Christmas Memories 2011

5 poses

256 photos...

0 pictures with everyone looking and smiling at the same time

75 marshmallows stuffed in mouths to encourage smiling cheeks

1 screaming baby

1 grumpy toddler

1 little 3 year old who can't be still

1 very un-enthused 5 year old who is old enough to fake a smile...thankfully

2 new cow watches from chick-fil-a that could not be parted with

2 lovebirds who still manage to notice one another above all the chaos

imperfect decorations

imperfect attire

imperfect people

who LOVE each other and enjoy imperfection perfectly

perfectly imperfect

love the expressions 

thanks rebecca for your willingness to 

come "shoot" our family.  

I'm glad you have a quick trigger finger and good aim!

brothers

Bad attitudes.......

Bad Breath.....

Best bud's

Anyone else remember this form of correction?? I couldn't believe it when the words spilled out of my mouth....boys, you are using unkind words and actions. Go sit in the chair and touch noses until you can be kind to each other.
I turned around after they had left the room and immediately began giggling as I remembered those words being spoken to me and my sister so many years ago:) I grabbed the camera and proceeded to observe. moments later I heard them calling for me and crying about how bad the other's breath smelled. I told them that their choice of sinful attitudes and actions was resulting in the pain and sorrow of smelling each other's nasty breath.~puzzled smile~ not one of my finest mommy moments....but quite the deja vu memory! (and it just so happened to work in the heat of the moment)

Delaware

just a quick update on our new stage of life!
So many blessings yet, my time limits my ability to share them. We have enjoyed these last 4 months more than our little family could have ever imagined!

*We have been able to officially join the covenant membership here at Trinity Church. ~smile~... Redemption Church in Chesapeake, Va greatly prepared us for this level of accountability:) (just a plug that we LOVE you all at RC and will forever be thankful for the time God granted us to experience covenant together with you all! we miss you:)

*Mark has been able to begin a Pastoral Development Position which has truly been such a blessing to both of our hearts. My heart overflows with thankfulness at how God has placed such a desire and urgency in Mark's heart that was not there 5 years ago. May the Spirit continue to confirm and deepen this burden upon Mark's heart and life! He has been given opportunity to study and teach which has thrilled my heart.

not the best quality....it's a picture of a picture, but it will have to work for now:)

*We have been able to get plugged into small groups and learn what it means to be part of this aspect of the community here. Apart from Corporate Worship it is the highlight of my/our week!

*The Lord has seen fit to allow me to enter back into musical ministry as well. What an honor to come alongside the band here each week. My heart has been so blessed as I walk by faith in this new ministry....and Levi seems to enjoy it as well!

*Our boys are in HEAVEN with all the other boys to play with and my heart is greatly encouraged to see so many young men surrounding them with friendship and love. They are truly learning what it means to be part of the Body, even though they can't quite grasp all that this means.

titus (on the right) with his buddy CJ

erh. I meant wolverine man and his buddy the transformer
...and yes I have learned that boys LOVE playing dress up

*The employment issue has been tricky. I find myself ready to panic one moment and then completely convicted and encouraged the next. So many leads....but no real bites:) After 2 months, Mark decided to begin Brumbaugh Lawncare again. I say Mark decided....because my scared little self just wanted him to find a job with benefits and solid income. It took me several weeks (okay.....maybe I'm still not there yet) to come to grips that this is what our option was. UGHHH back to business--BLAHHHHHHH. However, God has allowed Mark to meet several new people in the community, provided a decent truck we could buy, provided a mower...and some equipment, and has brought 6 accounts to us. We are continuing to pray for more wisdom and accounts if God would have us continue this endeavor. Mark was also able to get into the school system here as a substitute. He enjoyed his first few experiences and said he basically felt like he was dealing with big toddlers. It's also the most he has ever been paid to sit and read books! (in the midst of keeping the peace:) Lordwilling, he will be able to substitute again this next school year.

the "new" truck. It's BIG, loud, and absolutely a blast to drive!

