The Snyder Family

Favorite Family Pictures

2012-01-19T02:28:00.000-08:00

We had our annual photo shoot with Jonalee Earles again in Oct. 2011. I didn't post them originally because we wait until after Christmas when all the family gets their copies of pictures :) So here are my favorite. It's hard to capture all of us together in one good picture but we did manage to get one good family shot and some of the boys!

Nicholas is 1...(again...found I wrote two posts, oh well)

2012-01-19T02:07:00.001-08:00

It's so hard to believe a year (now 13 months) has passed since your birth...goes so fast! Can I just say I think you are the cutest, sweetest baby ever?!!! Your smile brings me so much joy. You are just precious.

You are a busy one year old. You started army crawling around 7 months, on-your-knees crawling around 9 months, and then you became our earliest walker in December--taking your first few steps around New Year's and then becoming a full walker around January 8th--that means not much crawling and walking all over and now getting to a standing position on your own from the floor. You just love to cruise all over the house. You are very content on your own just investigating. I'm so thankful you are content--not sure what I'd do if you couldn't play and entertain yourself! :)

You are just a happy boy. You are still not my best sleeper but you've become much better the past two weeks. You are moving to one nap a day but it's early in the day so you go to bed pretty early--which is fine except you're waking me up between 4 and 4:30 a.m. every morning crying for milk--which after 10-11 hours in understandable so I get up to get you some but I don't usually make it back to bed--ugh, it can make for a very tired Mommy come 7 p.m. :) Thankfully you do go back to sleep until 7:30ish! Hopefully your nap will gradually move later and then you can go to bed later and HOPEFULLY in-turn you'll wake up later hungry!

You aren't talking yet but that's no surprise. I've learned the more brothers you have the later you're going to talk! :) It's a pattern in our family but you did break the pattern for walking so we'll see. You just started waving bye-bye. We are trying to get you to point--as the doctor says this is important :)

Nicholas, you are a joy, and such a blessing to our family. I am so happy I get to "Mommy" you. I do sometimes wish I could spend more focused time with you but I do cherish the sweet moments of play I get to have with you.

Praying your life will be long, blessed, and joy-filled in the Lord!

Love you lots,

Mommy

LOVE YOUR SMILES and those blue eyes!!

So overdue again...December happenings

2012-01-14T03:12:00.000-08:00

Pregnant, homeschooling, still recovering from holiday "hangover" and trying to maintain the home :) doesn't allow me the time I'd like to keep up with pictures and blog, oh well...my posts are just always late...

I tried once again this year to get as much done early (in November) as I could knowing December, no matter what, is so busy...it was better this year but still not want I want this year to be. Somehow I hope we can get to where we don't travel for Christmas and I think that would make all the difference--with 6 kids, people are going to have to come to us :)

We celebrated a b-day on Dec. 14th--hard to believe Nicholas...you're 1 !!!

A highlight of the year is when Conner gets to perform in his ensemble group at the Christmas concert at the church. Conner, you did a great job again this year. Another fun thing you were able to do--is all the ensemble groups met together to play songs in the lobby at church between services. This was a great way for you to get some practice in front of lots of people. You played great but we have to work on smiling :)

In December we enjoyed 24 days of activities as you boys LOVE opening a door each day to see what they might get to do. I enjoy this too but again, it adds to the craziness of the month! I passed on doing our Jesse Tree this year and we just did an advent devotional in the mornings and sometimes at night. We did some school but ended up taking most the month off. Some of our traditions include taking you boys to buy gifts for each other. This year we took you all to Target and had you draw a brother's name. You had a treat at Starbucks while Daddy or I took one of you at a time to pick out a gift. It couldn't be more than $10. Then you all went to pick out an ornament for your tree. You boys have your own tree in the basement that you get to decorate each year with your ornaments. I think come a few years now, we'll have to invest in a much larger one!

Eli--you got a unicorn ornament--how fitting for you

this year--you've been crazy about unicorns half the year!

Conner you picked out a Star Wars ornament since

this year you watched it for the first time

Nate, not sure why you got a gingerbread man

but you did :)

Jacob, you wanted a Rudolph ornament

since it lit up and you watched it for the first

time this year

Another tradition is that the week of Christmas you open your gifts from your Great-grandparents. This year you opened Nana and Grandpa Bell's and you all go pillow-pets--something you'd been asking for! Your reactions to getting them was priceless--so happy! I got that on video, no pictures. Loved it! I saved Great-grandma and Grandpa Milliner's for Christmas morning--but you got a new big bean bag for your reading corner from them. We saved Grammy and Pawpaw's many gifts for when they came on New Year's weekend and you opened Grandma and Pap's in Ohio.

You boys loving your pillow pets--Eli your face

is so sweet in this picture

On Christmas Eve night you opened your new p.j.'s that you get every year to wear for Christmas morning--I debated on buying these this year because really only Nate and Nicholas wear pj's. I bought--too much money spent, and though cute on...not worth it if you don't wear them--though they get passed down each year and one day Nate and Nicholas might wear them unless they choose to be underwear sleepers too. :)

New pirate p.j.s for all!

We had good friends invite us over to have a Nativity show with all our kids. It was so much fun. Conner, you were the angel that appeared to Joseph and you memorized and spoke your words very well. Jacob, Eli, and Nate--you were the shepherds and did a great job. It was a fun time and hopefully will become a tradition.

We decided this year to change things up and have our "Christmas morning present opening" on Christmas Eve, which might become our new tradition. We've wanted to be able to have Christmas morning just be about celebrating Jesus b-day and we usually leave for our trip around 10 a.m. so that was a great decision especially for this year. We could really enjoy watching you boys open your gifts and you had time to play with them all day. You boys had fun opening your gifts. It's so hard to buy Christmas right after you all just had a b-day! Conner you had the best expressions and joy this Christmas. You were elated about almost every gift--especially the new clothes/shoes. You've become quite the fashion guy. You also loved getting the ninja costume you've been asking for. Jacob and Eli you had mixed emotions opening gifts. Not sure what you liked the best or if you liked anything...Nate you were great. You would open a gift and just play with it. You especially loved getting a whole box of food for your kitchen set. We enjoyed snowman pancakes for breakfast. I was able to clean up a little and pack that day and then we made it for worship at our Christmas Eve service--which was BEAUTIFUL!

Christmas morning you boys woke up early, of course, and came to the table to find your Nativity set without baby Jesus...I put this little set out just on Christmas morning. You had to go on a hunt to find the best gift of Christmas--baby Jesus in a gift box. You enjoyed this. Then for our big breakfast--our traditional Sunday casserole, sausage/cheese balls, baked french toast, and a cinnamon breakfast cake to celebrate baby Jesus! We ate, packed up, I cleaned, and then after rushing around for 5 hours, got in the van to sit at 10:15 for a seven hour trip to Ohio.

We had a nice visit to Ohio visiting Grandma, Pap, Ma'maw, and all your cousins. You played lots, enjoyed a visit to a bounce house, Chuckee Cheese, and more. Thankfully the weather was nice. The third night Nicholas woke up having thrown up in his pac n play...this led to 2 days of vomiting for him--clearly a stomach virus. I proceeded to get it on our car ride home--ugh and then each of you boys got it--one each day once we got back home. Not fun at all!! Daddy and I were up each night, multiple times scrubbing the floor, doing laundry, etc. Grammy and Pawpaw were warned about the virus but they decided to come for New Year's weekend anyway. They enjoyed a day and a half of health and then Grammy go the virus and was out of commission a day. Pawpaw was okay until he got back home and then he got it a little later. Oh me! Sadly because of Grammy being sick, I couldn't go to our annual friend's New Year's Eve party which is usually a highlight of our year. I missed doing that.

You cute boys in front of our montrous Christmas tree--12 feet tall and super round!

You know you're pregnant when...

2011-12-23T07:00:00.001-08:00

you're eating a chili dog at 10 a.m.! Yep, that's me right now...10 weeks pregnant with number 6! Feeling oh so tired, and most the time not hungry but right now a chili dog is perfect! :)

Overwhelmed by birthdays?

2011-12-15T15:34:00.001-08:00

I look at my last five posts and they're all b-days....too many in a row!! I'm exhausted!

2011-12-15T02:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Eli,

I failed to get a note to you on your birthday but didn't want anymore time to pass before I jotted down some words. Mommy loves you so much. You are such an energetic sometimes "out of control" boy. You are so affectionate and I love your sweet looks of adoration towards me and those times when you just blurt out of nowhere, "love you, Mommy". Aaahhh...it makes the STILL changing your dirty "pull-ups" bearable. Yes, now at four, if only we could get you potty trained. You just don't seem to have any desire to go at all. I keep you pantless most days and then you'll go potty but as soon as we go out and you get a pull up you are fine to go in your pants, oh me. Praying for you and me to get through the rest of this stage!

You have grown so much. You weigh the same as Jacob and you are moving into some size 5 clothes. You are a "thick" boy. You have thick stocky legs and you're long waisted like your Pawpaw. Speaking of Pawpaw...you love your Pawpaw and you two are best buddies when you get together. It's so special to watch.

You have enjoyed doing some preschool this year and you especially love to color. You are very diligent with your crayon and attentive to detail. You are great at cutting and you love doing little crafts.

We are trying to work on self-control with you. If something happens you don't like, you can just be set off and LOSE it! It can take much time to help you regain some control. You can cry the biggest tears I've ever seen and get so enraged. I'm praying you see your need for a Savior and how much Jesus loves you.

I can't believe you're "4"! Such a big guy! I love you much!

Look who's 1 !!!!

2011-12-14T02:32:00.000-08:00

So hard to believe a year has gone by since you were born Nicholas! I still remember vividly--Daddy being gone, me having some contractions during the night, calling Ms. Viv around 4a.m. to ask her to come get me, telling Grandma I'm heading to the hospital, driving with Ms. Viv in snow having contractions every 3-5 min., laboring pretty quickly but mildly at the hospital and having you born at 7:45 and Daddy arrived at 10:30 and was waiting in the post-partum room when I was moved. It was by far my easiest delivery.

You have been a joy! You have been our easiest baby in the sense that you are pretty much always happy and content. Even on those days when naps have to be short or not at all, you just roll with it with smiles! What a blessing that is! You have been challenging in that you STILL get up in the night/early morning screaming between 3-4 a.m. I thought your brothers took a long time to sleep through the night but you have them beat. It's been hard with you waking up because some mornings I just get up to give you a bottle and have to stay up since I get up at 4:45 anyway. Waking up at 4 a.m is just too early for Mommy! Praying God will help you learn to cry it out and sleep!

Your brothers love you and I especially love watching Jacob play with you. He is just silly with you and you laugh and follow him while he runs around. You are a busy guy--crawling all over and getting into things. You are standing up good and I'm sure any day now that first step will be coming. You started crawling up the stairs but I don't trust you to do it by yourself yet so I follow closely behind you. You are a great eater and LOVE pizza, like everyone in our family. Hoping to get you off a bottle soon and drinking out of a cup.

The time goes so quick...Happy Birthday Nicholas! Your birthday will be low-key today but we will give much thanks for you and smother you with hugs and kisses! Praying God's blessings to be upon your life.

Loving the theatre...

2011-12-11T03:22:00.000-08:00

Okay, so over the years between Daddy and I, and now taking you boys, we've spent a small fortune on "shows"--meaning live theatre. We love Glen Echo, Olney Theatre, Imagination Stage, The Kennedy Center and more! In fact we've found the best deal is to be a season subscriber to Glen Echo and Imagination Stage. You boys have loved dressing up and making up your own shows since you were little. Conner you were three and dressing up everyday! So, going to see shows makes sense for you all and you love it. We can't afford to take each of you to every show right now so we just base it on interest, what we're studying, age, and then we try to rotate and balance as best we can! I thought for my own record I needed to start jotting down some we've seen so I can keep track...

So for the 2010-2011 season, so far, we've enjoyed...

