Open House, Open Heart...

Our sweet girl turned one April 11th. Her birth seems like just a few months ago. I can’t believe it’s been a year. Here are a few pics from right after her birth and when she was small. 💕 She’s grown so fast. Right now she loves to practice walking, dance to music with Dad, be outside and going on hikes. She loves to sit in the LEGO bin, play with her brothers and eat food.  She’s just starting to walk and it’s so much fun to watch her grow! Her personality is big and bold but tender at the same time. I love that about her. 💕 Happy Birthday, Havilah Ruth. We love you so much. Caleb took some photos of her on her birthday that I’ll hopefully share here soon.  Be well,  Briana 

Spring is on its way and we are so ready for it! its technically already spring but it snowed a couple of days ago so it doesn't really feel like it. It climbed up to 65 yesterday so we headed to Tinker Park for a picnic. we saw more snakes than I want to see in my entire life. The boys loved it and Havilah was even curious to investigate what the wiggly creatures on the ground were. I’m looking forward to more warm days filled with long hikes and fresh air.  A few photos from our walk We are also planting  a raised garden this year. Caleb built me 2 large raised garden beds and is planning on adding a second level to the other box  in the next couple days. We’ve started some of our seeds inside and will add a few more when they come in the mail.  All our love,  Briana 

Hi everyone! It’s been 5 whole years since I’ve written anything in this space. I’ve decided to go back to blogging in hopes to leave a written trail of memories for myself and also share our lives with friends and family far away.  Despite all the chaos around the coronavirus we are living our normal day to day lives. Havilah is 11 months and I can’t believe we’re coming up on her first birthday.  Her little personality is really starting to show through lately. She’s so sweet, joyful, curious, busy, and opinionated. She knows what she wants and there’s rarely any question about that. She loves to be outside and get fresh air while watching the boys run and play. She’s currently working on her 5th tooth!  All the boys are doing well. Each day is filled with a new craft, new project, lots of books and some sort of new creature we’re discovering. Axel has really been loving clay creations. He’s made a few clay model super heroes and enjoys reading books and watching videos...

I've decided to come back to that topic that I promised i'd come back to. Motherhood. Being a parent is probably one of the hardest things I've ever taken on. If i had to put into words what a day looks like as a mother, I honestly do not think I could. Its just too much.  So, thats just it. That is the whole reason I want to talk about Motherhood. Because it is so dang hard. Am I right? Please dont tell me I'm the only one saying "can I get an amen over here." I struggle day after day to do the very best I possibly can to provide for all my childrens needs. I surely do not cover them all and I just call on Jesus for the rest.  If motherhood is so hard, then why do we as mothers go against each other ALL. THE. TIME? Bottle or breast. cloth or disposable. baby wearer or not.  organic/non-organic. stay at home or working mom. co-sleeper or crib. vaccinated or not (not even gonna go there: HOT TOPIC THESE DAYS!) I've heard it al...

Motherhood. This is a topic I plan to exbound on. Not tonight. For now I just want to share with you the delightful photos from my birthday. Ok, lets be real there is not much to desire from these photos but you will surely laugh. You see, I have this obsession with stuffing my kids in cute clothes(that their lovely grandma gave them) and doing my best to take a gazillion photos in hopes that one turns out. let me tell you that this time, literally 1 photo looked good . This one.  doesnt he look sweet? Ok so maybe there were a few like this that turned out ok but it just went down hill from here. Contestant number 2: Failed attempt at one of those adorable brotherly love moments. If you're thinking these arent too bad, dont be fooled...  This is our best group shot. Its not terrible, it will do. Axel looks like he is pooping, I am somehow smiling about this whole event and Helez looks traumatized. I'm going to call this one the cake topper of the group ...