*So much more to update....but my time is gone:) One of the fun sides of living in Delaware has been learning about the Amish community. I've always been intrigued and a bit awed.....but it's been so fun to actually learn about and observe them! My boys are enamored with the buggies and horses in the parking lot at Sam's......and I'm always enamored with what the Amish shopping carts are filled with! usually, JUNK FOOD and..........disposable diapers! hahaha I felt so vindicated when I saw these women buying disposable diapers.

beautiful amish farms sprinkled all around.
This one is less than 1 mile from our house....
and yes, I do drive out of my way to go past Amish farms!!

Soccer mom

It's official. I am a soccer mom. We have enjoyed these last few Saturday mornings of cleats...coats...puddles...mud...community...and family time. We had no idea Mark was the coach until we arrived the first Saturday and the assistant coach asked us our names and then proceeded to say...oh, so you are the coach. Mark has enjoyed the opportunity to ge to know several parents and kids of the local Smyrna/Clayton community and our boys have enjoyed calling him Coach Mark:)

It was a bit chilly the first few weeks, but 2 Saturdays ago we got to stick around after our session and watch several other kiddos from church play in their respective sessions. I still have a very limited understanding of the game...but at least I am still better than they are. Simeon, who has to sit in the stroller for the entire 45 minutes each week appears to be catching on fast...I included the little video clip of my catching him running around the backyard kicking the soccer ball after watching his brothers at practice. This video was also the first time he actually kicked the ball instead of holding it like a football.....I was impressed at his initial skills...so I guess I truly am a soccer mom who thinks her kid is awesome.

Titus knows this is serious business

Ezra is a goof...the whole time

Brothers and best buddies

Simeon's backyard debut...

a quick catch up

a couch of crazy happy chaos

What a wonderful month this last one has been! I can't believe it is the last day of February:) what an amazing few weeks these have been...
Things that I haven't blogged about...but thought about blogging
*Ezra turned 3 the end of January. We had a family party and enjoyed a few hours at the Chuckie. If you haven't been to a newly renovated chuckie.....you are missing out:) No pictures:( my camera batteries have died and I haven't replaced them....yes...in a whole month!
*I turned 29 in Feburary. No party, just a quiet and wonderful 4 day 3 night get away with Mark in Richmond. Most people would look at our time away and be completely bored with how we spent our time...but it was wonderful to just sit and stare off into the distance....sleep in till 8:00am...eat at whatever time we were hungry instead of sticking to the routine....walk around stores aimlessly for hours and still come away empty handed....sit at Barnes and Noble for 5 hours and not say a single word...just read and read and read! BLISS we also watched lots of TV and I sat on the Couch....yes just sat there until my body started to ache.
*I hit the 12 week mark for this pregnancy....or at least I think it's 12 weeks. I'm still miserable which is a good sign and I still have to say that it is still my least favorite part of the whole baby process. give me unmedicated birth.....newborn nights....toddlers running around needing you when you can't even see straight from exhaustion.....I'll gladly take it over the 1st trimester yuckiness!!! However, it's almost over and I predict it's a girl....just like I always do! God's kindness was very evident in that he allowed me to escape the typical exhaustion this time around. My friend Annalisa says she thinks it's because I live in a constant state of exhaustion...but I beg to differ. I actually had to take medication in order to sleep at night.....however, that worked to my advantage as.....
*I packed and packed and packed and packed and packed and packed and packed! Mark was busy training the new recruits for the business transition...so I worked my little nausea out of my system with incessant boxes, tape, folding, stuffing, labeling....oh and working through temper tantrums with Simeon. what a little temper that blonde haired blue eyed boy has!
*The last week all the boys were miserably sick and I was so humbled and blessed by the meals people prepared for us as well as the help with packing and loading up the goods. For sure, the last week didn't go as planned....but it was way better. M sin was evident as I fell prey to/fought off worry, fear, anxiety, anger, ....but my Savior was so faithful. The reminders that I am no longer enslaved to those sins were plentiful....but I struggled to live out a life that was enslaved to freedom through Christ....why do I do that? I'd rather fret than just freely live. huh, kinda sounds like something Paul addressed.
*Because of sickness...we had to leave lots of goodbye's unsaid. We plan to return in May for a weekend trip and hope to squeeze in lots of visits that weekend!
*We have arrived safely in Dover, DE and are settling in just wonderfully. Mark doesn't have a job right now and we are seeking God's wisdom as we walk by faith in this area. What a blessing it has truly been even though we don't have answers. He is filling out applications online and will begin pounding the streets tomorrow. Delaware is no place to be "looking" for employment...but truly our hearts are joyful as we look for God's continued work in this area. I look forward to sharing the news with you all once God shows himself mighty in this area. Pray for our faith to increase during this time....and boldness for Mark:)
And now you know the rest of the story
Soli Deo Gloria

