Marie is 12!

July 13, 2016 | Stacy

Twelve years ago the doctor said, “It’s a girl!”
I was first shocked- I only “knew” boys; then over the next 24 hours I grew so excited. Before God showed Abraham the stars in the sky, He knew this little girl would be my daughter. I trusted Him then and there to show us how to be girl-parents.

We woke up Marie with our traditional birthday songs.

And I somehow convinced my jam-loving crew that today was the day to get the raspberries we needed for jam. We picked for 90 minutes in 90○ F sunshine.

We grabbed some pool time.

And I did the jam up quickly. (Raspberry jam is the most expensive, but the easiest to make.)

Nan, Nene, Ba & Poppy joined us for dinner. And what a dinner it was! Marie and I fabricated our own dish of tortellini, Alfredo sauce, mushrooms, and spinach, garnished with fresh tomatoes. Oh yeah.

She opened a few gifts and cards.

And then we sang to her over her requested frozen strawberry cake.

Marie wasn’t the only one getting new things on this day. Look at the smile on Johanna’s face for her new math book. (That joy stops around grade 3.)

And I got some souvenirs from the berry patch. Oy.

Nigel is 14

July 2, 2016 | Stacy

It was just a normal day, for the most part.
We had cake around 2 before Mama and Daddy needed to go to a wedding.

Nigel got a new watch to replace the one lost in Cozumel.

After Mama and Daddy got home from the wedding around 6, we dined on pot roast (his request), mashed potatoes, and broccoli. We ended the night with a movie.

Johanna Is Six

May 29, 2016 | Stacy

Johanna’s sixth birthday fell on a Sunday. We were able to wake her as a family (after she sent Katriel to find us because we were taking so long).

Daddy presented her with flowers.

Daddy ironed the dress she really wanted to wear and we went to church where she received many birthday wishes.

We tried to take some photos outdoors, but balloons are hard to pose with.

We hung around for the afternoon and then Ba and Poppy, Nan and Nene, and Mr. Sam joined us for breakfast for dinner.

She opened her gifts, expressing great delight for….

wait for it…

A new Snow White…

WITH ARMS!!! (Currently owned Snow White lost her arms about a year ago with the help a little sister.)

There were more princesses.

And cake.

This sweet girl is such a joy.

We remember the day that girls first outnumbered boys.

Tabitha’s tenth birthday gift

April 23, 2016 | Stacy

Instead of a birthday present, the kids VERY often ask for a special Mommy-date or Daddy-date. This year Tab asked for a Mommy-date.

About a year ago she’d mentioned she hadn’t ever ridden a horse. That became plan A. Thankfully, my prayers were answered and the weather was PERFECT for our trail ride at Heberle Stables. Tabitha did not know where we are going and as we pulled onto the property and Tab figured out what the sign said she was tremendously tickled.

We got our helmets on

and our guide, Will led us to our horses. Tab rode Phil and I rode Dan.

These guys are about 16-17 years old. They are brothers and Percherons. We rode around Ellison Park. It was beautiful.

This lovely young man, Will, gave us a great tour.

We walked through their barn after we were done and met at least 20 other horses.

We ran back home to change clothes and grab my wallet, and then headed to Cracker Barrel for a birthday lunch.

We then headed to the mall where I asked Tabitha if she would like to get her ears pierced. She enthusiastically replied in the affirmative.

She’s always super stoic with pain and I knew she could handle this. She seriously impressed the woman doing it and the family standing by watching. It made me tear up a little, but she did amazingly well.

She picked crosses. At first they seemed to be out of them, but the sweet attendant, Maria, went and searched in the back to find them.

It was SUCH a fun birthday date.
I love this 10 year old!

Daddy’s birthday

April 20, 2016 | Stacy

Busy Wednesday.
Quick dinner.
Heart shaped cookie.
Games in the yard with the boys.

Dad and Tab dinner.

April 18, 2016 | Stacy

Ba and Poppy, Nan and Nene joined us for Alfredo pasta and chicken.
I won’t recall the frantic last minute trips to Walmart or the grill fire.

It wasn’t the first birthday dinner Daddy shared with Tabby.

Oh – LOL.

Tab is TEN!

April 16, 2016 | Stacy

Tab’s 10th birthday fell ON a Saturday.
We decided to let her have a swim party at the Perinton Aquatics Center.

We dined on pizza in the yard. The LORD provided a GLORIOUS day!!

Katriel was so happy to have her friend Addy come, too.

We played a quick game of pass the parcel in the house.

And we had a little time to play outside before we left for the Aquatics Center.
These are siblings fighting siblings. Not some weird gladiator-type party game!!

Then we piled in the Par-tay vans!

We got our bands and instructions…

Grabbed a picture…

And went for fun!

We had a rockin’ lifeguard. I think he dances when he walks. He clearly enjoys his job.

Happy birthday, baby girl!

Celebrating Three

February 28, 2016 | Stacy

We’ve had the joy of celebrating third birthdays now for six children. Every birthday for every child is special. I grew up having MY birthday celebrated each year with our extended family and friends. Although there is usually a good deal of work involved in throwing a party, I’m never tempted to ignore their special event. The kids look forward to the fellowship. And the cake?

Soup, chili, salad, bread. It was yum on a dry, but chilly day.

Johanna had a lot to say to Mrs. Mrs. Fuhrman.

Katriel enjoyed her gifts. Well, maybe not the clothes that much. Somewhere in the last five kids I stopped worrying about how my little ones respond to gifts of clothes. People get it.

She got into “reading” the cards, as well.

A Bob and Larry cake. I *think* all six kids have had this at least once.

Tabby and Poppy.

No more babies in our house. Yup. It makes me tear up. I’ve been SO tremendously blessed.

Our Katriel is THREE!

February 24, 2016 | Stacy

It’s been extremely busy around here. But we know how to slow down (mostly) and enjoy a birthday!
As we were planning Katriel’s birthday, we determined she’d like a Bob and Larry cake. Then days before she said she’d like an Elsa and Anna cake. I did not have the time for an Elsa and Anna cake for her party, and I somehow convinced her that cupcakes would be the perfect thing for her actual birthday. She told me she wanted yellow and I could make that happen. Then. When I was at Walmart (I’m always at Walmart) I saw Elsa and Anna cupcake papers and decorations. Woo hoo. I could meet her request! Sort of. Hanny and Tabby helped me make her cupcakes the night before. Our family tradition is to wake up the birthday child with a song. Katriel had other ideas and was the first one up that morning! We hung out downstairs until it was time for the other kids to get up. I’m not even sure we sang. We had a yummy breakfast of strawberries, yogurt and Cinnamon buns before we headed to CBS. We stopped for a photo before we left. She wore her new bunny dress. She loves bunnies. When Nan came in the morning, she brought Katriel a Figaro book and a new Taggie. I had my camera at CBS for other purposes, but I did peek in her class to see her. The big kids had skating and then we all skipped our Wednesday evening activities so that we could celebrate our little girl. Nan and Nene picked up the pizza on their way over. And then some gifts. Puzzles from Mom and Dad. Johanna made her a telescope. And wrapped up her Figaro and gave it to Katriel. She got some clothes and more puzzles and then she opened some Playmags that the whole family found favor with. Then cake. There is always cake. My sweet baby. How did she ever get to be this big!?
She’s self-confident, and a little bit bold. She has such a BIG personality.