Inspiration from a 7yr. old.....

I am a firm believer that inspiration is all around us....when I take the time to open my eyes, I am nothing less than amazed at the sights God places before me.

My oldest son Noah has this special way about him.....it is hard to describe, but I will try. This guy is a "thinker" (related to his father of course) And he says what is on his mind....whatever he is pondering he shares it with me.....and I love that about him.

He is a conversationalist in our home.....there is never a lack of words throughout the days and evenings. One facet of his thought sharing is when he is reading a book. I love it when he is interested and excited about what he is reading.

He could be wrapped up in a good story and say "Hey Mom, listen to this." Then he'll read a part to me from his book. Or he often starts a sentence with, "Did you know?...." Usually this occurs when he is reading a National Geographic Explorers book.....and usually I do not know before hand what he shares with me. I am always gaining insight on different subjects from Noah.

 A couple of weeks ago, I took these photos of him reading. I always try to be discreet and not too annoying with my camera. And as I was looking at him through my lens I became inspired. Here he was....completely engrossed in his book. I could see his enjoyment...I had to smile when he actually laughed out loud at a humorous part.

After he was done reading I told him that I needed to talk to him. As he approached me, I took his hand, and I said to him..."Noah, I just want you to know that you really inspire me." He gave me a sweet smile and asked..."What exactly does inspire mean?"

I told him that for me, I get inspired by people who are not only enjoying what they are doing, but that they are good at it and like to share it with others....and what ever it is that they are doing...it inspires me to want to do something similar. 

I had went on to explain that I had really missed reading,...just to sit down and enjoy a good book (and he knows how much his Mama loves to read.) And that I have been so busy spending every spare moment on the internet looking at houses, (thankfully that is all over now and we should be able to close on the house in Indiana in August.)

I told him that when I was watching him enjoy reading, it made me want to get away from the computer, pick up a good book and just read. I thanked him for his inspiration....and again he gave me a sweet smile. 

There  really are the simple things in life that make such a difference in my daily outlook.....I love it when God uses my children to open my eyes and then helping me to remember that what we do...no matter how small or simple it may be....could speak volumes in someone else's  life.

Just Some Random Thoughts....and Sweet Photos of Luke.....

Feel free to enjoy these sweet photos of Luke while I ramble off some random thoughts about life lately....although it is not in my nature of writing...I will try to be brief.

Well...Jared found a home for our family while on his house hunt in Indiana last week. We put in an offer and to our delight after only one counter offer the seller accepted. Lots of "Praise the Lord" was rolling off of our tongues.

Our next hurdle will be for the house to pass inspection....tomorrow! If all goes well, then our closing date and moving date will be August 4th....which means I have less than 6 wks. to pack and do all of the other craziness that comes along with moving. 

We had a great visit in PA....as always, and will be staying a short time with my folks while Jared ties up loose ends here...should be less than a week....but I hate being away from my hub....sigh. On a lighter note...he is super excited to start his new job, (more about that nerdiness later.)

 I am preparing myself to be a blubbering fool tomorrow evening....it will be my last get together with my girlies. My sisters in Christ who I love and will miss deeply. I am to bring my famous brownies.....someone will have to carry on my awesome brownie baking legacy after I am gone.  I am going to try to be all strong and cool...but I know it won't last...especially because I know there are a couple of other blubbering fools who will get me going.

Ok...about these photos....aren't they sweet? The Lukester was acting like such a big boy....I really think he thought he was helping me out by watering the flowers, (even though there wasn't a drop of water in it.) His big brothers make quite an impression, because that's what they love to do. Even Lauren has her own watering can.  Oh..and in case you were wondering what was up with Luke's hair....he just woke up from his nap and I have a bad habit of forgetting to brush the boys' hair if we're not going anywhere....and we were home bound today....so peaceful listening to the rain this afternoon....I love the rain.

So...I am really trying to enjoy my lovies each day...remembering that life really is precious...too precious for me to get all stressed with this upcoming move and all of the changes that go along with it.  We are staying close to the Word of God as a family and in prayer.... essentials in the life of this family.

Hopefully my next post will reveal the good news about our home in Indiana. That's all for now....peace and blessings.

Happy Father's Day to my husband......

I would love to spend some time and tell you how much I love you and what a wonderful father you are.....however, we are leaving to head back to NH is just a few minutes, (you are packing up the car as I type this.) So here are just a few words and lots of photos.

Let me just say that I hope our sons grow up to be godly men just like their Daddy....and that our little girl grows up to marry a loving man just like her Daddy.

Thank you for loving our children....for praying with and for them everyday....for being affectionate and loving everyday....and for reading them God's Word everyday.