--Beethoven Lives Upstairs (Kennedy Center)

--Peter and the Wolf (Kennedy Center)

--Sound of Music (Olney Theater)

--Dr. Dolittle (Imagination Stage)

--Charlotte's Web (Glen Echo)

--Wind in the Willows (Imagination Stage)

--Aquarium (Imagination Stage)

--The Nutcracker

Soon to come...Lion King in January in Baltimore (it's fantastic and I can't wait for Conner to see it!!)

Eli, Jacob, and Conner at the Kennedy Center for Peter and the Wolf

Happy 5th Birthday Jacob!

2011-12-04T02:07:00.000-08:00

Oh my, so hard to believe Jacob that you are "5"! I still remember bringing you home from the hospital...so tiny! You got down to 4.7 lbs. You are now much bigger but still a lightweight guy. Eli is a year younger and weighs the same as you. Your eyes are still as beautiful and blue as they were the day you were born. It's taken awhile for you to grow into your big, blue eyes! They once seemed too big for your face :) but they are perfect! You are still hard for Mommy to figure out. Your personality changes often. You have become less shy in big groups and you love to play with your friends. I see you taking on more "leadership" with your little brothers when Conner is not around. You enjoy playing with little toy men--superheroes, pirate playmobil men, etc. You still struggle a lot with anger, whining, and some tantrum like behavior--just falling in the floor when you don't get what you want. I'm praying much for your heart and that God will graciously help you! You are very sensitive and get quite upset when there is yelling going on. You are a joyful boy most the time and I've seen much grace in you lately in the area of being tenderhearted towards your brothers and also in sharing your toys. You joyfully shared your b-day toys with your brothers. You are a sweet boy and a gift to our family. Mommy and Daddy and your brothers, love you very much!

Then...

Now...

Guess who turned 4?

2011-12-01T02:23:00.000-08:00

Yep, Eli, you had a b-day yesterday and Jacob tomorrow. You are both four years old for two days :) You had a fun day and will have your party tonight at Bounce U. I will write more later but wanted to tell you I love you and I'm so grateful for you! It was so fun to watch you open your gifts today because you LOVE unicorns and wanted everything unicorn so that's pretty much what you got. You have carried them around all day. You especially love your musical unicorn treasure box. Who knows maybe next year you'll love Star Wars or Legoes but this year it's unicorns :)

Love you!

Conner's B-day, late post

2011-11-26T02:29:00.001-08:00

An overdue post but wanted to quickly write about Conner's B-day. Conner, the weekend before your B-day, Daddy took you and three friends to Annapolis for their Pirates on the Chesapeake boat adventure. We did this the year before with your brothers and you loved it so much you wanted to go again with friends. Jacob was supposed to go too but because of behavior issues he wasn't allowed. Your closest friend Tyler got sick so he was unable to go so we invited your longtime friend Colin to go. You boys had a great time. It was a cool day and it started to rain towards the end of your boat ride but it didn't ruin the adventure.

The night before your b-day, Daddy and I decided to take you to Target and let you shop with b-day money you received. The was really the first time we had taken you "shopping" to pick out things. You had wanted a new pirate costume so you bought that, a new watch, a sword. You had suddenly become "overly" focused on fashion and wanted to have some skinny jeans, so we let you get some and you also picked out a shirt you liked. You really were almost more excited about the new clothes than anything!

You had a pirate b-day at our house too. For your main gift you got a new Playmobil pirate ship and treasure box with many pirates. You also got a new Star Wars Lego ship which you loved. Daddy helped you put that together later in the day. You and your brothers make cute pirates. For dinner you wanted to go to Red Robin at the mall and have a corn dog and then walk across the hall to Chic-fil-A for ice-cream and Looney Tunes on their t.v. So we had fun doing that.

The other highlight of your b-day is that we let you watch Star Wars. We had waited but thought you were ready to watch. You were able to watch it on our new "crazy" t.v., of course, you loved it!

You had a great b-day--can't believe you're 7!

Harvest Stuff

2011-11-26T02:11:00.001-08:00

Just for me to remember...Fall wasn't quite as "together" as I would have liked it this year. We were busy for so much of Sept. and Oct. that we failed to get to the orchard for our apple picking and to the pumpkin patch to get our pumpkins and cute pictures. I usually love the pics we get at the pumpkin patch. Oh well, can't get it all done. You boys didn't know the difference. We were able to do a "field trip" to Butler's Orchard with friends, and I'm so glad we did, so you could pick out a pumpkin and have fun on the slides and seeing the animals. We had a good time there, although I lost Nate twice. Ugh, why can't I remember to dress you all in bright colors. Thankfully he didn't wonder too far away but he wasn't easy to spot in the crowd!

We went to the Harvest Party again at church this year. You boys enjoyed getting dressed up, of course. Jacob you loved your Wolverine costume that Daddy and I had bought you. Eli and Nate, you just wore some costumes we had in at the house and Conner you put your outfit together about 30 min. before we left. Last year you changed at the last minute and dressed yourself up as a pirate and you did the same thing this year except you were a cowboy. You boys had fun at the church but ugh, not fun for Mommy and Daddy because candy is just too much of an idol for each of you. The constant whining, crying, trading, and asking for more candy is too much!

Conner (cowboy), Eli (dragon), Jacob (Wolverine), and Nate (Bullseye)

We did decide to go trick-or-treating for about a half hour on Halloween. This was the first year most of you did this. Conner went one time at age 4 but not since. You boys loved it. We just went to a few neighbors houses and thankfully you were fine to be done. Conner, you changed your costume for this night and went as a "spy".

A sweet visit!

2011-11-23T17:24:00.000-08:00

In October, we finally made a visit to your great-grandparents house up in the mountains of VA/WV. It had been four years since we went before, ugh! We see them every summer in N.C. but a trip to their house was long overdue. We had to get a hotel room in town and Daddy kept Conner, Jacob, and Eli and I stayed at the house with Nate and Nicholas and Grammy and Pawpaw were staying there too. It was wonderful to all be together. It was the weekend of their Pumpkin Festival up on the mountain so we enjoyed heading to that on Saturday. You boys loved riding on the ATVs down the back mountain roads. It's a completely different world up in those mountains from what we know here in Maryland. It was a refreshing break.

At the Pumpkin Festival you enjoyed a hayride, painting pumpkins, listening to some bluegrass music, and running around with your cousin Tanner. It was a sweet time of watching grandparents and great-grandparents love you boys.

My favorite memory was one night when kids were down, I joined Great-grandpa and Grandma in their bedroom as they were watching football. Great-grandpa was in the chair, Pawpaw and Great-grandma were on the bed and I joined them on the bed to chat. Three generations laying up in the room chatting...so thankful!

Great-grandpa Milliner with Nicholas

Trying to get a group picture

Grammy and Nicholas

Pawpaw and Nicholas

Nate, being very attentive to detail on his pumpkin

Eli, proud of his

A fun ride with Aunt Mimi

At the Pumpkin Festival with cousins, Emilee and Tanner

Daddy had some fun riding on this

Yes, it's a real pumpkin!

Praying today...

2011-11-22T02:57:00.000-08:00

Praying today for Nana--the best grandma and great-grandma in the world--to have a successful knee surgery!

A favorite!

2011-11-21T10:40:00.000-08:00

Late Post--County Fair

2011-10-22T02:47:00.000-07:00

We had a blast at the fair this year (well, most of us, Daddy doesn't like it and Nate doesn't like the noise) but they came anyway. We got there early in the day for wristbands and rode the rides for three hours with a few breaks. It was great having Kenna and Kaiya with us this year. You boys enjoyed all the rides and I had fun riding them with you--finally a year I wasn't pregnant and could join you in the fun! I didn't get to take many pictures since Daddy wasn't around and I was on the rides. :( We did manage to take our traditional picture on the tractor but missed having Nicholas in it. Grandma stayed home with him.

(not sure why Jacob is holding up three fingers

and notice Nate with ears covered, poor guy)

Eli and I bumping around

My 10 month old, Nicholas!

2011-10-12T16:58:00.000-07:00

Too cute is all I have to say about you Nicholas! Your smiles just make me smile :) and brighten my day. I don't know if I've ever seen a happier baby!! You have been busy the past two months and so I thought I better blog and catch up:

8 months--finally sitting up on own, army crawling

8 1/2 months--getting to sit up position from belly and still army crawling

9 months--cut top two teeth so now have four teeth

(teething has been hard for you...many up/downs in the night with you crying/biting on your fingers)

almost 10 months--pulling up to standing position, cutting another top tooth

No words or waves yet but we got the clapping and "give me 5"

luv you!

sitting up

starting to army crawl!

My Birthday Morning...

2011-10-12T03:27:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful way to spend my b-day morning...at the beach, on vacation, cinnamon rolls at sunrise...

oh my, Conner is 7!

2011-10-04T02:25:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it's been 7 years already! The time surely does go fast.

Conner,

You are so precious to me. Your daily love notes and hugs of affection make my life much sweeter. In the midst of school craziness or just in my running around you slip me a note or draw me a picture that says "I love you Mommy". How kind of God to use you to strengthen and encourage me like that. I also enjoy the daily hair brushing sessions we have as you like to "do" my hair while we do read alouds for school.

You are having so much fun right now as a new seven year old. Life is full with homeschooling, karate, violin lessons, string ensemble class, lego club, cub scouts and your farm literature class. You are also enjoying a new P.E. co-op that meets once a month and you have P.E. time with Daddy. Oh my, you have a lot going on! You enjoy it all as you have always loved to be around people! You are still my big extrovert--in fact we're working on having you restrain yourself sometimes so others can actually talk too--(which requires self-control, selflessness, humility, and so we remind, train, and pray).

You are still doing well in violin and ensemble class. You are now practicing the last song in your Suzuki book. It's been two and a half years but soon you'll move on. You seem to have a desire to learn piano too but for now we will stick with violin. You do enjoy making up songs on the piano in free time. We are really working on note reading since you have a natural tendency to learn by ear. It's important that you get the note reading!

You have been a very eager Tiger Cub. Daddy (a former Eagle Scout) gladly took on leadership of your den so you two are making a good team. You quickly get ready for your meetings because you love the uniform and you excitedly ask Daddy how you can help him. You memorized things fast and you will be getting your first badge soon. You have your first Pack hike in a few weeks with a bonfire so I know you'll love that.

Facts about you now: Favorite food--pizza, Favorite treat--anything with sugar, Favorite color-blue, Wanted to grow up and be an artist but since you went out with Daddy for P.E. to play tennis you now say you want to be a tennis player :), Favorite thing to do: color/art, Favorite dress up/show to create--PIRATES! You love anything pirate! Favorite movie right now: An old Disney movie--Bedknobs and Broomsticks (you love musicals--I look forward to taking you to The Sound of Music and Lion King this Winter)/ You also love Peter Pan. (Star Wars might quickly become your new favorite as we are going to let you now watch it with Daddy for your b-day).

You are a good big brother--always the leader and often leading them into imaginative play which they love. You have a lot of room to grow in being kind and loving towards them but I'm so thankful for the times when there is fun and sweetness between you all. You enjoy reading to Nate and Eli and you are great to play with Nicholas. You and Jacob---hmmm, depends on the minute, the hour, the day...,

You are still my crafty guy--you love art, crafts, coloring, etc. I'm not so crafty so you spur me on to be more creative in my planning of activities. You are still my lover of stories on cd. You will sit for a good hour listening to a story and reading/looking through books or sometimes building with some toy while you listen. You have always enjoyed listening to stories...I can remember reading Wrinkle in Time to you at early age 4 and you loved it. You still haven't grown into loving to read books by yourself although you are able to read pretty well. I have to require you for school to sit and read with me. This past summer you were motivated to read with a book chart and you read over 30 books by yourself, so I need to continue with that motivator!

You are still Mr. Social and love a good playdate with friends. Since during the school year it's hard to set up playdates, we joined a lego club so you could be with friends and also the P.E. co-op so you could play with more of your peers.

