Let's Get Out Of The House!

It was one of "those" days! There seemed to be nothing but crying, whining, and fighting all day long. Nothing really got done and nothing seemed to go right. I felt like I wanted to scream. So......I told everyone to get in the car because we were going for a little hike. After a few minor setbacks(i.e. poopy diapers and lost shoes) we made it to Pt. Defiance.


Marley carried Ephraim in the Ergo and I carried Jairus in a Mei Tai. We hiked through trails and then down to the beach. It's so cool when you can just stop a bad day in it's tracks and turn things around. The day had felt oh so horrific and then all of a sudden everyone was smiling,laughing,running and happy. It made me glad that I didn't give in to the urge to lock everyone in their bedrooms for the night:) We found interesting rocks and shells. Jairus spent a good five minutes popping those air bubble things in the seaweed. Marley and Townsend spent their time trying to pry barnacles off the wall.
We found a curvy tree. They were all in awe of it and wondered what could have made it grow that way. We explored hidden trails and found interesting flowers.

It was one of those nights that reminded me how fortunate I am to be a mother. I love my kids beyond expression. I love watching them learn and seeing their faces full of wonder. I love their weird quirky personalities. I am thankful to be able to spend so much time with them.

Birthday Baptism!

Yesterday my little guy turned eight and I realized he's not so little anymore. As I'm sure every mother does, I began to wonder where the time has gone. It really was just yesterday that I was snuggling a chubby wonderful little baby Townsend. He was the best baby ever, he never cried and was just always good natured and mellow. He may not be quite so mellow now but he is good natured. I am proud to be his mother. He is so smart but also has kind heart. There's nothing better than one of Townsend's hugs.

Just like Marley, Townsend was able to get baptised on his birthday. It was a special day. It was cool to see him feel so important. Here are some pictures of baptism day.


Townsend is gigantic but he still looks small next to his dad.

This one's my favorite! He cracks me up.

The Simmees

I was just using Sarah's computer to type something up for the shop and I found these pictures from I think three years ago. I was pregnant with Jairus and just starting to show. It was the first of many little vacations with our awesome friends the Simmons(or as Aislyn calls them, the Simmees).

We went to Victoria and it was so very beautiful! We went to high tea and ate delicious(although way overpriced) scones and sandwhiches. We went to Buchart Gardens....breathtakingly beautiful. But best of all we were hanging out with the coolest friends in the history of the universe! You may be wondering if "coolest friends in the history of the universe" might be a bit of an exaggeration. But I tell you it's not. They are the most thoughtful and generous people around and awesome business partners to boot. Our family has so many wonderful blessings and the Simmons family are certainly one of them.
We love you Barry, Sarah, Johanna, Aldus, Payson, Kohl, and Finn!

Where's Aislyn? / Sleeping Beauty

It was quiet....too quiet. Thomas and I embarked on a housewide search for our darling Aisyln Francis. We found her peacefully sleeping in the grass next to her masterfully dug dirt hole. As always she was filthy as can be and yet there is nothing quite so sweet as our Aisy J.

Woodland Faerie Crowns and Other Wonderful Creations

Marley is just about the most creative person I know. She is always making some new craft with whatever she might find around the house or in the yard. So yesterday when I saw with some wire and a pair of pliers I wondered what she could possibly be making this time. A half hour later and everyone had a beautiful ivy crown to enjoy.















I wish the picture turned out better, but here is a mobile that she made for her little brother Ephraim. He loves it and is often seen staring at it with a smile full of wonderment.



This is another of Marley's creations. Last week was Thomas' birthday. Marley and Townsend wanted to surprise him with the perfect gift. They chose the best pieces from the wood pile and found nails and a hammer in the garage. They wanted to make him little book shelves for his nightstand. They did everything all by themselves and the bookshelves turned out beautifully. Thomas even cried when they proudly presented him with their gifts. Of course if you know Thomas that isn't too surprising.

Aside from her creativity Marley is sweet and kind and thoughtful. I am so thankful for how much she helps me and is concerned for my feelings. She is a beautiful girl and I love her so much.

Is It Spring Or What?

On the whole I'd have to say it's been a pretty crappy spring here in the NW. But every once in awhile we'll get a beautiful day. All the kids will play outside for hours and hours. When they finally do come back in they'll have sweet little grass stains on their knees as reminder of their adventures. The house somehow stays a little cleaner. And the marshmallows hidden behind the spices on the top shelf are forgotten by Aislyn, if only for a day.


We were so fortunate to have one such day this last Sunday. I got out the camera and took some pictures in celebration of the discovery that my camera was in fact not broken as I had previously thought after Thomas had put it "away" so high that no person measuring less than 6' 5"could ever reach it, and when I did finally catch hold of it to pull it down it fell and hit me on the head and then crashed to the floor. But I guess that's another story entirely.


These ones of Jairus and Aislyn crack me up. I have come to love that despite my best efforts to the contrary they always find a way to look dishevelled. They have style all their own!

There is always so much going on. It is so easy for me to take this time of my life for granted. But when I stop for just a moment I remember to just love those dirty little faces. Even now I hear Marley and Townsend upstairs dancing with the younger kids to some Spanish flamenco guitar music and it makes me smile. If only we could all just remember to smile a little more often.

I'm Sick

and I don't like it one bit. I've been so cranky and impatient all day. I hate feeling like a crappy mother.