This is my lineup.
This is not a police lineup.
Although they are so cute, it’s criminal.
This is not a team lineup.
Although they would be a formidable squad on the gridiron.
This is not a network TV show lineup.
Although they are tirelessly entertaining.
This is the lovely, lively line that has my heart eleven times over.
Children are a gift from the Lord.
Psalm 127:3
This is what happens when Eli comes to visit.
Every car in the house is lined up just so.
This is what happens when Ella comes to visit.
Every person is set up right where they are supposed to be.
Especially the twin babies.
This is what happens when two dear friends come over and take care of six kiddos for a couple hours so the rest of us can go out for dinner. Bless them. They brought ice-cream.
This is what happens when you have four kids and they grow up to be pretty great adults.
The newest twig on the family tree has arrived!
Introducing Emma Kate.
She has her very own fan club.
Emma decided to give PB a special birthday present. Herself!
Birthday buddies forever!
It never gets old.
“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your mighty acts to all who are to come. Psalm 71:18
These are my favorites.
Every single one of them.
The reds are my favorite.
The greens are my favorite, too.
The boys are my favorites.
And the girls are my favorites.
Romans 2:11 says, “For God does not show favoritism.”
I get it.
We are all His favorites.
It’s a Friday in June and we need to kick back and have some fun.
Go ahead and cut loose with a great big belly laugh.
Doesn’t that feel good? (Hey Opa, your shirt is unbuttoned.)
It’s Father’s Day weekend! Thanks, dads, (and grand-dads) for all you do for your families!
I was recently featured on a fun blog called Grandma’s Briefs. It sounds really cool to say “I was featured”, but the truth is anybody who has grands can have a moment in the spotlight. All you have to do is request a questionnaire, fill it out and submit it.
Lisa is doing something great with her platform. She has created a fun, supportive and generous community of people who encourage each other. I’d say that’s a good use of internet space right there.
For a look at my briefs, click here.
In the meantime, I thought I’d share some pics of the six. PB and I recently spent some time with these grand little people. We’re talking about one 4-year-old, two 3-year-olds, two 2-year-olds, and one 1-year-old.
That’s 120 fingers and toes, y’all.
And I love each and every one.
Here they are, in alphabetical order.
Because the oldest one shouldn’t always get to go first.
This is Charlie. He likes to build towers. Really tall towers.
This is Eli. He likes to ride his bike. And he loves Lightning McQueen with all his heart.
This is Ella. She is a fairy-princess-ballerina and she can pull it off.
This is Evie. She can say “cheese” better than anybody.
This is Hudson. He constructs complicated buildings with secret rooms.
This is Ruby. She wants to play basketball for the Gophers. (Maybe.)
This is how it is when you are the littlest one and all the big kids are outside having fun while you’re stuck in the house with Opa and Nonnie.
“There seems to be so much more winter than we need this year.”
– Kathleen Norris
I agree, Kathleen.
Especially today.
As the headline yesterday said, “Blizzard To Pummel State”.
Well, the pummeling has commenced.
What’s keeping me sane during this Groundhog’s Day snowstorm?
“I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don’t feel so bad.”
Today I will shut my shades, sip my coffee, and share some of the things that are saving me right now.
My own little corner in my own little room.
This is where I go to find out what I’m thinking.
I never really know for sure until I pick up a pencil and start writing.
My bullet journal/planner extraordinaire.
New in February: rainbow colors!
Raspberries and blueberries on my cereal.
I can close my eyes and taste summer.
Extra time for reading, studying, and writing on a snowy day.
“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.” 1 Timothy 1:17
Waking up to this cutie every morning.
There’s nothing like the sound of her little voice calling, “Opa! Nonnie!”
Listening to the “What Should I Read Next?” podcast on my hand-me-down iPod.
And Sandra McCracken’s “Psalms”.
This is Mark. Mark the Bookmark. His feet stick out the top of the book I’m reading.
He makes me smile.
I tried to find more Marks to give as Christmas gifts, but not one could be found in the United States of America.
I saved the best for last.
These guys. Half a dozen grands. How I love these six little people.
They are wild and sweet and irresistible.
These are a few of my favorite things.
Is it still snowing?
These guys don’t know what’s about to hit them.
In a matter of days, their world is going to shift dramatically.
These rough and tumble boys will soon be promoted to “big brother” status.
Baby Sister is coming!
So move over Thomas the Train —
make room for princesses and tea parties and sparkly pink stuff.
Watch out cars and trucks —
get ready for hair bows and tutus and baby dolls.
Little Sissy has a lot to teach these guys —
it won’t be long now.
Here’s a sure sign of spring.
Flip-flops and capri shorts and hanging out on the deck.
So that means it’s time for some spring cleaning.
Luckily, I had a little help this weekend.
We polished the mirrors.
We dusted the end tables.
We vacuumed the carpets.
Evie pointed out where I missed a spot.
She’s helpful like that.
Then we organized the cupboards.
With all the extra help, the chores were done in no time.
Maybe I worked her too hard.
9:30 a.m. is a little early for an afternoon nap.
a small drop of ink 
