It's a Dangerous Cycle & Catching Up (part 1)

I find myself caught in this crazy cycle regarding this blog.  It just seems that all of my "pistons" are not firing at the same time.  For example, I get ready to blog about some sort of happening in our lives and then: I don't have photos uploaded, I seem to run out of time/creativity,or most commonly,  after a day of settling disputes and keep the children occupied - I am left unable to write in complete sentences.  Then, after a long silence on the ole family blog...I am overwhelmed by the thought of catching up.  So, I just continue to neglect the blog. 

Lately, as I look at my sweet little men it's so evident that they are growing and changing at such an alarming rate...it makes my heart race if I dwell on it.  These days are crazy, loud, chaotic, busy, overwhelming, dirty, messy, and completely wonderful. {sigh}  The days go by so quickly, consumed with activity and cleaning up from said activities...that I forget to savor them.  These are some of the sweetest days of my life and I need to have a record of them.  My children and I will need to read about these days and remember how God provided, protected, and loved us.

So, with that being said...it's time to "fire up" the blog again! 

Poor Luke was sick on his birthday (second year in a row) and had to cancel his party. 

Opening gifts seemed to make him feel better, for a while.

A few weeks later, we celebrated his birthday with our dear friends, The Bellew's.

With our 4 kiddos and the 5 Bellew kiddos - it was a party!

enjoying some cake!

Sam and I were able to attend a NCAA game in Lexington,  The Butler Bulldogs over Bucknell!

Over Spring Break, we took a tour of the Ale-8 factory in Winchester, KY. 

Our lovely friend, Miss Katie, joined us!

 

 

The Johnson clan with their first bottle of soda.

Matthew lost his first tooth!  At age five, he is the youngest Johnson to have ever lost a tooth!

Caleb still has all of his teeth, but apparently lost his mind!  {little comedian}

Birthday Boys!

I've been living in denial.  As if my baby boys wouldn't actually be another year older now if I didn't blog about it and document it with pictures.  {snicker}  Those cute little boys who rocked our world and doubled the number of children in our family entered the world five years ago on January 25th.

It's been a big year for them.  Learning and growing so much and working hard to keep up with their bigger brothers.  It's been a joy to watch their personalities change and their interests develop. 

Caleb really enjoys drawing, writing, coloring, building Lego creations, wrestling, giggling, being read to, snuggling, and dreaming about skateboarding when he "gets taller." 

Matthew is a lover of people.  He loves to engage people around him (friends and strangers, alike!) in conversation.  He is incredibly "physical" and loves any activity that requires him to be in motion!  His first love is basketball.  We have an indoor goal and foam ball that transforms our living room into a gym...and Matthew plays daily.  He loves to be outdoors and "adventure" is among his favorite words. 

Sweet Matthew loves to write his name!

 

Our dear friend, Mr. Dave, was so patient in helping Caleb with his new Lego set.
 

Cupcakes!
 

The boys were blessed with some very generous gifts from their friends and family.
 

 

 

Caleb opening his gifts.
 

They requested just a few friends to join them for the birthday fun.  What a blessing to see Caleb and Matthew enjoy being loved and celebrated!  Sweet little fellas were sure to thank everyone for their gifts...and delighted in having some new things to play with.

        Happy 5th Birthday to my sweet little boys!  We love you, Caleb and Matthew!

Hello 2013!

So, the last blog post was a bit heavy and emotional...because sometimes life is like that.  It's also light and funny at times...God is present in both.  I am grateful.

New Year's Eve holds no special place in the life of our family.  Our kiddos are relatively young...and lack of sleep makes them grouchy and mean.  Who needs more of that in their lives?  Not this momma! {snicker} I got enough of my own!  My dear hubby is also an early to bed, early to rise sort of guy...so, it's really asking too much for him to stay up past midnight just to kiss me and let out a "whoot!" for the new year.  So, I am usually the only one up to watch the ball drop and usher in the coming year.  Honestly, we are really fun people - the fun just usually happens before midnight!

We are not big "resolution" sorts of people, either.  But, this year was a bit different.  As we sat down to dinner on January 1, 2013...I asked the boys to think of a goal they had for the coming year.  I explained that a goal was something you wanted to accomplish, to get better at something, a new habit you wanted to gain, etc...  You know, just to get their "wheels" spinning and inspire some good ideas. 

So, our responsible first-born responded with something about not wanting to fail third grade (he is an excellent student - and not in danger of failing) and wanting to help poor people.  Love his heart.

Then, we moved around the table to our youngest child (4), who said something I can't remember and then something I hope I never forget, "I am going to try to not pick my nose when we go to special places."  Ha!  I love the honesty...and what exactly would qualify as a "special" place? 

Next up, our second born kiddo...with a big heart.  He shared about how he wanted to share things that he had with people who didn't have very much.  He also wanted to give his food to hungry people.  Love this.

