Friday, May 18, 2012

May 18,2012

CJ,
Funny how a moment can change everything. As we wait for results from your labs I know so much already has! What really matters and what isn't even worth consuming your time. Whatever is before us, I give thanks and glory to God for His might hand is upon us. You are so brave and trusting and have given me the key to your heart so freely that I never want to take that for granted again! I want to enjoy every second of your innocence and pureness that is still left before the world steals it away. I want to memorize every second you are overcome with silliness and cherish the laughter that makes my heart skip a beat! So as we wait in such great uncertainty I rest in what we do know, God has you in His hands baby and He WON'T let you go!
Love, Mom

Monday, February 20, 2012

February 20,2012

CJ,
Turning 5 has been a huge deal for you!!!! For the last couple of weeks you can be heard saying:

"You know what, this is the first time since I was five that I ever did..........."

It's so cute to hear the things you think of. Your excitement about life is contagious and refreshing!!! Thank you for being our ray of sunshine!!!
Love, Mom

Monday, February 6, 2012

February 6, 2012

LJ,
 It has been awhile since I have written to you. I have tried to find time but have been so busy with life and the craziness of our lives and then today I noticed something........ As I looked at you in the passenger seat, there was a little less boy in your face. I almost drove off onto the shoulder because my breath seemed to leave and not come back!!! It has begun......your journey into adolescent. I pray that I have several more years of seeing that little boy that drove me crazy, broke my heart, and could bring me to my knees. Did I waste all that time? I don't know but what I do know is that I look forward to really getting to know you as you grow into a young man. So far your life has always been what we have expected out of you and now, the tide has turned and we get to see what you will get out of life. I love you dearly and although I mourn the days of yesterday I am excited to see the man you will become in the days and years to come!!!!!!!! But for now, I will cherish and not think it a burden each night I get to sing our special good-night song!!!!
Love, Mom

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

November 1, 2011

LJ,
Well, you made it through another Halloween without trick or treating.Only time will tell if this scars you for the rest of your life. I doubt it but if it does I just want you to know our intent is to do what we feel is best for our family. There is such a lure with Halloween to disguise it as fun with the candy and Fall Festivals. People tailor it up with cute homemade costumes and its labeled harmless. But its not and I wonder what type of message we are giving you by allowing you to be apart of the "fun" activities at church. My desire is make the focus on reaching out to those who have not heard the Gospel of Christ and reach them where they are. I pray that it doesn't make us look like hypocrites in your eyes. You are starting to think through decisions but you still need several more years of learning and living before you are able to make well rounded decisions. Hang in there with us as we start to navigate these turbulent waters can adolescent with you. We promise not to give up on you and pray you don't kick us out of the raft before its all said and done!!!!
Love, Mom

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

October 25, 2011

JJ,
Only time will tell if you remember the night we went a booing. Mommy was trying so hard to be a cool mom for you boys and step out of my comfort zone. We walked around the neighborhood and finally decided on Mr. Josh's house. We waited in hiding and let LJ leave the treat and ring the doorbell and run to our hiding place. Well we got caught and they didn't think it was a very nice treat. Seems that the doorbell woke up and scared their little girls. I felt bad cause they didn't like the treats you worked so hard on and felt even worse cause it ruined the night for you . I'm hoping to make it up to you tonight by booing Mrs. Eva's house.I'm not sure if this will be a best or worse memory from your childhood but I just wanted you to know that it broke my heart to see you so disappointed. Maybe next year we should try toilet paper instead?!
Love, Mom

Saturday, October 15, 2011

October 15, 2001

LJ,
What a week it has been. You have become excited about TNT again!!!! Your goal was to say 5 sections and although it doesn't look that will happen you aren't settling for just 2 or 3, you are going for 4 and I love that about you. You know you wont get to the 5 sections but you don't think that should stop you from saying 4!!! And you aren't just amazing us with your verses but also in math. We have been trudging along, well I have kept you at a stand still; determined to get you to memorize your multiplication facts. Its been a long hard road. You've not had a use or a desire for them until this week, when you were introduced to division. I thought because you don't have those multiplication facts memorized it would hinder your ability to do division. Not so! My son marches to his own beat!!! Now that you see you can check your division problem with multiplication you are out of the starting gate.

I always forget you have to have a reason. 

