David at 8 months

David Samuel is eight months old and acquiring new skills that make life much easier for him and me, such as sitting up alone, crawling, relishing fruits and vegetables (not just milk), playing with his sister and brother, and sleeping in his crib (along with our bed). John and Hava were about twelve months old when they transitioned to the crib but for David, the time has definitely come now. We're only on night three, but so far, he's slept much better compared to the last couple weeks...and I have evenings free of small helpers or visitors.

David's personality is very sweet. He loves to watch people and see what's going on. He's happy to be with other people and will give one of his big smiles to anyone who gives him attention.

A few days ago we made s'mores in the backyard and David sat with John to watch the fire. Moments like that make him seem so old. His babyhood will soon be over...sniff sniff.

Trying to crawl away:

Sleeping in the crib:

I love my David! Such a sweet baby and a wonderful part of our family!

There's a big boy in my house...

I had no idea kids could lose teeth at the age of four. But John is living proof that you can. I noticed he had a loose tooth this week and this morning he wiggled it out.

He's still four and a half months away from his fifth birthday, but the birthday has already been on my mind because five seems so old. He hasn't been a baby for a while. But at least I could call him a toddler or then a preschooler. But five means he's just "boy." Nothing baby about that, especially when the baby teeth begin falling out, making room for--ack!--adult teeth. Good thing there's still a baby in the house for me to snuggle!

More family pictures

A few more shots of our time with family in Oregon:

David eating Grandpa's apple:

David hanging out with the feet:

Is there anything better in the whole world than grandparents? We think not.

Coming in the next few days...the Oregon Aquarium, David's 8-month update, and a sewing project. Watch out, I'm on a roll!

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace

A few months ago, my talented sister-in-law, Elizabeth, created two calligraphy pieces for our home. The first is of Psalm 1, one of Billy's favorite scriptures.

The second piece is the "prayer of Assisi" which says:

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love;

for it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen.

I love this prayer, and want to be the kind of person who matches these ideals. Yet when I begin to pray, I can't get past the first line: Lord, make me an instrument of peace. In my home, in my church, in my friendships, in my extended family...I desire to be at peace--and to be one who imparts peace and love. I may never make it on to the second line of the prayer (especially when the weariness of caring for little kids gets the best of me)...but I will keep praying. What a blessing that it is God who does the changing, if I will just be changeable!

Cousins!

After our enjoyable and short visit in California, we flew up to Portland just in time for Bill's 50th birthday party. This was the first time for the kids to see their cousins since June 2008 (when Ezekiel was just a baby and David and Sophia were yet to exist).

Elizabeth and her kids stayed with us for the week, which gave all six kids plenty of time to play and make memories.

David and Sophia:

(Flashback to April, 2006, when Cambria and John were babies):

These kids had boundless energy. It took all five adults to keep the six kids (ages four and under!) safe and happy.

One of the funniest memories was when we took all the kids to the mall for a "cousins picture." The results were less than stunning but the process was quite funny.

Walking through the mall:

Billy took a few unauthorized photos inside the studio. This pretty much sums it up:

So you can see why no photos were purchased. (-:

I'm excited to see the cousins' relationships flourish in the years to come. They are all so close in age--and both Billy and I & Jason and Elizabeth value their relationships--so I know they will be friends. And partners in crime, no doubt.

We're already looking forward to our next time with the cousins--whenever that may be!

My little brother was married on March 20, 2010 in California. You can see hundreds of pictures on their photographer's website (jonathanandchelsea.opendoorweddings.com); below are a few that captured the beautiful setting, happy bride and groom, and darn good looking ring bearer and flower girl...

Movie star auntie with baby David:

I am so glad that we were part of Jonathan and Chelsea's wedding day. It was a happy day and very glorifying to God. Congratulations Jonathan and Chelsea--we love you!

thanks, Mom

My life lesson learned in March was "listen to Mom." She usually knows best about shopping early for a dress to wear to your brother's wedding, for example. She also knows a bit (or a lot) about everything else. So when she emailed me today and gently asked for a blog posting, I decided to listen to her (hey, it only took twenty-six and a half years!). In fact, I plan to put a little something on the blog every day this week because there is so much to catch up on. We were in California. There was an important--and gorgeous--wedding. We were in Oregon. There was much family time and even some Oregon sunshine. There has been sewing and crafting going on around here (after we recovered from the flu, which will not be mentioned on the blog again).

Until next time (tomorrow), I leave you with pictures of three stinkin' cute kids at Montavilla Park. Such a sweet place.