Happy Birthday, Danny!!

One of these days, we're going to realize that our little kids are getting bigger. I can't believe that you, Danny, our THIRD child, are nine years old today. That's halfway to all grown up (at least going by current and locationally determined societal standards)!

You're sweet and smart and witty and fun. You never lack energy, which is not too surprising considering that you were never a laid-back child; it was full-speed ahead during my pregnancy with you and you weren't much of a sleeper as a baby. You've always been go, go, go!

But you do love people and love to stop and relate to those around you.

You're getting super good at piano this year and you have finally convinced us to get you some new wheels. We can't wait to see what this next year has for you!

Our greatest desire for this next year is that it sees us all loving God and through Him, loving others better than we do now. That's our prayer for you, too, sweet Danny. Love Him, first. Everything else comes out of that.

We love you, Danny, and we thank God for you!! He knew what He was doing when He gave you to our family. Have a very happy birthday!!

Ten years!!

Ten years ago today, you made your unique, full-speed-ahead entrance into our world, and you haven't slowed down since!

There are so many things that we could reminiscence about regarding that special morning, and the ten years since, but I'm pretty sure that we've already talked about all of that many times before.

Because if there is anything that you are exceptionally good at out of your many, many talents, it is talking. We all know that you practice THAT enough!

We do very much enjoy pondering life with you, and hearing how you think about and process the world around you. Grandpa was just talking tonight about some good career options for you -- politicians, ministers, and salesmen all talk a lot!

You're also very good at math and music and mischief... but I think the aspect of your personality that I've really started to notice more recently is this: You're a fixer. Like your dad. You see a problem (or, uh, a non-problem that you perceive as a problem) and your mind just won't let it go until you have a solution for the problem. This is a good thing. Our world needs more problem solvers, and with your giftings, and your dimples, you'll be a good one!

We love you, Mikey. We are so thankful that God gave us you -- a sweet promise of hope on the anniversary of a broken day. We hope and pray that as you grow in wisdom and stature, that you will put your confidence not in the gifts that have been given you, but in the Giver of those gifts. He loves you and has given the greatest Gift - His Son - as the perfect ransom for your life.

Happy, happy birthday, Mikey! Have an awesome year!

Eliana is Eleven!!

Well, Eliana, despite our best efforts to keep you little, you're eleven years old now and growing up fast. You and I often talk about how Daddy and I are really practicing on you. By now, we've got a routine about how to deal with babies, potty-training, and four-year-olds. We kind of know the drill on kids starting school... but having a child on the verge of adolescence? That's as new for us as it is for you to be at this stage!

But I've found myself saying to friends and family this past year: "The prospect of my kids growing up scares me. But when I look at how Eliana is actually growing up, I'm just blessed and thankful by the reality." It's true. You are a blessing to Daddy and me, and we are so thankful to see the beautiful, kind, thoughtful, patient, joyful and thankful young lady you are growing up to be. 

Of course, you have your moments when this world drives you a bit crazy, but most often you choose to respond with grace and gratitude. You are such an example for me! When I'm getting impatient and irritable, you quietly, humbly comment on good, lovely things to ponder. You're patient and forgiving of both me and the little ones... in fact, it's such a delight to see you play with and care for your younger siblings, with such sweetness and joy in your eyes.

We don't know what this next year will bring, but we are excited for you. More than anything, we love seeing your faith in God blossom as your own, and the sweet fruit that comes from it. He loves you so much. He is good and faithful and generous and forgiving. Remember those truths and continue to think on these things. We love you, and we're so, so thankful for you, our beautiful Eliana!!

Happy, happy birthday, Sweet Girl!!

Elijah is Five!!

Dear Elijah,

We want you to know how important you are to us and how thankful we are for you!

You're five now, and you're really budding into quite a little man. You've come a long way from the two-year-old that was springing out white hairs on your mama's head, left and right!

You're a smart young man and you'll officially be starting school this year. You and Sammy are still best of buds and you love anything Luigi, as Sammy has Mario well covered. You are hovering between wanting to grow up and wanting to stay in Never-Never Land a while longer. I can definitely understand.

We love you. We've seen you grow so much this year, more and more often choosing obedience over defiance, while still embracing challenge and adventure.

You've also grown in tenderness and compassion this year, often choosing time to just cuddle and chat with your mama over the countless other things you could be doing at any given time. The twinkle in your eye never fails to warm our hearts.

We love you and hope and pray for good things for you this coming year!!

Happy, happy birthday, Elijah!!

Sammy is SIX!!!

Oh, Sammy! You're six! And you, my little love, are amazing.

This past year has seen you growing from one of the little kids into one of the BIG kids. It's been a bumpy transition at times, but you've done it with such sweetness that I could just about burst thinking about you!

