I AM here :-)

Well, we've been officially moved in to our home for almost two months! Wow...that is just really awesome to say. So sorry for the gap in posting, but we've been trying to settle in and unpack and start back in the groove of school. We've settled in and I think we are back in the groove for school...but unpacked? No, we are still living out of boxes and there are quite a few things sitting in the garage, just waiting to see the light of day once again...such as my sewing stuff! I know it will all fall into place soon enough...so no worries :-)

So what have we been up to? Oh, so much really...

The kids and I enjoyed harvesting the fruit from our Pomegranate tree. We've made pomegranate slushies and plan on making jelly as soon as I get some canning tools. My hubby and I enjoyed a lovely Pomegranate Mojito too...yum!

We've also had a few things repaired and have had a landscaper come out and plan with us about our yards. That has been fun. Though we really wanted to be able to get our backyard and our front yard fixed up right away, we found that we could only afford to do it in steps. So the first step was our front yard and it is so nice to see it coming up green and lush :-)

We are still enjoying our backyard and finding much to appreciate in it...

The sunset just before a storm was coming in. Lovely!

The kids have been enjoying the space in our yard for running, jumping and playing. Liam has been practicing his ball throwing too :-)

We also have been enjoying observing the many birds in our yard...Western Scrub Jays, Mocking Birds, White-Crowned Sparrows, House Sparrows and a few finches. The bird life around this area is amazing! Not to mention the other creatures...Tule Elk, Muskrat, Fox and unfortunately...black widows and mosquitoes! Blech!

Life is falling into place here and we find that each day is glorious. Sure there are things that go wrong...attitudes aren't always happy and frustration occurs, the clutter is occasionally appearing and the floor needs sweeping...but oh, there is such an amazing feeling of joy and contentment...yes, contentment :-)

And, we are finding a little time to dance amidst all the day to day :-)

Blessings,

Sommer

Patience Pays

It seems that when you are patient, good things often happen...or at least the right thing ;-) Dan and I have been house hunting for about a year now. We started looking in one location with a certain price range, size in mind. As time went on, the Lord gently directed us to a new location and a different price range and caused us to have willing hearts for a different size home. We had OUR ideals...but God had BETTER ones :-)

In the end, we have a home in a location that is farther away, smaller and...just right for us!

This year has been hard and I have fluctuated from being content, hopeful, discouraged and depressed. But I was learning much and I am still learning that even when I am scared, discouraged, uncertain...God is ever faithful and knows exactly what we need.

Above, you see the front of our future home! Barring any major issues found in the inspection(and we are hopeful there will not be anything horrid) we will close on this lovely August 20th!

God has truly blessed us. This home was built in 1963 and it has a lot of those fun little things that you can often find in older homes. It also has brand new paint and carpet. The kitchen(which you can see a little in the above picture) has sweet little details that I will share later. The refrigerator space is tiny and so I am doing a search to locate an appropriately sized one before we need to be there. Also..the oven is TINY! But I love it :-)

And what is more...the price was awesome! And in California that is hard to come by. The only real downside is my husband's commute. But at least he works hours that it shouldn't be as bad as we had expected.

The crowning glory of this home though...a lovely backyard. Having lived in a tiny apartment for almost 6 years with no backyard and 4 active children has been, shall we say...NUTS! But this backyard is going to be awesome! It is very big, has a lovely shed, and several trees..two which are good sized and provide splendid shade in the heat. There is a lovely pomegranate tree as well. There is also a covered patio...great for eating on and a nice spot for the dog to lay on in the heat of the day. Oh, yes, we are already planning for dogs...oh, my yes!

Here is a picture of the children on the edge of the shade provided by the largest tree. As you can see, it is much more than what we've been used to :-) The kids are very excited. I look forward to getting it green again and working on a garden of some sort.

Really, God has graciously kept us from bad choices that were too expensive. We have slowly been shown what was right for us and in being made to wait we have been blessed. I know that something could go awry in the process. But I am very much full of confidence in what God is doing and have faith that all will continue smoothly. Things have fallen into place with this house that are for certain the working of God.

As we get closer to moving in and after we have gotten into the house, I will share more pics of the home. There are cute little bits that I want to share with my friends. Thanks to all of you that have been praying for us on this journey. I would have never gotten through it without you :-)

Lots of love to you all,
Sommer

My Little Handyman...

A couple of months ago, my brother bought Liam a tool set. Just a kiddie one, but it is fashioned after things you might find in Home Depot(that is actually the brand of toys). He has had fun with it from day one...even sleeping with the tool box :-)

Occasionally he would ask me if he could get his tool and help me fix something. It is so sweet and I do look forward to the day that he can help with those things about the house. For now I just encourage his play!

