I once read a quote: "Comparison destroys contentment," and with everything that is within me, I believe this is true.
Maybe this is just my own be-setting sin, but the more that I am vulnerable and honest with other women - the more I am affirmed in my assumption that this is true for most.
I think, across the board - generally - the "thing" that many a man struggles with, is lust in all of its various forms. I'm sure that it's not every man's battle, but according to many of "the experts," and in watching and reading about many of the spiritual giants of our day, I think it's pretty safe to say that a large portion of men struggle in this area.
Satan's target area of attack for them, perhaps. A way he can seek to destroy.
And in my humble opinion, I think, across the board - generally - the "thing" that many a woman struggles with is comparison in all of its forms; namely comparing ourselves against each other. I'm sure that it's not every woman's battle, but having lived and breathed for thirty-four years and having talked to many a woman, I think it's pretty safe to say that a large portion of women struggle in this area.
Satan's target area of attack for us, perhaps. A way he can seek to destroy.
I think it's also pretty safe to say that our struggle is more deceptive and more easy to hide than the battles of our opposite sex.
It's a brilliant strategy, really.
Divide and conquer.
Destroy each other without even really knowing what we're doing.
Or maybe we do know what we're doing, but we don't know how to fix it.
Either way, rather than have us all be amazing support systems to each other in this crazy, messy journey of life - how about instead we all live feeling insecure, unsafe, and vulnerable around each other? Unsafe and unsure - constantly measuring ourselves, our lives, our homes, our bodies, our marriages, and our successess...and let's not forget our kids and all that's rolled into that bundle - their attitudes, their grades, their potty successes, their speech, and their manners - against the standard of each other.
It's a neverending battle.
And sadly, it's a never-winning battle, as well.
If we look hard enough, and if we compare long enough we will always find someone who is doing the very thing that we feel best about - just a little bit better. And in the same vein - if we're looking to puff ourselves up in our pride the other way -if we keep looking, we can probably find someone who is doing it just a little bit worse than we are, as well.
And, really, what good does any of this do for anyone?
Either way, somebody loses.
We are ALL beautiful messes, and no-one has the corner on the market of anything.
Any success is only because of Christ, and every weakness is wired into the DNA of every single one of us. We all have the potential for any sin known to man. We all have the dysfunction. We're all messed up.
But sometimes it's hard to rejoice in other's joys when we so badly want their success to be our own. It does not come naturally to give blessing free and full when we are coming from a place of sadness, struggle, and discontent. It's much easier to build walls, tuck tail, and hide away to lick our wounds in private - behind the perfectly plastered smiles and shallow "I'm fine" cliches - than be real and vulnerable with each other.
And then Satan wins.
Every time he wins.
Comparison does indeed destroy everyone's contentment.
When we compare - even one thing against another person - all the little joys begin to dull in that comparison. It's one thing to push each other to be better. It's an entirely different matter to have each other be "the standard."
Paul said that he "learned to be content." It didn't just happen. And at least for me, it's a constant, never ending battle. But just as in a man's battle against lust - I need to battle intentionally this war against comparison.
A certain, godly man that I know has this verse as his mantra whenever he's watching t.v. - "I will set no unclean thing before my eyes."
He goes through the check-out lines in the store that have no tabloids.
He has no magazine subscriptions.
He has an accountability partner that he's honest with.
And he rarely watches any movies.
He is pro-active.
In my battle for contentment - for joy - I need to be pro-active, as well.
I count and I list those daily gifts.
I write down those things that God has freely, fully given me.
Little beauties amidst crazy messes.
And perspective changes everything.
When I am pro-active to track the joy - to actively seek it out - the craziest thing happens! Contentment is learned. Rejoicing takes place. Joy is once again restored. And I am intentional to encourage my sisters and, in turn, help them find their own joy.
And then... Satan loses.
Everytime.
And far better for him to lose than any one of us.
Rather than divide and conquer, we encourage and restore.
We live and we love and we walk this crazy road together.
And we remember that it's not about us, anyway.
It's all about Him. Always only about Him.
And we are free.
