The Seven of Us

Baseball season has been over for a few weeks, and I need to post some of my favorite pictures.  But here's a synopsis of the season: * Isaac really enjoyed playing Machine Pitch.  (Isaac believes it's very important to understand that Machine Pitch is not t-ball; most kids Isaac's age play t-ball, but he was invited to move up and play machine pitch because of a shortage of players.This was a big deal. )  Isaac learned a lot about baseball, such as the importance of continuing to run toward the base even if you think the ball is being caught; the importance of running fast, keeping your glove on the ground, and drinking lots of water!  Isaac played especially well in the tournament. He's looking forward to playing again next summer. * McKenna learned a lot during her first year of playing girls' softball. She played on the 9-12 year-old team, and at various times she played catcher, right field, and 2nd base.  Kenna's hitting really improved as the se...

says "Mine" rather than "my", as in "I want mine Daddy!" says "I wantyou".  It's a real compliment. falls asleep in the car. I always thought kids who did that were amazing and I coveted a child who would be oh-so-easy.  (Which is exactly why I can't believe Corbs lets me do that. He's really  not easy, but Heavenly Father gave me a little reprieve in this area. I'm grateful.) stands up for himself.  Granted, this area needs a little fine-tuning, but I'm confident he'll be able to stand strong. Just a matter of learning not to knock anyone down in the process. fixes problems.  Dog's out?  No problem, Corbin will find him! Someone's sad? They must need a kiss! The food is burning?  Why not just open the oven and get it out?  I've always thought every mom needs a personal assitant, and now I have one.  asks where the other kids are when they're gone. "Where Tay-Tay?"  "Where Tenn...

On a recent trip to Oshkosh, NE I was watching the wheat fields move with the wind and found myself singing our national anthem. We do live in a great country, and our Father in Heaven watches over us.  God Bless America. 

Several years ago when my first three kids were young I realized that I'd spent more time pregnant than not.  When I wasn't pregnant I was nursing.  Now that that time is past, I can see the blessing of it: my hormones were on hiatus, or at least disguised. That's not to say I never struggled, but I don't remember being very weeepy.  Now I am a dam and periodically I break and gush forth a river of tears. Lately I have wanted to cry every time I look at my oldest kids. I simply cannot believe how blessed I am to have them--and how quickly I will need to give them up. I realize that the ability to see and feel this is a blessing, but it's a realization that is bittersweet and tinged with a lot of motherly sadnesss.   I don't know how to explain my feelings, so I don't try.  I just try to appreciate every moment.