I know I left y'all hanging with the story of my mom. Life is just too fast and I haven't had the space to write the rest, but I will when the time is right. In the meantime, I needed to get these pics in here, so let me be the first to wish you...
Happy New Year!
2016 that is--hahaha!
These are pictures I wanna keep for when I print out our blog book, but because I'm behind on blogging these are all of 2015 pictures.
Just one year behind.
That's good, right?:)
Whatevs.
I'm here for comedic relief.:)
We woke up the morning of 2016 and headed to church to ring in the new year with worship, communion, sharing, and positioning ourselves with eyes toward heaven. It was good and a tradition I like keeping, giving God the first of our year.
Then we came home and just chilled by the fire.
Not long after our relaxing time together I thought, "Oh shoot, I should actually get all the pictures off my camera and blog." Facebook has been eating my blog piece by piece, and while it may not matter to anyone else to see this little blog keep going, I am at least committed to catching up so my kids have a record of our lives.
So, let's head back to July...
We spray painted our front lawn, decorated for the 4th and participated in our neighborhood parade.
'Twas a great day.
I was cleaning up the office and found this gem from Elisha.
My Lee turned 38...
He's just about the best they come.
After daily casualties, I finally retired our front entry table.
Took my hubby to a fabulous birthday dinner at Ned Ludd's in Portland.
Highly recommend.
Tradition is to make his favorite three layer tropical carrot cake every year.
The Pastry Queen does not disappoint.
Summer is my favorite season with kids.
We hang outside and spend a lot of time at the pool.
Me and Willbz.
Stuck in the van after missing a piano lesson because we forgot our book again.
Story.of.my.life.
More visits to mom's grave when I need time to be alone and reflect.
I love how peaceful it is there.
Maisey started taekwondo in June and has really excelled at it.
We always had a suspicion she'd be good at it, and she is.
High-five to us parents.
Willbz is all about me taking her picture for any and every reason.
Ahijah has serious fear of missing out and has to copy whatever sisters do.
Free slurpee day at 7-11.
We hit the jackpot!
Every day life moments: messy floors, dinner cooking, and piano practice.
Love.
I shared a lengthy post about this sign on fb, so I won't re-share here.
Suffice to say this sign is special as is the garden dedicated to her in the back of our church.
Little man gained more words than I thought possible this summer.
He even figured out how to tease us.
Here he drew a family picture but purposefully left out Willoughby because he knew it would bug her. Brothers.
An anxious 4 year old couldn't wait until the fall to start homeschool kindie, so we got crackin' in July. Good thing, because towards later fall she kinda burned out and slowed down--ha!
Hot dates with this guy.
They are like pure gold.
Rare and rich.
For my birthday he took me out to dinner at Andina's--delicious Peruvian food.
Sister love--Elisha and Maisey.
After my birthday dinner I caught up with old friends at a church youth group reunion.
We re-enacted a photo of us in highschool.
Oh the special music songs we used to tackle together in 5 part harmony.
Miss those girls!
My attempt to get caught up administratively with worship team.
You guys.
I need an assistant.
Updating songs and databases is not conducive to my life right now.
Elisha's birthday letter to me.
Picture by my bedside of great friends and true words.
More pool time?
Yes please.
I love afternoon naps with this guy.
And this guy.
Only, he's usually working, but I'll take what I can get!
A kids' dentist that hosts carnival days and ice cream trucks?
YES PLEASE.
Christine Caine book, a lit candle, and a hot bath are pure perfection at the end of a long day.
We call this dude our Flynn Rider.
He's all smolder.
In August we headed to a local community carnival and it was a blast.
Fair food, goods for sale, and of course, a parrot.
Maisey was pumped about this experience.
Eva, our resident Wild Kratt sister, was equally jazzed.
Elisha, still not too old for parrot love.
Embracing all the Noonday.
We celebrated 18 years of wedded bliss with dinner out and a long walk around the lake, then to our gym to sit in the outdoor hot tub together.
Totally romantical.
Duplos for days.
And of course we're always given strict instructions by the kids, "Don't move it! It's special!"
I enjoy the simple things, like the view from my couch.
With my feet up.
And no one needing me.
Learning to take decent selfies.
Maisey helping me stay accountable with all things health and fitness.
