What is your favorite color? Orange



What is your favorite fruit? Apples



What is your favorite food? Apples



What is your favorite TV show/movie? Leo and BLUEY



What is your favorite game? Super Mario Odyssey 



What is your favorite animal? Narwhal and Giraffe 



What is your favorite snack? Cheesy Popcorners 



What is your favorite song? The Mountain by Trans Siberian Orchestra 



What is your favorite book? Investigators book 7: All Tied Up



What is your favorite cereal? Lucky Charms 



What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play my own game


What is your favorite drink? Pink Lemonade 



What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Waffles



What do you want to be when you grow up? Probably a scientist.


What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Cracker Barrel because I want bacon, eggs, and Fruity Pebbles.

What is your favorite thing to do with daddy? Late night date night 



What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? Late night date night 



What do you pray about? To have a good life 



What do you love about yourself? I am tall.



What is your favorite thing about Judah? He’s kind and good at drawing and legos



What is your favorite thing about Maila? She’s kind and I like to play with her 



What is your favorite thing about Zeke? He is funny. 



What challenges you? Climbing a tall tree 




What excites you? Going to Kings Dominion 



What is one thing you want to accomplish before you turn 9? Grow tall enough for every ride at every amusement park ever.

What is your favorite color? Purple

What is your favorite fruit? Any kind of berry but mostly blackberries.

What is your favorite food? Pizza…pepperoni

What is your favorite TV show/movie? Harry Potter

What is your favorite game? Super mario bros on switch.

What is your favorite animal? A dog

What is your favorite snack? Candy, ice cream or dessert.

What is your favorite song? Fun songs I like to dance to.

What is your favorite book? Babysitter Club

What is your favorite cereal? Rice Krispies

What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play with neighbors

What is your favorite drink? Lemonade

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Waffles and chocolate chip muffins

What do you want to be when you grow up? A normal mom and maybe an author.
What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Cracker Barrel

What is your favorite thing to do with daddy? Hangout with him

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? Hanging out and having girl nights.

What do you love about yourself? I am good with babies.

What is your favorite thing about Judah? He’s creative and likes to play with me. And kinda takes after you with being able to draw.

What is your favorite thing about boone? He’s smart and goes with the flow.

What is your favorite thing about Zeke? He’s funny. I like that I can still give him piggy back rides.

What challenges you? Trying to control the things I say.

What excites you? Fun plans

What is one thing you want to accomplish before you turn 12? I want to start babysitting, go to sea world, and Disney world.

What is your favorite color? “Those color gloves that you use to wash dishes” (purple)

What is your favorite fruit? Strawberries

What is your favorite food? Tortilla chips

What is your favorite TV show/movie? Creature cases/super mario bros

What is your favorite thing to wear? Mario clothes

What is your favorite game? Super Mario bros on the switch

What is your favorite animal? A cat

What is your favorite snack? Fruit snacks

What is your favorite song? Pary gripp

What is your favorite book? Super Mario book

What is your favorite cereal? Lucky charms

What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play in the snow

What is your favorite drink? Gaterade blue

What do you take to bed with you at night? My lamb lamb and Felton and duckens and horsey

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? French toast sticks

What do you want to be when you grow up? A basketball player

What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Mod pizza

What is your favorite thing to do with daddy? Play car wash with him

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? Hug you

What do you pray about? I don’t know

What do you love about yourself? That it’s my birthday

What is your favorite thing about Judah? He’s nice to me.

What is your favorite thing about boone? He’s plays with me

What is your favorite thing about maila? She’s nice to me.

What challenges you? Nothing

What excites you? Having a birthday and going to surge today and getting new Legos.

What is one thing you want to accomplish before you turn 7? Go outside and play in the snow!

To my first son. My daydreamer. My goofball who loves telling jokes or playing tricks on me. You are silly to your core.

The one who likes to take his time and go at his own pace.

Who loves to draw, write, and create.

Whose BIGGEST loves at the moment are Star Wars and Pokemon.

You are not afraid to be your own person. To like what you like. You own it.

You are gentle. Patient. Laid back. Creative. A researcher. A lover of knowledge. If you can’t be good at it you don’t want to do it. You don’t pester. You are long suffering. And loyal. And smart.

You are the one who will eat his vegetables and can take down an entire watermelon in one sitting. The one who Ioves good food. Especially ice cream. Probably the one who will triple my grocery bill one day when you reach the teen years…let’s be real 😉

The one who will still give me hugs, a kiss on the cheek, and wants me there to cheer him on and see what he’s doing.

You are you! And I love who you are and watching what you are becoming.

Time makes my heart hurt and soar all at the same time! I love you! Happy birthday to my 9 year old!

What is your favorite color? Red

What is your favorite fruit? Watermelon

What is your favorite food? Watermelon

What is your favorite TV show/movie? Pokémon/Super Mario Bros

What is your favorite thing to wear? Pajamas that are comfy

What is your favorite game? Swinging on our swing set

What is your favorite animal? A dog

What is your favorite snack? Watermelon

What is your favorite song? I don’t have one (But his mom would like to add that it’s ANYTHING by Parry Gripp. ha!)

What is your favorite book? Any comic book and The Last Firehawk series

What is your favorite cereal? Fruity Pebbles

What is your favorite thing to do outside? Swing

What is your favorite drink? Lemonade

What do you take to bed with you at night? My BB8 giant squishmallow

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Toast with strawberry jelly

What do you want to be when you grow up? A chef

What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Mellow mushroom

What is your favorite thing to do with daddy? Play tickle games

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? Hug you and hang out at night with you.

What do you pray about? Lots of stuff

What do you love about yourself? I don’t know

What is your favorite thing about Zeke? He’s funny

What is your favorite thing about boone? He’s nice and he likes to draw with me and play with me

What is your favorite thing about maila? She’s good at lots of stuff.

What challenges you? I don’t know

What excites you? My birthday

What is one thing you want to accomplish before you turn 10? Go to all the roller coasters at Kings Dominion.

To my fluffiest cheeked baby, with the darkest head full of hair. To the one who came into this world with a BANG but has been such a calm presence ever since.

You are along for the ride. You are go with the flow. You are chill and hold a lot inside. You mostly don’t complain and it’s hard to tell when something is bothering you cause you just don’t say it out loud. You possess so much quiet strength and hate to cause a fuss. It makes you happy when other people are happy and you smile the most when we are having “family time”.

You are gentle and kind and full of so much sweetness. You are a verbal encourager to your core.

You are a math whiz—really more like a human calculator—who can do math faster than I thought was possible at such a young age. You are always quietly calculating. Weighing risk. Figuring out numbers. Solving problems. You are my STEM kid who has an engineering mind.

You are creative and artistic. And have an appreciation for all things cute.

