Happy EIGHT to Susannah

Another birthday was upon us at the beginning of May.  Susannah Joy turned eight years old!

She requested a lemon cake with white frosting. Elizabeth and I took on the challenge of finding a recipe and Susannah helped me to build a lovely, though needs work in texture, cake for us to enjoy.

Susannah chose a dinner of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, corn on the cob, and romaine leaves.

 

 

 

  

Not only did we have a good time celebrating with cake, dinner, and presents, but we added a special treat of a slumber party for the girls!! 

 

Because David and the boys were away camping, we decided this would be a great night for our own little party filled with treats, dancing, nail polish, hair curlers, and movie fun. 

 

 

Of course, no Sister Slumber Party would be complete without the movie, Frozen. :)

We are so thankful for our dear Susannah. She has so much enthusiasm, energy, determination, and is developing a hard working side to her that is a huge blessing to me each day.  I love watching her grow and am forever humbled and honored by the privilege of being her mother.

Guys' Campout

David and the boys have been involved with a father and son character training program called Alert Cadet for several years. They work through handbooks, attend meetings, participate in service projects, and work at camps away from home on occasion. 

The handbook they are currently completing requires them to go on a wilderness camp out together. David and the boys planned, prepped, shopped, and packed up for an overnight of fun and skill building.

 

 

 

 

Along with setting up camp and getting creative with preparing meals, they also hiked from their camp site, about 4 miles away, loaded with gear, back home.  It was an adventurous hike but they were glad to be home again after an overnight of very low temps in the tent.

 

 

It sure is wonderful to see our boys learning so many useful and noble skills in this program. But, what we value most is the time they are spending with David, connecting, sharing, and growing together in the scriptures and pursuing godly pursuits in life.

 

Midwifery Training - Heard a Heartbeat!

We are so thrilled that the Lord has helped my body heal in many ways this past year. One of the biggest blessings in that is that we can now plan and pray for a healthy home birth again with our dear midwife and friend attending the birth. 




Another fabulous gift in this is that our 8yo, Susannah, is eager and excited to learn all about midwifery and nursing care.  Amy, our midwife, has been so gracious to coach Susannah along and work to *train* her at my appointments.

 

Our first appointment in April was such a treat!  Ruth and Susannah came along.  Susannah got her first lessons in routine care as well as filling out a chart on my pregnancy progress. 

 

 

Both of the girls took turns holding the Doppler to listen for the heartbeat. Everyone was sure they were hearing train which would be a boy heartbeat. ;) 

 

 

We left with a life-sized 12 week old gestation baby to bring home and share with the family.  Kindred has been completely in love with this little baby since the moment she saw it and continues to snuggle, kiss, and love on it every chance she gets.

 

 

 

 It is an amazing gift that our whole family can have such an active role in my pregnancy and care. They are learning so much and I am so proud of them in their eagerness to do so.  This is me at 13 weeks pregnant. I am simply thrilled to be enjoying this pregnancy with my girls. Their excitement makes mine overflow!