Arboretum

On Saturday we went to the arboretum (free day in honor of Arbor Day) with Andy/Grace, Laura, and Ed/Judy. And all our kids. We take lots of family with us so that people think that some of the kids are theirs and don't ogle... :) Just kidding. But it was awfully nice to have extra hands and feet to help out! "We" didn't take near as many pictures as "we" should have and "we" aren't grumbling about it or anything... :) But not pictured is the cool maze made out of small tree trunks and the cool statue and the kids doing fun crafts and the owl chomping down dead mice... well, that one's ok to miss, I guess. Anyway, without further ado, here are a few pictures!

I finished something!

All those cute little golden stars symbolize my completing the 30-Day Shred...a workout from Jillian Michaels. Boy, it feels good to have actually finished something! While it hasn't really taken weight off, I finally have the strength and energy to play with my kids again! I can outrun Peter again and hold my own when the boys gang up on me to try to tickle me and zerbert my belly (which is still VERY "zerbert-able"- having twins really does a number on a belly). Anyway, I look forward to continuing my exercising, but mixing in other things besides The Shred. I think I'll celebrate by starting a load of laundry. :) Oh, here's a couple favorite quotes by Jillian: "You may be thinking, 'This is going to be easy'- think again, buddy!" "You're in the last 30 seconds of circuit three." "There are three levels: One, Two, and Three." Hahaha! Anyway, have a great day and enjoy the life and breath God has given you!

A few from Peter's party

A great time was had by all, especially Tirzah, who got her first taste of ice cream last night- compliments of Auntie Yaya. :)

To Be Young Again...

Random pictures

Tirzah went swinging for the first time last week in her cousin Ransom's swing. It was quite a hit.

Here's Berea just lookin' cute...and rather mischievous!

And Tirzah garbed in Elijah's towel (he pretends it's a super hero cape, of course)

Elijah likes (much to my chagrin) to "hold" the babies lately- it generally turns into more of a wrestling hold.

And Peter jumping...

Lunch time! They finally figured out how to get food into their mouths!

And our beautiful little 5 1/2 year old!

Last, but not least, the twins took a bath in the big tub last night for the first time! They loved it of course!

April 14th

All day yesterday I kept thinking that April 14th was supposed to be remembered for something and I couldn't for the life of me figure out why. In the evening I was reading a John MacArthur devotional thing that was talking about facing trials, and I began thinking about the biggest trial I've yet endured-my miscarriage a year and a half ago- and suddenly it dawned on me that April 14th (of last year, obviously) was that baby's due date. Part of me wishes that I could've just forgotten that, but at the same time I think it's good to remember God's faithfulness and sovereignty. I still ache to hold that baby even though God has blessed me enormously with two little babies to be able to hold now, two little babies I would never have known had I not miscarried the last. So many conflicting emotions. And yet, blessed be the name of the Lord! Time to get some sleep before those two little blessings start waking up with teething and colds!

Posing

C occasionally shoots portraits as a side job/hobby. The kids enjoy posing for the camera as C gets everything set up. Here are a couple pictures of the last session...

Watch out, Al Capone!

Ain't I cute?

Sharp shooter (no he doesn't really wear glasses)

Easter and Quotes

Three little lovelies...


This is the first time I looked at all my kids and said to myself, "Wow, that's a lot of kids!" I know, I'm a slow learner.


Here are a couple recent quotes from Anne, while I'm here...
-"I just love sleepin'. I get kinda excited when I hear the word 'sleep'."
-"My stomach is FULL of joy. 'Cause I love food so much."