Half a dozen

Lord willing, we will be welcoming baby #6 in May! Here's our first glimpse of our newest little one. We could see little legs wiggling already. Incredible! Every single time it is just incredible. 

It does seem a bit overwhelming at times to think about having 6 children. We feel like we are just getting our feet back under us after having twins. But God has planned this one for our family at this time and we are so thankful. 

I know some people think we are crazy to have this many children. A few years ago when a friend of mine was expecting her sixth, I remember thinking "this is getting out of control." And I even knew I would like to have a big family and I still thought that. It was very judgmental of me! 

All I can tell you is that this is what God has called us to. When I feel fearful or overwhelmed, I have to remind myself of the truth. And the truth is that He is the only one who gives life and that He says children are a blessing. So we will celebrate this life and blessing and run to Him with any fears, frustrations, or worries we may have.  

We are excited to see who you are, little baby! And you have five sisters and brothers who are VERY excited to meet you! 

He had a birthday!

Last week Will turned 6 years old! I can hardly believe our "baby Will" is such a grown up boy. He is such a gentleman and has the sweetest heart. He can also be all boy and just wants to get dirty, climb trees, play in the creek, and wear camouflage.

For his birthday, he chose to go to Papa's cabin. Jay took the 3 big kids and spent the night at the hunt cabin. The next day, Papa took them fishing. Will and Catherine each caught a fish. Papa cooked them for lunch and they ate it right up! They also shot BB guns and had lots of fun hitting the targets. 

 For lunch, we had pizza and fruit and chips with the cousins and family. Will requested cupcakes for his birthday treat. You can see how lovely and homemade these were--straight from the Publix bakery! On his actual birthday, he requested my homemade banana pudding so I treated him to that.

Will, we love you so much and are so proud of the wonderful young man you are becoming! You're such a special part of our family and are so much fun. Happy birthday!

A little rest in Colorado

Jay and I just returned from spending a few days in Colorado. He had some committee meetings and they invite spouses to come along for this trip. So we packed up, left all five kids with Mimi and Poppop, and headed west. 

We got to Denver on weds by lunch time and were able to meet up with some friends who live there for a quick meal. 

We stayed weds night at a golf course. I don't remember the name of it, but if you follow golf, this course just hosted the big women's tournament. (See how informed I am??) Jay was able to play the par 3 course on weds afternoon and the main course in Thursday with some if the other guys. He said it is one if the hardest courses he has ever played!! It was gorgeous sunshine and about 70 degrees. 

On Thurs afternoon we drove about two hours to Vail. It was a beautiful drive and I kept taking pictures out of the car window. 

We stayed at a beautiful resort called the Sonnenalp. It looked like we were in the Alps. By the time we woke up on Friday morning, it was only 20 degrees and had snowed! Jay was so excited to see the snow that he was outside by 4:30am walking in the streets. 

It continued to snow the rest of the day. I went for a walk with jay that afternoon in the snow. Nothing like enjoying ice cream when it is a brisk 19 degrees outside. 

By Saturday the sun came back out but it was still cold. We ended our time at a ranch with a big BBQ for the whole group. 

We had such a great time. It was really nice to have uninterrupted time with Jay and to be able to rest and relax. I even indulged myself with a pedicure and rad a whole book. We took a nap and watched a movie and just acted leisurely. And that is a treat!!

We are so glad to be back home tonight with our little people. Thanks Mimi and Poppop for taking care of everyone.