Picture Perfect

Hard to believe it, but Caleb and Matthew are 3 months old now...so, it was time for a "photo shoot" with our friend, Carissa. She came to our house last Saturday morning and we had a great time. She is a new "mommy" herself, she and Scott adopted a little bundle of joy just 2 weeks ago! Her little Evelyn is so tiny and precious...I keep telling Carissa that surely her daughter can find a suitable husband among my 4 boys!

She was able to capture each of the boys unique personalities in spite of the madness of trying to photograph 4 boys who are all under the age of 5. We started by taking pics of the little guys first, and it was a challenge. Matthew, who is normally a smiley little guy, was very somber and would hardly crack a smile. Caleb smiled a little bit, but not enough to catch his little dimple. They are just precious!

Sam was a little jealous and feeling the need to be in the spotlight for a bit - so, she took a few shots of him. He is growing up so fast...both physically and emotionally. He is a very tall 4 year old and people often think he is older than he actually is. He wears a size 1 shoe - the same size as his cousin Zack who is in 1st grade. My Sammy Boy is becoming such a little gentleman and so incredibly handsome.

Luke was totally uninterested in participating in the picture taking. He really preferred to watch "Larry Boy" cartoons and relax in the living room. We finally coaxed him into his bedroom to play - and Carissa was able to get some terrific shots of him. Luke has the sweetest cheeks and these amazing long eyelashes. What a cutie pie!

Wow - these pictures are such treasures. I am so thankful to have this time in our lives documented in a permanent way - so beautifully. These are sweet days. The sounds of barefooted little boys chasing one another through the house while giggling uncontrollably, little babies cooing and sometimes crying, and sweet mealtime prayers being shared around our table. It's absolute madness, also. Lots of little boys needing a lot of help with a lot of things! Being "momma" to Sam, Luke, Caleb and Matthew is a demanding job - but, one that I am so blessed to have. :) God has been so good to me.

The Great Outdoors

Living with these little boys of mine is an adventure to say the least. Watching them play outside is one of my greatest joys - they enjoy it to the fullest! Last weekend, my parents came to visit us. This is always a thrill for the boys. Sam and Luke watch for hours out the window in anticipation of their arrival...and Caleb and Matthew are grateful for some extra arms to hold them. My mom is the queen of gift giving. She always brings the boys something, usually something small like a favorite snack, candy, or a fun little trinket of some kind. This time, however, was different. Pa and Gran brought a "sand and water table" for the big boys. We got it assembled quickly and poured in 50 lbs. of sand - and the fun began! They played for hours that day and didn't want the fun to end when it was time for dinner and bedtime routine to begin. So, I am looking forward to bikes racing down our driveway, picking up worms after the rain, playing in the sand, swimming in our little pool...it is going to be a great summer.