Five Stars for a Five Year Old

We celebrated Noah over the weekend.  He turned FIVE Saturday, which was much anticipated.  Something about becoming a five-year-old has been a big milestone for us all.  He was SO excited leading up to his birthday and is still relishing in his new year of life.  With each thing we do, he says, "that was my first time to ___ as a five year old.  And it was really cool!"  --go to church, go to pre-school, ride his bike, etc--  

I know you other mothers understand this... it is so fun to live out exciting milestones with your children.  Seeing his heart alive brings added life to mine. 

I know you think there aren't many more things I could say about my sweet son that I haven't already said at some point on this blog, but you are oh-so-wrong! :)  I could write a post about each of my children for the rest of my life and never run out of things to say.  They are that unique and that special to me.  They intrigue me to the core.  

When I sat down to write a post celebrating my Noah in words, one strong thing came to mind:

his love for work!

  

I have watched this love blossom in Noah's life over the past year. 

He is a hard worker and he loves to be busy with purpose.  

He gives his full attention to detail and precision.  He often spends entire days (literally) working.  He thrives in spending hours upon hours digging, planting and grooming our yard with his dad or Pop.  

And I've notices that this all is most true when he is working with his hands and he is outside.  

I've marveled time and again how the Lord really does create man to work and provide because I've seen this come to life in Noah.  

It isn't a strain for Noah, he thrives on it.  

 Of course, he enjoys his breaks and the cool snacks he works so hard for. Ha. 

But I've also been amazed by his initiative to work.  He shovels, rakes, takes out trash, sets the table, moves rocks, all on his own.  He sees a need and attempts to take care of it without so much as a word from anyone.  

I snuck this picture recently just to keep for myself for years to come, but decided to post it here so that I could be blessed each time I see this post.  Most mornings, Noah rises early with his Daddy to have coffee and study scripture.  I can't tell you what it does to my heart and my love for the Lord to walk into our dining room and see this.  The Lord is giving Noah a hunger for the Word.  This process is causing new parts in me to rise up in awe of the power of the Holy Spirit.  That, and it makes me love these TWO boys in even deeper ways.  What a sweet father my children have.

I thought I would throw this picture in for good measure.  This was my boy's recent first trip to the dentist.  He was so nervous and so brave.  Everything inside of him wanted to cry and fall in my arms, I saw it written all over his face.  But he didn't.  And I admire him for that.  I'm watching my little boy grow into a big boy on a daily basis.  

I find myself daily amazed at the maturity taking place before my very eyes.

This boy of ours, he is such a joy!

I'm blessed to be his mother.

Happy 5th Birthday, Noah Hudson!

Freeze Dance

As the kids and I danced a jig during one of our favorite shows, we paused with every mention of the word freeze.  As we moved and laughed, I took a mental snap shot.  You know the moments; full of laughter and playing and then the thought occurs that this instance cannot be repeated.  That particular moment... once in a lifetime.  The only condolence is to take a mental snapshot and store it in the file of Things to Recall Often. 

As I twirl and dip and stagger in my life's dance, I can't forget to freeze.


I'll do it in order to take a mental snapshot. And remember.


If I could, I would freeze the days when my laundry basket is filled with princess dresses, footed pajamas, and baseball socks.  And the days when a blanket solves the world's troubles.

I would freeze the days when more tears are shed over the mention of unwanted nap times and bedtimes than over broken hearts, failed reports or hurt feelings. Or the days when everyone in our family could pile comfortably into one bed.

I would freeze the day that Kayt decided that if she couldn't marry Daddy, she would marry Bubba.
And the days when I brushed tangles out of matted, dark hair only to brush new tangles out minutes later.

I would freeze the days when riding a bike on two wheels was deserving of a family celebration, when the sidewalk was covered with chalk, and the yard colored by Play-Do. And the ones when my throat felt sore from all the books read aloud.

I would freeze the days when sippie cups filled the top drawer of my dishwasher and colorful spoons my silverware slots.  And the days when talk of 'school adventures' was merely talk, not a reality.

I would freeze the days when dirty feet clouded the bath water as all three of my lil' loves easily fit into one tub.  And especially the days when the sight of my face made little legs run to my arms.


If I could pause the music, just for awhile, I would include a day just like today.  Ordinary, simple and special.  I would freeze the giggles that are common sounds, the footsteps that still pitter-patter, and the messes that are strewn with adventure and imagination.

But as we danced that fun day, I realized that the song built with each new note.  The frozen poses became funnier and the excitement grew.  The final freeze was better than the first.

And for that reason, I'll let that time go by knowing that each day and month and year will build upon the last.  The memories will grow and the mental snapshots will accumulate.


