Crazy Happens in the Stoker House

My favorite memories are just hanging out with our family at home. The kids have the best imaginations. I love watching them with their crazy creations and inventive lives. Whether they are playing pirates, creating a school for their dolls, building giant lego castles, and just jumping off my bed into a giant pile of pillows and blankets it is always a good time. Most of the time a little loud, someone is most likely crying, and everyone is laughing. 

 Rag curls in Elizabeth's hair. She likes to remind me that she is a balance of myself and Aunt Sarah, a little whiny and a little brave when it comes to getting her hair done.

 I love spending time with these two. Christian has taken to be a big brother very well. He is really protective of William always checking on him, letting me know if he cries, and making sure the other kids are not too rough around him. It is adorable and Will loves watching Christian play. They are going to be great friends when they are older. Christian calls "baby Will his best brother".

 Making crazy snakes while potty training.

Tender Mercies and Enjoying God's Gifts

While the kids were at school Steve, Sarah, the kids, and I decided to go for a hike. It is a beautiful time of year in Feb. for desert hikes. Steve and Sarah were worried about rattlesnakes but luckly we didn't cross any on the path. The desert landscape is awesome! Beautiful cacti, rolling hills, and land you can see for miles. It was hot in the desert sun and we had both Will and Christian so we didn't get very far. It was still fun to get out in the fresh air and exercise.

 Later the kids decided to cool off. It rained a little that afternoon and the retention basin behind out house was full of water. Although the water was really cold that didn't get those kids down. It reminded me that pure joy and fun can come in any form. Sometimes the best and most memorable times are simple events. Events not planned or paid for but tender mercies the Lord provides us with. The joy on their faces was priceless and I love watching them learn and enjoy the world we live in.