Grandpa and Beppe

Seriously, if this isn't every little boy's dream...I don't know what is. Grandpa, the tough jeep, and Silas riding shot gun.

To be honest, Silas was a little apprehensive. Had he been riding with his Uncle Everett, Uncle Hessel, or even his Dad for that matter, I would have joined in his hesitations. But with Grandpa behind the wheel I knew he was in good hands. A trip to the 'man store' resulted in renewed enthusiasm for the jeep, an off-roading experience that would be our topic for talk time for the rest of the stay in Arizona, a new back hoe loader for the sandbox, and extremely special time with Grandpa.

It is these moments of intentional interaction that cause Silas to pick up so many of my Dad's coined phrases. It is frequent during a meal that I will hear him remark to me "good stuff, Mom. This is good stuff." When we are driving and we see a jeep, there is never a missed opportunity to point it out and wave (since that's what you do to fellow jeep drivers). He is often singing the lyrics to a song that he and grandpa found on the computer together. All of this is remarkable to me as Silas is just now 3 years old and we see my parents only once every few months, when we are lucky. But, when Grandpa hauls buckets of water out to the sandbox to help make a lake, and carries Silas out to get the newspaper each morning wearing the wooden Dutch shoes, and takes him for these jeep rides and walks out in the desert to throw rocks at the cactus, the memories stay fresh for a long time...holding us over until the next visit.
Jewel is just getting a taste of her Beppe. This is my little girl in my mother's arms, sound asleep during the church service. How is this possible when I take Jewel into church with me every Sunday, and am forced to vacate the sanctuary as she squirms and squeaks with disruption? Well, there is just something wonderful about my mothers arms. I too have found great rest and comfort there. So, even though she has only seen her Beppe for 4 visits in her whole little life, she knows the safety and the refuge of her lap and doesn't hesitate to take advantage of a moment to soak it up.
The bathing in the sink tradition was extra special to me this time...maybe it was a daughter and the three generations of women in our family that are now represented, maybe it was Jewel being big enough to sit up in the sink and enjoy the bath, or maybe it was the fabulous sunshine pouring in through the new and larger kitchen window and covering not only my sweet daughter and mother, but also the counters and floors of the incredible remodel. It has always felt good to go home to Vail, but now it feels even more fantastic. It is just another piece of evidence as to why my parents are so wonderful. They made room for the gathering place. They created the comfort zone, for family get togethers, parties, and hosting guests. Everything from the inside out was done with others in mind. Thank you for thinking of us. We broke in the fire pit in the back yard one evening...nothing quite like being there with the giant mountains as the back drop, the great big blue sky above us, the kids jumping on the tramp and playing in the sandbox, and watching the sun drop behind the house while being warmed by a bonfire. Incredible.

Thank you Mom and Dad for bringing us home. This was a memorable and wonderful trip.

Cousins!

I know that I have a soft spot for cousins. Cousins are friends that you are "required" to visit and spend time with, that you are tied to by family, but drawn to by a God given connection. So when we went to Arizona and I watched Silas engage with his cousins, I couldn't hold back my giddy smile. We REALLY missed Adeline and Asher. We were very thankful for our time with Everett, Audrey, Evangeline, Roderick, and Avery.


There is just something about Silas and Audrey. Perhaps their similar age, or just the combination of their personalities, or just an example of that God given connection. Audrey is all girl, a little feather weight of frills and expression. Silas is a boy through and through, a man of little words and calculated responses. She is exuberant and passionate, he is focused and observant. They are both first born, so they are determined in their way. It makes for highly entertaining interactions. The best part though, is the belly giggles that they conjure out of one another.

Silas and Roderick bond on the level of knowledge and pretend. They deeply engage themselves in the world of the sandbox, toy airplanes, and shooting guns. Now and again they get tangled up in a debate over the correct name or terminology in their specific areas of expertise...but it is generally short lived and they quickly return to their imaginary land. No squabble is worth sacrificing the fun.

