Hillsong United...

What an amazing night of worship and fellowship!!! Finlay came with us and slept almost the entire time.

Uuuummm....

I am feeling so "in the grind" right now that its hard to think. Not that Im not enjoying this phase in our life as a family. Because I do. I laugh with my children everyday. We paint family "portraits" and do mazes, puzzles, build block castles and read countless books each and every day. We tickle each other, even little Finlay, who has begun smiling and "goo"ing and gurgling. It's simply a dazed feeling when it's quiet in the house and I sit down tow quilt and be alone with my thoughts and prayers. I know it won't be this way for long and that makes me sad more than it makes me happy. Despite the endless questions and chatter and defiance and apologies and vinegar. I know that I will desperately miss this time that I have at home with all of my children around me. I pray that the Lord will help me to soak up all of these sweet times and discipline with love and tenderness.

My 1st solo outing with 3 boys!

We spent the day at the Wild Animal Park on thursday and had so much fun! I have to admit that I had been anxious about being out all day with the three of them alone. Throw into the mix that Autry is very newly potty trained (this last week! WOOHOO!!!) Everything was great though! I love my boys!!!!

Finlay Costello Bennett

Born on his due date 02/07/2009 weighing 8 lbs 8 oz and 21.5 inches long! At my 40 week check up, our midwife discovered that I was already 5 cm dilated, she could feel his head and said she was amazed I wasn't already in labor. So she offered to have us come in to the hospital and she'd break my water. We did and after a very simple and straight forward 3.5 hour unmedicated labor, Finlay was here! We are soo blessed to have another amazing gift from God!!!! Thank you for all of your prayers!

well.....

Nothing yet, Friends. Lots and lots of false labor contractions. Everyday since the 12th. They're painful and continuous for about 3 hours and then fade away. I was getting incredibly frustrated but after an eye opening prayer time yesterday, the Lord has given me a peace and a double helping of HIS patience. Im content in the knowledge that I will not be pregnant forever and that these contractions are only preparing the way and are not wasted. It's simply not Finlay's birthday yet, I guess... lol. Thank you all so much for your prayers and support. Sorry to leave you all hanging this past week. Your continued prayers for patience are coveted. All our love,
Holly and All the Boys

Woohoo!!

Ok, All... we're 3 cm dilated and the countdown commences. We're taking long uphill walks to the park and eating lots of spicy burritos. :o) I'll keep you all posted.

Sledding and Cocoa

An annual tradition for our family. With the first snow falling on Mt. Laguna we just had to run up there and take advantage. We stopped in Julian, of course, and enjoyed the best they have to offer at The Julian Cafe. Then while driving up the mountain we watched the graceful snow falling all around us. It was impossible not to be taken aback by God's beautiful creation. Alone on the road, it seemed like it was just for us. Once at the top of the mountain there were, of course, many other sledders enjoying the snow. Unfortunately, I'm not allowed to sled, so I was the photographer while all of my boys and Tyler and Hallie went crazy. We hope you all enjoy the photos and have an amazingly MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!