Not have to, but that is the way God made your brain function. So now I will try to apply that to the rest of growing you up. Hopefully you can be as patient with me as I have been with you and these multiplication facts!!!!! You are an amazing, strong willed child who I THANK God for giving us!!! You have no limits except the ones you place on yourself and for you that limit is the sky!!!!!
Love, Mom

Sunday, October 2, 2011

October 2, 2011

Tonight we had the amazing opportunity to listen and watch  Matt Bowen. The following is a conversation we had with the kids on the way home:

Mom and Dad: " So what was one thing you learned from tonight?"

LJ: " You need to become a Christian so you can become a lamb of Jesus......."

JJ: "Some lambs want to do their own thing."

CJ: "Lambs don't like to be eaten."

These are the things that make us smile and are so thankful that each of you were given to us as precious gifts from God!!!
Love, Mom

Saturday, October 1, 2011

October 1, 2011

CJ,
 What a sweetie you are!!! Last night you asked your dad to sleep in your bed with you. That is a bit comical because it is a twin size bed. You are the only child we E-V-E-R let sleep in our bed with us and now to get you out of that habit we sometimes sleep with you in your bed when either Mommy or Daddy really need a good night rest. It was very cute when I woke up this morning and peeked into your room. All I could see was your Daddy sleeping, not so comfortably and your little feet up on his side. That was all I saw of you, your little feet. How precious you are to us and how you have caused us to break all our rules, lol!!!! I was holding you the other day, and just held you so tightly. I could just barely smell that "baby smell" in your hair. I know you will be 5 soon but there is something about a distinct smell each one of my children have had that faded as they began to get older. Its bitter sweet that is is once again happening to you, my last baby almost an official "child". I'm sad to see these precious days go so quickly. The ones where you look up to us as your everything and yet so excited for you to discover your new every things!!!!!! Yes, God did know what he was doing when he gave me a daughter and you my sweet child are the perfect one for me!!!!!
Love, Mom

Thursday, September 22, 2011

JJ,
 Because of some issues at church and Daddy helping out in the youth room on Wednesday nights, you are now "going to youth." You all start out in the same room but after about 15 minutes Daddy and Mr. Richard take you along with the other 5th & 6th grade boys outside to go play some games and have a lesson more tailored to your ages.  It is quite clear that the lessons are a bit beyond your maturity level but Papa enjoys spending this time with you and LJ. And how do we know the lessons are a bit mature for your age? Well, last night as Mr. Richard was teaching he say, "Well you can't just go up to someone and hit them over the head with your Bible." Daddy said immediately your entire body was taken control by a fit of giggles and you could not stop laughing. Daddy had to explain to Mr. Richard that you had just visualized in your head hitting someone over the head with a Bible. That explanation seemed enough for Mr. Richard to comprehend your behavior. But what I want to know is, who did you picture hitting over the head with your Bible?!?!
Love, Mom

Thursday, September 15, 2011

September 15, 2011

LJ,
 It is hard to believe that this is your birthday week and soon I will have a child in the double digits?!?! Where has the time gone. I'm not sure but it has been so much fun and work and tears and giggles and worth ever hug and sleepless night it took to bring you into this world!!!! Your heart is still so young and gentle and oh how I praise the Lord still very impressionable!!!

Papa got your birthday present early this year!!! A new skateboard and helmet. And you love it. I am still working on just stopping what I am doing for you to show me a new trick. You are very much into a "Mom let me show you this!" as well as a your room is always mess phase. Let's just hope we don't get into a stinky shoe phase!!!!! But back to that helmet, you wear it A-L-L the time!!!!! And I'm not exaggerating one little bit!!! In fact the other night, right after you took your shower, you walked out of the bathroom with your helmet on !!!! That is what am so thankful for right now in your life!!! The carefree attitude you have. Not concerned with the outside world, just yet. I wonder, can we hold on to you for a couple more years?!?!

Some say we are too protective, and I wonder how can a parent be TOO protective of a child's heart. I want you to fully enjoy your childhood. Fill it with lots of wonderful memories and great expectations of your future. Never forget: "seek first His kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

Oh I almost forgot, today marks the first day that Papa and I will be helping you to read through the bible in 90 days. Papa will do 15 minutes at night and I will do 15 minutes in the morning. I am so excited you are on board with this and can't wait to see where it takes you in your personal relationship with Christ.
Love, Mom

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

September 6, 2011

CJ,
This last week was a busy week for you!!! You began another year of ballet.and are the only dancer with "experience." Funny to think of it that way!!! You're back to sneaking into Mommy and Daddy's bed at night and showing your very head strong demeanor again at meal times!!! You just get it into your little head that you are not going to do something and there is no changing your mind. Prayerfully we are leaving plenty of room for God to grown your precious heart. Thanks for all the wonderful smiles you gave us this past week!!!
Love, Mom

