"Boaz is one whole month YOUNGER than Asher AND Liam were during the summer months so SURELY I will have 'that much more time' before ANY sort of mobility takes place. SCORE! What a wonderful and relaxing summer this will be for ME!"

WRONG WRONG WRONG!

Expectations for my summer were brought back to reality and the realization (again) that these little people with souls and feelings and emotions are all SO different right down to those silly little meaningless milestone markers!

Boaz has much personality! I knew that those early weeks as a newborn. Fourth child doesn't seem to slow him down. He plays, wrestles, and acts much older than I remember any of the other 'babies' acting. He has older influence in his life (3 of them!) and it shows. Family dynamics are awesome!

Although we are STILL in full fledged summer mode, I AM starting to (more than I thought I would!) look beyond to days where the changing of the seasons and the structure and rhythm that home schooling provides will (I THINK!) be welcomed. That is REALLY encouraging to me seeing as I could not close the books soon enough at the tail end of our first year. Change and the changing of the seasons does my soul well! Living in the north country suites me just fine. Home schooling really is a perfect fit for us, for me. I look forward to another year of sinking my feet in a little further no matter how clear or muddy the waters may be.

I have been completely refreshed, challenged, and encouraged by these verses.

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16

Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all. 1 Timothy 2:5-6

The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58:11

For all those things MY hand has made, and all those things exist," says the Lord. "But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word." Isaiah 66:2

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. John 10:27-29

I need Jesus. My husband and children need Jesus.

This world needs Jesus.

My lovely and talented sister in law Abby recently took our pictures while down visiting family in the Schroon Lake area. Maybe you saw them. They are all over facebook seeing as that is how she advertises her business on the side to first being a wife to my brother (she is a very special girl ) and then a mother to their four children.

Family pics. It is something I have wanted to have done for a while, and yet something I am OK putting off. Every summer I make a mental note and every summer seems more  busy than the last. It just does not happen. That is OK. Life happens and that is way better than pictures if you ask me. Current family pictures do not last real long around here anyways! It is not too long before 'someone' is missing from the latest family portrait and another more updated 'something' is needed. Still, the thought of knowing someday I will be thankful we put forth the little bit of effort to capture life as it is right now prompted me to help make it happen.

A big thank you to Abby!

Now, the inside scoop on family pictures:

Gabe did not look THAT good for the shoot. He had a huge gash on his chin that needed to be 'touched up' in every one where he is looking at the camera. I kinda liked his wound but not really once in 7 years family pics kind of worthy! I was annoyed I had forgotten the boys nicer dress sandals. Camouflage Croc wanna-be's!? "Now I'm just being proud!" I had to tell myself.

 Mid photo shoot was when it seemed as good a time as any for the stomach bug to find its first victim, Asher! Gabe and I had been in what appears la la land (it really felt like wedding pics and poses all over again yet with someone I hadn't really 'seen' much come the tail end of vacation. Funny how that happens. "Oh hi." "Who are you?" "Remember me?" "Get over here.") all while Boaz napped, therefore NO kid or group family pics had been taken yet. A mad rush for Asher to make it through as many as he could handle was then the focus. We ended early and called it a day. HE WAS A TROOPER! I was hot, sweaty, and tired. The baby was starting to fuss. Another 7 years and we're good, right?!

Would you have guessed any of that? Of course not! We look our best (deceiving seeing as Asher was puking in between shots!) AND you don't live with us. Uncle Matt needs honorable mentions for simply being the funniest person I know and making any tears turn to smiles.

It is only fitting as I browse through each one to note that our family is by the grace of God. My marriage is a walking talking breathing testimony of His grace. Every day I see through Gabe a tangible kind of Christ. By God's grace I can give and receive forgiveness and boom the gospel is as crystal clear and thick in the air as it can get. I am the most selfish and impatient person that I know. Husbands, children, matching/coordinating clothes etc... are not to be idolized. Oh, but our world will tell you otherwise. I have what I have and I am who I am because there is a God. My kids need Jesus. Gabe needs Jesus. I am pretty sure I need Him most of all.

God is present to give His grace away. He has given much away to us and I am thankful! Gabe has given much grace to me. I have been able to give grace to Gabe. Our children need lots of grace. My children give me grace beyond what I think one mother should ever be allowed.

That is what I want our pictures to represent.

Whatever the situation, whatever the circumstance, HIS grace goes deeper still!

God is really really good. Those pictures give glory to Him and serve as a testimony of His faithfulness.

That is what they are to me.

We have a new member to the Ockrin household. His name is Brady and he has fit into our family rather effortlessly. That probably has much to do with the fact that he is one and trained as well as the few days we got to get acquainted with him while the older three spent some time between the grandparents. Gabe and I deemed it a date weekend staycation until last night. It was SO fun and peaceful! Who says you have to go anywhere to get some R&R?! This will definitely be in the running for future get-a-ways. It's official! We are old and we love our OWN bed.

Brady LOVES Gabe! He was with a female owner for a year but his first owner/trainer was a male. Those early weeks of bonding play a big part in their lives so as a result he tends to favor Gabe. I think it's absolutely adorable! I can tell Gabe likes it and feels rather special.

We had just Boaz on our staycation. It was special. It was a treat. This kid is such a peach!

And a HAM!

Staycation was fun but we are happy to have life back to normal. We missed our other kids! I am glad to have them back. They keep us on our toes and make life interesting that is for sure! I can't imagine this world without them. They really are blessings, each and every one of them!

Running to check wild blackberries and get an apple snack.

It is good to all be home and under one roof again.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa, Grammy and Grampy for helping to make such fun memories with our children. They are blessed to call you grandparents! THANK YOU FOR THE R&R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!