Last Friday night our two teens were out with their cousin and her hubby so Jim and I decided (rather spontaneously) to take the rest of our children out to dinner. It was the first time I realized we have 10 children 10 and under.

We headed to O'Charley's (Woo-hoo! 2 kids eat free for every adult meal purchased) and of course were the object of many questions and stares. Honestly, I would have been wondering about us too. One lady asked what were we..daycare? Group? Nope, just a family :o)

One lady gave the obligatory you have your hands full comment ...which seems to be the thing to say whether you have one child or a hundred.

Eben's response cracked me up. He turned to me and said (as if to offer an explanation to me) "Mama, that lady is joking with you. You have nothing in your hands."

Oh that made me laugh. We had a great time and were so blessed. The kiddies did a great job and I am so thankful for each and every one of them..and for a hubby who gets me out of the kitchen from time to time.

Eben ans Sweet Pea..She's a two fork kind of a girl.

Over the years people have often asked me how I slept. Truthfully, I have always slept really well. Our babies have always been so laid back and great sleepers. Honestly, even our children who came to us through adoption have never had trouble sleeping. The Wee Boy never woke up at night event though he was only a year old and had jet lag and was experiencing an 8 hour time difference.

Let's just say now I know what it's like to live with a baby who doesn't sleep! Our Sweet Little Fella is what we lovingly refer to as "High Maintenance". He is so sweet but has brought the phrase Mama's Boy to a whole new level :o) He is happy if I am holding him and he is sucking on my left arm (And it has to be my left arm..no binky or thumb for this little guy) while I vigorously pat his bottom...I am happy to oblige but it makes typing (and other things) a little difficult.

I am not complaining. He is such a dear addition to our family and we all love him to pieces...just trying to explain why I haven't been able to post.

It's amazing to me how uniquely each child God has created is so very different. I can also say Jim and I have realized long ago never to believe we have all the answers for parenting...this just confirms it. We got nothing.


Isn't he a doll? Thank you all who prayed about his irregular heartbeat. After more tests and Dr. visits it was determined to just monitor it with hopes he will eventually outgrow it. We have been having a wonderful summer. It is truly flying by. We have spent a ton of time in the pool/waterpark...And check out Little Cowboy who has learned to swim!





Thanks for reading!

Lord give me your eyes...

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com

Click the link directly above to view this must see video. It really is worth your time.

Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
Ones that are far beyond my reach.
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see (Brandon Heath)

May we never forget how blessed we are. This is happening all over the world.






h/t Christine