A View From The Mountain

What I've been up to...

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:55:00 +0000

I can't believe it! I'm posting before another month has sped by..yippee!

I've been trying to get my focus and start preparing for Christmas. Yes, I know, Thanksgiving hasn't happened yet. But, I plan on making our gifts for Christmas again this year and I really ought to be moving...don't you think?

So, I've been checking patterns, making lists, gathering materials and slowly starting my projects. Hopefully, I will get my momentum going here and have time for every thing I want to make.

I also have been making up some baby food for Rowan. I could buy it, but it is much more expensive that way and at least this way, I can see what is in my food for her. I've also found that some recipes they have out there include common allergens for our family and so I have to be careful. I'm sure I'll buy some jars here and there, but I am hoping to make most of what she needs and also have her eating what we eat sooner than later(even if all mooshed up;-)

A week or so back I made up some Pear Sauce. At the time I only had a hand mill. I will just say that this is NOT the best way to puree up a large amount of sauce...I'm just saying...

So, I asked my parents for a blender for my birthday ;-) and they delivered!

On Monday, I baked up some Acorn Squash and then pureed it in my new blender...NICE! Today I decided I better get to the Granny Smith apples and cooked them up on the stove. Again, the blender did a bang-up job on the applesauce..lovely, smooth sauce :-)

(The finished product from this weeks baby food making~in the bag:Acorn squash, in the ice cube tray and small tub:applesauce)

I really enjoy making Rowan's food. I hope she enjoys it too. Next up: carrots :-)

On Wednesday we had a special day that we took off from school and work. It was Homeschool Day at the Discovery Kingdom park(what used to be Marine World). What a blast that was! How can you not enjoy being surrounded by a bunch of (mostly) like-minded folks that do not look at you funny for having 4 kids? It was great. We were able to see most of the animals in the park and enjoy some rides too. We saw the Tiger show at Odin's Temple of the Tiger..very cool and Shouka the Killer Whale(very awesome and Fiona got drenched) as well as the bird show..lovely!

The kids, Dan and I all had a great time. I'm glad we could do it. So, I'll leave you with a few pics from our day :-)

Liam soberly waiting for the adventure to begin. Can't you tell he's excited?

The kids really liked seeing the elephants up close. Fiona was our expert...she could tell that there were both Asian AND African elephants there. Mom and Dad said no, we didn't think so...but the trainer validated our little lady :-) The kiddos wanted to ride the elephants, but it was an extra cost...sorry kids!

Here is the male, white Bengal Tiger diving...only 1 year old and already 300 lbs! Oh my goodness..he was beautiful! By the way, while here, I happened to get to meet one of my bloggy friends, Rebecca! So awesome..only wish we could have talked a bit longer.

And last but surely not least, Shouka the Killer Whale or Orca :-) What a beautiful creature! She is amazing. Fiona sat right up in the "Splash Zone" and got very wet. She didn't mind but I'm glad I moved up a few seats or Rowan(who I was wearing at the time) and I would have been drenched.

This was a great trip and a wonderful opportunity to see the variety in God's creation. He is truly an awesome God and His creation is a testament to His power and might for sure!

Blessings,

Sommer

Hello and Gratitude Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:19:00 +0000

Yes, I'm still here ;-) Another month gone..wow! Oh well, I hope you all don't mind that I've been a tad absent. It has been a bit hard coming up with things to write about. Easier just to not write some days.

But, I wanted to join my friend Tilly in her Gratitude Friday posts. I like the idea of taking my mind off those negative things that are much easier to focus on and turning my thoughts to those things which I have to be thankful for...which are much more than one might see if only looking at the challenges.

So, I am thankful for...

~A friend that remembers me on my birthday(Thanks Tilly!!!)

~For another year to look forward to in my life.

~For a sweet baby girl with the most kissable cheeks and rosy lips!

~For darling children that work together for a common goal and find pride in work well done.

(and they even made that tower reach to the ceiling!)

~For smiling boys in a creative house. When you don't have a tree house..come up with something else!

The joys of the simple pleasures in life, for creativity without a lot of materials or money, and brother/sisterhood..friends for life..Can't get better than that and I am truely grateful for the blessings the Lord has put in my life!

