Random

This picture makes me actually laugh out loud. I love Campbell's facial expression. Too funny! They were all playing on the floor the other night and I couldn't resist the photo opp. :-)

Campbell has been joining us at the dinner table for the last week or so. We give her something to try to get in her mouth every once in awhile. She hasn't been very successful actually getting anything in there as of yet. But she sure looks cute sitting there.

And here is a sneak peak of a certain little ones' halloween costume. I didn't make one because I really have my doubts that I'll be able to get it done. But it is so darn cute!!!

Back to school

3rd Grade.

How is the world did THAT happen. Well, however it happened, here we are. At the start of another school year. So, these pictures weren't actually taken on the "first" day of school. It was raining the first day of school and Kaelyn chose to wear the baggiest pair of sweatpants she had that day so we chose to take pictures of the "third" day of school instead. LOL Ah, the joys of homeschooling. She chose to wear her backpack so looked official. And a long sleeve shirt and flip flops. But, whatever. We didn't actually do any school shopping this year so I guess I can't blame her for not having a new sporty outfit to wear for beginning of the school year pictures.

So, we're back to the routine of school. Even Cooper is doing some work this year. Here he is doing his matching game. He looks like he's being tortured by the expression on his face, but I promise that he wasn't. :-) I think he was actually saying the letter "e". Sure, let's go with that....

And here's my three beautiful children. This is my new favorite picture. Man, am I blessed beyond measure.

A little family trip

Last weekend we took a trip to Portland to visit family. It was a wild ride, with lots of chaos, but fun nonetheless. The kids always have a great time with the grandparents (these are Kaelyn's birthfather's parents, whom we see quite regularly).

Here we are headed off on the great adventure. Excited and ready to go early, early in the morning!

Kaelyn and Cooper shared a bed. I think they slept in the most luxurious bed they will EVER sleep in while on this trip. It was so soft and cushy with a silk comoforter. Trust me, I was petrified they would ruin it, but they didn't! :-)
Cooper got to ride the tractor with Grandpa Bob. He (Cooper, although I'm sure Bob was too) was in HEAVEN. He wanted to ride that thing over and over and over again. Perfect for little boys.
Grandma Chris got in all her Campbell snuggles. I love this picture of them!

And Kaelyn and Cooper got their fill of playing in the mud and sand. This little park is just down the street from Chris and Bob's. Every year we go there and they are always forbidden to play in the little water feature there because it makes such a mess. This year we got smart and embraced the mess. We let them put on their swim suits and get as messy and gross as they wanted to. Of course, they had to be hosed off in the freezing cold hose before being let in the house, but they didn't really mind.

One reason they didn't mind getting hosed off is because it meant that they could then head upstairs to Grandma Chris' big bathtub. Believe it or not, this was only 2 tbsps of soap!!!

But, alas, the weeend had to come to an end. We drove back in the dark of night because it was easier for all of us. And no traffic. I love this picture in contrast to the very first picture. :-)

This is what you missed

Campbell turned 5 months old. Ok, so she's almost 6 months now and hopefully I'll post those pictures sooner rather than later. But, nonetheless, here is her 5 month picture with "the bear".

She also modeled this adorable outfit. Some friends from college sent us this when we found out we were having a girl. I love the little hat. SO cute. It's a Robeez brand outfit. Didn't know they made clothing? Yeah, me either. LOL But I love it.

And there is no better way to beat the 90+ degree heat than by wearing your purple flame diaper. Campbell at least thought it was pretty cool.

I made this adorable little dress. It's still a little big - probably more like a 12 months size. It's darn cute because it has a little petticoat underneath - complete with netting. :) Hopefully it will fit right about Easter time. We'll see.

And Jeff graduated from his apprenticeship. I'd show you pictures of that event, but it was so dark in the room and hard to get any good pictures of him, so I'll spare you those bad pictures. But, here is a picture of Campbell and I all dressed up and ready to head off to the big graduation event. :) Notice the bow that my mom lovingly taped to her head. So cute.

And, you can't see this picture and tell me that Campbell and her daddy don't look exactly alike. It's my new favorite picture. :-)

And last, but not least - let's hope that this is not a look into Campbell's future with her falling asleep at the wheel. Apparently, our dinner conversation was way too boring for Campbell.

And, I realize that I haven't posted any pictures of Kaelyn and Cooper. Pictures of them will come soon from our trip to Portland. Maybe.

When did this happen?

Disclaimer: This post is not an opposition to all things medical. I believe there is a time and a place for medicine and doctors, but.....

When did it happen that we turned from trusting God and believing that he can provides things to help us and instead turn to believing that man made things are better than God made things? Sound like a broad question? Let me give you an example.....

Not only is this an TOTALLY CUTE picture of my baby (which I have to admit, it really is), but in this picture Campbell is sporting her teething necklace. It's not a necklace for her to chew on, but an amber beaded necklace (yes, its safe for babies and is made specifically for them and no she doesn't sleep in it). It is to help with the pain of teething. Here is a good page that talks about how it works... http://www.amberartisans.com/frasqu.html.

Now, why is it that my family and friends once again think I have fallen off the looney bin wagon. What is wrong or weird or whatever about trying something that is FOUND IN NATURE and thus created by God to try to alleviate pain. I'm not placing my faith in amber, nor do I believe that it is a cure all. I'm merely trying to find a natural, gentle aid to help my baby get through the teething stages of life. And yet, I get the rolling of eyes and the craziest comments from everyone I see. Here's the kicker - if I were putting Tylenol in her every 6 hours to help with the teething pain no one would blink an eye. Why is that? Why do we question and think people are weird for trying something more natural and more gentle to a baby, but not question the use of man made drugs as the cure all for everything?

Anyway, I was just thinking about this today as I nursed my beautiful baby girl while she was sporting her cute necklace. I guess it also leads me to a lot of questions. But I'll spare you those thoughts for now. :)