We welcome our 6th peanut

Baby girl #3 born peacefully at home on June 27, 2009 at 9:27 pm. Weighing in at 6lbs. 11oz., she is as beautiful as the rest.
Birth story to follow. We give all the glory to God for continuing to bless us beyond our wildest dreams.

My! Oh My!

The Big Van Search

I am starting to feel like this might be a dysfunctional episode of Blue's Clues--"The Search for the Big Van." Clue #1--make sure that the van you are driving almost 200 miles to go test drive with 5 kids at least has a valid Virginia inspection or at least is registered in the state of VA. Another tip--ask seller what his idea of EXCELLENT condition is. :O)

We had a super road trip with many children. This was the first time we attempted any sort of distance driving with the kids, so I was definitely hesitant. God provided a warm, but beautiful day that allowed us to pull over twice and picnic outside of the van. Alice, the lovely wife of the man who was selling the van was a grandma to 11 little ones, so had a swing set, lemonade, and SPONGE BOB cartoons! YIKES! The best part was that she didn't mind my children burning 4 hours of pent up van energy in her tiny single wide trailer. We managed to spend less than $30 on food and entertainment and there were no major incidences of any kind. That is unusual for us when it comes to traveling.

We covet van prayers. We know that God's provision is sufficient and we trust that he has the perfect van for our growing family. We are looking to spend no more than $6,000 on nothing smaller than a 12 passenger, no more than 85,000 and at least a 2000/2001.
I will post pictures once I find my camera amongst all of the trip residue that was once my kitchen.
Love,
Amy

Bathroom completed !!!!

We have a little list of things that we need to do to our home in order to rent it out within the next year and find a bigger home for our bigger family. Near the top of the list was replacing the bathroom floor. Small job, big difference. We were able to install some great sturdy vinyl tiles in one day for less than $30. Yay, for completing step one before baby's arrival.
The girls were more than happy to pose for the completed photo.

From the dumpster to my kitchen?

Saturday afternoon, Rich was driving past the local Long John Silver and saw that they were throwing away all of their old tables and benches. He managed to scrape together some odds and ends to piece together into a bench for our kitchen. Him and I reupholstered it Sunday afternoon and by Monday morning, the kiddos were eating breakfast on our new to us bench. There are still a few minor things that we need to do (including buying a new circle saw that was damaged during construction) in order to make it work, but for now, it has added a much needed extra seat at our kitchen table.
Thank you, Mr. Visionary.
Wife to a sweetie with big dreams.

Sweetest little girl

A whole year? Really? Is this fair? I look into her beautiful brown eyes and my heart aches at how fast time is passing. Truly, it has been a challenging year with the addition of baby Cheyanne. She has won the award for biggest handful of a baby. I look back and wish I could have found a way to enjoy it more. I adore this sweet girl and am thankful for the refining of my character that has occured because of her presence in my life. She is a true joy with her one lone dimple and toothy happy grin. Cheyanne Ever, you are cherished. Happy 1st Birthday, my little pixie.
Mama.