bittersweet

less than a week left in Va Beach...and my emotions are quite mixed.
Mark and I were married in June of 2005...
2 weeks later we moved to Va Beach. Alone:) in fact, we unloaded our own moving truck in about 1 hour so I could rush off to a job interview.
No shower...shorts, T-shirts, flip-flops...mapquest directions, sweat beaded all over my face...So glad I was headed to an interview at the YMCA...and...today...was my last day there. Well, I actually had to call in due to sick kiddos...but my heart was saddened at the thought that I am through teaching my absolute favorite kiddos with some of the most generous and kindhearted people I know. My adaptive swim class each Friday morning has truly blessed and opened my heart in so many ways. Those kids remind me each week of the curse of dwelling on this imperfect earth...and over and over my heart rejoices at the goodness of our King who will one day make all things New...
I must admit...my first week I was scared to death when their bus pulled up. I remember meeting the first group and thinking...what do I do now?? and now I sit here thinking...will I ever be so honored to teach another adaptive swim class? I won't sit here and recount so many of the incredible kiddos....but my journal will most certainly be full of the lessons and truths that the Spirit taught me as I served these kids and teens. I learned so much about the wonderful and challenging world of special needs kids-truly, an honor for me in so many ways.
And to think 5-1/2 years ago I never would have imagined I would miss my last day of work for sick kiddos......but what an honor it was to serve Ezra and Simeon today....I was reminded over and over of my sinful heart and my glorious Savior today......oh for the day we will worship without the flesh......now, that's a sweet truth to wash away these bittersweet emotions:)

a new favorite

of my sweetie and me. We have tons of pics of the kiddos...or one of us with an assortment of kiddos but I'm sure many of you with kiddos know how hard it is to snap a good shot of the 2 original members of the family:) So, I was determined to get a good one this holiday season to fulfill my granny's wish of having a picture of the 2 of us...alone:) I scheduled an appointment at picture people only to have to cancel at the last minute due to a pink eye epidemic...but who needs professionals to capture true love and happiness:) I must say...it was a quick add on to a hectic moment...but I am pleased with the moment shared with my sweetheart who was wearing short sleeves in the cold temperatures of our First White Christmas together:)

Let's Rewind

a minute or two of unsupervised lunchtime...and this is what greeted me:)
(note: this was a moment of slight panic seeing as how we have recently been
given a much taller dining room table and chairs...i think it is called bistro height??...
which we love -the boys feel like they are climbing trees each time they get into their chairs for a meal
...however,a tumble off of this would most certainly land us a very painful memory:)
Let's Rewind

dumping the candle out of the holder...

making the lunge from the highchair to the table

managed to grab the spoon and Ezra's vitamin before momma put him back in his place:)

what a mischievous sweetie:)...

for those who are wondering...I snapped the first picture and then had Simeon reenact his short lived adventure...which he was more than willing to attempt a second time.