Your wishes and requests are simple because you are down to earth and not hard to please. You are genuinely happy with what you have and appreciative of what you get.

So thankful that you are YOU. And that I’ve been blessed to be your mom for SEVEN whole years. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you, Boone! I love you!

What is your favorite color? Orange

What is your favorite fruit? Apple

What is your favorite food? Apple

What is your favorite TV show/movie? Bluey

What is your favorite thing to wear? Tshirt

What is your favorite game? Mario party

What is your favorite animal? Narwhal

What is your favorite snack? Fig bar

What is your favorite song? Christmas music

What is your favorite book? Investigators

What is your favorite cereal? Lucky Charms

What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play in the driveway

What is your favorite drink? Lemonade

What do you take to bed with you at night? My mango and brash stuffy and rainbow lobster stuffy

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Waffles with syrup

What do you want to be when you grow up? Scientist/meteorologist

What do you want for dinner on your birthday? I-Hop

What is your favorite thing to do with daddy? Go places with him and play with him

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? Playing and doing math

What do you pray about? That I won’t worry about storms or dangerous things in my head.

What do you love about yourself? That I have a good life.

What is your favorite thing about Zeke? He’s silly

What is your favorite thing about Judah? His drawings

What is your favorite thing about maila? She’s kind. I love playing with her.

What challenges you? Battling with Pokémon cause it’s hard to know which one to choose.

What excites you? Surprises

What is one thing you want to accomplish before you turn 8? Go to lots of pools

To my thinker. Who wears her heart on her sleeve. Who since she was itty bitty has claimed she was “shy” but possesses bravery in ways that I wish I had.

You are strong. A hard worker. Smart. Sensitive. You have a big heart full of all the compassion. You are a helper. Creative. Organized. You have a system for all the things and my organizational self does not mind it one bit.

Your stack of books beside your bed actually gets read (unlike the one beside mine). And you end up wanting more to read so fast it’s hard to keep that stack going. You love imagination and fun and friends and family! You love all things sparkly and glittery and girly but you hate having bows and frilly things in your hair because it messes with your playing.

I pray you will see yourself the way I see you as you grow, but most importantly the way God does. I cannot believe you are DOUBLE DIGITS old. How in the world did that even happen so fast?!

Happy birthday to my TEN year old, Maila Jane! Every year with you is truly a gift.

What is your favorite color? Definitely pink!

What is your favorite fruit? Any berries

What is your favorite food? Pizza!

What is your favorite TV show/movie? Full house/Minions the Rise of Gru

What is your favorite thing to wear? Basically just any shorts and tshirts that’s comfortable.

What is your favorite game? Any game I play with my family.

What is your favorite animal? Dog

What is your favorite snack? Pretzels and Dunkaroos

What is your favorite song? Through Your Eyes by Britt Nicole. I don’t really have a favorite song but if I had to pick I’d pick that one.

What is your favorite book? Phoebe and her unicorn series.

What is your favorite cereal? Frosted Flakes and Rice Krispies.

What is your favorite thing to do outside? Everything. I really can’t choose.

What is your favorite drink? Lemonade

What do you take to bed with you at night? My Squishmallows…all of them!!

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Chocolate chip muffins and waffles

What do you want to be when you grow up? A normal mom and wife.

What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Pizza

What is your favorite thing to do with daddy? Play games with him.

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? Have girl nights

What do you pray about? My family, my friends, what God has done for me.

What do you love about yourself? That I can understand babies.

What is your favorite thing about Zeke? He’s funny and that he’s kind.

What is your favorite thing about Judah? That he draws good. He’s kind. That he says “yes” everytime to playing with me.

What is your favorite thing about Boone? He is smart. He’s kind. He’s generous.

What challenges you? Trying to handle my feelings now that I’m getting older and dealing with my anger when my brothers annoy me.

What excites you? Any exciting thing.

What is one thing you want to accomplish before you turn 11? Get a dog.

Maila had a birthday party with a few of her friends at LAUNCH trampoline park. They were almost too old to let me take their picture with this green kangaroo. haha.

To my tea stirrer. Coffee smell tester. The one who greets everyday with energy and a smile. You are a go getter who won’t take no for an answer. Your perseverance and persistence (I am pretty sure) are unmatched. You don’t overthink things. You just do them. And you give them all you’ve got. You’ll try almost anything with that brave spirit of yours. You love to build. Create. Figure out how things work. Keep your hands moving at all times. You’ve been super strong physically and in spirit since the day you were born and it can challenge me more than I ever imagined. You are wonderful and wild. And you make me laugh so much. You bring all the silliness and goofiness to our days and I love you for it! It’s hard to believe you’re a whole hand old. Happy FIFTH birthday, Zeke! I love you and everything that God created you to be.

What is your favorite color? Purple

What is your favorite fruit? Strawberries

What is your favorite food? Chips

What is your favorite TV show/movie? Oomi zoomi/Despicable Me 3

What is your favorite thing to wear? Cozy shorts and a tshirt 

What is your favorite game? Sneaky Sasquatch 

What is your favorite animal? Koala

What is your favorite snack? Cheese sticks 

What is your favorite song? JUMP 

What is your favorite book? Library books (vox books)

What is your favorite cereal? Lucky Charms 

What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play in the water 

What is your favorite drink? Lemonade 

What do you take to bed with you at night? Lamb lamb and kitty and fluffy. Cause they’re family. 

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Chocolate chip muffins 

What do you want to be when you grow up? A basketball player and I don’t know what their name is but someone who prays for God forever. 

What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Little pizzas from Pizza Hut.

What is your favorite thing to do with daddy? Help him build.

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? Help you cook.

What do you pray about? I don’t know. 

What do you love about yourself? Nothing. I love everyone and myself. I love myself and everyone about nothing. 

What is your favorite thing about Judah? I don’t know.

What is your favorite thing about Maila? Playing with her. 

What is your favorite thing about Boone? Maybe play with him baby raury. 

What challenges you? Lifting away tornados but maybe I can use my strength to cut it with my hands (apparently he has tornados on the brain since once came through here a week or so ago). 

What excites you?  my birthday 

What is one thing you want to accomplish before you turn 6? Have Halloween so I can be a Lego man

This week Maila is gone at horse camp with some friends. It’s rare that I get the opportunity to just be with my three boys. So, I decided I wanted to use this week to do some activities my boys would love that my daughter might not be into quite as much.

On Monday we did a wood project where we built robots. The boys enjoyed hammering, gluing, and screwing the parts together to make their robots.

Today, we decided to use those robots to create our very first stop motion video. The boys enjoyed planning the scene for the movie. And even creating some food and cups out of things we had around the house. I loved seeing them work together to move the robots around and make their video.

