A new do...

BEFORE

AFTER

I think she's cute either way.... but, she looks much older now. That's a little bittersweet for a mama...

Either way.... She's a keeper!

And again.

Yes, here I sit... sick...again.

It is a super vicious cycle that happens just about every six months (sometimes less). With 6 children and 2 adults in the house, it's bound to happen. We all share our germs and it rotates and festers and eventually all of us get it. Luckily I think it may be towards the tail end. My husband has had it, my baby has had it and Lexie and Brynn have had it. Now it is just the boys.

It came on strong and sudden and it hasn't been pretty. But.... we are managing. It's actually been nice to kind of put the brakes on some activities and just hunker down at home.

As mundane as it may sound.... it's not. And I love it. Especially when I get to wake up to these sweet faces every single morning.

Over the last few weeks, I have thought more and more about my life and my role as a mother. I have purposely taken time out of my day to acknowledge and really "see" my children. I think that with everything that we as mothers are given (in terms of responsibilities), it's easy to tell our children to "go play" or "I'm busy. I will do it later".

Life is precious, and we don't always know what our paths hold for us.

I want to "see" my children as Christ sees them. I want to watch them play and ENJOY it. What a beautiful and bounteous BLESSING I have been given... SIX TIMES!!!

Anyway, I want to start posting more and more, hopefully everyday, as this blog serves as a journal in a lot of ways for me and my family. So if it becomes mundane in your eyes, forgive me.

We have truly enjoyed today. Even if I am sick. :)

Why my kids are "special"

Wow...

It's been a while!!!
Lot's has gone on and I don't really even know where to begin.
My mother in law finally got married... we are so happy for her.

Here is my sweet hubby and I. (The flash was bugging his eyes) We were SO TIRED at the end of the night. Can you tell???

Then we were able to spend some time with my mom, sister and nephew Brennan.

We had movie night at our house. SO FUN. I love spending time with family...

Cousins!!! Ellie (jelly bean) and Brennan (Beans) are only 6 months apart. So CUTE!

Finally, my poor Camille got sick. :(
I hate it when my little ones get sick, I get SO PARANOID!!!

I haven't had much motivation to blog lately but hopefully with the holidays coming up I will post more... Hope everyone is well!!!

Bridal Shower...

So... on Saturday, we (Vicki, Kendra and I) held a bridal shower for my mother in law. It turned out SO good and I am happy that everyone got along so well and had so much fun! Here are a few highlights...
Julie with her "soon to be" sister in law Melinda...

Julie with me... betcha didn't know you wanted to see up my nose, did ya? lol.

Julie with my seester-in-law (her daughter in law), Vicki. LOVE this girl.

Brynn as one of the models for the game we played...

Colleen, Another good sport...

AND, my favy fav.... NINJA BRIDE!!!!~ I guess you had to be there... haha.

Can't wait for the wedding..... :)

I feel the same way today, Cami....

Ellie and her Camille

She gets lots of practice doing this...

For lots and lots of this...