Until Next Time, Sweet Caity!

We had {sniff, sniff} our last sewing lesson with Caity this past Monday.

I have to brag on Miss Emma. She's taken to this machine, and I'm amazed at what a natural she is. I'm so proud of her! We learned how to read a pattern and cut it out, and then Caity showed Emma how to piece everything together and start sewing. 

There's still a bit to be done on the pants, but rumor has it that Caity's lovely sister might come to our rescue! (Please, Marissa!!)

Of course, the Littles will miss Caity, too. They love having their hair done and then smiling big to show off their new styles.

And Caity does other fun things, like swinging the Littles low

and then high.

Cap'n even had lots of smiles this time around. Isn't this a sweet shot? :)

We love you, Caity-Dear and can't wait to hug your neck again soon. What a blessing it is to have young ladies share their talents with other families!

Little Boy Blue and the Rain

Little Boy Blue,
When you're just a babe,
You can live half your life in the desert
Before you ever see rain.

They're beautiful things,

those raindrops that fall.

Never lose your wonder,

Or forget that God made it all.

Reach out your hands

To touch all He's given.

Praise Him for His kindness

Shown in the life you are living.

Ponder it all

And consider it well.

As great as God is,

There's always a story to tell.

Pray for eyes wide open,

That not only see rain,

But His constant provision

In joy or in pain.

Yes, Little Boy Blue,

It's a wonder to behold,

God's endless mercies

That each day unfolds.

How We Celebrate Six

Finally the post the Grandmas have been waiting for.....Ella's birthday pictures! :)

Of course, the day started by waking up and looking beautiful.

Hugs are one of the best ways to start a birthday! (Why does this picture make me cry. Such sister love! Isn't God so good to us?)

Then, like any other six year old, Ella helped change diapers. This sweet girl LOVES to get Cap'n going in the morning, even if that means he's screaming the entire time she's getting him dressed.

The birthday girl gets to choose what she's wants for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast was yummy homemade waffles, on the HAPPIEST birthday plate ever.

Brothers worked feverishly on the birthday sign...it's a tradition around here.

Later that day it was time to whip up the birthday dessert....together. Instead of cake this year, we made a yummy chocolate treat with a butter and pecan crust.

I think this was the first time Ella has tasted Cool Whip. Ha! She liked it. :)

They all did.

The chocolate pudding tasted great, too.

The center of Ella's birthday dinner was my famous homemade chicken fingers. Yum! I've got to keep the southern spirit in these girls, you know, even if we're miles away from sweet tea and hearing "y'all" all of the time.

Pretty presents wrapped by talented Whistler. Have I said before how GLAD I am she can wrap now??

Because every princess needs some jewelry.

But, a girl after her Mama's heart, Ella's favorite gift was the pack of PENS.

It was time to sing...I think she thought that was funny. :)

She needed a little help from Clairesy, who simply couldn't resist giving Ella a helping blow to the candles.

Yes, the older brothers were at the party, too, but for some reason, they kept running away from me and my camera. You'd think I have a reputation for taking lots of pictures or something.

What's she thinking? I'd say she's thinking she had a great birthday.

Ella Grace. She belongs to Jesus and loves to sing. She's full of compassion and ready to help. Her laughter is beautiful music, and she loves babies. Her heart is tender and requires gentle handling. She brings sunshine wherever she goes.

 And we're so thankful to God He 

chose us to be her family.

Bookends

And they're both oh so handsome! (most objectively speaking, of course)

**I did this especially for you, dear Mama! You know Ink is going to want you to do something special for him in return....like watch all three Lord of the Rings movies in one night! :)

Sister Love

No words needed.....

You've Heard of a Beer Belly

But for some reason no one ever speaks of the Juice Belly....

Of course, Cap'n is really telling the truth when he says this belly isn't his fault. 

After all, his juice intake is controlled by others, and he can't help it that he has 3 OLDER MISCHIEVOUS brothers, who love him to death, of course, but simply can't resist a silly prank now and then.

I have to say Cap'n was quite the good sport. A perplexed good sport. But a good sport nonetheless.

A Man's Work is Never Done

****Warning! There are pictures of a snake in this post! Go no further if this creeps you out!***

Reaches Up had quite the busy day this past Saturday. He was up before the rest of us, spent time reading the Word, and then he went on a...

RATTLESNAKE HUNT!

Having seen this creepy crawling predator, waiting at our backdoor to eat up all the precious children, Reaches Up decided it was time for action.

(For the obsessively cautious prudent, please know that parents were well aware of the snake and Reaches Up's intentions. :))

I'll spare you the picture showing what Reaches Up did with the sledgehammer...

Of course, every man needs a trophy from a kill...here Reaches Up cuts off the rattle.

Yes, this is just everyday life in the desert. Adventure. Sledgehammers. Snakes. Death.

But, it truly is a GOOD LIFE.

Next, Reaches Up eagerly helped our dear next door neighbor dig up weeds from her driveway.

He then cooked up a yummy breakfast for himself and his Daddy before they started their book study.

Mountain Man was heard telling Reaches Up that this was the best fried egg he'd made him, yet!

Student of the Word. Rattlesnake Hunter. Neighbor's Helper. Chef.

And all before 10:00 in the morning.