And, now I enjoy watching them giggle while watching the finished product on the TV. 🙂

Happy birthday to my animal lovin’, Pokemon tradin’, and avid readin’ boy! You are smart. Compassionate. Creative. Complimentary. Laid back. You roll with life pretty well most of the time. You are my kid who will eat almost anything I put on your plate. You are a lover of knowledge and facts just like your daddy. Which means you teach me about all sorts of things I don’t know. You love writing and illustrating books. Pretty soon I’m not sure where we will keep them all. But, most of them are such creative and unique ideas I feel like children books could use your ingenuity. Maybe one day. I am thankful for your sensitivity and sweetness. And all that you bring to our family! I am lucky to be your mom and happy watching you grow and become more of who you’re gonna be. Happy birthday, Judah!

What is your favorite color? Red

What is your favorite fruit? Watermelon

What is your favorite food? Watermelon and pizza

What is your favorite TV show/movie? Pokémon/Sing 2

What is your favorite thing to wear? Tshirts

What is your favorite game? Tickle fights

What is your favorite animal? An elephant seal

What is your favorite snack? Cheesesticks

What is your favorite song? I like all songs.

What is your favorite book? Comic books…especially Pokemon ones.

What is your favorite cereal? Fruity Pebbles

What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play with the neighbors.

What is your favorite drink? Watermelon lemonade.

What do you take to bed with you at night? Pokémon stuffies, my BB8 squishmallow, and most of all my baymax stuffy.

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Raisin bread or waffles.

What do you want to be when you grow up? A mailman.

What do you want for dinner on your birthday? MOD pizza with pineapples.

What is your favorite thing to do with daddy? Tickle fights

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? Kiss you, hug you, and love you. And doing your activities.

What do you pray about? Everything. If there’s something bad happening to someone I pray about that. If I’m scared I pray about that. I pray about whatever is happening.

What do you love about yourself? That I love Pokémon.

What is your favorite thing about Zeke? He’s funny.

What is your favorite thing about Maila? She’s nice.

What is your favorite thing about Boone? He is nice.

What challenges you? To get Zeke to stay out of my room.

What excites you? Getting more Pokémon stuff and going somewhere fun.

What is one thing you want to accomplish before you turn 9? Get all the Pokémon figurines that there is to collect.

To my boy who is overflowing with kindness, patience, and goodness. Who is always willing to share if you’ll just ask. Who is an avid encourager and cheers people on daily. To my math whiz who can calculate things before I can even think about the answer myself. Who loves all things space and can tell me about every planet. The one who loves to figure out puzzles. Build things. And has an engineering mind.To my boy who gives the sweetest compliments. Kindest responses. And will always let me hug you even if it’s too much. I’m so glad you get to be mine. I will never be able to believe you’re already another year older. HAPPY SIX YEARS, BOONE!

What is your favorite color? Orange

What is your favorite fruit? Apples

What is your favorite food? Apples

What is your favorite TV show/movie? Corey Carson/Rons Gone Wrong

What is your favorite thing to wear? My raccoon pajamas.

What is your favorite game? Hungry, hungry Hippo. If there was such a game as hungry hungry blue whale that would be my favorite.

What is your favorite animal? A frigate bird

What is your favorite snack? Fig bar

What is your favorite song? Sunshine .

What is your favorite book? Narwhal and Jelly

What is your favorite cereal? Cheerios

What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play in the snow

What is your favorite drink? Lemonade then water

What do you take to bed with you at night? Saturn, flamingo, Whaley.

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Waffles. And narwhals favorite food is waffles.

What do you want to be when you grow up? A scientist who studies space. But not an astronaut cause I don’t wanna get sucked up by a black hole. Those only live in space.

What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Breakfast for dinner. Eggs, apples, pigs n a blanket, sausage, and bacon.

What is your favorite thing to do with daddy? Tickle T-Rex

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? Play games

What do you pray about? God

What do you love about yourself? I’m good at puzzles.

What is your favorite thing about Zeke? He’s kind.

What is your favorite thing about Maila? She’s kind

What is your favorite thing about Judah? He is kind

What challenges you? That giant butterfly puzzle.

What excites you? Walking around the neighborhood.

What is one thing you want to accomplish before you turn 7? Dive under the ocean with sharks.

To my one and only girl:

You are smart. Thoughtful. Hard working. Compassionate. Tidy. Creative. You feel strongly. And love deeply. You are curious to your core. You are all in or all out. There’s no in between. I love watching you commit to something because I know you’ll go after it with everything in you. You finish a book in record time. At 34, I’m jealous of your reading skills. You have a wild imagination and I love seeing the ideas you have and the games you play. Your smile lights up my life. Your giggle brightens my day. Watching you get older is my absolute favorite. I am thankful you are my daughter!

Happy NINTH birthday, Maila Jane!

What is your favorite color? Pink

What is your favorite fruit? Blackberries

What is your favorite food? Pizza. Pepperoni.

What is your favorite TV show/movie? Bluey. Ron’s Gone Wrong.

What is your favorite thing to wear? Night gowns

What is your favorite game? The Vet game on my tablet, where you send them owners and take care of them.

What is your favorite animal? A cat or a dog. I can’t choose. Probably a dog.

What is your favorite snack? Heavenly Hunks.

What is your favorite song? The Rizers songs. If I had to pick my absolute favorite, it’d be 1 John 4:7.

What is your favorite book? Maybe the Nevergirls series.

What is your favorite cereal? Rice Krispies.

What is your favorite thing to do outside?
Go fun places and have play dates.

What is your favorite drink? Lemonade

What do you take to bed with you at night?
Cassie

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Waffles and brown pancakes that we dip in whipped cream.

What do you want to be when you grow up? A normal wife.

What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Pizza

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy?
Daddy daughter dances and going places on my late night date night in the car.

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? Taking girl trips with her.

What do you pray about? My brothers, especially Zeke. And things I’m worried about.

What do you love about yourself? I like the color of my hair and the color of my skin and the abilities that I’m able to do.

What is your favorite thing about Zeke? I like that he’s really funny.

What is your favorite thing about Boone? I like that Boone encourages people.

What is your favorite thing about Judah? I like that I have him to play with, and he makes me laugh all the time.

What challenges you? Math and deciding about who’s sitting beside me (of my brothers) because they give me their cute eyes. Cute eyes can be tempting to make you say yes.

What excites you? Hearing about fun events coming up.

What is one thing you want to accomplish before you turn 10? Get all of the American Girl stuff possible.

Before our recent trip to the Northeast I decided to get my kids prepared by reading them a few books that had to do with our travels.

We were going to stop by places like Plymouth Rock and I didn’t want my kids to have absolutely no back story for it. I knew they would just stare at it and wanna leave two seconds after we arrived. Without context, there is nothing exciting about a rock, right?