This was Silas' first opportunity to spend time with Everett since he was less than 2. It was precious for me to see them together. Silas has reminded me so much of Everett as he gets older. They look alike to me, they have similar facial expressions, and speak as though they are the final authority on all subjects. When Everett's little sister, Adeline, was born, I had the gift of being flown out to New York to help take care of Everett as Sheila recovered. I didn't have any kids of my own at the time and it was a fabulous week for me to hang with my #1 nephew. Seeing these two boys together this past week was a blessing to me. I know every child has their challenges, and every parent their work cut out for them...but I rejoice in seeing who my brother is as a dad and who his son is becoming. I pray that I will parent in the midst of God's grace as well as Shad and Sheila are learning to do, and that my son will taste in his relationship with Jordan and I the unconditional love that his Savior has to offer him. I am a proud auntie of these amazing kids and SO thankful they are my kids' cousins!!

The one and only- Uncle Everett

Everett. You are the hero. I love you for being you.
I love it that no one can keep their hands off of you when you are close enough to reach, and that you willingly respond with affirming affection.







I love the individual relationships you have with our family.

I LOVE how you love on the kids, ALL the kids, ALL the time.

So many times over our vacation I watched as my little brother was wonderful. And as I saw him giving of himself to his family, I saw the blessing that each one received.

Silas will be a little tougher, and a little more brave for having you in his life. Roderick will develop his thinking skills to a higher level. Audrey, Evangeline and Jewel will be more confident in themselves because of the attention you have given them. Everett J will continue to attend family events, as long as you are there.

You are so very loved and treasured my little brother.

just for fun :)

Just a few edits for fun :) She is cute in the original without the changes, but this is artistic!

6 months!

So, our sweet baby girl is six months (and a couple weeks, I know...I am sensing a theme here). We haven't had her check up yet so I don't have any stats for you, but there is A LOT of baby to love here :) Usually the kids nap at the same time in the afternoon and I can get a few minutes to work on things around the house, but today we got all mixed up after play group so instead Jewel and I had some one on one time while Silas napped. We did a little photo update. I was noticing I do NOT have enough pictures of this precious babe...so I am working on it! She is the most laid back and easy going baby. She is totally flexible. She is relational and engaging. Seriously, I cannot imagine an easier baby.

I love this picture, because Jewel really loves being a baby sister. She adores her big brother. This last week I took them to Costco, and now that Jewel is way too big for her infant car seat I have to either carry her (which lasts about 5 minutes until my arms are throbbing) or put her into the ergo (which is FABULOUS, more about that later), or put her into a cart that has a high seat belt that can help her sit up. Well, at Costco the kids can sit next to each other in the double seater. Silas generally hates the cart with all of his three year old passion, but he is elated to have company. He is totally entertained by her and keeps her completely happy. I can hardly shop because I just want to watch them. He keeps his arm around her shoulders, gently strokes her head, kisses her cheeks, and talks in his little baby talk to her. And Jewel just beams the entire time. Let's check out all the rolls. The cute little butt cheeks, the chunky thighs, and chubby arms. She has started on solid food. I am skipping the rice cereal since she clearly doesn't need the extra calories, and she is sleeping like a champ. So, we have been tasting the winter squash selections. I bake and puree the squash and mix it with breast milk to get the right consistency for her. SHE LOVES IT! I have to have everything ready before I get her into her high chair or she gets all worked up watching me mixing it.

I just love her eye lashes, her toes, her great big smile, and the joy that is radiating from her!

She is loving her exersaucer, hanging out on the floor while Silas plays close to her to keep her company and entertain her. She is babbling and trying to mimic noises. Jewel loves to laugh. I think she just watches, waiting for something that is laugh worthy and then can't wait to show her enthusiasm. It doesn't take much to qualify. And although she is perfectly content with anyone holding her and vising with her, she loves the boys in her life. Silas and Daddy just delight her. She is, of course, momma's girl.

