Look Alike Cousins

Dara spent the night at Charity's house a couple of weeks ago. I can always count on my sister-in-law to get great pictures! Dara had to borrow some of Charity's clothes as we weren't planning on leaving her there, so they dressed alike and had a photo shoot. Although they definitely have their own look, I think they look enough alike that they could pass for sisters. Even though there is only a 4 month difference, Dara would be mistaken for a younger sister because she is shorter than Charity!

Babies in Red

I just had to share these pictures of Jaina and Martha. I am still trying to get a picture with both of them smiling at the same time and will definitely post it . . . if it ever happens!

Mowin' Good Time

Chad was outside trying to get a lot of things done before the rain started and needed some help. I was inside trying to get the twins ready for bed so I couldn't help him. He decided Dara could help him by finishing up the mowing. She doesn't have the strength to push in the clutch, but she could steer. She was having a hard time mowing in a straight line as well, but she did get it done so we shouldn't complain too much! I was able to take a few pics between feeding the girls.

Bad Mama

I feel like such a bad mother right now.

Martha, Jaina, Cora, Sabra, Dara, and myself all had rashes on our bodies (mine was on my hands, Dara's is on her neck, the rest of their bottoms). We saw our herbalist who told us to put lavender oil on them. I asked what oil I should mix my lavender with and gave me a bunch of different oils. She mentioned that Wheat Germ oil would be good as it is helpful for skin cell regeneration. Since I had that, I used that. Well, my rash and Sabra's rash cleared up quickly. Martha, Jaina's and Cora started healing up, but not as quickly. Martha also developed a reddening of the skin.

When I changed her diaper this morning I noticed that a thin layer of her skin was coming off when I wiped! I prayed over her during my morning devotion time and began to wonder if she was allergic to the wheat germ oil since she has a wheat sensitivity. Well, I made an appointment this morning and mentioned my thought to my herbalist. She said it was rare, but she checked her and sure enough, she is allergic to wheat germ! I feel so bad for causing her more pain and discomfort. Jaina and Cora are also allergic to it, but a very mild allergy so it didn't cause the same reaction in them. I now am now to mix the lavender with olive oil.

Keep Martha in your prayers for quick healing and comfort for her pain. Keep all of us in your prayers as it was discovered we are all carrying the flu virus right now as well. It has gone around our neighborhood and now we have it. We are hoping to keep the symptoms away by treating it now (Dara and Sabra already showed some symptoms).

Team Carmichael Girls

Last Sunday we stayed inside and watch old family movies because it was storming outside. We also videotaped the girls a little because we hadn't had the video camera out in a long time. I also took the opportunity to get a picture of all seven girls together. Although it isn't perfect, it was the best one I could snap. Do you know how hard it is to get seven girls all looking at the camera and smiling at the same time?!

Music to my ears!

Dara had her first piano recital on June 6th. She began taking lessons in September. In February, she wanted to quit, but decided to stay in until the recital. She now says that she wants to continue lessons in the fall because she wants to be able to play in church and use her music to praise God! What a blessing it is to see that our daughter is already thinking about serving God's kingdom!

Lil' Charity also began taking lessons last fall with Donalyn as her teacher. Since Donalyn wasn't planning on having a recital and Dara wanted to play a duet with Charity, Charity played in the recital as well.

Dara played all her songs without music in front of her!

Allyn was mesmerized by all the piano playing. She sat very still and listened intently to everyone who played.

Love to Read

Eva loves to read and is now enjoying reading to her baby sisters. She props them into the corner of a chair or the couch and reads them books. You can tell Jaina and Martha enjoy this activity because they look at the pictures and smile.