You are often very challenging for Daddy and I to train and care for but we do see glimpses of grace. You are can be quite the debater/arguer and take things very literal so we are still learning how to speak to you about things. We have seen growth in you and continue to pray that God will work mightily in you! There is much fruit and grace at work and we are thankful. We pray that the truth you know will affect and change your heart!

Conner, you are so special and dear to us. I love you MUCH and I am honored and so greatly privileged to be your mother! God has used you to change, sanctify, teach, and challenge me and I know that will continue and I'm thankful for that. You are a gift to our family and I'm so grateful for your joy, your excitement for things, your creativity and vivid imagination, your diligence, and love for your family.

Happy Birthday!

Love you,

Mom

My life is CRAZY but so very SWEET!

2011-09-25T03:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, just a post for me to remember that most days in this season with 5 BOYS--homeschooling a 1st grader, about to turn 7, and 3 preschoolers--4,3, and 2, and a cute little guy who will soon be 1...it all = CRAZINESS! Some days/moments Denny and I just laugh, other times we almost cry, other times we quickly pray, and others we choose the wrong path of anger. The amount of loud noise, silly jokes, potty talk, wrestling, arguing about everything, and basically any noise or word that will get someone else to laugh can become OVERWHELMING--then I have to put on my wisdom cap, ONLY by God's grace, and remember they are boys and very childish in that way and they have way too much energy, and way too much selfishness and I can only seek to love them as God made them, embrace all the childishness that will (hopefully) some day mature, and train them in godliness with prayer that God will change their hearts. Easy? NO WAY! Possible? Yes, with God's help!

Sweetness in this season...hearing four boys yell "love you" every time I leave to go somewhere...getting four huge hugs from my boys every time I come back home... hearing "Mommy you're so pretty" when I'm looking pretty rough, getting little notes from Conner during school that say "I love you Mommy" on papers, on the whiteboard, in pictures...having Conner brush my hair during read aloud time (he loves to brush my hair)...getting sweet hugs and a thank you from Jacob every time I make him his favorite breakfast sandwich...having four boys who "can't" sleep until Mommy sings to them each night...hearing Eli say every day "are you going to be here when I get up? or "don't leave me"...having a baby who smiles all the time and is not yet whining, arguing, or yelling at me...sweetness!

CRAZINESS? YES! Do I love it? YES! Am I exhausted? YES! Is God's grace sufficient? YES, YES, YES!

More Summer...

2011-09-21T03:30:00.000-07:00

Every July we plan family time to visit local farms on our County's farm day. This year we headed to only two because of Nicholas needing to nap. We visited a farm that is very close to us and you boys really enjoyed it because you got to pick eggs out of the coup for us. They also had some goats for you to pet.

Nate in the coup

Eli and Nate

In August we enjoyed a visit from our nieces, your cousins--Kenna and Kaiya. They came to visit with Grandma to see Conner's mini-musical. What a story though...right before they came Conner, you and I got a stomach bug--the throwing up kind--I was up all night and then you--were up all night the next night. Well, the next night Eli had it but thankfully he got sick three times before 10:00 and then slept through the night so I got some rest. In the morning I found that Nate had gotten sick in his bed but had not cried or woke me up and he was fine after that. So we called to warn Grandma and the girls but they didn't get the message and came down. Well within 48 hours Kaiya got it and then Grandma the next day, and Daddy the next. UGH!! So we really didn't get to have much fun together for two days of their visit but then everyone was better. Amazingly Jacob and Nicholas never got sick!

You all had great fun playing together. You played in the pool and on the trampoline a lot. We enjoyed some outings to parks, a movie, splash park and the fair! Yep, they were only here to visit for four days but extended their stay four more days to go to the fair with us! We had so much fun riding rides for hours!

Nate doesn't like the loud noise

Our traditional fair picture but we're missing Nicholas

Grandma kept him at home.

Kenna, Nicholas, and Kaiya

Waiting to see Conner's show--David and Goliath

Summer Craziness, in a good way!

2011-09-21T02:59:00.001-07:00

(A late post that has been sitting in my list to do, better late than never).

Well July was a crazy month and August has been equally so. Life has been a little unsettled since Daddy has been out of work and home with us this Summer. It's been great getting to do lots of family activities and I have especially loved the help Daddy provided for driving as Conner you attended four camps this Summer but I'm sure ready for a nice routine again.

Conner you enjoyed your first year at Summer Celebration--the kids camp put on by our church. It was every morning for a week for three hours. You had a blast and came home so excited every day. The theme this year was the Ten Commandments and we've all really enjoyed the cd they put together to help you learn about each commandment and how to apply it.

You also attended a sports camp with Jacob--it was one of the only camps I found where the two of you would be together so you both did it and really enjoyed it. You then attended karate camp--we hadn't planned on this one but since you are one of Mr. Buchannon's karate students you got to attend for free so we let you go to that.

Lastly, (Conner) you participated in our church's mini-musical camp for two weeks and then you were in the musical David and Goliath. So...it was busy and I didn't get as much reading or other stuff done with you as I had hoped but you had fun and that's what summer is for!

You are the far left boy in the front row--so cute!

You boys had much more fun in our backyard pool this year. It was the perfect size and you were able to dive down for sticks and practice your swimming (Jacob and Conner--you had 4 swim lessons in August which really helped you both and Conner you got to where you could jump off a diving board and swim to the side). Eli enjoyed the pool with you but Nate preferred to watch you all instead.

This summer we enjoyed parks, ice-cream, pools, playdates, mohawks :) and much more!

Oh, we also had fun cheering Daddy on during a 4th of July run he did.

Here you are eating your breakfast at the race, waiting for the start.

You boys did a cool down run with Daddy after.

Nate is running towards you.

Favorite pics for July!

2011-08-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

Love Nick's smile!

Love Nate's smile too!

Getting big...Nicholas makes progress

2011-08-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

So, from 7-8 months...

Nicholas--you got two bottom teeth...thus now enjoying crackers and puffs

You're getting bigger...thus needing 3 "food" meals a day (ugh, I don't like baby food stage)

You're scooting! Yep, this week at just 8 months...you showed signs of new strength doing almost full push-ups and using those arms to scoot yourself a few feet across the floor and going after what you want! :)

Gotta love those eyes!

2011-08-08T18:08:00.000-07:00

A spontaneous stop!

2011-07-17T10:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm not usually one for being too spontaneous but on the way home from N.C. as traffic got heavier past Richmond, we saw a sign for King's Dominion. I've been wanting to go there for about four years but I've been pregnant or had a newborn every year so it hasn't happened. Well, Daddy turned to me and said do you want to stop? I wasn't sure but since it would only be for about 3 hours I thought we could handle that with everyone. So, we did it! We got our tickets at 4:45, had the rental strollers by 5 and then we headed for some rides. You boys LOVED the rides! I had the best time just watching you guys laugh and ride the same things over and over. There were no lines at all for the kiddie rides and it was not too hot so it was great! Daddy was able to ride two roller coasters and I rode one and then rode a crazy high and fast ride with Conner. Daddy, I know, really made this stop for me. He is always so thoughtful of my "wishes" and truly does seek to make them happen. He wanted to let me ride a coaster which I haven't done in so long. It was fun and wish we could have rode more but hope to visit again.

The kiddie coaster--Jacob and Conner in the front row

and Eli by himself in the third cart.

All four of you on the cars--Eli, Conner, Nate, and Jacob in a line

Conner and Mommy laughing after a crazy ride

You boys laughed a lot in the cars

but you didn't do much bumping

The rest of our visit to N.C.

2011-07-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

You boys are growing to love going to Grammy and Pawpaw's house even more now that you like the beach and enjoy the pool. Conner and Jacob had a great time in the pool but Eli you didn't last very long. Nate, we couldn't get you in the pool at all. We enjoyed a morning out at Emerald Isle with Uncle Jon and Aunt Allison. They helped you build a small "pool" in the sand to play in and again, Conner and Jacob you both loved playing in the waves but Eli and Nate wouldn't go near. I love seeing you boys have fun with our extended family. I pray that though we don't live close that you will be able to have great relationships with them and wonderful memories of visits!

Jacob loving the waves

Something was bothering Nate's ears

Conner having fun in the ocean

My boys!

A family cookout!

Precious Moments

2011-07-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

One time each year, Lord willing, all the family meets in N.C. at Pawpaw's house. This is a time when Aunt Melissa drives Great grandpa and grandma Milliner down from West Virginia and Aunt Irene and Buster drive in from Fayetteville, and if they can--Jon and Allison fly in from Cali and James comes into town from college and we're all together. How precious to have you boys be able to spend time with your great-grandparents, and the rest of the family. I treasure these times knowing they won't happen too much longer...at least the way they happen now. As your great-grandparents age, visits will be different and may not be as often. So I truly seek to try and breathe just a little, close my eyes and take a mental picture of those special moments when prayers have been answered and we have one more special visit together. Thank you Lord for giving us one more time all together.

You boys truly enjoyed the visit. We had fun playing in the pool, in the yard, going to the beach, and just hanging out with everyone.

Favorite pics...

Nicholas and Great-grandma Milliner

You boys with Great-grandpa Bell and Nana

A great picture with Uncle Jon and Aunt Allison

A special picture to me...having my two great-grandmas together,

after almost a lifetime of friendship

Great-Grandma and Grandpa Milliner meeting Nicholas

Laughs between Nate and Great-grandpa Milliner

June misc.

2011-07-07T10:49:00.000-07:00

June has been a fun month and a unique one for us with lots of family time! First, Conner finished school, which just seems crazy...the school year went so fast. Conner, you had a great year and truly did a wonderful job. You grew in knowledge but especially in character, which we are so grateful for.

We have enjoyed some sweet family times this month and trying to really embrace the summer vacation. We had a fun evening at the Rio enjoying the paddle boats, a train ride, and a yummy Guapo's dinner.

First day of Summer...ice cream and splash fountains!

June, means Daddy's b-day!

The cutest 5 month old!

2011-06-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

The cutest and looking more like his big brother Conner every day (and Eli)! Wow, I can't believe it's already been 5 months. Nicholas, you are the sweetest baby. You hardly ever fuss and just smile and make crazy, fun noises all the time. You aren't the best sleeper and in the pattern of your brothers you still aren't sleeping through the night. Unfortunately as the fifth child, nap time is hit or miss--erratic! Sorry :( Thankfully, you go with the flow. You do go to bed usually around 7ish and stay asleep until morning with one feeding somewhere in there. I'm happy to have another 12 hour sleeper...just hope that all night thing happens soon!

What's new these days...you are enjoying tummy time more, you are playing in your "activity centers" and learning to move the toys around and pull the things down to make noise. You love your feet and enjoy nibbling on them. We are still waiting on a tooth to pop through.

Love you Nicholas!

I walked in the office to find that Jacob had put these on your head

May misc.

2011-06-26T17:30:00.001-07:00

Some misc.

Daddy took you, Conner and Jacob to a baseball game to see the Frederick Keys play. Jacob, this was your first baseball game and you had a great time! You boys especially loved the Dippin Dots ice-cream, of course!

Our traditional Cinco de Mayo celebration dinner

Nate's first hair cut with Daddy

My little violin player

2011-06-25T10:41:00.000-07:00

The Spring Semester ended with you, Conner, having two recitals. You first had your individual recital at the church through the Music Academy. You played two songs and did a great job. You then had your ensemble recital. Your group played three songs and again you did such a good job. You really improved this semester. You've had a new teacher this year and she has really helped you with your bow hold, and bowing, and you have more joy in playing. You were once again the youngest and smallest in your string ensemble group and the only boy this semester which you handled very well. You really enjoy ensemble and it has helped you so much in your playing. Only two more songs to complete and you'll be done with the first Suzuki book. I'm so proud of you!

Memorial Day 2011

2011-06-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

This year for Memorial Day we joined with our dear friends, the Armstrongs, and headed down on the metro to the Rockville City Memorial Day parade. We enjoyed the time, although the parade was a little boring. I don't think we'll attend it again. You kids had fun catching and eating the candy and waving their flags.

