2012 - Joyfully Sweet

 It was a full year.  

Full of love, challenges, blessings, hopes, dreams and reality.

I've been a bit teary as I clicked through the pictures of 2012.

Without sound cliche it's hard to capture the essence of time.  It slips away and now more than ever I realize that without these pictures and journaling, I do forget.

It's the everyday that I seek to capture.  

The early morning snuggles, finding treasures in the undie drawer, crusted noses, meal time "discussion", bike rides, treasure maps, little boy's bathrooms, piling into the recliner for stories, countless trips to the grocery store, dirty boots, setting up the army men, piles of laundry, squandering away an afternoon with LEGOS, bath time with little hineys and the list goes on.

These are sweet times.

The days aren't all sweet. 

But they are all precious.

God is forever using my children to refine me.....many days in a heated fire....but many days by gentle leading.  

He knew that I needed these little cherubs and He graciously gifted me this opportunity and I humbly seek HIM everyday.

{January}

The month of the investigators.  The boys started playing detective collecting all sorts of clues (strings, scraps, wrappers etc) from around the house.  As the year progressed "detective" has morphed into spy and now includes detailed treasure maps and a quest 

for gold and jewels.

 

 {February}

As mama's belly grew rounder we spent lots of time painting, drawing and snuggling while reading LOTS of books.

  

{March}

Sweet Willow.

How she has sweetened the batch!

 {April}

  The baby that has grown all to quickly. 

Little Wade-o was and is quick to run to her aid.  He spent lots of time by her car seat bed talking softly and gently holding the paci.

{May}

 The baby grew some more.

 Daddy began construction on Fort Wachuca and outdoor adventures exploded.

Not a day goes by that there isn't a battle that must be fought, shelter that must be built or meal that must be hunted.

{June}

Wyatt turned FIVE.

 

Maybe is part monkey?

{July}

Summer time is so sweet.

Lots of swimming, sandbox sculptures and undie wearin.

 Mighty warriors.

 Dear cousin Donna....

{August}

The baby loves her Dad and Ma....

and she loves to be carried everywhere.

 Our family vacation to St. Louis

{September}

Wyatt heads to preschool three days a week.

The rest of us, NAP!

 {October}

Wade is 4!

A trip to Iowa and some time with Gpa Farmer.

 And Willow with her 3 cousins all born within 4 months.

 Aunt Lily and a trip to Rader Farms.

{November}

Wade continues to be a big helper to his sis, but some the gentleness is fading......

Somewhere around this time at supper he sat down is fork and exclaimed, 

"Whooee!, this meal is as good as a beautiful woman.""

 And this boys just loves to eat!  

He often says, "Is this all we are having?" 

or "Mom, you are the best cook!  Can I have more of everything?"

 When she sees the camera....

 Lovin Cousin Gwynie.

{December}

 She crawls, and would love to play LEGOS too!