Surviving or Savoring?

 As a parent of 3 kids (soon-to-be 4) under the age of five, the focus of many days is sheer survival. Dress, school, walk, dishes, meals, naps, clean, potty train... But lately it's struck me just how fleeting these precious years are, and I'm trying to do less surviving and more savoring.  This morning at our library's Teddy Bear Tea party (pics below), it was easy to savor the sweetness. 

We had a wonderful time on Pop day yesterday. He brought Chinese food for lunch, and the girls used "chapsticks" for the first time!

Sorry for the long silence on the blog. The girls and I were in a wreck on 11/19. The Lord was so good to us, and all the kids were perfectly safe (including Baby Boy). I smacked my face on the steering wheel and fractured my nose and upper jaw. Thanks for all the prayers; my face is healing quickly and almost painlessly.  I hope I won't have a crooked lip for the rest of my life, but hey, right now I'm just glad to have teeth.

We had a great Thanksgiving with the Gilbert and Gallagher sides of the family! Unfortunately I failed to take a single picture.     Thank you all for a wonderful holiday weekend. :)

And now, for the tea...

Bethany has started to say Pop. It sounds more like Bob, but it'll only be a matter of time.  Love ya, Bob. :)

Sweet Susannah

I got to meet our newest family member today! Here are some pics of snuggly little Susannah.

She's Here!

Our newest cousin and niece, Susannah Jane, is here! Pete let us know this morning about her arrival. Sally and Susannah are both doing well. We can't wait to meet this baby beauty!

Family Fun

A Brother!

Mike and I found out at our ultrasound this morning that we're having a BOY! Charis has been hoping and praying for a baby brother for a long time, so she was super excited to get a blue balloon and lollipop when I came home - she knew what that meant! Hannah was excited too, not because she knows what's going on with the baby, but because, well... who wouldn't be excited about a balloon and candy at 10 in the morning?!!

A boy! Yay! 

And now, Hannie's had about enough of these pictures:

Beffie Turns One

Our sweet Bethany turned ONE year old today! I can't believe it's already been that long. We're so thankful for this sweet baby! 

Here are more beach pics. 

"Da Ocean!"

We're at the beach with friends this week! The girls LOVE it... 

Home Based Business

After cutting the big girls' hair a few days ago, I've determined to start up a home based salon:

Bobs by Brae

short asymmetrical bangs at no extra charge

I'll spare you those pics, but they're cute. 

We have seen both sides of the fam in the past few weeks, so here are some sweet shots!