Grammie, Abbie, and Lizzie

Sunday

In October of 2005 my maternal grandparents, my mom, and a few of my siblings went to Arkansas to witness the wedding of my cousin Jacob. Everyone fell in love with Brannan, Jacob's bride. Only two short months after their wedding they were here for my Grandpa's funeral. Just the day before Grandpa died he was telling Joe and I about their wedding. He was delighted with who Jacob and Brannan were together. They were both very young when they were married, Jacob had not quite turned 22 and Brannan had just turned 18. But it was evident that they were ready to be "givers" rather than "takers." Everyone rejoiced in God's preparing them for the other...
Fast forward to today. We got to visit with Jaocob and Brannan and their adorable 8 month-old son today. What a delight to watch them journey through life together!

The Jacob Sirrat Family

Jacob playing baseball with the pros!

Grandma Barnes, Abbie, Me, Elizabeth, Dad and Bonnie sitting in my mom and dads new trailer.

Nate and Elizabeth getting to know each other! :)

This last picture is of my brother Ryan and I couldn't resist putting it in. ;)

Saturday

We had a delightful day on Saturday playing in the water, talking, playing games, riding bikes, and eating with Joe's oldest sister, "Aunt Marie", and three of "the cousins" Erin, Holly, and Shannon. There are so many things in life to share, learn, and grow from and I am always challenged to do all those things when I'm with Marie.


We rented a surrey for 1/2 hour and rode along the bay...only Elizabeth wasn't allowed to ride the surrey so Erin and I window shopped and after a while Holly joined us...we had a blast! :)

Happy Birthday Jonathan

We have a six year-old in our house now!!! I am delighted to watch our son grow. Challenged by where he needs to grow. Honored (and stretched) knowing that God has entrusted us with these very formative years in his life.

A very excited six year-old at breakfast!

Jonathan's new wheels! Notice the phone? Auntie Melodie is on the line from Albania while Jonathan is finding his scooter!

The exciting first ride!

We had a pre-birthday celebration for Jonathan last Saturday. Here you can see him with a sister, brother, cousins and uncles. Jonathan made the ice cream cake almost entirely by himself!
In the evening we went to a Spelling Bee and then to La Jolla Shores for a bonfire. Here is a sandy and tired(?) six year-old coming in around 10:00 from a very busy and very happy sixth birthday!

Family Fun III

Yesterday we watched two nephews and a niece as they performed in Guys and Dolls Jr. They did a superb job with their acting and singing...we were delighted to see their growth in musical theater! Several other family members were able to watch the performance and then enjoy some "catching-up" time together...

The group shot!

Siblings and Spouses (-Uncle Bart)

Puzzles

Thomas has been thinking of nothing but puzzles. The first words out of his mouth in the morning are "Puzzle please?" He has figured out how to do all of our puzzles so well that Joe bought two more for him. Yesterday morning, when Thomas was first given his new puzzles, they were a significant challenge for him. We took all the pieces out and there was no picture and just a blank board to put the pieces into. He got so frustrated! So, we assembled the puzzle and then we took out every other piece. That is how he did his puzzles yesterday and today...We have been subtly preparing him for that next step in puzzle challenges.

Today we went on a long car ride and were talking about love and faithfulness. Joe was saying that in the Proverbs we are instructed to bind love and faithfulness around our necks. In church we were talking about faith. Pastor Jim was saying that our faith is increased through hard times. Ouch! As a parent those two topics, love and faithfulness, and faith are a constant part of our day.

Lately I've been finding that I am stretched so thin...and too often my "love" is very curt. The edification that Paul gives us in the "Love Chapter" (I Cor. 13) to suffer long and be kind...to bear all things...to hope in all things...to endure all things... are very strong and convicting examples of God's supernatural love.

