Things You Never Want To Hear...

Giant sneeze... pause, then:

"WOW, BIG BUBBLE!"

Noah (2)

Overheard...

Daddy: YOU, Don't take your brothers cheerios!

And, YOU, Don't hit your brother!

Mommy chuckles in the background...

The Twinados strike again.

Decisions

While I'm making dinner:

Mommy: Hey, Sweetie, are you gonna go play, or what?

Noah (2): What.

Visiting Cousins

While in Portland, we were able to make a stop at Tammie and Ed's for a couple nights.  We had a wonderful visit, and the kids LOVED playing together.  I have not stopped hearing about how much the boys want to see their cousins again!  I hope we can see them again soon, too!

Jonah, Sarah, Emily, and Holly, wearing silly potato head glasses.

I just love those girls!  Giving hugs good-bye.

Holly, Noah, Caleb, Matt, Emily, Sarah, and Jonah enjoying a snack.

It is really hard to get 7 kids to sit still for a picture! ;o)

Andy, Holly, Jonah, Caleb, Noah, Emily, and Sarah.

This was HILARIOUS!  Jonah wore the pink princess bike helmet most of the time we were there.  He just thought it was the coolest thing ever.  And paired with the pink keyboard, he is a regular 80's rock star... He is going to hate me for posting these one day... ;o)

Jonah loved snuggling with Sarah

A Medley

I overheard Jonah (2) singing the other day....

"Twinkle, twinkle, little star,

Next time won't you sing with me!"

Great Friends & Princess Cakes

Back in the day, as wedding planners, newlyweds, and dreamers, Matt and Beth Twist became some of our closest friends. As the years have passed, we have enjoyed Paradise vacations in Hawai'i, twice, as the Twists' visited us there, welcomed 5 little ones between our 2 families, enjoyed countless rum-n-cokes and many laughs. It is a rare find to have another couple in your life that, regardless of time and distance, you can connect with, share life with, and when you get the joy of being together, it feels like no time has passed at all. We had so much fun getting our kiddos together, and watching them explore their new friendship... One that, I am sure, will grow much through the years. (Katie is gonna have all 4 boys whipped into shape before long!) Beth was not able to make it the the Girl Party Night, so, instead, she brought the party to us! I about wet my pants when she brought out the Princess Birthday Cake she made, complete with a ballerina cut-out of... me! HAHA!

Matt and Beth, we adore you. Your friendship has meant so much over the last decade, and we look forward to the coming years as well. Beth, you are amazing... your talent and creativity never cease to amaze me. Thank you for gifting me with your hilariously adorable cake!

Princess Cake

Dancing Christine


A work of art! ;o)

The Boys: Jonah, Noah, Jack, and Caleb

At Play

A quick snack

I can't believe I didn't get any of Katie!!! To see this amazingly adorable Little Girl, check out Beth's Blog.

Annoyed

After a late night at church, we loaded the kids up to take 'em home to bed. On our way Noah was super cute, being Mr. Chatty about everything. Caleb, being pretty tired told him:

Noah, stop talking with your words!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

For my 30th birthday, I wanted to celebrate with some of my closest girlfriends, and of course, my Mom. I wanted to toast them all and, really, celebrate them... for the difference they have all made in my life. I had a magical evening sharing great food at PF Changs, yummy drinks at Henri's, and a night of dancing at Aura... All in beautiful downtown Portland! Sheri, my closest girlfriend from college, arranged the whole night and everyone there made it so very special. I am so blessed to have such amazing women to share my life with. You are all treasured.

My beautiful Mom, sister-in-law Nikai (and Baby Blueberry, too)

and Sheri
My beautiful, strong, courageous, funny, life loving mother... Mom... you are a gift to me.

Nikai... You are precious. I am so blessed to call you my sister.

My sisters-in-law, Tammie (Matt's sister) and Jenn, (Matt's brothers wife). I love you girls... I am so happy God made you my family.

Colleen, I adore you, and Tami...as you said, we have shared the last 18 years together. What a gift you both are. I look forward to many more years of friendship.

My sweet Sheri... I treasure you. College roommates, my maid of honor, you are a jewel. Thank you for all you did to make this night so special

All of us at dinner... it was such a great night!!!

Theology 101

Jonah (2): Jesus is just like Spiderman.

Preferences

At breakfast...

Mommy: Jonah, do you want some chocolate milk, too?

Jonah (2): No chocolate milk, Mommy. Just chocolate.

Celebrating 30 Years

30 years. Really, it's not a lot at all. But I am thrilled to say that that is how many years I have been blessed to journey on this Earth. Today, I felt so treasured. One of the best days... Ever. Simply because I was surrounded by people who love me. Ones that I love, and treasure, and value more than anything. And it was a day for me to remember. Where I came from. What I have. And to offer my thanksgiving to the Lord, Who is the One that has gifted me with my breath, and my beautiful family. I sit at the end of the day on my 30th birthday, thankful for all that has been, all that I have, and all that is to come...

Etta, Emily and I enjoying our girl time in the hot tub!

Emily and Baby Etta whisked me away this morning to enjoy a delectable feast, (prepared by the Master Chef, Emily) of mango-tango-black bean salsa, YUM, and an Amazing chicken salad, and Mimosas! YUMMY! Em had everything set up with her mother and father in law to have us come to their place to enjoy their HOT TUB! Steve and Cathy had everything set up and ready for us girls! Emily's sister-in-law, Molly, has been home visiting and joined us for our morning Girl Time! Molly, you are SO MUCH FUN! Thank you for sharing it with us! Emily,you are a gift to me. I am so thankful for your friendship!

After I came home, I pulled out a recipe for this cake that I have been holding on to for weeks! It is a Moist Lemon Cake, with Lemon Frosting and Blueberries! It was YUMMY!!!

Yes, I am lighting my own candles, so Matt could get pictures... Matt was incredible... He let me sleep in, and then decorated the house, just like I do for all my boys. The Boys were so excited to throw me a party! The Little Boys woke me up in the morning singing "Happy Mommy To You, Happy Mommy To You!" It was the BEST!
Getting ready to make our wishes... I can't think of anything... my wishes are all there in the room with me...

Daddy was the BEST! He took the boys to the store to get all our party supplies, including the silly straws, and party blowers!

Noah

Caleb

JonahWhat a day... What a gift!

On Ageing, Part 2

When lighting all 30 of the candles on my birthday cake...

Noah (2): WOW! That's A LOT of candles!!!