I'm Back!!

I have been terrible about blogging the last few months.  I am going to try and do better.  Life has just gotten really busy lately and I sometimes feel like I'm drowning in all the things I have to do.  Since I posted last we went to Disneyland, my sisters both had babies, Michael graduated from Kindergarten, we went to Lagoon, Liam turned 4, Avrie started walking and talking and got teeth, we spent time at the cabin, work and school started again for Michael and I, and now we're approaching Hunting Season and Halloween.  I will try to get some pictures up as soon as I can.  I just wanted to let people know that I'm still here and trying to get back in the habit.

VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!

The picture isn't great, but this is me this morning in my wedding dress.  (It's been more than 5 years since I've even had the guts to think about trying it on.)  7 1/2 years and 3 kids later it still fits.  Now if I only had an excuse to wear it somewhere.  Anyway, I just had to share my triumph.  I know the girls out there will understand what an epic moment it was.   

Tears of Sadness and Joy

Recent events in our country have been weighing heavily on my mind the past week considering the professions of my husband and myself and the age of our oldest child.  I recently recieved this poem that brought a simultaneous tear and smile to my face.  Mostly it left me with a sense of peace and hope that there are people who still believe.  Hopefully it will comfort any of you who need it at this time.

'twas 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38 when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.

their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air. they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say. they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse. "this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."

when what to their wondering eyes did appear, but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same. then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring those children all flew into the arms of their King

and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace, one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.

and as if He could read all the questions she had He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."

then He looked down on earth, the world far below He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe

then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand, "Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"

"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools" "I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"

then He and the children stood up without a sound. "come now my children, let me show you around."

excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran. all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight, "in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT.

Thanksgiving Break

Jasmine and Ashley were able to bring their families for Thanksgiving, except for Kurt.  The kids had a great time playing outside because the weather was beautiful.  Below are some pictures from an afternoon spent playing in the leaves at Ommie's house.

Halloween

Here are some pictures from Halloween this year.

 The Pumpkins we carved.

 Levi and Michael's Headless Horseman

 Cassie and Liam's Pirate Skull

 Avrie helping with the pumpkin scoop.

 Everyone hard at work.

 And pictures of everyone dressed up.

 Liam insisted on being Winnie the Pooh even though the costume is a year too small and Michael was a Back Woodsman (Trapper).  Avrie was Frankenstein because that's the smallest costume we have and we are not very creative at coming up with new costumes.  The only adjustment I made was to make cute pink bows to put on the bolts.  I think she looked pretty cute.  She wasn't even afraid of Levi in his creepy mask; although, she did avoid looking at him most of the time.

We're Still Here and Doing Great

I know it has been a while since I posted. So here is a little over view of what we have been doing this summer.

We have gotten to spend a little time at the cabin.  We were able to plumb in our bathroom which makes us all happy as well as build a loft above the upstairs bedrooms.                    

Michael, Ommie, Payton, Stacy, Liam, Cassie, Avrie

 Avrie has been growing like crazy.  She is getting very good at rolling all around the house and is even starting to try and figure out crawling.  She is very opposed to sitting though.  She doesn't believe that her body should bend in the middle; she wants to either be laying down or standing up.  She is only barely able to sit by herself for any length of time, and she still falls over quite a bit.







 Usually Avrie is very happy.  Her tongue is one of her favorite things to play with.  It is almost always sticking out of her mouth.  She loves to roll, twist, click, and spit with it.

Sometimes Avrie does get mad though.  She goes from happy and laughing to screaming and holding her breath in about 3 seconds.  This mad face is because I wasn't feeding her fast enough.  She also loves to eat anything that anyone else is eating and gets quite upset if we don't share.

The boys are also growing really fast.

Hanging out on the mountain.

Liam turned 3

Eating birthday cake on the mountain.

Michael got to start school.

 Ashley and Jasmine's families also got to come out a couple of times over the summer.  Here are some fun family pictures we took while everyone was together.

The Babies

Grandpa, Ommie and the grandkids

 

Webbs

Masons

The Girls

The Boys

 

Jasmine, Ashley, and I also made bows for our little girls.  Lots and Lots of bows.

 This is a picture of us that we took on the mountain.  The color of the leaves is starting to change in a few places.  Fall is coming to the mountain which means that it's on its way to the valley too.  Levi is very excited for it.  I like the things that happen in fall, but I'm not a huge fan of the temperature change.  But as Michael would say, "That's just the way life is.  You can't change it."

Pictures From Avrie's Blessing....Finally

Here are some of the pictures Mandy took.  She got a lot of Avrie smiling.  She does have my squinty eyed smile though.

These cousins all have the same birthday. (Kivan, Aaron, Michael, Avrie)

4 generations of "B"