Spirit Week and Packages

 This week is Spirit week at school!  It is almost like having halloween every single day--so many costumes to think of!  Even though Elijah is our only boy in school, Malachi and Luke wanted to walk in the parade too!  Elijah was having fun on the first day--sports day!

 I love to see the little guys following their older brother, and Elijah looking up to the older boys at school.

 Meanwhile, back at the home front, Malachi got his birthday package from Grandma Bruce!  So fun!  What's inside?!

 I found the bottom of this kitchen set for sale at a cheap price at a used surplus store.  What a blessing!  Then I had Kuya Arman fix it for me and add the top shelves.  It was fun to put little things in it for Malachi, but so perfect was the fact that Mom found some pans that fit just right on the top.  Thanks Grandma!

 Malachi loves to cook, and I love to watch him pretend!

 Malachi is sitting down to enjoy the meal he just made.  Love the cupcakes, Mom!

 Day two Elijah was a King.  He looks so funny!

 And Sojo was his princess!  Oh, he got 2 princesses--Mika too!

 Day three Elijah was a tree, Malachi was the sun, Luke a leaf, and Papa was a rain cloud.

 I don't think Eljiah liked day 3 as much.  His arms were tired from holding up his branches.  Note to self: Do not make a costume that requires holding arms up for ten minutes, and do not make paper costumes.

 Malachi is one serious-looking sun!  Hahaha!  Oh, I think Moms have more laughs on spirit week than the kids do.  Who would like to make a caption for this photo?

Soccer season has started!  I am now officially a "soccer mom".  I always knew I would be one day--and that day has come!  So fun to have snacks with friends after a great rainy practice.

Our Kids Lately

 I haven't had much time on the computer lately.  I've mostly been holding my precious baby!!  My hands are not free, or if I do open the computer it seems like I get interrupted before I can even finish writing half an email.  I had to wake up at 5 a.m. just to post these pictures before the kids wake up.  I am loving the time with my kids, though!  The days will pass only too quickly.

Mom, I posted this pic for you so you can see the lovely quilt under Emily.  Perfect!  Also, isn't she a doll?!

 I love looking at the little dresses Emily will soon be wearing.  I can't decide which one she should wear for which occasions!  Now with a girl in the family I don't just think about my outfits but hers too!  (The boys are easy--just throw on any shirt and shorts--Haha!).  Thanks to those special people who mailed these darling dresses!

 Emily's eye color is now showing more.  I think they are blue!  (That leaves me and Malachi as the only brown-eyed people in the family).  Mom, also notice the cute blanket!

 Malachi loves baking and cooking.  Here is his play-dough cake.  He is excited for his birthday next week!  Stay tuned for 4th birthday photos.  He is having fun being the oldest at home, though he misses  Elijah now that he is in school.  What a transition for us!

 Here I am with my girl--matching girls.  Oh, did I mention I love having a girl?!  I didn't know I'd love it so much, since I really wanted my boys, but it IS fun and it IS different!  Thank you, Lord!

 I had been praying about Elijah's behavior and respect for his teacher at school.  I wasn't really sure how he would do!  I was praising God that his first week he got "King of the Week" for how well he did.  What a surprised Mama I was, but of course also proud and thankful.  What a cute little Kindergarten boy.  Growing up!

 Little Luke spends his time collecting "creatures" around the house.  I couldn't believe he found 23 of these little things.  I even had dreams about them crawling all over me.  Yuck!  What a fun boy.

 Of course Elijah gave his brothers a turn to wear his crown.  Luke really looks up to his oldest brother, Elijah.  What a cute little boy.

 Even Emily got a turn wearing the crown.  Elijah loves his little sister!

 Nate and I usually have our dates on Saturday mornings.  We like going to the coffee shop and playing a game or chatting over breakfast.  Emily gets to come with us, and she has been quite peaceful these weeks.

 Here is a common vision I have of our little lady--sleeping peacefully with perfectly drawn lips.  Erin, I use those swaddling wraps every single day!  Thanks again!!  So cozy.

Luke is now getting used to not being the baby anymore.  He wants to be like his brothers and be the "driver."  He invited his little friend, Ella, over to play.  She is holding the bucket with the "creatures" and he is giving her a ride.  So fun!

I don't have many photos of Nate teaching since I am home mostly with the boys.  I'll have to find some that students took or get some myself one of these days.

Thanks for your prayers for us!

Mother's Day, Random Recent and Last week of School

Here's some random recent pics starting at the end of Elijah's birthday and just before Luke's birthday.  I post this one for my mom so she can see the fun of getting the package for Elijah's birthday.  

Nate and the 3 boys! 

 Mother's Day was a very special one for me--maybe even my best one ever.  Nate woke up early, got the boys ready and made breakfast.  (Notice he put the "I love mom" shirt on Luke that we got from the Becker clan when Elijah was his age).  Cute how he dressed the older two in matching shirts (presents from Grandma Becker--thank you!).  

