Emerson's First Musical

EJ has had a fantastic first grade year. A high school teacher and fellow homeschooling parent at our church had the vision to begin a homeschool enrichment charter school that meets every Friday and offers an amazing assortment of classes. I had five pages of class descriptions to read through with EJ and he let me know what he was most interested in. This past spring semester he took a phys. ed. class, piano lessons, an art class (his favorite), a human body hands-on science class, musical theater, and spanish. On the last day of school, the musical theater class performed their play, "The Emperor's New Clothes". There were about 40 1st through 6th graders and they did a fantastic job. His teacher, Mrs. Seibert, often leads the children's programs at our church and coordinates the VBS music crew. She did an amazing job working with these kids each week.

This was EJ's first taste of the stage and he seemed to enjoy it. He practiced the music a lot at home over the past three months and never complained. We are so proud of him for his hard work and effort. Being in first grade, he was one of the youngest kids in the play. He was a "townsperson" and had one speaking part, a small chorus part, as well as being in the large chorus. In all, he memorized 6 songs with choreography.

I have one little clip of the song where he had his speaking part. It's less than two minutes. He's the only boy in the chorus line. ;-)

waiting for the show to start

He got an origami $5 frog from Gramma Jo and Papa.

His bouquet of paper flowers with dollar leaves. You were a fantastic "townsperson", E.J. We are so proud of you!

First Birthday

Where did those twelve months go? Truly, as I look back and think through the last 365 days, on one hand, I can hardly believe how quickly it went...and on the other, I can hardly believe how much life and change and growth has transpired. Oliver went from being a struggling infant in the NICU...prayed for by those we may never meet this side of heaven...to a busy, healthy, inquisitive, and delightful one-year-old. God is good - no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in. We thank Him every day for breathing life into our baby boy and letting us enjoy him this year.

Here is a link to his birth story if you missed it:
Oliver's Birth Story Link

Oliver loves to play peek-a-boo, can get into almost anything, can dismantle almost anything (His favorite right now is dismantling the pack-n-play instead of sleeping in it.), waves, says "hi", waited to say "mama" until the day after turning one, rubs his ear to fall asleep, drinks more milk than a baby cow, has 4 teeth, loves to fly in his jumper and in our backyard swing, tries to sing along, makes us laugh every day, and has a smile for anyone who will look in his big blue eyes. He doesn't like cake, pancakes, applesauce, peas, or most baby food...or oatmeal...well, maybe I should just say, he does like bananas, strawberries, sweet potatoes and MEAT. Just give the boy his meat and he's a happy man. He's been expensive since the day he was born!

Happy First Birthday, Oliver!

the dimple...those eyes...

A little bit of Silly. And don't you love his tie and shorts? Gramma Jo made those.

blowing a kiss

 

Here is his first year slide show. If you want to pretend you were at his party: grab a bag of popcorn, turn down the lights, and pretend you're watching it with a room full of awesome people!

 

Or the youtube link: 

Oliver's First Year Slideshow

The Birthday Party!

I think I may have subconsciously chosen a circus theme because there are lots of days where I feel like I manage one...or TRY. There always seems to be at least one ring in shambles. But so far...no one has fallen from the tightrope and no tigers have escaped. I do think the elephants stampede through my house once a day and the clowns take their roles too seriously.

Oliver's cake (he wasn't impressed)

cupcakes for his many friends

This is for you, David & Melinda!

We invited our discipleship team and the 26 kids they represent to help us celebrate Oliver. Yay for the best friends ever! It was these friends that delivered meal after meal to our house while Oliver was in the NICU and who would come pick up our big kids and take them on adventures to lighten the load for my precious mom-in-law who was holding down the fort that week last year.

We set up activities for the kids. Coloring animal masks, bingo, basketball, disc golf, and a bounce house!

This is Oliver's beautiful Grammy (Elijah's mom). She arrived in CO from CA just hours before I went into labor. She spent the whole week caring for the older 3 while Oliver was in the NICU. We were so happy to have them here a year later to celebrate his Birthday!

MEAT

The grandparents! Thank you, Grammy and Gramma Jo for helping me set up the party!

sweet big sis

skeptical

really skeptical. Why are there 45 people singing to me?

and then they chanted...Eat the cake! Eat the cake! Oh, and see the pretty lady in the back with the camera and pink strap? She came early and worked SO hard to help me get his party set up, and she came with favorite coffee drinks in hand! Truly blessed!

you're kidding...right?

doesn't taste like meat

the only bite

Clara adores her bro

ready for the circus act

If you lasted through this loooong post...you must be a grandparent! ;-) 

And a note to some DEAR friends that may feel sad about not joining in Oliver's celebration. We THANK YOU for loving our family and pouring into our lives. So many of you have loved us with prayer, meals, and encouraging conversations. When I planned his party our resources determined that we needed to "keep it small" by including our church discipleship team and family.

WE LOVE YOU!

Worship Dance

Clara began her second semester of worship dance in February. She asks me every day if it's Friday. This class is very important to her and has really helped her gain confidence. During the hour-long class they have a devotional time and time to pray. They stretch and learn ballet skills with short little rhymes and pretend play. At the end of each class they have a short free dance time where the teacher encourages them to really forget about everyone else in the room and dance only for Jesus. The hearts of these teachers are so precious and I love how they interact with the girls, encouraging them to trust Jesus and love and worship Him in their dancing.

Clara and her best friend, Abby

Matilda was thrilled to be old enough to take the class as well this spring. She's been dancing through every day of her life. Tilly believes she is a princess ballerina and if there is music, there is a dancing Tilly. She dances with all her heart and not a care in the world about where she is or who might be watching...though she certainly enjoys an audience. She was the youngest in the class but she gave it her all and loved every second.