I joke that you are a one-woman man, as you are happy to tell just about ANYONE how beautiful your mom is, how much you are kind of in love with her, and how much you love to give her kisses. Seriously, kid. You melt my heart! You're also very good at telling your older sisters (and poor aunts) that you ONLY love hugs, kisses, and dances with your mom. Though this year, you have also decided that it's nice to share some of your love with your baby sister. I don't mind sharing.

You're compassionate and thoughtful. I stayed home the other day to rest while your daddy took you and the rest of the kids to see Mrs. Zook's iris garden, and as you were admiring the beauty, you contemplated that you wished that I was there to smell the flowers. Such a sweet guy, you're constantly thinking of others and what they would enjoy. I see this kindness in you as you think about your little brothers and sister. I can only imagine what a gem you will be as you grow into a man!

As kind and generous as you are, you are also rough and tumble! Your favorite games include swords and lightsabers and battles of all kinds, always fighting the bad guys! You still love Star Wars but Mario, Luigi, and Sonic the Hedgehog have also won your devotion over this past year.

We love you, Sammy. We thank God for you and we delight in the person that God is making you to be! We pray that your sweet tenderness to love the Lord with all your heart continues to grow and flourish as He shows you His unfailing love and mercy.

Happy, happy birthday!!!

Happy Birthday, Jeremiah!!

Well, it's been a while, but we officially have a two-year-old in the house again. You don't talk much (vowel sounds donated to certain people, things and "hi" and "hug" being a large extent of your repertoire), but you're sweet and happy, cooing over your baby sister and flashing your dimples at a moment's notice.


I do have to keep my eye on you as you love to empty drawers and cabinets, but you also love sweeping, dusting, and putting away clean clothes, so I really can't complain much.

Well, other than the whole "I only say 'Mama' when I'm sick and miserable and otherwise, I'll talk about 'Daddy' just to tease you" thing! I can complain about that all I want. But I understand. You're not the first kid to play that game!

You're a gift, sweet JJ, and we are very thankful for you. You add bonus joy to our hearts and home. God was kind to give you to us, and we won't forget that easily.

We love you. Have a wonderful year, sweet son. Happy, happy birthday!!

Happy Birthday, Selah!

You're seven! It's amazing how time flies.. and how I think I probably start all my birthday posts with this contemplation. I can't believe how quickly you're growing, sweet girl.

We're so thankful for you, Selah. You are joyful and exuberant and competent and girly! =) You love all things pink and flowery and pink. You love to dance and to dress up and to talk and to play with your friends. 

You love to dream about your future ... and it's sweet to see you working with Eliana to make beautiful artistic creations. 

You can be so kind and considerate, and you always take the time to coo at your baby sister or play with your youngest brother. You seem to really like your daddy, too.

You are a gift from God and we look forward to seeing what His good plans are for you. We pray that you'll know His love more and more each day. 

Happy, happy birthday, Sweet Selah! We love you!

Video: Selah, Sammy, Elijah and Jeremiah Meet Their 'First Baby Sister'

Happy Birthday, Danny!

You're eight! And living life to the fullest!

Danny, you're a sweet, cool kid. You love life and people. You're happy and kind and confident. You love talking on the phone to anyone who will answer. You love electronics and learning and playing games. You love singing and music and anything that has anything to do with "How to Train Your Dragon." You hoped that we would name your youngest sibling "Hiccup."

You don't love soccer. But you are enthusiastic about encouraging your siblings on in their endeavors!

You are sweet and affectionate and your eyes light up as you share your excitement with the world. You're kind to strangers and you make friends easily.

You're adventurous and fearless, always up for trying new things. You easily express gratitude and appreciation.

And we love you. God knew what He was doing when He placed you in our family, and we are genuinely thankful that He gave you to us. We hope and pray that as you grow in wisdom and maturity, you will find your peace and confidence in His goodness and His love for you.

Just remember: we're on your side. Happy, happy 8th birthday, sweet Danny!

Happy 9th Birthday, Mikey!

*
*Yes, this one is late, too, but hopefully we're back on track now!*

You're such a fun kid, Mikey. You're out there. You're bold. You're confident. You can talk more than the rest of your family put together, and in the extreme scenario that no one is listening, talking to yourself is not out of the question.

You're rough and tumble. You're  spontaneous and sometimes impetuous. You're constantly thinking and constantly doing and sometimes that creates and sometimes that... well.... destroys. But you're growing and learning and maturing and every day, we can see more and more of the man that you are becoming. And that is good and exciting!

You are kind. You are thoughtful. You are affectionate. You are sweet to your mother, and that means a lot, Mikey. That means a lot. 

