Favorite "Ava ism"

Ah man, having a girl is a BLAST! Especially one that is as cute, funny, girlie, and determined as this one! Ava never ceases to amaze us with her cute little humor, sweet little gestures, and LOVE for such silly things. Here are a few of our favorite "Ava isms":

1. Nearly every morning the first few words out of her mouth is " Sower" Or shower! We have resorted to spelling it because when she hears the word, she bolts to the bathroom and will get in clothes on or clothes off!

2. Every little tiny bump, bruise, or scratch is a "boo boo" and requires and "banade" or band aid! Yes even on her cute little nose.

3. Ava loves babies and kittens! Since we have 10 kittens these days (anyone want one or three??)she walks around saying, "I want kiddy!" And is usually fast enough to grab one even if it is by the neck or foot!

4. "come on Mommy, pin!" or "spin"! Every time she hears music the girl wants to twirl in circles! Oh sweetness to my soul!

5. When Ava goes potty, she has to read her book! She also wants to "close the door" (put down the toilet seat) and "plush it" (flush)

6. I just LOVE it when she yells, "Hey boys" or "guys" when addressing her brothers! They love it and jump at her every call.

7. Walking through target one day, just Ava and I, she spots the hand bags, and says, "I bag mommy." Oh I just melted!!

It is so fun to watch Ava as she is talking more and more and the boys are loving her more and more.....each boy seems to "fill a role". Tyler is the one she calls for when she needs to get down or wants to be carried. When have family movie night, Bryce is the one she snuggles with, and Dylan is at all times the one that has to hold her hand and chase her around the house. It is so fun to watch as their relationships grow. How blessed we are with these sweet little guys/gal!

I'm Back!!

So I took a little time off......ok so actually I have just had NO time to even sit, much less "blog". So on this fine Thursday afternoon, while the children are napping/taking QT, I am sitting on my rear, eating lunch and attempting to blog!
**Applause please!**
Well not much has happened in the past month, nothing out of the ordinary that is. Dustin and I got a chance to get away to Hilton Head for a few days, that was heavenly! Dustin is loving his new job and it keeps him busy! The boys just started soccer season last week! We are excited to be back in the think of things as Dustin starts his season as well. All this means SPRING is right around the corner! I can't believe we had TWO days of snow this year, the kids love it, but I must be honest and say, BOOOOO for snow. I am not a big fan of the cold!
We are still involved with the Montagnard family and have seen the trust in our friendship grow over the last few months! The whole family came over last weekend to hang it. It was fun to hear their story and why they are here. Dustin enjoyed meeting Bien's husband Vang. He is a sweet, gentle man that enjoys playing the guitar! He has not been able to play since they left Vietnam 3 years ago. The kids had fun playing with their 4 kids as well. I am thankful the Lord has brought them into our life. Oh -side note- They are moving into a Habitat house in April! While it is very exciting to have their own place, they are in need of furniture. If you have a few things you are willing to part with, let me know!
Life with four kids is BUSY! We generally do not have a quiet moment in the house unless, they are sleeping or gone! The other day, however, I was folding laundry and noticed that the house was very quiet. A little too quiet. I look in the sun room to find Ava sitting quietly alone, playing in her kitchen and having a tea party. Dylan was in the other room playing legos, Ty reading a book, and Bryce coloring. I have no idea how long I stood there marveling at the quiet! I can see a light at the end of the tunnel!!!! I WILL have moments when there will be peace! Ok....so that was just one moment, but hey will take it!!
The boys are all over the place......they love love to battle daily and make anything into a gun, sword, or light saber. The ceiling sounds like it is going to cave in most days from the running and jumping. I am amazing at how funny a burp or fart is every single day! The word poop or bottom will have them rolling on the floor forever! Seriously, boys are so much fun, they can entertain for hours!
Miss Ava is getting so big! She is talking up a storm and loves her big brothers! She is turning into a little girl before my eyes! She loves to play in her kitchen, help me clean, and loves to hold and animal or baby that comes her way. She often says, "oh cute" or "pretty" when she sees a necklace or a baby or animal. It is so funny to me!
Dustin and I are doing P90X, a workout series we saw on an infomercial! It is GREAT! Ok, it is tough, but we get to do it together most days and it has so fun to be together! The boys and Ava have joined us in some leg and ab workouts, so precious! Overall, life is good! We have been extremely blessed with each other, our children, a tremendous community of believers, and wonderful friends!