Love my little chef.
Watching movies as a family.
I'll let you guess which one doesn't sit still.
Noonday's got me takin' a lot more selfies to show off the beautiful jewelry our artisans hand craft.
And the weather's got me all hangin' outdoors any chance I get!
Snack time.
Crazy pants time.
Cleaning out school drawers for the upcoming year and finding a dead snail from science, the previous year.
They like to barge in on me in the bathroom a lot, so I took advantage of snapping a photo when they did. I treasure these girlios.
Oh look! Another selfie.
Since so many of my pictures only have my kids in them, I hope that my family will one day look back and realize I actually did co-exist with them.
Twins from other continents.
SO STINKIN' GROSS.
There's always singing.
Her smile is the sweetest.
Poor boy can't escape Barbies.
It looks like we got robbed.
She has the most tender heart for her little brother, and I had to capture this picture of her praying over him.
Can't even handle it.
This beautiful girl turned 11 this last year. She is creative, focused, and determined...and she loves Mermaid tails. That's the perfect combo.
So we went to India, me, Elisha, and Eva, last August.
I have SO many stories that I need to write so I'll remember.
But here's a glimpse.
Flew to San Francisco and stayed the night before our long legs to Tokyo and Delhi.
Off to Tokyo!
While we were off trapsing the world, daddy was making memories with the three kiddos (Maisey, Willoughby, and Ahijah). They spent time with all the animals and fun-loving Grandma Nee Nee at Wildlife Safari.
Here's Maisey riding a camel.
I just love this picture of Maise.
Wet hair from swimming at the hotel, standing up through the sun roof, taking life on her terms.
She's a gem.
And this little nugget ain't too bad neither.
Willbz clearly didn't enjoy a single second with dad.
I have to say, it was too cool that they saw all types of animals, because where we were we only saw thousands and thousands of cows roaming streets.
Daddy bought them all stuffed animals while I was gone, and I'm pretty sure this one is Willbz' long lost twin.
On our way home after an incredible time in India.
Pinch me.
I can't believe how God put that journey together.
Waking up in my own bed next to the Willbinator is part of the cure for jetlag.
I'm sure of it.
Jumping back into regular life:
Maisey joined taekwondo over the summer and she caught on pretty quickly.
Here's her first test.
This cutie going from white belt to yellow belt.
Her awesome instructors.
She passed!
That certificate and belt are gold!
Champs, all of 'em.
This guy.
He works hard and naps hard.
Eva-berry.
Willoughby at the Children's Museum.
These two have such a soft heart for animal creatures, both the real life and the stuffed kind.
Having a boy means we frequent this area now.
Hahaha!
Here's the girls all nurturing and talking together...
running their veterinarian clinic...
softly talking to their pups...
and telling their mama to take all the photos...
because this is the sweet girl-side of my life.
Meanwhile, my little boy and I played rough and tumble and dirty and didn't say words between us...
and daddy broke down his fancy rock 'n' roll dance moves for me.
We kind of school year 'round--getting a couple of subjects out of the way during the summer. We still have an official school start day though, and soon enough it was upon us.
Elisha: 6th grade
Eva: 4th grade
Maisey: 2nd grade
Willoughby: Kindergarten
Ahijah: PRE pre-school
She learned the letter "X" and was basically all "I'm ready for college mom."
One thing I love about homeschooling is that we can go places while everyone is in school.
September is pretty nice in Oregon and so we took full advantage of our pool days when our homework was finished.
A new school year meant new extra-curricular activities for everyone.
Elisha: Jazz
Eva: piano
Maisey: taekwondo, piano
Willoughby: dance
Ahijah: gymnastics
In the spring Maisey and Eva will take back on the next level of swimming lessons and we'll gear up for new classes the next term. It all flies by fast!
Working through adoption paperwork in our "office" together.
That looks like me in the tub and Lee asking me questions.
ha!
ha!
Dropping off a fun, greasy lunch for daddy at work.
Maisey is in the "I want to earn money" stage.
She found a fake crystal rock and decided to set up shop on the sidewalk.
$5 for the rock.
Grandpa is such a sucka.:)
Cooking at home together.
Maisey's a great kitchen helper!
New seasons mean adapting and making new routines.