Cute boys!

With our friends--Tyler, Zachary and Cori Armstrong

A visit to the Reston Zoo

2011-06-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

In May we took a morning trip to the Reston Zoo. You boys love the zoo but we didn't want to go back to the D.C. one (although it is free) so we chose this very small, more hands on kind of zoo. You each got a pony ride and you loved feeding the lambs and goats. We enjoyed a wagon ride to see the larger animals...safari style. It was a hot day but a fun time. Eli, you especially get so excited about the animals and it is so much fun to watch! We enjoyed our visit.

Roaring like a lion!

Eli and Nate seeing the baby goat

Pony rides...Conner

Eli, you love horses!

Jacob

"Nater"

A camp out!

2011-06-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

Ever since we moved into our new house we have talked about you boys camping out with Daddy in the back, well it finally happened. Mid-May, on a nice Spring evening, Daddy set up camp out back. Some friends were so kind to give us a nice tent for a house-warming present and it was perfect for you campers--Daddy, Conner, Jacob, and Eli--Mommy stayed in with Nate and Nicholas. Daddy set up a fire for hotdogs and smores--a good healthy dinner, and then you guys headed into your tent. You boys were very excited but Daddy and I kept wondering who would want to head in first. Amazingly, come morning--you all had made it and Daddy survived. He said you played some games in the tent before bed and that Conner was actually the first to fall asleep. I saw you boys sitting around the fire at 6:30 a.m.--wake up time, as Daddy prepped the fire for breakfast. Yep, he made you pancakes, eggs, and sausage, all over the open fire. You boys loved it!

Updates...Mother's Day

2011-06-24T10:51:00.000-07:00

My Mother's Day was extra special this year as I was treated to a Mother's Day tea at Conner's school. Upon arrival, Conner you greeted me with a big hug and that special shy/happy grin that you give. You took me to my seat and presented me with a beautiful card and picture you had made. You then asked me if I wanted tea or water and you so kindly went and brought me back my water. You were eager to have me try your new "favorite" sandwich that your class had made--cucumber and butter on thin Pepperidge farm bread. It is a true tea sandwich from England and it was pretty good. You and some friends were so cute going around asking each mom if they'd like a cookie. You passed them out--and I watched amazed at how big and mature you seem these days. You were so excited to have me see the little play your class was putting on of the "Three Billy Goats Gruff". You, of course, were one of the littlest billy goats (you are one of the smallest in your class) and were very cute acting out your part. It was a very special treat and I felt most honored to be your Mommy!

Easter 2011

2011-05-13T11:40:00.000-07:00

Well, Easter 2011 will be a memorable one. We enjoyed some of our traditions leading up to Easter this year and really enjoyed having company this Easter! Grammy, Pawpaw, and Uncle Jon were able to spend Easter with us. Grammy and Pawpaw drove up from N.C. and Uncle Jon was actually attending a Navy class right in Bethesda for three weeks so he came up a few times to visit. He helped Daddy put our new trampoline together and he enjoyed playing with you boys.

We unfortunately were not able to have our traditional Easter Saturday breakfast because of rain so we missed hanging out with friends and having an egg hunt! Pawpaw and Uncle Jon took you boys to a movie instead. We also did not get to attend the Good Friday service or watch the movie The Passion which are things we usually do. I missed doing these but with family in town we had to change some things.

Easter Sunday I got up early to make our normal Sunday breakfast casserole and I did a little decorating for the special morning. I did not make our traditional Resurrection cake either because I thought it might just get too chaotic with having Nicholas to feed. I didn't think you boys would notice not having the cake but I later heard you asked, "where's the cross cake?" :) I'm glad to see our traditions are already being established in your minds!

My plans for our Easter morning changed when around 7:00 my finger got severely injured in a door. I won't write the details as it grosses me out to remember but thankfully Pawpaw and Grammy were nearby to help because we had to call 911 and they did take me in the ambulance to the ER. I was able to kiss you all by and asked Daddy to stay with you to make sure you all had a normal breakfast and that you got to church. I didn't want Easter day to be without church. So Daddy had a friend meet Grammy and Pawpaw and Uncle Jon to get you boys in class at church and they were able to attend the service. Daddy then came to meet me at the hospital. The day got harder as I found out they would have to do surgery on my finger and because of the risk of infection I would have to stay overnight. Ugh, I was so sad to have to miss all of Easter day and time with family. God did provide grace to trust in His plans and I was able to rejoice in the blessings of Easter despite being in the hospital.

Thankfully after church Daddy took a few pictures of you all but the sun was in your eyes so it was hard to get one with you all looking up. I was glad that you were able to do an egg hunt in the backyard. Daddy still cooked our Easter lamb for dinner and even brought me some to eat at the hospital that night. He also lovingly brought me my nightly "ice-cream " in my favorite mug!

Well, thankfully I was able come home by noon on Monday but it's been four weeks and my finger is still healing. I just had the pin and final stitches taken out this past week. Praying that God will heal it completely!

So needless to say, an unforgettable Easter!

Family fashion show--April 2011

2011-05-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

Daddy came home one night and surprised me with a family fashion show. He turned on some 70's tunes got you boys dressed in new shirts he had bought, slicked your hair and had you come down the stairs to model for me. It was so fun. He even modeled his new outfit, though I somehow failed to get a picture of it and he picked me out a shirt that you boys said I needed to model as well. It was a lot of fun and quite a blessing from Daddy!

Conner, you really got into this and you LOVED your new shirt and jeans!

Nate, your shirt was so cute. You enjoyed coming down the stairs.

I think you went up and down about three times.

Eli, you were playing shy and didn't look up when you came down the stairs.

You sure looked cute though.

Jacob, Daddy found you a cool t-shirt and you had fun

modeling it for me.

Here's Mommy with my cute new shirt--it doesn't look

that good with my pink sweat-capris! Ha

My "almost 4 month" old

2011-04-10T11:09:00.000-07:00

Nicholas,

You turn 4 months this week! You are a big boy and favor your big brother Conner so much in looks and size. You still aren't doing too much but sometime soon you should start rolling over. You are discovering your hands, which is so much fun to watch. You just hold your arm in the air and stare at your hand in wonder. I love just sitting and watching you do this--it's so precious! You still aren't crazy about tummy time but you will sit in your Bumbo for a little bit. You enjoy your bouncy seat and now you grasp the toys and rattle them around.

The thing I LOVE most, which is something I don't remember any of your brothers doing, is when I hold you in cradle position and usually when I'm feeding you (and you aren't real hungry) you just start "talking" to me. You stare so intently into my eyes and just coo. I will talk back and then you respond. You give me the biggest, sweetest smiles. So at four months, I feel like you are really communicating with me and it's so sweet!

You are a happy, content, and smiley boy and we love you!!

March 2011

2011-04-08T10:23:00.000-07:00

So, not a lot of pics from March but we did celebrate St. Patrick's Day with green eggs and green whip cream for pancakes. The Spring Bunny also came to visit with our traditional egg clues leading to baskets. We also made a trip to Ohio for Pap and the cousins to meet baby Nicholas. You boys had a GREAT time playing with your cousins. You played a lot outside but we also went to Chucky Cheese and everyone had fun (it was a nice, new one!). We made our traditional return trip stop for lunch at Cabela's to see the animals.

Reading the clues from the Spring Bunny

Conner got new shirts, pjs and stories on cd

Nate got bubbles, chalk, and crayons

Conner, of course, disappeared and then reappeared

dressed as a leprechaun

Nate eating green eggs

Jacob, questioning the green eggs

Conner loving the pancakes and green whip cream

A stop at Cabela's

All the cousins (except Kenzie)

Kenna and Nicholas

Ma'maw and Nicholas

Nate's 2!

2011-03-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

Well, this post is late but on Feb. 16th, Nate turned two!!

Nate,
How I love you! You are such a sweet boy--full of laughs, smiles, and hugs. You have the most precious laugh and you are so ticklish that is very easy to get you laughing! Daddy especially loves to tickle you and hear that laugh!

Well, at age one you were not walking or talking and somewhere around 18 months you started doing both a lot! You just took off with the walking and the words came and now you talk very well. You are starting to run but you don't quite have a running "stride" yet. You LOVE to color and draw. You love to get a bath. You LOVE to play outside and you especially like coloring with chalk outside and swinging. You are a great lego builder and also enjoy doing puzzles. You know most of your shapes, still working on colors, and you are learning your letters and sounds.

You are sweet to your brothers and enjoy having one-on-one playtime with each of them. You have picked up some of their "not-so-good" behavior, like stomping your foot when you don't get what you want and spitting sounds, and blaming Eli for things by saying, "Ewi, did it". You are quite the eater! You eat almost anything and one day recently you even ate the green leafs off the strawberry. You like to listen to books but you don't like to sit still and listen. You prefer to be doing something while I'm reading, I'm trying to be okay with that :) Another thing we notice that you do is you call us "Mom" and "Dad" vs. your brothers have always called us "Mommy" and "Daddy". I'm not sure how you picked up on the Mom/Dad titles.

You had a very low-key 2nd b-day. Daddy had to leave for work early so we had to wake you up so gift time was pretty "blah". You were out-of-it. You did enjoy getting your b-day breakfast cake with candles! You also enjoyed having chocolate cake later in the evening. We went to Chic-fil-A for lunch just so we could say we did something you like for your b-day. You enjoy playing in their play area and having a treat--a cup of ice-cream!

We love you Nate! You are a joy and such a gift from God!

Growth Chart update

2011-03-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

I forgot post some growth updates:

Jacob, age 4, 36 lbs. (50%), and 40 1/4 in. tall (50%)

Eli, age 3, 35 lbs., (75%), and 38 in tall (75%)

Nicholas, 1 week, 5.15 lbs (10%), 19 1/2 in. (50%)

A visit to N.C.

2011-03-21T13:36:00.001-07:00

In early February we headed to N.C. for our extended family to meet Nicholas. Nana, Grandpa Bell, Irene, Buster, and Uncle James were all able to meet him. We had a great time. The weather was so beautiful, spring like, and you boys just had fun playing in the yard, riding Pawpaw's mower, playing dress-up (of course), and running around with Lepo (their dog).

You boys did great on the trip! It was a seven hour drive but you listened to some great stories and music and we made with only 30 min. of video-watching! Nicholas didn't make a peep and we hardly stopped so we made good time.

One of the highlights was going to the church Pawpaw was an interim pastor at. We got to worship in a small, country Baptist church and then hear Pawpaw preach. You boys made it through it service (except Nicholas and Nate got a little whiney) but overall it went great and we got to stand by the door at the end for all the congregation to greet us and tell us how cute you boys are! :) It was a special treat for Mommy, kind of "surreal" to be all grown up with 5 kiddos, listening to my Dad preach and you all sitting around me coloring.

So thankful for family!

Irene and Buster with Nicholas

Eli and Pawpaw on the mower

Grammy and Nicholas

A special picture of you boys with Nana and Great-grandpa Bell

What happened to Conner in January?

2011-03-01T18:28:00.000-08:00

He went "two-thless"--lost both front teeth! That's seven teeth and he's only six.

Nicholas, you are loved by your brothers!

2011-02-13T02:40:00.000-08:00

Jacob loves you!

Conner loves you!

Eli, loves you!

Nate loves you too!

January Snow 2011

2011-02-13T02:24:00.000-08:00

Our first big snowfall this season! You boys enjoyed sledding down a small hill in our yard and Daddy built you the most awesome snow fort! It was a COLD snow day. It was almost too cold to play outside. I must say getting all of you dressed to go out there for the 5-10 min. you last, is NOT so worth it. Conner you enjoy it outside and if we could just keep your hands warm, you'd stay out there a lot longer!

The beautiful trees in our backyard!

Cute boys!

Daddy and Jacob sledding in our yard beside the house

Nate, you were too cute in your snow outfit!

The most AWESOME snow fort! Daddy outdid himself!