But while we dance our lives away, I'll continue to take moments to freeze.

Because if we are going to dance, we might as well Freeze Dance!

Kayt Captured

I was browsing through pictures and these made me laugh. 

I took them on my phone during our early morning flight to Disney World, per Kayt's request.  

She would say, "Take my picture!"

Then, "Let me see." 

Finally... lots of giggles.

Kayt is such a silly girl.  She doesn't take anything too seriously, she is as easy going as they come.  

I laughed that her eyes are closed in each picture and at the fun we had that morning while all of the other passengers lulled in a state of sleepiness.

My early-riser was ready for the fun to begin. 

And so she initiated it before the sun came up.

I know that as she gets older, everyone will want to be Kayt's friend.  She will be so much fun to be around... she already is! 

If Not You, Then Who?

As a mother, as a wife, as a friend, as a daughter, as an attender, as a leader, as a member, as a follower...

I have a calling.

I pray for my husband and children in ongoing, raw, needy ways.  I ask the Lord for the small details of their life to be worked out.  I ask the Lord for the big, obstacles to fade in light of him.  I ask for clarity. I ask the Lord for friendships and relationships that will build them up.  I ask for their healing.  I ask for their hearts and eyes to be protected.  I ask for Jesus to speak in radical ways during their days.  I ask for their hearts to be drawn to him.  I ask for their rest to be good.  I ask that their dreams would be from Him.  I ask for their laughter to be plentiful.  I ask for future events.  I ask for everything.

I ask, because if not me, then who?

That's why I petition.

I pray for my husband as a pastor, a shepherd, an employee.  I ask that the Lord would work through him.  If not me asking, then who?

Who else has my husband and children on their hearts as often as me?

This life is tough and this world is mean.  Satan is prowling.  Our battles are NOT against flesh and blood.  They are bigger. They are spiritual.  Just read Ephesians 6.  If our battle is in the spiritual realm, than our defense must be, as well.  How do we battle in the spiritual?  We pray. We wage war.  We speak truth.  We claim scripture.  We trust Jesus.

Knowing this, I want life for my family.  I want Jesus to be powerful in them.  I want unity among us.  I want to make an impact in the lives of people, everyone we encounter.  People matter to Jesus.  I pray for them.  I ask for hearts of stone to be replaced with new hearts.  I ask for days of bitterness to be redeemed with joy.  I ask for marriages to be restored. I ask for healing, knowing that it is a mere glimpse of the power that we will one day experience in heaven.

But I pray most for my family.
Brad
Noah
Kayt
Emery

If I don't fight for them in the spiritual, then who will?
It's my calling as a wife and mother.  It's my joy as a lover of Jesus.
I pray short prayers.  I speak one word prayers.  I pray lengthy prayers coupled with tears.  I pray repetitive prayers.

It's not the format that matters,  it's the heart of one that knows their calling, understands that our struggles and battles are real, and realizes that victory lies in Jesus.  My prayers may not be answered as I would choose, but I never want it to be for a lack of asking.  And through my prayers, my heart is drawn to the Lord's faithfulness and the fact that he hears me.  "But as for me, the NEARNESS of God is MY GOOD." 

Who prays for your husband everyday?
Who prays for you everyday?
Who prays for your children everyday?
Your mother? Your father?
Your grandparents? Your friends?
Your church? Your leaders?  Your students?

If not you, then who?

My Only Son

Spring is approaching and that means one thing in our house... baseball.

You see friends, I am a woman of many trades.  Laundry connoisseur, master pb&j chef, speedy bed maker, baby doll barber, house keeper, sock matching enthusiast, AND pitcher.

Not to brag on myself, but I am a force to be reckoned with on the pitching mound.  And the neighbors know that I mean business when I take my position wearing my pajama pants and house shoes.

Move over, Cliff Lee.

This morning, Noah and I were playing baseball while Emery napped and Kayt tended to her babies in the fort.  All was good until a threw a wild pitch and accidentally hit Noah square in the shoulder.  If I could have captured his face in a picture I would have something worth money.   He was completely dumbfounded and crushed and confused all at the same time.

In the most sincere, sympathetic voice he said, "What in the world are you thinking, Mom? You just hit me with the ball.  Have you forgotten that I'm your only son?  It's fine and I forgive you, but think about that next time.  Okay?"

I didn't really know how to respond.

So I laughed.
Like any good mother would do.

And then apologized.

So, to my only son: forgive this wild woman.

And to Cliff Lee: don't go anywhere.  You stay on the pitching mound and I'll stay home in my pjs.

