Yes....I do have a James...

James Douglas Holen   11 years old

 

James and his sister and god-daughter Delaney Ann!!

  
  Mojo...Jimbo...Gravy Train...many nicknames of my oldest boy but he usually just simply goes by James.   He was born in 1998 in Kalispell Montana.   He was a fussy...colicky baby and had lots of tummy aches.  I always look back and kinda feel robbed out of his tiny stage.  We didn't know how to soothe him , as with most colicky babies..ya just can't.   But as time went...and with each milestone he got better.  Walking was huge step..he was mobile so not soo frustrated and then when he could talk...he was a different boy!   Happy..curious and content.  He has struggled his whole life with chronic ear infections and now for the last few months has been great!!  We are thankful for that.  
     He is a gentle soul...all about deep thinking and I know believes in the higher power above.  He is all about sports...Xbox...action and more action but inside he is my softie.  I know he cares and has such a huge desire to please.   
     He loves his brothers and helps out so very much.  That is what I have noticed the most this summer...his willingness to help.  A mom can not be thankful for anything more because with 7 kids in this house...any help is appreciated!!

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 Boys...and more boys...they sure look alike!!

Outdoor fun....or is it outdoor work?

Of course...the two boys together...how else can it be? 

Marcus giving us a grin through the corn!! He is still our supersweet...although this summer
it seems as if we at times get a glimpse of a not sooo super-sweet Marcus!  He has a way about 
him...gotta love him but he IS learning from his older bros!! 

Grant Michael....all smiles!  "Look at me mom!!"  This young man has 
changed so much this summer.  He can be outside on his own ...kinda...
and plays and talks up a storm!  He has not quite gotten the hang of knowing not to interrupt when
someone else is talking.....I think that comes when you are perhaps 6 or 7??  Can those baby blue eyes
melt your heart any more?  I love my "G"!!

These two boys...smiles from ear to ear working with their Daddy!

 

 

 

 

 

Mathias working up a sweat!  This is a big deal for this young man!   He begs and begs
to mow lawn...sooo finally at age 7 , even though I tend to be too nervous to let
him do these things,  I taught him and watched him!!  He was soo proud
of himself as he mowed the garden...red faced and all!

Marcus hard at it!  This young man will do anything...
as long as he can be by his Dad....a true helper!

What matters most...

The Holen Gang and Miss Brooklyn (my niece)

This picture of was the start of county fair week and we figured to add to the chaos of the week we might as well do a family photo shoot...casual but fun!
This is what matter the most to me...smiling kids!
They smiled for the camera but in between there were "ah c'mon mom" and "do we have to?" and even a few "can we be done yet?"    But i kept pushing them to hang in there and for crying out loud..smile!!  Ya gotta smile so the pics turn out right?

So this is Kaitlyn my 14 year old...she smiled nice...I think she is the one that in time will truly see that our large family is a blessing and not a nuisance.  A lot of time the siblings look at our family as crazy and out of control.  How can it not be at times...especially supper time.  (when I need my anxiety meds the most...=)
I know what matters most...I just hope somewhere deep in their hearts they do to.  So many days I hope we made the right choice to keep on having kids.  I wouldn't give any one of them up...don't get me wrong..I just hope their memories are just as special to them as they are me.  I hope the squabbling and egging on after all the years pass they will love one another more and stick close....cuz its in the end ...family is what matters most!!

             

county fair

Miss Delaney Ann

So My Miss Delaney has had a high fever since Monday but finally now today...no fever!!!   YEAH!!!  I have not ever seen her soo quiet yet still trying to be happy. She is almost 11 months old and I can't believe it.  Where has the time gone?  She adds so much to our lives.
I struggle with the thought that she is most likely, or is, my last baby.   I am sooo thankful for what  I have but I wonder when will this desire to have more ever go away?   I know there are days I am overwhelmed and can't imagine having one more to this gang but on the other hand would love to keep adding to our family.
I think at times its an issue of me just accepting that my child bearing years are over and that is something I must grieve.  I haven't started to yet but I know its like a cloud glooming over me..waiting for me to tackle it or walk through.  Then there are somedays I think just maybe...maybe...there could be one more.  A little secret hope that I have....now its not a secret though anymore is it?

So today I will enjoy my happy and fever free Delaney and be thankful for the 7 miracles I have and even though I may get overwhelmed at times I still love it!  My life is blessed and my children keep us young.