Sunday, July 17, 2011

my littlest man is 7

We are celebrating Toby's life today!
7 years ago he took his first breath,
and our sweet relationship began. 
How I love him!
July 17, 2004:
I remember being rushed to the hospital this particular morning, by my dear hubby....
in his Jeep, which of course had the top off. We had to travel about 30 minutes,
on the highway. Definitely an experience I will not forget :)
 2005: about 1 year
Of my two boys, Toby reminds me most of what his daddy looked like as a child.
Long, thin face, skinny stature.... and a FUNNY since of humor.
 2006: about 2 years
Of the five, Toby is closest in age in Abby....
but he has a sweet, sweet relationship with all of his siblings. 
 2007: about 3 years
Drew and Toby have always been very close, despite the 4 years between them.
They are always running around together, throwing some type of ball at each other
or shooting nerf guns. Drew has definitely become "his brother's keeper."
2008: about 4 years
2009: about 5 years
These pics were taken on our trip to Montana to visit some dear friends,
Toby's middle name is after the pastor's best friend.
They have a very sweet relationship!!
2010: about 6 years
Swimming with Whit and cousin Chase.....
two of Toby's favorite girls!!
 2011: his 7th year of life
:: Right now Toby loves ::
 ...to do anything outdoors with his siblings
...legos
...the color orange, like his dad
...fishing
...throwing the frisbee
...riding his bike and scooter
...hugs
...coffee (yes, that is a bit scary!)
...his "ruff ruff" (which he has had since birth)
...making people laugh
...Cars
...nerf guns
For God alone, Toby, wait in silence, for your hope is from Him.
He only is your rock and your salvation, your fortress;
You shall not be shaken.
On God rests your salvation and your glory;
your mighty rock,
your refuge is God.
Trust in him at all times, Toby;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for you.
(taken from Psalm 62:5-8)

Happy Birthday Dear Son
We Love You &
Are Celebrating Your Precious
Life!!


If you're interested in walking a bit more down memory lane,
here is the link to Toby's b-day last year,
and here is another cute post about him..... enjoy :)

Friday, July 15, 2011

{this moment}


{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A
simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 
Inspired by Soule Mama
:: breaking the rule this week....wanted to share a bit more than a single moment ::

Monday, July 11, 2011

toby's birthday week

My sweet boy is turning 7 this coming Sunday....
so that makes this week his very last one as a 6 year old :(
We are celebrating his precious life the WHOLE week,
hoping to make some sweet memories for him! 
Yesterday, we all went to see one of Toby's favorite
movies, Cars 2. The pastor reminded me
that this was the first time we had all been to a movie together. 
I had a hard time believing that!! 
Today, the pastor took Toby and Drew fishing. 
They had received poles at Christmas, and had still not used them.
I think they had some sweet time hanging out, 
even though their hooks remained empty!
Toby keeps asking me for a "date".
We gave the kids Starbucks cards a while back,
with the promise to take each of them out. 
Toby and I are getting Starbucks tomorrow :)
Recently, Toby was invited to a children's discovery museum. 
He LOVED it, and is wanting to go back with his brother....
While the girls are occupied this week, I've
told him that we will.... in fact, I think we might just get 
a family pass for the year. I'm thinking this might
be a fine option for future rainy days this winter!! 
To top off his birthday week, we have some dear family friends
from San Diego, coming to see us for 24 hours! 
What a treat to be able to show them our new home
and take them to church with us on Sunday..... Toby's birthday :)

AND, as if that weren't enough, we've planned a family 
camping trip Sunday and Monday night. 
I believe I am going to be worn out by the end
of this very LONG celebration....
but I am so very excited about all the sweet memories
we are going to make. 
(...will keep you posted on all of those :)

Friday, July 8, 2011

{this moment}


{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A
simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 
Inspired by Soule Mama

Thursday, July 7, 2011

our fourth

We had a wonderfully festive fourth of July celebration this past Monday. 
Auntie Tricia graciously invited us to her home-town of Blaine
to take part in the festivities there. It was a perfect, small-town celebration for our family. 
Tricia lives in the heart of town, so we were able to park at her house
and walk to the parade.....
waiting, waiting, waiting
finally it began! 
I loved how everyone stood and clapped for our military as they passed.
After the flags, there was a memorial for those who have given their lives for our country.
Large pictures of those who had died were carried across our path. 
It was quite moving.
And O the beautiful horses..... and cars..... and band 
and of course beautiful Lucy watching with us. 
Papa was so inspired by the motorcycles, that he had to go home that afternoon
and ride back on his. 
What a PERFECT day for a parade and for riding bikes!!
After the parade, we stopped back at Tricia's and then headed back to the heart of town
to view the old cars, get some hot dogs and cokes.....
and ice cream and cinnamon almonds and kettle corn. Yum!!
I love how Toby's head is peaking up in the back of the old car....
that was a total accident. I didn't realize he was in the picture!! 
 After lunch, we crashed at Tricia's. 
The children played in the back yard, the adults talked, relaxed and napped. 
Our family took another long walk around town.... after we stopped to get sunscreen.
I'm not quite prepared for sunny weather yet!! 
We cooked out for dinner and then headed back down the street,
to the water, for fireworks. 
It could not have been more perfect.
Thank you Tricia for your sweet hospitality!!  


Saturday, July 2, 2011

strawberry picking in the northwest

We had a lovely day yesterday picking organic strawberries at a local farm
about 40 minutes away. I came home with about 10 pounds
of nature's goodness! I loved watching the children pick,
always looking for sweet moments to catch on camera.
I also loved the cute teal baskets they gave us to put the strawberries in.
You'll notice that they matched Ellie's fingernails....
who would have ever thought!?
These sweet little girls are some of Whitney's friends from church. 
We went to a wonderful park afterwards, played, ate subs, and rode scooters. 
It could not have been a more beautiful, northwest, summer day!

Upon arriving home, the pastor kindly asked me if he could wash and cut
the strawberries. He spent about an hour working on them....
He said it was therapeutic after a long afternoon :)
We had strawberries and waffles for breakfast this morning,
and I put a bunch in the freezer for future use.
I'm only wishing we had gotten more! 

Thankfully....
blueberries and raspberries are around the corner.

Friday, July 1, 2011

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A
simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 
Inspired by Soule Mama