Biking in the Culdy

burning some energy in Becky's nearby cul-de-sac. good times.

Nora was just down right hilarious on her bike...as her bike would be falling after trying to maneuver curbs, she'd stay upright. and notice her zebra butterfly wings. sweet girl.

Molly. speedy.

Piper, so talented, that she can ride her sassy Barbie bike whilst scratching her tootsies.

Melanie loves her Electra.

Levi, finally getting biking. We delayed on this with him and now it's somewhat tricky for this big, nearly 9 year old boy to maneuver. Gooo LEVI!

Thanks to my cousin, Kara, who is an amazing Pinterest, Etsy, and general scout for all things cool and crafty, I will now implement JOY into every season. Not only a good reminder of a beautiful Christ-like characteristic but of a beautiful boy who was just too precious to walk this dusty ol' earth.

I miss you, Jack.

So, anyways...not much going on here except for some amazingly cool temperatures (I love you, Fall), busy schedules (holy cow, when am I supposed to breathe?), and just general struggling to keep my head above saddened waters, all is well. I talked to my incredible midwife today. I love you, Mary Helen. Thank you for thinking of me, my family and sweet little JOY boy. I hope you get your JOYful birth any day now.

I met with my friend, Christine, at Starbucks, where she had a nice display of JOY and butterfly treasures awaiting me. Today is also 1.) Stillborn, Miscarriage, SIDS awareness day, and 2.) Pumpkin Spice release date at the 'bucks. not that the two are related but....

when one is trying to make it day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, second by second, finding JOY in the little things takes on a whole new meaning. ya know?

I do not take lightly the kind things that people, all of you, you know who you are...have done for me and for my family. I really could cry, and have, just recalling the kindnesses shown, the care given, the prayers lifted and the tears shed on our behalf.

Gosh. Thank You, Lord, for showing Yourself in Your people.

On a side note: we went downtown to visit Victory, the statute that sits atop the Soldiers and Sailors monument on the circle...I hope to "lift", borrow, use some of Tom's pix on here very soon.

I'm a scatterbrained ninny. Good night and God bless you.

P.S.  Shellee, I do hope that when you are in town, you will give me shout out so we can meet up and hug and for me to meet Grace. but be warned. I will cry.

Ok. nighty. for reals.

a little Molly Moo, Levi and a garden too.

Jack's Garden...I. love. this. place. I love that there is a little piece of his life buried here...even if it is the cord that caused him to not be here. mostly. why isn't that sinking in?

I will definitely be posting pix as we progress...I'm just trying to get the plants into the earth. Not sure when we will be leveling it, getting the landscape blocks around it. A definite work in progress...Mary Helen brought some butterfly weed and echinacea. Tambo gave me some Russian Sage, butterfly pic with the glowing marble and the butterfly bush smack dab in the center, which is over the placenta, Jodi gave me some Foxglove, the Ochoa's and Greenhill's gave us the angel and yellow miniature roses, Mary gave us the JOY stone....Grandma G gave me the Butterflies welcome pick, Beck gave the Angel ornament hanging from the solar light that Always remember you are loved....Can't wait to get it mulched and enclosed. A bench will be there eventually. If you have something you want to have planted, or plant yourself, you are welcomed to.

wild and crazy guy...

Molly crashed at the table at last weekend's reunion.

Lady Molly woke bright eyed and purple bushy tailed the next day. (name tags were for Prince Ryan of Tobey-Logan's 1st birthday. Dragon, castle, knights, ladies and kings and queen themed party)

I had to change that last blog post because on my Mac...it keeps showing up and sometimes it makes my belly hurt to see that cute little boy who is not here with me, in the flesh. I'm just mostly not ok with that. He should be here. Lord Jesus, please tell JOY that I miss him and love him. deeply.

Ok, well, all that said...to say well, I'm not sure what I want to say...hope you have a lovely weekend...hope to be back with more later on. I think I need coffee...which, thanks to my lovely cousin, Tory, I got a Sbux Via in the mail today. How cool is she? very cool. I tipped back a mug with you, dear....thank you so much for thinking of me. You just have to know what that does to my soul and spirit.

Much love to you all...

Levi's such a lucky boy/Time in a bottle cont.

2005? this is the only kid that tilts his head to the side like his father.

2004? that's a big baby ya got there, sir.

2004, at one of many soccer games...this is a sight I will never tire of, one of our kids on this man's shoulders.

he used to LOOOOVE haircuts from Dad....2005. He'd be eating hair by the end because you can see that hand in that mouth. not a good combination. lotsa gagging. snot and tears.

this was at a friend's wedding...and this is during a Village People song...that little sailor hat on that sweet baby face was pure adorableness. 2005

Levi as a carry on. he used to be so tiny. 2006

taking in some fireworks with his Dad. 2009

David's just a big kid...2006

HEY! the sun is shining today. It's really quite incredible how that can really lift one's spirits. is it just me? I know the weekend holds lotsa thunderstorms and stuff but just knowing that the weather will be a bit warmer helps a lot.