Blessings,

Sommer

**Oh, and there hasn't been any more news on the home front. We are STILL waiting on the seller's bank to approve things and then the VA inspection must go through. Please pray for me to be patient and that I will be content as I wait on the Lord's perfect timing. Thanks!

October Already?!

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:25:00 +0000

Honestly, I don't know how the month of September slipped by me so! One moment it was September(though often feeling like August), floating along so nice and busy like and then the next moment...October! Wow! I am now convinced it is officially Autumn.

We've been busy with school, birthdays and just plain enjoying our time together as a family. We've also been continuing the process of looking for a house. We've had some duds and disappointments. We've had to re-evaluate how much we can really afford and what and where we are willing to look for this house. We have prayed and been frustrated and then...

The Lord has seen fit to have an offer we put out be accepted! Now, we are still in the waiting phase, but this is very hopeful! We actually put the offer in without seeing the house except for pics on the web...a bit of faith stretching. The sellers accepted our offer and now we wait on their bank and the VA's inspections/approval.

Last Wednesday we took a drive out to the house to see if it was really going to be what we wanted. We went with hesitation and excitement all at the same time. When I walked in the door of this two-story, tri-level, 4 bed/3bath home I was so very pleased! It has some carpets that need cleaning and some paint in some rooms with questionable paint tastes, but other wise it is perfect!!! For us anyhow ;-)

Until we are definite..I will wait on posting pics of the house(though I must share that there is a room in there with a built in shelf/desk perfect for my sewing room :-). But let me just leave you with a view of my Little Man as he enjoyed the space and front yard...I think he likes this place :-)

But before I really go....Here are some moments from our last month:

My hubby, Dan, and Rowan enjoying a father/daughter moment. The entire time he was there, she kept her little, chubby hand on his face..very sweet indeed :-)

Here is my girl looking very solemn at me. She enjoys playing on her blanket now...of course she is almost 6 months now...wow!

And here I am with my sweet girl. The camera mesmerizes her ;-) She is a joy to raise and I am so very glad the Lord blessed me with her. And when folks wonder what I was thinking for having another child...I just praise God I was so fortunate as to have His blessing in this area of my life. Even as I struggle from day to day with patience and frustration, with occasional bickering and bad attitudes...the joys that I see and receive each day vastly outweigh such things! Thank you Lord for my children...may I never see them as a burden!

Hopefully I will not be so long in getting back on to write and hopefully there will be good news on the house buying front!

Blessings to my friends!

Sommer

Sunday Rest

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 15:34:00 +0000

"Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." ~Acts 5:41-42

I pray to be so bold in the face of mockery and persecution. As an American I do not suffer much for my faith, but there are times when it is good to stand firm...especially in these days. And who knows when a day may come that we are one of the persecuted. I pray not, but I pray too for the Lord's strength and grace if the time comes and also for those times when I am discoursing with someone that does not believe as I do.

Have a lovely Lord's Day!

Blessings,

Sommer

Love this little quote...

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:13:00 +0000

“A baby is sunshine and moonbeams and more brightening your world as never before.”

~ Author Unknown

Sunday Rest

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 15:29:00 +0000

"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."

~Psalm 27:14

I find that it is a difficult thing to wait on the Lord. My patience is lacking and my desire for things to move along is strong. Yet, the Lord desires me to wait on Him. And so this verse is especially good as a reminder to wait and that the Lord will strengthen me as I do.

This waiting right now is on a home for our family. It has been challenging to find ones we can afford and that someone has not already swooped in and out bid us or that our loan approval is taking a while..ugh! And yet...the Lord knows His plans for us and so...I wait!

We will be heading out tomorrow to house hunt again in a location we weren't considering before. Perhaps this is where the Lord wants us. I shall wait on Him and see where He leads!

Remember, when things are hard and not moving swiftly to us, to wait on the Lord...it is surely moving at HIS pace and that is the RIGHT pace :-)

Have a blessed Lord's Day my friends!

Sommer

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 04:39:00 +0000

I just wanted to say that I updated the Poetry Corner over on my side bar. I chose a selection from The Children's Book of Virtues, edited by William J. Bennett and illustrated by Michael Hague. This is a lovely book of poems and stories that aid in teaching your children right actions. I really love it!

