Skin and farming

I think this past weekend can be summed up best by saying it was the best of weekends, it was the worst of weekends. Let's start off with the tough parts. Friday kicked off with Colin having quite a good wipeout on his balance bike. He's a tough one though and he hasn't even let the swollen lip phase him. Here he is ready for his first day of 3 year old preschool. He has been asking to go back since July - so happy to see him so excited to start back:-)

And then this poor little hand,belongs to Evan. We had Evan allergy tested last week and were thrilled to hear the news that he was showing no allergy to dairy! Yay! This opens up quite the world of eating for a 15 month old and introduced two slices of cheese. Within 48 hours, both hands, feet and some parts of his body had a severe eczema breakout that resembled burns... Apparently, you can rarely show a false negative and we won't be introducing dairy for quite some time. Thankfully, except for his skins horrid appearance it doesn't seem to be bothering him much. We are just being extra careful to keep the skin clean (he's a greater risk for infection) and neosporined up so he hopefully won't have permanent scarring from the issue. So not a good skincare weekend in our family to say the least!

But the good parts were really good. We were able to go to my cousins outdoor wedding on Saturday. Hard to believe with this mornings cool weather that temps were close to 100 degrees for her big day! Saturday was probably the worst for poor Evan's skin so we decided to keep him home in the air conditioning and Kurt stayed with him. I instead got to take my oldest two boys for dates:-)
I know this may be hard to believe but my boys idea of a great time is not hanging out at a wedding. I was a little nervous to take them but my parents had promised to help out in watching them. Turns out I was worried for nothing, the wedding was at a beautiful winery and they had pretty much thought of everything. The winery had a ginormous Rainbow play system and 3 inflatables for the kids to play on during the reception!My beautiful cousin Amanda playing with Colin at the reception.

The boys and I spent the night at my aunt and uncle's and had an amazing time "working on the farm" Sunday morning. We collected eggs:Uncle Fred took the boys to what he calls his "toy store", aka a barn filled with about 5 tractors and gave them each a turn driving the tractors. They were in heaven!

Here's a few more from our time on the farm.This farm has so many special memories from my own childhood, so thankful to see my boys now creating their own memories here too:-)

And so it begins...

This week we began a whole new phase for our family. Grant went to 1st grade! He was nervous and excited. A new school, a new uniform, and a much longer day than any of us are used to. He has had a good week, but a very trying emotional week. Tears have been shed. This isn't that surprising since its his way of dealing with stress when he's overwhelmed. But we are thankful he wakes up everyday and ready to go and tackle it again. We really think over the next few weeks we'll all adjust to the new situation and enjoy the structure school provides.

We chose to put Grant in a private school that offers a Classical Christian education. If you aren't familiar with the Classical approach, Chuck Swindoll just did a great breakpoint on it this week. You can check it out here: http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/breakpoint/listen/classical-schools-back-to-a-better-education-218122.html

We learned of the Classical approach before Grant could even walk and we fell in love with the school at that point and knew it would be something we would at least have to try for our family. As the time got closer, many obstacles came in the way. The school is located 25 minutes away and is in a temporary location since it doesn't have the funds to build (the school is in its 5th year). But we both knew that it was our first choice and decided to make a go of it. God answered prayers very abundantly. The car pool situation is a huge blessing! I am okay with Grant traveling that far but I was not willing to make my younger two spend hours in the car each week taking Grant back and fourth. Currently, we share the responsibility with 3 other families. So in a month that has 40 trips, we drive 10 of those. What a praise!! We are taking it year by year, but so far the positives are way outweighing the negatives. Not to mention there are only 7 kids in his class. We love the small class, and feel its a great fit with Grant's personality.