*************
"Jesus plus nothing equals everything.
Because Jesus was strong for you, you’re free to be weak;
Because Jesus won for you, you’re free to lose;
Because Jesus was Someone, you’re free to be no one;
Because Jesus was extraordinary, you’re free to be ordinary;
Because Jesus succeeded for you, you’re free to fail.
You’re free!" ~ Steve Brown
Summer Loves
Our school year is complete, so that means summer is officially here.
Birthdays have been celebrated, major spoiling has taken place, and now we are easing into a little less structured routine - an easier rhythm of sorts - and we are finding a new norm.
These are the days for slip 'n' slide baths, sun kissed skin, milkshakes for lunch, bloodied knees from all of the bike riding, and the ratio of being outside vs. being inside leaning far more in favor of the outside play.
I am loving it.
And - as always - it's the little things that make this much too short of a season so special.
:: Campfires, stories, and s'mores in the evenings.
:: Outside chores that are most definitely work - but they are fulfilling tasks, in their own rite, as well. Wood for the winter and veggies for the table. Gifts, really.
:: Little hoolies with some mad skills. (Completely irrelevant to today's post).
:: And pansies. I love pansies. They were my Gram's favorite flowers, thus they are one of mine, as well. They also don't bother my husband's allergies, so I can bring them inside. AND, the more you pick them, the more they grow! Win win for all!
:: Summer vacation is also the time for random and completely unplanned playdates. I am a planner by nature, but there's something about spontaneous invites that give me great joy in throwing laundry and weeding to the wind! Time with a fellow Mama - though brief and perpetually interrupted is a treasure and a precious gift admist life's craziness.
:: Meet Hopper - our new pet. Kaden and I have come to a brilliant agreement where both parties are happy. He may fill this one aquarium with whatever he wants for a critter - or critters as long as they get along. We can enjoy them for a few days, and then when he finds something new, we exchange. We do not ADD TO our collection - we trade. This is how the summer has gone down, so far: 2 salamanders for 10 frogs. 10 frogs for 1 turtle. And today, 1 turtle for Hopper. I was kind of diggin' the turtle, but I'm not breaking the system. We're golden.
:: Sheets flapping in the wind, and smelling like nobody's business. Delish.
:: Summer is NOT the time for getting a girlfriend. Jesse told Daddy at the supper table tonight that he held Kirsten's hand - not once, but "TWO TIMES, DADA"! This child. I WILL have grey hair when I'm forty. No doubt.
:: Peppers, onions, corn, tomatoes, lettuce, swiss chard - all poking their heads up through the ground. I will NEVER tire of this miracle. I am ALREADY tired of the weeds. (Kelsey - yes. You MAY come help me weed - you sweet, crazy girl).
:: And thank you's from little boys to the ones who love them so well.
Yes. The school year is complete, but I still must teach my children. Life is so much more than academics. This summer may we together, learn simply, joyfully, and more completely this:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Phil. 4:8).
"Focusing on what is beautiful, good, true – isn’t this the truest education?
Perspective can always adopt gratitude - and gratitude always parents joy."
~ Ann Voskamp
Birthdays have been celebrated, major spoiling has taken place, and now we are easing into a little less structured routine - an easier rhythm of sorts - and we are finding a new norm.
These are the days for slip 'n' slide baths, sun kissed skin, milkshakes for lunch, bloodied knees from all of the bike riding, and the ratio of being outside vs. being inside leaning far more in favor of the outside play.
I am loving it.
And - as always - it's the little things that make this much too short of a season so special.
:: Campfires, stories, and s'mores in the evenings.
:: Outside chores that are most definitely work - but they are fulfilling tasks, in their own rite, as well. Wood for the winter and veggies for the table. Gifts, really.
:: Little hoolies with some mad skills. (Completely irrelevant to today's post).
:: And pansies. I love pansies. They were my Gram's favorite flowers, thus they are one of mine, as well. They also don't bother my husband's allergies, so I can bring them inside. AND, the more you pick them, the more they grow! Win win for all!
