a perfect plan for his life and we will continue to steer David to great opportunities and adventures, he is awesome! Happy Birthday David!!

Yeah! Glad to be back! It feels like a celebration of sorts everyday and I cannot write much!! We are full into school year swing around here and smoothing into good things. Here are some favorites...

My mom with Lillie. Lillie gets to be in all the pics, and it's so cute to watch the girls grow fond of my mom. I love her dearly and wish she didn't have a full time job and live an hour away.

My Darling and I. Mommy and daughter, best love ever!

And my baby cat, Lola, what a honey!

Alive and Well

Wow! No wonder I have been wanting to blog...it's been so long I forgot what we did, that's why I love blogging for archive. The camera holds the proof! School is underway. I am a firm believer of we get what we expect from our public schools and I am comfortable with where everyone is at this year, so that feels good. Always smoothing wrinkles, that is motherhood:) Luke went back to work full time, we are getting more services to try and get ahead of some games and keep up with others! Since the newby, God has weighed some things on my heart, and I am rejoicing. In our international daydreams of serving one people in the name of Christ, people are everywhere that haven't been exposed or might not otherwise understand the relationship of God and themselves. So in all my spare time I am envisioning opportunities. Hopefully soon, yours truly, Katie Crying baby wins every time