My monthly gym membership got replaced by Beachbody and I am really enjoying working out to all of their fun programs!
Noonday show up in Washington in the most beautiful backyard!
This space was incredible and so much fun!
Can't believe this was already a year ago.
This pic was taken after everyone tried on stuff.
My kids love to borrow my phone:
Maisey doodle.
She clearly cracks herself up.
Pretty, wild, introverted, friendly Maisey.
This kid figured out how to take apart his bed.
Awesome.
We made clay wolves for our "Animal of the Week" series.
Tried to embrace more FUN days in our school year so we headed to Chuck E. Cheese of course!
He warmed up to me.:)
And you can't beat the prizes at Chuck E. Cheese's either.
I mean, it only cost $50 and 500 tickets to get all this!
Dusting our balcony.
Don't even look at the school room/shoe display chaos below.
This last year I learned the art of a good selfie.
I had to learn it to represent Noonday and I am so glad I did!
Now my kids will actually have pictures of me instead of just me taking pictures.
And I love when my friends take selfies too because I WANT to see their face!
More fun school days spent at the pool while everyone else was back in session.
The only sad part was not having the cabana open to cook us hamburgers and hot dogs!
When your swim diaper gets soiled, what do you do?
You ride home commando.
And pretty soon everyone wants to do it.
I shared the story of the oars on fb, but I wanted to document it here.
Sometimes in life you feel stuck in the middle of the lake, in a storm. You're too far from shore behind you and you can't tell if you're any closer to the next shore.
It can be discouraging, to say the least.
But if you just give one more stroke, you'll be closer than you were before.
God always finishes what He starts.
Sister time between Eva and Maisey.
Waiting to pick up food selfie.
Yup, I got this down now--haha!
One night I was just exhausted.
All the responsibilities of motherhood took it out of me and I told my husband I just needed to go lay down. He brought me dinner in bed and took care of the kiddos, because that's the kind of guy he is.
Can't believe how grown up he is!
Ahijah Lee at 3 1/2 years old.
I love these feet, and the little girl attached to them.
Took another fun day at Baggenstos Farm.
She's a go-getter and you can't stop her from trying something.
I love that spunk!
We need one of these is our backyard.
And we need THIS backyard!:)
Sweet girl did dance class last fall--2015.
She took several weeks warming up to the idea...
but eventually participated and...
even enjoyed herself...
slowly making friends...
and learning to love herself even more.
Self-confident is so important she's at an age where I want her to see herself as the masterpiece God created her to be!
This alpaca scarf from Noonday almost never left my neck last fall.
So cozy!
Texting got even more fun when I started messaging selfies, videos, and voice texts to friends.
A social mama's dream come true!
I am so grateful for all the ways we have to stay in touch these days.
This is what dating looks like when you don't have a babysitter, you have five kids, and you're TIRED. Hahaha!
A bath, snacks, and conversation with a locked door.
yes please.
Painting nails with my girl, Willbz.
They're practically twins, Ahijah and Dillby--as he calls her.
She saw mom taking selfies and wanted some of her own.
This is her signature.
Kinda looks like a superhero symbol.:)
Love my Willbers.
On a shopping project with Maisey.
She likes to stay busy and is my "I'm bored" kiddo.
So I have her come up with ideas and we do our best to execute them.
Yearly family photo time!
Dawson Photography did an amazing job!
Dawson Photography did an amazing job!
Schlepping everyone to dance for Willoughby.
Eva working on handwriting.
Ahijah rolling down the entry in his dump truck.
A Wild Tree make and take party--so fun!
Pumpkin patch with Grandpa and the kids.
They really do love each other.
And they equally love taking crazy photos together:
L to R: Eva (8), Willoughby (4), Ahijah (3 1/2), Maisey (6), and Elisha (11 1/2).
Still miss my mom so much on these adventures, but thankful for a grandpa who stands in the gap and loves well.
Baby cows are where it's at!
Ahijah's first pony ride!
Maisey trying not to show that she likes it.
Eva clearly beaming.
The great hunt for everyone's favorites pumpkins began.
All at the same time the rain started.
Then home to carve them out, because daddy is so so patient.:)
October was pastor appreciation month, and we didn't forget ours!
My dad is one of the best there is, and we are grateful for others like Aaron Auer and his wife, Kimberly, who pour into us well.
