In earlier American rural life, communities raised barns because many hands were required. These events occured in a social framework with a good deal of interdependence. Members of rural communities often shared family bonds going back generations. They traded with each other, worshipped with each other and celebrated with each other. Barn raisings were an integral part of life and socializing.

In our modern American life, communities don't mean nearly as much as they did back then. It is our family's goal to bring a sense of community back to our lives and those lives that touch ours.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Tiny Catch Up


Iris, not quite one day old.
There is no way I will be able to play catch up on all of the things that have happened in the last few months. Let's just say children played and learned, we all laughed and cried and fought and loved. We took some day trips into the mountains and nearby city, a stray cat (Figaro) was adopted and goats were taken to be bred. We have had sunny, blue sky days and days filled with snowstorms, lots of reading and art, and many visits from the tooth fairy for Maycee. But most importantly, above all else, the highlight of our entire year, a new life was brought into our family. On November 19, 2011, ten days earlier than her due date and three days earlier than her expected c-section, our daughter made her way into this crazy world. At 8:43 PM, Iris Marin was born weighing 7 lbs, 6.8 oz and 19in long. She came after 30 some hours of inconsistent, yet somehow regular, contractions. She has the bluest eyes that any of my babies have ever had. She has red blonde hair that is so fine it appears she is bald. She is calm and sweet and happy. She smiled from day one, just like all of my children have done. Her siblings dote on her and argue about who gets to hold her next. She is the cherry on our sundae. We are completely over the moon about her and cannot wait to see who she becomes.


Three days before Iris made her appearance
Brand new


Siblings together for the very first time
Meeting my daughter


So much love







Thane had to keep her hat pulled down. Maybe just a little too far.


Think he loves her?

Taking our baby girl home.

These sisters are going to be best friends.

It's a little blurry, but look at that grin!

All bundled on her first trip to Ouray.

Christmas Eve
Christmas day with her new bunny made by Nana.




2 comments:

  1. That was one heck of a catch-up! I can't get enough of the pics, even though I've seen them a dozen times before.

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  2. Aw, what a lovely family. Love the christmas tree picture with all the kiddos and the one of little Iris and her bunny :)

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