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

August 31, 2011

JJ,
What a trooper you are!!! We spent 5 hours in the ER last night and you came out sporting 2 new staples in your head. You are so worried that people are going to laugh at you, it just breaks my heart. And what broke my heart even more was the fact that the staples seem to really hurt you. To see you scream out in such pain, it really makes me wonder how numb you were. In fact it didn't stop hurting until about 20 minutes after we left. You were so limp in my arms screaming that it hurt, you couldn't even move you seem to be in so much pain. It was one of those moments where I was heart broken for you and so mad at the HN because he said it wouldn't hurt and it did. He said you probably felt a burning sensation, I don't know I've never had staples.

Once we were finally clear to go, we drove around looking for a place to get you a M&M milkshake, not an easy task at 1230 in the morning. But we finally found one a little after 1. I was determined to get you a milkshake after the drama that occurred when the HN put the staples in your head. On the way home, it came to surface that you thought the staples had gone into your brain. It took alot of talking to assure you that the staple didn't even go through your skull. And then as we got closer to home you started getting scared because you didn't want to go to sleep because you might roll onto that side of your head and push the staples into your brain. You didn't even want to take Motrin because you were scared it would make you not feel the staples. But as soon as I got you into the family room I think you were out in about 5 minutes flat. Whew, I am so thankful you are still resting and that we got the rite of passage into boyhood over with. Just please, please no broken bones cause I think that is where I will completely lose it!!!!!
Love, Mom

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

August 24, 2011

LJ,
It's amazing to see you stepping out in your faith on your own. You are growing, making mistakes, hitting the mark and when Papa and I relax and let God move in your life: you are bearing fruit!!!! We have started going to Glenn Care again. This is something you don't really like to do, but as a family it is our way of ministering to those in the nursing home who don't have family or friends to visit. At lunch time yesterday I was preparing you guys for our evening visit and talking about how important it is that we not only go but do so with a happy heart. Earlier that morning we had talked about Luke 12:33-35. I was talking about how when we go and visit it makes these men and women feel valued and how God has told us not to forget about the poor, old and sick. And as I was going to continue, you interrupted: "Yeah, and if we go in with a grumpy heart we aren't storing up treasures in heaven are we? Cause it doesn't make God happy if we go but don't want to be nice to anyone."

Yes, yes, yes, you got it my precious child. You are starting to understand that its not what you do but why and how. And you know what, I saw a little piece of your heart soften that day. God is really working in you!! You are working at being a peace maker and doing what you are asked to do without too much complaining. I see it son, we really see it and give praise to the Lord for all he is doing within you!!!!! Keep growing my precious son, keep growing in the Lord!!!
Love, Mom

Saturday, August 20, 2011

August 20, 2011

CJ,
My precious daughter. How tender hearted you are!!! I don't think it matters, so much what is being said to you, but when our voices get stern with you: you just wilt!!!!! I quickly have to look at you and affirm that I still love you and give you a big hug or you will just crumble in tears. This has always been a hard thing to remember because you have two amazing brothers that only understand loud. Had I not grown up with the same tender heart, I would believe everyone else who says you are just being manipulative, but I know that isn't the case. It really hurts you and makes you feel less than special when someone raises their voice at you. It's just the way God made you. (Besides..... you use the charm to get what you want not to get out of trouble; I DO have your number!!!!)

I was always told: "Write down every cute thing your children said OR you will forget them!" I didn't and have forgotten so much BUT not this one:

You had been playing in a blue tub filled with water all morning and I guess too busy having fun to stop and go to the bathroom!!! So as we pulled off your wet clothes you exclaimed: "Oh mommy, the rust is back!!!!"

I love you, baby girl!!!!! Mom

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

August 16, 2011

JJ,
Wow you lost another tooth today and it was a bit of a dramatic event. This is your 3rd tooth but you were so upset about losing it because you were afraid of people making fun of you. Such a tender heart you have!!!

This morning after you woke up, you went into the family room, sat down on the futon, called my name and then patted beside you. How could I not stop everything I was doing to snuggle with you for a moment!!!! These are the times that I adore having you for a son!!!! I get to enjoy the real, honest, no walls up you that everyone else doesn't have a clue about.