Hope you enjoy the new selection :-)

Blessings,

Sommer

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 15:46:00 +0000

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

~Psalm 1:2-3

I pray you all have a very blessed Lord's Day!

Blessings,

Sommer

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:42:00 +0000

I was blog reading this morning and found a lovely post about our ministry in the mundane. It is easy to forget how important our everyday actions...those that seem ordinary...are. But we have a HUGE ministry in the daily things we do for our family.

I think Rebecca often has such great things to share. I love reading her words of wisdom and often find myself convicted or encouraged. Her post really expresses the importance of our ministry...better than I could I'm sure :-) Pop over and read THIS post. I think you will find it encouraging.

Blessings,

Sommer

4 Months and Conquering Fears

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 22:55:00 +0000

Last week was a momentous week! At least in our household :-) My hubby had Wednesday off and so the kids enjoyed going to the park with him. It is a tad hard for me to go alone with them, so I know they enjoyed it..we don't do it often other wise.

Fiona finally found out how to do this gliding play structure and was very pleased with herself. Finally tall enough and strong enough :-)

Now Brenna amazed me! After years of refusing to go down the slides because she was afraid, she finally conquered her fears! This momma is so very proud of her. I think it is always wonderful when a little one can realize that their fear may only be a product of their own imagination and not because of any actual danger...she finally figured that out now :-)

My big, brave girlie...

And Liam...well, he has no fear!

And once you conquer your fears...you think up games to play with your sister. Slide racing anyone?

And the next big thing? Rowan turned 4 months! Can you believe it?! I know, I think I said that last month ;-p But really, the time is flying.

She can hold up her head quite nicely now and just yesterday...she turned onto her side! Watch out...she'll be crawling before I know it!

She falls asleep all by herself and sucks her thumb. Isn't she darling?

She is 18lbs of pure love and adorableness and my sweet love :-)

That's the news at my home! I hope you are all well my friends.

Blessings,

Sommer

A Little Cuteness

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:48:00 +0000

I really have nothing new to post, but couldn't leave you without a little baby cuteness and sneak peak into the little dress I'm making for Rowan :-) I mean...there weren't any pictures of her in the last post...that surely wasn't kind of me, was it now?!

So, first...I just wanted to show you Rowan's sweet feet in her little slippers that I made for her. You know, these ones here...

Aren't they sweet on her?! And look at those darling little ankle rolls! To die for!

And here she is showing off her "tummy time" skills :-) She is so cute, I could just kiss on her all day...

And here she is in all of her drooly glory. She is the Queen of Drool I tell you! Only babies seem to be able to pull off the drool and toothless look, and still be dubbed adorable. And I'd even kiss her...as a matter of fact, I think I did as soon as I took the picture ;-)

Now that Rowan has been blessing us with full nights of sleep and a 2-4 hour morning nap...I've had time to sew on occasion(assuming I'm not falling asleep with a sewing needle in my hand). I decided I needed to finally work on the outfits I'd planned...ahem...to make BEFORE she was born. So, first up is a little slip dress. I'll tell you more when it is finished, but one of the details is a bit of embroidery. It took me a while to figure out what and where I wanted to place it. After much thought, I chose to embroider two birds holding clover(from an iron on pattern I have) in the right corner near the hem. I haven't really ever done embroidery...so I was very happy with how it turned out. Would you like to see?

You do?!

Oh goodie!

Here it is...

Not the best picture I know..sorry! The clover leaves are in satin stitch and the stems and birds are in back stitch. The dress is a pale yellow and the girls thought orange would be lovely for the birds. I really like the color combo.

I am hoping that I can share the finished product next week. We will see. I decided that we needed bloomers and a bonnet to match...so, it may take a little longer yet;-)

Hope you enjoyed a little wee goodness with me. I sure enjoyed sharing!

Blessings,

Sommer

Updates and such

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:55:00 +0000

(Liam, Brenna and Fiona waiting for their grandparents at the mall)

Well, since last I wrote we found out that our offer was not accepted on the house we wanted. Oh, well...it really wasn't my favorite anyhow :-) So, now we go back to square one and begin looking again. Hopefully we will be doing so next week.