Look at the card Elijah is holding...amazing.  Nate got paper, markers and scissors and had the boys do an activity to make me cards, all while I got to sleep in!  Excellent!  Then later they each got me a balloon and you cannot see my roses in the picture because Luke is blocking them, but very lovely.  I can imagine how cute the picture would have been of them all on the bike each holding a balloon and Nate holding flowers.  Precious!

On his own initiative Malachi noticed the dishes needed to be washed, so he got an apron on, moved a chair over to the sink and actually spent an hour washing dishes with bubbles.  So sweet! Little servant.  Love you, Malachi!  This guy is only 3! 

 Luke got a haircut finally, so I had to take his picture.  He loves to play piano and play the "Low notes".  What a musical guy!

One day E and M were playing nicely without fighting for more than an hour.  Wonderful blessing--thank you, Lord!  I thought it was SO cute how they decided the couch cushion was a big ferry boat and they had loaded all their cars onto the boat--working together and sharing.  Photo moment!  (We do not have photos of all the other fights and grabbing, so let's remember this is a unique photo moment!).

This was our last week of school.  Here Mr. Becker is leading the high school instrumental music class final performance.  I'm so proud of my man!  So handsome! 

 I loved the flute "octet" (though one girl was missing).  There was a great variety of ensembles and music.  Well done! 

 A unique chance to have a brass ensemble--they also played for the graduation ceremony.  I loved the Tuba--so smooth and a great foundation.  These instruments still remind me to praise God for His provision of each one (and the stage also!).  Thank you, Lord!

The other day Malachi spent literally 45 minutes in his room trying to dress himself.  He kept saying, "Mommy, close your eyes, don't look!"  When he finally presented himself I was so proud of him!!  His socks were on inside-out, but it was the first time he ever put socks on himself.  He even chose a matching outfit--I was impressed!  The best is how he preferred to have the buttons going down the back, I couldn't bring myself to make him switch it.  What's the big deal anyway?!  I let him wear it like that the whole day.  Precious boy! 

Graduation!  Congrats!  So fun to have watched these students grow for the past 8 + years.  Now they will part ways and go on to various paths.  Pray they will keep in Step with the Spirit and follow Him wherever He leads.

Mr. Becker got to present the music award to Josiah.  Great job!  

Elijah's 5th Birthday--Car Theme

My firstborn son is now 5!  He is such an energetic, funny, passionate guy!  Keeps me active!  Keeps me on my knees praying.  Thank you, Lord for this precious man.

 3 brothers love to race cars...so we decided to have a race car birthday.

 Do you like my cake?!  I always think of Beckie and Cheri whenever I decorate these.  Thanks, also, Angel, for the recipe.  (The brownie mixes I usually like to buy were gone, except one imported Gheradelli 6 pack that cost more than 900 pesos--$18 USD!  No way!).

 "I'm 5!"  Thanks, Sarah, for the "Happy Birthday to Me" shirt from last year.  Even though it didn't arrive in time for his 4th birthday, he was making sure it was washed and ready in time for number 5!

 Thank you, Lord, for friends for my kids!  We love you guys!  It was fun to write a song for Elijah's birthday with the race theme from Hebrews 12.1-2 "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith."  The kids loved the actions!  See Elijah jumping for joy!

 They listened to my Bible story about Elijah running faster than King Ahab's chariot.  We can even find races in the Bible!

 The kids had fun painting their own race cars...thankfully I found some great Crayola washable paints at the mall, even though it was imported.

 Time for cake and ice cream!  What a bundle of fun kids!  (Hope this picture doesn't show how sweaty I am!)

 MMMMMM!!!!  Sojo, Elijah, and Silas!

 Time for our race car parade!!!  I am so glad the kids liked this idea!!  Thanks to my mom for teaching me to have fun birthday parties and for giving me creativity and joy in birthdays!

 Ready to race!  Elijah was proud that his headlights were painted white.

 Go kids!  Run!!

 Finally, we had a car wash!  We borrowed our friends' car for the day.  It's amazing how much fun bubbles and sponges are!

That afternoon I enjoyed a precious date with my boy!  We looked at pictures from his special day on the computer as we drank hot chocolate at a coffee shop.  Thank you, Father, for this guy!  May he grow to love you and know you Lord, and follow you all his days!

Malachi's 3rd Birthday--Niagara Falls

 Malachi is 3 years old!  What a precious boy!  I love you, Malachi Tyndale!

 After staying with other people for most of the months of June, July and August, we were thankful to have 2 nights just the Beckers 5!  What a gift!  Thank you,  Lord!  Your creation is breathtaking!  Nate and I were here 4 years ago on our 3rd wedding anniversary.  We had baby Elijah with us.  Now in the same place we have 3 boys!

 The place is for tourists, but I have noticed how many things in the world are clamoring for my attention.  You have to get through the gauntlet of greed to finally reach the glory of God's creation at the falls!  Lord, please don't let my heart get drawn to the world, but keep my eyes on Jesus!

 4 years ago in this same place....a special place with my special man!

 Oh, another special little man, Malachi!  Happy birthday son!  Mama loves you!

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