The Lives of Langs: August 2009

I'm baaaaacccckkkk

A year and 2 months later....

Okay, seriously. The last time I blogged was March of 2010. I had 3 children then. Now, I have 4...and baby is nearing a year old!! Unbelievable. But I guess we have been a little busy. So, let's see, to catch up on our world...
Baby Georgia joined our family last August! She is so much fun. She brings incredible joy to our lives and is such a good baby! She endures being carted around the world to her siblings' activities, and she doesn't seem to mind. She has dimples that melt you like butter...she has blue eyes the color of the ocean. We LOVE having her in our family! What a blessing. She wants to keep up with the big ones...crawling, pulling up to stand, and trying to wrestle with Daddy like everyone else!
What a fun year....
Ella completed first grade. She had a wonderful teacher and really enjoyed it. She even won a math award at the end of the year. This is a feat in itself because math is not her mother's strong suit. She also danced in her ballet's production of Mary Poppins. She was one of the toys cleaning up the nursery. It was really fun to watch.
Owen completed preschool at our church. He loved learning and his teacher, Miss Tiffany. He is becoming more interested in letters and numbers now and constantly gives me a digital time update: "Mom, it's five two five (5:25). Mom, it's five two six. Mom, it's five two seven." Get the picture? I never need to wear a watch anymore...
Owie also completed swim lessons, along with Ella. What a fish. He would swim in our soft sided pool for 8 hours a day if I would let him. And some days I do! Let's just say he is sleeping well at night!
For some time we have been amazed with Owen's questions about heaven, God, and all things spiritual. He prayed today at lunch: "Thank you, God, for all the things you give us; for Your whole love; for Your Holy Spirit; and for giving us Your Jesus. Amen." Ella said, "Good job, Owie." Ava clapped. And Owen was basking in the praise, and said, "Thanks guys!" And Ella responded, "I couldn't have said it any better, Mom."
Ava is our sunshine. She will be 3 in a few months. So many funny things...loves Mr. Golden Sun....wants to know where he is if it's cloudy; loves to sing, dance, wear high heels, put on lipstick. But she also wants to be rough and tumble with Owen. I can't wait to see who she becomes!!!
Eric worked like a dog all year...short on staff....a very refining fire for him. I am so proud of his dedication and heart. I'm so glad he is my partner on this crazy ride we are on!!!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Milestones

I guess that's what life is, isn't it?....a series of milestones that when put together...make up a whole string of weeks, months, and years. The last few years of ours can tend to be a bit of a blur: 3 kids in 4 1/2 years, 2 new businesses, a puppy, building a house. But every once in a while, the blur clears a little and I can spend a moment reflecting....sniff sniff. Our milestones in the last few weeks and the coming ones are big ones! Ella started Kindergarten, Owen turned 3 today!! and Ava will be 1 in just 15 days. So, mama is feeling a little sentimental these days. But oh they are good days!! In between the scraped knee, the before dinner meltdown, the occasional fighting over toys, there are so many good moments. Just wanted to share a few from recently and today....

Owen to Ella: "You shut the door on my feelings!" after she closed the playroom door before he could get out and apparently, hurt his feelings. He is so sweet and sensitive.

Ella at the mall for school shopping: "Where is the kids' apartment?" (department)

Ella: Mom, I promise I'll still be your little girl even if I grow up. I want to live with you guys forever! (me laughing now)

Ava is crawling and pulling up to stand and such a joy to us all. Always happy and smiling, except when her Daddy leaves the room...many tears...

Candyland today with Ella. Owen crying on the first day of her Kindergarten because he didn't want to "wose" (lose) Sissy. Ella looking so big and confident and saying, "Bye, Mom" and Mom was trying to swallow the lump in her throat when leaving the school on the first day. Ava patting my back when she hugs me. Those are my precious moments!! My prayer is that I can remember those moments when there are kids hanging on my leg, a dirty diaper is leaking on my shirt like today, or I am stressing about nothing that matters.

I know there will be many more milestones to come..they are wonderful and they hurt at the same time. Thankful that we are so blessed.