9 months

Gavin turned nine months on April 31. And I just took him to his check-up today. Can you say busy?!?

Or maybe I've just been putting off the inevitable...another milestone recorded. It all goes by so fast, too fast. Yes, a resounding theme on this blog, but one that is so very evident every time I look at my four children, growing and changing so much everyday.

Gavin's 9 Month Stats:
Height: 28 1/4" {33 %}
Weight: 18 lbs. 15 1/2 ounces {5 %}

Gavin continues to be such an easy going baby. He loves to hang out and watch his brothers and sister. Cooper and Gavin continue to share a special bond, and Coop is often seen carrying {yikes} Gavin from room to room, talking to him and showing him new things {mostly good!} Gavin is pulling himself up to everything and beginning those first steps towards cruising.

I just love this age. Wish I could freeze time and have the kids stay this age for just a bit longer. But, as I said before, it's all inevitable. I just have to make sure to enjoy every minute!

We just got our hay baled recently, so I took advantage of the opportunity and got a few shots of Gavin in the field. He loves being outdoors.



I sat him on top of the hay bale, and he was so excited!


Love those baby toes...


It didn't take long for Gavin's farm boy roots to come out. He kept putting hay in his mouth...


Making the funniest faces as he chewed on that hay...




Has it really been nine months {almost ten!}


Oh how I love this little guy...

Hershey's Track Meet 2010

One word to describe my life lately: busy! Busy doing photo shoots, planning and executing The Amazing Race for the youth group, taking kids to doctor's check-ups and dentist appointments, taking Gabe to football practice and baseball practice. Busy.

Due to my busy state, the blog has sadly been neglected. I really do hope to get better about updating, for this is my journal of events our family experiences. The kids are growing and changing so fast, with every day bringing a new adventure that I don't want to forget!

I could write posts about each of the before mentioned events, but I don't know that I have time to do it, or that you'd care to read it! But I would like to write a bit about this year's Hershey's Track Meet. If you recall, Gabe has been competing in this event for the past two years. You can read about it here, and here. And Cooper has been anxiously waiting for his turn to compete. This was his year! Cooper finally met the age requirement for participation, and boy was he excited! He had sat and watched Gabe run and jump and throw softballs for the past two years, and he was thrilled it was finally his turn!

This year, Gabe {age 7} competed in the 7 and 8 year old age bracket. So, the competition was stiff! Gabe chose to do the long jump, the softball throw and the 50 meter dash. He was so very proud when he placed third in the 50 meter! And I have to say, we were a bit surprised. I used to run track, before I messed up my knee in a hurdle event. But I was fast, running sprints. Jason participated in track as well, but he was not a runner. He did the shot put and discus. And since Gabe seems to be build more like Jason, for strength rather than speed, we had assumed running would not be Gabe's strong point. This just goes to show what a strong spirit and work ethic can accomplish. Your body style only accounts for so much, then determination kicks in. Gabe ran his hardest and it paid off. We are so proud of him, not for winning a ribbon, but for always trying his absolute best.

Cooper participated in the long jump, the 50 meter dash and the 100 meter dash. He was in the 5 and 6 year old age bracket. And since Cooper hasn't even turned 5 yet, the competition was stiff for him as well. But Cooper showed that he has some great natural jumping ability, and jumped for 3rd place in the long jump! My heart just filled with joy as I saw the look on his face when they read his name over the loud speaker. Coop had seen his athletic big brother win ribbon after ribbon and trophy after trophy in various sporting events for the past few years. The last thing Cooper said to me as I tucked him into bed the night before the track meet was, "I only hope I win one ribbon mom!" So I was so happy for him to have accomplished his goal!

Cooper is little, but is a very fast runner, finishing second in his heat. Although Cooper didn't place in the top three in his racing events, the long jump ribbon made up for it and he didn't mind a bit.

I am just glad to see that both boys had a blast, accomplished their goals, and walked away with a sense of achievement. I am so proud of the character they display, congratulating their friends and being content with trying their best. These are traits that will bring them far in life.