Drive-thru McDonald's after church with our kids and their friends.
What a scene as daddy makes sure everyone's order is right.
Sending my dad off to Israel to fight some giants.
Wiloughby puzzled by the letter Q.:)
Ahijah is usually pretty good during school time, but it's hard to keep him occupied for long!
#findyourmoment
Hahaha!
Fall walks with the kiddos during school.
It says, "Make the Most of Every Day!"
And we sure tried!
During rest time she likes to visit and tell me about all her things.
We studied Rome, so we had to recreate a Roman bath house.
Naturally.
Favorite snack.
Favorite book.
Head banging to ipad music.
Lee worked in the same location for 16 years.
His company was taken over 3 times and God preserved his job.
This last fall we knew Capital One was closing its local site and Lee would search for a new job.
It was a complete time of trusting God in that six month, but God brought us through and He kept His promise to us: "I will not ship wreck your family."
This was the last holiday party (in October) we had with his crew!
She's an absolute angel.
Trying to surprise my dad while he was in Israel by putting together a file cabinet he needed.
Off on a little vacation to Bend.
Everyone was happy...
for about 5 minutes.
It's only a three hour trek, but with 5 kids you stop at least once.
This was our lunch/snack stop outside of Sunriver.
Love this man and how he supports us, so we can do fun things like this!
Love him even more when he brings me coffee in bed!
Headed to the indoor waterpark!
These two.
Maisey is absolutely smitten with Ahijah.
She looks for him every morning and they are the best of buds.
Eva learned to ride her bike!
Daddy did cool tricks for us.
Willbz got annoyed and sat it out.
Haha!
This rental home was so cozy.
Snuggled up with my Eva and Elisha for a little show time.
We visited the desert museum there.
Maisey's outfit choices are always intriguing.
Pictures the kids made me take.
A giant man-made nest the kids enjoyed.
Walking around a homestead together.
Eva is so colorful.:)
We saw lots of wildlife and of course, attended the porcupine show.
Elisha
Eva
Maisey
Willoughby
A farm like this is my dreeeeeeaaaaam!
I think it's theirs too.:)
Precious treasures.
With just the right amount of curiosity and mischief.
These two have such a sweet bond.
After the museum fun we went and had ice cream and special candies!
Not sad about it!
We were just a little sad to leave.:)
Night walk!
Driving home.
We had such a great time in Sunriver that the kids want to make it a yearly fall tradition.
I think we just might!
Just another normal day.
Until Willbz decides she's sad about something.
But not for long.
She's especially happy when she gets a hold of my camera.
Enjoy--
Daddy was gone on a work trip so we had friends over, and they snapped these of me and the kids.
More school time and the letter "G."
Fall art
A little play date.
Eva video taping with her camera from grandpa.
And hamming it up!
Hamming it up is a family trait for sure.
Double Trouble.
Mostly having the time of our lives.
Took them all on the mall's indoor train.
They were not sad about it.
An outing and a selfie?
Don't mind if I do!
Got to face time with one of my besties as she picked up her daughter in South Africa!
More non-resting, rest-time adventures with Willoughby.
Visiting dad at work before the site closed.
The office white board wall was a hit.
A little peachwave.
Workout selfie!
Halloween was upon us!
Elisha went as the wicked queen on Snow White.
Eva was Ursula from The Little Mermaid.
Maisey was Cruella Deville from 101 Dalmatians.
Ahijah was a firefighter.
Willbs had a loose tooth!
Secret Sister gift to me.
Out of This World Pizza!
Rainbows in October carry special meaning for me and I'm so thankful for this double one!
Noonday alert.
October has the best skies.
This girl turned 9 and I adore her.
My Eva.
Her birthday table.
Daily loose tooth check in.
Daddy sending work travel pictures.
Underwear as a hat.
Always a winner.
Noonday all the days.
Maisey always likes to find me and join my late night baths.
Ahijah doin' the balance beam in gymnastics!
She wanted to wear lip gloss.
And paint a rock with a marker.
We celebrated Eva's birthday at the Embassy Suites, as usual.
Thank you Lee for my morning coffee!
And thank you for being the one who does pool time.
A Noonday party with one of my dear friends.
Travelling to surprise Suzanne at the Kansas City airport!