I am surprised by how much I miss Grant during the day. I am trying to pray for Grant every time that twinge of missing him hits, so he is definitely being covered in prayer throughout the day. Don't get me wrong, its easier having just two most of the day to take care of. I think it just makes me even more thankful for the years I did get to spend with him - all day, every day:-) I know its so cliched, but its true - the days are long, but the years are short. On a bright side, I am loving seeing the friendship develop between Evan and Colin. Now that Colin doesn't have his big buddy to play with, he suddenly has a lot more interest in Evan. Evan loves it and I love hearing the chuckles they share so often during the day.
Today Colin and Evan were being particularly quiet in the playroom together. I went to check on my little buddies and found them hidden in the corner eating -a big no, no outside of the kitchen. But when I realized they had nabbed apples as their forbidden snack, I couldn't help but laugh.

On a serious note, my neighbor received some terrifying news last week. Her 5 year old daughter has been diagnosed with brain cancer that has spread to her spine... The week she was scheduled to start kindergarten she instead underwent her first surgery to remove the tumor from her brain. If you think of it, please pray for this family. They have a long road ahead of them. If you would like to find out more and follow her story, you can search for EllaReidMasonnews on carepages. The family appreciates your prayers during this trial!! It has made me step back and realize how many frivolous things that I set my mind on during the day and I am making a concentrated effort to appreciate each moment I have with my loved ones. Its a gift, not a given!

Where is life's pause button?

Wow. All I can say is wow. I really do believe I'm having the best summer of my life thus far. Is that weird to say? Oh well, I'm just gonna say it because I just feel so richly blessed. Each of my 3 kids is truly at a point where I wish I could just hit the pause moment for a long time. Such sweet ages 6 (almost), 3.5, and a hilarious but busy 14 months. I find when Kurt comes home its a very welcome surprise and not a moment when I scream FINALLY. I think its so good because its been filled with special extended family moments AND in our own little family precious, precious time.

My oldest (by the grace of God) has outgrown some really challenging years. There were of course sweet, moments and days during those years but also some challenges that at points felt unsurmountable and wondered what the future would have for us. He struggled with sensory integration issues which caused for some hard, challenging times for all of us. For those of you not familiar with sensory issues, its basically a catch all that shows up differently in each child. Every child has something, but some children are more severe and benefit from occupational therapy (OT). Its hard to explain how it affects your life but one example I can give is that we lived through tantrums lasting A LONG TIME every.single.day in the summer because he couldn't stand the feel of sunblock on his skin. He would scream as if I were putting burning water on his skin. I was so thankful today as I took all 3 kids to the pool, applied sunblock, and thought that was sooo easy. It definitely helped us to have some perspective we would have not otherwise have had. I remember telling the OT one day years ago what a good day we had that week. She said at some point we would have good WEEKS and that having a "bad" day would be unique. I remember laughing at that and not seeing how it could happen. But sure enough of the course of the last year, it has and we give God ALL the glory. Through therapies and maturity HE unlocked such a special little boy we are so thankful to have!!

And for my middle, he always has been such a joy and came out of the womb pressing the "easy to love" button. He has his hard headed/sinful moments of course but his compassion and caring at such an early age is such a blessing.

And our mischievous toddler who loves to smile, clap his hands until he falls down, and proudly struts around sticking out his baby belly is just at a fun age. I think two may be a challenge when I see how strong willed he already is, but will face it hand on with God's grace and mercy and find joy in the journey!

I know that the future will have its share of challenges -- some we know like Grant being in all day school :-( and some will surface that we aren't aware of now but I pray that we take it a step at a time and just pause and thank God for His goodness and letting us experiencence this season of joy and happiness in our lives.

I'll post some pictures of our fun summer and we look forward of what's to come (but it can take its time getting here), in the meantime we'll be by the pool enjoying what God has given us:-)Atlanta Aquarium - worth the high priced admission!A morning of green eggs. Can you guess which book Grant was reading to his brothers that morning?:-)Conquering some fears on vacation on the Chipmunk Challenge Course:-)
Colin is a kids after my own heart, he can hang out in a float and entertain himself in the water for hours!
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Sunny Days are Here to Stay...

or at least I can hope so after a rainy, bleak few months. We enjoyed getting out in the PERFECT weather and having fun on the swing set.
A little chaotic, but a whole lot of fun!
Thankful for a beautiful morning with my boys and looking forward to another week of great temps!

