Happy 7th Birthday Elijah

Its so hard to believe 7 years ago we became parents to our first son.  Elijah Thomas came into this world super fast.. contractions started at midnight, by the time I figured it was time to head to the hospital it was 12:30, we arrived at the hospital at about 12:50 and before they even got me into a room I was pushing. He arrived at 1:05am, no pain meds, not cameras ready, no time to even think about what was happening.  Doctor didn't even get all of her scrubs on, just her gloves and booties over her sneakers... actually it was quite a funny sight.

He is still as unpredictable and on the go today and keeps me guessin even more.  He loves to read, he loves playing the Wii for hours at a time until he can solve a game or at least complete several stages.  He is the fastest runner I've ever seen for a kiddo his size.  He is the most coorporative child at home yet the most stubborn if he does not want to do something.  He is great at praying before meals and is so compassionate towards those he knows need prayer, including his twin brothers.  He is amazing with them and I know they love having Elijah as their big brother.

Seven years have gone by so fast.  I look forward to another year and all the guessing I'll be in for with this little man.  I am so blessed to have all five of my children.  I thank the Lord daily and pray that he will give me the wisdom and guidance to raise them in according to his will.  Elijah is on the right road and my prayers are that he always remains in this direction.

Love You Elijah Thomas!!!
~Mom

And now we are 3..

Tristin, Camille and Elijah left on July 2nd with Grandma and Papa for Florida.  They spent the first week in Disney and got to visit with Uncle Jimmy who lives in Orlando.  They would call and check in every night with what they have done and how much fun they are having.  It was great timing actually for them to go when they did since Caleb has his accident.  Caring for Caleb in his SPICA cast he's wearing to due to falling and breaking his femur bone on June 24th has been taking alot of my time.  He just wants me to sit by him all day long and watch cartoon and tickle him.  Its the least I can do for the little bugger.  I think he's taking this whole thing alot better than I would, being in the same position all day and all night everyday.

The phone calls have tapered off and have become much shorter and less descriptive of what the kids are doing in Florida.  They are "just to busy" to talk on the phone.. so I am missing them a ton.

Now today, Tom just left to goto Hershey for an annual conference he attends at the Hershey Lodge.  We generally go with him and enjoy the hotel pool all day with the kiddos.  With Caleb in his cast, we cannot go.  So Tom is heading solo to Hershey as I type this and I am all alone with the twins for the next two days.  Tom will be back Tuesday evening.  WOW!!!!  We went from 7 to 3 in less than two weeks time.. its quiet.. laundry is caught up... dishes are done... I am cooking way to much at each meal, gotta figure out smaller portion sizes to prepare...  I think I'm getting a taste of empty nest syndrome.  I dunno, it does have its ups and it does have it downs, but I like chaos and noise and never knowing whats going to happen the next minute.

So what shall I do??  I was thinking about picking some blueberries here on the farm and canning some blueberry jam  OR I could surprise Tristin, Camille and Elijah and wallpaper their bathroom for them.  That is something I've been wanting to get to for a year now, even purchased all the supplies and never did it... OR I could hit the walkway tomorrow for a jog and take my time and enjoy the scenery.

What to do?? What to do??  Twins are in preschool tomorrow from 9 to 12:30... hummm????

Tristins Photography

Tristin is basking in the Florida sun right now with Camille, Elijah, Grandma and PaPa.  I was going through some recent photos off my camera and I had to share how talented my 12 year old is with my camera.  She is only given permission to use it on occasion and under supervision, (I have a great Cannon Rebel) but what she produced amazed me.  I actually have one of her photos as my background on my desktop of my computer.  I love it!!



Then while I was working in the garden we found the most beautiful caterpillar and she wanted to photograph it so she brought it up and put it on one of our potted sunflower plants.

Love her Zebra Specs??


Gummie worms?


Our Dogs... Auggie Doggie and Rosco



Love this one!!


And captured her brother Caleb propping on the bedpost


Thats my Girl...