Happy Mother's Day!

This could become a very long post, but unfortunately, I don't have time for that! In the spirit of Mother's Day, in appreciating my own mother and recognizing my motherhood. . . I have been thinking about my children- how quickly they are growing, how much I love being with them.

Each day IS but a breath, and I forget more than I would like. Today I want to thank my children for the privilege I have to be their mother (which I know was given by God). I want to acknowledge who each of them is at this point, to give glory to their Creator for their unique personalities, talents, interests, and weaknesses. (His power is made perfect in weakness!)

Owen. Truly, I wouldn't know what to do without him! He is my #1 helper. He takes out the garbage, retrieves things for me, reads to his siblings, leads them by example (which is usually exemplary!), Sharks the rug after meals, sets and clears the table, helps with laundry and cleaning, is excellent with outdoor chores. He has a willing and teachable spirit. Owen is reading very well, picking up any book we bring home from the library. This week he amazed me. Usually he is restless during his "rest time," asking "how much longer?" even though he can read the clock. This week I had to go upstairs to find him; I thought he was sleeping. Turns out he was engrossed in a book- a chapter book. He had started at chapter 2 and told me that he wasn't going to stop until the end. He hadn't even looked at the clock. Whoa! That seemed like such a bigger boy thing to do. It was awesome. (It helped that the book was about swords and fighting!) Owen loves riding his bike and jumping on the trampoline (bouncing others and being bounced by Mom and Dad.) I am especially grateful for the tenderness he shows his siblings. God has gifted him with a sensitivity to them that is nothing other than extraordinary. How much I love you, Owen!

Rhyle. He is my child that makes me laugh and cry. He has a silly side that is adorable. He's also most in touch with his emotions, saying things like, "That makes me SO sad!" and "that makes me sadder than I want to be!" He doesn't particularly care to help with chores and doesn't want to help Livia at all. But he does still love to snuggle Cow. In this respect he is ultra-easy on his mom. . . he can disappear for spans of time and I will find him lying on his bed, on the floor, on the stairs, on the couch- with Cow and his fingers. (We're going to work on this over the summer.) He is my best car rider. He is winsome and dynamic. He knows all his letters and their sounds and is beginning to read short words. He loves jumping on the trampoline with Owen, riding his bike up and down the sidewalk, wrestling with Daddy, and listening to stories. He is the child who seems to always be awake when Braden and I go up to check on them, even an hour or two after we put them to bed! You would never know; he's just lying with Cow and thinking his Rhyle thoughts. His prayers are almost always, "God, thank you for the food, for the drinks, for the houses, Amen." Rhyle also has a sweet tooth. He's my only child to consistently ask for dessert. . . "or just a Twizzler or a gummie?" I've got a sweet spot for you, Rhyle!

Livia. Love my Liv. Two (and a half!) definitely becomes her. I am enjoying her now more than ever, and I'm not sure if that is just me coming around or her burgeoning abilities. She can talk up a storm and has great little sentences, even expanding beyond "me do it!" to "May I get down, please, Mommy?" and "May I have more fish, please?" Livia snuggles more than my boys did and I do not weary of having her on my lap, head resting on my chest. I love playing with her beautiful blond hair while we sing songs in her room at night. She loves singing. "Happy Birthday" is a favorite, along with "It's Raining, It's Pouring," "The B-I-B-L-E" and "Jesus Loves Me." Really, though, she'll pick up any song or rhyme and make it her own. I love it! Even though I grow weary of singing, I don't tire of hearing her. . . so we sing on. Livzy wears big girl underwear (and has done really well this week, but has had some not very good weeks prior.) She helps me with the dishes and the laundry. . .really, she'll help with almost anything. She loves jumping on the trampoline, wants to ride with me on "Mommy's bike," and finally grew into an appreciation for good books. She loves her dolls, Baby Susan and Baby Egg, and Dog. She can do everything her brothers can. Livia, you're a mystery and delight. I love you!