:: Summer vacation is also the time for random and completely unplanned playdates. I am a planner by nature, but there's something about spontaneous invites that give me great joy in throwing laundry and weeding to the wind! Time with a fellow Mama - though brief and perpetually interrupted is a treasure and a precious gift admist life's craziness.
:: Meet Hopper - our new pet. Kaden and I have come to a brilliant agreement where both parties are happy. He may fill this one aquarium with whatever he wants for a critter - or critters as long as they get along. We can enjoy them for a few days, and then when he finds something new, we exchange. We do not ADD TO our collection - we trade. This is how the summer has gone down, so far: 2 salamanders for 10 frogs. 10 frogs for 1 turtle. And today, 1 turtle for Hopper. I was kind of diggin' the turtle, but I'm not breaking the system. We're golden.
:: Sheets flapping in the wind, and smelling like nobody's business. Delish.
:: Summer is NOT the time for getting a girlfriend. Jesse told Daddy at the supper table tonight that he held Kirsten's hand - not once, but "TWO TIMES, DADA"! This child. I WILL have grey hair when I'm forty. No doubt.
:: Peppers, onions, corn, tomatoes, lettuce, swiss chard - all poking their heads up through the ground. I will NEVER tire of this miracle. I am ALREADY tired of the weeds. (Kelsey - yes. You MAY come help me weed - you sweet, crazy girl).
:: And thank you's from little boys to the ones who love them so well.
Yes. The school year is complete, but I still must teach my children. Life is so much more than academics. This summer may we together, learn simply, joyfully, and more completely this:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Phil. 4:8).
"Focusing on what is beautiful, good, true – isn’t this the truest education?
Perspective can always adopt gratitude - and gratitude always parents joy."
~ Ann Voskamp
Boy Joy
"Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of traveling." ~ Margaret Lee Runbeck
"Ever since happiness heard your name, it has been running through the streets trying to find you." ~ Hafiz of Persia
"Ever since happiness heard your name, it has been running through the streets trying to find you." ~ Hafiz of Persia
Four.
Jesse Bear...
My Boy Joy Wild Child.
Four years ago tomorrow you rocked our world. Our lives have never been the same since, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I knew your personality from the moment you started moving inside of me! And so much like the crazy kid that you are, you entered this world hard and fast giving Mommy only minutes to walk through those hospital doors. You came out lobster red, and you were yelling at the top of your lungs!
Daddy and I just looked at each other and laughed...
We knew you'd be taking us for a ride.
And what a ride it has been! How I love you, my little man. You have always seemed older than you are, and your tender, sweet heart is such a fun blend with your crazy, wild approach to life.
I love how much you love your brothers, and I love listening to your conversations with Kaden. I love how free you are with your kisses and your compliments. I love your love of life and your head thrown back crazy belly laughs. I love your silly stories, your sweet, tender prayers, and your love for Jesus. You truly do bring such joy to our home.
You are whirling, and I wonder if you will live to be a teenager, but I'm in love with the crazy. Thank you for your love so freely given. Thank you for the happiness that you bring. Thank you for being such a big helper with your baby. Don't rush your childhood, Love. Don't wish these years away to be as old as your biggest brother. Mommy needs to savor you longer.
Tomorrow will come soon enough.
******
1248. Jesse Micah - and celebrating four years of life with this boy!
1249. His love of life.
1250. His crazy, gut-exploding, head thrown back laughter.
1251. My 5:30 blonde morning alarm clock.
1252. His crazy love for his brothers.
1253. Daily humble pie for me and keeping me on my knees.
1254. Those sweet, tender prayers.
1255. Understanding this one who is made most like me.
My Boy Joy Wild Child.
Four years ago tomorrow you rocked our world. Our lives have never been the same since, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I knew your personality from the moment you started moving inside of me! And so much like the crazy kid that you are, you entered this world hard and fast giving Mommy only minutes to walk through those hospital doors. You came out lobster red, and you were yelling at the top of your lungs!
Daddy and I just looked at each other and laughed...
We knew you'd be taking us for a ride.