I enjoy loving when all is cozy and peaceful, but give me a naughty child (or two, or three) and I want to look for the exit door! Yet that is not a love that is "gentle, kind or selfless". My children need me to lovingly guide them to a higher path. Yes, selfishness is very much a part of this home. However, we do have Savior who offered Himself up as a sacrifice in the most selfless and loving way possible--an extremely uncomfortable and chaotic experience. Yet because of His faithfulness and love, and faith, I get to enjoy the prospect of true peace and comfort.

When my day is filled with needs and challenges I must cling to the promises that God wants to enhance my faith with virtue, self-control, knowledge and so much more. His ways are not my ways, but praise God, He still gently takes me down His path of righteousness...for His name's sake!!!

Thomas, enjoying one more puzzle!

An excited Thomas with his completed "big" puzzle!

Mom and Bonnie Joy

Three years ago we celebrated Gannon's birthday on May 15...my family was at the "Alpine house" the first home that they lived in after their house burned down. We had a fun night of eating, talking and laughing. My mom was on bed rest with my youngest sibling, who was due around my birthday (June 15)...

The next morning, May 16, we got a call that mom's water had broken!!! The baby would soon be here...Early on May 17th we met Bonnie Joy McDonald for the first time outside the womb. She was so tiny and beautiful! May 17 also happened to be Mom's birthday...number 46. We have a friend that told us that once someone is born on your birthday you stay the same age for the rest of your life. So, happy #46 Mom!!! And happy number three Bonnie Joy. :)

We are thankful God has enriched our lives with you this past year and look forward to all the years ahead.

Happy Birthday!

Mom and Bonnie on Lizzie's birthday...

A Mother's Day load!

May 13, 2007

Thomas (2), Bonnie (2) and Abigail (4)

Beautiful Thoughts

“Here is a little mouth to kiss; here are two more feet to make music with their pattering about my nursery. Here is a soul to train for God, and the body in which it dwells is worth all it will cost, since it is the abode of a kingly tenant. I may see less of friends, but I have gained one dearer than them all. Yes, my precious baby, you are welcome to your mothers heart, welcome to her time, her strength, her health, to her most tender cares, to her life-long prayers! Oh how rich I am, how truly, how wondrously blest!”

~ Elizabeth Prentiss’ Stepping Heavenward

Easter Sunday. Jonathan (5), Abigail (3), Thomas (2) Elizabeth (3 months)

Jon Jon and Tom

Abbie and Lizzie

Mother's Day

Tonight is the night before Mother's Day. What a full and happy night to reflect on the joys of being a mother to my own precious little brood. I love to have all my chicks in our nest. :) I stand in awe at the struggles and victories God has taken me through and look in wonder at what the future holds for me.

I was thinking about the mothers in the Bible that I admire. Timothy's mother and grandmother, who taught him at their knee to love and reverence the Lord. I think of Moses and Daniels' mothers who had an idea of the potential dangers their sons would be exposed to, yet they still chose to give them life and then diligently taught their sons the fear and admonition of the Lord. They didn't know that their sons would one day stand before kings, but these godly woman instilled in their children the knowledge of God that created virtuous men that were equipped to be both counselors to kings and great leaders.

These were woman of incredible influence whom we are still reaping the benefits from their sacrifices and teaching. Tonight I have been thinking of the woman in my own life who have sacrificed and invested into me...and now into my husband and children...and who my grandchildren and great-grandchildren will still reap incredible blessings from. These women are my mother and my mother-in-love.

My mom is an incredibly focused, strong, diligent, and dedicated woman. Mom has always had great vision for my siblings and myself--always pushing us to be better, work harder, think smarter. I remember many times when I would have some large event where I would be so nervous and mom would pray with me that God would let me perform to the best of my ability and ask Him to allow me to minister to my audience. If I made a commitment to play or do something for someone I was stretched to fulfill that no matter how nervous or inadequate I felt.

