For starters, Happy Birthday to my big brother - Casey, I hope you had a wonderful day!

It's been "one of those days"! Do you ever have those kind of days? The ones that just sort of overwhelm you? Our day started with getting everyone out the door by 10am (well it should of been by 10 but ended up being 10:15). I had to take Anna for her 1 month check-up this morning. My friend, Gina, offered to have the other children come and play while I took Anna to the doctor. Thanks Gina - it made things so much more manageable. Her appointment went great. She had gained almost 2 1/2 pounds since birth, weighing in at 9 pounds 12 ounces - grow Anna grow! Her pediatrician said he was perfectly pleased with how well she is doing.

After rounding up my crew, we came home for a quick lunch so we could squeeze in some rest time. Well, Mary Scott stayed in her bed for a while but never would go to sleep, so rest time didn't quite turn out like I'd hoped. And once rest time was over, things just seemed to start spiraling down hill fast. Everyone was having trouble listening and obeying, attitudes were turning more sour by the minute (including mine) and all was not well at the home front. And to top it all off, I was on the phone with my mom sharing with her about visiting my blog, when Benjamin informed be there was an "emergency" upstairs. Mary Scott had climbed up on my bed where Anna was sleeping and decided she needed to change Anna's diaper. So, she unbuttoned her clothes, took off her diaper and managed to smear poopy on my sheets. Then to top it all off, Anna pee peed on my bed, too. So I added another load of laundry to the ever increasing pile already staring me in the face. Let's leave it at saying my patience were gone, my voice was getting louder by the minute and I was not handling things the way I should. I called Brian and asked if he could please come home after work instead of going to help a friend with a project, I just felt I needed his support. He kindly agreed to come home and help me out, but then after hanging up the phone, I felt guilt trying to creep in about calling him. I quickly reassured myself that of all people, I should be able to be honest with my husband. After all, God created us to be help mates for one another.

Shortly there after, we had some worship music playing and a song was on about bringing our offering to the Lord, and I found myself looking up towards heaven saying I don't even feel like I have an offering to bring right now. Boy how life can trip us up sometimes.

Thankfully, we soon got ourselves back together again, and got everybody marching to the beat of the same drum. Benjamin and Catherine got their rooms cleaned and even cleaned their bathroom and the powder room - all without complaining. Our attitudes (including mine) were more delightful the rest of the afternoon. Brian got home from work, and we enjoyed some family time. And by bedtime, I and the children were all gathered in my bed with Catherine reading us a book, just hanging out enjoying one another.

And yes, it was all worth it. Just to get to live life with my precious family. I know we all have "those days," but I've learned even they are worth celebrating, and they make good days seem even brighter!

This past Friday, I decided to take the children to Charlotte to join in on some music fun at an area bookstore. Before we headed up there, I decided to try and get a picture of all 4 of my precious children. I think it's every mother's dream to get that perfect picture - everybody looking at the camera and smiling at the same time. I'm convinced it's nearly impossible. It was quite comical the way I saw it, and frankly I was worn out at the end of it. Thankfully I did manage to get a couple of decent ones.

Anna appears to be filling out more and more each week. She has the brightest little eyes during her wake times and loves to feel our touch and hear our voices. She's such a little delight. Benjamin, Catherine & Mary Scott continue to be very attentive to her needs and still love to hold her. It doesn't seem the new is any where near wearing off.

Just another ordinary day at our house...playing, doing chores, sharing meals, having rest time. I couldn't resist sharing this picture of Anna. I guess you could say she's like a little "live" baby doll to the kids. Benjamin called me into his room to show me he had put Anna in the baby doll basket. She fit perfectly!

When Anna was 3 weeks old, she had her first bottle. The children, especially Catherine, have been anxious to feed her. Daddy gave Anna the first few sips and then Benjamin, Catherine and Mary Scott each had a turn. Anna did great, seemed as though she'd been drinking bottles all along. In fact, she took 4 1/2 ounces.

Uncle Paul, Aunt Rebekah and Avery joined us on Friday night, July 18th. Originally Uncle Mark, Aunt Heather, Anderson and Carter were coming, too, but Carter got an upset stomach (possibly a virus) so they decided it best to stay at home and come another time. We missed y'all.

Benjamin, Catherine and Mary Scott were so excited to see Avery. They were still awake anticipating her arrival. So once they got to our house, we all gathered in Catherine and Mary Scott's room for a short little family visit so they could love on Avery. It was precious watching all of them together.

We had a great time hanging out all weekend - low key, just the way we like it! We took another trip to the blueberry farm and went for a dip at our little neighborhood pool. Other than that, we just ate yummy food and savored the chance to all be together.

Brian's parents, Scott & Cathy, or better known around our house as Poppa & Nanna, came up to see us. They arrived late Wednesday night, July 16th, and were with us through the weekend. We had a great time together soaking up family time with them. They were both huge blessings while here. Nanna prepared many wonderful meals, did laundry, cleaned bathrooms, vacuumed, loved on the children...she was just serving away (definitely one of her gifts). Scott played with the children and did an awesome paint job in his newest grand-daughter's room (even while looking after Benjamin, Catherine and Mary Scott). I know Anna will just love it once she's old enough to know the difference, but for now I'll enjoy it! Thank you both for helping us in such big ways.

Apart from relaxing at home, we had a great time picking blueberries with Nanna and Poppa. I think we all had as much fun picking them as we did eating them. I'm always glad when my children get to spend time harvesting fruits or vegetables so they learn where wholesome food really comes from. And I feel they get to experience a little bit of what my life was like growing up on a farm.

We're 2 weeks into life as a family of 6, and all is well. We're getting out more and more - I even managed to take the children to the park the end of this week all by myself. We made the trip a little sweeter with a stop by Duncan Doughnuts on our way to the park. The kids were starting to go a little stir crazy so we had to get out of the house.

Katie Beth (Brian's sister) came to visit, and we had a wonderful time. She was a lot of help (thanks Katie Beth), and the kids had so much fun with her. Friday night, we cheered Benjamin on at his 1st flag football game. I was a proud Mama watching him play. He did great, even scored 2 touchdowns. Saturday night, we went out to dinner at an Asian restarant, and Benjamin joined Aunt Katie Beth for some sushi. He had been wanting to try it so this was his chance. He liked the cooked kind the best and even got Daddy to try a bite. We were all off to church Sunday morning before giving Katie Beth an afternoon farewell.

Life is going well with our precious baby girl. I tell her often how loved she is by her daddy, mommy, brother and 2 sisters. Benjamin, Catherine & Mary Scott are smitten with her. It's amazing how quickly you can fall in love. The rest of our crew seems to be adjusting well. Benjamin and Catherine are very helpful around the house and with Mary Scott and Anna. Catherine's even changing poopy diapers. And Mary Scott loves to help by gathering a diaper, wipes and ointment for us when it's time for Anna to be changed. Even amidst the crazy times and functioning on less than normal sleep, we're having so much fun. Brian and I are amazed at the Lord's handy work. HE has so richly blessed us.

We welcomed our precious baby Anna on June 28th, Brian's and my 11th wedding anniversary - there could be no greater gift. She is so perfect, and our hearts are overflowing with thankfulness.