February 19th, 2009

I haven’t had a chance to post about our beautiful hike in Ojai last week. We went with Ruth on Valentine’s Day which was a fun new tradition and it also happened to be a break in the rain storms. The world was absolutely sparkling and crisp and beautiful! Here are the photos from our hike:

 Ian and Peter starting out. Seth and Jerome had followed Peter back behind a big boulder to go exploring. The boys call it “the creepy place”…it was rather dark. On the open trail. Seth was watching a hang glider in the sky who was coming lower for landing. Glorious clouds! And snow on the mountains! My Guys. :-) Jerome hiking ahead of everyone. Seth not far behind this time. Stopping to watch the hang glider, I think. Peter tried to see where he landed, but we never did. Ruth spotted this little picture, succulents growing out of the rock! Baby ferns! And Miner’s Lettuce… which Peter let the boys eat! They said it tasts like spinach, which they love! No, I’m not kidding. :-) Under the oaks. It was a nicely shaded hike. I had no idea such beautiful ferns grew in California! Seth enjoyed Ruth’s company! She stopped with him to discover things and talked to him, and best of all she held back and walked his pace. :-) Jerome leaning on one of his walking sticks. The mud was incredible. Clay like stickyness, which made for a nice slow climb, and a slippery slide down! A beautiful fern cove! Jerome was a willing subject. Seth was not far behind silly boys. Seth munched on an apple as he hiked. I love sun flare! and ferns! The boys said the trees reminded them of hiking with Gigi on her birthday under the oaks! Ruth bringing up the rear with Seth, kind soul! You’d think after parenting for six years we’d know to bring diapers and wipes EVERYWHERE with us…but this time a pack of tissues and a bottle of water had to do. :-/ The camera was tucked under my arm and left on. beautiful view! beautiful family! Peter said I had to be in one. :-) Jerome beginning a terrifying down hill run… with his stick in his hand (don’t look, mom). but as he gets closer… a look of shear joy is visible on his face. and of course he makes it down to the bottom safely… by God’s grace. heading back down I also had no idea ranunculus grew wild in California! Seth learned to walk sideways so as not to slip. mid jump brothers Almost to the road and back to the car. Beautiful day!

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February 17th, 2009

Through a gentle, beautiful water birth, Donna brought her first baby girl into the world weighing 8lb 12oz at 10:20 pm on February 16, 2009!

Donna was surrounded by family and friends, yet she was entirely focused on her job of giving birth and she was so calm and in control. She did an excellent job and I’m so proud of her! God has blessed them with a beautiful little girl and has given Donna an amazing birth story.

Thank you for letting me be there and document such a glorious occasion in your lives! I love you!

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February 14th, 2009

Zachary and Brennan are still waiting for their baby sister to arrive and I know mama’s so ready to meet her, but I’m glad she was at least two days past her expected due date (a few days ago!) so we could get some photos.

Donna was so gracious to let me put her in front of my camera! I love how they turned out and I love how Donna’s love for her children shines in every shot. Donna, know that I’m praying for you and your baby girl, and for God’s perfect timing and story for her birth.

I love you!

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February 9th, 2009

Peter and Jerome just got back today from a wonderful trip to Utah where they got to snowboard together and celebrate Grandma Jane’s 90th birthday!

While they were away Seth, Ian and I discovered just how much we LOVE Jerome and Daddy! And I discovered how great a help Jerome is to me. Not just with his brothers, though that is major, but in the enrichment of my own life. He is someone to talk to, to learn with, and to trust. I felt myself in my mind and around the house just going in circles! My routine had been interrupted. But it was also a good time with just my little boys…they got more of me than they normally do. And somehow, Jesus was more real to me in my aloneness. He is my shield and fortress in Whom I take delight!

Seth has said some Sethisms this weekend:

“If we were moving air, we could blow people away.”

In a book he pointed to a hunting dog and asked me what it was. I said that it was a bird dog and he asked me “Oh, can it fly?”

Coming home in the rain and driving by our block wall Seth said “Mommy, our wall is sweaty!”

 through the rain on the window. Seth enjoying the mud puddle! And Ian never far behind. :-) Raven’s favorite game is to catch dirt clods and she barks at the boys until they throw one for her. Ian loves to throw everything, so it’s a good game for both of them! The sun beginning to set, came below the rain clouds and made the world shimmer! The end of this storm! Thank God for the rain! And help us endure the mud. Amen. Seth trying on Jerome’s snow gear with Daddy’s boots. :-) Yay! Big brother’s back!

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February 3rd, 2009

It’s not even been a week since Seth’s first trip to the dentist and he came home this morning from a specialist with two baby root canals and crowns, as well as fillings. How do you prepare a four year old for silver teeth? Last night he told me “Mama, I don’t want silver teeth, I want gold teeth!”. He never complained about his teeth hurting him, but I have noticed that he’s had his fingers in his mouth more than usual. I feel like a bad mother. A failure. At least when it comes to Seth’s teeth. His big brother has been going to the dentist for two years and has only had one “sticky spot”! With the same routine that worked for Jerome, poor little Seth gets a mouthful of tooth decay. I should have noticed. But I didn’t. I’ve been crying about it for days and I wasn’t sure I could watch it, so I’m grateful to Peter for taking half a day off work to take him in. Seth came home very, very drowsy, but saying he had a good time! He has needed to stay on Motrin, but otherwise he’s doing great! Better than his mother, for sure.

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