I remember my mom trying to get my child-eyes to see all the details that are involved in cleaning a room. She broke each chore into small, minute details that we would have to complete. There was a time I didn't do the bathroom properly so she hid ten dimes that I had to find...I still think about them when I clean the bathroom. :) (they were behind the sink faucet handles, under the toilet seat, beneath the toilet, around the edge of the tub...all those places that are not seen by young eyes).

I have watched my mom rock my siblings late at night, after a full and what must have been exhausting day, singing a song she wrote to the tune of "Rock a Bye Baby" "Mom-my loves you, ba-by dear, ...Jesus is wa-tching while you sleep..." That is the heart I always saw towards me and my siblings. Delight. Interest. Growing. Wrestling...yes, even exhaustion! She has always put my dad, siblings and myself above all other friendships and hobbies.

I could go on and on about the virtues of my mom...how I thank God for blessing me with a mother that loves and fears Him.

God did not chose to put only my mom into my life, but also my precious mother-in-law.

During the days of my early friendship with my, now husband, Joseph, I saw him park and run around to open the door for his mom. She elegantly stepped out of the car and put her arm in his and talked with some friends and then went to class with him. I was so delighted with that simple act! The elegance, poise and wisdom of my mother-in-love truly beckons all things noble and virtuous.

I love to listen to Joanne tell about all she is reading. I love to watch her skillfully bring out rambunctious grandchildren, creating a quiet moment in the midst of the day to spark a new interest or a more noble thought. I love to watch her entertain, seamlessly preparing a meal, guiding conversation and encouraging all to participate and grow together in discussions.

I love how both of these mothers delight in their children and have rich words of wisdom for them. Proverbs talks about "Listen my son, (my daughter)..." and then supplies such rich, nourishing food for thought. That is just like my mother and mother-in-law.

How grateful and blessed to have been given such a rich heritage! Thank you God for mothers that love you!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!! :)

Mom (Grammie), holding newborn Elizabeth.

Joanne (Mutti), holding newborn Elizabeth

Reading Time

(I found this last picture on the camera...I wonder who took it???)

Rocks

I had a homeschooling mother friend of mine who reminded me about the story of the father who had a pile of rocks of all sizes: large rocks, all the way down to pebbles. He asked his son to put all the rocks into a five gallon container. The son tried and thought the feat was impossible. The father then showed the son that if you put the large rocks in first, followed by the medium, and lastly pour the pebbles in, they could all fit.

My day feels like a large pile of rocks of all sizes. There are so many things that I want to do with my day. Some things are extremely important to me. Some things I'd really like to get to and some are like small pebbles that I'd like to slip into the cracks. Then there are the extras that I'd like to throw in...

God gives us each the same amount of time. How can we optimize it to fully fill the container we are given each day?

Half-full + Half-empty = Overflowing

Last night I was in the kitchen and noticed something unusual. We have a guinea pig that lives right near our sliding glass door. Well, on the other side of the door was a large black cat, tail twitching back and forth. He was ready to pounce. Everything looked ideal for a nice, easy meal. A fat guinea pig. A hungry cat. A great recipe...only the cat didn't know how strong that clear barrier would be...

I have thought a lot about the half-full/half-empty analogy of yesterday. I have discovered that I am a half-empty personality. I will call myself a realist. I always have to think through all the details of life so I am ready for whatever comes my way. When we go on a walk in the morning I like everyone to wear a sweater when we start out, then we peel them off about half-way through. I like to always be prepared and ready.

My husband's cup is always half-full. He is always delighted with any event that comes his way. If the day looks inviting he wants to jump in and explore and enjoy. Who could possibly be uncomfortable in such an enchanting day?

This small realization has opened up a fun path of communication that we haven't been able to venture onto before. I have just never realized that he doesn't think about the details, until the very last minute...while I think them at the inception of the idea.

Okay, guinea pig and communication? How do they mix??? There seem to be a lot of things in life that we have a great idea for...only we can't quite make the circumstance actually materialize. There is a sliding glass door, so to speak, in our way. Well, when "Half-full" has a great idea, and "Half-empty" knows how to fill in the details...what do you get? An open door. (Only let's take guinea out of the equation now...)

