major catch up

It has been a full summer, fall and beginning of winter for our family. Our home is filled with an 20 month old that climbs objects not meant for climbing, eats everything in site and yet is as easy going as they come...a three year old who is a great mix between sweet cuddles and wild ninja..a kindergartner who loves to ride the bus and have "club meetings" with neighborhood friends in the backyard tree house. A spring trip to northern Michigan for Moomers ice cream and sand dunes is becoming a family tradition.Also eventful, my parents flew from across the country to stay with our kids so Michael and I could make a visit to South Africa. While there, our team recorded a CD of the Key of Hope Kids Choir (see here for more exciting updates on the CD and the tour they just completed keyofhope.org ). Our trip concluded with safari and breathtaking mountain hikes. Time continues to fly by. My youngest brother graduated from college in Florida last month. Kate and I were glad to have fun girl time together and flew down to visit. Thanksgiving...wonderful and gone. Christmas...busyness combined with relaxing family times by the fireplace...over already. In the thick of January, feeling a bit like we are in a remote village in the Himalaya's; life is full, blessed and generally speaking, grand. Oh, we certainly have moments to be sure. Though I am working very hard at not letting the rough moments overpower the joy, contentment, laughter, calm. Recap on months gone by, thoroughly enjoyed and meant to be remembered.

"I love hearts" party

Kate had a sweet time with all her sweet friends, sipping on pink heart lemonade, dancing all around the house and opening amazing presents! Happy birthday sweetheart! Cannot believe you are 5!!!!

Yee-Haw 2013

We had a rootin' tootin' good time! Yee-haw and Dosy Doe! Happy 1st, 3rd and 5th birthdays my sweet kiddos!

piles can be fun...when they aren't laundry

Fall

Around here we have been enjoying fall...the porch is decked out with corn stalks, a bale of hay and pumpkins galore. The leaves are glorious blend of gold, red and bright orange. I will treasure the walks the kids and I have taken around our neighborhood, exploring the different fallen leaf shapes, the beautiful weather and the talks we have while strolling (Kate is now riding her bike all over the place, but the boys I manage to contain in the double stroller). We are in transition-good transition, just like the season around us. I will soon become contingent at work, which means more time a home with my munchkins and more time that Michael can enjoy just being Dad. Joseph's voice, both sweet and boyish, sings "Jesus Loves Me" and "Hallelujah" to me every night as I tuck him into bed. Kate is becoming a young girl and her toddler days are now gone. With creativity and sparkle, that always surprises me, she has filled the "big sister" role in so many ways. Thomas is 6 months old today! He is healthy and HUGE for a Molloy baby. He is at least 17 pounds, eating cereal and baby food of all types (zucchini, banana, amaranth was a gobbled down before my eyes). He now enjoys playing peek-a-boo and belly laughs when he knows you are being silly. Squeals of sheer pleasure come from him when he has the attention of his big sister or brother. He sits with support and never wants to miss out on what is going on around.

Kate was supposed to go on a class field trip to the cider mill, however, I was not quite brave enough to maj=ke the trek with three kids with the weather prediction of 100% change of rain, thunder and lightning...so we opted to get our own cider and donuts, set up the tent inside the house and have a grand picnic. in Kate's words it was simply "delicious".

quotes by kate

Earlier today while swinging: Mommy, I did a cotton ball in Grandma's pool yesterday! Then while playing with Thomas I hear her exclaim: Mom, Thomas has 4 headlines (meaning he has creases on his forehead)

LT is 4 months old

levi THOMAS: 4 months old . smiles . coos. babbles . rolling . we love you SO much! how quickly you have become a tremendous blessing with your laid back personality, love for being included, contagious smile and soft cuddles!