Baby Girl Isn't Really a Baby Anymore:

My lovely Emery is fourteen months old.  She loves being chased through the house.  Her favorite way to eat is on-the-go;  a cracker in one hand and her blanket in the other and the girl thinks all is right in the world.  She is smart as can be, loves to play peek-a-boo and has a cheesy grin that only her daddy can pull out of her.  She has the sweetest little hands and puts her face into them when she wants to show that things are not happening according to her plan.  Her favorite time of day is when she hears the garage door raise. She knows it is followed by Brad walking through the door and  she greets him with the most intense excitement.  She loves to be rolled on the floor and tickled by her siblings.  She is the most adventurous and care free of our children.  She delights in being outside and loves no place more than her bed.  She cherishes each suck on her paci and still takes a bottle of milk at bedtime (I know, I know).  She won't touch green beans, but loves pizza, eggs, blueberries, and oranges.  She eats with a spoon like a master.  She is funny and witty.  Brad and I agree that she may be the family comedian.  She has a captivating demeanor, a sweet temperament and enough charm to win a war.  She is determined and loving.  She is reckless beyond measure and on any given day she had a slew of bruises to prove it.  She is loud, yet sneaky.  She loves water and dirt; she plays with baby dolls and matchbox cars.  She thinks the kitchen cabinet contents were placed there for her enjoyment and can often be found rummaging through the pantry.  She is the link our family never knew it was missing.  She cherishes her Daddy's attention, loves making her Bubba laugh, watches every move her Sissy makes and spends much of her day in the arms of her Momma.  Emmy girl, you make my heart twirl!  

Longing for Something Tropical

And colorful. 

And warm. 

But mainly, I am aching for sand. And I don't mean the sand underfoot at the playground.  

February always allures me towards summer, yet grounds me in the inconsistency of winter.

 With nothing tropical in our foreseeable future, we have settled for the front yard and backyard and park.  It'll do.

  

sKIDders

I found these cute shoes at Target and wanted to try them for my active fourteen-month-old.  Emery loves them.  They are perfect for toddlers.  

Overall, Emmy is not lover of shoes like her Mamma (hoping that will change) so I was relieved to find that she wears them without hassle.  She even brings them for me to put on her.  

Target didn't have many design choices, but I found a bigger selection here. 

Aren't those cute feet? 

I wanted to share our fun, new find.  

Pick up a pair for a toddler near you!

A Pirate, A Mother and A Sickling:

--Jake and the Neverland Pirates premiered.  It's a new show on Disney Junior that we saw advertised at Disney World. Noah has been so excited for its debut.  It hasn't disappointed.  He l.o.v.e.s it and has transformed into a pirate. The fort in our backyard has been converted to a pirate ship.  Ahoy, me matey!

--Kayt got two new baby dolls.  Big day.  Big, big day.  This is what she bought with her Valentines money.  I tried and tried to convince her to buy a new spring outfit (really, I did), but she wouldn't have it.  She was adamant about wanting ANOTHER baby.  We finally settled on a big sister/ little sister combo set.  Kayt is the most nurturing girl I know.  Far more nurturing than I EVER remember being as a child. She wakes up ready to play 'mommy/baby' and continues all day.  She tends to her slew of baby dolls as if they were real infants.  She is so gentle and attentive.  I just know she will be the best mother!

--Emery has an ear infection, but thanks to the tubes we had put in at the end of the year, we've avoided the doctor's office.  She and I have logged a few hours of cuddly sleeping this week.  That hasn't happened since she was an infant.  Now with ear drops, Mortin and TLC... she is on her way to recovery.

--Brad and I celebrated one of our most memorable Valentines Days together.  Our home group meets on Monday nights.  Since Valentines fell on a Monday this year, the guys planned a fun, surprise night for their wives.  We had strict instructions about when and where to meet.  We were driven to a lovely location where we found a path lit by tiki torches leading to a fire pit and platters of appetizers.  We had a lovely, girly conversation while we warmed ourselves by the fire.  Later we were led indoors by our husbands to a beautifully prepared, delicious dinner.  It was one of the most fun nights.  They were attentive to all details and worked so hard to serve and love us well.  Plus, it was celebrated with some of our closest friends, joy~

--We went to the park after I picked Noah and Kayt up from MDO yesterday.  We were all so excited to be outside and enjoying a warm day UNTIL Noah pushed the big, red swing with Kayt's baby doll in it and the swing hit and knocked Kayt into a big puddle of water.  At that... we came home.

--Noah has his first dentist appointment today.  He is less than thrilled about this, but is being really brave.  Noah, Brad and I are going to have a special lunch date after his appointment to celebrate.

