So many faces...

I snapped this picture tonight trying to catch sweet Vivienne's early smiles on film...and I cannot stop looking at it!

There are 6 faces pictured.  That is a lot of faces!  And there is one missing!  Pax lost interest in "cheese"-ing very quickly.  I keep recounting to make sure I'm correct.  Six should look and feel like a lot of kids, yet the picture looks incomplete my entire heart is not in it.

Those eyes lead to the souls entrusted to us to rear and grow into fabulous adults.  I'd be lying if I said that there is not a heavy weight in those words.  Their beings make me feel small and over-whelmed.  But, never have I thought there are too many.  Each of them is taking a hand in shaping me into a better me, as I strive to help them grow.

Strangers stop us some curious and positive, others to ask the most bizarre and personal questions.  Those ears over hear the worlds impressions.  I hope they grow up learning to drown out the voices in the world and understand that Mommy and Daddy love and cherish everyone of them.

It has been awhile since I have been here and I hope to be back soon.  Our family has grown and once again big things are on the horizon.  A new home, new schooling...

There's the sweet smile!!!

A Farewell to Summer!

I love fall!  It is my favorite season!!!  But it started showing it's face the first week in September, even a little early for me.

Despite a not beautiful day for swimming, we packed the kids up for one last play-day at the lake a few Sundays ago.  I was resistant and came very close to throwing a mommy temper tantrum - you know throwing my hands up in the air, stomping my feet, screaming and making it a PJ afternoon instead.  But we had already told the kids (like you can un-tell 4 excited kids that we are changing our minds) and I had already spent an hour collecting everything we'd need for an afternoon by the lake. 

We loaded 5 kids, the giant green swim bag, stroller and food into the car and drove out to our favorite local stop - Todd Lake.  The kids slept on the way out, and Mark and I were able to be quiet and just together. 

We arrived to a nearly empty parking lot :)  There was only one other family on the beach and they were packing up to leave.  THE LAKE TO OURSELVES FOR THE AFTERNOON - pure joy!!!  Mark and I could easily track and watch all the kids.  It was a bit chilly so all the kids wanted to do was wade and play in the sand.  And they were so peaceful and happy to just play together.  No fighting, no fussing, and very minimal whining.  It was an afternoon of pure bliss and it was so hard to leave.   The only bad part of those hours spent by the lake was our camera died just as the kids got dressed and were playing on the playground.  We missed catching some beautiful moments on "film".

But like summer, it had to come to an end!

Perspective...

Does it really matter to our kids what we wear as "mom"? 

To an extent, of course.  There is the willingness to be seen with us.  The example we are setting.  But really and truly my 7 and under crowd could care less whether I'm in my PJ's or dressed to the nines (which happens, NEVER!)  But, at least for me, how I dress does effect my attitude and perception of myself.  Pajama days are the greatest.  But if I ventured out our front door in my PJ's there is a feeling of relaxation that is not conducive to orchestrating a successful outing. 

So every morning (that we are leaving the house), I do put forth a good faith effort to put my best foot forward.  An effort to say to my self, my kids and the world that "yes, I am capable and we will have a great day!"  Does it always work, well - no!  But the effort is there and with effort there is promise and potential.

Eloise, was camera happy the other afternoon so I let her take pics of me and Mathilde...  I do feel more put together in my head than I feel I appear in said picture...but I made the effort!  And pretty proud of the outfit, as much for look as for cost.  Goodwill to the rescue - Seven for All Mankind jeans ($4, only problem the fly likes to not stay up, fixed with tiny kid hairband :) ), Ann Taylor Loft top ($3.50, Cashier at the grocery store complemented it :) after telling me I looked tired - GRRR!)


So from my girls perspective - "Mommy, you look pretty today!"  Gotta love those sweet little voices.