sawyer at six

Oh Sawyer. How to describe him...he is different by the hour...

Sawyer is forever asking Harrison to play with him, and wants to do anything that Harrison does. If Harrison won't play Sawyer will usually settle for Graham instead, lol.

He is the absolute best, most tender big brother to Campbell. He sits next to her in the van and will hold her binky or bottle for her, and is always trying to make her smile.

Sometimes Sawyer's behavior and dance moves make us wonder if he is sneaking access to HBO? Jonathan and I just look at each other and shake our heads...

Thankfully, he saves that craziness for at home - his teacher tells us what a good kid he is at school, and that is a huge relief to us ;)

Sawyer is becoming a more confident reader every day.

He is very athletic and loves to swim, play tennis, baseball and soccer. He is excited to be old enough for basketball now that he is six. Something "active" was definitely in order for his birthday party this year, so off to the rock climbing gym we went!

On Sawyer's actual birthday my aunt and uncle were visiting from Texas, so our whole family had dinner at my moms and a special cake for the guest of honor.

Sawyer loves to get the sofa cushions out and build forts, he is good enough to beat Jonathan and Harrison on the Wii, he loves to play Legos, Memory (and other board games) have Nerf battles, jump from furniture and dance to loud, obnoxious music.

On Sunday we celebrated with Jonathan's parents and more cake!

Some of Sawyer's favorite presents were silky dragon pajamas that look like they are from China (he has been obsessed ever since a girl adopted from China brought in her brother's pair when she shared on Chinese New Year) A toy claw machine, light box to trace things with and Legos.

Sawyer definitely brings a lot of personality to our family.

We love you so much Sawyer! Fly straight!!!!!

3 months

It's been 3 months of having a little lady in the house, and the bliss does not wear off.

Monique knows all about having cute little girls to doll up - the bows she sent for Campbell have become fast favorites! I've learned that people either love bows, or they roll their eyes at them...I am firmly in the "LOVE" camp and Campbell doesn't leave the house without one on her head.

Campbell loves her hands as much as I love her bows! She is always sucking on her little fist or fingers, it's hard to snap a picture before they are back in her mouth. She's also enjoying her Bumbo seat - I never had one for the boys, and it makes me giggle to see her tiny little self sitting in it.

I know, I know, I need to be Campbell's parent and not her "friend" while she is growing up...but every day I whisper in her ear..."besties" Jonathan says I never put her down -

but look! Here she is in the Bumbo again! I will admit, I have no idea if she can actually roll over or not, because the ground is not a safe place for a baby with three brothers catapulting off the sofa at any given time.

her bedroom is sure to become a safe haven....but she isn't sleeping in there yet.

I'm keeping her close to me. Who wouldn't?

heaven sent

Dear heavenly Father, we stand here this morning to publically acknowledge that You are our God and that we are your children. We want to thank You for the gift of life You have given us in our daughter, Campbell.

Today, in this baptism, we celebrate the fact that as water has been poured over Campbell’s head, your grace has already been poured out over Campbell’s life. Because we believe that all babies go to heaven, we acknowledge the truth that You have loved Campbell first, before she could do anything to earn or deserve your favor. And so we welcome her into the fellowship of this church.

Yet at the same time we recognize that in the fullness of time, Campbell will reach an age of accountability, when she must choose for herself whom she will serve. We pray that because of the grace we celebrate today, when that day of individual responsibility does come, she will grasp how wide, how long, how high and how deep your love is for her. And it will then be a natural transition for her to make your love complete, by accepting you as her personal Lord and Savior.

As Jan and I stand before you this morning, we confess our inadequacy in that we don’t yet have a handle on raising boys and now we are adding a girl to the mix. We pray that your grace would be evident in our home and that you would give us the wisdom to raise our children in a way that would be pleasing to you.

We also pray for Harrison, Sawyer and Graham, may they be the big brothers every little sister could hope for. May they be kind and gracious and able to look out for Campbell in the days ahead.

We pray too for our extended family and our church family. May those who care for and teach Campbell, have a positive influence on her life and her relationship with you.

We pray especially for Campbell today. We rejoice in the fact that baptism , unlike the symbol of the old covenant, is not just for boys, but rather now in Christ, there is no distinction between male and female. We are all one in You. Yet at the same time, we recognize that our culture places unique pressures on our girls. We pray that Campbell would not seek to define her self by those around her, but rather that she would be defined by who she is in You.

Let your presence be strong in her. Give her the courage to stand for her convictions in spite of the pressures of the crowd. May she be rooted and established in your love, with a compassionate heart and a sensitive spirit, enabling her to be used by You, to make a difference in our world.

We pray all these things in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

tiny tots with their eyes all aglow

On Christmas Eve it's tradition for the kids to sleep in our bedroom...it's a far cry from a peaceful nights rest...and so at 5:15 when Harrison asked for the thousandth time if we could go downstairs yet, we finally conceded.

Under the tree for...

Harrison - Guitar Hero, Legos, Nerf Vulcan & Vortex, Brickarms, Jenga, 20Q, Scrabble Scoop, Lego Idea Book, Sketch Book, Chapter books, DRVSA sweatshirt & Angry Birds t-shirt

Sawyer - Guitar Hero, Legos, Lazer Stunt Chaser, Cars 2 Wii Game, Lego movie, Frankie Pickle Books, Dot to Dot books, Hot Wheels Sketch Book, Angry Birds puzzle, DRSVA sweatshirt & Angry Birds t-shirt

Graham - Rock Star Mickey, Leappad, Flip Remote Control Car, Leap Frog videos, Dry Erase crayons & board, Steering Wheel toy, Duplo Cars, Lift Flap Books, Wiggles Books & Murray doll.

Campbell - Bitty Baby, Doll Cradle, PBK Abby Doll, Blabla Bunny, stuffed Olivia, Laugh & Learn Tea Set, Laugh & Learn Purse, Books & Nesting Bird Cups for the tub.

Campbell & Graham both had what we'll call "wardrobe malfunctions" with their Christmas PJs, so there was no group shot this year.

It was very special to have my brother & his wife home for Christmas this year - the kids flip for spending time with them.

After church, we headed to Jonathan's parents for Christmas Dinner.

Also very special was having both of his sisters and BIL home from Russia & LA

I love being a mom on Christmas. I know it's not about the presents, but they sure are fun to give and the looks on their faces...it makes the rest of the year worth it ;)

the stockings were hung

by the chimney with care...and just in time to create our own backdrop for a Christmas card photo this year.

Those seated on Santa's lap made it on the "nice" list. The other two...not so much. I found Sawyer picking the lock to the room where his presents were hidden and Harrison pulling Amazon receipts from the trash. Neither one took my threats seriously when I told them I'd have to return their gifts if they continued to snoop.

At least they all looked angelic for church on Christmas Eve.

Then it was off to Nanny & Cappy's house where some surprises did await...along with my mom's shrimp scampi - the highlight of Christmas Eve - after practically starving myself for two months straight, I cannot tell you how good it tasted!

Harrison was thrilled to receive a new case for his ipod touch, titanium necklaces, art supplies, Hess truck, money and gift cards.

Sawyer was excited to receive Chimpwrecked for the Wii, Legos, art supplies, Hess truck, money and gift cards.

Graham somehow became addicted to the Wiggles this year and was ecstatic for his singing Jeff doll (thank you Ebay!) Mr. Potato Head, Hess truck, money and gift cards.

Thankfully, celebrating with our extended family wore everyone out and they went straight to bed when we got home. This was good news for the elves who were able to get everthing under the tree in record time this year! Christmas Day post to follow...