Also, as homeschoolers I used the opportunity for some of our stops to double as field trips. With reading some books about the places we went before we were in the thick of it, it helped ensure that it was a more educational experience where they learned something new.

On our trip we stopped by Plymouth Rock, The Newport Mansions, Mt. Desert Island (which is home to Acadia National Park), Stowe, Vt, and we explored lots of different lighthouses. With those destinations in mind, this is the booklist I covered before we headed out of town:

1. Looking for a Moose by Phyllis Root

I won’t lie. This was my least favorite. But somehow it made my kids giggle. And, Maine is known for it’s moose population. So it seemed like the perfect fit.

2. The Little Island by Margaret Brown Wise and Leonard Weisgard

This book is a classic with lots of beautiful illustrations. Acadia National Park is on a little island. So this was a cute book to add to the mix.

3. Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall

This was one of my favorites that we read. This book also has stunning illustrations. But, it’s also educational. And we learned all about how lighthouses and how they used to be operated. I personally found it fascinating because I didn’t know much about the history of them. I have just always thought they were beautiful to look at.

4. Who’s that stepping on Plymouth Rock by Jean Fritz

Ok, this book was hands down my favorite. I knew nothing about the history of Plymouth Rock except that it is housed in the general vicinity of where the Mayflower landed upon arrival in the United States. This book had us giggling. It was humorous and educational. And when we saw Plymouth Rock in person, it made it a million times more interesting. I would highly recommend reading it if you get the chance. Especially if you plan on making a visit to Plymouth yourself.

5. If you were a kid on the Mayflower by John Son

I really enjoyed the perspective this book was written from. It was also very educational. But not in a boring way. It kept my kids engaged while they learned all about what it was like to live on the Mayflower as it sailed to America. My kids are often completely bored with history. So, I was happy when this book kept their attention and taught them a piece of the past. This is a series that has more books on other topics in history. And I am excited to get more for my kids to read.

6. The 50 States by Gabrielle Balkan

This book is honestly a must for me when studying the United States. It has all the states represented with fun facts about each of them. This book helped us explore a bit about what Maine and Vermont are like before we got there in person. And then helped us appreciate them a little bit more once we arrived.

I would love to know if you have a favorite book about the area we visited that I did not include on our reading list. 🙂

He’s crazy about cats. Loves being rough and tumble. He is super adventurous and will try almost anything. His favorite thing is making people laugh, so he spends a lot of his time being as goofy as possible. He enjoys dancing around the living room to all the upbeat songs that come on. If you need a hype man, he is your guy (trust me)! And when he gives hugs they feel a lot like a football tackle.

To my boy who has so much JOY, perseverance, and strength. Those are some of your most noticeable traits. And, I seriously stand in wonder at who God is creating you to be. I’ve watched you already be a little protector. And watch out for others. I’ve watched you love everyone you meet. You’ve never met a stranger. I’ve watched you fight with all your might for the things you set as goals and want to accomplish. 

I pray all the time that I’m capable of shaping your soul without crushing your spirit. But I often fear I just don’t know how. 

You bring me the deepest belly laughs. And a lot of warmth in my everyday. I’m so thankful you are mine because you make my life so much FUN! 

Happy fourth birthday to one amazing boy! I can’t believe you’re four. But I’m grateful I’ve gotten to see those four years and watch you grow into who you are becoming. Keep growing. And learning. And loving 

What is your favorite color? Green
What is your favorite fruit? Uh…pizza! Me: pizza is not a fruit! Zeke: banana!
What is your favorite food? Pizza!
What is your favorite TV show/movie? Animal Mechanicals/secret Life of Pets (he really loves Paw Patrol, Umi Zoomi Shape Bandit and Blaze)
What is your favorite thing to wear? These clothes I have on! (T-shirt and gym shorts)
What is your favorite game? The snake game!
What is your favorite animal? Hippo
What is your favorite snack? Fruit snacks
What is your favorite song? Aladdin
What is your favorite book? The cat book with the mousses (The Kitten Who Thought he was a Mouse…he also really loves any I Spy book).
What is your favorite cereal? Fruity pebbles
What is your favorite thing to do outside? Nothing
What is your favorite drink? Water
What do you take to bed with you at night? Cat stuffies
What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Waffles
What do you want to be when you grow up? Basketball
What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Donuts! I want to eat all the bacon!
What is your favorite thing to do with daddy? Do a game with him.
What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? Give a kiss!
What do you pray about? God
What challenges you? Saying long words
What makes you happy? Kissing you!
What is one thing you want to accomplish before you turn 5? Go to the mountains

It can be hard to see progress when you’re sitting in the midst of it everyday. It often happens little by little. Moment by moment. Not in big portions that can be easily seen and tracked. We shed that weight pound by pound. We grow inch by inch. When we get stronger we may not notice until that box we once couldn’t lift on our own is now picked up and moved in our own strength.

I was reminded by some picture memories that last year at this time I had to put one of my children on a leash everywhere that we went. It was for their own safety because they wouldn’t listen to my instructions. When I was in the middle of it, it felt like a very hard thing to conquer. But here I sit a year later and it feels like a distant memory. I exited that phase almost as quickly as I entered it. And now I sit here hardly remembering what it felt like. Barely noticing when it was over.

I guess I’m pondering this because here I sit in the midst of other phases and hard things that I’m trying to make progress on. And it sorta feels like my wheels are spinning. Like the next step will never be reached. But it will. If I keep at it. Put in the work. Rely on Jesus. Pray. And remain steadfast. These things will also come to pass in His grace.

If you find yourself in the midst of something hard. That is taking all your strength. That you feel you might never see progress on. Faithfully keep going! Don’t quit. It’s hard to see progress when we are in the middle of it all. But in time that hard work will pay off. You will look back eventually and see how far you’ve come!

***And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9***

To my boy whose favorite things are books and animals. Who loves drawing. Writing. Creating. Inventing. Building.

Who absorbs all the facts he reads/hears and can teach me about all sorts of things I didn’t know about.

Who sets goals for himself that I never would’ve set at his age and accomplishes them.

To the one who still wants to hold my hand or give me a hug. Who’s compassionate. Kind. Smart. Sensitive. Caring. Who is a lover of knowledge and learning.

I absolutely love watching the things you come up with. From the books you write. To the things you draw. To the goals you give yourself to accomplish!

You started the year wanting to read through the entire Bible and you’re already to Numbers! That makes my mama heart so thrilled to see.

I love all these things about you and getting to watch you grow! Cannot believe you are SEVEN! Happy birthday, baby boy!

