Helping hands

Today was quite the day! The boys had their last day of VBS. They really loved it. I didn't really mind it either due to the fact they were gone from 9 to 3 Sun.-Thurs. Brielle really loved having her mommy all to herself! Back to our day...Brad took a big step for me and made sure that we are having no more babies. It really is a bag of mixed feelings for me. As I touch my big belly it's hard to imagine that this is the last time (God willing) that I am pregnant, this is the last baby we will raise. It is the end of one season and the beginning of another...sometimes I have to take big breaths not to get weepy.

I told the boys that dad was having surgery so that we would have no more babies. I cringed because I thought for sure they would ask me how that all worked, but they didn't. Christian just said; "No more babies!?" I said; "No. Isn't four enough?" He looked at me very sternly and said; "No mom, eight is enough." I had to smile, but there wasn't a lot I could say.

Brad made it through surgery well, and we brought him home. The kids are great helpers, although I acquired a new one tonight that I was not expecting. As Micah and Christian emptied the dishwasher Brielle crawled over to the silverware side and started handing them the silverware. It was really a sweet thing to watch. The boys were beaming, and informed me that they taught her how to be a helper. I told them that because they are such good helpers that is true.

I took pictures of my newest helper. She was proud to be apart of it all, and we're proud to have her.

Pantry invaders, Blue Angels, and family.

We had quite the weekend! We held a two day garage sale, and it was so successful! The boys sold some of their toys and pop, they made a good chunk of money and were pretty proud of themselves. We were all pretty tired after the two days of selling, but Brad's Aunt and Uncle came into town on Sunday, and that seemed to energize all of us, especially the boys!

Terry and Carole got to the house and shortly after we all got to sit on the back porch and watch the Blue Angels. It was quite the show, and at one point they flew right over us. The boy's couldn't have been happier. The pictures below are a few short clips of our weekend. At one point Brielle got away from me, and took off her diaper. I found her in the pantry...

Lake side...sooooo fun!

The kids and I spent yesterday at the lake. We had such a wonderful time! There was section where the boys could fish, and they both caught one. They went swimming, and on the water slide. They played for two straight hours. The water was not too cold so Brielle and I sat on the shore, she loved it!

Afterwards we got supper, went home and got ready to meet Brad downtown at a concert his company was sponsoring. The boys jumped in a bouncy house, and Brielle watched from her daddy's arms. We ended the day sharing milkshakes at the local soda fountain...marshmallow flavored...yum! The pictures throughout the day are below!

The belly is getting very very big!

Shes not happy, but we don't know why. :)

To my kids...

As I sit hear and listen to you all play I can't help but get a heavy heart. You won't be mine forever, and in all reality you are not mine to begin with. You are His. This is a concept I know will struggle with all your lives. It's hard to imagine that someone would have a greater plan for your life than I do, but He does.

It's a bittersweet thing bringing up children. I become so full of pride watching you all grow and navigate this life in your own way, and at the same time I yearn to keep you small. I can't help but feel a mix of emotions at the years that have sprinted by.

Micah did you know you saved Mommy and Daddy from a life of reckless living? Because you were born we became better people. I know God gave you to us for that reason. When you were a baby and you were so sick and tiny we would worry about you, and yet every morning was full of smiles because your eyes were so big and blue, your hair would stand on end, and your head looked way too big for your sweet little body. As you got older we watched you become a friend to all you met. You knew, and you still do that everyone wanted to be your friend. I love that about you. For your birthday we gave you a giant Lego's thing to put together, it was for ages 13-17...You spent hours on it, with me only helping to find parts. You finished it in 2 and a half days, your dad and I were dumbstruck. You are so good at being patient. I pray for you that you would grow into the man you so long to be, and more. God's plans for you are immeasurable.

Christian when you were born you didn't want to cry. The nurses were rubbing your feet and chest, but you kept closing your eyes and wanting to sleep. I had a feeling while I was watching that once you made up your mind you'd do what you want. I wasn't too far off. You are such a good boy! Ever since you were a baby you'd like to be right next to Micah. You were such a happy baby! We didn't think you could talk until we took your Binky away, as soon as we did a flood of words came tumbling out. You amazed us. You continue to do that with the way you have that natural ability to pick up a ball of start a game and be great at what it is you're doing. You are also very good at making people laugh, especially Brielle. She loves to giggle with you, and we all love watching it. I know that God has instilled a drive for success in your heart, and if you continue to pursue Him He'll take you places you could only begin to imagine.