Today, he was playing with his wagon(it was a car today). After awhile he came and told me that he had crashed and needed to fix the "car". "Mama, I need my tools...can you get me my tools?" I quickly searched them out and brought them to him...he of course got right to work.

As he sat there working, he looked up at me and said, "Mama, I LOVE my tools." And I smiled and thought he will be a very good and handy son. "Yes, you are Mama's good helper!" I think I will need to buy him some real tools as soon as he is able :-)

And of course, I must share one little picture of Rowan. She has grown just enough hair that I can sneak a little pony tail in it! Okay, it isn't much but it is sure cute :-) Fiona says it looks like a joy stick...I think it looks more like a fountain, but still...

As for life...we have just finished up our school year and are taking a little break. I am very ready for it and will enjoy the more relaxed schedule. Of course, I will have to get our school things for this coming year and plan it out, but that can be done throughout the summer.

We are still looking for a home but it has been a long road. I am hoping we will get something soon, but the Lord knows our needs better than we do and so I will continue to rest in His timing.

I will try to include some pictures of the older girls later. They amaze me at their growth and changes and I look forward to seeing more and more of their spirits/personalities appear.

Hoping you all are having a lovely week!

Blessings,

Sommer

One Year With Our Rose Bud

Today we celebrated Rowan's first birthday. It was a simple affair (the big party will be Saturday with family) and quite low key. I think the bigger kids were more excited than the Birthday Girl ;-)

And what a lovely year it has been! What a blessing this sweet little girl has been to our family.

From the day she came into the world until now(and I pray for many more years to come) she has filled our home with smiles and joy. She is a darling little one. Yes, there are hard nights(will she ever sleep through the night?) and tough days...but they have been fewer than one might have expected.

My wee girlie just a few days home. She was much doted on in these early days by everyone.

As a matter of fact...she still is! I can't believe how much my older children adore her. Each of them love to make her laugh or hug them..and she gladly does so:-) I'm sure there has never been such a well loved baby!

Here is Rowan at about 5 months or so. The smile and brightness of her eyes sums up this little love. She is so very happy, content, and is constantly moving, learning new things and finding ways of making everyone happy.(or finding new things to get into and make a mess...) Seriously, who could resist that smile?!

And here is one last(more recent) picture of my little girlie. I'm afraid this is from late last month because my camera has been left at the in-laws(ack!)! I don't have anything more recent..but she still looks about the same.

She has changed in so many ways this last year and has begun to develop her own little character. She fills me with joy and causes me to wonder at God's goodness in giving me one more amazing blessing. How can I possibly deserve FOUR beautiful, loving, sweet children?! I look forward to this next year of discovery with Rowan...learning more about her and seeing her grow from a helpless infant to a toddling little girl! Joy is awaiting me just around the corner :-)

Blessings,

Sommer

Happy Thanksgiving!

As tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I wanted to post some things that I am thankful for. There are many things, but a few are most important to me.

~I am thankful for my Lord and Savior who died for me. It is because of Him that I have any hope and that I have joy everlasting. Praise God!

~I am thankful for my children...Fiona, Brenna, Liam and our newest little one, Rowan. They are truly a treasure and a gift from God.

~My dearest husband, Dan...he is so very patient with me and so very loving and good to me. I am so thankful that the Lord brought him into my life and that we have many more years to spend together.

~I am thankful for our home, small though it may be.

~I am thankful for the prospect of a new home...this is something we never thought could possibly happen(and no, there is no new news yet).

~I am thankful too, to live in a country that still allows the freedom to worship my Lord. I have no fear and will gladly proclaim the Gospel!

~I am thankful for all my friends both here and in person. Each one of you has been a blessing in some way to me. Thanks ever so much for your friendships.

"Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people." ~1 Chronicles 16:8

"Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." ~Psalm 106:1

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." ~1 Thessalonians 5:18

I pray that each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! May it be full of blessings and joy and may you each find many things to be thankful for.

Blessings,

Sommer

Hello and Gratitude Friday

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?!

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

Love this little quote...

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

~ Author Unknown

A Little Cuteness

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

(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

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

Day in the Life of a 10 week Old

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

A Baptism

(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

What's In a Name?

When Dan and I were thinking up names for our daughter, we went straight to our handy baby name books. As you all may have noticed, we've kind of stuck to a theme...we tend to be drawn to Irish, Gaelic names. Can't seem to help ourselves ;-P I've got a smidgen of Irish in me...so that is my excuse...or maybe it is just the way the names sound.

In any case, I was thrilled when Dan agreed to the name Rowan Meara ...I've always loved the name Rowan and now I have my own little sweetie with the name :-)

The meanings for Rowan in the book we used are pretty general: English~"a red-berried tree" or Irish~"little red-headed girl". Meara means "mirthful" in Irish Gaelic according to the book. So far...Rowan is not red-headed...but it could happen :-)

One thing I hadn't done was actually see a Rowan tree. So recently I went on the web and looked up some images and info about them.

