Family is:

55. The sacred in the chaos.

56. Being silly together.

57. Sitting on the floor with imaginations running wild while sipping tea.

58.  Mother and son laying on the couch staring at the ceiling to sick to do anything else.

59.  Sharing in the joy of the newly found reading skill.

60.  Looking out the window in wonder at creation.

61. Gushing with excitement of jumping into the deep end for the first time.

62.  Making exceptions to the rules every once in a while, by not just allowing little ones to jump on the bed, but to do it with them.

63.  Long car rides full of singing, chatter, and quietly looking out the window.

Chief of the week school project.

64.  Doing school projects together.

65.  Putting puzzles together in front of the fire.

66.  Learning another language that is really just for the two of you.

67.  Working as a team.

68.  Always being quick to ask forgiveness, while being just as quick to forgive it.

69.  Celebrating each other.

70.  End of the day family stories.

Christmas play

71.  Being proud of each others accomplishments.

Four

My little Laughter,

I tried hard to slow this year so I could savor the last of your toddler years, but with just a blink I'm here writing to you, my new four year old.

This year you have planted seeds with your toes and learned to ride a bike.
This year you have learned to sign I love you, our family's way of kissing each other good bye.
This year you have started preschool our focus being Romanian and Bible.
This year you have begun the journey of knowing God.

Your imagination runs wild.
You live life with all that you are.
You are full of passion.
You are quick to forgive and quick to throw a punch.
You bring a smile to virtually every one who passes by you.
You lavish love onto those dear to your little heart.

 Here are some of my favorite conversations you and I have had this year...

...At dinner you looked at me and said, "How are you beautiful?"
...I suggested one night that we have chicken, rice, and beets for dinner, you responded with, "NOOOO! Just beets nothing else.  I love beets."
...I told you that you couldn't do something and you said, "Alright but what if.." I interrupted you with, "No buts I don't want you to do that no matter what."  You grabbed your butt and said, "Okay I wont use my butt, but what if I just..."
...You climbed the wrong side of the stairs trying to reach a shelf that had ping pong balls on it.  Then you realized you couldn't get back down so you began yelling, "Help me I'm going to die!  Help me!"  As I helped you down you said, "Thanks Momma you saved my LIFE, I almost died!"

My prayer for you this year is that you will continue to love like there is no tomorrow, and forgive just as quickly as you do now.  I pray you'll hold back your punches long enough to decide if they are well deserved.  I pray that you as you grow you will keep that kind of faith in God that comes so naturally to you.

I love you all the way up to heaven and back.

P.S. I love that you enjoy a good cup 'o joe.

7 years today...ish

Only five days late, I sit to write my memory of this 7th year celebrating us.  As I think back five days I find it quite fitting that I am late in writing...

...Since it wasn't until lunch that we even laid eyes on each other and even then it was just long enough for a quick kiss with "Happy anniversary" as both went in different directions.
...Since our youngest woke up on the WRONG side of the bed.
...Since I had to play catch up from working all weekend.
...Since I had a Christmas party to prep for - a party we knowingly scheduled on our special day as it was the only free day this entire month.

While whole mornings can pass before we see each other.
While parenting is tiring and chores are never ending.
While building relationships don't always fall on the most convenient of days.

The hard work has paid off.

Our oldest has begun reading.
Our youngest is adored by all.
Our friends and coworkers watch us hoping to find our secrets.
Our God is glorified.
Our love is strengthened.

So yes, I do find it quite fitting that I sit here five days late writing out my love.

It's us.
It's life.
It's good.

Seven years have past and I, lover, have no regrets.  With anticipation I look forward to the crazy this next year will bring.  I will say it now and forever:  T.F.A.

 

A day of slowing.

After a week of glorious busy, including a late night into the wee morning hours full of laughing ladies, a relaxing night catching up with a dear friend over dinner and drinks, and a peaceful afternoon getting my first ever message with a Momma to be, it was a glorious week of busy.

Today as I stumbled into my closet struggling to put on the first pair of pants I could find, not even bothering to change out of the shirt I slept in I decided today would be a day of slowing.  And now, as I finish the last of my afternoon coffee and begin preparing for a long night at work I can't help but count the joys of today.

Simple snacks packed into his lunch box.
Smiles and I love yous exchanged as he walks into school
Cozy fires.
Big beds to snuggle in.
Little boy super hero's.
Christmas movies to watch.
Two sleepy Mommas sipping coffee together..
One happy baby girl.

Two boys only 9 weeks apart now dubbed as our twins, now that we walk life together, living in the same house.
Little hands sorting cranberries.
The sent of boiling berries.

Listening to my oldest quote the Bible.
Watching him grow into a man.
Dryers tumbling.
Quiet afternoons for reflecting.

Gifts 40 - 54.

It doesn't take much to fill four hearts with love.

Just...

Brothers making discoveries together.

The smallest of boys with the largest hearts of compassion.

Silly Mommas and fun photos.

Sunny, but crisp fall days.

A husband and father who makes sure his family knows we are of the up most importance to him.

Gifts 34 - 39.

What I see...

Dragon flies and yellow flowers.

Boys smiles.

Silly faces.

Purity.

Brothers.

Strength.

Color.

 Nature at peaceful rest.

 Excitement.

Leaf cover moss paths.

Endlessness.

...Gifts 22-33...

We met in May, I said yes in September.

For four years I had heard about you.
For four years I had told my Momma-roo I wasn't interested.

Our second outing together.  The one where you sliced your foot "real good", and we played, would you rather, for at least 4 miles.

Then that Friday before Memorial weekend I arrived home after a full day of flying to find she had volunteered me to help out at your camp.  Little did I know how grateful I would soon be for her meddling.

Even though I told you I wouldn't be your girlfriend, and later said you could not hold my hand, and even though you wouldn't hear a peep from me after every single visit we had, you still waited for me.  Although in all honesty I didn't keep you waiting long.  Or rather God didn't keep us waiting long.  I said no and kept silent because I really liked you, but wanted to make sure I heard God through my emotions.

On September 29th He said you could put that ring on my finger.  We are after all a match made in heaven.

I can never say it enough, TFA.