I didn't take many pictures. I think I was so enthralled with watching that I forgot to pick up the camera much of the afternoon. But here are a few I did capture...

Gabe doing the long jump...


Measuring the jump as Dad and Cooper look on...


Cooper doing the long jump...


Gabe doing the softball throw...


Cooper {second from right} waiting to start his race. He had no idea how to stand to prepare for the starting gun. He just stood up straight, arms at his sides, looking quite serious...


Gabe, waiting to start the 50 meter dash, which he placed third in...


Cooper with his first-ever ribbon, the smile telling the story...

A Girl in a Field

The other day, Chloe was sitting in our field enjoying the late afternoon. The sun was descending and casting a perfect warm glow. As I watched her, I decided I just had to have an impromptu photo shoot. Nothing special, just a girl in a field. But I just cherish these pictures. Chloe is such a joy-filled little girl. I admire her carefree, kind spirit. And I just couldn't love her any more!

I added some texture to these first couple. I think they look like paintings. These photos may just inspire me to get out my canvases, paint brushes and paint, and finally begin another project. I haven't painted in over a year and oh how I miss it!

For My Four

I used to be a writer. Before kids, before my husband, before real life. When I was little, I would write stories for hours, dreaming of fanciful adventures in faraway places. When people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I'd without hesitation respond: a writer. It was a passion.

When I grew up, I did become a writer. And a photographer. Yet a bit of the innocence and fantasy had departed as I had become a newspaper reporter. My job was to report the news, with no embellishments and no fictional tales. I took photos of what happened, exactly as it happened. There was not much room for the creative mind I'd once utilized as a child, sitting in my backyard with my notebook and paper. It was facts that made up my stories. It was life.

And then I had my first child. And my second and third, and now my fourth. And as I transitioned from working outside the home, to primarily working inside the home, writing quickly became about them. Writing in their baby books, recording every milestone they achieved. Writing on this blog, journaling about what their current passions and hobbies are. And somehow, my passions and hobbies evolved into them.

I am still a writer. I write about how my children touch my heart everyday. About how they challenge me to be more...more of a person modeled after Christ so that He is what they see in me. I write about guilt, feeling that so many days I can't seem to measure up to what I wish I could be for them, for my husband, and friends, and ultimately for the Lord. I write about how I am so full of joy when I look at my children, that I feel like I may burst. I write about how thankful I am for my own mother, and how I can finally realize all that she sacrificed to be the self-less mother she truly is. And I write about how my life would not be the same had I not had these four children. Everything I write is intertwined with them somehow, because they are a part of me and I, a part of them.

I took a photo of the kids the other day as we spent a little leisure time by a nearby lake. The three oldest were sitting together, side-by-side, peering out into the water. I sat Gavin down beside them, grabbed the camera and snapped a couple shots.

And as I looked at the images from that day, I was inspired to write once again, about them.



This poem is entitled, 'For my Four.'

As a child I dreamed of life, of what would someday be
I dreamed of being a writer and of what I may achieve
Of rewards that would fulfill, and make me a person of worth
And of earning acclamations that would prove my existence on earth

And now I am a writer, but one of greater cause
Worth far more than money or fame, or an audience applause
I am a wife to a man of the Lord and mother to my four,
I am a woman following Christ, and striving to be more
More than anything this world can give, more than earthly awards can bestow
I am a mother whose purpose in life is to help my four to grow

At times it seems without reward, and lacking much prestige
But I know that being a mom to my four is more than what is seen
It's the hidden treasures that lie in heaven as my four learn and become
The people the Lord would have them to be, people that overcome
That set aside things the world would tell us to strive for
That become people the Lord can use, people of purpose, wanting more

More than this world can offer in pretty packages, or in fame, fortune or gold
I pray my four become servants of God shaped through this mother by His mold

And so as a mother to my four, my passion for writing has changed
Its not about me anymore, my priorities have been rearranged
I pray my children will always see that the Lord comes first
my passions I give to Him...my writing, my husband, my four
so that I am never left wanting more

I pray that as my children dream overlooking a lake of possibilities, that whatever they become someday they choose to give it to the Lord. That their passions are found in Him, and they can experience the fulfillment only He can bring us. Greater than any passions, any awards that can be achieved on this earth is He. He is our deliverer and our true contentment can only be found in Him, not in any passion pursued by our own hearts.