We are so very blessed that you take the many roles God has given you very seriously.... that you love me, the mother of your children, the way God calls you to, that you adore your children and discipline them because you love them, that you are a strong spiritual leader of our household and most importantly that you love God and set such an amazing example for our children.


Happy Father's Day.......I Love You.

I Love You Daddy......

A few words for my Daddy.....

We all have different qualities that make up who we are....and I wanted to point out a few of your many qualities that speak volumes in my life.  

I can never remember a time in my life when you weren't there when I needed you.  You worked very hard while I was growing up providing for our family, (and still to this day are a hard worker.)

And even in the midst of working doubles....I always knew if there was anything...anything at all that I needed you would be there.  I still feel that way to this very day....something I do not take for granted but feel very fortunate in having a Dad who would do anything for one of his children....and grandchildren.  

You were the type of Dad that always made me feel safe....I never remember feeling afraid as a child.  Now, as an adult, I can look back and realize how important having that security in my upbringing has been.  I now understand how vital it is for a child to feel that safety and security....especially from their father.

I can honestly say that to this day I have never met a person who so thoroughly enjoys doing things for other people. You just seem to go that extra mile to help someone out.....and lots of times you don't get the thank you that you deserve.....but that never deters you from continuing to give your time to someone who is in need.  

I can give a plethora of examples of you completely going out of your way, and above and beyond what is expected. Just to name a few that are special to me:  

For many years you worked extremely hard at providing the best back yard fire works display I have ever seen....everyone loved them...and you never got to enjoy them yourself, you were always so busy making sure everyone else would be safe and enjoy them. You're enjoyment came from seeing your friends and family having a good time.

Being a jack of all trades....you are always,  fixing, building, or installing something or other for someone.  I don't know how one person can know so much about the things you do.....but all of us who you have helped out one way or another sure are grateful for you sharing your gifts and talents.

And one thing that has always pulled on my heart strings is the way you have dedicated so much of yourself in being a part of something one of your grandsons is passionate about, and that is the life of "hockey."  Nothing less than a true blessing you have been in Mavrik's life....you are his biggest fan. Your support and encouragement through these years will in no doubt have an unparalleled influence to the man He will grow to be.

Oh...and one more thing. Thank you for being the kind of Dad who would have all 4 of his kids in the station wagon and while Mom was in doing the grocery shopping would do  donuts in the parking lot......good times....great memories!

I Love You....Happy Father's Day.

  

Happy Times......

We have been in PA since last week....and I have 4 very happy lovies. They always have such a great time while we're here.  Always happy times at Pap Pap and Grandma's!

I have lots of photos to share in some upcoming posts of my lovies spending time with family.  We are leaving to head back to NH in a couple of days...and once again did not get to visit everyone we wish we could have. On a good note....we'll be back some time this summer.

I just wanted to give some updates on our house hunting adventures.  

Jared basically dropped the kids and I off here in PA and headed out to Indiana....solo.... to find a house for our family. 

Our pastor and his lovely wife, opened their home to Jared where he  stayed for a couple of days. (We have already found a church in Indiana where we will worship...some of you may have questions on how we found a church without actually visiting the church ....I will give an answer to that in an upcoming post...all I will say for now is that God is so amazing in His provision.)

Well...he found a house and we put in an offer. Right now we are in the negotiation process....it seems to be going much smoother than the previous house we had an offer on, which did not work out, (looking back it really was a blessing that we did not enter into a contract for that particular property.) We are just hoping and praying that everything works out with this time around.

It would be a great home for our family. I will give more details once we close and of course will share photos.  It will be interesting if we are blessed with this house...I have only seen photos and video...I haven't actually been there. But Jared is confident that I will love it...and I trust my hub.

In the meantime, after we arrive back in New Hampshire we will be packing, packing, packing....and when we are not packing we will be trying to spend some time with our dear friends as much as we are able...trying to soak up what ever time we have left with them.....this is very difficult for me to write about....the whole saying good bye bit....the thoughts of it hurt.

On a lighter note, here is a photo of my one year old....with a big ol' smile on his face. I am seeing lots of smiles while we are here with family. It is so wonderful to be able to share my lovies...and not just through a photo.

And yes...I am well aware that Luke is in need of his first haircut. I just got over him turning one...I am trying to pace myself with all of the other big boy stuff!

Have You Ever.......

Have you ever had a moment when you can't help but smile?

Have you ever had a moment when you laugh out loud?

Have you ever had a moment when you think someone can't be any cuter?

Have you ever had a moment when you were so over-the-moon in love with someone?

In the midst of life's challenges, God blesses me with these moments each day.....and I am so very thankful.

Trying to "Soak Up" This Time.....

We went to the pond this afternoon....our first trip of the summer.  Only a few minutes from our home.....back a long dirt road....a hidden gem. We were the only ones there for most of our  time....well us and the black flies. There are so many things that we are going to miss about New England....and black flies is not one of them. They are only around for about a month....and that's one month too long if you ask me!