On Repeat

One nice thing about having 3 little boys is that Grant's original clothes have gotten PLENTY of use. I had to smile when I compared my boys in one my favorite little outfits.
I laugh when I see the live plant in the above photo. Let's just say after three kids, anything left within that close of reach nowadays is not living.

Whoa, throw back to curly haired Crystal days. Let's just say, Colin filled out the outfits the most of any my boys - love/d that little chunky monkey.

A little blurry, but my latest stud showing off his new hair cut. So excited and blessed to be celebrating my 5th Mother's day tomorrow. It has gone so fast, but I do believe each year grows sweeter!

A Trip South

The boys had quite the eventful Spring Break. Kurt took Grant and Colin to visit his brother (and lovely bride) in south Georgia. They flew into Jacksonville (a little over an hour away from where his brother lives).Colin's first time on an airpline - the boys loved taking off:-)

I highly recommend south Georgia for a vacation for little boys!! The boys got to visit the Okefenokee Swamp. Where alligators are EVERYWHERE.
Notice the sign saying: No Pets Allowed. They tell story after story about leashed pets left in the parking lot becoming a snack for the alligators. Yikes!And the second, oh the second day - it makes me tired just thinking about but just a little teensy bit jealous that I didn't get to do the fun stuff. Kurt visited his Aunt and Uncle where they fished, drove a boat and golf cart, played in a private lake, and climbed on blueberry pickers! Next time we'll have time to time a visit when blueberries are in season - yum!And you can't fly into Florida without spending a day at the beach. The boys first time in the ocean!!Here they are trying to convince Evan and I that they missed us. I'll take it!!:-) The boys loved the trip and got to do awesome things but the best part was spending quality time with beloved family. So thankful Kurt was brave enough to take them and thankful for family that made it the great trip it was. Next time though all 5 of us will be joining:-)

Hello Spring, Goodbye Winter

Well, I guess this poor blog was quite unattended to this past winter. The time seems to be passing quickly and I'm almost surprised by green grass and daffodils blooming - but definitely not disappointed.

Since its been awhile, I'll update with pics and just a little commentary.

Grant started afternoon kindergarten in January. I decided to make sure he was at his freshest for school everyday by staying home in the mornings and using the last little bit of time before full day school to sleep in, stay in pjs, and have more snuggle/play time. The boys have absolutely loved it, becoming quite the homebodies. We were previously used to a calendar full of play dates or activities. I have wavered from loving every single second of having all my boys together every morning to feeling a little like ground hog day where the same day seems to repeat over and over again.

Here's some of my favorites from our relaxed mornings:Do bubbas get any cuter than when in matching pajamas??? I think not. Of course, with 3 little boys relaxing mornings always involve plenty of this too:

Spidermen in action practicing their super powers:-)

And of course we have officially moved into the whole Stars Wars genre. Here is Grant as a stormtrooper at a Stars Wars event at our library.Colin made the cutest conductor while honing his finger painting skills:We had an unwelcome visitor for around two weeks this winter too:A nasty stomach bug infected everyone with the exception of Daddy.

Soaking up every last bit of warm weather while it lasts. As this week proved, its still the time of year warm weather is here today and then gone for too long!And this adorable 10.5 month old squirt, goes from his adorable grin to this:
a screacher in no time flat. He has figured out the louder he screaches the more attention he gets. But not to fear, he switches back to a smile once he gets his desired attention:-) I also had my breakdown sob moment when Evan proudly took his first steps by himself this week. It appears that "my baby" has no intention of staying that way for long.

So here's the quick update on our lives and our precious boys. Thankful for having a quiet, but full of quality time together winter. Looking forward to the activities of spring/summer quickly approaching:-)

Catching Up

Happy 2011 everyone!

We are already two weeks into the year and so many exciting changes are going on around here. We had put our house on the market at the end of the year. Surprisingly, even with great curb appeal we didn't get an offer...
I mean who wouldn't want a house with a jacked up 'rolla missing a wheel in the driveway;-) Just kidding, the car only stayed like this for an hour or so while my awesome hubby fixed the car.

