The annual Koops Christmas party

 Someday he might not like me for making him wear this sweater....but I think it's super cute, and matches his sisters (another reason for him to hate it!)


My 3 precious gifts



waiting for Santa

TJ's turn with Santa, don't worry, he's not crying...the kid doesn't make a peep.  He was just stretching because we had to interrupt naptime so he could get his gift

Lucy was so brave this year, I think Santa even got a hug

They were both so excited to have matching barbies that can make pink streaks in your hair.  I have to say I rocked some pink for the rest of the night

Kady took the gift from Santa....but needed daddy's help to sit and open it by him!

Wow, polly pockets!

Gramps and TJ

We always have such a good time....we only see the whole Koops side two times a year, and it is so fun to eat well, catch up, and have a visit from Santa!

catch up

 It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here....so I'm going to try and post these Thanksgiving pictures before I go ahead to Christmas!  Saturday night after Thanksgiving we had the Tucker gathering.  It is so good to see all of Jim's aunts and uncles and cousins.  We were very thankful to have a new baby to introduce. 

 I had to do it, because both of them weren't looking very photogenic

 9 am Sunday morning we went to The River to watch Emma's baptism.  Since there was NO way the Koops family was coming from GR to make the service we spent the night at my parents after the Tucker party.  With so much traveling, late bedtimes, and early mornings the girls did wonderful. 

 Kadence loves sitting in church

 Emma's special day!  What a beautiful baby girl!

 It is so powerful to be a part of not only this day, but to be a support for Emma and Ben and Laurie for our entire lives. 

and if you know Mya and Joseph, this is not where we usually find them.  This was a rare moment of them both sitting together, quietly, reading.  I love all these kids!

Tuesday playdates

 I'm going to miss Tuesdays.  My sister and I have had almost the same exact maternity leave...third babies 2 days apart.  Now I'm gearing up for going back to work....So here are some of our memories: Love you Carrie!

 cookie making on the deck (you can see from above how excited the youngest two are!)

 Simon's sprinkles with a cookie on the side

 look at all those cheeks

 The best one of all six!

 My girls loving on the babies!

 Having fun and talking

our first playdate, and the only picture I got.  We spent the majority of the time in the basement because of tornado warnings...in October.  We were scared enough to get all six kids together for the first time....and then we had to keep them entertained in the unfinished part of my basement.  Awesome! 

A day of thanks!

 I'm thankful for the 2 newest Koops' additions this year, Emma Riley Engbers, and Theodore Jon

 I'm thankful for a big turkey and ham dinner with more sides than I could possibly fit on my plate.  I'm thankful for a mother-in-law who enjoys doing this whenever we come over!  I'm also thankful for a new baby that Jodie carries so well!

 I'm thankful for a Grandpa and Grandma who love spending time with their grandkids, and I'm thankful for naps and sleep....TJ has only been getting up one, sometimes two times a night. 

 I'm thankful for grandmas who read until you fall asleep

 I'm thankful for talks and bonding

 I'm thankful for creative minds, and bodies that have the ability to create such wonderful art!

 I'm thankful for washable paints!  I'm thankful for all the giggles and smiles that come with "nakie" painting!

 I'm thankful for clean-up time, and the many memories that these kids will have about our Thanksgiving holidays.  I'm thankful to have so many kids so close in age.

I'm thankful that we have a day that reminds us to stop.  be thankful.  God IS good!

2 months

 

 From 6 lb 12 oz to 12 lb 8 oz....all in a mere 2 months. 

Jesus' promise

 "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matt. 28:18-20)

 In baptism God now claims us in Christ marks us as his own people,
and seals our membership in God's covenant community, the church.
Baptism is the covenant sign that God frees us
from the power of sin and death,
uniting us with Jesus Christ in his death and resurrection.
By water and the Holy Spirit we are washed clean from sin.
God's grace in baptism calls us to give ourselves to him
in trust, love, and obedience.



Theodore was able to be baptized in the outfit that Jim's parents chose for him to be baptized in



 Our 3 beautiful miracles that God has entrusted to us

 Jim and I are so thankful to have wonderful family that have modeled God's promises and goodness, and support us and our children in our walks with God.

Yesterday Jim and I, along with the girls, stood in front of church and watched Theodore get baptized. We were blessed to have 3 rows filled with family and friends, and our church family be there to support us and promise to do the same for Theodore. I'm in awe that God is so great, and good. What a wonderful day!  We finished it off with a potluck lunch in the basement of our church.  It was the perfect place when I realized there were 14 kids under the age of 4 with us!  Oh yeah, keeping in CRC tradition ham on buns were served ....revamped for the new generation.