Oh my silly Silas, I must record your little phrases so that I can read this back one day and picture in my mind your precious little 3 year old face. I know there will be many more to come, so this will have to just be a routine we get into...recording for a while and then posting. Here is the first round!

Upon arriving in Arizona, I congratulated you on your excellent behavior and shared with you how incredibly proud I was of you. Without skipping a beat you said "Well, we couldn't have done it without you, Mom!"

In the car the other night, you were expressing your affection for me and dad. Often you will just come to me and tell me in a sincere and pure way that you love me, it is wonderful. This particular time you said "My Mom is cool." I was thrilled to find out that not only am I loved, but also that (for now) you think I am cool! Then you said "I love my Mom, my Mom is cool." Somehow it rang a bell to me. Where had I heard this before? After a minute, it clicked...Sid the Science Kid and his stinking repetitive songs. "I love my Mom, my Mom is cool, but now it's time, to have some fun in school." I mentally thanked Sid for the new vocabulary, and noted that your little sponge brain needs to be even more closely monitored.If I ever suggest something that sounds appealing to you, you like to say "Oh yeah, that's good, that's a great idea!"

And I love when you are explaining something to me and when I show understanding of your point you remark "Yeah, that's what I'm talking about." You also say that when you have been working on something (like making something with your blocks) and then you get it figured out.

Not to be outsmarted, you are careful in how you pose questions and how you accept answers to things. If I declare something to be true, it is a sure guarantee that you will deny it and strongly disagree with me. If you ask me a question and I respond by saying "hmmm, I think this is..." then you are at liberty to tell me if I am correct or not and can say "oh yes, Mom, you're right, uh-huh, you are right, right, right."

You have gotten in the habit of handing me your empty milk cup and saying "I just chugged the whole thing"

You were playing outside the other day, and stuck your head in the door to announce "I'm just letting you know that it is not raining, but it is cold...just so you know. And you can give me a call it anything changes. Just give me a call OK Mom?"

Dad has been working out a lot at the gym and you are really looking forward to the day that you will be a "man" so you can go with him. You often tell us how when you grow up you will be a jet pilot and you will go to the gym with Dad and lift your weights. It must be on your mind a lot since in the grocery store while you were sitting in the cart you started curling the bags of bananas...one in each hand, making weight lifting noises and all. All this working out must be paying off, you also came to me last week with your shirt off rubbing your bare shoulder slowly. You said "know what this is Mom?" I had no idea, a shoulder? "this is my rock...wanna feel it? Come on, you can feel it, right here."Jewel is very interested in your toys, so we have been practicing finding something that she can play with to exchange for the toy that you want back from her. I knew you were catching on to the concept when you said to me, "Mom, Jewel had my jet so I gave her a block and then I just swiped this." Oh your vocabulary is too funny.

Last night you explained to Mr. Chris that you aren't allowed to get up from the table until your parents are done eating and they excuse you. I laughed out loud when you called us "my parents" whatever happened to "my mom and dad"? You are so grown up.

Dad has been working a lot in the evenings, which means I have been putting you and Jewel to bed.. a lot of times I put Jewel down first and then you once she is asleep since you guys are sharing a room right now. But Jewel hasn't been sleeping well since she has been sick, and she woke up last night while we were tucking you into your bed. It's hard to stay quiet. So I told you that I would sit in the chair and feed Jewel and you could lay in your bed and I would sing us some songs. First you whisper-shout to me that you want me to sing a machine song. Jewel is very easily distracted when she hears your voice, I am very easily frustrated when I wish you were both soundly sleeping and neither of you are. Not to mention, machine songs are made up on the spot, random tunes that Dad and I freestyle about loaders, dump trucks, cranes, and such...I was too tired to muster up a rhyme. So instead I started to sing some of our church songs, but instead of laying quietly and listening, preparing yourself to sleep, you began singing with me...LOUDLY. I tired to sing songs that you didn't know so that you would have to just listen, but apparently you know a lot of songs. When I finally found an old hymn that was unfamiliar to you it got quiet for a moment. I sang slowly and quietly hoping that you would both close your eyes and rest. But, you were not done singing, so you just started belting out "Our God is an Awesome God" over me. I couldn't bring myself to tell you to stop praising God, so I just joined you and then promptly moved you into our bed so that your sister could get back to sleep.
A sign of the age of ages...."Mom, what does dot org mean?"

Jewel has been sick lately, so I have been spending a lot of time walking her around and patting her back attempting to get her to fall asleep. Tonight after you had been in bed for a while, you called for me. I went in to see what was going on and you said "I just need you to get me out of here and pat my back". Of course I did.

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!!