It was an amazing surprise and Amber met up with us too!
We only flew in for about an hour, to see them land, and then I flew back home to Portland!
Got to stay with this sweet buddy of mine!
Homeward bound.
Some shakeology pick me up.
Snuggles with my girl.
And clean up.
Watching football with my dad--always hilarious.
Heading downtown to get our psychological assessment done for our Colombia adoption.
Glad I passed the test--hahaha!
Willbz breakfast morning.
Everyone crowds around the heater in the mornings.
And brings down all the things.:)
She was made to be a princess.
And to steal my phone and take pictures.
Maisey drew that one.
Coloring is a favorite past time here too.
And learning to draw Disney princesses.
Lee trying to work form home and me bugging him to no end.
Missing these girls!
Overnight at a hotel for Willbz' birthday.
All in the same room.
Prayers and coffee.
The kids have daily and weekly chores, and Maisey's weekly chores is to do all the bathroom counters and mirrors.
She is an organizing creative genius.
Hahaha!
A surprise wreath left on our door.
Found out later it was from Lee.:)
Adult dinner out to celebrate my MIL's birthday.
I couldn't even tell you who she was today.
Back to the psychologist--mommy's test results were inconclusive.
Hahaha!
Pie making for Thanksgiving.
Tradition!
The messes of these two are worth it for the smiles.
Scooter riding.
Visiting the Grotto at Christmas time.
Studied my way through Daniel with Beth Moore.
Christmas Tree hunting with Grandpa, and all the kids weren't getting along.
Hahaha!
This one always wants to take his shirt off.
We found our tree!
This beauty is growing up so much.
Had to enter their gift shop and take pictures of allll the trinkets.
Went bowling with friends and tried to take awkward selfies.
Found something the kids were saving for.
First week of December I flew to visit my sister for the first time in Arizona:
Arizona in December is lovely!
I needed some Vitamin D for sure, and hanging out with my sister was great.
We hiked, slept, ate out, and caught up.
Also got to see this wonderful friend too.
Arizona, until next time.
In the LAX airport working on worship team stuff.
Flight was delayed and deplaned, so they ordered us Subway at about 10:30 p.m.
Tired, but I'll take it.
Getting picked up by crazies.:)
Such a good book!
My favorite part.
He wants to do school too.
Groupies.
Maisey's birthday!
Back to the Embassy Suites.
Tired out from all that swimming.
Making wishes.
Papa and his mermaids.
Trying to recover a rough morning.
My beautiful Maisey.
All the daily spills in our house.
Somehow they even reach our ceiling.
Willbz practicing her letters.
Workers with big trucks get a lot of attention.
My love.
We tried piano lessons with Eva and Maisey this year and they weren't big fans.
Worship team outing.
We had a great time taking photos outside of the Old Spaghetti Factory and then driving through PIR together.
More love from my secret sister.
Early mornings with Ahijah.
Our house at Christmas.
It's hard when you don't get what you want.
Poor baby.
Elisha's artwork on presents.
Movie night at church.
Christmas Eve lunch with the Swift fam.
Complete with skeleton hands from Halloween.
Christmas Eve had lots of fun...
and a few meltdowns...
but golly I love this one.
All the stockings "hung"!
Christmas morning after math.
Maisey's year to get a grown up Bible.
My husband created this obnoxious goodness.
Coloring in the mornings.
Visiting my mom's grave.
That tree and all the meaning it holds for me.
Christmas Day afternoon at the Cookman fam's house.
This is where we announced that in February of 2016 we'd be taking them to Disneyland--a way to celebrate dad's ending 16 years working at once place and the start of a new adventure.
Nailed it.
Praying together at church.
Diapers, kiddos, and campouts.
The finger sucking cutie pie also nibbles his toes--hilarious.
Zoo Lights with friends!
Potty training and campout mayhem in the foreground.
Grandpa outdid himself this year.
Another minion sighting--forgot to throw these Christmas photos in.
Pretty girl in her new outfit.
Handsome little man with his train set.
Obsessed.
Play dough cookie making contest.
I think we were praying over Christmas dinner and someone was taking a picture--
Christmas, we wish you could stay forever!
And now, I feel like Willbz in this photo.
DONE.
2015, you were good to us!