I am so thankful that I get to walk alongside my husband. I learn so much from him and thank God for mercifully giving me someone who is complimentary to my weaknesses and vice versa.

Joe and I "overflowing" with thankfulness.

December 30, 2006, Elizabeth Noelle's birth-day.

Half-full

We had a fun little experiment at breakfast today. Joe took a glass and filled it half full of water and asked everyone if the glass was half full or half empty. Thomas immediately shrugs his shoulders knowingly and says, "full-umpty." Abigail says, "half empty" Jonathan, "half full." Hmmm, an interesting case study into personality? Thomas is our (usually) calm, steady, consistent, and aware child. Abigail is not a pessimist, as the experiment may portray, but rather a girl that is always eager to fix a problem. I'm sure she was ready to jump out of her chair, get the pitcher and fill the glass to the proper level.

Jonathan is a boy that likes to bask in every last drop there is, or if he perceives that there is not a drop left he is in despair. Jonathan is so full of life, adventure, experiments, magic tricks, music, reading, climbing...He is the type of boy that would rather be high in a tree observing the city than sitting at a boring table eating. He is the boy that was playing his violin (with zest) during a rehearsal with around 40 kids. When he didn't know anymore songs did he sit down like the other kids? Oh no! He turns to (an unnamed uncle ;) and plays "rock, paper, scissors" front row, direct center.

I would have been a very rigid mother--if God hadn't given us Jonathan first. I have learned to loosen up so much because of him! I really needed his personality. I often feel that I reach for loose ends to try to tie up as I race behind Jonathan.

As a side note: we do work on sitting and standing still everyday. :)

Jonathan lost his first tooth last Friday, April 27. What a happy boy!

Reading poems with Daddy by the fire last night, May 4.

Doing yard work today!

Tanking up for the next adventure! :)

Abigail's Birthday Pictures...

Abbie and Tom the day after Abbie's birthday, Sunday, April 29, 2007.








Abbie's birthday cake...she had to pretend to blow out her candles because there was so much wind. :)









Afour year-old and her brothers and sister on her birthday!









Notice Thomas kissing Lizzie!!!




Two amazing bikers!

OK, I am sitting here figuring out how to add pictures...I just don't know how to turn them...
This is from an outing at the beach in March. If you know how
to rotate the pictures please leave a post telling us. :)

Doctor Appointments

Three of our children had doctor appointments today.

Elizabeth weighed in at 14lbs. 3 oz.--my is she growing quickly! The doctor said her lip has some paralysis and we need to keep an eye on it. He will refer us to a neurologist in a few months if it doesn't self-correct. Often children will have a similar type of paralysis from a birth trauma, but usually the entire side of the face is involved (eye, cheek and mouth). This is something that is very mild and we'll keep an eye on it and hope that it does correct itself.

Thomas was 27 1/2 lbs 35". He did have an abnormality on his little sternum. It is growing deeper in his body then it does in most people, one more thing that is not a problem at this point, but is something to keep an eye on.

Abigail was 31 lbs 39". The doctor said that Abbie has a definite allergy look about her: swollen eyes and redness in her ear. We are starting on some immune boosting vitamins and then we will see him again in one month. I'm so glad to get help in this area because she has been going at either 110% or 40% and has been crying at the drop of a hat. She is always very independent, but usually happy to comply, but lately... she has not known how (or perhaps had the internal resources) to interact well in controlled situations. Also, he is referring us to a speech pathologist. I'm thrilled! She has numerous sounds she can't pronounce ("l", "th", "r"...) and always refers to anyone in a feminine pronoun (her, she). I do wonder if her slowness in speech is a result of allergies? She is so on top of her organized little world that if we can correct her speech I think a lot of frustration will be eliminated from her life.

So, we were given things to keep our eyes on--but really we have some pretty healthy kids! ;)