I'm not sure what the Lord has in store for us, but we are praying that He provides something for us. Things continue to be stressful while here in this little spot with our less than pleasant neighbor. I'm ready for a home of our own...one where my children can...

run,

jump,

laugh,

climb hills,

slide down mountains,

and simply be...

kids!

I am a tyrant...and it isn't because I want to be.

On other subjects...Liam continues to give me joy. What a chatty, loving little boy he is. Of course, he hits too(which we are strongly discouraging) and throws little tantrums. But all-in-all he is gentle and sweet. His curls enrapture me and his smile wins me over almost every time.

Rowan is smiling, laughing and putting her head up more and more. Before I know it she will be rolling over. How has the time flown so quickly? I know I ask this on a regular basis;-) This little girl has a smile that reaches her eyes every time and melts my heart. I've been busily working on a little dress for her and I hope to show it to you later this week or early next week.

Fiona is fast becoming a young lady...tall, beautiful and loving. She just can't be almost 10 and "growing". It isn't fair! They just grow up too fast!

Brenna is ever my helper. Constantly willing to fold laundry, do dishes, carry in groceries and love on her sister and brother. She LOVES to sew and she and I are working on a project together. Again, I hope to show this to you all soon. This morning, Brenna and I woke before everyone else(well, not Dan) and snuggled out on the couch for about twenty minutes. We chatted and cuddled. What fun!

I am forever reminded of the joys of my children and pray that I will focus more on the joy of my home and how we can create more peace in it. All too often strife is within these walls. I want peace, joy and love to overwhelm our home and cast out all strife. Of course, this is only possible when the Lord is center....so I pray Lord that you come and place yourself fully in the center of our home and family! Lord come!

May you all find joy and peace in your home today! Find a reason to sit down and snuggle your littles and your hubby...and have joy overwhelming!

Blessings,

Sommer

3 Months and Meeting A Dear Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:27:00 +0000

Today is Rowan's 3 month birthday! Wow, how the time has continued to speed along. I am daily reminded to hold dear the days with my children that I have. All too soon they will be grown and on their own.

So, what mile stones has Rowan reached? Well, she is getting stronger and as you can see from the picture above, that she can lift her head well. She pushes with her sweet little fists and holds it for a longer amount of time each day! She looks like she is making a very big effort this time with her little tongue sticking out :-) She also gleefully brings her fists and blankets to her mouth..sweet.

Last night she laughed for the first time! I was letting Liam take a few "dizzy turns" in his room while waiting for daddy to come read to him and I had Rowan in the crook of my arm. She was just watching him as he kept going around and then all of a sudden I heard the distinct sounds of a chuckle! So darling! Of course Liam loved that he made her laugh, and went back to taking his turns trying to get her to do it again. There is just something so very precious when babies giggle..sigh..

On another note...

This last Friday I was honored to have my dear friend Tilly and her friend Anne come by for a visit. Tilly and I have been friends via email, snail mail and our blogs since around the time I was pregnant with Liam. However, we'd never yet met in person. So I had the lovely opportunity to see her while she was out on the west coast.

What a blessing! I wish we had more time to spend together, but we did get the opportunity to chat and share tea together. We met each other's children and I met Anne. Tilly, you are as sweet as I thought you'd be and I so enjoyed our time together! I hope that we can visit again someday! As for now, I will continue to write and talk with you via the written word! Thanks for taking the time out of your busy travel time to see me :-)

And here we are:

(Tilly and Me w/ Rowan)

It is a blessing to find kindred spirits and I do believe I have found one in Tilly! It is amazing how many wonderful friends I have made through my blog and other groups I've been on. And it would be a blessing to meet so many of my dear sisters here :-)

Blessings,
Sommer

Sunday Rest

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 15:34:00 +0000

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

~Psalm 23

I love this Psalm. It is especially lovely to listen to Keith Green sing it...wonderful! I pray that you all have a very blessed Lord's Day!

Blessings,
Sommer

Day in the Life of a 10 week Old

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:27:00 +0000

Just thought it would be fun to share a few pictures of Rowan at 10 weeks. Just above she is enjoying her swing. When I need my hands, this is my savior at times. She will happily sit there, enjoying the lights and music.

Below is a shot of her most kissable little feet and rolls :-) I love baby rolls!