Tilly practicing a step with her teacher, Breanne.

This past Friday was the spring recital. Each class performed a choreographed dance to a worship song. Seeing the older girls and the teachers dance was beautiful. Each dance told a story of grace and new life both powerful and moving.

ready to wait for her turn

excited

"Jesus is the Rock"

"since Jesus Christ came in..."

"...and cleansed my heart from sin...I'm inright, outright, upright, downright, happy all the time." Elijah and I chuckled when we learned that this would be her recital song. We both think it's not accurate to say that when we become followers of Jesus we should or will be "happy all the time". But then, we can certainly "be joyful always".  ;-)

flowers for the dancers

Gramma Jo and Papa were able to attend. Gramma Jo also made this fantastic cake and they blessed each of the girls with a sweet rose.

I'm pretty sure they felt extra special and I love that they both danced with all their heart for the One they are learning to love.

Little goof...after a slice of cake and a scoop of ice cream...2 hours past her bedtime!

Love the light in her eyes.

Rewind

Where to begin? You see, at 6 months old, Oliver STOPPED sleeping through the night.  It has kinda felt like life with a newborn...again. This weariness...it's the kind that steals all my brain cells and loses all the thank you notes that were written in January. (At least I THINK they were written!)  The kind of weariness you know will not go on forever but feels like it has gone on forever. Sweet Oliver. He has SUCH a great personality and it is truly God's grace that when I stumble to his room in the night, this crazy love takes over and it just doesn't matter. Sometimes I replay his birth day and I wonder...what if I didn't have him here to rock and sing to in the night? What if I had spent this past year longing for a little one to wake up for? Don't get me wrong, I am certainly looking forward to more restful nights in the future...just thankful NOW for the grace to see the sweetness hidden in a wakeful night.

All that to say...it has been 5 months since I last posted a single picture! So, I'm going to rewind to March and our trip to California. I have some other fun posts for you that will hopefully appear in less than 5 months from now. :-) 


At the end of March we trekked to California for two weeks. Elijah's parents were about to celebrate 40 years of marriage. Cory  (Elijah's sis...my brother's wife...and if you don't know that story then please let me take you out to coffee before you judge our family...it's all legit, I promise!) and I had been working hard to plan a surprise party in their honor. Many close friends were able to come, even from far away, which made the evening extra special.

We also squeezed in a quick trip to the beach, a day at Yosemite, and lots of time for the cousins to play at Grandpa and Grammy's (Elijah's parents). We were super excited to spend time with dear friends in Arizona on our way to CA and in Nevada on our way home. LOTS of pictures ahead. I won't be offended if you get bored and move on to someone else's blog. ;-)

this was our drive through CO from 1am until 5am

We traveled for 20 hours on the first day with minimal stops.  The kids were amazing. Other than Tilly refusing to use ANY potty..ANY where. No really...she lasted from 7pm one day until 2pm the next; and you better believe the tourists at the visitor center are STILL talking about the screaming child in the restroom.

We made it to Arizona sunshine and spent not-enough time enjoying our sweet friends. Of course, we have pictures of our names in fire...and NONE of us. Elijah took these cool pictures. Emily and Aaron have been incredible friends for 11 sweet years. They welcomed us into their home where we brought the kid count up to NINE.

Then off to Clovis and many adventures at Grammy and Grandpa's house. After leaving in a blizzard it was such a welcome site to find SPRING.

Emerson and Cole...doesn't take long for cousins to hit it off.

Quentin, Cole, and Emerson

Pleasure to meet you, Cole.

Look out! Don't mess with a girl and her Jeep. Thankfully Grandpa didn't charge her to replace tree posts or revive rose bushes.

This cousin love has been strong since our Alaskan Cruise 2 years ago.

Only minor injuries occurred from the many trips sailing down the dirt hill. Adventure with cousins...

Auntie Cory helping Tilly feed the pony

Oliver Roy meets Great Grandpa Roy

LOVE

And Great Grandma, too

Some silly faces at the surprise anniversary party

Our efforts came together and we somehow actually kept this party a secret! Sneaking into closets, planning imaginary day trips, stolen photo albums and address books...whew! Deceit is hard work!

My parents flew in from CO to help Mike and Pam celebrate 40 years.

After the party on Thursday night, it was a sweet adventure to head to the coast for the day.

sheer delight

sheer determination. Iwillnottouchthesand!

happy feet

EJ

sisters

my dad

I lost my feet!

naptime?

making cookies with Grammy

a thousand words

That's the whole fam. It's a pretty special thing God has going on here.

Grandpa Mike

Easter Sunday. The girls. Avery, Clara, and Tilly

Nana & Oliver

Love this little man

We really wanted to take the kids to see some giant sequoias. If you have never seen one...put it on your bucket list! I LOVE watching our kids get excited and awestruck by God's creation. We had a BLAST exploring and being wowed by His handiwork. And really...I would choose this kind of excitement over a week at Disneyland ANY DAY!

that's the root base of a fallen sequoia

Our family...all stretched out...and not even half-way around this giant.

Just coming up on the Yosemite Valley view

crazy kids...fairytale beauty

ready to roll

Nothing better than a Cali orange in Great Grandma's backyard

We headed back via Nevada and stayed with our friends, Melissa & John. Melissa and I have been good friends since we were 9 years old! We were in each other's weddings during the same summer. Though we have not lived in the same state since we were 11, God has blessed our friendship and used her to encourage my heart faithfully over the past 24 years. It was SUCH a treat to spend a few days with their family.

And the boys hit it off with piles of legos

Their oldest daughter, Hannah, doting on our girls.