Stuck in the Middle

From one middle child to another....it's not always easy, although I never felt cheated or overlooked. Thanks to Mom & Dad for that! Even though we technically don't have a middle child, our Ava Paige IS sandwiched between "The Bigs" (Ella & Owen) and "Goo- Goo" as Georgia has been nicknamed (by Owen). I try not to spend much time in the Land of Guilt, but sometimes as a mom of 4, I just do! Sometimes I wonder if Ava gets lost in the commotion, somewhere between homework, piano, dance, picking up kids from school, and caring for the baby of the family. Where does she fit?

The answer has been loud and clear...she fits right in! She is easy, happy, winsome, delightful, loving, a giver of joy. Maybe the middle child has to "go with the flow" because there is no other choice. Whatever the reason....she blesses us everyday. She says funny things, like "Owen just broke my feelings." She gives giant hugs. She dances and twirls everywhere like a little fairy princess. She tells us daily, "you are in my heart." She makes us laugh with her giggling.

Ava just went to the doctor for her checkup and we learned that she is in the 3rd percentile in weight. Perfect for her, because she loves and has all things tiny...tiny toys, tiny dolls, tiny food, tiny Tinkerbelle, tiny voice, tiny feet, etc. But we know that her heart is HUGE!! And she has filled our lives with so much joy and happiness. Happy 3rd birthday, Ava Paige!

Summer Fun!

It's so hard to believe that the summer is nearly over. It feels like it just started. And it has been sooooo nice to not be on such a tight schedule...I jotted down some goals for us in early June because, well, I have to have a list. I am a list maker. I have even made a list of things and included things that have already been completed just so I can feel the satisfaction of crossing out that item on the list. Sick? Maybe...

Well, we did accomplish some of those goals, like daily chores, some school time, reading goals for the kids, etc. But mostly we have just played!! Swimming, swimming, and more swimming. A visit from our precious Olathe cousins and Aunt Sandy & Uncle Troy. A few trips to Kansas and a trip to South Dakota. Throw in some swim lessons, playdates with friends, cousin time, VBS, and the summer is coming to a close.

So here's to warm summer evenings, playing catch in the backyard, road trips, ice cream cones, tan lines, staying up late, and wonderful memories. (Okay, there have been a few times I wanted to scream but who's counting?) I am SO blessed!

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!!!