And here she is just gazing at mama. I couldn't resist making it a kind of colorized black and white. I love this girl!

Not much is going on and no word on our loan...so most of the houses we looked at last week are gone :-( But, God has a plan I can not see...so I will not worry.

This week I am preparing for a visit from my dear friend Tilly! Can't wait to see her :-)

Have a wonderful Lord's Day!
Sommer

House Hunting

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:40:00 +0000

This Saturday we headed out to house hunt. What an exciting day. We've never owned a home before and never have gone house hunting...so we didn't know quite what to expect.

Our realtor met us at our destination and we lugged the kids about, in and out of the car, braving the hot weather and getting cooled as we walked into each home. It was nice to find that each home(whether nice or not) was pretty cool compared to the mid/high 90's temps outside. We had about 15 homes on the list that our realtor wanted to have us see, but we ended up only seeing about 10 or so. We saw a variety of types of homes. From awful, slanty decrepit homes to one that looked brand new(though it wasn't). We learned what we did not want and what would be awesome.

The kids were great! They thought this was splendid and we all are daydreaming about what the Lord may have in mind for us. I've been chatting with them about how fun it will be to paint their rooms a color they like and maybe stencil some creatures on the doors or something...they love that idea! One house we especially liked, but it will probably not be something we can do in the end. It was all painted nicely and had nice carpets..smelled like a model home! The price was starting at our higher end and no doubt will not go for less. In all, we ended up liking about 4 houses and the realtor will put some offers down and we will see! I am extremely partial to the newer looking house...but it would take a miracle from God to get it I think.

So now we wait! I'm not sure if any of the homes we saw are what God wants for us. Perhaps He intends us to keep looking. Whatever His will is, I look forward to seeing what it is!

At least next time we go house hunting...we will definitely have an idea of what we DON'T want :-)

Blessings,
Sommer

A Baptism

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:28:00 +0000

(Sweet Rowan in her dress for her baptism)

Sunday was a very special day for our family. First, Fiona(along with fellow SundaySchoolers) was promoted up from 3rd grade to 4th and received a beautiful Bible. She was so tickled and loved the design on it, as well as the fact that it had her name engraved on it. I was so proud of her!

(Fiona receiving her Bible..she is the middle girl)

Also, this was the day for Rowan to be baptized. We are members of a Reformed Presbyterian church that chooses to baptize their children. This is done to show that they are part of the covenant(like their parents) and that their parents take on the responsibility of raising them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. A beautiful day indeed!

(Rowan being baptized..sorry it is blurry)

(Awaiting baptism...or perhaps right after..)

It is such a special thing for us and I know that Dan and I have a big responsibility on our shoulders. I am so thankful that the Lord is gracious and merciful and will give Dan and I the guidance we need to do this.

Thanks for sharing this time with me:-)

Blessings,
Sommer

A Trip to the Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:45:00 +0000

Last Wednesday we took a much looked-forward-to trip to the beach. Dan has this day off most of the time and his second job(at a school) has come to a close...so we had the WHOLE day off! The kids have been counting down the days:-)

After doing a little research, and deciding we needed to go somewhere with tide pools..we decided on Bean Hollow State Beach .

What a beautiful little spot! Quiet, small and lovely :-)

Here are a few highlights from our outing.

(Liam's first intro to the ocean)

(The tide pools)

(Brenna enjoying the sand)

(Fiona conquering the stone mountain..she loved that :-))

(Beautiful little succulent plants growing out of the rock. These had pretty little purple flowers.)

It was a lovely time and I hope we will make it out there again this summer. The weather was cool, but comfortable. Dan did more with the kids than I, since I had a sweet baby girl wrapped against me. And amazingly...no pics of her and I!

I hope that all of you are enjoying your summer. We are having mildly hot weather...and yes, I complain about it ;-) I much prefer cool weather.

We also are hoping to start looking for a home somewhere in the area. The prices are down enough, that we can afford a home in some areas. Please pray for us as we embark on this adventure if you feel so led.

Have a lovely day,
Sommer

Sunday Rest

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 15:43:00 +0000

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall
tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness,
or peril, or sword? ... Nay, in all these things we are more than
conquerors through him that loved us.

