Last Day to be 8!

How can my first born be turning 9 tomorrow? I should be sleeping, but instead I'm reminiscing.

Luke - 2 years old

4 years old

Seven and the last day of being EIGHT!

I'm so thankful for a great afternoon exploring a new park and celebrating Luke's last day as an eight year old. He made sure to wear his 8 shirt, since he won't be able to wear it tomorrow. ;)

(Aaron thinks he is 5, but he has exactly two more months left!)

 Exploring with bikes, water, dirt and rocks...couldn't be any more fun for these guys!

 Super glad they kept the bike helmets on for all their stunts. ;)

 What a fabulous day! Can't wait to celebrate him being 9 tomorrow! 

How can I forget?

Do you ever forget how God has been faithful to you in the past? I'm not sure why or how I can forget this, but I do.

The summer after my freshmen year of college I worked as a camp counselor at Camp Willow Run. It was an amazing experience! While there, I had a bad fall water skiing. Turns out I cracked three vertebrae in my lower back (L1, L2 and L3) After various x-rays and orthopedic surgeon visits, I was told that it was likely there was weakness already there and the water skiing fall caused the cracks. I was bedridden for several weeks and in excruciating pain. When I returned to Virginia Tech for my sophomore year, I scheduled less classes so I could keep up with all the physical therapy I would need to do to strengthen my back. It was a trying time. I was cautioned not to exercise because of the potential risks of damaging my back further. Aside from walking to classes, I was pretty sedentary. I gained weight and was not happy about that at all. Occasionally I swam laps (which was considered safe), but was pretty insecure about being in a swim suit.

But GOD WAS FAITHFUL and HE is still faithful today. He brought me through that time and as far as I know, my back is fine. I can't even remember all the details, but I think after not being in pain for a several years I chose to be more active again. I started biking my senior year and then eventually running. I haven't had any other back issues. Praise be to God!

I can't imagine how different life would be if I couldn't be active with my three VERY active boys. Today while running as fast as I could to keep up with three biking boys, I was struck by how much I love this part of boys. What a gift that I am able to run and bike and keep up with my busy guys. My heart was full of joy as we laughed and dripped with sweat together. Praise the Lord for these moments. How can I doubt His faithfulness and provision?

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:24

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more then all we ask or imagine, according to his power that at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

Toolbox

I knew this day would come, but I wasn't expecting it so soon. I remember my older brother taking apart anything electronic he could find. I've heard stories about my husband taking apart the oven as a kid. That's why I wasn't entirely surprised to find the boys taking apart Aaron's bike. There were tools, washers, and bolts scattered on the garage floor. The only difference is that Luke and Ethan couldn't figure out how to put it back together. :)

Moving Week for Grammy & Poppy!

We've been busy around here! Last Tuesday, Grammy and Poppy arrived with almost all their belongings at their new house. It's only 20 minutes away from us and we are so excited. 

 We had the keys to the house, so I surprised them with some welcoming flowers. 

The boys and I got there first and had a picnic on the 

front porch while we watched for the moving trucks. 

I was glad I brought the boys bikes to keep them busy while we waited. 

They LOVED riding down the quiet street to the culdesac. 

Here comes the first of two moving trucks. The boys were jumping up and down and waving. 

I cannot say enough how awesome these movers were. 

So friendly, happy and such good team work. 

First dinner in the new house. (We had greek meatloaf, roasted potatoes, asparagus and tossed salad.) We were surrounded by boxes, but it was so nice to sit and enjoy a nice meal together. 

View from my parents deck. I love the privacy. 

We were back again to help on Wednesday afternoon. 

The boys found this funny decoration and decided to wear it as a costume. So funny!

I was so pleased and thankful for the boys being so cooperative while I helped unpack. 

They rode bikes, read books, played with legos and helped as best they could. 

Praise be to God for all the wonderful little blessings for my parents as they are getting settled. Their neighbors have been so friendly and helpful. How perfect that the neighbor across the street is a similar age as my mom and plays bridge?! (My mom loves to play bridge.) How perfect that the man next door is a similar age as my dad and loves to go biking?! (My dad loves to bike.) I think this is no accident, but God's encouragement that this is where they are supposed to be. 

Makes my heart so happy!

Exercise

Okay... so I've been told that I'm obsessed with exercise. However, I have learned that the three little boys in my charge do SO MUCH BETTER if I am intentional in providing them opportunities to get exercise. They sleep better. They are less wild inside and they are generally more happy. Just sending them outside does not guarantee they'll get exercise, unfortunately. I usually need to take them for a hike, bike ride, plan outdoor games, play tag with them or something of that nature. Otherwise, they'll just sit and dig in the dirt or sandbox. (I'm not discounting the importance of digging time... but I try to make time for both. One of the huge benefits of homeschooling.)

The other day after having running races in the back yard, Aaron remarked, "We got really good exercise today Mommy." Oh boy... I need to get a jar going to save for the counseling they'll need some day. :)

A recent trip to a nearby park. Luke on his bike and Aaron running to catch him.

Because of the terrain of the trail, I had to convince Aaron to leave his bike home. 

The gravel would be too hard with his training wheels. He was such a trooper and 

ran almost the entire way to keep up, or as seen in this picture take the lead.

We are loving these beautiful spring/summer like days in March!

Notice the little brown football in Aaron's right hand?

He MUST have a ball with him at all times. :)

See the orange and blue/red in the distance? That's Luke and Ethan up ahead on their bikes. Aaron and I ran like crazy to catch up. Thankfully I could see them in their bright colors. 

I love these three little guys! (maybe not so little any more??) 

And yes, keeping the helmet on while climbing 

on the tall structures helps this momma breathe a little easier. 

First Trail Bike Ride

Aaron has been riding his bike for a while now (with training wheels) in the driveway and around the neighborhood. Last week, we ventured out for his FIRST ride on trails with his brothers. 

I was a little nervous how he would do on the hilly terrain with many 

opportunities to use his brakes, but he wasn't phased by it at all. 

I was surprised to spend a good portion of the ride running to keep up with all three boys on 

their bikes! Too bad I couldn't fit my bike in the car too, so I could ride along with them. 

I was totally re-energized being outside with my guys getting exercise. These are the moments I 

treasure. How can my baby be getting so grown up?? I'm so proud of him. 

Speedy Racers

This was my view last Thursday mid-day. 

Two speedy racers out in the lead. 

One sweet little boy begging me to run faster so I could catch his brothers. 

This Momma could only run so fast pushing a heavy 3 year old, 

but I loved every minute of it!