more of our yard

 

Did I mention Rhea popped a breaker this year?

 

Snoozin' to Randy Travis' Christmas CD this Mornin'

 

You Leave Elizabeth with Dustin, Levi's Glasses, & a Camera and You Get:

 

Looking at Dustin

 

We're still battling thrush (I have it too) and you can still see the purple lips, but when she is not feeling well and unhappy, there is always a sibling around to cheer her up!

Partied Out

 

Elizabeth was pooped after her big day at church and the baby shower yesterday!

Did she eat blueberries?

 

Did the dye rub off of our sheets?
Did she eat a purple popsicle?
Did we forget to turn the heat on last night?

No, our sweet baby has the beginnings of thrush and her purple is from the treatment she is on.
We can thank Gentian Violet for the purple stains on her, on me, and on anything that the dye touches! However, after one application of this natural remedy, she is so happy and I was even able to capture her first smile (she had her 1st 'real' smile on Wed.) with the camera when taking pics for the 'purple' blog post today.

Also, this past week, I have allowed piles of stuff to stay where they are in every room in the house. (for those who know me well, know this is a big step for me-ha!) I have not made my bed since before Elizabeth was born. I am pleased as punch if I get a shower and make dinner all in one 24 hour period. I am happy if we get just one school subject accomplished on any given day. I share all this to say, that I am truly savoring this precious time with our newborn. I have spent more time making silly faces, holding, and talking to Elizabeth than I have most anything else. I am even typing this with one hand as I hold her. The other children have been right behind me in this department. They even hold her as she falls asleep and nap with her-and yes they will even change diapers!

Elizabeth was such an incredible blessing that God brought to our family. We, as a family, have grown stronger in our faith and closer together as a family during this journey. Our family prayer time is sweeter than ever before. Yes, it is difficult for us all to stay awake during evening family prayer time, but we all giggle because we know that we've all had some very late nights these past few weeks.

Now, as I begin to prepare for Thanksgiving at our house and company that will be traveling here, my prayer is I will be diligent to keep things at the pace they are going...s-l-o-w-l-y....
Am I ready to get back to teaching school full time, keeping the house clutter free, and get to Rhea's bookkeeping? Sure I am, but it can wait. I'm treasuring the litle moments.

For those leaving town, Happy Thanksgiving!

Margot's turn

 

The Smiths Came to Visit

 

As you can see, Elizabeth was tired and fussy by the time it was Cameron's turn to hold her. However, Cameron stayed relaxed and soon Elizabeth relaxed and all was well!

Happy 10th Levi!

 

 

 

 

8:00 p.m. --the girls are not used to the time change

 

silent moments

 

a tender moment

 

more photo shoot

 

Goofin' Around

The kids were having a little 'too' much fun when the Watsons were here to take the kids' Christmas photos! Thanks Mark & Nicole for coming today!

i just can't get enough...

I admit, I spend most of my days just staring at her, still not believing she is actually here. She went for her checkup yesterday and she is up to 9lbs 2 oz.