~ Romans 8:35-37

What an encouraging verse! Praise God we are conquerors through Christ Jesus! Let us not forget this.

I hope you all have a very blessed Lord's Day. May God fill you with joy and peace today!

Blessings,
Sommer

A few snugglie pics...

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 15:39:00 +0000

I know, it has been too long! Sorry, life has been full and busy...just trying to adjust and not melt down ;-) Rowan is almost 9 weeks and ways at least 13lbs now. She also has had an ear infection and is on her second round of antibiotics! Poor girl. Through it all she has been a trooper and continues to wrap all around her little fingers.

I don't have a lot to update on, but thought I'd share some pics:-) Above, Fiona is holding her little sister at about 2 weeks old. I absolutely love the look on Fiona's face!

Below is Liam "hugging" Rowan :-) He loves to comfort her and snuggle her when given the chance. He is getting very used to hearing "be gentle" and he is for the most part!

Here is Liam, holding Rowan for the very first time about a week ago! He is "smiling"...just a strange one ;-) He was very excited to do this and often is wanting to "take her" or hold her. I think he will be a splendid big brother to her.

And here is Brenna getting her chance to hold Rowan. She is my little momma. She was so pleased to hold her and was rewarded with a sweet smile. I think you can just see it in this picture:-) Brenna also helps me(voluntarily) with Liam...she has changed his diaper(even a poopy one) and put on his socks and shoes. A blessing indeed!

And because I couldn't resist, here is Liam in his bed at nap time. He usually tells me tat he isn't tired, but I come back later and find him like this:

Apparently the sand man has other ideas ;-)

Well, I will hopefully be back on sooner than this last time, but maybe the pictures will make up for the long wait :-)

Blessings,
Sommer

Memorial Day Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Sat, 23 May 2009 15:30:00 +0000

It is Memorial Day weekend! How did this come up so fast?! Just last week, didn't I give birth to my beautiful fourth child?! No!? Okay, so it is almost 6 weeks since then...but how the time has flown!

Next week I will be back with pictures to update you on my wee girlie :-) She is doing well, jaundice is all gone and her sweet cheeks are so chubby now. She does seem to have come down with a little cold and I hope it will not get any worse. She is eating and acting as usual, so I think she will be fine.

Well, today I will be off to see my Mom for a belated Mother's Day outing. Every year we go out, but it was delayed this time because of giving birth and my parents moving to a new place. She hasn't seen Rowan since she was born, so I think she will enjoy that. The older girls will spend the night tonight and Dan and I will enjoy an evening with just our littlest kiddos and finally watching Fireproof.

Monday we will be going with Dan's family to a cemetery to remember a grandparent and other veterans that have fought and/or died for our country. This is something his family has done for many years and we've been doing it as we can for the last few. Afterwards we will head to his Grandfather's house for lunch. I think it will be a nice time and what makes it even better is that Dan will be with us this year :-)

I pray you all have a very lovely weekend! See you next week!

Blessings,
Sommer

Baby Smiles and Momma Trials

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Tue, 19 May 2009 02:39:00 +0000

Today started out with my first real smiles from little Rowan. What a blessing to receive this morning :-) She is five weeks now and more alert and looking around at her surroundings. I just love watching her.

Above is a picture of my hubby, Dan, and Rowan. I have a picture of him with each of our children in this general pose and I just love it :-) We didn't get it right away but I am so thankful I did with Rowan as well. There is just something special about him gazing down at his newest blessing.

Although my day began sweetly, I soon found myself sinning horribly with my attitude. Everything was getting to me. School started late, Liam was interrupting a lot during our reading time for Bible and History, the girls were bickering and Rowan was crying. It would be an understatement to say I was frustrated.

I lost my cool and not only in the morning, but in the afternoon as well! Sigh....I had to apologize twice to my children for my sinful response. When I raise my voice or respond sharply...I feel so bad. It is no wonder my children respond so :-( It is so hard to be Christlike each day...and yet I know I must try to show the example for my littles.

I am struggling right now with much stress and exhaustion. We are dealing with disrespectful attitudes and disobedience from the elder set and my little man is struggling with night terrors. Unfortunately, all this is causing me to respond badly and I am praying for God's strength and help...I sooooo need it!