I'm not sure why I wanted to post these pix of Levi and David other than the sheer fact that I know how much I love to see pix of my sibs and I with one of my parents or David with one of his...so to see a slew of pix of one of my kids with a parent is heart warming. (wow, that was a blabbery mouthful. sorry)

David is a really good dad. broken record. He does creative things with his kids, gets them moving, motivated and spends as much of his "free" time and even work time with his them as he can. I'm just thanking God for putting such a cool guy in my life. yeah, he can drive me crazy and I KNOW I do the same to him, but that's really what makes this whole wild n crazy life worth living. We are in this together and he's really picked up a lot of slack with my weird pregnancy. He holds us accountable in our spiritual lives and is a reasonable sounding board for us when we face situations of confusion.

Levi, you are one blessed little guy to have a dad that cares about your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health so much. I can't even imagine being a dad and knowing just how responsible you are for each of your kids and spouse. That's a heavy load and he carries it well! I love you, David. You are an encouragement to all of us.

no title...

Molly thought these roses were for her....

Levi got a job at Steak N Shake...isn't he cute?

Melanie did too...maybe now we will get some service there!

Don't have much to say tonight...just wanted to post some pix of the 3 remaining kids. Will and Ethan will be home tomorrow afternoon and we are VERY excited! David did get to see them last night and he said Will isn't coping well with lack of sleep...awww. my poor sweet boy. He wasn't in Will's cabin, but he was in E's so I got to talk to him for a few minutes. It was great to hear his voice and that he was doing well...sniff.

On that note, good Friday night...hope this finds you well. adios.

Superman turns 8!

Levi loves his big brothers (who are dressed as Lord of the Rings characters for last week's Phos Ontos Clue party)...

Handsome guy

so, this evening, we shall celebrate this little tough guy.

Here's the scoop on Levi Taylor of late:

•He's really doing well with his schooling, though Phonics still presents a struggle. I say, STRUGGLE ON, fella. and he does. He is definitely a numbers/order boy, like his dad. that could all change by high school Algebra.

•This coming Monday, Levi will start piano lessons with Melanie's talented and beautiful teacher. This boy loooooves to sit at the piano and sound out songs or just make up his own.

•This coming Monday, he will also begin taking Karate with Ethan with Brown's Karate. He is very, very excited about both events. I'm so happy for the little dude for the structure and change they will both bring to his existence.

As I sit here, I can't help but feel a bit choked up...David is laying in the middle of the floor playing matchbox cars with Molly and Levi. Such patience and love. In 10 minutes, my family will get here (ha ha) and the birthday celebration for Levi and my dad will begin.

I'm sure I'll be back to bore you with those pics later. hang tight....

Levi Taylor is an 8 year old boy!

hard to believe this tiny little fella is EIGHT! your nickname should've been Rough Start...for you surely had one.

always Mr. Serious (back then)

little flopdoodle...your other nickname was Tongue Boy.

photo courtesy of Kara D...oh, and the one below too.

Love those foldy li'l ears...

killer eyes

looks like he inherited my T-Rex arms. ha ha.

Happy 8th Birthday, Levi Taylor!

I remember the day I found out you were a boy. It was July 4th, 2002. Becky took me to Romper Womb. She was a mess because she had just broken up with her boyfriend. When the technician said it was a boy...she nearly spit. but only because she wasn't liking boys too much at that moment. She recovered quickly. We were so glad to know what you were, because this was our first ultrasound EVER. It made it so real that you were actually going to be joining our family. That very night, we all picked out your name. Levi is kind of in honor of my mom's side of the family...Her dad's name was Lee and his last name was Taylor.

We had such a quick homebirth with you, Mr. Levi...the midwives had gone to Walmart in Martinsville to get fabric, thinking we had more time than we did. I progressed quickly! Mom, Beck and our 3 oldest went to Meijer for food...we had to call all of them back so David didn't have to deliver the little fella.

During your baby exam, the next day, Mary Ann discovered a hairy tuft at the base of your spine, which can signify spina bifida occulta. Very common in babies of English descent. Levi, you are very English. we were FREAKIN' out. you had to have an ultrasound on your spine, but it was a good ending. I felt so sad for you...you had such a rough start.

When you were 8 days old, we had you circumcised. We are not Old Testament Jews, we just do that because your blood has had 8 days to build up healing defenses. While Doc Countryman was doing the deed, you reacted to the analgesic and endured some anaphylactic shock. Doc got worried about your heart...time for another ultrasound. All good. Natural doc Grandma Y told us you simply (or not so simply) reacted violently to the numbing agent. Yikes. ouch.

Even though you've been delayed in some areas, you aren't delayed in so many others. We love that you march to the beat of your own little drum. You are a Gentle Giant. For someone who started out at 7 lbs 3 oz (my smallest baby), you've recovered well.

We look forward to all the good things God has planned for your life. I think it includes music and comedy. You are such an entertainer (remember in Sunday School this morning?? you were cracking up all the kids with your pretend sleep and funny antics). We love you, Levi. You are a hoot hoot...

Harvest Party®

Hi.

I'd blog about the amazingly fun, amazingly CRAZY Harvest Party last night but I took not ONE picture.

