5 Years Old

Tonight I said "good night" to our four year old for the last time for tomorrow our baby boy turns FIVE! 

Turning 1...

 

Turning 2...

Turning 3 in the Smoky Mountains...

Turning 4...

Turning 5 and receiving kisses...

 

 

 

Earlier today I had just checked on Anna who was playing outside, I was tackling the mountain of laundry, and I was thrilled that Lydia and David were giggling and playing so nicely when I was hit with a thought...

There was a day that I thought I would never be a Mama...what a dark, hard time in our lives.  During that time of dreams dieing and trusting God for whatever He had...children or no children, I remember lots of tears and inner struggles.  I would never wish for that journey for anyone, but I am thankful for all that God taught us and how He alone is our life.  I was reminded of how each of our children were given to us...what blessings!  In the day to day it is so easy to forget the miracles that our children are...

And so this one...our laughter miracle...is turning 5!

This year has been a year of learning:  learning to read, learning to write letters and numbers, learning to be a good friend and student at preschool, learning to love his little sister, learning to ride his bike with no training wheels, learning more about His heavenly Father...

There is so much stored away in my Mama's heart for this boy...our son.

Thank you, Father, for this gift!

Thank you, Father, for allowing me to be a mother...

 

 

Happy 5th Birthday to one great little man!

Happy Father's Day (a day late...) to the most wonderful Dad!

 

 Thank you God for your blessing!

11 Months Home

It's SUMMER!  It's been fun having Anna home every day!

With summer time comes later bedtimes, so we decided to move Lydia in to David's room since they share a bedtime routine.  Anna can stay up a little later and Lydia is happy to go to sleep with big brother.

 Here are the three crazies going to bed the night before Daddy flew to India.

 

 Erik finally got the opportunity to travel with our church to preach the Gospel in India.  We were excited to see him go, but missed him lots and lots!  (I'll try to do a post on his trip...)  

Snuggle time before Daddy leaves...

Lydia has been home for 11 Months!

We had to wait a few extra days for her monthly photo shoot because our camera was in India...

The crazy faces...

Our baby girl assures us that she is not a baby..."I'm a big girl!"  Her biggest milestone this month was staying overnight at Grandma's house by herself.  She assured me...  "I not cry, Mommy.  I not cry."  Then she asked several times, "Grandma not leave me?"  Meaning...she wanted to be sure Grandma would sit with her while she went to sleep.  We didn't push it and would gladly have gotten her, but she was determined that she wanted to sleep at Grandma's.  And she did.  That's our baby girl. 

Life has changed so much in 11 months.  Lydia, you amaze us and have taught us so much and blessed us beyond our imagination!  And now I will start working on that 1 year home post...

Love you sweet girl...our daughter...and as you say..."We lobe you!"