And what a ride it has been! How I love you, my little man. You have always seemed older than you are, and your tender, sweet heart is such a fun blend with your crazy, wild approach to life.
I love how much you love your brothers, and I love listening to your conversations with Kaden. I love how free you are with your kisses and your compliments. I love your love of life and your head thrown back crazy belly laughs. I love your silly stories, your sweet, tender prayers, and your love for Jesus. You truly do bring such joy to our home.
You are whirling, and I wonder if you will live to be a teenager, but I'm in love with the crazy. Thank you for your love so freely given. Thank you for the happiness that you bring. Thank you for being such a big helper with your baby. Don't rush your childhood, Love. Don't wish these years away to be as old as your biggest brother. Mommy needs to savor you longer.
Tomorrow will come soon enough.
******
1248. Jesse Micah - and celebrating four years of life with this boy!
1249. His love of life.
1250. His crazy, gut-exploding, head thrown back laughter.
1251. My 5:30 blonde morning alarm clock.
1252. His crazy love for his brothers.
1253. Daily humble pie for me and keeping me on my knees.
1254. Those sweet, tender prayers.
1255. Understanding this one who is made most like me.
Mr. Caleb
Moving to Pennsylvania three years ago to go back to school was the biggest step of faith for me that I have ever taken in my life. I am a root digger, I love being close to family, I'm a small town country girl, and I hate change. Selling our home that we hadn't even lived in for two years with a baby who was barely one, and moving to the big city where we knew absolutely no-one was a recipe for a panic attack for me. I grieved the idea of a move, and when we went to freshmen orientation and were the ONLY ones pushing a baby around in a stroller, I thought we'd gone off the deep end.
But that journey, and those three years, had God's grace written all over it.
Looking back, our chapter in Pennsylvania was one of the happiest seasons of our life. We lived in married student housing with other couples who had completely uprooted, like we had done, and we all became each other's family. It was glorified dorm life - only we were all married.
During those three years in PA, we made some lifelong friends - one of them being a crazy kid named Caleb. From the moment I knew that we were actually making this move, I prayed long and hard for some surrogate family members, especially for Kaden, and for uncles in particular, since I am so close to both of my brothers.
(Helping us move home. Remember?)
(Long Sundays at church where you watched the crazies).
Well. Kev met this kid named Caleb in one of his classes, and somehow - I don't even really know how or when it happened, he just became part of our family. He loved on my little boy, and he just became part of our life out there.
Mr. Caleb - you say you're "an avid reader" of my blog. If that's the case, and you're not just pulling my leg - this post is a shout out to you. You rock. You totally and completely rock. The package that you sent to us was absolutely amazing, and I cannot believe that so many years later, you are still sending Kaden birthday packages...and Kevin Starbucks. You are amazing. Thank you for loving us so well.
And thanks for the books. Especially this one.
And for the advice on girls.
That was hilarious.
*****
1236. Birthday packages from cherished friends.
1239. Brendan Caleb Way and how he loves on our family.
But that journey, and those three years, had God's grace written all over it.
Looking back, our chapter in Pennsylvania was one of the happiest seasons of our life. We lived in married student housing with other couples who had completely uprooted, like we had done, and we all became each other's family. It was glorified dorm life - only we were all married.
During those three years in PA, we made some lifelong friends - one of them being a crazy kid named Caleb. From the moment I knew that we were actually making this move, I prayed long and hard for some surrogate family members, especially for Kaden, and for uncles in particular, since I am so close to both of my brothers.
(Helping us move home. Remember?)
(Long Sundays at church where you watched the crazies).
Well. Kev met this kid named Caleb in one of his classes, and somehow - I don't even really know how or when it happened, he just became part of our family. He loved on my little boy, and he just became part of our life out there.
Mr. Caleb - you say you're "an avid reader" of my blog. If that's the case, and you're not just pulling my leg - this post is a shout out to you. You rock. You totally and completely rock. The package that you sent to us was absolutely amazing, and I cannot believe that so many years later, you are still sending Kaden birthday packages...and Kevin Starbucks. You are amazing. Thank you for loving us so well.
