A Note From Mom: Ruby Jane is TWO!

Ruby Jane, my littlest Love... you are indeed a precious little gem! Right now you can bring me to tears by your crazy antics or by your incredible joy. You are almost always on a mission and your communication through your own language and signs and acting things out makes us all smile and laugh. We needed you. As the chaos of this season of life has only become more intense, you bring us all together... whether we're chasing after you because of your naughtiness or we're hysterically laughing at the crazy little face that you make as we countdown to you running to give us a hug. 

You are loved so much and you are a comfort to so many as you just sit contently on the laps of hurting people. Uncle Jimmy recently told me that he's never regretted not having kids until you came along. You come in like a rolling thunder (because seriously, you're crazy right now!) and bring with you a peace that's unexplainable.

I pray that your radiant smile will always bring joy to those who need it. I pray that the Healer of all souls will continue to use your presence to bring comfort and peace to those hurting.

You are truly such a gift to me, little Babe, and I love you deeply.

A Note From Mom: Elly Is Six!

Sweet little Elly... I cannot believe that you are six. Six years of knowing one of the kindest souls on Earth.
Your thoughtfulness towards others is almost unreal. And it pales in comparison for the love and understanding that you have for the One who knit you this way. You are a treasure... a gift to all of us.
I pray that your heart stays soft towards people; that you would make deep, soul connections with others that allow you to love them in ways that others can't. Even more I pray that you remain firmly planted in knowing Who created you and what you were created for and how very, very loved you are.
Happy Birthday, Babe! You are so loved, little Elly Belly!

A Note From Mom: Little Buddy turns FOUR!

I'm not sure exactly how this happened so quickly. I can remember just him and I hanging out together in our comfy hospital bed and it seems as though that was last week. And now he's four. And four sounds so old to me. Four is the age that I've always thought I would want to remain, if I was ever given the opportunity. It's such a magical age; you can talk and interact with people, but still not much is required of you, and you get to play basically all day. And you're still pretty cute, so people are still charmed by you.

 And Judah is so charming. He has a tender heart and such a sensitive soul and those dimples...
He's so incredibly ornery, but so insanely sweet. Sometimes I just watch him and listen to him play and create fascinating little worlds where his monster trucks interact and converse with his construction trucks or he turns himself into an eagle, or a chameleon, or a jaguar. He has an incredible imagination.

Judah means to "thank" or "praise" and he consistently exercises this in his day to day interactions, a lot of times without any nudging or reminding. He's so gentle and tender with babies, and those younger than him {usually!} and I can't wait to see that play out in his life as he ages. I hope his tenderness remains untouched by this world and develops into a courageous strength. I hope that the empathy he already exercises is only strengthened with time, and that a deep love for people will dwell in him and through him.

Buddy, you are such a gift to me! I'm so very thankful and humbled by your love for me. Happy Birthday, little man; I love you!!

A Note From Mom: You're Seven

My little Lucy babe... you're seven years old today.
As you told your brother and sister the other day, you're "almost a lady."

You have been a light in my life since before you were even born, and now you radiate my days with your contagious smile and your unending energy.

You take my heart and mind to places that no one else does. You push my boundaries consistently, but in that, you break down walls that were created long before you ever were.

I needed you so much.

I'm so thankful that The Writer of our days had our stories intertwined with one another. And I keep excitedly awaiting for each new chapter that unfolds.

The creativity that stirs in you is magical and I look forward to seeing more of it unravel through your drawings and writings. Your drawings are masterpieces. Your writings are incredible. They are my most favorite stories that I've read ever. Getting lost in your head is such a lovely experience.

You pretend to be a princess almost every day, but the fact is, you are already a Lady. You were born for the King, and I believe that your heart is becoming very aware of the presence that plays in your life. And it is exciting to see glimpses of the refinement taking place in you.

Lucy Jo, I adore you. I love you in a way that I love no other... my first little one I held in my arms.
Happy Birthday, Babe!