rites of passage

Growing up, 12 was the magic number. At 12 years of age you could begin wearing make-up, graduate from Primary, and get your ears pierced. For me, it was the most sought after age, because I wanted, more than anything, to get my ears pierced. Starting at age 5, I began making my own earings, out of tape and slinky bracelets. My obsession never stopped and the climb to age 12 seemed to take centuries. Having my ears pierced was everything I hoped it would be.

When Mia was born, I contemplated piercing her ears, but after I began crying after her first round of shots, I decided I didn't have it in me. I've been begging her ever since.

Last night.....sweet success. She agreed to have her ears pierced and actually seemed excited about it. The whole family was there to witness. Jonah couldn't even watch, he was so nervous for her. I was so proud of her, because she didn't even cry! She admires the beauty of her new earings. I love having a girl and I look forward to many fun years of sharing earings!

family photo shoot

A family photo shoot is always an adventure. We were able to squeeze this in minutes before the rain began falling and storm blew in. Thanks to our friend Christy from Mia's preschool for taking these awesome pictures. I love capturing all these cute stages of my children's lives. What a blessing it is to be their mom!

happy halloween

I remember so vividly how exciting Halloween was as a kid. I can still see my sisters and I sitting on the Family room floor, comparing our loot and seeing who made out the best. It's so fun to re-live the excitment with my kids. Miles, got to be the default baby costume: a dalmation dog. And he wore it well! Once Brady heard that Jonah wanted to be Iron Man, that's all he wanted too. Unfortunately, he woke up from his nap in a rather crabby mood, so I don't have a very happy little Iron Man. Mia loves being girly, but can't handle dresses (they "bug" her), so we dressed her up with accesories, and we had one happy butterfly fairy. Jonah was especially proud of his Iron Man muscle suit and walked much taller all evening. Mom and Dad are enjoying the loot this year, and closely monitoring the kids' access to it. I hope you all had a fun Halloween!

school days

Jonah started all day Kindergarten and has loved it thus far. Last year, he attended the pre-school program at the same elementary school, so transitioning to Kindergarten has been a piece of cake! If you ask Jonah what his favorite part of the day, he responds lunch time and recess. Chris laughs, but remembers feeling the same way as a kid. Jonah rides the bus to and from school, and enjoys being big enough to do so. He often reminds his younger siblings, that they aren't big like him. He is very bright and social, but loves his days off too. I miss having my big boy around. He is such a great helper, but I love that he is enjoying growing up.

After watching Jonah go to school for 2 years, Mia was more than anxious to begin her school year. She attended her first day of pre-school this week. We found an adorable little church right next to our home that offers a program with small numbers and lots of heart. It's so exciting to watch these kids, who just a few years ago were in diapers, suddenly seem so big and independent. We haven't had any separation issues, which makes the process a lot easier for Mom, and now I'm getting some more one-on-one time with the younger ones.

apple picking

One of my favorite fall activities is picking apples. Fortunately, we chose a most perfect day to go do it too. The weather was a nice 72 degrees with virtually no humidity (hard to come by in the midwest) and a wonderful breeze. Grandma and Grandpa Rapp were in town, so they came along to enjoy a great day outdoors. We have a beautiful orchard just a few miles from our home that we visit to pick peaches, apples and pumpkins. The kids gorge themselves on apples, and then we bring plenty home so that I can make a yummy apple crisp.

Mr. S'Miles

I just don't think I'll ever get enough of my babies' smiles. Here's what Miles's gummy smile looks like. He is such a happy and fun baby. We love him! My dad gave me his old camera, which can take some great pictures, so I'm really enjoying photograghing my kids now, and hopefully my picture quality will improve greatly.

Blessing Miles

Chris blessed Miles in our home on June 19th, with help from his Dad, and my brother-in-law, Matt Kimball. It was such a special day and Miles behaved perfectly! I thought he was asleep when I handed him to my husband for the blessing, but as soon as Chris began speaking, his eyes popped open and he watched his Dad intently the whole time. Even being a little baby, he sensed the special nature of a priesthood blessing. All these mile-stones seem to be bitter-sweet for me because I know we won't be doing this again. Miles is our last, we decided, and although I feel that I have my hands full and this is right for our family, I can't help but mourn for this fleeting stage. I'm so grateful that the Lord has allowed me to be a mother and experience all the pain and suffering of pregnancy and child birth, and to raise these incredible children. I've loved every minute and I look forward to so many fun years.