Tough Guys

11 Months

I'm a little late on the 11 month post. Actually three weeks from today, this little man will be one! So hard to believe.

Dear Mr. Newton,

At 11 months, we can see big changes in you...the way you interact and communicate lets us know exactly what you are thinking. Your constant giggle is evidence that a lot of things in life makes you happy. And that makes us happy.

Your favorite things are dogs, water, and laying in your brother's bed. These three things bring extra smiles and laughter. You also love to cuddle with anything soft. And when you do, you automatically put your thumb in your mouth. Of course, your favorite huggie is Orange Juice, but I think I'll have to devote another entire post to that special orange dog. You sure love him. But if he's not right next to you, any stuffed animal will do!

 

You eat a lot. And you are messy. You want to feed yourself, even with a spoon, which results in some big spills and messes. But it's cute to see you try to use a spoon and then give up and just eat straight from the bowl. 

We love you! Thanks for bringing so much joy to everyone's life with your sweet smile and laughter!

Love to a Thousand Generations

A few weeks ago, I was at the dentist for a checkup at 7am and I found myself telling the woman who was cleaning my teeth that it was nice to be out of the house by myself.  Then I laughed at what I had just said.  An early morning dentist appointment was an escape.  I am remembering this scenario because today I was told that I have to get an MRI on my shoulder next week.  When the doctor told me that I could listen to music while laying down for 45 minutes, I thought, that sounds peaceful!  I might even take a nap!  

While my life might lack quiet (until 9pm...hooray for a quiet house!), it certainly does not lack fun, joy, and life. These boys are such gifts. I love the questions Mr. Mister asks as he learns so much every day. And I love the sound of Mr. Newton's chattering and giggling at everything he does.  I love how they both get so excited to go outside and how they laugh together in their room when they are supposed to be napping. And how Mr. Mister always wants one more Bible story.  And how Mr. Newton stops whatever he is doing and bolts to the bathtub when he hears the water start running. 

I could go on and on.  So even on a difficult day where it felt like I was doing nothing more than cleaning banana off the floor for the hundreth time and putting away the same things I thought I just put away, I know that this is exactly where I want to be and I know I am doing much more than these tasks. Today, on the verge of a breakdown, I put the broom down and imagined who these boys are going to be someday. I am sowing seeds into a far greater reality than I can see right now.  And that makes the seemingly mundane incredibly worthwhile. 

Yes, I'll take a quiet escape or a night out here and there, but I wouldn't take one hundred quiet days in exchange for the opportunity to love these boys and raise up the next generation of men who love Jesus...to leave a legacy through them and hopefully for generations to come after them. 

"...but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments" (Exodus 20:6)

Road Trip

Last week we went on a fun road trip with some friends. We say we went to Gatlinburg, but I never really saw Gatlinburg, which was okay with me. We stayed in a cabin outside of Smokey Mountain National Park and did some hiking (as much as can be done in between nap times and with kids in backpacks). It was such a fun week with some really great friends. We came home encouraged and even more excited about the community that God is building here.

Most of our group. We were missing one family on this hike.

We hiked up to this waterfall.

Mr. Newton LOVES water and he wanted to splash in the waterfall.

Tuckered out after lots of fresh air and a long ride in the backpack.

Future buddies.

The Family

A little overdue, but here are some pictures from when my whole family was together to celebrate my mom's milestone birthday about a month ago. It had been over a year since we had all been together so it was such a gift to have that time, even though it was a quick visit. We love being together, even with the craziness of having 7 grandkids ages 5 and under!

This picture makes me happy.
I can't believe everyone was looking at the camera!

The grandkids...

And the originals!

Mohawk Man

Mr. Newton's hair really needs to be cut, but in the meantime, it makes for some great mohawks.

Spring?

Where did you go, Spring? Please come back soon.