What is your favorite color? Red
What is your favorite fruit? Watermelon
What is your favorite food? Watermelon
What is your favorite TV show/movie? Zoobabu/Big Hero 6
What is your favorite thing to wear? Pajamas
What is your favorite game? Chicago or The Disney Color Game
What is your favorite animal? Killer Whale
What is your favorite snack? Smiley face fruit snacks
What is your favorite song? It’s too hard to choose just one.
What is your favorite book? Piggie and Gerald, Mighty Robot, and the picture books maila makes me.
What is your favorite cereal? Fruity pebbles
What is your favorite thing to do outside? Go places.
What is your favorite drink? Lemonade
What do you take to bed with you at night? My Baymax stuffies.
What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Donuts
What do you want to be when you grow up? A chef
What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Mellow Mushroom
What is your favorite thing to do with daddy? Play running tickle monster.
What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? Play games and hug you.
What do you pray about? Helping people and that I won’t be scared.
What do you love about yourself? I’m nice.
What is your favorite thing about Zeke? He’s funny.
What is your favorite thing about Boone? He plays with me a lot and likes to build Legos with me.
What is your favorite thing about Maila? That she likes to play with me a lot. That she likes making presents for me.
What challenges you? Trying to do something in fifteen seconds.
What excites you? My birthday and holidays and my late night date night. And if other people are having babies.
What is one thing you want to accomplish before you turn 8? Go to the zoo.

Anyone else had to have a heart check the past few days? I know that Jesus and I have had a few moments. Some moments where I had to be reminded that my hope is in Him ALONE!

2020 has been a reminder of our deep HUMANITY and brokenness. Sickness. Division. And this week BIG reminders that there’s no perfect ruler for us but Christ himself. And He is the only one to look to for deliverance, safety, security, and wholeness.

When we take our eyes off of that we simply despair. I don’t know what the future looks like for me or my children (that last part is what makes me prone to despair the most). But I do know who the perfect KING is. He rules and reigns with no error of judgment. He’s got a spotless record. And HE holds US if we belong to him.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 “for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations.” – Psalm 22:28“The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord;He turns it wherever He pleases.” Proverbs 21:1

Regardless of current events (or what might be happening in our country), for those who are in Christ, there are always better days ahead. That is a guarantee. Keep your hope in Christ where it cannot be disappointed. And keep giving every day your best for His glory. Fight the good fight. Run the race. Keep the faith. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” – Revelation 21:3-5

A few nights ago as I finished up the evening checklist, the moon caught my attention through our downstairs window. It’s never done that before. But on this particular night it was full and seemed extra radiant. That big bright light illuminating the night. Making sure the world didn’t sit in total darkness while the sun waited behind the horizon.

It got me to thinking about how God never allows the darkness to completely rule. When he made nighttime he also made a light to govern the night—the moon.

Once sin entered the world in the garden of Eden, He didn’t let darkness (sin) completely win. Instead He sent Jesus to be the “light of the world” (John 8:12).To bring light and hope to a dark and desperate situation.

Once Jesus ascended into Heaven, He left behind His people and said “you are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). We were to be the light. To be His presence to those around us now that Jesus was no longer physically here.

And, y’all…this past year I’ve felt the darkness in my bones. I can’t quite explain it. But just all the things. From current events, to disunity, to politics. The darkness has felt more present than I’ve ever felt before in my years of being alive.

But just to have that reminder in my heart as I stared up at that big beautiful bright moon. That even though God allowed sin to effect things for a time. Even though darkness would not be immediately and completely extinguished…He always left the light. His plan never included leaving the world in total darkness. And one day it won’t have a place at all.

For now, he brings His light in the form of the moon. And his people. We do have that job in the darkness that surrounds us. To shine His light.

So, LET IT SHINE so bright through us, Jesus. Though we are very undeserving vessels. Use us to light up this darkness. To shine you. So the darkness cannot win on this Earth, until the day of your return. 🌙 ⭐️

To my boy who marches to the beat of his own drum—and is perfectly OK with that. The one who is sweeter than ice cream.

 Who has a love for cute characters like I always have. 

The one who loves to create and build and challenge his mind. The one who is so quiet and introspective, yet always aware of everything going on around him. 

The one who will keep me in line by correcting when I’m wrong, because he knows more than I do about all sorts of things. 

To the one whose name means “good”. I truly believe that sums you up. You’re just really good inside where it counts because you are patient, kind, peaceful, meek, and mild. I love watching you grow up 

Thankful for FIVE years with my Boone. 

Keep building. Learning. Growing. And teaching your mom 

What is your favorite color? Green

What is your favorite fruit? Orange

What is your favorite food? Hot dog 

What is your favorite TV show/movie? Blaze/Trolls world tour

What is your favorite thing to wear? A jacket

What is your favorite game? The Hippo game. Where you pick up the balls and make the hippos start smashing their faces on the ground and then balls roll into the hippos. 

What is your favorite animal? Giraffe

What is your favorite snack? Fruit snacks

What is your favorite song? This song

What is your favorite book? Narwhal and jelly 

What is your favorite cereal? Lucky Charms 

What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play in the backyard. 

What is your favorite drink? Lemonade

What do you take to bed with you at night? My blanket and Stuffies.

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Waffles

What do you want to be when you grow up? A scientist who takes care of animals. I wanna be an animal doctor, actually. 

What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Watermelon, bacon, and eggs. 

What is your favorite thing to do with daddy? Playing tickle monster.

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? For you to kiss and hug me.

What do you pray about? God

What do you love about yourself? Eating cake

What is your favorite thing about Zeke? For him sharing his toys with me.

What is your favorite thing about maila? She’s kind and sweet

What is your favorite thing about Judah? He is good at building puzzles and at building legos.

What challenges you? For me to jump backwards. 

What excites you? When it’s my birthday or I’m getting a sucker with chocolate in the middle. And eating gum. 

What is one thing you want to accomplish before you turn 6? Go to different peoples houses: gram and poppy, the Eller’s, grandma and grandpa.

My avid reader. Wild imagination. Vivid dreamer. Go getter. Hard worker. Deep feeler. 

You are so smart, even if you’ll never admit it. You are kind. Compassionate. A helper. Sometimes a little shy.

You are sensitive. Curious. And ask the deep questions. You think and internalize. You are never short on things to say 🥰

The older you get the more blown away I am at the person you are becoming. I’m proud I’ve gotten to be your mom for 8️⃣ whole years! It’s hard to believe, really. You’re growing up too fast if you ask me! 

Happy birthday to my girl! I love you 😘

What is your favorite color? Red

What is your favorite fruit? Apples 

What is your favorite food? Pizza. Pepperoni. 

What is your favorite TV show/movie? Super hero girls and Trolls world tour. 

What is your favorite thing to wear? Pajamas…they’re the most comfy and they look amazing. 