Thanksgiving, Birthdays, and Christmas (in retrospect)

2011-02-07T16:40:00.000-08:00

So, it's been a month and a half since Christmas, 2 1/2 since Thanksgiving, but I want to write something about them before I forget.

A brief note about Thanksgiving...For the first time, we stayed home! With the baby coming soon, Daddy had some projects he wanted to get done on the long weekend and my legs had been aching a lot so we thought the car ride might be too much so we stayed home!! It was great. Although, I missed not being with our extended family for the meal! Daddy did make a great turkey and I made stuffing and green bean casserole and we had yummy bread but it wasn't the same--we missed the big spread of food and and fun family talks around the table--BUT, I did enjoy staying home and being able to go shopping on Black Friday. I got some great deals. The day after Thanksgiving we went to get our Christmas tree and Daddy got the outside of the house decorated. This year we went to a tree farm and Daddy found and chopped down our 9 foot tree--he wanted a 10-12 ft. but they didn't have any that big. It was bitterly cold, and you boys were being "wimpy" so Daddy had to go scout for a tree all by himself. :( I felt bad but it was freezing! He picked out a good tree! It was nice to have it early and I was able to take my time decorating it. You boys decorated your little tree in the basement but Daddy and I decorated the big one. It was nice to get things done "early" this year--since we have two birthdays right after Thanksgiving weekend! Oh, the craziness of b-days and holidays!!

The tree

The boys tree

The b-day celebrations were very low-key this year. We stayed home and the day between Jacob and Eli's b-day we met friends at Chuckee Cheese for pizza and fun. Since we had taken Conner to Chic-fil-A for his b-day, because that's what he requested, Jacob asked for the same. So we all went out to Chic-fil-A to celebrate Jacob and Eli's b-days. Thankfully you didn't mind not having a party or family around this year. This made the week much less rushed than it normally is! Oh, and of course at B-day time we have your annual check up and Eli you weighed in at 35 lbs. which is in the 75% and 38 in. tall, also 75%. Jacob you were 36 lbs. and 50%, and 40 1/4 in. tall, 50%.

B-day dinner out--the same age for a day--"3"

A new roller-coaster toy for Eli and Jacob

Eli--you love horses

Hence--This year Christmas didn't feel as "rushed" as it usually does, thankfully, and it was extra special with a new little baby and family actually coming to visit us! I'm so glad I got Christmas cards out early and most of the shopping was completed before baby Nicholas arrived! I actually didn't have as much done as I had wanted, but he was EARLY, so--oh, well. It all got done.

We were able to enjoy our annual traditions this year--except a new Christmas ornament for you boys. I just couldn't find anything that I liked for you so we'll hopefully add to your collection next year. You did get your new Christmas book and video and new p.j.s. Daddy took you boys to visit the fire department on Christmas day to give them goodies. They are always so kind to give you a tour! We enjoyed doing our Jesse tree again and our advent candles at night.

Treats for the fire fighters

Our favorite new tradition this year was our "Advent House". This little house has "25" doors that you open up. Each day one of you boys opened the door and found inside a piece of paper with an activity listed. You would get so excited about opening up the doors. There were days of Christmas shows, special desserts, outings for Christmas lights, etc. You boys really enjoyed this!

Each night the week before Christmas this year, you opened a gift or "gifts" from extended family. This way it wasn't so overwhelming on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. I believe this will be a new tradition of nightly openings so you can really enjoy your gift when you get it. You went to bed Christmas Eve very excited and woke up EARLY eager to see what was under the tree. Your stockings were waiting outside your door and you had fun opening them but you were also excited to get downstairs. Christmas gifts this year had a theme--superheroes. You boys have been into Batman, Superman, and Star Wars so most of your gifts were related to one of these---a new Batman Castle to play with, Batman and Superman connecting-blocks set, Star Wars action figures, and even a Ninja Turtle castle and men to play with . You have since enjoyed playing with your new toys and wearing your new superhero pjs and shirts. You also got some new games this year that we have all really enjoyed playing together--Hiss, Blockus, and Uno.

New p.j.s for Nate--silly boy!

New p.j.s for the tough boys--

Eli is missing because he was crying about his p.j.s--I don't even know why!

Christmas morning, looking downstairs to see what's under the tree--

you boys took off your new p.j.s to wear new shirts you found in your stockings

Nate's new ride

Since baby was due around Christmas Grammy and Pawpaw and Uncle Jon and Aunt Allison decided to come stay with us, yeah! They come up the day after Christmas and stayed for the week. We had a great time. Uncle Jon and Aunt Allison took you boys to Bounce U for your gift. You enjoyed that. Pawpaw and Daddy took you on a few hikes. Pawpaw loved seeing all the deer in our backyard. They enjoyed meeting Nicholas. Grammy gave you some wonderful gifts--many new puppets and books she had written--both children's books and books about family members. This was a very special gift and one that we all need to treasure! She enjoyed reading some of her stories and poems to you.

Uncle Jon and Aunt Allison with Eli

Grammy and Pawpaw meeting Nicholas

Conner's first ensemble concert

2011-01-28T10:14:00.000-08:00

Conner, you started an ensemble class in September that was for strings who were just being introduced to playing in a group. The class is through the Music Academy at our church. You really enjoyed the Fall semester of ensemble. You met once a week for an hour and fifteen minutes. You especially like Miss Meaghan, your teacher. She has made class a lot of fun. This was your first concert as a group. You played three songs--The Gospel Song, Lightly Row, and Angels We Have Heard on High. You did a great job and you really enjoyed it! You looked so small up on stage. I had so many comment to me about how good you did and how cute you were up there. Mommy and Daddy were very proud of you! You worked really hard.

First Smiles!

2011-01-27T03:22:00.000-08:00

Well, we finally got around to taking a picture of Daddy with baby Nicholas--it only took five weeks! OH, that's awful. But it was the perfect moment--as we got first photos with Daddy and captured first smiles from Nicholas! Precious!!

Nicholas Update--1 month

2011-01-23T10:40:00.000-08:00

Nicholas, what a dream baby you have been so far. You just sleep the days away and hardly ever make a peep. I think you are sleeping about 23 hours a day! Yep, CRAZY, but it can happen for the best of newborns--especially when you were four weeks early. When you are awake, you are wide-eyed and look like you are just trying to "take it all in". You seem to be focusing on things more. You look so much like Conner!! Your brothers love you but Eli, especially, wants to be around you all the time. So far I have enjoyed every minute with you--even the one and two feedings in the middle of the night--because I can cuddle you close and sing to you and it's peaceful and no brother is jumping all around.

You got your first bath and first shower this month.

You actually really liked the shower

but NOT when I had to open the door and let

the cold air in to get a picture!

Enjoying a bath--covered with a warm wash-cloth

You are a gift and loved very much!

A Special Retreat

2011-01-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

Just a note for me to remember a wonderful retreat I just had last weekend! My sweet husband, Daddy, sacrificed football and sleep to send me off on a TWO day retreat--all by myself! Yep, he even kept the baby so I could get uninterrupted sleep! It was great!

One thing was extra special--Daddy suggested I pick you up Jacob around dinner and take you out for a date and then keep you overnight with me at the hotel, my first night. I had to come back home Sat. morning briefly anyway for Conner to go to violin so it was a perfect idea. Jacob, you were so excited! I picked you up around 5ish and asked you what you wanted for dinner. You said, "bread". That didn't surprise me because you LOVE bread! However, I said you had to eat more than that so you said, "eggs and pasta". I couldn't think of a place where I could get both so we settled on Macaroni Grill for bread and macaroni! You ate the whole loaf of bread by yourself and therefore not much macaroni got eaten. I treated you to apple juice, which was special because we don't drink juice at home, and you had two cups full! I loved seeing how excited you were and how you were so interested in everything. You must have asked me a hundred questions--you'd think you hadn't been to a restaurant before!

We then took a very COLD walk to Corner Bakery for you to pick out a dessert. You settled on a big chocolate-chip cookie. We ran back to the car because it was about 30 degrees! We got to our room and you enjoyed looking around and you continued to ask questions and talk! You were quite talkative all night. We rented Toy Story 3 for us to watch so we watched some but then you wanted a bath--which was funny to me. You asked where the bath toys were, ha. You got a quick bath and then you watched some more movie. Your belly had been hurting--probably from all the bread and juice, but you finally felt good enough to eat some cookie. You ate most of it and had the rest--the chocolate all over your face! It was cute. You had a hard time settling down--the sugar-high, I'm sure, but finally after I kept dozing off--it was only 9:00 but that's REALLY late for you and about my bed time, I said lights out!

You woke me up around 5:30a.m. but thankfully went back to sleep until 7ish. We then got dressed and headed to your breakfast choice,(ugh) "Old McDonalds". You enjoyed pancakes but didn't eat much else and then we headed home.

It was so fun to just spend time with you! I loved it!

The rest of my retreat was great-- a lot of reading and planning--New Year's goals, areas for growth, training plans, homeschooling research, and prayer!

Thanks, My Luv, for being the servant husband you are and releasing me from my "duties" for a while!

2010 Highlights

2011-01-11T18:18:00.001-08:00

2010 was a busy year full of God's provision, faithfulness, blessings, and merciful kindness!

I don't have time to write a lot so this will be short and to the point!

April--We're pregnant, again!!

May--We bought a new house!! I failed to blog too much about this.

June--Denny's 40th b-day, 70's bash! AND a trip to ITALY--ugh and I didn't blog too much about these, not enough time!!

July--Moved into our new home and got NO pictures of the chaos!

August--It's a boy!

September--Conner started "K"

November--Pig Roast

December--Baby Nicholas

2011-01-05T02:42:00.000-08:00

A few more pics of Nicholas from our favorite photographer...Jonalee!

Click HERE

Welcome Home Nicholas!

2010-12-30T03:50:00.000-08:00

**Photos by Jonalee

Dec. 27, 2010--Happy '7' Year Anniversary to Us!

2010-12-27T03:04:00.000-08:00

Yep, a roller coaster--a picture that best describes our "7" years together! When you've had 5 kids, 2 big moves, 2 big job changes, and much more go on in "7" years--it could only be a wild ride with ups, downs, drops, turns, and speed! It's been wild, crazy, a little "psycho", but A LOT--blessed, fun, amazing, sanctifying, and grace-filled.

God is worthy and deserving of all praise for these 7 years! Only God has sustained, provided, sovereignly intervened and directed, blessed, mercifully forgiven, and has and is sanctifying us! He has a great plan for us and it may always be a wild ride but we know that His plans are perfect, His will for us is always in love, and He has already met our greatest need and given us the best gift in sending our Savior!

My Luv, God only knows what the next "7" years hold but I am thankful that I get to live them out by your side--watching God change us, observing His grace and refinement at work, helping each other when we fail, encouraging each other in our weaknesses and strengths, loving each other during the good, the bad, and the ugly, and seeking to give God all glory--for this is His story!

Not my usual birth story!

2010-12-20T17:13:00.000-08:00

The birth of Nicholas Max was quite different from the rest of my deliveries! But let me back up...This pregnancy went very well! Once again, God was kind and for the most part I felt great, despite some leg aches, and baby seemed well based on two ultrasounds. My estimated due date was January 6th but based on the past three births, I estimated Dec. 18th. I wanted the birth to happen a little before Christmas so I'd be home for Christmas and slightly "recovered" before family arrives. Dec. 14th--the timing was perfect.

Some background...for the past few years, Denny's company has been working on researching and testing, with the hopes of launching a drug for Lupus. The past two months have been almost the peak of all that work. It's been a very busy time for him at work and stressful. The biggest thing we've been waiting for is approval by the FDA for the drug. Once this comes, work will be CRAZY! We expected to hear back from the FDA on Dec. 9th but they extended their deadline. Although, it was disappointing, I believe it's been such a blessing. If approval had come, Denny would be so busy and probably wouldn't even have time off from work this month. However, with the delay, work is kind of in a holding pattern. One of the big events he had for work was a week long trip to Florida from Dec. 12-18th. This was a little worrisome, considering it was a likely week for me to deliver. We weren't planning on me having any help but once we ran through scenarios, Denny thought it best to have his Mom come for the week, just in case. Even with friends, if it was in the middle of the night, like all my other babies, it would be challenging!