{Thanks for visiting my Black & White Wednesday photo entry...yes I know, the writer in me got the best of this post! Sorry :) But I hope you enjoyed the photo too! For more black & white photography, visit The Long Road to China.}

Color Wednesday - Hillsong United

No, I'm not starting my own blog carnival. I am just too busy editing photos from a senior shoot to go out and take some black & white shots for Black & White Wednesday. But instead of forsaking blogging completely this week, I thought I'd post a few photos from the Hillsong concert we went to last week.

I just love Hillsong.

In case you don't know, Hillsong is a worship band derived from the famous Hillsong Church in Australia. I dream of visiting that church someday, Lord willing. But for now, I was blessed to hear a sampling of what their live Worship is like without having to fly across the country.

And it was awesome!



You couldn't help but be filled with a spirit of worship as you stood in a stadium filled with other believers lifting songs of praise to the Lord. With one voice we came together...



I loved how they had the words to all of the songs up on a giant screen behind the stage. Every word written to praise Him. Every word sung with meaning and purpose, with hearts turned to Him, not to the people up on the stage. Because it's not about us, it's about our Lord, and He is mighty to save...








I love this last photo. That's what it's all about, surrendering everything to the Lord. Lifting all of the pride, all of the sin, everything in us that isn't about Him and saying, "Take it from me Lord. I give it all to you. Make me Yours alone."

That's what it's all about, bringing praise to Him. We were created to Worship Him. And that's why I thank God for Hillsong, because they are bringing that purpose worldwide to unite believers in one purpose. Now that's awesome.

Black & White Wednesday - Like a Child

I of course thank God for everyday. But I am especially thankful for days like these.

When I take the time to experience life through the eyes of a child. Those glimpses into the simple things that we grown-ups can so easily forget.

The beauty they see in what some call a weed...



The serenity of a moment spent being still on God's green earth...



The indescribable connection between a brother and a sister...



And the giggles that they share...



The joy of a little girl.



If we would only be still and know that He is God a little more often. What things He could accomplish through us, if we would only be still and let Him move.



This post brought to you by me {of course} courtesy of Black and White Wednesdays at The Long Road to China, where you can see more of life in black & white!

Spring

No one is more thankful for Spring than Chloe. If allowed to, she would spend her whole day outside. She just loves the great outdoors. Her grin tells it all...

Gotta love spring!

Black & White Wednesday - Tea Cup

First of all, I'd like to thank all of my loyal followers who sent me messages asking if I was ok since I didn't have a Black & White Wednesday post last week. It was so sweet of you all to notice my absence and to miss me!

I missed you all too, and yes, I am fine. I've just been incredibly busy. I had four photo shoots last week alone, which really shot my promise to myself of no more than one shoot per week. After all, I am first and foremost a mommy. My business was always meant to be a part time venture. I've been a freelance graphic designer and photographer since I had my first child seven years ago to enable me to set my own hours. But since the addition of portrait photography to my business less than a year ago, I have had a hard time saying no. I love taking photos and hate disappointing people, so together these two facets of my personality have worked against me lately. But I will certainly be making sure I don't overextend myself anymore. I'm giving my schedule over to the Lord, making sure I am giving Him the lead with how my days are filled, even if it does mean telling a few folks no every once in awhile.

But now, on to Black & White Wednesday...