So, there we have it. Six months, and WONDERFUL!

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach may be one of my very favorite places I have ever been to. I never tire of the Oregon coast. Any opportunity we have to get out there, we take it. A couple weeks ago Jordan had to work and our friends the Corrigans were spending the afternoon in Cannon Beach...the graciously invited the kids and I to join them (along with another friend of ours from our community group). So, I jumped at the chance to see the waves, the rocks, the sand and the dipping son. Jewel was a trooper, and without a nap was still a total joy hanging out in the sunshine on our blanket.
Without our husbands along, my friend Erin and I were in survival mode with our kids and laughing as we improvised...it was totally worth the craziness in order to get out there.
Lisa's daughter, Maddie, is 6 mos younger than Silas, and they have so much fun together. Silas compliments her outfits and Maddie fusses over him like a little wife. It is so entertaining to watch their little friendship.
On this rare February day, it was 60 degrees and no wind...the most wonderful afternoon!!

So, three years old (and a few weeks now, I know). The birthday was magical. This little boy packs so much joy and laughter into a day even when it isn't a birthday, so a day to spoil him is more a treat for us than for him.

We decorated the whole downstairs with streamers and balloons, had banana pancakes for breakfast, and then with the surprise of sunshine we headed for the Max station and off to the zoo. The lion exhibit is finally open, and the baby elephant was out playing in sun, it was wonderful. Both Jordan and I were thankful for the opportunity to have an outing, since we had decided that at three we would try agian with taking away the pacifier. After much building up and preparation, his nap after the zoo was a complete success. Since Jordan had to go to work that night, and we hadn't had any cake and ice cream yet, we had McDonalds for dinner and then went to the Corrigan's house for official birthday celebrations. I can always count on Lisa and Kyle and their kids to whip up something special, and they certainly did. I brought cake, they had hats and gifts waiting for us.
So then it wasn't until Saturday that we were able to have his party. I spent the week preparing little ideas here and there, and by Saturday afternoon we were set to go. When the kids arrived, they picked up a train ticket at the door with instructions (thank you Jordan for the idea of using a room at the church, and to our church for allowing it!) for the party. This is Silas with all of his friends from our church. We are so blessed by the families that we share our lives with here. It is rare that we have all the kids in the same room, so this picture is very precious!
Everyone started with making a cupcake. The intention was for the cupcakes to look like train cars...so I left out materials to make things like a coal car, a logging car, a fruit car and such. However, most of the cars were an eclectic assortment of many materials :)Then they carried their cupcakes over to the cake table and added them to our train. Yes, that is Thomas. I did my best...it is not perfect. When Silas saw him he was quick to point out that "Thomas isn't quite right, Mom." True, not quite. But he was a labor of love. After they added their cupcakes, there were games to play, faces to be painted, and silliness to be had! Jordan lead everyone in games of duck, duck, goose and red light, green light. The kids all had a ton of fun.Here is our birthday boy in his conductor's hat, pointing out all of poor Thomas' flaws.

But, once everyone began to sing, it didn't matter that Thomas wasn't perfect. I have never seen a smile quite like this one. He was excited, he was in his moment. He was just my little baby boy in this great big boy body.
The finished productAnd yes, he blew them out...All of them!So, here he is, all birthday'd up and three years old. He hasn't touched his pacifier in three weeks. In fact, he has more than once been in charge of giving Jewel her pacifier and I have never seen him even try to stick it in his own mouth. Bed times have been a little challenging now and again. He and Jordan have had several rounds of practicing relaxing and getting ready to sleep. They lay quietly in Silas' little bed, reminding each other of all the things they can do to get ready to sleep. Take slow, deep breaths, think about your day, pray, and just rest your eyes. It is working, although we are noticing that bed time is much easier if we limit his nap to 2 hours. We are so thankful for this easy transition, especially after our last attempt :)And that wraps up the three year old news.