Brielle while I am writing this you have come over to yell at me. I can't help but smile. You are 13 months and getting your top teeth in, I'm sure that it hurts. You are also trying to summon the courage to walk on your own. I know that any day you'll be off and running. This past year of having you in our lives has been such a blessing. When you were born everyone in the room cried, it was as if we all knew how precious you are from second one. Sometimes at night I sneak in your room and watch you sleep. Lately you've been laying flat on your tummy with your face in the mattress, it makes your daddy laugh. You love music and it moves you to sway. It's like you know the meaning behind the song, Grandma Julie thinks it's so sweet. God's hand has been on you since before I met you. You've brought such joy to our whole family.

New baby Solberg my what a surprise you were! I can't wait to see your little face and get to know you. A lot of people are anxious for you to be here. Everyone is trying to guess if you will be a boy or girl. Mommy and Daddy are having a hard time coming up with a name that is just yours. I know God will give us one soon. Less than a month and you'll be here...I'm ready to see you now, but your lungs need more time, and I know you do too. I have so enjoyed this pregnancy! I know that I will enjoy you a trillion times more. I thank God for you!

I love you all more than you'll ever know...And it's hard to imagine He loves you more than I, but He does and so I pray His blessings and His will over all your lives.

Campfire

The boys and Brielle enjoyed a campfire last night...the marshmallows were tasty, and the boys loved roasting hot dogs. Brielle loved watching. I think the funniest part of the night was when Simon informed all of us that he was allergic to fire. I got to thinking; "Aren't we all?".

Chickens, Birthdays, & Alligators

Yesterday was a very busy day for our family. Micah turned 7! It's weird to think he's becoming a boy...no longer a baby. Of course he'll always be MY baby, but it's strange to watch the transition from toddler to big boy. I have to admit I get a little weepy. At least once a week he is telling me his plans for the future....I start becoming a little prideful because all his plans involve telling people about Jesus, and how He died just for them. I pray this is the path for his life, not an easy one, but an adventurous one.

We have our sweet friend Simon over for a few days. I think all three boys are in heaven! They have kept themselves busy with chasing chickens, playing monster tether, pirates, and some games I couldn't even begin to describe because the rules change by the minute, per Christian.:)

Yesterday we took the boys to the pool, and alligator farm. The alligator farm is not really a farm, it's a pen with 3 gators, but it's cool never the less. We swam for a couple of hours, and then it was back home for Lego cake, and opening presents. The birthday parties this year are simple, but it's showing me the kids are good with simple...Which is great for me!

It's been fun trying to keep up with these energy filled boys...We'll have to do this more often!

Brielle's new pose

I thought I would get this posted before I talk about Micah's birthday tomorrow. Brielle loves the camera, and now every time she sees it she says; "Eeeeee". A baby's version of cheese. So now to accompany the eeeeee she puts her hands under her chin. I managed to get a few pictures, I hope you all like them!

Poker, plastic hats, & monster tether ball

These past few day been quite the mix of imagination and laughter. The boys were playing in their room and I peeked in on them because I didn't quite trust the quiet that seemed to seep from their room. When I opened the door I encountered what looked like a tea party with them, and several stuffed animals. However I knew better so I had to ask what they were doing, the reply: "Oh we're having poker night." I shut the door, smiled, and ran to get the camera.

Last night Brielle showed her creativity and grabbed a tupperware dish and used it as a hat. At one point she brought it down over her face and then pulled it back to give herself pig-nose. She crawled around with that tupperware on her head for a good half hour, until it was time for supper. Then the boys broke out their new monster tether ball, that GrandPaul gave them. They are having a blast with it. I don't think they stop laughing the whole time they are playing.

Right now the house is very peaceful the boys are cleaning their room, Brielle is napping, and Brad just got in from working outside. It's going to be a good day.

Busy teething baby

Today was a long day for Mommy and Brielle. She is suffering from diarrhea, which gave her a diaper rash which is all due to cutting her top teeth, so she is in some pain too. Today was all about trying different ways to keep her comfortable. She had a Popsicle, a frozen waffle, pain reliever, and her family trying to make her laugh at every turn.

The boys haven't quite mastered the art of baby interaction, but they sure are trying hard. Christian loves to make her laugh, but has a tendency to over do it when it comes to knowledge of personal space. Micah would rather she sit quietly with him and watch TV. He can't understand why that is too much to ask for a 1 year old. I just let them give it the old college try until Brielle can't take it anymore, or I can't watch anymore.

So I allowed Brille to crawl around naked for awhile, because of the diaper rash, then we spent some time doing her hair. For the first time it's in piggy tails. She knew she looked pretty cute. The pictures are the day's highlights....I won't subject you to the low lights. :)

My professional photographers

I let the kids have reign over the camera today. I took a couple, but they did the majority. I hope you all love them as much as I did!

Kids pictures

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