Apparently they are best known in Europe for their red berries, but in China there are white varieties...rather interesting.

Here is a link talking about the Rowan tree. On one site I found out that unfortunately this tree is also cherished by the wiccans, but I still like the name and still enjoy the beauty of the tree.

Isn't this one below lovely with all its red berries? Not to mention the rushing water :-)

I hope you enjoyed this little post. When we name our children we always try to find ones with lovely meanings. This isn't always easy, but we try. I especially love the meaning of Meara. I hope my little girl will always be mirthful...full of joy!

Today, Rowan is three weeks old and she is a beauty and a darling little one. She has surely stolen all of our hearts!

Blessings,
Sommer

A Nestful...

Okay, I couldn't keep away long ;-) Right now, my little nest feels a touch empty. A dear friend of mine invited my girls to stay at her house yesterday(she has kids they play with) and they are still there! She'll be bringing them back tonight. It is rather quiet, even with a new baby and a little boy roaming about the house! There is no bickering only silly chatter with my son and snuggle time that I just can't pass up :-) I look forward to my girls coming home and I pray that we will be able to work on the bickering issue and cause more friendship than disagreements to be present here.

Anyhow, I thought I'd share some more pics of the kids marveling at their newest sibling. Above, the girls are enjoying watching Rowan as she sleeps in a little nest made by me. It keeps her close but allows me to do some other things near by. They were quite taken with it...and her...

But then, who wouldn't be when greeted by such sweet, sleepy smiles?! Isn't that precious! I could just gobble her up:-)

Brenna is very much loving her new sister. I think it is especially special to her that Rowan looks a lot like Brenna did when a baby. Fiona and Liam were my blondies, curled and big! Brenna was my dark,straight haired darling...slim and small, and Rowan looks a lot like she did. She will be a good big sister...I can tell already.

And finally, here is Liam holding Rowan's tiny hand. He didn't want to let go ;-) It was so sweet watching him hold her and today he was wanting to hold her hand again. He also kept wanting her to kiss him :-) Of course, I obliged by leaning her into his cheek and she'd give him a wet little peck(okay, she was rooting around...but I'm not telling him that!). He loved that:-)

My nest is full! My husband and I are so pleased to watch our family increase. Each time we've had a new child, I find myself contemplating what my priorities are and what areas I truly need to work in. I have much that needs to change and yet, I see that my children know I love them. I desire to make their childhood as happy and lovely as is possible without skipping the raising up for God, training them to love Him and desiring to be His. It is a huge responsibility we carry but I know the Lord will equip us with what we need and that ultimately He does the work...we are simply their caretakers and trainers! May the Lord give Dan and I wisdom as we take on this great task!

Blessings,
Sommer

One Week of Bliss and Counting...

Well, we are home(as of last Friday afternoon) and getting into the swing of things! Thanks to all of you for your prayers and sweet encouragements! I truly was the least anxious that I have ever been during my c-sections and I know it has been because of all your prayers on my behalf....thank you thank you!!!

We are taking life in slow motion right now..still continuing our little break with school and just doing what must be done. My hubby has been an awesome help and my older kiddos have taken to their little sister quite well:-) I am reminded once again why babies are such a blessing...they bring such sweet joy to our world!

Of course there is plenty of snuggle time going on and kisses and smelling of sweet baby cheeks. Not to mention, lots of mama nursing and diaper changing! But it is bliss!

Rowan, so far, is a mild, quiet little lady. She cries...but infrequently. She lets us know when she is needing me to come for her or when she has a bit of gas, but most time she just gives us sweet smiles or gurgles. She has been taking more time to just take it all in and I love to watch her as she watches us all around her. It looks like I may be blessed with another little love. Of course!

A lot of my pictures are of her sleeping, but I have a few with her just looking about. I love how alert she is sometimes. I wonder what she is thinking of?

And aren't these toes just scrumptious!!!! She has tiny, slim feet but they are just so snugglable!

Here she is in a very alert moment. Makes you just want to kiss her! I find myself gazing at all her little features and finding it hard to believe that all my little ones have at one time or another been this(or close to it)small!

I wasn't sure how Liam would take to his new sister, but I had no reason to worry. He has doted on her in his toddler fashion more than any one. When she cries, he comes and says, "it's okay Rowan. You happy now?" He loves to look at her and sit next to me when I am feeding her. I feel blessed that she has such a good big brother in her life...I think they will be very close through the years:-)

I have some more pictures that I will share soon. Just wanted you all to know that we were home and that I am recovering fairly well. I have an appointment on Tuesday to see how all is going and hopefully I will get a good bill of health.

Have a blessed day!
Sommer