--One year ago today, my grandpa passed away.  I've spent much time this week thinking of him.  He is in glory.

For All Mothers:

Resounding questions among mothers who want to raise their children in the ways of the Lord often sound like:  what can I do? how do I do it? where do I start?  I get that.  Brad and I are learning daily what it means to grow our children up in knowledge and truth.  I'm a novice mother.  With less than five years of experience, I constantly ask the Lord for insight.   I claim to know nothing.  But, like most of you, I know the One from whom it all flows.  Praise the Lord that he isn't leaving us mothers behind as we journey.  Amen? Even Isaiah 40 reminds us that he gently leads those that have young.  It is a beautiful thing to be on a new adventure with the one who wrote the story.  You know what I'm sayin'?

In that, I would be wrong in saying that I don't use resources.  I do. We do.  God has allowed me to 'stumble' (I use that term very loosely because it was his placement that led me to them) upon some great resources.  And I have several favorites that I would love to share with you.  But before that I think it is vitally important to remind myself (and you) that our children learn mostly from our faith; the way we interact with others, handle adversity and stress, the words we choose to use in our home, the way we speak to and over our children, the way we love (our spouse, our family, our children, our neighbors) and the value that we place on people.  I mess up a lot as a mother.  I choose to give way to my flesh, but I am journeying in surrendering my flesh to the Lord and carrying the cross of my calling, motherhood.  It's a cross, no doubt.  No a burden, but a cross. A role set out for women to step into so that we can train up disciples.  And that is my role.  Simply put, my home is a place where disciples are being trained... me included.  I use that as my mental reference point when it comes to discipline. The purpose of discipline is to make a disciple.   Does the discipline used in your home reflect your heart's calling to make a disciple of each child?  That is what I ask myself.  I can attest, firsthand, that when my mind wanders from that point of reference, the answer is no.  But when I can ask myself that, I choose words and ways that are in line with the Lord.  Just like in Jonah 4, the Lord reminded Jonah that he should not be angry with the vine that he did not tend.  If I am not tending my children: leading them, teaching them, and pruning them, then what right do I have to be angry with them when they make poor choices?

So without further rambling, here are a few of our choices of favorite resources to use at home.

~~I really like and most often use The Village Church online resources:
It's good stuff.  They have it laid out clearly and with a new year rolling, now would be a good time to jump on board.  They have Developmental Guides that you can use to teach age appropriately.  They have a fun, colorful Memory Verse Calendar that is great.  My favorite part of it is that they put each month's verse to music.  We love singing our scriptures.  Trust me, we are all thankful that I'm not making up the songs anymore.  Our church, Hillside Christian Church, is fabulous and the pre-school department gives great resources to parents.  We always aim to stay caught up with what our children are learning in church and reiterate those values.  It is very important to me that we intertwine everything learned within the walls of my church with what takes place in my home.  I know other churches give great resources, also.   Stay up to date.  Ask questions, recite scriptures and sing the same songs that they sing at church.  One reason that I chose to share The Village Church resource is because it is online and accessible, making it easy for anyone to use.  Plus, the months ahead are clearly mapped out and I like that.  We deviate from it some, but overall, it's great!

~~Our Bible of choice is a new one.  My fabulous sister in law gave it to Emery for Christmas and I am so glad that she did.  We now use it most.  It is the Jesus Storybook Bible.  It is written in a beautiful, flowing story, like scripture was/is intended.  I've been asked by friends what to do if a mother isn't a trained teacher.  All I can say is that I wouldn't consider myself to be a trained teacher.  In fact, there isn't much I would consider myself adequately trained in so my encouragement would be to let scripture come to life while you read with your children.  Scripture is living and active, allow it to be so in your home.  Talk about, pray through it, allow it to be age appropriate and let the Lord speak to the hearts of your children through scripture.  We aren't reading about a God who is distant and inaccessible.  Remember that and act as such while you read.  Another important thing is our home is to acknowledge the Bible as 'God's Holy Word.'  That is what it is and I want my children to revere that.

~~Though I don't read many parenting books, I have read a few.  My favorite: the Bible.  Seriously.  My second favorite was told to me by a great friend.  Loving Our Kids on Purpose by Danny Silk.  It's a good read.  With all parenting books I say, take the good nuggets, leave the inapplicable and use it to open and shape your heart to be for your child.


~~ Be for them.  Allow your heart to connect to theirs.  Know them and let them know you.  Then, and only then, can you guard one another's hearts.


And these are a few of my favorites.  I could talk about this subject all day.  But for the sake of sounding redundant or like I know any more than God's grace has allowed, I choose to stop there.  What about you? What are your family favorites?  Teach me, teachers!