April Little Things

Some things that happened around here in the month of April:

Jordan had a choir concert at her school.  They sang songs from Broadway, and it was just wonderful.  She got to sing part of "For Good" from Wicked with a small group.  So proud of her!  Hooray for fabulous music teachers and music in the schools.

Jordan also started up her competitive soccer season.  She has been playing goalie and learning so much. These pictures Tod took of her are some of my favorite.  Ever.  We love soccer.  We love Iowa.  These pictures capture both.

Getting everyone ready for morning church by myself (because Tod is already there) is a huge task...we are always scrambling to the very last minute...but it is so worth the effort. I thought everyone looked so happy on this day...and Ashton and Jordan looked so grown up.  My heart is full.

Cole had kindergarten round-up.  He was so excited and picked out his own outfit for the event.  He strutted into the school like he owned the place. I reflected on how differently I feel as he gets ready to go off to school as opposed to when Ashton did.  I still got a lump in my throat when he went off with the teachers...but I know the excitement and learning that awaits him.  He is ready for the next phase of life. Still, I will miss him so much next year.

We always enjoy celebrating Easter, and this year we studied different events from the Bible on each day of the Holy week.  We also dyed Easter eggs with our neighbors which was lots of fun.

Here we are on Easter morning.

Luke got a major haircut the night before Easter:

Poor Jordan had been gone the whole day before at the Easter Bunny Bash softball tournament...she was so tired but had to pull herself together to get to church.

Our Easter 2014 family photo:

Regan finally got to start softball, and she was ready to go!  She has a great coach and LOVES having her friends on the team.

And Cole started baseball...finally a boy playing baseball...we have waited a long time!

Regan had jersey day at school and wore the Cardinals jersey that Tod got in Korea a few years back.

I have no idea why I don't have many pics of Ashton.  I guess because she is gone a lot.  She has been busy with school and violin and soccer too.  She has also been participating in track...I wish I had some pics but somehow it is just not cool in middle school for your mom to always be snapping photos!  It is hard to believe that 6th grade is almost over...she has done so well.  And no pictures of Tod either...I will have to make sure and fix that for the month of May!

Baby's First Birthday

We celebrated Luke Angelo's first birthday last month!  It was very special and wonderful to celebrate this baby boy.  I always feel like getting through that first year is a milestone for baby, mom, dad...really the entire family.  And so we had a big birthday bash for this guy!
We decided on a baseball theme for the party (big surprise!)...and with our crazy schedules, the best option was a Saturday morning brunch with some of our best family friends.  I made some cinnamon rolls, and we had a yogurt bar.
(Luke has had a haircut since these pics were taken!  He looks so different).

When it was cake time, we all gathered round to sing...of course, there were a millions things going on...and somehow in the middle of the song, Luke reached out and grabbed the flame!  Luckily, he wasn't burned...but just a little scared.  Gosh, I felt so bad.  I had to take him out of his chair to even get him to try the cake (our traditional pumpkin cake)  Such is the life of a 5th child!

Here is the whole family celebrating our last baby...strange to think, it will be our last 1st birthday party (until the grand kids, of course!)

I love these pictures with our dear neighbors.  William and Luke celebrated their 1st birthdays just 4 days apart.  I love these boys and Will's mama is one of my very best friends.

How wonderful it was to be surrounded by friends for this special event...it is hard to not have family around, but these sweet people help make up for it.

Luke's actual birthday (a few days later) was an interesting day.  Tod had knee surgery that morning...so it was just kind of crazy.  I did manage to let him open his gift that evening...every 1st birthday, we have always done a ride-on toy.  It is such a fun tradition.  And Luke absolutely loved his truck...and he loved how everyone was so willing to give him a ride.  And then everyone kept fighting about whose turn it was...and so it goes.  And then he would squawk when they stopped pushing him.  He is so very loved.

Do you like how this ice cream was already partially eaten?  We do try around here.

All in all, it was a great few days to enjoy our baby boy and celebrate his first year.  We are so thankful to have him in our family.   Sometimes, I have felt down knowing that Luke's first year has been so busy and crazy.  I feel like I haven't taken as many pictures of just him, and I certainly haven't documented all his baby milestones as I did with the other children.  I didn't write down the exact date he got his first tooth or when he first crawled.  But then I am reminded of the blessing that just having him here has been for us.  He has brought us all even closer together through his love.  He has taught us all patience and given us the opportunity to serve.  His siblings are absolutely in love with him, and Luke just adores his daddy.  I have enjoyed him so much and truly valued my time and moments spent with him.  This time around, I have been less worried about his milestones and what the experts say...I have been able to relax and marvel at the miracle that Luke is and will continue to be for our family.  I am so thankful to have him and to be his mom. Happy first birthday Luke!!!