Just Justus

Could not pass up the chance to post a few photos of this little firecracker. A beautiful angel disguised as an adorable 3 year old. He was "performing" for my camera yesterday. What is missing from the still photos is Justus spinning around the kitchen like a top.
Love,

Amy

Sisters

Oh, the fun times that await for these 2 beauties. It's hard to believe that less than 2 years ago the idea of having "sisters" was not even something we had imagined. I love how God keeps my life in the palm of His Hands.

Love,
Amy

Whoever said nursing was easy?

I always love when women say that nursing should not hurt if you are doing it correctly. Funny. Four times nursing in 5 years and it has ALWAYS hurt. (For at least a few weeks.) Anyway, I just wanted to post a quick photo that Dante snapped while I was nursing Cheyanne this evening before dinner. This is a common sight when I sit to nurse. Often it is the only time that I actually sit still for more than 5 minutes during the day and this gives the littles a chance to take advantage of some mommy time.

Love,

Amy

Much needed update

SOOOOOOOOOO much has been going on in our lives that there is literally no time to write about it.

Cheyanne is FINALLY at the tail end of her "fussy" stage, although she truly is a snuggly wuggly little thing. She is content on her own for approximately 7.5 seconds (not that I have timed it) and prefers to be held at all other times. She is breathtakingly beautiful and is evidence of a good and giving GOD.

Isabella is now about 90% potty trained. She still wears diapers at night, but does her business on the potty (most of the time) during the day. She thinks the candy dispenser on the bathroom shelf where she gets her "potty rewards" is the best invention EVER. That dispenser was purchased by nanny and poppy at an Amish festival for Dante about 9 years ago. We have used it to potty train 4 kids now.

Justus is AWESOME. My Aunt Bo, who I have not seen in like 7 or 8 years came to visit for a few days and for some reason, Justus started calling her Grama. It was especially funny because when Dante was about Justus' age, he called her Elbow. So we have nick named my beautiful Aunt Roberta, Grama Elbow. Anyway, Justus is just so easy to love. At only 3 he is insightful and intelligent. Often times there is no better entertainment than a conversation with Justus. The other day Elijah decided that it was time for Justus to have the training wheels off of his bike. I walked outside and the 2 of them were working together at teaching Justy to ride his bike. AAHHHH, the sweet sound of cooperation.

Elijah is as sharp as a tack. He is doing an amazing job with his first experience with "school." He is already reading little words and is counting by 2's and 10's. He enjoys a ton of time on the trampoline, shooting his older brother's bow and arrow, and mastering the game of foosball.

Dante is just growing and changing right before my eyes. He is an irreplaceable helper and the best big brother we could have ever hoped for. His little brothers and sister adore him and our lives are so much more blessed because he is here. He is doing a great job with school this year, too. He has actually started reading on his own for enjoyment. WOW...that is huge! He loves scooter rides with daddy and shooting his bb gun. His bike is his horse (for now) and he does wear a cowboy hat EVERY day.

Rich is busy busy busy. He is gone a lot and that is a bummer for us, but it is all for good reasons. He will be receiving his Master's in Education by the end of next summer. YIPEE! I did attach a photo to prove that he does still have fun. This is his NEW to him scooter helmet that he got a yard sale for $5.00. Yes, we both love bargains.

Baby is ready to be held again, so I must end.

Love,

Amy

Pushing along on the potty training trail

Just wanted to post a quick update on Izzie's potty training success. She is just an amazing little girl. I really thought she was going to struggle a bit more, but she has proven me wrong. She LOVES the fact that she gets a bit of candy each time she uses the potty like a big girl. We have even been brave enough to take her out of the house in her big girl underpants. As long as we bring her little pink potty, she does great.

Love,

Amy

Serving up some smiles

Cheyanne has by far been the fussiest of all 5 babies. So, her smiles are super duper priceless. She has a really sweet spell each morning for a bit and I just stop our day and spend time enjoying her cuteness. I know this will only last for a time and we are enjoying Cheyanne, fussies or no fussies. I know the picture is not the best (red eyes, and all), but her cheeks just speak for themselves.

Love,

Amy

Can I help?

I have really enjoyed working on improving my homemaking skills, including cooking during the 3 years that we have lived in our home. It has been a great adventure navigating my way through an enourmous amount recipes available online. I have found a recipe for a homemade apple pie that is AWESOME. I had never made a homemade pie before this recipe, so I was excited that it was a winner the first time around. I had purchased some cheap bulk apples from the Farmer's Market and prepared the filling a few months ago and froze them.

As soon as I start trying to put together ANYTHING in the kitchen, Elijah and Justus are at my side, "Can I help?" ,"No, I want to help." , "No, it's my turn." so on and so on. I have been trying to allow them turns at helping with different things. I would NEVER want to discourage help in the kitchen and it is such great one on one time.

Well, it was Elijah's turn to help. He was so proud at dinner when everyone thanked him for the fabulous pie.

Love,

Amy