And thanks for the books. Especially this one.
And for the advice on girls.
That was hilarious.
*****
1236. Birthday packages from cherished friends.
1239. Brendan Caleb Way and how he loves on our family.
Summer & Lessons Learning.
It's this time of year that I especially love having little children.
There is so much that they can teach me about slowing down and really seeing. This is not my nature. I see so much in every day that needs to be accomplished and conquered and checked off my list - my tendency is to fly through my day on full tilt. I wake up with an agenda, and - in my book - a successful day is when all got accomplished that was intended.
I'm pretty sure this isn't always - or maybe even ever - how God views a successful day. And if I'm not careful, I will miss the simple wonder of all of the every day moments that He wants me to see. The daily, moment by moment gifts that He gives me.
Three boys make me slow down, and this is a good thing.
I read somewhere that if we really want to see things through a toddler's eyes, then we should add about a half hour to every event that we're trying to accomplish - a walk, an errand, a task etc. Little children are good at slowing and seeing. We are good at rushing and blitzing through life.
There is much my kids can teach me.
1177. First rhubarb jam of the season - cooking with the boys.
(I am really great at getting the task accomplished quickly and efficiently. Let's get'er done. They are good at taste testing, smelling, and exclaiming over and over again at its yummy-ness).
1222. Gardening...and weeding...and hopefully a successful veggy season.
(I am good at accomplishing the task. They talk about the size of the different seeds, the worms and bugs that get unearthed, and they get stoked about using the hose. I see this as a task. They see it as an event).
1217. Slip'n'slides and hot May days.
(I see laundry that needs hanging, a lawn that needs mowing, and flowers that need mulching. They help me sit and savor them. All this other stuff will be here tomorrow. They won't be).
1215. Simple summer pleasures.
(It's free. It's a child's wonderland. I stop and sit. I work to play).
1211. Childhood wonder...joy in the small.
(Because that's really what all of life is, right? A whole bunch of small little things that combine and mesh into one big messy, crazy, happy life).
1234. A new pet...for a time.
(I see another creature who's tank needs cleaning and salmanella if they don't wash their hands after holding it. They see beauty, amazement, wonder and sweet thankful hearts to Jesus for a turtle who just walked up our driveway).
1235. This place where he proposed and "we" began.
(I don't want to ever forget our beginnings. In the crazyness of child-rearing, we need to remember "us." I refuse to allow this man to become a stranger throughout the years. When they move out, by God's grace, we will still be strong and in love).
1231. Brother love.
Yes. They have much to teach me.
"To receive God's gifts, to live exalted and joy filled, isn't a function of straining higher, harder, doing more, carrying long the burdens of the super-Pharisees or ultra-saints. Receiving God's gifts is a gentle, simple movement of stooping lower." ~ Ann Voskamp - One Thousand Gifts
There is so much that they can teach me about slowing down and really seeing. This is not my nature. I see so much in every day that needs to be accomplished and conquered and checked off my list - my tendency is to fly through my day on full tilt. I wake up with an agenda, and - in my book - a successful day is when all got accomplished that was intended.
I'm pretty sure this isn't always - or maybe even ever - how God views a successful day. And if I'm not careful, I will miss the simple wonder of all of the every day moments that He wants me to see. The daily, moment by moment gifts that He gives me.
Three boys make me slow down, and this is a good thing.
I read somewhere that if we really want to see things through a toddler's eyes, then we should add about a half hour to every event that we're trying to accomplish - a walk, an errand, a task etc. Little children are good at slowing and seeing. We are good at rushing and blitzing through life.
There is much my kids can teach me.
1177. First rhubarb jam of the season - cooking with the boys.
(I am really great at getting the task accomplished quickly and efficiently. Let's get'er done. They are good at taste testing, smelling, and exclaiming over and over again at its yummy-ness).
1222. Gardening...and weeding...and hopefully a successful veggy season.
(I am good at accomplishing the task. They talk about the size of the different seeds, the worms and bugs that get unearthed, and they get stoked about using the hose. I see this as a task. They see it as an event).