You told us today that you weren't getting married, if you wanted kids you were just going to adopt them. At least that is progress!!! A few months ago you declared that you weren't ever going to move out, you were just going to live with us and play video games forever!!!!! Thanks for giving us so much to laugh at, you really do brighten up our days!!!!
Love, Mom

Saturday, August 13, 2011

August 13, 2011

CJ,
Well today you got to ride on float with the festival queens as apart of the court because you were 1st runner up!! I am still mulling over the fact that I put you in a pageant. You seemed to have a ball and say you want to do it again next year IF you can have a purple dress. My only fear is that you might equate your value with the opinion of the judges. I often wonder am I setting you up for failure by introducing you to this "crowd?" Only time will tell, but know all I want you to do is have fun!!!!! And even if you never win a title from a pageant, you will always be my princess and I am so proud of you for how you are supporting your friend.... yeah I know I'm kinda dragging you to some of these events to say hello but I think it is important to be happy for our friends and and rejoice in their accomplishments instead of looking at what we didn't get or win. If you want to make good friends you first have to be a good friend!!!! You have such a big heart and I am so proud to call myself your mom!!!!
Love, Mom

Thursday, August 11, 2011

August 11, 2011

LJ,
 What a week it has been for us!!! You are having a friend spend the night and I pray that this friendship grows!!! You are such a wonderful kid... a little testy but I think you get that from me. Papa says he seems more discernment coming from you. I pray that this is true!!! You have such a strong will that can be used for good or for bad. My prayer is that you will use it to glorify God.

You and your friend went skateboarding and threw the ball around. You are in your element when it comes to these things. Your desire right now is to be a pitcher when you start kid pitch next year. I am certain if you keep working on it, this will be a reality!!!!

You said something sweet at the table about CJ: that you hope she wins the pageant next year. You made sure she didn't hear you and I am glad to see your sensitive side starting to come out concerning your sister and brother. Always remember that God placed you first for a reason and I can only imagine the responsibility you feel at times but know that its for a purpose and God knew you would be the perfect big brother to both JJ and CJ. I know they don't always listen to you, but keep on loving on them and one day you will see just how much they look up to you!!!!! Especially, JJ. I love you so much, sweet heart: more than words can express!!!!
Love, Mom

Monday, August 8, 2011

August 8, 2011

LJ,
Well, we are off to a new school year!!! I struggled to keep it on the right foot. I will tell you one thing, it is hard raising a young man, really hard! I don't know when to give, when to stand firm or when to just have fun. I want you to know I'm trying, really trying to be the best mom for you, not perfect: just the best.

You have taken to the piano we got. You play amazingly and I don't just say that cause you're my son. You have a wonderful talent with music and its hard not to be more pushy about it. I see your potential and although you love to play, you don't want to take lessons. It's hard not to make this an issue and I hope we are doing the right thing by just allowing you to play on your own. I did say I wanted you to be a self learner and maybe if I step back you will teach me a thing or two. One thing I do know for certain: it brings me great joy to hear you practice the same song over and over and over until you get it right. Seeing your smile light up your face when you can play it flawlessly, excites me beyond words. You are such a talented young man. Yes, you are a strong willed child but I love that about you!!!! Don't change to please the world, just continue to grow and be molded by the Lord!!!!
Love, Mom

Friday, August 5, 2011

August 5, 2011

JJ,
I did not have to wait long for you to give me something to write about today, in fact I'm still wiping the tears from my cheeks for laughing so hard. And here is why:

A couple of weeks ago we rented the new Yogi Bear Movie and I guess Sir Mixalot's I like big butts was one of the songs in the movie. But according to you the song goes a little like this:

I............like................. big butts in a can.

And to hear you go around the house singing it is just too funny, too funny to correct you. Maybe one day you will realize you are singing the wrong words but I hope not. Thanks for always brightening our day!!! Oh and just so we don't forget, last night you realized that your adult tooth is coming in where your front tooth  was knocked out. What am I going to do with you? You are growing up so fast and it is a joy to watch you navigate the waters of your childhood. How blessed I am to have you as my son!!!
Love, Mom

Thursday, August 4, 2011

August 4, 2011

CJ,
What a sweetie you are. Lately you have been coming to me with a pony tail holder and saying: "Mommy, I want to look just like you." It just melts my heart the way you say that. You have such a heart to help, especially at the Soup Kitchen we volunteer at. You love to help make the lemonade and sweep the floor. You enjoy playing with your brothers and try to do everything they do. You love to fish with your daddy and your favorite place to go is the beach. You love staying near the shore where the waves crash into the sand and don't care for the deep water. It seems like so much of you contradicts. It is amazing to see your personality grow and girl you just plan wear me out everyday and have from day one!!!! But I wouldn't have it any other way.
Love, Mom