Many Faces...

I've been thinking a lot lately about the timing of things. Our little Jack came to us at a time when I was questioning everything I thought I knew about myself as a person and a mother. I was certain I did not deserve him since it felt like our family was falling apart.

It didn't matter what my feelings were because this little guy was coming and what a needed blessing he has been. Just look at this face!!

No matter what is going on he always makes us laugh. He was the glue that brought our family back together. He loves everyone and loves to let you know it!!

The first thing he did when he woke up this morning was to start singing the Spiderman song. It was so funny- and brought a smile to my face at 7am- which is a near impossible task:)

He asks never ending questions with his little lisp and mouth full of an excessive amount of saliva.

He is full of hugs and always asks if I have lipstick on before he kisses me. If I answer yes then the kiss is on the cheek only!!

Every Saturday we go for a walk around Cheney Lake- just the two of us and of course Thunder. Jack talks the entire walk and says some of the most interesting things. I never have to worry about moose or bear because I'm sure they can hear him from a mile away!!

This little guy has brought me so much healing and peace. I've tried my best to enjoy every moment with him because I know what a gift he is- he helped pull me out of a darkness I thought would overtake me.

We love you Jack Andrew Kotelman!!

Necessary Endings...

Our oldest baby, the one who has made us grow the most, is taking a huge leap and moving to Chicago to attend a nationally renowned massage school- The Soma Institute. Oh, how I used to hate endings and I still kind of do... but this ending is one to be embraced because with it comes so much hope and brand new beginnings for this boy that we love so much.

It has warmed my soul over these last few months to watch how excited his brothers and sisters get when he comes over to play with them. They are already writing cards to mail to him and he isn't even on the plane!

I love my family more than words can say -as I'm sure every mother feels. Even though Ryker will be so far away we know that he will be well taken care of... spreading his wings and soaring.

It has been quite a ride with this one!!! We are so happy for him and the changes he has made to live his life doing something he believes in and we promise to continue trying to eat healthy even though he won't be around to constantly remind us:)

Thunder is really going to miss his walking buddy-

Ryker, we can't wait to hear about all your adventures, we know you can do anything you put your mind to, and we love you bunches!!

Botanical...

A couple of weeks ago there was an outdoor show at the Botanical Gardens. Ken took the kids and they met up with Paul and Laura. Laura makes these super cute flower plates!!

Looks like they had some fun chairs to sit in...

And more flower plates...brilliant idea...

And this cutie patootie...

And these delicious looking peeps...

And this little beauty...

I am one lucky mama...

Growing...

Last week we went on base to the spot where we helped plant trees last year. Have I mentioned how much I love our new camera. Seriously, it is hard to take a bad picture and I'm still in auto mode! Who knows how long it will take to figure out all the ways to use this camera to it's maximum capacity!!

These baby trees look no bigger than when we planted them. I never really thought about how long it takes to replace all the trees that get cut down. A long, long time people!!

I love pictures of our kids with Ken. It warms my heart to know that they have a dad who is involved in their lives and loves them more than anything:)

I can't believe Autumn will be nine this year!! It seems like yesterday that we were on a jet plane bringing her home- of course there was six hours of screaming on that plane so that could be why that memory is so embedded in my mind!!

Jack is so funny to me in all that he does. He was the only one who got stuck in the mud- which is not surprising at all:)

Marah chose pancakes, sausage, and eggs for her birthday dinner- I was hoping we could order pizza but I guess I'll have to wait for my own birthday for that!! She has been able to go with Autumn a few times to activity day girls at church and she loves it. This night they brought cupcakes for Marah's birthday and Autumns gotcha day.

I'm so grateful that we have these two little girls in our family. They are so sweet to each other and everyone else. They still sleep in the same bed and I love hearing them quietly talking and giggling each night.

Our big boys are doing pretty good and if you have teen-agers you know why there are hardly ever any pictures of them:) Hayden is looking for a job and anxiously waiting to get his drivers license. Ryker is most likely headed to massage school in Chicago. We are just trying to tie up a few loose ends and hoping all will go well!