All in all, it was surprisingly a good experience. I learned that I can keep the house in excellent condition when I try hard enough (not that this is always the expectation, but I think I had been giving myself too much slack at times), looking at other homes in other areas helped us to realize how much we love where we are currently and blessed to be in the home we are in, and probably the best part was forcing us to declutter and purge closets and the unfinished basement - both of which were way overdue! We ended up coming in second on the list of potential homebuyers two times and the day we took it off the market had an offer to rent our house for 3 years for more than double our mortgage. For such a slow time on the market and only trying to sell it for 3 months, I was happy with the amount of interest on it. But am thrilled to not have to worry about showings for a LOOONG time!

In the meantime, we are doing a little renovating in the kitchen. Here's a before pic:
here's a during pic:countertops and the border (Praise God!) are gone. Already missing my kitchen faucet, its one of those things that you use, oh say, about every hour. But it should be back by tomorrow night:-)

Each of our precious boys has also had an interesting couple of weeks:
Grant started kindergarten! Yes, starting mid year is a tad unusual but we are so proud of Grant adjusting very quickly. Grant has a late summer birthday and the school he will attend for elementary (Lord willing) has a early summer cut off. We were fine with this and had him in 4 year old preschool. After counsel from his preK teacher and finding the program he is in, we decided to make the switch to kindergarten. We really didn't know how things would go, but we have been thrilled with how much Grant wants to go everyday and is quickly progressing in academics. He wrote his first "story" tonight. It says, Grant has cars and jets. Seriously, two weeks ago he had no interest in writing beyond his name so this is exciting for us. What does this mean for next year? We don't know for sure. He will most likely be doing kindergarten again because the school he will go to has a rigorous behavioral and academic standards. We really think he would benefit by having another year of maturity before going to a whole day school. But, we are holding our plans loosely. As God so clearly showed us, He has a perfect plan and will show us that plan in His timing. I wasted many hours worrying about what to do, when God showed us at the right time. So honestly, I don't know what next year will look like and that's okay, but God has his perfect plan for Grant. Although I always knew it, its so joyful to have full belief in it!

And for our super huggable yet very devious middle child? Well Colin quickly mastered potty training. In a little over two weeks Colin had the whole thing down, including night time and naps. Sometimes it pays to wait until they are older. We are so thankful for an easy transition!
And for our sweet baby, Evan James? Who is already eight months old. EIGHT MONTHS OLD!! After getting his first ear infection and not being able to get over it with antibiotics and having fluid hanging out in his ears, we were being advised tubes would be best for him. God gave me great peace about the surgery and it went very smoothly. It only broke my heart when he woke up from the anesthesia. They warn you that they may be really upset, but it was so hard to hold him and not be able to calm him down for over 30 minutes! I ended up taking him home still crying. He cried home (we were only a couple of miles from where they put them in), I bring him in crying, he sees his brothers and starts cracking up with laughter. Ahhh, for as a crazy as my house is, there is always so much joy too. He is sleeping through the night, something he hadn't done since he got the infection in November and already added ba ba and ma ma to his vocabulary. I would say we are all thankful for the surgery!

And for Kurt and I, we feel God is continuing to change and grow us. I have started a fantastic new devotional on the proper way to view food called the Lord's Table. Its not a diet but a devotion to taking care of yourself in way that glorifies God and making sure you aren't using food to fulfill something that only God can. I'm excited to grow in this area of my life as it has always been a struggle for me.

Kurt at one point was looking into a different position within Toyota, but after much prayer God made it apparent that he is to stay where he is at. Kurt said it was like having cold water splashed on his face and it has really re-energized him in his current role. I'm so thankful for this, Kurt has always worked so hard to provide for us so I am so happy to see him at peace where God has him.

So we continue on in 2011 seeking, changing, and TRUSTING in our Almighty Saviour. We pray the same for your family this year as well!
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11