So, that leads me into the real story...on Tuesday Dec. 14th, (Denny had been gone a day and a half) in the middle of the night--12:15/1:00a.m., contractions were coming and pretty regular. I laid there for awhile but they continued so I got up and walked, laid back down, walked, laid down, and prayed--prayed that I could make it a little longer before having to call a friend to get me, that all would go smoothly, that I'd get to the hospital and be further along than I usually am--although I progress pretty fast, and that I would trust the Lord to work out all details. I would have loved to stay home longer for labor but because I'm always a Strep B carrier, I need to get to the hospital to get my antibiotics. I never get all the dosage I'm supposed to get! At 4 a.m. I called my friend Viv to come pick me up, which she quickly and joyfully did. I woke up my mother-in-law to let her know I was heading to the hospital and I called Denny to let him know.

Much to my surprise there was a blanket of snow on the ground when Viv came to get me so driving to the hospital was a little slow but thankfully I was feeling pretty good. We arrived around 5:15 a.m. and got checked in and found out I was 4 cm., yeah! I'm usually three but with Nate, I was only one. My contractions were painful but they were 4 min. apart which was wonderful! The break was so nice. All the nurses became aware of my situation--4 little boys at home, a husband who is in Florida, a friend to help, all natural births, planning to go natural again, and pretty quick labors. They were so nice and prepared and so supportive of me going natural. I felt well cared for. I called Denny to let him know I was progressing and he said he had a flight out at 7 a.m. We knew he probably wouldn't make it.

Progression--I got checked three more times...at 6:30 I was 6 c.m., 7:00-8 c.m. 7:15- 8c.m. and they broke my water (never had them do that before), 7:20--ready to push and 9 cm., 7:30/7:40--10 c.m.--pushing begins, and at 7:47 a.m.--Nicholas was born!

It was so nice to have Viv with me. I had nice rests between contractions so we chatted a lot and watched the news about the weather so time passed quickly. I usually get to walk but one time the baby's heart rate dropped so they said I had to stay in bed. Thankfully labor wasn't too bad so laying there was bearable. I had a new nurse come on at 7:00, who was so helpful. She offered to rub my back and got me a hot blanket. Viv, was so kind to hold the blanket on my back. The nurse helped me get my breathing right for pushing. She hugged me and breathed with me. God provided two great helpers since Denny was away. When the time came to push, Viv offered to stay or go, whatever I preferred. At that point, I knew I could use her help and support for the rest so she stayed. Thankfully she was there because she held one leg (where Denny usually is) for pushing. She encouraged me along the way and was there to take many pics and videos after the birth. So, I'm so thankful she stayed and that she was so willing to serve me in this way! What a blessing.

Although, Nicholas was three weeks early, he weighed in strong at 6.8 lbs. and all his vitals were good! Praise God! Denny called at 10 to say he had arrived in D.C. and had read the text that Nicholas had been born. I know it was hard for him to miss it all. It was quite a change for the both of us--no long walks down the halls, no squeezing his hands and arms when I'm in pain, no prayers together in room, no cutting of the umbilical--different but it was still truly the easiest labor and blessed birthing experience! God's plan was perfect. God gave me complete peace the whole time and thankfully at 10:45, I met Denny in my recovery room.

Going back to Denny's work story...I see God's perfect and kind sovereignty in this. This could have been the busiest time of the year for Denny's work but instead he came home from Florida, stayed home all week and now gets this week off before Christmas and the week after Christmas off. What a change from what we had thought it might look like. Praise God! Although Denny and the boys have been sick, so none of them can really get close to Nicholas, I'm thankful that Denny is able to slow down and be home at this time! Thank you Lord!

So, a different baby story, but a perfect one, ordained by our loving heavenly Father!

Introducing...Nicholas Max Snyder

2010-12-18T11:01:00.000-08:00

Here is our 5th precious baby boy!

Born--December 14th at 7:47 a.m.

Gaithersburg, MD

Weight--6.8 lbs.

Length--19.75 in.

I'm behind AGAIN!

2010-12-18T07:41:00.000-08:00

So, I still haven't blogged about Jacob and Eli's b-days on Nov. 30th and Dec. 2nd. We are almost to Christmas and I haven't blogged about Christmas activities here. AND, we just had our 5th precious baby boy, Nicholas and I haven't posted a pic....coming soon, I promise.

I guess I'll always be behind!

Growth Updates

2010-11-24T11:09:00.000-08:00

As of Oct. 7th, 2010

Conner--41 lbs., 25%, 43 in., 10-25%, vision 20/25

Nate--26.3 lbs., 50%, 34 1/4 in., 75-90%, 46 cm. head circum., 75%

Thankful for...no favorite toy

2010-11-21T02:47:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe Thanksgiving is almost here! CRAZY! Time has flown by this year. We just had our CG Thanksgiving dinner together and it was a blessed time--although, I missed our dear friends who split off from our CG--we had dinner with them for five years so it was bittersweet.

I've been pondering a few things since our CG dinner. One thing we did was to pass a basket around with "get to know you" questions. It was brief, fun, and we had some good laughs. One of the questions I pulled out said, "what was your favorite childhood toy"? I ended up getting another question because I said I didn't really play with toys. It was interesting to hear people's responses to that and it has really had me thinking.

First, I thought, did I have toys? I don't remember any. I know I had a few dolls but don't remember playing with them. I remember Lincoln Logs and Tinker Toys but again, don't remember every playing with them. I know I must have liked Barbie and Skipper a little because the year I found out there was no Santa, was because I walked in on my Mom actually sewing clothes for my Barbie so I must have wanted one. But as I think back upon my wonderful childhood I can't remember sitting down and playing with toys by myself or with my brother.

So, no I don't have a favorite toy from "back then" but I do have GREAT memories. My childhood was mostly spent outdoors or doing family activities. I was a military kid from second grade up and we lived in San Diego, Yuma, AZ, and Kailua, HI so you could play outside all year. I grew up around other military families and the kids all gathered together after school and played, rode bikes, swam, etc. I remember great bike rides by the canyon in San Diego and fun bike rides to Dairy Queen every week in Arizona and lots of swimming, and wonderful beach trips for boogie boarding in Hawaii. I had great parents who really invested in taking the time to plan activities for us to do. We travelled to local cities, did many day-trips sight-seeing, had wonderful family vacations. Who needed toys?

I thought about my kids...I don't think for four boys that we have many toys. I've learned that my boys really won't play with much except building toys--Legoes, blocks, with some action figures or costumes. They've been given various kinds of gifts but they end up sitting or broken. What I have seen though is--there imaginations soar with two boxes full of dress-up. They have active, vivid, and inspiring imaginations. I've seen my boys spend an hour in quiet play building shows to put on or constructing some block tower or structure to share with me. Few toys but great imaginations. I love how now they are using their imaginations in a different way in our backyard to create stories or some adventure game. I didn't pass this on to them but I must say based on my childhood and what I see in them, less is more!

I often say I am not very creative. I feel I must only have few "cells'' in my body that contribute to any creative ideas. I can decorate a little or write a story or poem but as for making things out of nothing or creatively taking some blocks and building something...hmmm....just not good at it. BUT, I know from my childhood that my imagination was allowed to flourish with the freedom to play, run, and explore and not be confined to the walls of our home or be showered with all the latest gadgets and toys.

So did I have a favorite toy, nope, but I had one of the best childhoods ever and I hope one day my children will grow up to say the same!

Pig Roast

2010-11-13T10:41:00.001-08:00

Well, last weekend marked a Snyder first as we hosted our first ever backyard Fall Pig Roast and Potluck. We had over 100 people--roughly half adults and the other half kids, here to enjoy the fun. Oh, how we love our backyard!!

Some of the guests enjoying dinner!

Pap and Grandma drove down on Thursday from Ohio pulling a trailer with all the gear needed to roast a pig. Daddy had ordered a pig from a local meat shop so on Friday they went around getting tables, supplies, and the pig. Early Sat. morning they got up and bathed the pig in grease and prepped the spit and by 8:30 that pig was a turning. It roasted until about 3:30--party time. While it roasted Daddy had to go pick up tables and chairs we had rented and I had to go get balloons for decorating and cupcakes to have for celebrating your b-days. We managed to get decorating done, tables set up and everything ready in time for the party! Thankfully you boys took good naps so you woke up ready to play!

The party officially started at 3:30 but it was about 4:15 when people started pouring in. We had lots of yummy food and the pork came out delicious. We ate, the kids played, we enjoyed sack races, cookie decorating, pinata, corn-hole, and finally smores around a bonfire Daddy made. Though we had intended to play some volleyball and have a pumpkin roll, people enjoyed just fellowshiping, which was wondeful!

The pig roasting!

Sack races! Conner's ready!

Go Daddy!

Eli, decorating his cookie

Cupcakes for b-days

Smores and bonfire fun!

I was so thankful to have Grandma here to help with Nate because he was hard to keep an eye on. We could not have done it without Pap and Grandma! We had a wonderful time despite missing out on the good food--we were too busy hosting but it was a joy!

It may become a tradition...we'll see.

First Parent/Teacher Conference

2010-11-13T10:20:00.000-08:00

Conner,

I don't want to ever forget our first parent/teacher conference with your teacher, Mrs. Goodling, because it was so encouraging. First, I'll write that we've known that you've been doing well in school and it's OBVIOUS you LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, it! So, we were expecting to hear about that. Mrs. Goodling affirmed your joyful spirit and said you are just a delight at school. She showed us your report card and we were very pleased with how well you are doing but we were just blown away by the encouragement of your character. She said that we are doing something right at home because it shows at school. You are very respectful of her and others. You seek to be a helper and have a gentle and compassionate spirit towards the other students. She said you are very responsive to her if she gives you some instruction and that you are just very kind and fun to have in class. She was very discerning and felt that you had giftings to be a compassionate leader who comes along side those who need help. She hopes to focus in on that gifting more next semester as she has you help some others with their reading. We were just full of thanksgiving to God to hear such encouragement! Daddy and I were both almost in tears at this news. The past few years with you have been very challenging but it's always been evident that you have an affectionate, cheerful, extroverted disposition and I think it is only flourishing at school. Praise God! We thank God for the grace and pray for more and hope that God will one day give you TRUE joy in Him.

We love you and are so proud of you!

Mommy and Daddy

Fall Family Photos

2010-11-07T06:18:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Jonalee for another great photo session.

Click here to check out a few of our family pics...more to come.

Covenant Life School Run

2010-10-26T11:26:00.001-07:00

Conner, you had school spirit this weekend as you ran for the Cougars. You and Eli enjoyed running in the Tot Trot and Daddy did great running the 5k. Eli, you weren't signed up to run but when we got there you wanted to run so bad and since they had it broken down by ages this year it worked out for you to run with the three year olds. You loved it and especially liked your ribbon.

Daddy, once again, ran fast and came in 2nd, he only got beat by a 17 year old--not bad for a 40 year old! :) He looked good running!

Eli and Daddy running

Proud Eli

Conner running with sideways hat and orange jacket!

Daddy and the boys

Go Daddy!

A Fall Hike

2010-10-26T11:21:00.000-07:00

Another thing we love about our new home/location is that we are surrounded by woods and across the street we have a great trail. You boys have been enjoying a few hikes with Daddy. This past weekend Daddy took you, Conner and Jacob, on a hike and you were all dressed for it--too cute. You enjoyed a walk--collecting acorns, walking through a stream, and peeing outside!

Beautiful, surreal, blessed!

2010-10-17T17:14:00.000-07:00

As I looked upon our (new) backyard today, and swept the leaves and acorns off the deck, and watched my boys play, I was so thankful for God's blessing of this new home and beautiful setting! I still can't believe I get to look out at this in the morning! It is so wonderful to be outside now that the bees are gone and the air feels of Fall!

