Faith Turns Six!

Sometimes you drop your damn birthday cake on the floor. It just happens.

Sometimes Spaniards forget how to spell birthday, but it totally doesn't matter because the artwork is so freakin cool. He's got skillz.

Hi Natalie!

So when the cake falls on the floor, sometimes a make-shift cake has to do.

But things quickly took a turn for the better - look at what Grandma made for Faith! Faith's very own design.

Brooke's graceful plunge off the high board. I love this kid.

Eddie and Jennie

The rush to get down the slide.

All the pretty little girls :)

Today I'm Thankful for the Power of Grace

If ever there was a soul made for another, it has to be that Grace's was made for mine.

This child astonishes me with her being. I wish I could capture the moments in which she completely changes my world. Her tone. Her disposition. Her half smile. I wish I could better explain. Mostly because I want her to know that she is truly, and deeply amazing.

I see so many of you in her. I laugh sometimes because she has become the best of all of the people I love the most. She's got her grandma's compassion and love of learning. Her grandpa's tough kindness and calmness. Aunt Joni's tenderness and flair. Aunt Jessica's sparkle and confidence. When she smiles and shakes her head after someone says something silly, I almost get tears because it's identical to Mark's mannerisms. Her giggle is Missy's. Dead ringer. Not to mention her witty one-liners. Eddie has provided an example of intelligence and good humor. She displays them both with the same understated brilliance as he does.

I want to be clear. All of my children are becoming all that is good in their lives. It's just that Grace has struck me lately with her maturity and personal growth. I love them all, and I'm so grateful to be their mom. For all I've done wrong in my life, I have done them right by exposing them to the best people in the entire world.

My Tribute to the Harvest of '09

The dream team.

I can't decide which I like best . . . This one or . . .

. . . . This one.

We waited and waiting for Mark to get around the field, and then . . . finally!!! Here he comes . . .

Playing with depth of field with some of my favorites.

I love how peaceful this picture feels. Like it was finally a good day for running.

The leader of the pack speaks.

My favorite farmers.

The new wagon in all its glory.

Gathering what Papa leaves behind.

And The Cake . . .

Lots of Gifts . . .

Eddie goes big - even in the decoration on the gift . . .

See the sparkle in this little girl's eyes?? She was delighted. Grandma made dress for Grace's American Girl doll based off the design that Grace sketched. "It's even more beautiful that I imagined," she said.

Faith has to be the best sister in the entire world.

I love this look on her face.

Think Faith wants one, too??

Adorable bag from Conner.

Picture Corner

:)

Most Politically Incorrect

There are so, so many reasons why I love my mother, but really, it's this kind of crap that makes me adore her.

I asked her what in god's good name made her think of this . . . and she told me it started with the sheet she had to work with and just went from there. So there you have it.

So Faith asked her, "Grandma, what's a terrorist?" Classic.

Sponge Bob . . . And His Chica!!

Mr. and Mrs. Sponge Bob was a massive hit among the locals.

The crowd gathers to admire Eddie's artwork.

I just like this picture of Joni - I think she looks really pretty :)

Hard to make your meter happy when you can't reach it.

Mrs. Bob

I'm diggin' the light in this picture.

With the birthday girl . . .