A few weeks ago while shopping with a friend for a few more newborn props, I found a giant tea cup. Having seen numerous photos from numerous photographers of babies in tea cups, I had once vowed not to jump on the baby tea cup bandwagon. But the more I thought about the idea of my baby in a tea cup, the more I wanted to get one. And when I saw that this giant tea cup was on clearance, I just had to get it! I can't resist a sale after all.

A few days ago I finally had the time to do a few shots of Gavin and the tea cup. I didn't do any setup for these shots due to lack of time, but I think it'd be fun to style a shoot with the tea cup on a patio table with some chairs. Maybe sometime soon ;)

I love his feet sticking out of the top of the cup in this first shot. And I think it's safe to say that Gavin really didn't mind it so much in the tea cup...



In fact, I think he kind of enjoyed himself...



So is the tea cup an overdone prop? Maybe. But I still can't help but like it...



For more wonderful Black & White Wednesday posts, check out The Long Road to China.

The First Big Game

Gabe loves all things sports. From a very, very young age, his love of sports was apparent to us. I have picture after picture of Gabe with baseballs, basketballs, soccer balls. And then there are the footballs.

For those of you who don't know, Gabe's dad played football for the Iowa State Cyclones. So, of course, Gabe has long waited to play on a football team himself. That long-awaited day came yesterday, with Gabe's very first flag football game.


{Above is our team, the Kansas State Wildcats. Gabe is in the first row, second from the left.}

The boys on the team are first and second graders. And with only a handful of practices under their belts, you can imagine that some of them were completely clueless.

Well, I guess I should clarify and say most of them were completely clueless...


This, mind you, is coming from a completely clueless mom when it comes to football. But even I knew that all the boys pushing on each other was not really the point of the game.They all knew that they had practiced how to block, so that's what they all did for the first several plays of the game. Never mind the fact that they were suppose to be on defense at this point...



They just all kept blocking each other while one guy ran with the ball. It was quite humorous.

When they weren't blocking each other, they just kind of stood around waiting for the coaches to tell them what to do next. Jason was recruited by the coaches to help too...



Gabe once again demonstrated his strength. He's not one of the biggest kids on the team, but he can go up against kids much bigger than him and push them out of the way. I don't understand it, but he's always been a little bull...



It was great seeing him block so well.

But then, he got the ball.

As Gabe explained to us after the game, everyone was running at him so he just ran the other way. Unfortunately, it was the wrong way, towards the wrong goal, trying to avoid the other players.

Gabe lost several yards. But, he was fast...I can say that!

And he had fun.

And when you're seven, that's all that matters in the end.

Unless, of course, you're a competitive boy like Gabe is. And then it also matters if you win or lose ;) It's funny how there is no official score kept, yet all the boys know who wins and who loses. This game finished in a tie, however.



After the game, we asked Gabe what he thought. His response, "That was awesome!" Like he said, he gets to play with his best buddies and hit people. Oh, and there's a ball.

I can see many, many football games in our future. I guess I'd best learn the rules of the game, so maybe I don't sound so clueless.

Happy Easter

I hope that you all had a very blessed Easter. We certainly did!

How can you not, when you celebrate Easter for was it is...Jesus's resurrection day. The day God's promise for a Savior was fulfilled. The day the stone was rolled away, and a dead man came to life, giving life to all of us who choose to believe. The basis of our lives as Christians. Thank God for that very first Easter day.

And this Easter, I thank the Lord for my family.

For my husband, who not only teaches others about the saving grace of Jesus Christ as a pastor, but also shows our children what it really means to follow Him in the most tangible and real ways.

And I thank the Lord for my children. For their childlike faith, and hearts overflowing with the
joy of the Lord. And for their eagerness to love each other...most of the time ;)

And for their willingness to humor mom with some photos...





Our kids may not get visits from the Easter bunny. Instead, their Easter egg hunts and baskets come from mom & dad, and grandpa & grandma. But they do 'get' the real reason for Easter. As Chloe said when she woke up Sunday morning and was reminded today was Easter, "I'm so happy about Jesus! He's alive!"

Amen to that!