Happy 10th Birthday Isaac!

Ten years ago today my husband and I welcomed our very first child. We chose to name him Isaac Pierce. Isaac means laughter in the Bible and Pierce was after my father n law, whose middle name is also Pierce. Isaac lives up to his name. He is a joyous child. He has a tender heart - one that wants to please his Saviour as well as his family. At birth Isaac weighed a whopping 10lbs. 11oz.! He was 23" long. He was incredibly big, the biggest in that hospital that week. I will never forget the feeling that swept over me as I held my "big" bundle in my arms as they rolled me from the delivery room to the maternity floor. I stared into his sleepy eyes and was overcome with a feeling of unspeakable love and desire to nuture. I could not grasp that Isaac was left to my husband and I to care for. After years of being over confident and sure of myself, I all of a sudden felt totally inept and unsure of anything. I felt inadequate to care for this little person. Well, ten years later, I can attest to many mistakes - but I can also testify to the Lord's help. God has most assuredly led the way to raising this young man, and continues to do so. My prayer for Isaac is this: That he may never lose his joy - but that it may magnify and grow in serving Christ. I pray that Isaac always puts the Lord first in his decisions, his ambitions, and his actions. If this prayer is answered - then everything else will follow. . . joy, happiness, a loving wife, success, and contentment. God is good to provide everything we need in this life if we only follow after him.

Happy Birthday Isaac - My little bundle is growing fast into a young man!

Stylish Up Do

Isn't she sophisticated? We were having fun at Chloe's expense. She thought it was great with everyone laughing at her. I just love that last picture. Her facial expression is so cute!

Autumn . . . and Rain

Washington autumns are probably one of the best. I know many of you sigh at the sight or sound of rain, but I look forward to it. The sound just beckons me to a hot cup of tea, or coffee, or . . . even better . . . hot apple cider. It demands that I turn the classical station down or the video off so I can listen to the music that plays just outside my window. It helps to calm my spirit. It puts me in a relaxed state of mind. Slippery leaves, greener lawns, and the smell of a fresh newness puts my mind at ease. Enjoy your wet autumn day!

All Dolled Up

My friend Alice made the girls a very special birthday gift. She made them personalized paper dolls. I just love them. I often see my Ellie girl playing with them in the corner by herself. I hope that she will cherish them for a long time. I know Alice (and her mother) put much time and effort into them. I think it is such a great idea. I know Alice used to sell them, but am not sure if she does that anymore. Anyhow I just had to share them with you. They came with many outfits for each "doll". They are all laminated and the clothes are held to the doll by velcro. (I chose velcro, but most choose magnets - but being as magnets are a little dangerous around babies I decided against it) Alice presented them in a sweet little box she also constructed. I am so thankful for this sweet gift from her and her mother's heart. It will be cherished. BTW - You can check out other creations that Alice and her mother made by clicking on the blog entitled "Daydreamed Designs".

Thank you Alice and Barb!

Love you both!

The Best Present

A little while ago we celebrated the two little girls' birthdays. One present that Chloe received was a new carseat. So pretty with browns and pinks . . . but she could care less about the seat itself. It was the box that held her interest. Here are a few photos of the infamous box that has now gone on to become one with the dumpster.

FYI

For those of you who may want/need to know: our phone number is BACK to what it USED to be. We had changed it - only to change it back. We had our original phone number for 10+ years, so I am delighted to have it back! (I know - I am a goofball and way too sentimental) If you never knew our new number - then forget what I just said.

Okay, I'm done being confusing.

A Roadtrip to Remember

My husband decided that it was time we took a family road trip. So by the seat of our pants, we threw some clothes into some suitcases and hit the road. No map, no schedule, just five kiddos and two crazy parents who giggled with anticipation. The first night we drove all night and the next day. We made it almost to Minnesota by Thursday evening - we left Wednesday at 3:30pm. That is A LOT of driving. We slept good in Fargo, North Dakota and headed out. We made it to West Virginia in three days. Stayed there for two nights, met up with Jason and Amanda Hand and then started back. We went through Kentucky to see family and stay at a home that my father n law grew up in. Kentucky is beautiful. We also saw the Creation Museum in Kentucky! That was awesome! You should take time to go and see it! They explained things so vividly. It was just an amazing experience that impacted all of us. Then we headed to South Dakota to see Mt. Rushmore. WOW! That was fun. It is amazing that a group of men was able to carve into granite and form such a widely known memorial. After Mt. Rushmore off we went to Yellowstone! Ellie came down with the tummy flu, so that was hard - but the boys really enjoyed the animal sightings and the canyon and Old Faithful! We started the trip with no map and eventually got a free map at Cracker Barrel that showed their locations nationwide. We used that to go to West Virginia. I know . . . crazy. We had a blast. Why do this? . . . you ask . . . - why not? What a special thing to be able to see the country. We experienced some pretty great things: cracker barrell, sweet tea, the beauty of the changing leaves, the creation museum in Kentucky, Mt. Rushmore, and Yellowstone National Park. Most importantly we experienced one another without any distractions. It was such a sweet time. A lasting memory.

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