Our first "Date"

Abe and I got to to on our first Mommy Son Dance.

He really, REALLY wanted to go.  

After a weekend full of birthday activities I was kinda spent, but I couldn't tell him no.

He cleans up awful nice, too.

I sure love him.

We made it about an hour at the dance.

We (he) licked a lot of icing off cupcakes.

We danced.

We watched the big boys.

We played with balloons.

We left to play at the park in the sunshine.

I call it a success.

Building a 4th birthday

Abram wanted a construction birthday this year

Daddy helped with the decor

so thankful for our boy and those who love him

Abram Jeffrey is FOUR

My tiny boy is growing.  There is no denying it.

Today we celebrate his 4th birthday.

A little bit about the boy who has my heart....

He is rarely quiet, unless he is being sneaky.

He is silly, stubborn, and likes to be busy.

He is a helper.  

Abe likes all things BOY...

dirt, rocks, playing outside, trucks, trains, dinos.

Some of your favorites are

Paw Patrol, mac cheese, going to preschool, getting dirty, tools & tractors,

making messes and being outside

You LOVE your baby sis.  And she thinks you hung the moon.

Its a little different with your big sisters.  I believe you think they are here to take care of you. 

 I am sure this will change through the years.

You are mighty. You are head strong.

You love to snuggle Mommy.

I hope those never change.

I am so thankful I was chosen to be your Mommy, Abe.

I pray your light will always shine bright for the Lord.  I know you will do great things.

I love you.

Daddy Daughter Dance 2016 & my valentines

my Leah, 6

my sweet Ayla, 8

don't they clean up nicely?

I can't quit looking at these images.  they are so beautiful and so grown up.  Sometimes I wonder where time has gone.  I love them so.

These 3 were jealous.

Who could resist a baby covered in yogurt?

and that smile...

I love the tradition of the girls going to the ball with their daddy.  They have the best time.  Jeff said usually they are at his side and begging for dances.  This year they scampered about and danced with their pals.  They are growing up.  I guess we still have Emilia.  Im hoping that my sneaky dude will want to go to the mommy son dance this month!

Ayla Joy: baptism

Yesterday marked one of the best days of my life so far.

My baby girl, my first born, Ayla Joy chose to give her life to Jesus.  She decided to take the step to get baptized.  She has been asking questions and I could tell her heart had been moved to this decision for over a year now.  I kept wondering "is she too young" "does she understand" and "is she ready".

Ultimately, she began getting impatient with our many talks and asked "mom, when will you let me get baptized".  My heart sank.  I was holding her back because I was not ready for her to grow up.  But, she had already.

Ayla is an old soul.

She has a light so bright.

Ayla Joy

February 7, 2016

You became a kingdom worker.  I know your ministry will touch so many.

I love you so.

We celebrated the day with close family and a few friends.  I was surprised to see she had packed the house at service on Sunday.  She truly has touched others in her young life.  So many friends showed up to see her take this step.  I felt so loved.  All the way to the tip top by the blessings of friends and family.  My village :)

 We love you, Ayla Joy