We've Moved

Not to Delaware, Yet... but one step closer :)
here's the new addy for those who are interested

205 Green Springs Ct.
Virginia Beach, VA 23452

welcome fall

it felt like fall 2 weeks ago. I got quite excited...and decided it was time to pass on the love of fall to my lads with these fantastic and easy ginger cookies. Silliness ensued...my table was coated in sugar...and my freezer is now filled with tiny dough balls of ginger cookies just waiting to fill our home with a favorite smell and taste of fall! We welcome you...favorite season of ours {mine}.

and yes...my boys love silly bands!
however, I need to explain my boys definition of silly bands...maybe in a future post:)

"after you roll them in sugar, put them on the cookie sheet with a little space in between them..." good thing they were headed for the freezer and not the oven.

note: I think its time for a new cookie sheet...don't you?:)

Christ and His Church

what a splendid Covenant...what a Glorious picture...
Mark, I'm humbled to be chosen by Christ to experience eternal life...and honored to share my time here on earth with you!
5 years ago today these vows were expressed before God and witnesses:

I love you, Anne, and I know through much time in prayer that God has ordained this love.
Because of this, I desire to be your husband.
Together we will be vessels for His service in accordance with His plan, so that in ALL areas of our life, Christ will have the pre-eminence.
Through the pressures of the present and the uncertainties of the future, I promise to be faithful to you.
I promise to love, guide, and protect you as Christ does His Church, as long as we are both alive.
According to Ephesians 5 and with Christ's enabling power, I promise to endeavor to show to you the same kind of love as Christ showed the Church when He died for her, and to love you as a part of myself because in His sight, we shall be one.

I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows,
and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
With this ring, I thee wed.


I love you, Mark, and I know that you love me.
Because of this, I desire to be your wife.
For years, I have prayed that God would lead me to His choice
and I am confident that His will is being fulfilled today.
Through the pressures of the present and the uncertainties of the future,
I promise to be faithful to you.
I will love, serve, obey, and support you as long as we both are alive.
Christ told us that the wife must submit herself unto her own husband as unto the Lord. For as Christ is the Head of His Church, so is the husband head of his wife.
Mark, I submit myself to you as unto the Lord.

I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows,
and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
With this ring, I thee wed.

and what a crazy 5 years it has been! Who would have known that we would be celebrating 5 years with 3 little boys! I have been pregnant or "nurturing:)" babies for all but 8 months of our 5 years together-- that is something to shake your head at!!

For our celebration, we chose to stay home and send the boys on a sleepover...so we could just "chilax" in our own home which is always bustling with energy and the demands of 3 little fellows. However, I'm sure we will be able to include them in some of the celebration...just as long as they don't ask me to get down the Christmas tree:):). How exciting to share these vows with them and have a crazy party to celebrate covenant blessings and covenant keeping...and the One who is THE Covenant keeper!

Pictures

I HATE the hassle of professional pictures, but I LOVE picture people and its the season of super picture deals...so, I ventured out-ALONE!
3 boys all clean, fed, clothed, and boo-boo free is quite a taxing process; however, they were champs! I told the lady that my desire was to leave the studio with a great shot of all 3 boys and a cute baby shot of Simeon. The picture lady worked fast...and we were in and out of the session in about 12 minutes! what a blessing these sweeties are and these pics really capture their true personalities. (sorry the pics are so small...I'm not really sure how to make them bigger)

my fav of the 3

stunning eyes!
he was all over that studio floor,
but she managed to snap this one in motion

my FAV and the one I walked out with
as his 6 month photo

got your giggles on?

