Five Years with Mr. Mister

Happy 5th Birthday!

(a little late)

Dear Mr. Mister,

I'm not sure where to start with this. Maybe with the same thought I have every time you have a birthday - I can't believe it.  That it has been 5 years since I became a mommy for the first time.  That my chubby baby has grown tall and lean.  That your baby coos and toddler words have evolved into adult like conversation with questions that I sometimes can't answer.  That you ride your bike and climb trees effortlessly. That you are a boy now, growing more independent every day.

But in all of this I am thankful that you still like to cuddle on the couch and read books together, that you still want mommy kisses on a hurt finger, and of course, that you still want to marry me someday.  I'm holding onto that one as long as possible.

Our days together are never dull.  You are one persistent, high energy, spirited little boy who will keep me on my toes for the rest of your life.  We are both learning every day.  And daily I remind myself that God made me specifically to be your mom and that I have tremendous honor and responsibility in that assignment.  I know God has great plans to use your strong will and determination for His glory and His kingdom.  That is my daily prayer for you.  

I love you, buddy.  I love the life you bring to our family.  I love your heart for other people and the shameless energy that exudes from you.  You live life fully.  You will change the world someday.

Community

Two weeks ago we closed on our new house at 5:30pm.

And left to catch a flight to the beach at 6:00am the very next morning.

While we were gone some pretty amazing friends moved almost all of our stuff to our new house. And tore down wallpaper.  And set up our beds so that when we came home late one night the next week, we could sleep in our new home that night.  I was overwhelmed by being loved and served in such a huge way.

Our part of town might not be the most attractive in this area in the worldly sense, but real community is happening. People are committed to living life together, being intentional in relationships, serving each other and our neighbors, and most importantly, pursuing Jesus together.  I love being a part of it and am so blessed by the friends in our lives.  I feel like this is a glimpse of how we were created to live.