As I was watching Jared and my lovies splash around and have fun....I couldn't help but wonder how many more times we would enjoy this pond. It really is such a peaceful spot...and so beautiful. 

We have had our lives pretty slow paced this past couple of years or so....not a whole lot on our plate. We've spent hours upon hours together as a family....moments I cherish. The knot in my stomach is present because although we really are looking forward to this new chapter in our lives.....so much is going to change. It's such a weird emotion...excitement for a fresh start somewhere new...and real sadness in saying good bye to so many we love. 

I am quite certain that there are going to be some hectic moments on the horizon...something that always seems to come along with a move....especially a big one like ours.  I am already starting to feel the crunch.....sigh. My "To Do" list is growing by the day. I was a woman who once purposefully had little on my calendar....and slowly but surely it is going to be filling up....I need to be conscious that I do not get stressed out. 

I know that I must make it a point to enter into God's Word each day with a purpose....I don't want my time with Him to be trumped by all of the other stuff that needs to get done. Jared recited a verse to me the other day that I have been holding on to.....

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God: and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6

 Just looking at these photos of my lovies puts me at peace...thank you LORD.  They truly do enjoy life. It really is amazing how God uses my lovies to make me stop and think, I am always learning something from them.....I hope to never get too busy with life to enjoy it.

Guess Who Luke Shares His Birthday With.......

It was such a sweet and exciting moment when the robin eggs hatched. The kids were so excited...and it just so happened that the first two hatched on Saturday....Luke's 1st Birthday!

The kids have been great at giving the mama bird time with her babies. We had to explain how important it is for the mama to keep her babies warm.  Noah checks on the nest multiple times a day....checking on the babies or using the binoculars to watch the mama sitting.

Because the nest just happens to be on the kids' play gym....which they play on every day.....we have had only spurts of time swinging and going down the slide, as not to make mama bird nervous.  (And the black flies this time of year are awful...so at certain times it is down right miserable to be outside anyway...poor Lauren has been eaten alive!)

Anywho...enjoy these photos of the baby birds. I have to say that I have never seen baby birds this tiny and this close.....what a treasure....just sitting there in our back yard.  

I'll be posting more photos soon....the third egg did hatch yesterday. It's funny....these babies are kind of ugly and cute all at the same time!

My Baby Luke Turns One Today....

 Exactly one year ago today, God blessed Jared and I with lovie number four.  Three excited siblings welcomed Luke William into this world with hugs and kisses and still haven't stopped smothering him with love.....I have a feeling this little guy will never lack for affection.

I wanted to take this time to write a few things to my baby.....

(...deep breath...)

.....You made me smile the moment you were laid on my chest.... and I am still smiling

.....You and I are rarely apart

.....You still like to make your adorable snoot

.....You eat mass quantities of blueberries everyday

.....You are a great napper...thank you

.....You are our earliest talker...saying lots of words already 

(Of course my favorite word to hear you say is "Mama")

.....You love love love to be outside

.....You like to zoom your matchbox cars around on the floor...just like your big brothers

.....You like to hold baby dolls and pat their backs...just like your big sister

.....You still cry every time I leave the room

.....You loved to be chased...you giggle so hard that you fall down

.....You love to play in the water

.....You are going through a hitting phase right now 

(and you think you're hilarious)

.....You fall asleep in my arms every night

(and I have absolutely no plans for that to change any time soon)

.....You already like to wrestle with your Daddy

.....You love music and you love to dance

.....You are still nursing and have never had a bottle ever

.....You are very ticklish and have the sweetest sounding giggle

.....You are into everything all of the time

.....You sleep with a nucki and a little bear blanky 

.....You are just now starting to enjoy being read to 

(One of my favorite things to do with my lovies)

.....You have beautiful blue eyes and are so observant

.....You sometimes act shy when someone new talks to you

.....You call your big brother Noah..."Wowa"

(and his heart melts every time)

.....You never wore a pair of shoes until you were 10 mos. old

.....You love to brush your teeth, and you stand really still and let me help

 .....You LOVE ice cream

(which is not surprising since you are related to my mother)

.....You fold your chubby hands when we pray together as a family

(one of the cutest things ever!)

.....You love to be naked

.....You love chocolate...just like Mama

(that's obvious by these photos)

.....You are obsessed with the phone

.....You love to be cuddled....and I love to cuddle you

.....You totally have your Daddy's smile

.....Your crib is in our room

(I love having you close)

.....You have brought us so much joy and we feel completely blessed by God to have you in our lives. I love being your Mama and I love you so much.....my sweet baby Luke.

Happy 1st Birthday to my beautiful son