...and so it begins....

some would say he's light on his feet. or that he's a pixie...or maybe a li'l leprechaun....

...and that he's good with his head...

Bubbles....Molly runs everywhere. Nora is just not sure WHY!

Meet Gracie....she is the newest member of my sister's family...she's pretty cute but her breff is stinky. :)

our firstborn son...one can see where Molly gets her need for speed.

All of these above pix were taken skillfully by my brother...his new Nikon is simply fantastic.

Now that our first official season of travel soccer has started, be prepared for lots of nostalgia. Especially now. This boy of ours, Will, Willy Vanilly, Wilson, Willverine, whatever you call him...is a man now. I watch him out there on the field and dang if it's hard not to get melancholy. It really was just yesterday that I was chasing him around...and then wondering what I was going to do with 2 little boys under the age of 18 months. and poof! now he's taller than most of the kids his age, his voice is changing, and I'm seeing the man that he will be.

He's going to be 16 in less than two months. I'm not sure I can handle this.

Are you ready?

Here it comes...

soak it up. enjoy every little moment that you have with your little people. I know I didn't. :( thought I'd always have 'em...and while I still do (thank You, Lord) and I totally love the stages they are in now (really, I do)...I would just love to go back in time to squeeze Will, Ethan, even Mel's little round faces, hear their little kid voices, answer patiently all the questions they would ask...(I, thankfully, can still squeeze Levi and Molly's little round faces...)

...I love you, my children. God has given me the richest blessings in you. I may not be overly educated, have lotsa money, or whatever is "in"... but God thought I was worthy enough to put you FIVE kids in my life. I'm so impressed with the results of all the time we've invested...you all knock my socks off! Praise the LORD Almighty.

I know I get wrapped up in moments, circumstances, stresses, I pray you know just how much I am committed to your success, in life, in Christ, in everything you set out to do.

good night, sweethearts.

...note....yes, I got ALL that from soccer pix.

I heart the beach...

Lake Michigan, how we love you.

I vow to become a beach bum....

Ethan was first to be buried. he opted for the lay down burial...

Moo could not get enough of the sand.

sand covered Ethan

I caught you soaking up some waves and rays, my boy...this one needs some serious down time...and I'm always so glad to see him make an effort to take some.

Molly thought it would be fun to pour water over Will's head while he was incapacitated. ha ha.

just the thought of being buried alive makes my skin crawl.

Mel is a goof.

so is Levi...

Melanie and her Auntie Em. Mel is a Natalie look alike and Molly is an Em look alike. at least I think so...

peek-a-boo boo boo...

As a mom of 5 kids, the thought of going out of town is daunting, to say the least.

But this little impromptu trip up to the beach (in New Buffalo, Michigan, about 15-20 minutes from David's Michigan City INDOT job)....was AWESOME, as relaxing as could be, and such fun. Much needed R & R for this on the go family.

We even took David's youngest sibling, Emilie, along with us. It was funny that people we'd talk to thought she was one of ours, which she could be...age wise and looks wise...

Oh dear, I hear Justin Bieber on the TV and I just threw up in my mouth...he sounds like such a girl.

Ok, sorry for that...I got distracted.

Anyways....hope this post finds you enjoying the return of the 90 degree weather, dried grass, no rain, crusty week....c'mon fall....we know you are around here somewhere.

Happy Tuesday!!

Speaking of the Bean...

Nora turns THREE this Thursday, which, according to the clock on Mac....is in 15 minutes.

I love that little punk!

Happiest of Birthdays to you, little chick...my entire family LOVES you!

The Bean begins her school career...

I can't believe this chick is starting school...she even seems older already! Go Nora...

Thanks Beck, for sharing these adorable pics...

No snips, snails or puppy dog tails here...

Nat asked Nick to take a pic of her with her new guy and heck, even Nick takes amazing photos. Is this not THEE cutest picture you've ever seen?

it hurts me. but I'm so happy for NickNat on the arrival of Ryan. He is absolutely perfect!

all credit to Natalie, who works magic with her camera...

but honestly, one doesn't have to do much to capture the sheer adorability of this little fella.

Ryan is honestly one of the cutest babies I've ever laid eyes on...and what a blessing he is to the entire family. We are so excited to watch dolly boy grow.

and it's so fun to let someone else have the baby fun too!

Ketchup!

Charlie's a tenderhearted little dude and he was so cute with Molly.

Whatta good big cousin boy.

the FIVE handsome grandsons...some of them were looking at me, some of them were looking at Tom...I did tell them to keep looking at Tom till he was done but nonetheless...sorry Tom.

The FIVE lovely granddaughters

not sure if it'd make the Christmas card but it's in the running. wonder if I could photoshop the wooden spoon OUT?

as always, picture perfect.

Andy, Duncan, Phebe and Charlie.

All TEN of my parents grandkids

This is a miracle, in and of itself. 18 people, 10 of which are KIDS, 95 degree heat (not including the scorching heat index), tired and cranky babies and to top that off? we were too far back for the little remote to work so we all had to collectively scoot forward. I'd say this turned out pretty awesome! Hoot HOOT!

I have quite a bit of catching up to do...so I will start slowly.

My brother and his 3 kids returned to Cali this past Tuesday. Always sad. It was so nice to get to be with him and all of his kids. It's not wrong to wish they lived in the same area, is it?

I am so glad we were able to get the 18 family member picture above. That was no small feat...These pix were from last Sunday, August 15th (which was also my kid bro's 35th birthday)...we went to church with my parents and then descended onto their house to photograph.

On that note, my parents are on their way here, so I'd best get some coffee brewing.

Hope you are enjoying this overcast, rainy Saturday. I know I am.

Our new nephew, cousin...

Well, folks....here he is....and only FIVE days after his EDD. I "borrowed" this picture from Natalie's facebook wall...nice to see she's already snapping pics for those of us far and away...

Natalie and Nick S. welcomed their first child/son, Ryan Anthony last night at 11:29 and he weighed in at 8 lbs. 5.5 oz. awwww.

I'd say he was worth the wait, eh, NickNat?

Last year, they were getting ready to wed...this year they have a little family. sniff sniff....

Our flower girl has grown up, folksies. I must say, it makes an old girl cry. (in good ways)

We are so very happy for you two, for you THREE...and can't wait to see the wonderful blessings that God has in store for this new little addition to the Y/S clans. Congratulations Family....he is absolutely precious, adorable, and perfect!

Happy Belated 6th Birthday, dear Pipes!

I find it hard to believe that this little toe-headed beauty is SIX! it seems she was JUST born (and I watched her emerge into the world, wow! what an experience to be on the other end) So blessed to have this little sassafrass lass in our family!

my new favorite pic of Beck and I.

Birthday Loot! woot woot!

Piper and her loving father...

all four of these photos were taken by Melissa, my friend, Piper's Aunt and my sister's sister-in-law. She is a kick-butt photographer!

I have more pics of this big event but of course, they were all taken by Tom or Melissa...why even try to compete to take pix when these two are in the house with their fancy shmancy cameras and patience! ya know?

But until then, and with their permission (can I use your pix, guys?), I will leave you with these pix of my adorable niece, Miss Piper Elizabeth, celebrating her sixth birthday. it's another 10 years till she turns 16 (gasp!!) but she already acts like she's sixteen. hee hee. Becky and Scott will have their work cut out for them.

Nothing gets past this girl.

she is her mother's daughter.

and here, I will insert my evil laughter!

Happy Wednesday, folks!