My C

C is growing into such a fine young lady.  And not only is she such a help around the house, she truly is a joy.  Andy and I have noticed that as the children mature, we long to be around them more and more.  They grow from exhausting tots to refreshing company.

And yes, I've got to do a better job at waiting for the lens to clear.

What Summer is Made Of

 Of course E would fall just as I was grabbing the camera.  But other than the fall, the kids had a blast playing in the summer rainstorm.

Lego Fun

 As a large family, one thing we struggle with is finding quiet time, alone, away from others.

And as the kids get older, I have learned that structured time away from the annoyances of little ones is quite rewarding.  C was able to build without little hands destroying her efforts.

Joy in the Simple Things

Utter joy with a broken pail and cheap necklace.

Fun with Dad

 The kids love washing the cars with Dad.  And I may have just discovered why they love it so much.  They take turns climbing high to wash the top of the truck.

 Precious M is so excited to be reading that she chooses books over any other activity.

 It's hot outside, and the camera agrees.  

Foggy Lens.

We made it!

 

Today C completed 1st grade, and M finished Kindergarten.  

I'm so proud of my little ladies!  We finished ahead of schedule, because these girls kept begging to do more school!

Not only do I love having my children at home with me, but I truly enjoy teaching them as well. And I think they love it too!  Last night I was talking with the Three Bigs about life, money, and priorities.  I explained to them that I could go get a job.  Then we would have more money, and I could buy them more toys, we could go out to eat more often, they could go to a "real" school, etc...  I was overjoyed when they interrupted me with frightened voices urging me not to go to work.  They exclaimed, "But I like being here with you.  I don't want you to leave us.  But you're the best teacher, Mom.  I don't want more toys, I want you."  Wow.  What encouraging words.

I may not be the most creative, and I am certainly not the smartest, but I do have six little ones who long for their mommy.  And that's work I will gladly perform, regardless of pay, regardless of the disapproval of others.  Thank you Lord for providing such a great life!     

Congratulations C and M!

You girls amaze me.

I am so proud of you!

We've had better days ...

... but we've also had worse, much worse.

We were planning our day around a trip to the dentist.  (Any scheduled activity tends to cramp our style.  It's not easy - or fun - prepping six little bodies and one big body.)  

But the kids were super excited; they LOVE going to the dentist.  And it was going to be a special visit, E's first time!  All was going well, on schedule until E threw up.

Thank goodness for Grandma and Grandpa living so close, and being so accepting of a sick little girl.  E had to miss her dentist appointment, but I think the time with G'ma and G'pa made up for it.

Here's her account of the afternoon.

Let me outta here!

 It's a tough age.

R is old enough to want to go outside (really want to go outside), but still young enough for it to be dangerous.  All of the kiddos have been through this, and it won't be long until he's released to fend for himself in the backyard.  Until then, he gets to watch from the safety of the playroom.  And for the first time, I'm not ready for my baby to grow up.

Water Fun

 It's all fun and games ... until Momma gets sprayed.

My Boys

 R is growing up too fast!

 Andy enjoying one of special treats from Father's Day - 

sunflower seeds.

 Workin' Men

I LOVE my kids!

 Yes, they can be little toots, but to be honest, most of the time I am amazed with their levels of obedience, respect, concern, patience, flexibility, and gratefulness.  They are precious, and so much fun to be with.  I truly do treasure every day with them... my babies.

On this particular morning, the pantry/fridge was bare.  No oatmeal.  No eggs to make our waffles, muffins, or biscuits.  No cereal for a special treat. Not even plain bread for toast.  I was in a bind, and it was crunch time with six hungry little ones!

I remembered there was a stash of grits in the back of the pantry, left over from my iron demanding pregnancies.  As I climbed to locate them, I said a prayer pleading for them to please be there and be edible.  Yes!  We had grits!  

I was preparing myself for the complaining whines of GRITS?!  I WANT (fill in the blank with anything other than grits.)  But instead I was greeted with not only contentment, but excitement.  The kids didn't even know what they were getting since I have faithfully avoided filling six bowls of quickly drying cement that's a pain to clean.  But even with limited knowledge, they all ate it and loved it.  Crisis averted.  Thanks to grits, apples, and raisin bread.

Parade Score!

We spent the afternoon of July 4th in Erath for their Independence Day Parade.  Not only did the kids have tons of fun, but we came away with tons of stuff.  And a certain little someone is super excited about all the candy!

3-2-1 LIFT OFF!

What an exciting morning!

On July 8, space shuttle Atlantis lifted off on the final flight of the shuttle program. The kids watched with anticipation as we counted down the last half minute.

Then we read our Space book ... again, and again, and again.

I'm so thankful for C who can help with the reading!

So Mydee

Can you read this?

I love the innocence of early readers.

M was so proud of her work.

Preacher Boy

Daddy's Junior, for sure.

Best Buddy

Poor A just doesn't get enough opportunities to play with who he calls his "Best Buddy."

A with cousin JimJim

Going to the Beach

We play dress-up a lot - as in every day, all day, sometimes Mom has to put the dress-up box away just to give it a break a lot. A LOT

Here are A, C and J "going to the beach."

Poor A. My poor, sweet A.

One of Those Days

I guess "one of those days" isn't bound by age.

Sweet E - Daddy's Little Firecracker