Luke's hemangioma

Eeew, right? I know it's a gross picture. Kind of looks like the scene of a homicide... No, this is in fact what I wake up to just about everyday lately. Luke developed a hemangioma on his nose. It just looks like a red bump, a little larger than a pimple. Lily has one on her chest, about the size of a dime, and hte doctors say that it can go away on it's own, so we are just waiting with hers. They said they don't try to remove them because they just bleed and bleed. Yup. They're not kidding. Luke's tiny little hemangioma makes a mighty mess!!! While Justin has been traveling, Luke sleeps in my bed. This is the most recent mess... Can't wait for our appt. with the dermatologist on the 16th!!!

How cute is he?!?!

1st Annual Forbis Smashing of the Pumpkins

Boys like to be boys :) They were looking for something to do outside. They needed an adventure, I could smell it. ;) So I got some hammers and let them go to town!

Meanwhile, Lily looked at dandelions...

Most days, I ask the boys to get dressed before we start school. I confess, sometimes we take advantage of the casual nature of our environment and just stay in our PJ's for a while, but I do my best to create order... within the chaos!!! So the other morning I set the timer and told the boys that when it went off I wanted them dressed and at the table. Gabe came to the table in a Polo sweater-vest that my Grandmother gave him last year! This is the same child who puts on collared shirts, BY HIS OWN CHOICE!!! (and wears the collar UP) Isaiah, on the other hand, wears camo and skeletons. Earlier in my parenting days, letting Isaiah have freedom to dress himself stressed me out. It bothered me when stuff didn't match, etc. NOW, I love it!!! The crazy combinations they choose show their individual personality and it's just fun to watch :)

Poop

Justin has been traveling a lot. A lot. I've sort of gotten used to it now, but we're just in a busy "season" as far as our kids ages are concerned. There's never a dull moment. I have so much to blog about but not enough time! Sometimes I find myself in a pity party, overwhelmed with the chaos. But then, I have a moment of clarity, and realize that these four little ones are God's miracles, entrusted into my care, to raise them and love them... it doesn't take long to get my head on straight and just want to gobble them up! Last week, while Justin was out of town, it was BUSY around here!!! Woowee! I like to share the "fun" stuff with Justin through email, so I captured these moments on camera... (these are two separate nights, just so you know...)