Top.... Pics and Memories of 2013

Reflecting back, and looking at pics is such a fun thing to do. I couldn't narrow it down to just 10, so here are our top... however many pics/memories of this year.

#1 of 2013 is when Elijah came into our family on April 27.

1b. meeting brother and sister

From here on out, in no particular order, it's just how they uploaded:

London trip in March to see Krissy!!!

Enjoying the sunshine and backyard... with Tim (and Sophie!)

Little boys, will be... little boys... mud puddle splashing!

These two... love them just as much as they love each other.

SNOWman building!!! We enjoyed the snow in the early part of the year!

When Grandma Jannie came for a visit and 

we went to see the castle about 20 min. from our house!

Brother/sister love... play, fun, backyard. love it.

Greece TRIP!!!! Making new/old friends.

Fall Pumpkin hunting at the farm

Love his beard. Love this boy.

 Strasbourg Trip with friends... #Christmas2013

oh brothers.

(Stephen only): got to see the Tour de France around the Arc de Triomphe

NanNan's visit and lots of fun with her!

And, the beginning of school with princess and batman. 

Looking back, it's been an amazing year. We are blessed beyond what we could have ever asked or imagined from the Lord. He's blessed us with each other, our 3 little treasures, friends, travel, weather (getting to see hot and cold!),  and all around lots of great adventure. We are excited for what 2014 holds and are thankful we can trust Him who holds it in His hands. 

Church Christmas Play... My Angel and My Mary...

This past Sunday our church put on it's Christmas Program... and it was so fun. We are so blessed by friends and brothers and sisters who have loved and cared for us as family here in France. We also had a fun little surprise that Sadie got to be Mary in the children's nativity story. 

Here are her and her little side kick getting ready for the part with another angel.

This is one of the sweet youth who love our kids. She is precious.

 Mary and Joseph, making the long journey...

Apparently, the journey was hard on her... ;-) 

Noah was not suppose to be up beside her at this point, 

but I just chalk it to her "guardian angel"

Here are the angels singing praises to God!

Children's choir...

And here is our adult choir singing, 

Prince of Peace... it was amazing!!!! 

So thankful for the love of God's international family!!!

Merry Christmas to all our friends and family around the world!

The Twinkle of Bedtime...

Peering through my little treasures' doorway, this is what I see...

A little glow radiates from around their bunk beds as they sleep.

it's christmas time, you know.

My heart is tender. I'm tired from a long day. But my heart over flows. 

They are dreaming about the story

 daddy just told them as he tucked them in...

they sleep.

my princess...

I'm so thankful for her. 

the hard days. the laughs. the strong will. the tears. dress up.

and oh yes... the drama! 

i love her.

 And my first born son. 

100% of the day he is wild. 

he is tender. he funny. he is a copy cat of his big sister.

my heart swells.

i love him.

rest well my treasures. another day will start too soon. 

i will keep these moments close to my heart.

thank you Lord Jesus for these 2. keep them always in Your care.

"The Days are Long, but the Years are Short"

My little boy who turned my world upside down... is now 3 years old. Seems like yesterday the doctor said, "We need to induce you. The baby will be safer outside, than inside of you." I thought I still had a month to go in pregnancy... but in God's perfect timing, my little baby, unknowingly was a little boy... arrived

November 8, 2010

8:28 pm

in Boone, NC 

USA

So, in celebration of this little wild man... 

who loves Toy Story and Buzz Lightyear... we had of course: 

Pin the alien in the claw 

(blind folded: pin the tale on the donkey)

 For a boy who LOVES HOTDOGS... we had a full out hotdog and chili night!

 With a mom-made Toy Story Cake!

Lots of friends over to open presents... 

we are blessed to have family and friends here in France with us

and of course... to enjoy birthday cake

little brother watching and taking it all in. 

(hello chunky cheeks)

The aftermath of cake and toys...

my 3 year old!!!

I've read recently... 

"the days are long, but the years are short."

...so very true...

My Mr. 6 Month!

That's right… hehe

  

oh haha… mama… I am 6 mo!

AND… I'm eating big boy food now!

 Insert spoon here mama

Don't let go...

My 34th Birthday... Really?!?

There are many a day when I wake up and feel 25 years old... and wonder where these three kids came from. I laugh at myself, seriously, as 25 is nearly 10 (!!!) years ago. Where as the time gone and whose kids are these? They're cute and fun... so I'll keep them... but I'm not old enough to be a mom. At least, that's how I feel. 

I am blessed beyond measure with a husband who loves me, is faithful to me and is an amazing father to my children. He's taken me around the world and shown me sights and wonders I dreamed of as a young girl. What a guy!! Love him. Thankful for him. Will forever keep and treasure him.

I am blessed with 3 heathy and beautiful treasures... and am thankful for each moment with them. They exhaust me, make me want to scream (well, lets be honest... I do from time to time...), and they are 100mph every day. They are loud, dirty, silly, fun, crazy, and wonderful. Yes, they are the reasons I'm starting to see a little salt among my brown hair. I wouldn't trade them for the world. 

I'm blessed by the assurance of my future. Jesus loves me and He holds my tomorrow in His hands. Whatever I face, I'm not alone. I know it won't always be good, but the One who will be there with me is my good Shepherd. 

34 years... Wow. Really? I'll take it. And I feel like every laugh line on my face was earned... as well as every gray hair. 

Here are some of the joys of my day:

 Cookie cake, my fav: 

Homemade from scratch by Stephen. 

Decorated by Sadie...

 and Noah

 A new lens for my camera!! 

50mm... what i've been wanting!!!

forgot to take a pic of the decorated cake until we got here...

it was SOOO GOOD!

And... birthday smiles from my baby...

Happy 34th birthday to me (on Sept. 21st, trying to post in a timely manner)... 

oh what a blessed woman I am.