Miriam

There have been a lot of really wonderful things about adding Asher to our family. Some of them we anticipated, and some we did not. One of those unanticipated blessings is the special relationship that has formed between our now oldest and youngest. I had imagined a special bond between Evan and Asher as the boys of the family or between Katie and Asher due to their shared heritage. Both of those may well come in time. But right now, without a doubt, Asher's favorite sibling is his biggest big sister. There is no jealousy between them because they are boy/girl, first grader/baby separated by 4.5 years and two siblings; they really do not compete for anything.  They simply love each other. Miriam's maternal side has come out, and she loves helping and playing with Asher. He in turn loves having a devoted and doting playmate. Sissy equals fun in his mind and his face lights up when he sees her headed his way. Truly, theirs is a special sibling relationship we are so very blessed to watch develop!

We're staying home for Christmas this year and this has given us the
opportunity to start some new traditions and spend more time with
friends as well.
Mid-month two of my homeschooling mom friends came over with their
families and we had a little Christmas party. We made Christmas pizzas
for lunch. I got the idea from this Pinterest link. The kids thought it
was way cool to eat a Christmas tree and snowman pizza!!

After lunch, we made a Gingerbread Nativity which in our case actually
used graham crackers. I got the idea from this Pinterest link. We had
lots of fun and I thought ours turned out well.

The first Sunday of December, Miriam was in a little Christmas musical
at church. We are blessed to have great little children's choir at
church which Miriam very much enjoys. This year they did "Just Believe"
the story of a church children's choir that doesn't get to do the
preformance they intended but along the way learns some important
lessons. Miriam played the part of a sheep. I know I'm bias but Cutest.
Sheep. Ever!!! I was so proud of her. She was in the front of the stage
the whole show and she did so well singing out and saying her Bible
verse (John 3:16). The last 6 months have seen a big jump in her
maturity and it show in places like this.

One final bit of proof that Pinterest is not a total waste of time... I
made this new decoration for our family. A felt Christmas tree the kids
can play with and decorate! It was easy to make and I think they did
enjoy being able to decorate over and over.

Six years ago today I met my beautiful eldest daughter for the first
time. She was the first little person to call me "momma" and I am so
grateful for her!
Miriam brings so many wonderful gifts to our family. She loves being a
big sister, embraces that role with her whole heart. She adores her
newest little brother (the feeling is mutual). But then she's always up
for a new kiddo. In fact, she is already asking for a baby sister next
and then another little brother. Oh, yes she is! Her gift of teaching is
used on her siblings in passing on just about everything she herself
learns. It's a lot of fun to watch.
Miriam is also finding her gift of song. She loves to sing and her voice
is developing nicely. Some days I'm a little in awe listening to her
sing.
I am also in awe of her faith. A simple, pure, love based faith.
I am so blessed to have been chosen to be one of her mothers. So very
blessed to be the one to help mold her and guide her as she grows into
the beautiful little being she is. I love you baby girl... with all my
heart!

Somethings are falling almost as fast as the leaves around here....

Tooth #5 is OUT OF HERE!!!

(What'd ya THINK I meant by "Number five"??!!!)

Because I have three other really cute kids...

Growing up so fast.
Learning to ride big boy bikes...

Losing tooth #3...

AND #4 two days later.

Big kids growing up so very fast!!

Life with a kid who is smart and loves vocabulary is always a riot!

Miriam to Grandpa George upon seeing him wear his new shirt for the
first time: "Oh, Grandpa George! You look precious in that new shirt!"

Miriam to Daddy as he hunted for the water sprinkler at Mimmi's house:
"That Mimmi must be a genius Mimmi to hid the sprinkler so well!"

To Evan over lunch: "Do you know how God gets into your heart? First, He
is a fire on the top of your head then He goes into your heart..." (Mommy Note: must reread Pentecost story)

Miriam: I love the King!

Daddy slightly confused: the king?

Miriam with a big grin: The King that made EVERYTHING!!

A few pictures from our summer so far:

We've played in the creek....

watched the garden grow...

Seen the rainbow after all the rain...

Miriam was in the VBS musical...

And I got inventive went the drier and clothes line both broke...

Yeah, it's been a crazy, busy, beautiful, and slightly stressful summer so far.