It was also a surprising blessing to have Conner and Jacob play so well together in the "playhouse", so much so that they wanted to eat lunch in there!

Fall Fun!

2010-10-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

Fall is here and we've only just begun our traditions but here are some of my favorite pics from apple-picking, our first trip to a "real" pumpkin patch, and the agricultural history center harvest day.

My big "6" yr. old

2010-10-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

Conner,
Happy Birthday! My special boy who has brought me such joy and yet such trial and sanctification! You have been a handful but you are truly a gift! I cannot imagine life without you. You bring such energy, joy, and silliness to our family. Your imagination has only continued to grow over the years and I love seeing how you are now leading your brothers in creating great "shows", stories, and costumes. This past year we have seen a definite growth in your love of family, your desire to care for your brothers and be a helper to them, and your heart to serve others. I have noticed changes in you over the past few months as you have become more diligent with work--chores, school, and music. You work hard and mostly with a happy heart. You have become quite artistic and more often you would prefer to sit at the table and color, draw, or do mazes than play or be outside. You do, however, love to have quiet play, where you can create all kinds of things with your wooden blocks. You may be our artistic one! We'll see :)

Your b-day was pretty low-key this year! You've had a party every year so we thought this year we'd make it just a small celebration--just the six of us. You were eager to celebrate your b-day as you were up at 5:45 (a.m.) and proceeded to wake your brother up. Your b-day was on Tuesday, which is full day, so you had to be at school by 8 so we opened presents before breakfast and then we had our traditional b-day breakfast cake for you. You enjoyed blowing out six candles! You got what you wanted for presents--spy gear, camera, ninja costume, and then Daddy and I got you a new scooter and you got money from family. You had fun at school and got lots of attention wearing your b-day badge. We did go to the park after school so you could spend some time with friends. You played with Colin and Mileana and we had some b-day cake. They gave you some nice gifts too! You were eager to get home to play with your new toys and you didn't want to go out for a "long" dinner so you decided you wanted to go to Chic-fil-A at the mall where you and your brothers could watch Loony Tunes on their t.v. Daddy had to work late so I just took you all out. The manager was very nice and brought you out a bunch of balloons and a big sundae and free cones for your brothers! You had a fun day and I was quite happy to see that you weren't upset by not having a party.

The next day, Wed, Daddy and I visited your class and brought in donuts for everyone. Mrs. Goodling had all the kids sit down on their mats, while you sat up in a special chair with your b-day crown on, and they took time to encourage you. Everyone said they liked how funny you are and that they enjoyed playing with you. Mrs. Goodling encouraged you for coming to class each day so cheerfully and eager to work. You enjoyed passing out Spiderman napkins to all your classmates and helping hand out chocolate donuts! You were all smiles!

You with Mrs. Goodling

We got to celebrate your b-day a little more, because on Friday, Pawpaw and Grammy drove up from N.C. to surprise you with a visit. We picked you up at school and Pawpaw came out to the curb with me to get you and you just screamed "Pawpaw". You were very happy! We had a great weekend with them. You enjoyed opening a few more gifts--a new costume, a new Yoda shirt (that I think you've worn everyday since--5 days in a row), and more.

Daddy and I also decided to bless you and your brothers by taking you to Annapolis on Saturday for a pirate adventure boat ride. It was a gift to each of you since all of you had/have b-days coming up. We had a great time! The weather was perfect and we enjoyed lunch out there with Grammy and Pawpaw. What a fun-filled week you had!

What cute pirates!

I love you, Conner. I'm so thankful for all the joy you have brought me and how you are helping me to be a better person. I am better because I am much more aware of my great need for a Savior, how weak I am apart from God's grace, how unwise I am apart from God's Word, and how much I want to grow in dying to myself to serve you and our family. I am so thankful that you are an affectionate boy who showers me with hugs, love, and care. I want to treasure these days with you as I know the years are already going by too quick.

I pray this next year will be marked with much grace and that you will grow in your knowledge and love of our Savior. May He so kindly open your heart to the TRUTH!

Luv you,

Mommy

Remembering these days

Look who is "6"!

2010-10-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Conner!

The Call-911

2010-10-03T02:34:00.000-07:00

UGH! You know about "the number", you teach your kids about "the number", but NEVER have I had to call "the number"...the dreaded, mysterious, "911".

So two weeks ago at lunch, Nate--who loves to put his feet on the table and also push his feet against the table, pushed a little too hard and his chair tipped over and his head hit both the chair and the HARD tile floor! He cried and I ran to see what had happened and sought to console him but noticed within 5 min. that he wasn't right. He seemed dazed, lethargic, and at the same time aware enough to cry for me. After about 10-15 min of watching him and not seeing improvement, I called the pediatrician, husband, friends, and then 911. I couldn't reach Dennyy but he was in Raleigh. My wonderful friends Viv and Janie happened to be together and were at my house within 10 min. to take Conner to school and keep Jacob and Eli while I went to the ER--they are such servants! The pediatrician had encouraged me to call 911 if Nate seemed to be getting unresponsive.

I, for some reason, had taken Nate to my bed before I called 911. He was just lying there lifeless. I was running around frantically trying to gather Conner's things for school. I asked Conner were Nate's eyes open and he said, no. This frightened me more than anything. The eerie way his eyes would open and close and then stay shut. I said we have to keep him awake let's just keep talking to him. He opened them again and just looked at us.

The emergency crew arrived. They found him to be responsive to touch and the light but encouraged me to take him to the ER to see if a cat scan seemed necessary. I drove him there and he was fast asleep within five minutes--it was nap time! When we arrived at the ER, he woke up getting out of the van and thankfully, we were in our ER room within 5 minutes, record time--however, once in there, we waited an hour to see the doctor. Meanwhile, Nate, returned to his happy self. He wanted to climb all over everything and play. He played with my iPhone and I asked if he could eat a snack--they wanted to make sure he wouldn't vomit. He ate fine and so I knew at that point he seemed normal. After the hour, I was going to just walk out of the ER if the doctor didn't come within ten more minutes. Thankfully he did so I could get a confirmed word that he appeared fine and no tests were needed. Praise God!

It was the scariest 30 min. of my life. To see Nate so quiet, unresponsive, lifeless--was scary! I feel like Conner has been so different towards Nate since that moment on the bed when he looked at me and said, "Mommy, is Nate going to die?" He saw the fear in my eyes and was scared. I could only say, "We have to trust God right now and hope that everything will be fine." He went to school and his class prayed for Nate and thank God for answering! We were able to pick Conner up from school and Nate was happy to greet Conner! Since then Conner has been so affectionate towards Nate, kind, and even wants to just have quiet times with him to play. So, something good came out of it!

Precious Nate!

2010-10-02T10:57:00.000-07:00

Nate,
You are such a joy--almost always smiling, love to play, love to climb--especially up slides, content by yourself but love being with your brothers, love to be read too, finally walking--19 months, starting to talk more, and saying all your brothers names--too cute. You seem so little but everyone says you are so big--you are tall but I can't believe you'll be two in four months. It seems crazy! I love your big smile and cute dimples! You are precious and loved so much!

So overdue...

2010-10-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

Oh my, how I wish I had more time to write on here! So many days passing by, memories, that I want to record but there just seems to be no time to do it! My days are full and at night I'm hanging out with my hubby when he's home or still organizing some corner in our new home so my list of things to blog only increases and will never get all done! Oh well...

So, we are settled in our new home and loving it! We weren't fond of the many bees we had in July and August and I'm not fond of the random spiders and huge crickets or the numerous stink bugs attached to our patio door BUT otherwise we are really happy here--so blessed. My favorite place in the house is my kitchen window that I can open with a turn handle. I love opening it in the early morning and feeling the cool air! I also love our family room even though it's a work in progress--still needs a chair, lamps, coffee table, and bookshelf. I am actually liking our laundry room being on the main level. I thought this would be hard to get used to since it was in a side closet in our MBR at our old house which was so nice but this hasn't been bad at all! We have loved our new back yard and being able to host cook-outs and seeing all the kids and parents running around playing football. It's everything we hoped it would be! I'm especially grateful to be so close to the church--8 minutes! Life is quite different with the shorter commute there, especially when I'm heading there so often these school days!

Thankful!

School Days--Conner is in Kindergarten

2010-09-30T17:11:00.000-07:00

I was looking forward to September because I knew a new routine was going to be so good for us. The craziness of the moving season was winding down and we were all ready for a good schedule! The last week of "Summer break" was great as we headed to Orlando for our family vacation. We returned on Saturday with Conner starting school on Tuesday.

The craziness of school decisions was finally over, at least for a little while. We had planned to homeschool this year, as I had really homeschooled "K" last year but not "formally" so we were going to be more formal this year. However, once we decided to move this Summer and being pregnant, God just seemed to be leading us towards Covenant Life School--our church school. We knew how wonderful the "K" teacher is and knew that you, Conner would love school--the question was how would you behave in school. When we met Mrs. Goodling, the teacher, I told her I'm going to expect the worst but hope for the best!

Conner, you were very "chill" with school fast approaching. You seemed to have no apprehension and yet, weren't overly "excited", just looking forward to it. You enjoyed school shopping with me for your supplies and were excited to get a Spiderman lunchbox. The first day of school came and we enjoyed cinnamon rolls for breakfast and you happily got dressed in your uniform and posed for a few pictures. Thankfully you were able to get in the afternoon session of school, which is what we wanted, so we could have family time in the morning together. Since "K" is only half day, except for Tuesdays, we don't even have to leave for school until 11:45.

We arrived at the school and walked in and you enjoyed finding your name on the wall for your backpack and going in to the class to read while you waited for all the students to arrive. Daddy came for a brief few minutes from work just to see you there on that first day. You were so cute. You had the biggest grin on your face. You looked so much older that morning!

Since that morning...it's been almost a month now, you still have the cutest grin when I drop you off for school. You absolutely love it. I think you feel so "big" walking in there by yourself. Praise God, we have had great feedback about your behavior at school, not only from your teacher but classroom helpers, as well. You have been encouraged for being a servant, diligent, enthusiastic, obedient, and one person just said they were just so "impressed" by you. I am so thankful for the encouragement and praise God for the grace! We are thankful to be seeing fruit at home too. You have grown in thinking of others, being a helper to me and your brothers, seeking to be a peacemaker, being quick to ask for forgiveness, and really leading your brothers in games and play. It's been great to watch! So thankful!

With the start of school also came the beginning of violin ensemble through the Music Academy at our church. You are in the beginners ensemble group with three other kids. We were encouraged to enroll you so you could experience playing violin with others and learning in a group context. It has really been fun for you and you are learning a lot. You also switched violin teachers. This was hard since you had been with your teacher since you started at 4 yrs old. However, between having your brothers and school, schedule was tight so we had to go with a teacher who lives closer. You have made the transition well and seem to be enjoying violin more! It helps that we also practice in the morning now and not in the afternoon when you are more tired!

I must say the past month has just been a huge blessing. God has been so kind this month in so many ways! I'm very much encouraged! As our big b-day season starts next week (Conner in Oct, Eli in Nov, Jacob in Dec., along with the holidays, and a new baby coming, I needed the encouragement, thank you Lord!

I'm sure there is more I could write but that's it for tonight!

A Beach trip back in July...wrote this awhile ago but just now posting

2010-09-30T17:10:00.000-07:00

We headed down to N. C. last week to visit grandparents. Daddy had to go away on business so it was just Mommy and you boys again. I got you up at 5a.m. and we made the drive in 6 hours! You all did great. We didn't have to get out of the car at all, oh, except for me passing out food. It was amazing to me that when we got there none of you had a wet or dirty diaper! AMAZING! We had a great visit with Grammy, Pawpaw, Uncle James, Nana, Grandpa Bell, and Irene and Buster. We enjoyed a fun morning out at Emerald Isle Beach. The weather could not have been nicer! You boys LOVED playing in the sand, and Conner you loved jumping in the waves. I was glad to see the fear was gone! It was nice to have Uncle James along. He helped you guys build a little pool which you loved to run and jump in. Jacob I was so surprised at how much you loved the sand! So much you wanted me to bury you in it! Conner you enjoyed some pool time in Pawpaw's pool. Buster played in there with you and so did Grammy for a little while (it was really hot)!

