hurrah!

It's summer!

Relaxed mornings.

Outside play.

Adventures to be had.

Wonderful family time.

 I love it!

Some of the kids had some water balloon fun to celebrate:

 I love Annie's squinched up shoulders in anticipation.

 She dressed herself! Can you tell?

 Funny how water balloons take half an hour to fill and 20.5 seconds to be emptied...

 Water balloon clean-up! Not quite as much fun as the playing!

 A great start to summer, I think!

Here's to many more fun-filled days ahead!

brothers

This past week was filled with small and big celebrations. The small was Zane turning 5 months.

 And who could possibly resist that giant, toothless grin?

 He's all about grabbing his feet these days. Don't you love that? I think it's just the cutest!

 We are trying to decide what his hair color is going to be. Blonde, strawberry-blonde, turn dark later? Not sure, but those eyes are definitely blue and look to be staying that way! Yay!

 He weighs a healthy 17 lb 11 oz now. Not our biggest or our smallest, but perfectly sized to snuggle, that's for sure! 

 We love this happy, easy-going boy!

And just for fun, here's how most of the photo shoots end! "Take my picture too!!" Haha!

Our bigger celebrations this week were for two birthdays.

 Josiah turned 4! He loves all things Batman and has an amazing imagination. He loves wrestling with his brothers and playing with his sisters (except when Anna doesn't cooperate. Did I mention she's independent and spunky?). He's a cutie, and will talk anybody's ear off!

 The day after Josiah's birthday was Seth's 15th birthday. I can't believe how grown up Seth has become. He is hard-working, strong and reliable with a quick wit and an easy-going temperament. He plays multiple sports and loves animals and his siblings. He's a great guy and we love him so.

I am thanking God this week for the privilege of mothering these three boys as we celebrate them. All three at different stages of life, but tied together forever as brothers. 

A Year in Review

Wow. I can't believe it's been a year since I posted anything. What started as a short break turned into a long break!

Here's a quick review of our year:

 Ethan played baseball where he discovered he loves being catcher.

Seth was a key player on his team.

Molly danced in her first recital!

As did Leah,

and Abby! They did great!

Sarah was amazing in her performance! Takes our breath away.

As hard as it was to believe, Seth finished middle school. 

Since Scott was still out of work, we decided to take a vacation.

To Disneyland!

So fun!!

But we had to return home for a very important date:

Megan graduated and delivered a wonderful Valedictorian speech.

About this time, Scott was rehired at the company he was let go from. What a huge relief and blessing!

So, next up was fair!

All the older kids did amazing,

and the little kids got to try showing animals too.

Megan and Seth even raised market turkeys which were sold in auction. 

But our biggest news from the past year?

Meet Zane Alexander, born December 14, weighing 8 lb 1 oz.

The easiest, most happy baby. Ever.

He made for a very special (and busy) Christmas.

My baker's dozen.

In case you were wondering, Anna's all grown up! 2 going on 12.

Did you miss us?

News

We received some news almost 3 weeks ago.

 It wasn't happy news.

Scott was suddenly and unexpectedly laid off from work.

 It was quite the shock. Since then we have moved from the shocked stage to the "huh, what now?" stage.

Naughty, naughty girl!

It hasn't been easy,

We whale spout, do you whale spout?

but we have felt God's blessings at every turn!

 We know He will take care of us, and we are trying not to be anxious.

 Life has a funny way of continuing on despite hardships.

Getting ready to sword fight the princess.

I'm glad it does.

His dramatic death by sword :)

And I'm thankful for all our blessings, especially my happy 12 Macklets.

The princess that won

 Yep. I think we're going to be alright!

Christmas Picture Outtakes

The obligatory annual Christmas picture:

That's as good as it gets. (After I replaced Ethan's face with Photoshop!)

So how hard is it to capture a decent picture of 12 kids?

Have a look:

 Nice face, Josh!

 Baby crying, Emily looking thrilled...

Giant open mouths and some coughing...

 Trying to entertain Anna...

You still with us, Seth? 

Ummm, Abby?

 Speaking of Anna,

she totally stole the show!

 Oh, I give up!