My Stick Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Lydia's Birth

Lydia Elizabeth Wilson

Born December 9, 2009

8 pounds 9 ounces

21 inches

And here she is 6 months later...

Chunky, huh ??

Tooth Fairy.... anyone??

Our seven children really are a mixture of wonderful, varied personalities and temperaments. Jeremy and I are trying really hard to instill a good work ethic in our children. Money doesn't grow on trees, ya know?

The children decided that they wanted to go see the new Toy Story movie. Movie going is a treat in this house. Seeing the opportunity to make this a learning experience, we made a deal. We told them if they could get the money, we would take them. Our children don't get a regular allowance but are paid to do extra jobs outside of their normal chores.

We had a really clean house this week as the children worked very hard to earn extra money. All the children, except one. My six year old comedian, Samuel. Samuel loves movies more than all of our other children put together. But Samuel also exhibits two unique gifts. He has the ability to make us laugh, REALLY HARD. He also has the uncanny ability to get out of working. We secretly call him the work shirker.

Jeremy and I explained to Samuel that if he didn't work and earn the money, he wouldn't join the others in going to the movie. I entreated him, " You want to see the movie, don't you?"

He smiled ever so sweetly and replied, "Hmmm.... I don't know. ... yet."

Jeremy explained, " We won't give you the money at the last minute. We won't feel sorrow for you. You MUST earn it like that other children."

Samuel just smiled and said, "I haven't decided..... yet."

So the other kids worked. And worked. And Samuel did not.

Several times during the week, I offer Samuel paid jobs and he would just smile with a twinkle in his eye and say, "I haven't decided...yet."

I noticed something else this week, too. Every time that I saw Samuel he had his hand in his mouth. He was wiggling and wiggling on his front teeth. All at once, I realized his devious little plan.

I questioned him. "Sam, why are you wiggling your front teeth?"

He smiled and giggled, "Ummm.... I need'em to come out."

"Why?"

"I need the tooth fairy to come see me."

"Why?"

"That should give me just enough."

I didn't have to question any further. He would rather pull out his teeth than work! I explained to him that working would be less painful than pulling out teeth that aren't ready.

He did finally relent and give us the work needed to earn his movie ticket. But I noticed he is still wiggling as well. Maybe he has another plan for the tooth fairy.

Pictures from our AWANA Awards Night...

I've been blessed with some wonderful kids!

Wow... long time no blog....

Here are some recent pics of the kids. I cannot believe how much they have grown since I last posted.

My sweet girl... she just turned 12 and she is such a good helper. I don't know what I would do without her!

My strong, oldest boy. He is sooooo sweet and helpful. It has been a real experience to watch him grow into a big nine year older.

Here is my precious seven year older. I have a cousin that calls him "Mr. Handsome". Can you guess why??

Here is our resident jokester. He just turned six. What a big boy!

Our precious princess is four years old now. She likes new dresses and air conditioning. ;O)

Here is a pic of the boss! He believes that he rules the house. Some days, he actually does... He is 14 months old. And waiting on his new baby sister...

Lydia Elisabeth is due on DEC 25th. We are so excited and cannot wait to hold our precious new baby girl.

Here is my biggest baby. Doesn't he look great! I love this picture that I took of him on vacation.

Special Day

A friend of the family was kind enough to take up the older boys in a plane yesterday. They were very excited. They even got the chance to "drive". It was very special for both Jonah and Noah.

Jonah's Baptism

Our sweet Jonah was baptized on Sunday, August 24th during our morning church services. We were so excited to have several extended family members present. He told me that he had been waiting for this his "whole life".