What is your favorite game? The princess cupcake game. Cause it smells like real cupcakes and you get to build cupcakes. And when you put them away it’s like a puzzle. 

What is your favorite animal? A cat

What is your favorite snack? Halloween trail mix. Or popcorners.

What is your favorite song? Trolls songs.

What is your favorite book? Nevergirls 

What is your favorite cereal? Chocolate Rice Krispies.

What is your favorite thing to do outside? Run around and play in pools and on playgrounds. 

What is your favorite drink? Lemonade

What do you take to bed with you at night? My blanket and Denise (a giant squishmallow mermaid pillow). 

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Little bites

What do you want to be when you grow up? A regular mom

What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Pizza, watermelon, blueberries, and bacon. 

What is your favorite thing to do with daddy? Run fun errands with him. Like going to the stores and he lets me pick out some drinks for company and stuff. And daddy daughter dance at church. 

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? Going inside target with you. Late night date night. 

What do you pray about? That we will stay healthy and that god will keep providing stuff for us. That we will love him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength forever. And that everyone in the world will love him. 

What do you love about yourself? That I love God and that I’m a girl! 

What is your favorite thing about Zeke? He’s silly. 

What is your favorite thing about Boone? His voice is cute. 

What is your favorite thing about Judah? He is sweet and he asks to play with me at nighttime. 

What challenges you? Trying to play a game against someone whose older than me. 

What excites you? When it’s my birthday or late night date night of something good is happening. 

What is one thing you want to accomplish before you turn 9? I want to get a cat before I’m 9. 

Judah’s questions for maila:

What’s your favorite book I make? Super hero girls 

What’s your favorite state? Virginia. 

What do you like about mom? She’s sweet. 

What do you like about dad? He’s sweet and I like that he’s bald and has a beard and a mustache all in one. 

What do you like about Zeke being silly? Jumping off of logs and running around and making silly noises. 

What do you like that’s silly about dad? He is robot daddy and plays running tickle monster. 

What’s your favorite kind of chips? Doritos 

What’s your favorite kind of Mexican food? Tacos, chips, and cheese dip. 

What’s your favorite kind of dip? Spinach

What’s your favorite weather? Sunny and snowy. 

What’s your favorite month? October cause it’s my birthday month. 

What’s your favorite day of the week? Friday. 

Zekes question for maila:

Present you want? Cat

This house. It’s a reminder of God’s goodness, faithfulness, and provision. It’s a reminder that God knows the desire of our hearts before we speak it. And sometimes, He chooses to provide things that we are not brave enough to ask for or do not have enough FAITH to trust Him for. He does this because He is a good Father who enjoys giving us good gifts. Which will forever blow my mind. Especially considering I am a weak daughter who often doubts.

The fact that the process unfolded on a year like 2020 was not by mistake, I know. Because God at every step was telling me “you will have to trust me in this”. God was more praised in the situation when He accomplished this in a year when things seemingly all fell apart or were unpredictable. And even when it seemed like things should’ve all crumbled the entire process remained really smooth and seamless.

For that, I praise God for his goodness and love towards me.

Some of you have asked for a “house tour”. So, I wanted to share some pictures of the house here for those who are interested. And, if you have any questions about the building process I am happy to answer those too. It was definitely an adventure of faith but also an adventure of learning. ha!

He’s my “class clown” who will do anything for a laugh from his brothers and sister. The adventurous one who will try anything. The one who is always asking for a dance party in the kitchen. He’s bursting with smiles and joy and laughs. Loves all people, animals, and hugs (that feel more like a football tackle than a cuddle). He is the one who attacks any mosquito that gets on me with all the fierceness he possesses because he’s a protector.

He’s got more strength and perseverance than I ever thought possible for someone his age. I remember the first thing the doctor said after he was born was “you’ve got a strong one here”. And that has been confirmed every day since then over and over again. I believe God will use those traits for great things if he’ll submit them to Him. Praying for that, sweet boy! 
He loves his lamb-lamb, baseball cap, and singing loudly to all the songs on the radio. 

Happy birthday to my mischevious, wild, and fun THREE year old! 

What is your favorite color? Brown…actually, Orange.

What is your favorite fruit? Watermelon

What is your favorite food? Orange

What is your favorite TV show/movie? Blaze….WAQUEEEM (Lightning McQueen)

What is your favorite thing to wear? Mine Hat (Mickey hat)

What is your favorite game? Hippo game…I want to play that alllll night, mommy! (Hungry, hungry hippo)

What is your favorite animal? A lion…lions are nice.

What is your favorite snack? Watermelon

What is your favorite song? Trolls

What is your favorite book? Uh….lions

What is your favorite cereal? Lucky charms…milk on top

What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play on the slide

What is your favorite drink? Apple juice

What do you take to bed with you at night? I want to put my bed not in mine room…it’s tiny bed. (It’s a toddler bed and I guess he’s upset it isn’t bigger 😂 he loves his lamb lamb lovey and puppy stuffed animal)

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Muffin

What do you want to be when you grow up? Build something

What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Watermelon and muffins and pineapple and apple juice.

What is your favorite thing to do with daddy? Get ice cream

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? Licking ice cream

What do you pray about? God

What do you love about yourself? Playing

What is your favorite thing about Maila? Getting stickers

What is your favorite thing about Boone? Getting dinner

What is your favorite thing about Judah? Drawing

What challenges you? Drawing

What excites you? God

What is one thing you want to accomplish before you turn 4? I want mommy to cut this paper

He’s my hard as a rock sleeper. LEGO creator. Book writer. Picture drawer. Animal lover.
He is into the details of things. He gets lost in thought. Is in his own world, sometimes 🤪 He is clean, tidy, and organized. And he loves to read.
He still loves my hugs and I’m gonna take it for as long as I can.
I cannot believe he’s SIX! Happy birthday to my Judah. Without you I would know way less about the animals and insects we encounter on our walks. I would say something incorrect and no one would set me straight. I wouldn’t have any requests for a pick up hug. And no one would compliment my dinners or eat alllll the vegetables.
I’m so thankful to get to watch you grow each day. You are a gift from God!

What is your favorite color? Red

What is your favorite fruit? Watermelon

What is your favorite food? Pizza, spaghetti, and macaroni and cheese, and noodles….BIG noodles.

What is your favorite TV show/movie?   Trolls World Tour

What is your favorite thing to wear? Pajamas

What is your favorite game? Hide n Seek

What is your favorite animal? Chameleon

What is your favorite snack? Goldfish

What is your favorite song? Trolls World Tour soundtrack

What is your favorite book? My fighting animal books and Elephant and Piggie Biggie Biggie books.

What do you like to learn about? Animals

What is your favorite cereal? Dinosaur oatmeal

What is your favorite thing to do outside? Blow bubbles and riding my scooter.