You have great dimples. Great dimples. Seriously -- when you're excited, your eyes light up, your dimples pop in, and you brighten the room. It's both endearing and terrifying. But that's a conversation for another day.

We love hearing your thoughts. We love that you share your heart with us. We love knowing how you process deep, deep realities. We love how you feed knowledge with TRUTH and you love mercy and grace and forgiveness. 

We love you, Mikey, and we're proud of you. We're so thankful that God gave us to you -- in His perfect timing and His perfect design (even if you hold some records in the process! ;)) and we are so blessed, so privileged, so humbled and honored to be your parents. We may mess this up on a regular basis -- both the training and the growing and the teaching and the learning -- but we are in this process together and we have a very good and loving God guiding our course. Look to Him, remind us when we falter, and we'll remind you when you falter and we'll get there, sweet son, we'll get there.

Happy, happy birthday, dear Mikey! We love you! 

You're Ten!!

*Another belated post. Sorry, Folks!*

Dearest Eliana,

I looked at Daddy recently and said about you, "She's growing up. We're going to have to figure out very soon what drug is needed to stop that." But then I had to admit, "But actually, I really like how she's growing up... so far, her growing up has been really neat to watch!"

It's true. We really like who you are, Sweet Girl. And who you are is just getting lovelier and lovelier all the time.

Now you're ten -- a whole decade old. "More than halfway grown up," you told me. And though we know that there will be stumbles and falls along the way (this is part of being a person, you know!), we are thankful for the young lady that you are becoming. You are responsible and kind, thoughtful and generous. You light up and glow when talking about any of the number of things that delight you (art, nature, animals, your friends, your youngest siblings...). You speak confidently about your faith in God and His goodness and you have much peace in His forgiveness.

You are sweet, and you are mischievous and the twinkling in your eyes as you harass your dad brings joy to us all... even your dad.

Remember that we're on your side. We love you and we're here for you, as we figure out this whole "growing up" thing together. You'll mess up, we'll mess up... but there is much grace and much love in the process. We want the very best for you, and we are confident in the One who loves you so much more and better than we ever could... we eagerly push you toward Him as we continue to push toward Him ourselves, knowing that what He desires for us IS the VERY BEST!

So happy, happy birthday, loved daughter. We hope you have a year as beautiful as you are, and we hope at the end of it, you know even more the depth of love you have at your disposal!

Happy Belated 4th Birthday, Elijah!!

*Note: It's been a bit of a crazy month or two around these parts, and due to family scheduling aspects, we didn't celebrate Elijah's birthday until about a week after his actual birthday. He didn't care as he's not yet to the point of checking out the calendar and counting down days or anything, and his older siblings were great about not making a big deal about the delay, too. We really wanted to get his post up and running before his big sister's birthday (which was celebrated late as well) -- but that didn't quite happen.*

Happy, happy birthday, Sweet Elijah!! Last year, for your third birthday, I recounted about half of your plots that changed many of my hairs to a bright white shiny color. You being two was an eye-opening year for me as I realized that "raising" three boys before you did NOT prepare me for the boy who is you!

But you being three years old has shown me a much different picture of the boy who is you than even you being two years old could. And as you turn FOUR, I get the joy of reflecting on my "Wijah" as the three-year-old that you have spent the last year being.

You're funny. You're gracious. You're loving. You give such sweet, unasked for hugs and kisses and "i WUV yous." Your eyes light up as your baby brother dives in to shower you with cuddles, and you love all of us so generously, extravagantly and energetically. Joy shines through your eyes -- well, just about any emotion you are feeling shines through your eyes!

You're confident and easy-going. You've filled the role of best friend and playmate to Sammy well over this past year... the two of you are nearly inseparable. Together, you love anything Star Wars and/or Lego and your whole body bounces with enthusiasm at every turn. (As I was typing this, you just came up to me to bestow on me some imaginary gift. I wasn't fully able to determine what this gift was supposed to be, but you did make it clear that both I and Jeremiah received the red one, not the green one.)

You love people -- there's nothing shy about you. You're very happy to walk up to random people and say, "And what's YOUR name?" before introducing yourself. And though you can certainly express your disapproval when "necessary," your regular disposition is happy and twinkly.

You also have a reputation for your regular rejection of pants.

And despite your sweetness, there is still an occasional air of inventive mischief to you. Though this doesn't stop my heart, in dread of what could have been, as often as it used to.

We love you, Elijah. You are a gift from God and a joy to our hearts. We are so thankful that He saw fit to add you to our family, and we look forward to seeing the man that He is creating you to be! Have a very happy year being FOUR!!

Happy, happy birthday!!