Around the table again, to our third born...who shared that if he "gets lots of money" he will share it with the poor.  I love his generous heart and pray that he isn't planning to play the lotto.  {snicker}

So, I began to notice a theme developing...God is growing our boy's hearts for the "least of these."  So, I guess we had all better get moving in that direction in more intentional ways (that our boys can see).  I've been praying for opportunities that are age-appropriate for our kiddos. 

We've also begun a new habit for the new year.  We're reading this little gem (for the life of me, blogger will not allow me to open a photo of the cover here) each day after dinner.  I have been reading the adult version of "Jesus Calling"" for a few years now...and I love it.  It blesses me and reminds me of Jesus' great love for me. 

So, we are reading it together daily as a family each night.  As is much of our life, sometimes it's a blessed time together and other times, it's a total train wreck.  {snicker}  We're learning to embrace it all!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

The advent/Christmas season is such a rich time for our family.  We have deep-seated traditions that add meaning and act as an "anchor" of sorts for our family.  My boys know that we will drive around in our pajamas looking out the foggy windows of our minivan to see every light display in nearby neighborhoods.  They count on making and icing Christmas sugar cookies...being sure to add as many sprinkles as possible.  My boys know that we will gather with our extended family for food and fun.  They know that we will watch Linus remind us of the "real meaning of Christmas" at least once each year...and they also know that I will wipe my moist eyes when sweet Linus has finished.  {grin}  Sam, Luke, Caleb, and Matthew will probably always expect to receive new pajamas each Christmas Eve (matching, of course).  My boys know that we will bake/decorate a birthday cake for Jesus and sing to him on Christmas day (although, I hope they don't remember that the only candle I had in the house this year was in the shape of a "9").  I hope that someday (if the Lord should tarry and they are blessed with family's of their own) my boys snuggle under warm blankets and read special books about the amazing gift God gave the world in His sweet baby boy, Jesus.

As much as I love these traditions, they make my parent's absence even more noticeable.  It's sort of a bittersweet time.  This time last year, my dad had just recently gone home to heaven and it was our second Christmas without my mom.  It's hard.  My own childhood was rich with family traditions...my mom was crazy about Christmas!  My heart is filled with the joy of Christmas and my heart aches to celebrate with my parents.  Things are good...but, very different.  Sometimes, my heart longs for what used to be. 

More than any temporal feeling of happiness or sadness, my heart is filled with joy.  The kind of joy that comes from a friendship with Jesus.  What an amazing thing to know that God wanted so desperately to know us...really know us and for us to truly know the depth of His love for us - that He sent a baby.  As a mother, this part of God's plan is not lost on me.  A helpless, adorable, needy, sweet baby was sent to save the world.  Amazing. 

Trick or Treat 2012

Living in a small town has its perks.  One of them is Trick or Treating on Main Street.  The local fire department uses their trucks to block off Main Street for a couple of hours and businesses, churches, and even individuals pass out candy to little treat-seekers.  It's really quite a social event in our little town.  {grin}  For the most part, there are no creepy costumes...and you're always sure to see a grown-up man in his Winnie the Pooh costume.  My kiddos look forward to seeing him each year. 

I know that many folks have differing opinions about Halloween and participating in it's festivities.  Honestly, I am not sure what we would do (or not do) if we didn't live in Wilmore.  Our "trick-or-treating" is a fun and friendly experience for families.  My boys love to dress up - the excitement is over the top!  They love to see their friends and neighbors all dressed up, too.  We go downtown and gather candy, play a few carnival games, and then go home.  I am so thankful that our sweet little town avoids the gorry, creepy, evil side of this holiday.  We're able to claim it for fun family memories instead.  And there were certainly lot's of memorable moments to enjoy!






My four little "treats" posing in front of the Wilmore Fire Truck.
 

Mario (Caleb) & Luigi (Matthew)
I still giggle each time I look at this pic.  {little sweeties - big 'staches}
 

Sam was one cool "ninja"
Can't believe how big he is.

Luigi & Mario found a Transformer!
Luke loves robotic things that move and twist...s
o, he was super excited about this costume.

Caleb's "big eyes" face.  Cracks us up everytime!
 

The Johnson boy's with their jack-o-lanterns.

While we were gathering treats on Main Street we found another Mario and Luigi!
This is one of Brad's students and his son. 



All aglow!

Fall Break - Day 3

 Our last day in Indiana found us at The Indianapolis Children's Museum.  Our dear friends,  Tom and Jan, were brave enough to join us for the fun.  And, did we ever have fun!  From the time we arrived until we reluctantly left (nearly 6 hours later), we had a great time.  Every one of our six senses was heightened at one point or another - the boys were in heaven!

I managed to capture this sweet image (save Sam and Luke's crazy faces) just before we left.  The boys were incredibly sad to leave Mr. Tom and Ms. Jan...and so was I!

