Dinner out

Brendan has been such a huge help around the house and with the little kids that we treated him to his requested Shogun's Japanese Steakhouse last night. It's been about 5 years since we've been to a Japanese steakhouse.

Even thought it was Bren's treat, I knew all Cam & Cait would love it as well. Cam was enthralled! Cait got scared the first time our Chef lit the fire but from the safety of Bren's lap, she enjoyed the rest of the show.
Just that afternoon, we borrowed my sister's ring sling and Lily slept snugly in the sling the entire meal!
Just another adventure in our crazy days!

1 Month of Life

Wednesday, Little Lily turned 1 month old!She is beginning to smile with recognition and she's even cooed at us a little in the last few days.

I should have learned from the beginning - "everyone" said the labor should go quick. It didn't. "Everyone" said the fourth baby was easiest. She isn't.

Lily seems to need mama more than the others have. Needs to be held more than the others. She cries more and eats more. Her first month has been very different than her sister's!

Life is full of seasons and this one has taken some adjustments that weren't expected. But we're surviving and enjoying life with Lily every chance we can.

What a gift!

Before:

After:
It might not look like much but our church friends came and painted our house yesterday. It was a HUGE blessings! HUGE! They also helped clean up my gardens and around the house. Huge. Blessings. Huge.

It is our hope to sell our home this year. This gift of labor puts us that much closer to our goal.

We are so grateful to be so blessed! Especially since we'd already received home repair blessings from other church members earlier in the year! Wow!!!

Happy St. Patty's Day

Messy Head

She's been known as "Messy Head" for awhile now. Today was her first haircut!

BEFORE:

Our sweet friend Kim at CarMichael's Salon in Moore did a wonderful job with Cait! I'm so glad it was a great experience.

Kim just didn't cut very much but trimmed up the back and gave her a little bit of bangs since she refuses to wear hear clips.

Unfortunately, she fell on our way back to the car and bonked her nose, knees and forehead!

AFTER:

Our first 3 weeks...

Oh, the days fly by and February 21st seems so long ago yet not so much either. Time is a funny thing.

Even when we do "nothing", our days are full. We're learning to adjust and readjust everyday. A new baby, even number four, changes so many dynamics.

Cait, above-right, has all the diaper changing necessities for fixing up her dolly.

Lily doesn't care for baths too much. She doesn't like being cold!

Expectations can get me in trouble every time! Expectations of myself, JC and my kids are often too high. I am trying to give more grace and relax. It is a work in progress!

I am so thankful for my family and my heart swells with love for each and every one. I am blessed!

Cait loves to get into baby's things. Such a silly girl!

Look how long little Lily is getting! Big brother is a huge help!

Oh, sweet one how you grow and change so fast. Lord, help me to savor and enjoy each day. Help me to teach them and show them Your love. Give me strength to extend grace and mercy to Your children each day. Give me patience when the house is a mess and the bigger ones push my limits.

Museum of Osteology

Last week, we headed out to the "Bone Museum". We purchased discount coupons awhile back and finally had a chance to get the whole family out there. Before we went, we watched THIS video and THIS video; both taught us about the museum and how they clean the bones.

Cam really, really wanted to go and asked every time we passed their billboard advertisements! I think he enjoyed it thoroughly! His favorite were the comodo dragon, snakes and bats.
I was really surprised at the museum and thought it was well worth the trip! Almost all the bones were real bones; they only had a few replicas.

Lily did great for the outing and Cait was a bit busy but overall it was a successful trip!

Sleepy days