well if you don't....hope this little moment I was able to capture on video helps "get yo' giggle on"...it sure got mine and several other shoppers' giggles going

background: I rarely take the boys shopping with me; however, I have wanted to do a leisurely run to Target for months now...and since the prospect of that happening without kiddos looks grim, I decided to make the best of it with my favorite entourage. I was SO relieved when I drove up and the cart with the kiddo seats in front was available...b/c there is nothing more cool than a mom on her "leisurely" run to target trying to maneuver 2 shopping carts around all while keeping 3 BORED kiddos occupied! We had a great time giggling and rushing through this "leisurely" trip, but I got a little side tracked looking at some dishes. As my mind was racing/dreaming away, Titus started telling me that Ezra was wanting his bunk bed. Mind you, this statement was probably said 20 times before my mommy brain stopped ignoring the chatter and picked up the phrase he was saying over and over again....so I corrected him and said no, Ezra doesn't want his bunk bed he wants another cracker...(I'm still looking down at this point). However, Titus just giggled and said no mommy, he wants his bunk bed...and then it clicked! Is he sleeping? I asked through the giggles as I turned on the camera. yes, mommy and its funny....I must agree with Titus, it is pretty funny!



Take 2 - after several attempts to wake him up so that I could push the behemoth cart to the register......this is what happened (please note that he is buckled in...I'm not that mean!)

Needless to say, I could not get him to wake up and I had to maneuver this cart through the store with one hand pushing and steering this cart and one hand holding Ezra's head up. After I got to the checkout...I had to hit the metal on the conveyor belt loudly (with permission from the cashier) in order to get this sleepy shopper to wake up so I could empty the cart and pay.
So I guess I don't need to inform anyone of just how soundly this kiddo sleeps!!
All in all...I had a fabulous "leisurely" shopping trip that I will remember for years and years to come!

Ring the Bells

Or at least bang some pots! (and warn the neighbors:)

sorry it is so bumpy to watch...but I had the camera clipped to my pocket

I had wanted to buy some firecrackers to set off...or at least buy some from my neighbors (but it seems they had used all of them up to celebrate health care a few months ago...:). However, they are not allowed to be sold until June so this had to do!!
When Mark called to tell me he had finished his Greek vocab exam and was coming home...the boys and I ran and got our pots 'n spoons (warned the neighbors of the looming ruckus) and got ready to welcome home one exhausted and relieved daddy!
And what was the first thing they wanted daddy to sit and do with them? Watch Fox and Hound before bed!
PS-I can't wait to capture Titus' response when he sees Mark in his graduation attire...that moment will be priceless!

Well Done!

yes....that used to be how I liked my steaks, until I indulged at Sonoma...which is how Mark and I would have celebrated his graduation had the Lord not blessed us with 3 amazing sweeties!

2 weeks ago I was talking with Titus and Ezra about how important it was going to be that we celebrated Daddy's graduation from seminary. I asked them how they wanted to celebrate God's goodness in daddy's graduation......I told them that God had been so merciful and gracious to allow daddy to reach this milestone and we needed to "do it up BIG (extravagant)". So, as they ate their protein bars, you could see their minds at work. Finally, they had just the thing that most symbolized extravagant CELEBRATION in their minds that they wanted to do for daddy...and boy was it fun to do!

after thinking for about 1.5 seconds, Ezra's idea was
A Birthday Cake

after about 2.3 seconds...Titus' idea was
The Christmas Tree...which we renamed the Graduation tree

Sim's idea:
Decorating Daddy's car while he was in his last class...
these boys were beyond excited
EDIT: Simeon was not falling of of the car...I made SURE his seat was fine before I snapped these pictures!!

I have hopes that although they are young...they (Titus is the only one old enough to remember) will remember the extravagant rejoicing over the goodness of God in answering our prayers for completion of seminary.

My mind has been flooded with memories of the first days of seminary 5 years ago...God's ways are so much better than ours! I could share with you so many specifics that would make you chuckle, but as I worked this last week to celebrate in a way that my kiddos could identify with, I was struck with such amazement as I thanked God for giving me these sweet busy boys during seminary. Had our "plan" worked...we would have been celebrating with a fancy dinner....and who wants steak when you can eat birthday cake by your graduation tree with 3 admiring sweeties who think you are the most incredible daddy in the world!