Thankful List ~ April and May 2016

We have had lots of fun moments over the past two months!  Every day I’m more and more amazed at how quickly the kids are growing up, changing, developing and I feel so blessed to be a wife and mom.  Here are a few highlights from April and May:

First and foremost…We are pregnant!  Woohoo!  We shared the news with the kids who were absolutely thrilled.  We took some fun pictures that we used to announce the pregnancy to family and friends.   I think it’s a girl based on a few symptoms I’ve been having and even Addi and Siah are hoping for a girl.  We’ll see what the Lord has in store for us with this new addition!

Elias is growing and doing new things every day.  He has started saying a few words like “bye-bye,”  “ball,” and “nak” (meaning “snack”) as well as signing “more” and “all done.”  He transitioned to a big boy car seat and he started dancing to music, which is absolutely adorable to watch.  He started throwing a ball and has ridden his tricycle (with Addilyn’s help).  He has also learned how to open dresser drawers, climb stairs, open doors, and flush toilets, which have all made for a very tired mama.

Josiah finished up his preschool at the end of May.  I am so proud of him and how much he has grown both intellectually and socially.  He is so smart, creative, and sweet spirited.  He is also very active.  He learned to swing all by himself and we recently took off the training wheels on his bicycle.  His dancing, stunts on the trampoline, and sweet cuddles continually make me smile.

Addi had her end of the year celebration with Classical Conversations and was thrilled to finish up her Kindergarten work so she could jump right into her 1^st grade work.  She is doing a great job with math and I’m amazed at how much she is learning with phonics and reading!  She has also become very interested in crafts.  She decorated for her own birthday party (Frozen themed) and we had an excellent time celebrating her 6^th Birthday!  She is fascinated with all animals and even caught a toad.  After a few days of keeping him alive and hunting bugs for him, I went on a quest for a cheap (or free) terrarium.  We had some sweet friends drive up from South Carolina to give us one, with the agreement that we would adopt their two other toads since they are moving to Idaho.  Addi (and Eli) have LOVED having a few new pets!

Speaking of animals, we took the kids to the NC Zoo on Addi’s actual birthday!  We had such an absolutely great time and it even seemed at times as if the animals we showing off for us.  It was wonderful!  Addilyn and Josiah also did a great job with soccer this season.  In fact, one week they were the only kids who scored points for their team (Addi with 3 goals and Siah with 1).  As a family, we watched some episodes of Master Chef Junior and Kids Baking Championship.  Addilyn has really wanted to start helping in the kitchen.  It’s been neat to see her develop some new “big girl” hobbies lately.

I survived Josh being out of town for a week in April when he had the opportunity to attend the Together for the Gospel Conference in Louisville, KY.  He had a wonderful time and was really blessed by many of the speakers.  I was able to serve at church when we had a Women’s Conference and I thoroughly enjoyed the event focused on Psalms.  In addition, I had the opportunity to meet Sally Clarkson.  She is a seasoned homeschool mom who passionately loves the Lord and has written numerous books that I have enjoyed! 

And, finally, very exciting news, my brother Cody got married!  I was so glad I could be in Atlanta for the wedding and help with a few last minute details.  I hope he and his new wife Mel are blessed with many, many years together!