Who is your best friend? Caleb

What is your favorite drink? Lemonade

What is your favorite holiday? Birthdays and Easter

What do you take to bed with you at night? Baymax stuffed animals and books

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Muffins

What do you want to be when you grow up? Builder

What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Pizza and watermelon

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy? Running tickle monster

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? Hugs and kisses

What do you pray about? For me to not be scared. That I’ll have a good day. That children will obey their parents.

What do you love about yourself? I don’t know.

What is your favorite thing about Maila? She’s beautiful and she plays with me a lot.

What is your favorite thing about Boone? He’s funny. He plays with me a lot.

What is your favorite thing about Zeke? He’s funny and he’s cute.

What challenges you? Monkey bars and going down to see waterfalls.

What excites you? My birthday

What makes you sad? Nobody playing with me.

What is one thing you want to accomplish before you turn 7? Stay up late playing with my toys at nighttime

To my little guy who is a puzzle whiz and can finish a puzzle far before anyone else even stood a chance. The one who is filled with so much sweetness and a BIG heart. The boy whose main goal in life is to simply be left alone so he can have peace and quiet and concentration on whatever new thing he’s trying to accomplish.
You are silly. Shy. And kind. Tender hearted. Creative. Giving. Smart. Easy going. Detailed. Particular. And seriously you ooze sweetness.
It’s super hard to believe you are FOUR today. I’m so glad God let me be your mommy and that you’re a part of this family because you add so much creativity and cuteness to the bunch 🥰 You are truly un-FOUR-gettable!

1. Favorite toy? My stacking penguins
2. Favorite fruit? Apple
3. Favorite food? chicken nuggets
4. Favorite TV show? Animal shows
5. Favorite movie? Finding Dory
6. Favorite animal? Caterpillar

7. Favorite dessert? Cookies
8. Favorite song? My God is so BIG
9. Favorite book? Light shine books
10. Favorite thing to do outside? Find bugs
11. Thing he cannot go without? his blanket and caterpillars
12. His favorite thing to do with mom and dad? Play tickle monster with daddy and play with play dough with mom.
13. What excites you? Water
14. What makes you happy? Cookie cutters
15. Favorite memory from the last year? I don’t know. ????‍♀️
16. How many teeth have you lost? One
17. Who is your favorite Disney Character? Mickey Mouse
18. What is your favorite thing about yourself? My shirt and nothing
19. What is your favorite thing about your sister? Playing
20. What is your favorite thing about your brothers? I don’t know
21. What we love about Boone: he’s tender hearted, sweet, silly, and laid back.

Happy SEVENTH Birthday to my girl!
You are curious…so full of questions and wonder and a thirst for knowledge.
You are super smart. I think your brain works in a way mine never will. And it blows me away to watch you learn and grow.
You are my book worm. I used to quiz you on a book when you said you’d finished it because I simply didn’t believe you had finished it so quickly.
You are my helper. Willing to lend a hand with anything around the house (cooking, your brothers, etc..) You are compassionate. You feel for others and have such a big heart.
You are a hard worker. You have always been my best cleaner upper and so easy to teach. I can’t wait to see where that takes you in life.
I may have been terrified when they handed you to me when you were born because I felt like I had no clue what I was doing! But these seven years have confirmed that motherhood is such a joyous and beautiful journey that I wouldn’t trade for anything!
Let’s keep growing together! It’s one of my biggest joys in life to watch you BECOME who you are!

Favorite toy? My spirit horses

Favorite fruit? Apples

Favorite food: pepperoni pizza

Favorite TV show? Shopkins

Favorite movie: Alice in Wonderland

Favorite animal? Hippo

Favorite dessert? Cookies

Favorite song? Shake it off from the S.I.N.G movie

Favorite book? The Never Girls series

Favorite thing to do outside? Going on a hike and exploring.

Thing she cannot go without: mom

Her favorite thing to do with mom and dad? Late night date night

What excites you? A fun surprise

What makes you happy? Hugs

Favorite memory from the last year? Disney world, mom and me camp, and trick or treating.

How many teeth have you lost? Five.

Who is your favorite Disney Princess? Ariel

What we love about Maila: She’s smart, sweet, and a hard worker!!

Nothing in life that’s worthwhile is immediate. Even though I often want it to be! I wish I only had to tell my kids “stop hitting your brother/sister” ONE TIME and then they’d get it FOREVERMORE.

“Stop whining” has been said soooo many times I’m starting to wonder if they even have ears.

But God has been telling my heart repeatedly lately that you gotta keep sowing those seeds.

As we walked through a sunflower field today (most of them starting to die from the summer heat) it was echoed to my heart again as I held my son’s hand in mine.

IT TAKES TIME!

That sunflower seed doesn’t shoot up over night. You plant the seed. You water it. You let the sunlight do its thing. And eventually you start to see little shoots of green break forth from the soil. And after a while, it turns into a tall, beautiful, and budding sunflower in all its glory.

But it’s not just my kids. I am reminded that the work of making me into something beautiful isn’t instantaneous either. It takes time. And just like my kids, God has to teach me over and over and over before I even remotely get it, too!

How often he must look at me and say, “You still aren’t hearing me. So let’s try this lesson again”.

God tends to our hearts tirelessly and gently. Never ceasing to see what needs changing to turn us into something beautiful—-like Christ!
And so, I must be like Christ to my kids. Ever patient. But relentless. Sowing those seeds. Over and over. Waiting for the day that will come if I’m faithful to tend to them. One day I do hope the seeds planted will blossom into something magnificent and beautiful. But all in it’s time, right? Cause heart work can’t be as instant as I want it it to be!

 

“Be patient, therefore, brother, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the Earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.” -James 5:7

He’s my sweet blonde hair blue eyed boy. “Fun loving” never described anyone more perfectly. He’s all boy and not gentle or delicate about anything at all 🤣 but he’s so very sweet at the same time.
My favorite thing he says is, “HUG” while he runs at you with his arms wide open! I’ve never met a hugger like him. He will stop strangers while we are out and wrap his arms around their legs 🙈
He says “HI” to everyone he sees.
He loves people. He craves fun and excitement. He loves music and dancing. His favorite toys at the moment are cars, trains, and balls (anything that goes 🤣). My favorite characteristics he possesses are his JOY, STRENGTH, and PERSISTENCE! Ironically some of those are also the characteristics that are the most challenging at times 😜 cause wow! that persistence and strength seem UNMATCHED!
HAPPY SECOND BIRTHDAY to my Ezekiel James Melin!!! You brighten my days, make me smile so big, and laugh so hard!

His favorite toy? His hot wheels and trains.

