T-ball

Samuel has been waiting for 2 years to play T-ball. I love going because it's so funny! Here are a few pictures from the last game. Samuel and Eva had quite the crowd to cheer for them.

My Aunt Therese drove an hour to watch the game. Unfortunately she parked in the wrong spot. A fly ball from another baseball game hit the back window of her car and shattered it!

I had taken Samuel's t-shirt to a shop uptown to have his name put on the back. Well, as I'm finding out, my brain cells from having babies are not coming back. I forgot to go pick up his shirt and he had to wear a red shirt of William's. The black shorts were Isaac's old ones...size 8, I think. He was embarrassed, but willingly wore the mismatched outfit anyway. :)

I'm pretty sure my parents were the only people there cheering for a child AND a grandchild! lol!

Samuel plays t-ball more like football. (tackle whoever has the ball!)

Here's from an earlier game. Eva really improved on her hitting. Way to go Eva!

Justin missed this ballgame. It was all I could do to get out the door on time w/ the kids. (Bible Study came right after, so I had to have supper done and get all the stuff for later...) Samuel dressed himself. I love that this age is so free from caring what other people think. My kid was the only one on the field w/ orange and blue shorts and a red shirt. :)

Grandpa and Grandma are so sweet to come to all the ball games. Grandma and Mom have to take turns being the baby-entertainer/hogger. :)

Summertime Recipe

Time seems to be speeding up. Or, maybe we're just on the go more. Well, it's summertime and we're outside lots, going to T-ball games, gardening, and swimming at the pool. Food preparation time is at a minimum and I always rejoice when I find something fast, nourishing and good. So here's my simple recipe:

Taco Beans

1 lb kidney beans
1 lb black beans

Pour into a crockpot and cover with water. Turn on low and cook for 6 hrs. (time may vary)
Add in several Tbsp of taco seasoning to taste.
Serve in a tortilla and top w/ cheese, lettuce, green onions, diced peppers, taco sauce, and sour cream. Delish!

With the left over beans, you can either re-heat them for a repeat for lunch, or cook them longer and add more water to make refried beans to add to taco meat and freeze for another fast meal.

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Because I like to inform my family on how healthy they are eating, let me say that legumes contain several anticancer agents. All contain both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Kidney and pinto beans are high in omega 3's; chickpeas are high in omega 6's. Legumes are rich in minerals and B vitamins.

To make beans digestible, make sure they're cooked well. It's best to soak them for 12-24 hrs before you cook them. Adding 2 T of lemon juice for every 2 cups of beans. (sometimes I don't think or plan that far ahead, so I just omit that step...and they're still good)

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And another great thing is that this meal is cheap!! (esp if you're able to get most of your toppings from the garden! :)

Happy Father's Day

"Father of mine, some years ago
You showed me the way I ought to go;
You led my feet past the treach'rous sand
By the gentle clasp of your own strong hand.

Father of mine, let me thank you for
The prayers you prayed and the burden you bore.
Like a guiding star thro' the tempests' strife,
All your precepts have shone on my path of life.

Father of mine, when the time has passed
And the work of my life is complete at last,
When I step ashore on the glory strand
With a grateful heart I will clasp your hand." Sarah Marinee

I had an "ah-ha" moment the other day. It may not seem that profound to anyone else, but I realized WHO it was who introduced me to Jesus. It was my Dad (well, and my Mom, too). Not Sunday School, not books, not movies. He stands out as the one who was there to point out THE WAY. I don't remember him "praying the sinners prayer" w/ me, or anything like that. (I'm not so sure that the whole "inviting Jesus into your heart" is really Biblical, but anyway) He was there when I had questions and was also proactive in teaching me (and my siblings) about Jesus, helping us memorize Scripture, and most importantly he walked with the Lord. Being in the Word and praying was a part of who he was. Not something he just talked about. I love the notes he wrote in my various Bibles, encouraging me to "never quit." I specifically remember him encouraging me when I was doubting (about salvation), when I was lonely (in college he came and took me out for lunch), and when I was struggling w/ entrusting someone I loved to the Lord. (when Justin was getting deployed to Afghanistan) I'm so thankful for the privilege of growing up in his home.
I'm so thankful that the Lord radically transformed him at the age of 33. (I was 4....but don't remember him as an unsaved man) I'm thankful he and my Mom have allowed the Lord to transform their marriage, which would've otherwise ended. I'm so thankful for his shaping influence in my life, my husband's life, and especially our children's lives! They love Papa Chris!
So, thank you, Dad, for introducing me to MY Savior. I hope I live my life in a manner worthy of the Gospel. And as you have taught me, so I am attempting (w/ the Lord's help) to teach my children. Thank you for your faithfulness.

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I'm also thankful for another man in my life. He's my husband and the father of our 4 children. I'm so grateful to God for giving him to me and for doing a redemptive work in his heart and life. I can honestly say, that I see Jesus loving through him.

Happy Father's Day all!

Memorial Day Weekend

Sleep is a wonderful thing! Sometimes when I see Benjamin all sacked out mid-morning, I wish I could join him. That's one beautiful thing w/ only 1 baby, you CAN sleep when they sleep--any time of day. Now w/ 4 munchkins, naps are usually a thing of the past, although most days, I feel I could use one. I remind myself, that I won't die from sleep deprivation. :) Sleeping beauties. It's funny how many things you "know" about parenting the "right way" BEFORE kids arrive. Once they're here, you realize how very little you know, how much you have to learn, and the "rules" you made for yourself and the "I'd never allow my kids to do ______" fly out the window. And here's proof: co-sleeping! (FYI: we do not start out like this at bedtime. It's always interesting to see where everyone's at, come morning. Usually Samuel is in our bed, too. Justin and I are on the edges, and William's ALWAYS snoozin' in his own bed) But aren't they cute? :) I love it when they're sleeping!

Another snoozin' picture...Benjamin at 4 months...

We had a very fun time as a family camping out at my parents' cabin. It's the perfect mini-vacation: free and close to home! I'm not sure why we haven't done this before. Well, I think it's because I'm always pregnant, nursing, or have a toddler. Well, we went all together, in spite of a nursing baby, and had a great time!

Samuel and Daddy got in some t-ball practice time.

Mommy and Benjamin- self-portrait



S'mores=sticky!! But they were good!

Love this lil' guy!



Uncle Max came and hung out w/ us, for a little while...







Fixin' our health food. :)





All in all, it was a fun weekend! Hope we can do that again soon, before it gets too hot. :)

Savoring the Summer