1217. Slip'n'slides and hot May days.
(I see laundry that needs hanging, a lawn that needs mowing, and flowers that need mulching. They help me sit and savor them. All this other stuff will be here tomorrow. They won't be).
1215. Simple summer pleasures.
(It's free. It's a child's wonderland. I stop and sit. I work to play).
1211. Childhood wonder...joy in the small.
(Because that's really what all of life is, right? A whole bunch of small little things that combine and mesh into one big messy, crazy, happy life).
1234. A new pet...for a time.
(I see another creature who's tank needs cleaning and salmanella if they don't wash their hands after holding it. They see beauty, amazement, wonder and sweet thankful hearts to Jesus for a turtle who just walked up our driveway).
1235. This place where he proposed and "we" began.
(I don't want to ever forget our beginnings. In the crazyness of child-rearing, we need to remember "us." I refuse to allow this man to become a stranger throughout the years. When they move out, by God's grace, we will still be strong and in love).
1231. Brother love.
Yes. They have much to teach me.
"To receive God's gifts, to live exalted and joy filled, isn't a function of straining higher, harder, doing more, carrying long the burdens of the super-Pharisees or ultra-saints. Receiving God's gifts is a gentle, simple movement of stooping lower." ~ Ann Voskamp - One Thousand Gifts
Seven.
Kaden Love ~
My first born. My sweet, gentle boy who is so much like his Daddy.
Seven years ago today, you birthed me into motherhood.
I remember being so scared at the thought of being a Mama. Even in the hospital, when you cried in your Grammy's arms and she said – “Oh, he needs his Mommy,” – I remember feeling like this was the moment when all of the world would see that I was a fraud. I make every baby that I ever hold cry, and I knew that you would be no different.
But, she placed you in my arms, and you stopped crying then and there.
You looked me in the eye, and you snuggled in - completely trusting. It was in that moment that I knew that everything would be okay. I would be okay, and you would be okay.
And then and there, I fell in love.
I remember your dark skin and your head of black hair. I remember being amazed at how adorable you were, and I remember feeling so empowered and strong. I couldn’t believe that the hospital staff just let us walk out of that hospital – your Daddy and me not having a clue what we were doing!
(Feeding the ducks when you were two).
And now here we are – seven years later. Amazing. Of the three, you are the most like your Daddy, little man. Quiet, thoughtful, gentle, and kind. Hilarious and crazy, as well. But, also like your Daddy, most of the world doesn’t get to see this side of you very often! You are such a fun blend of silly and serious, and you are such an amazing big brother to Jesse and Ransom.
I am so proud of you, Kaden. I am so thankful for you – and so very honored to be your Mommy. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being gracious and forgiving. Thank you for being patient with the whole lot of us! You are a gift, and I love you so much!
We had a good first year of school, didn’t we? I treasure those hours that we shared together. I love listening to you read, and I will forever love reading stories to you. I love YOUR love of nature and all things creepy crawly. I love that you enjoy fishing just as much as your Daddy. I love that you like the simple things like we do, and you appreciate gifts both big and small. You have a tender heart for Jesus, and I pray that it will always stay that way. You are a leader in your own quiet way. Both of your brothers already want to be like you. That’s a big responsibility for a little guy, but you already shoulder it well.
I am so thankful that God saw fit to give you to us! You are such a blessing and gift to our little family. I am so honored to be your Mommy, and I love you more than you will ever know.
Happy 7th birthday, Kade-man.
******
1201. Seven years - the gift of motherhood.
1202. My firstborn - a boy so much like his father.
1203. A Daddy who is a role model that I want all of my boys to be like.
1204. Kaden's sweet, gentle spirit.
1205. His tender, kind heart.
1206. A thoughtful big brother.
1207. A great example for two little boys to follow.
1208. Silly, sweet humor.
1209. His young heart for Jesus.
1210. On his birthday, making a birthday card for his brother.
My first born. My sweet, gentle boy who is so much like his Daddy.
Seven years ago today, you birthed me into motherhood.