I was counting on my shutterbug brother to do that, which he did...he snapped at least 300 pix....but he has not posted them on FB yet for me to steal.

So in the meantime, I will dig up some pix of my adorably inquisitive newly minted 8 year old son, Levi...and post them here for your viewing pleasure.

On a side note: Molly's downstairs yelling up at Levi, Us to "shut your piehole"! I have trained her well.

Ok, be back soon.

guess who's turning EIGHT?

He was such a little kitty of a baby....

hee heee...this makes me LOL!

and you should see him in this sweet outfit NOW....

Levi's 8th birthday is coming up on Sunday, October 31. I find it rather hard to believe that he will actually be this old.

He was just born.

and I'm listening to him out on the front porch, as he plays Go Fish with Mel...whining and saying "I'm telling Mom....."

On this day, and by now, my mom has boarded a plane for California. This was the day last year that we got HOME from our Great Adventure. she's going out to help my bro with his boys. we shall miss her.

Also, today is my dad's 63rd birthday...(raw deal for him but she did leave him a fridge full of yummy food).

Happy Birthday, Jimmy! We love you...

trains & bangs

trains

bangs

Figured I could start being a bit more diligent about my blogging, since my parents don't travel down to our house to swim every day.

Figured you'd like to see what Levi and Molly are up to, Mom, Dad...they are still alive and kicking.

In all reality, things are going very well...God has answered some big prayers in our lives (He's so good at that)....so neat to see Him work. I think He's always done that in our lives but maybe now that we are seeking Him for everything, we notice it more. Prayer is powerful. Prayer knits you tightly with those around you.

We actually enjoyed a delish home cooked meal tonight. David's job with Blakley's ended yesterday so he will be home in the evenings now, until his next big job starts at the beginning of November. Then, we just may never see him ever. Salmon, mashed potatoes, steamed veggies....I think my peeps thought they were dying and on their way to heaven. We know how to eat well but it's the time...we just don't take the time to eat as well as we should or could.

On that note, my brain food is kicking in and I'm going to go lay down and read. Hope your Tuesday has been truly spectacular. nighty night...

call me crazy

I just got really bored blogging, so I will cut this short for tonight....here are a few precious pix of #4 and #5 enjoying some beloved summertime activities...

it is the year of the push up and I don't mean bra...har har.

after seeing Levi in a swimsuit, we may want to take it easy on said push ups. i'm just sayin'. (love you, li'l Roundy)

Tambo gave us their little play house...I don't think my kids believe it's theirs yet. they are in shock. I moved it today (with some help from #1 and #3) down to the back deck...it was killing my struggling grass. Thanks K fam...Caroline will have to come over and play, for old times sake. We shall have tea and scones on the veranda.

one of summer's richest blessings...sunflowers, zinnias, echinacea, cosmos and other random plants. when they start sprouting, I weep with joy.

Folks, I'm heading to Green Gables (we love Anne)...but I have so many pix to blog. I will have to return to my sweet Good Life tomorrow morning, once I shoo David out the door (at 5 am)...our new schedule has us way more regulated and, though it's been a challenge to get used to, I LOVE IT! We go to bed when it's still sorta light outside...if you know us, you know that is weirrrrd.

Hope your weekend was spectacular. I know ours was. so much to say, so much to say.

Good night. God Bless you...

Wednesday

love to stumble on to Photo Booth to see what my kids have been up to.

Levi, you are a riot.

hope you are having a hair-raising and sunny Wednesday...

Levi: a true non-stop delight and weekend fun!

this was taken on the way to his first day of 3 year old preschool in Mooresville! wish I could kiss the little 3 year old face again....I guess I'll go kiss the big 7 year old face. :)

always such a little bug.

this kid falls asleep in the weirdest positions and places.

fretful dude!

love his little chubba wubba face.

and this is one of my top 10 favorite Levi photos of all time. He had no clue that in 8 days, Molly would show up and take over as baby of the clan. He still fights her for that position.

wanted to showcase this little dude since I've been digging up pix of his older sibs and posting them like a madwoman. Levi, if you should ever read this, hope you know that, in spite of your jabber jaws and incessant questions, I am committed to you and want only the best for you. You are one handsome, intelligent, musical, thoughtful fella. I love you. I know your Dad does too.

Good Sunday afternoon!

Just sittin' here, adding up receipts for the mid month record of David's business...sounds like a good time, huh? it is. in all reality though, it's one of the last times I will be doing that...David sold his construction company to 3 really awesome guys last week. He will still work for them and promote his patent etc but the stress will be cut IN HALF, if not more. God is so good...the 3 guys are Christians (not to say that Christians are perfect). We are breathing huge sighs of relief over here...yehaaa!

Lots of things coming down the pike but I will update this blog later...gotta pick Will up from his youth group and then we are going to the Factory for dinner. I, of course, won't eat anything but delicious rabbit food (yum yum nibble) but it's the ambience we are going for...and nothing thrills my motherly soul more than watching my offspring and spouse split the Western BBQ burger meals.

Hope your day has been restful and that you are enjoying this milder weather as much as we are!