His favorite fruit? Grapes

Favorite food: mozzarella sticks, French fries, and chicken of any kind

His favorite TV show/movie? Bubble guppies

Favorite animal?  Puppy

Favorite snack? Babybel cheese

Favorite song? The cleanup song

Favorite book? Any book with buttons to press that make noises.

Favorite thing to do outside? Slide on the slide

What does he take to bed at night? His two blankets, lamb lamb, fluffy, bunny, Pooh bear and Nemo ????

Thing he cannot go without: His lovey named Lamb Lamb.

His favorite thing to do with mom and dad? Give hugs or build blocks 

What excites him? People, dancing, going OUT anywhere, food, watching the train at the mall, and really a never ending list cause he’s always so happy and excited.

What makes him sad? Being confined in anyway.

What we love about Zeke: His joy, persistence, and strength.

 

The way to his heart is really very simple. It includes: bacon, ranch, and anything with icing.
His current favorites are legos and robots.
He’s a thinker. An analyzer. creative. Inventive. Artistic. Can already carry a tune and remember all the lyrics. He’s sweet. Thoughtful. And goofy. The goofiest of all my kids. But he doesn’t like to show that side of himself to most. He’s got a tender heart.
I still miss those baby cuddles because he was the calmest baby!

Today he turns FIVE! Happy birthday to my JAM! So glad you introduced me to all things boy!!

 

What is your favorite color? Red

What is your favorite toy? My baymax toy

What is your favorite fruit? Pineapple

What is your favorite TV show/movie? Wallykazam and Big Hero 6

What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Hot dogs

What is your favorite thing to wear? My LEGO pajamas

What is your favorite game? Silly street

What is your favorite animal?  Elephant

What is your favorite snack? Fig bars

What is your favorite song? Muppet babies theme song

What is your favorite book? Ranger Rick JR.

What do you like to learn about? Counting numbers

What is your favorite cereal? Lucky Charms

What is your favorite thing to do outside? Slide on the slide

Who is your best friend? Caleb

What is your favorite drink? Lemonade

What is your favorite holiday? Easter

What do you take to bed with you at night? My stuffed animals

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Muffins

What do you want to be when you grow up? A dinosaur bone digger

What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Chik Fil A

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy? Go on a daddy son date

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? Read

What do you pray about? God

What do you love about yourself? My I don’t know

What is your favorite thing about maila? When she plays with me.

What is your favorite thing about Boone? Having Judah and Boone time.

What is your favorite thing about Zeke? He’s so cute

What challenges you? God

What excites you? Going to Disney world.

What makes you sad? Everybody taking away my toys.

What is one thing you want to accomplish before you turn 6? Write numbers

 

For me motherhood has been like a four way mirror—you know the one on the older TV show What Not to Wear. They show up in their favorite everyday attire. Usually something baggy. And once they step into a room surrounded by mirrors they realize that the outfit they THOUGHT looked (at least) OK on them actually makes them look frumpy and overweight.

Just like that, motherhood shows me the actual reality of myself. The ugly parts that still remain and need a “makeover” or overhaul.

It’s easy for me to focus on my kids actions and correcting those and noting their progress when all the while those attitudes they have or the bad mood they are in are also pointing out my own sin and flaws and all those things in my life that aren’t like Christ.

When my son is crying for the millionth time in a day and I respond with raising my voice. Or my kids are fighting and instead of addressing the heart issues at hand I take the lazy way out and only hand out punishments and harsh responses. When I would rather scroll my phone than listen to my daughters stories. All of it is sin and selfishness. And they’re good at helping expose it on a daily bases.

This process though—it’s painful. It HURTS! Anytime you’re being refined it isn’t easy. It’s hard to look in the four way mirror everyday and have the reality of your selfishness and sin staring back at you so clearly when you thought you were at least doing A-OK.

At the end of the day it’s a huge way God has ordained in my life to make me more like Him. And as painful as it is I’m thankful He hasn’t allowed me to remain in my baggy sweat pants and oversized T-shirt thinking that it’s a good look on me. It ain’t. It’s UGLY. It needs to go! Even if He has to pry the beloved old T-shirt from my hands Himself. He’s gonna take care of it! That’s His job.

And when it’s all said and done I will be better for it!

He sat there staring at his pink plate (the joys of coming after a girl in birth order and having a mom who was behind on the dishes). On it sat one noodle and one little piece of a sweet potato. But he just wouldn’t do it. I had never met someone who could stubbornly resist the tiniest of portions with more willpower.

“Come on!” I begged, “If you eat it you can get a snack later.” It had been two days of no snacks for him as he kept refusing his dinner, turning up his nose at everything I set before him. I was more invested in this child eating than any of my others because of his size. For some reason he never seems to need food to survive.

“I feel like he’s just going to shrink away to nothing” I lamented to my husband. Then I went back to trying to convince my third born that he wanted that noodle more than he had ever wanted anything in his life by trying to turn it into a game. “Let’s see how many bites it’ll take for that noodle to disappear” I challenged. Don’t little boys love a challenge, after all?

You see, I am a champion for my kids. I want them to succeed. In every area. If not eating that noodle means they won’t get snack later (and I know how much they are gonna want a snack when it comes time), then I am there cheering them on to succeed. Even at the tiniest of things like eating the one last bite on their dinner plate.

As a parent I am often telling my children what the punishment is going to be if they disobey but then secretly saying in my mind “Please choose the right thing” or “Don’t do it! Don’t make that decision!” It hurts me to see them hurting. It makes me sad to have to follow through on discipline. It’s not fun to watch them do the wrong thing.

Perhaps because God is not here physically with us, it’s easy for me to imagine God standing far off not watching over my life tenderly and lovingly. Not cheering me on. But watching for my mess ups. Keeping track of my wrongs. Or simply being indifferent and not taking notice of me at all. But that isn’t the Gospel. Sure, God lovingly disciplines those He loves. But, He is not rooting for my failure. He is not forgetting about my existence. He is keeping track of every last hair on my head (Luke 12:7).

We see this multiple times in Scripture (honestly it’s a theme throughout all of the Bible):

Romans 8:31b says “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Psalm 118:7 says, “The LORD is for me among those who help me; Therefore I will look with satisfaction on those who hate me.”

Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.”

(Also see Luke 15:11-32)

So, today are you feeling like God stands far off from you or isn’t taking notice of your existence/circumstances? Like He isn’t a personal loving God? Or even that He is rooting against you?

As much of a cheerleader as I am for my kids, God is a bigger one for me and you. He is cheering us on to do what’s right. To make the right choices. To succeed. Especially in the matters of His kingdom. He is a champion for His people. He loves us. He watches over us from afar (just check out Psalm 139). He takes notice in the details of our lives.

Remind your heart of these truths, friends, and be comforted in this today. We are His children. He loves us as His own!