The other fun part was telling the family Mommy's pregnant! I knew they'd be in shock and they were. I thought they'd notice my belly and say something but come to find out, they did notice but didn't want to ask, in case I'd just gained weight! :)

It was a good trip!

2010-09-30T16:57:00.000-07:00

"36"--Yep, that's how old I am now!

2010-09-10T01:58:00.000-07:00

I've gone over the hump of "35" and heading to "40". It seems so surreal. I can remember my early 20's like yesterday--crazy how fast it's gone! God has been so kind and merciful towards me! I'm so undeserving of the His great love and the many blessings He has poured out! We celebrated yesterday morning, my b-day around the table at breakfast and again at dinner, and I could only be amazed at the gifts of my dear husband and four precious boys there blessing me! What more could I ask for?!

My family's treat to me for my b-day--a visit to the place pictured above--the Umstead Resort in Raleigh. Yep, I'm flying out this morning and heading to NC for about -30 hours. A retreat away. I wasn't surprised to get a retreat, since that has become a common gift in our home but to fly to one was quite a surprise. Denny stays here a lot for work and just raves about it so he said it was my turn to go enjoy it! Yeah! I have my bag of books, calendars, and holiday ideas packed so I can hopefully do a lot of reading, planning, and also just some plain, old relaxing--I hardly know what that is anymore! Ha

Thank you Lord for all YOUR loving kindness and for a wonderful family and allowing me to enjoy "36" years!

Baby #5 is...

2010-08-21T11:11:00.000-07:00

Well, our planned date night to find out what we were having went as expected. First, we had our ultrasound yesterday morning and told the tech to write down what we were having and put it in an envelope. She was so kind and enjoyed our plan. This was the first ultrasound where we didn't even have the monitor on so we didn't see much. She showed us the heartbeat on her screen and froze a few pics for us but we just talked most the time. She said the baby could turn at any time so she couldn't guarantee we wouldn't see anything if we wanted a surprise so we chose not to watch.

Our secret was safe in Daddy's wallet until last night at 6:15 when we went to Buy Buy Baby. We picked out a baby girl and boy outfit and gave them to the clerk and told her to read what was in the envelope and pick the outfit that went with the sex and then wrap it up in a unisex box and then give us the box when she was done. She did that and then we were on our way to dinner. (It's funny because you kind of wait for this day, the confirmation of what you are having and yet I wasn't anxious, nervous, or eager--maybe just too tired and pretty convinced already it was a boy!)

So we set down to dinner at Jaleo in Bethesda and had our waiter video us (trying to upload video but it's not working) as we opened our gift. Much to our "surprise", it was the boy outfit. So, now at boy #5 there was no real celebration, just a laugh and sigh at the thought of five boys! Oh me! Forgot to get a picture of the new little boy outfit! We did discuss names some. We had such a good girl's name but still trying to settle on a boy's name.

You boys wanted another boy and were happy to hear this morning that your desire was confirmed!

God is faithful!

2010-07-11T03:22:00.000-07:00

A note to remind our family of God's faithfulness! This was an e-mail I sent out to friends and family to let them know how God answered our prayers in regards to selling/renting the house.

Since this e-mail they have signed the lease so the house is rented until July 31, 2012!

Hey all,

Just wanted to let you know that prayers were answered and hopefully this week we will receive a signed lease to rent our home for two years! Yeah!

God was so kind. The day I asked you all to pray, He answered and assured me of His faithfulness by sending three couples to come look and another call for a showing on Friday. This brought such peace! I was actually here at 1:00, when a family came with four kids. My boys were down so I had to walk them through the upstairs to show them quietly the sleeping boys in their rooms. It wasn't great timing but they were very gracious.

Anyway, I found out at the end that the man was a Navy Doctor and they are moving up from Chesapeake, VA. So we chatted a little and then his boys loved seeing Conner's violin because they both play viola. So, there was an immediate connection with these people. We prayed that they would want to rent. You can't beat a military family renting because they have a guaranteed income and get a housing allowance so rent wouldn't be an issue. They also take care of homes because otherwise you could report them. So we were SO happy to find out that they did submit and application and so we hope to be done with this by the end of the week! It is also such a blessing that they will sign for two years because hopefully the market will be back up an we can actually sell this one without a loss!

Thanks for your prayers. You can pray that God will keep this house running smoothly so we don't have any major repairs to have to take care of. Having two homes wasn't really our plan but God knows best!

Thanks everyone! I hope this encourages you this morning with another reminder of how near God is to us and how He desires to answer our prayers and be glorified!

To Him be the glory!

DnA

So grateful,

April

Pregnancy update...

2010-07-07T17:07:00.000-07:00

13 and 1/2 weeks, feeling good, belly too big already, tired and sore from working non-stop but can't complain...pregnancies have been good to me! Thank you Lord! Not many cravings right now, appetite has slowed down, thankfully!...Sleeping some better and my congestion seems better, yeah! For awhile there I was up every night sneezing and having dryness so bad I was just blowing blood, yuck! So far, so good!

to be continued...

Summer fun at 102 degrees

2010-07-07T16:56:00.000-07:00

I took you boys out to the Rockville Town Center last night for their family fun night, which includes face painting, a show, and discounted food. We got their early for you to enjoy the fountains. You all had so much fun! Then I let you dry out a little while playing on the big rocks and then we ate at Austin Grill. Yep, just me and you four boys eating out, quite amusing to those watching, I'm sure! We ate and went over to the stage only to find out the show was cancelled due to the heat advisory! They failed to e-mail me that before we left. Oh well, we had fun, regardless...

Cute Nate!

Silly Conner!

Crazy Jacob!

Crazy Mommy for taking you all out to eat!

Packing with kids...

2010-07-07T16:55:00.001-07:00

Surprise! Baby number 5?!

2010-07-02T16:57:00.000-07:00

So I wrote this back in May and forgot to post it and then I did and it posted back in my May blogs so here's the link:

click here --> Surprise, Baby #5

Nate--Finally!

2010-07-02T16:51:00.000-07:00

Nate,

Just wanted to post that you are finally cruising along the furniture--I wouldn't really call it cruising because it's quite slow but you are taking those side by side steps, finally at 17 months! You also started climbing the stairs this week and love doing it, over and over! So, hopefully by the 18mth check-up you'll almost be walking!

Italy

2010-06-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

This post will be short and sweet but Italy was wonderful! The weather very warm but always a nice breeze, the food--almost always great, the sights--amazing, the colors--fabulous, the companionship--PERFECT! We enjoyed long, long walks of sight-seeing, ate our share of gelato, I ate the best homemade pasta ever, had the best tiramisu, enjoyed some tour bus rides, loved the tour of the Coliseum, awed and a little burdened by the ornate churches, absolutely amazed at how old things are, a little turned off by Rome--I wouldn't go there again, but loved Florence!

Beautiful Florence!

The view out of our hotel

A little shop built on the side of the wall.

If I lived there, I'd have to shop here.

They had the most wonderful fruits, veggies, and oils!

Sistine Chapel

Me looking up at the Coliseum

I loved being with my Luv and seeing him so relaxed and carefree. Without the stress of work and kids, he was a new man! We had a so much fun except when he almost took out an over-crazed, psycho-soccer nut that kicked him (on accident), and when he almost took out a waiter for being more interested in watching soccer than giving us our check, and when he almost took out the guy trying to sell us some shirts for you boys. Aahhh, funny and not so funny! Had to be there!

Having some dessert at a "Bar" across from the Spanish steps and our hotel

Just arrived in Rome and got a picture on the Spanish steps

Thankfully the grandmas survived with you four boys! We had some helpers come take Conner and Jacob a few days to ease the craziness but I still think the grandmas were worn out! We are so grateful for their hearts to serve us. Daddy and I could NEVER make a trip like that without them.

I flew back by myself, as Daddy had a conference in Rome to attend. The nine hour flight back was so long! I usually sleep on flights but not this round. Ugh. I was too tired to read and somehow could not sleep. It was great to get home and have Eli and Jacob just hug me for a minute. What a welcome. Once Nate realized I was home he didn't want me to put him down. Conner, you came home a little later and gave me a wonderful warm hug too. Eli, you looked like you had grown up so much while I was gone! You looked like a big boy! It was wonderful to be home.

I'm afraid it will probably be a couple of years before Daddy and I get to do another trip like this but I can't wait!

And the test read....

2010-06-10T02:48:00.000-07:00

BOY! We'll see, in 9 more weeks...

Boy or girl...

2010-06-08T11:18:00.001-07:00

Of course, we'll have to really wait until our ultrasound for confirmation but I researched this new product and got clips from a couple news shows that said it's 80-90% accurate as long as you use it the right way. Of course online there are all kinds of people that argue it doesn't work but I like to go to the research and not others opinions. So, I thought why wait 20 weeks when at 10 weeks you could find out, possibly...so in the morning we plan to take the test and see and then hold out for another ten weeks to get a confirmation!

What's been going on here....TOO MUCH!

2010-06-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in awhile BECAUSE:

--House is up for sale/or rent so we are in "showing" mode

--I've been planning and we just got done celebrating Denny's 40th!

Yes, this is Denny all dressed up for his 70's party!

Us together--retro style

Denny, Sam Bates, and Steve Grange

--I've been EXTRA, SUPER DUPER TIRED because we are expecting NUMBER

--Tomorrow we hope to know if it is a...

--and I'm busy planning, shopping, and packing for a trip to...Italy!

--I've been packing and after vacation I'll be busy packing more for our move into our new home in July...Oh me, Summer will fly by!

Beach visit in N.C.

2010-06-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

It was a good trip!

A few pics from a family hike we took in March

2010-05-15T02:32:00.000-07:00

We took a "nice" walk in March on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at one of the Little Bennett trails. It would have been really "nice" if you, Conner, hadn't screamed at every gnat, fly, and bug, you encountered. One time a little bug of some kind landed on you and you just screamed your head off. Daddy had to walk on ahead because he was about to lose it. You just went ballistic! Eventually I got you calmed down enough to finish the hike but I wouldn't say it's a hike Daddy would want to do again!

Nate you enjoyed your first backpack ride, and sure looked cute!

Snacktime!

Jacob being brave!

Another snack after the hike!

You boys can't get enough of food!

Overdue post...a trip to N.C. in March

2010-05-15T02:05:00.000-07:00

I am delayed in posting some pics from March so I wanted to do it before I forget.

In March, since Daddy was traveling, I ventured to N.C. with you four boys! We had a good trip! In fact, we drove all the way down--in 6 hours and 20 min without getting out once! It would have been nice to get out but I knew that could take awhile so we ate lunch in the van and just kept driving. Thankfully I had one of those "pee in a bag" things that absorb pee, so Conner, you were able to use that when you had to go (I guess I could have let you pee on the side of the road).

We had a great visit with Grammy, Pawpaw, Nana, and Great-grandpa Bell. The weather was great and we spent lots of time outdoors. Pawpaw took us to his work to meet people and we visited the horses and then played at a great park there on the Base. Of course, Pawpaw took you boys to breakfast every morning, which you loved! Conner, you met the neighbor boy across the street and enjoyed playing with him for awhile one evening. He was teaching you how to hit golf balls. Eli, you loved exploring Pawpaw's huge yard. You boys also had fun with Lepo (their doggy). Nana, loved seeing each of you and especially enjoyed having some sweet quiet time with you, Nate.

I'm glad that we were able to visit! I SO wish we lived closer to family so you could spend more time with them.

Great-grandpa Bell with Jacob and Eli at Nana's house

Nana and Eli

(I got pics with Nana right after her shower)

Nana and Jacob

Nana and Nate

Great-grandpa Bell and Nate

Pawpaw and Nate playing patty-cake

Grammy and Nate