 

 The museum had an amazing exhibit on Egypt.  We entered the experience via an airplane ride (the seats actually shook as you heard the rumble of the plane on the runway) and experienced life in Egypt.  The boys loved it: the marketplace, the clothing stores, the restaurant, etc...  This photo is of Matthew "cooking up a little yummy goodness" in the restaurant.  We happily ate his pretend food and drank his "delicious" coffee.

 

We were greeted by an actual model of a Transformer that was used in the making of one of the movies. My sources (my children) tell me that this guys name is "Bumblebee."  The boys thought it was amazing.  They each took a turn being photographed behind the cardboard image... Caleb's hat and facial expression are priceless.  {giggle}

 

My little men got very excited when we learned the museum was hosting a "Hot Wheels" exhibit while we were visiting.  Heaven for four little boys!  There were so many things to do: create your own car, look at life-size models of Hot Wheels, tons of cars to race down tracks at every turn, and even a care to sit in. 

Luke was hard at work designing a car.

 Twin racers.  They would have stayed there all day long. 

Sam enjoyed pretending to deliver the evening news.

Matthew and Mr. Tom stopping for a tickle.  {love this}

Caleb in the exhibit about healthy living...exercise and nutrition.



 


Tom and Jan, thanks so much for making time for us and making some magical memories with my boys.  We love you so much!

 

Fall Break - Day 2

The second day of our little getaway began leisurely as we didn't have any plans until lunch time and one of my dear sons wakes up at 6 o'clock every single morning. So, we had breakfast and watched some television (a real treat because Nee Nee has cable!) without a care in the world.
  
My dear mother-in-law offered to watch the boys while I went to have coffee with two very dear friends.  I have known these young ladies since they were in sixth grade...and now they are both married and each recently had sweet baby girls.  Brittany and Lora were each part of our youth ministry program for years and I also had the honor of being their small group leader all throughout high school...and now, I am so thankful to be their friend.  What a blessing to be "doing life" with them for such a long time.  I love that God sets us into "faith families" to make this journey with.  So, we sipped coffee and chatted about motherhood, family, and faith.  They even let me hold their sweet little ones.  Swoon....I was in love!  They are young women of great faith and they are also incredible mothers. 

Lora and baby Audrey



Brittany and sweet Cora

So, I left the ladies and hurried back for our lunch date with "Pa Pa."  My husband's grandfather is 93 years old and such a blessing to our family.  He loves a good joke (he's such a good sport, he even laughs at my kiddo's jokes), loves his family, and we love him right back.  He really is a joy and my boys love him dearly.  Brad's mom, his two aunts, and Pa Pa were brave enough to have lunch with us.  We had a great time catching up with one another and managed to have only one spill during our meal.  {not mentioning any one's name....but, it rhymes with LUKE}.  :) 

 

After lunch, we headed to the local orchard for a visit to the pumpkin patch.  I love this little orchard in Indiana...family owned, not too big, not too commercial, and incredibly sweet.  We shopped in the little store, choosing some popcorn to bring home for Brad and some delicious apple cider slushies.  It seemed to take forever for each boy to find a pumpkin...but, we managed.  {snicker}  After all of that, we headed back to Nee Nee's house for dinner, baths, and bedtime.  Having so much fun is exhausting.

Nee Nee and Caleb riding to the patch

Caleb found a winner!

It's impossible to get a good pic of this crew! Little clowns!
 

Sam searching for the "perfect" one...

Luke was determined to find the smallest, "cutest" pumpkin.

 

Fall Break Fun - 1st Day

The boys and I decided to make the most of Fall Break and travel to Indiana for a few days.  Brad was elbow-deep in books - teaching himself Aramaic in just 6 weeks for a major test as part of his PhD process.  So, it was a perfect time for us to skip town and have some fun...and leave Brad to study without interruption or the guilt of not being home with us. 

So, we I packed our bags and we took off in our mighty mini-van.  We had borrowed several books on CD from our local library and loaded up on snacks and drinks...we were set!  The boys were well behaved and the travel was easy.  We did spend about 45 minutes at a stand-still due to a semi-trailer accident.  The boys and I talked about the book we were listening to and prayed for the people involved in the accident...and the wait didn't seem so long.

We arrived in time for some visiting, some dinner, and some sleeping.  The next day, we headed to the Indianapolis Zoo.  Our dear friend, Miss Lori, volunteered to come along with us.  We nearly had the place to ourselves and enjoyed a great day!  I was pregnant with the twins the last time we visited a zoo, so we were long overdue for some face time with the animals.  The dolphin show was a highlight and the penguins were a huge hit, too.  We can't wait to go back again. 

The boys loved this penguin's "bad hair day."

My favorite animals at the zoo.





Luke and Matthew up close and personal with the tiger.



Miss Lori, Luke, Caleb & Matthew waiting for the dolphin show to begin.