I remember being so scared at the thought of being a Mama. Even in the hospital, when you cried in your Grammy's arms and she said – “Oh, he needs his Mommy,” – I remember feeling like this was the moment when all of the world would see that I was a fraud. I make every baby that I ever hold cry, and I knew that you would be no different.
But, she placed you in my arms, and you stopped crying then and there.
You looked me in the eye, and you snuggled in - completely trusting. It was in that moment that I knew that everything would be okay. I would be okay, and you would be okay.
And then and there, I fell in love.
I remember your dark skin and your head of black hair. I remember being amazed at how adorable you were, and I remember feeling so empowered and strong. I couldn’t believe that the hospital staff just let us walk out of that hospital – your Daddy and me not having a clue what we were doing!
(Feeding the ducks when you were two).
And now here we are – seven years later. Amazing. Of the three, you are the most like your Daddy, little man. Quiet, thoughtful, gentle, and kind. Hilarious and crazy, as well. But, also like your Daddy, most of the world doesn’t get to see this side of you very often! You are such a fun blend of silly and serious, and you are such an amazing big brother to Jesse and Ransom.
I am so proud of you, Kaden. I am so thankful for you – and so very honored to be your Mommy. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being gracious and forgiving. Thank you for being patient with the whole lot of us! You are a gift, and I love you so much!
We had a good first year of school, didn’t we? I treasure those hours that we shared together. I love listening to you read, and I will forever love reading stories to you. I love YOUR love of nature and all things creepy crawly. I love that you enjoy fishing just as much as your Daddy. I love that you like the simple things like we do, and you appreciate gifts both big and small. You have a tender heart for Jesus, and I pray that it will always stay that way. You are a leader in your own quiet way. Both of your brothers already want to be like you. That’s a big responsibility for a little guy, but you already shoulder it well.
I am so thankful that God saw fit to give you to us! You are such a blessing and gift to our little family. I am so honored to be your Mommy, and I love you more than you will ever know.
Happy 7th birthday, Kade-man.
******
1201. Seven years - the gift of motherhood.
1202. My firstborn - a boy so much like his father.
1203. A Daddy who is a role model that I want all of my boys to be like.
1204. Kaden's sweet, gentle spirit.
1205. His tender, kind heart.
1206. A thoughtful big brother.
1207. A great example for two little boys to follow.
1208. Silly, sweet humor.
1209. His young heart for Jesus.
1210. On his birthday, making a birthday card for his brother.
It Begins...
Yesterday for Family Day, I suggested that we kick it to Camden for the day...hit some yard sales along the way, stop at a coffee shop, and walk along the ocean. My kind of a lazy, sunny day. Up until this point, the three hoolies have had no opinions on what we do for our day, just as long as we're doing something fun and different than just sitting around the house.
Well. The lack of opinion is no more! Both big boys - right along with the largest boy of all - really, really, reeeeaaallly wanted to go fishing. Fine. I can see how this is going to go down from now on. Three against one. There's no hope.
I'll survive.
1188. Family Day - Kaden's choice.
1191. Baby snapper - tiny bit of God's creation.
1190. Little boys swimming in their undies.
1192. Two fish caught...and lost.
1193. Big Daddy comforting sad, little boy.
1199. Jesse - quiet and mellow, soaking it in.
1200. Seeing things through Ransom's eyes.
1194. Little boy testing the water for the first time.
1195. Sand between our toes.
1196. Picnics under the sun.
1197. Advantage of homeschooling - the beach to ourselves on a Friday.
1198. Light breeze to keep the bugs away.
"The joy of the small makes LIFE large." ~ Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts
Well. The lack of opinion is no more! Both big boys - right along with the largest boy of all - really, really, reeeeaaallly wanted to go fishing. Fine. I can see how this is going to go down from now on. Three against one. There's no hope.
I'll survive.