I must say though, that my children's laughter and smiles(like Liam above), kisses and hugs snap me back and also give me a good reason to keep pressing on and trying to become the woman/wife/mother God would have me be. That is the joy I need to remember when I am frustrated and overwhelmed.

I sit here now, writing this post, greatly desiring to be a good mother and having less of the irritable attitude I find myself struggling with. I look at the face of my newest little one(isn't she so very darling?) and feel a great weight and responsibility. I feel that I do not want to look back and only see sorrow or bitterness. I don't want my children to see that either. I want them to look back on their childhood and see more joy and affection, more love and gentleness.

Lord I pray that you fill me with a right heart! Give me gentleness and joy. Make me the mother you would have me be! I know that with you Lord, I can change...but I can not do it myself! Lift me up Lord and work in me!

Thank you for listening(if you got this far) to my crying out and if you feel led please pray for me.

Blessings,
Sommer

Thoughts For Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Sun, 10 May 2009 05:28:00 +0000

"When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world."
~John 16:21

This verse above is so very true for me. I have given birth to four children and each delivery has been fraught with anxiety and recovery has been uncomfortable. My first was even accompanied with long labor and then a c-section! But, how can you stay sorrowful when you look upon the face of your child? Each time my babe has been brought over to me, the sorrow, anxiety and fears have vanished and been replaced by utter joy. What a treasure each child has been!

"A mother is a chalice, the vessel without which no human being has ever been born. She is created to be a life-bearer, cooperating with her husband and with God in the making of a child. What a solemn responsibility. What an unspeakable privilege~a vessel divinely prepared for the Master's use."
~Elisabeth Elliot

"My mother was the source from which I derived the guiding principles of my life."
~John Wesley

"I remember my mother's prayers, and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all of my life."
~Abraham Lincoln

Though, today, my Mom and I may differ on some points of theology, she was a huge source for the thoughts and beliefs I have today. She was daily in my life...praying, loving and talking of God to me. I do not recall a day that she did not pray for me before I headed to school or when I went to bed at night. I felt so much security knowing she brought me to the Lord in this way.

She taught me early that every aspect of my life should be viewed through the Word of God. Though she wasn't perfect she was the best Mom I could have had and I am so thankful today to call her my friend!

I often doubt my own abilities as a mom and I know there are changes that need to be made. But even if I am not doing it "right" all the time, I do know that the Lord has called me to this vocation. I know that I must rely on Him and cry out to Him when I feel a failure, knowing that He will equip me with all I need.

On this day we honor mothers, I remember my own and I pray that my children will think on me with as much love and affection as I do my own mother when they are grown.

May each of you mom's have a very blessed Mother's Day!

Blessings,
Sommer

Calling of Mother

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:29:00 +0000

I read a lovely post today that really hit home for me right now. Kelly wrote something that reminds me I'm not alone and what my calling is. I hope you'll read it and be encouraged to embrace the calling God has given to you and to not despair.

In the glow of baby sweetness, life still is real. Amidst my haze of love filled feelings, recovery and adjustment, I can still hear the bickering of children, the sound of disrespect coming from a dear child and disobedience that seems to be more obvious right now. I have felt inadequate and we have had to admit to ourselves our inconsistencies have played a part in this present difficulty. But, in all that, God has a grand plan that I can not fully see. However, I know that I and my hubby have a duty to raise up our children to love and fear Him, and to hopefully be His Children!

This post reminds me of my high calling and that I must always call on God..because in my own strength I am powerless, but in Him, nothing is beyond His power!

I hope this encourages you as it did me :-)

Blessings,
Sommer

Great Family Fun Idea!

noreply@blogger.com (Sommer) — Thu, 07 May 2009 19:10:00 +0000

Yesterday, I popped over to a fast-growing-to-be-one-of-my-favorite blogs and found myself once again encouraged to try something new with my family. I highly recommend reading soulemama's post .

I'm not an artist by any stretch of the imagination, but I wish I could draw better. This Family Draw idea is great....and I'm sure the kids would enjoy it :-) And who knows, I just might improve my skills if I take the time and effort!

Hope you enjoy! And let me know if you have any other ideas for "family fun"!

Blessings,
Sommer