1188. Family Day - Kaden's choice.
1191. Baby snapper - tiny bit of God's creation.
1190. Little boys swimming in their undies.
1192. Two fish caught...and lost.
1193. Big Daddy comforting sad, little boy.
1199. Jesse - quiet and mellow, soaking it in.
1200. Seeing things through Ransom's eyes.
1194. Little boy testing the water for the first time.
1195. Sand between our toes.
1196. Picnics under the sun.
1197. Advantage of homeschooling - the beach to ourselves on a Friday.
1198. Light breeze to keep the bugs away.
"The joy of the small makes LIFE large." ~ Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts
Corners of My Home :: Inside & Out
I love HOME.
I love everything about it. I love being home. I love (for the most part) the housework that goes with it. I love that it's an expression of me. I love the boys that live within it. And though I honestly can say that I could leave tomorrow if the Lord asked us too, each and every day I treasure the gift of being here.
It's a gift. All of it. Everything that we have is on loan, and I try to remember that always.
It's the simple things that I love the most.
INSIDE:
:: I love this little work nook that's built into the kitchen. I have my constant reminder to slow and see the sacred amidst the chaos, I have the kid's school books in the old crates, and I love my old dresser that I use for a craft cabinet. We LIVE in the kitchen, and this little space is mine.
:: While I hate shopping for clothes - I honestly need one of my snappy dressing friends to come and clothe me. That would be so perfect... - I do love vintage funk shopping. I love to find something that was made to be one thing and repurpose it for something else. This is an old yellow dresser drawer. Now it holds more of our rapidly growing library.
:: I love my oldest boy sleeping in my bed.
:: Free trunk from our local transfer station, sweet little swag made by a besty best, little star made by Kaden. Love.
OUTSIDE:
:: Little rock wall with rocks collected from all of our many driving and heater hunting adventures.
:: My porch where I sit portions of every day while I watch the boys ride bikes. I like to have it looking cute and fun, but honestly - this is how it usually looks. Lived in, and I love that too.
:: Wide open spaces for all of us to run and play. We craved country for years, and now we finally have a little taste of it. I will never get tired of hearing the peepers at night and watching my chickens.
:: The girl's new digs. While not my favorite, I do so love my hubby who - not really giving a flying flip himself, knew that I was sad about the situation - so he made them a nice little place to run and play.
:: Our wood. There's just something about it. It's honest work, and you can see the results of your labor. I love that.
It's the simple things, really.
Daily - moment by moment - gifts.
I was made for the simple life.
I love everything about it. I love being home. I love (for the most part) the housework that goes with it. I love that it's an expression of me. I love the boys that live within it. And though I honestly can say that I could leave tomorrow if the Lord asked us too, each and every day I treasure the gift of being here.
It's a gift. All of it. Everything that we have is on loan, and I try to remember that always.
It's the simple things that I love the most.
INSIDE:
:: I love this little work nook that's built into the kitchen. I have my constant reminder to slow and see the sacred amidst the chaos, I have the kid's school books in the old crates, and I love my old dresser that I use for a craft cabinet. We LIVE in the kitchen, and this little space is mine.
:: While I hate shopping for clothes - I honestly need one of my snappy dressing friends to come and clothe me. That would be so perfect... - I do love vintage funk shopping. I love to find something that was made to be one thing and repurpose it for something else. This is an old yellow dresser drawer. Now it holds more of our rapidly growing library.
:: I love my oldest boy sleeping in my bed.
:: Free trunk from our local transfer station, sweet little swag made by a besty best, little star made by Kaden. Love.
OUTSIDE:
:: Little rock wall with rocks collected from all of our many driving and heater hunting adventures.
:: My porch where I sit portions of every day while I watch the boys ride bikes. I like to have it looking cute and fun, but honestly - this is how it usually looks. Lived in, and I love that too.
:: Wide open spaces for all of us to run and play. We craved country for years, and now we finally have a little taste of it. I will never get tired of hearing the peepers at night and watching my chickens.
:: The girl's new digs. While not my favorite, I do so love my hubby who - not really giving a flying flip himself, knew that I was sad about the situation - so he made them a nice little place to run and play.
:: Our wood. There's just something about it. It's honest work, and you can see the results of your labor. I love that.
It's the simple things, really.
Daily - moment by moment - gifts.
I was made for the simple life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)