WHAT? I don't think it's possible. When I stop and think about being a mom for 13 years I am just shocked. How can that be? Anyway, Zach turned 13 today. My momma heart hurt a little - we've always had a very special relationship and that's changing. It also hurt because Jake was so sick (crying almost all day) that most of the attention was on Jake not Zach.
Zach is our first born, our guinea pig. I often feel bad for him because we don't know what the heck we are doing! But Zach, is so sweet, quick to forgive, patient with us, and easy going (he didn't have a birthday cake this year just left over Christmas cupcakes - and he didn't care!). Zach is a very smart boy who has an eye for creating and putting things together. One time I tried my very hardest for several minutes to put the "no leak part" in a sippy cup and finally I asked for his help. He did it in .3 seconds barely even looking at it - I was trying to put the thing in backwards and after minutes didn't see that! He is a hard worker with his school, can memorize like you would not believe and very diligent to complete all his work - without help - what 7th grade boy does that?!?!?! I am so proud of him out on the soccer field too. He gives it his all, practices so hard, and respects his team mates and those he's playing against. But for me, his mama, the two things that take the cake are the way he always sticks up for me - always! And the way he was/is with Ella and now Jake. His heart for his younger siblings is amazing to watch and see glimpses of and it is precious. Love you Zachary!
This Christmas was not exactly what I had in mind - but it was good, very good. I'm slowly but surely learning that things almost never go the way I think they will or occur like what I have in my mind. Expectations kill joy more often than not.
So this year, Noah got sick a few days before Christmas. He had to miss the annual outing to PA to do fun Christmas stuff with Grammie and Pop Pop. Next, Zach got sick. But on Christmas Day Jake woke up with a high fever. I was a mess and just could hardly relax. Ella and Brian were next to get sick. Then Olivia and I got sick but it was a minor version of what everyone else had.
Looking back on this sickness, I can honestly say God provided. Was it easy - no - but God was present. The timing wasn't good but is it ever? I am so thankful that Brian was home to help (particularly with Jake) and that we had some distractions with other family members being here to help as well. So praise God for His healing and His timing that is always perfect, even when I don't agree.
A few pictures...
*I seem to wear this red sweater every Christmas Day since I bought it...oh well:)
Zachary is in 7th grade and attended his first dance this year. On December 13, 2014 Zach got all dressed up and went to CPC for his first ever Granite Classical Tutorial dance.
He had a blast, ate dinner and listened to music. He said he did not dance - someday. The chocolate fountain was the highlight for him! All the dessert he could eat:)
I'm thankful for opportunities like this for him!
Noah got a small infection in his thumb on Saturday. Brian took him to a clinic and they drained it. It looked much better right away and by 2-3 days later he was fine. Brian had almost the same exact infection in one of his fingers when he was about Noah's age - interesting!
Wow! I can't believe that she's 7! The last 2 years have been sort of a blur for me and I feel like this little girl grew up a whole lot - and I almost missed it. Ella Paige you are a joy, sweet and happy all the time. Nothing much gets you down -- ever. You make us all laugh with your funny comments (especially at dinner), you are a well-liked sweet, encouraging friend, and a go with the flow gal. This year Ella started soccer and is doing very well! I wonder how long it will be before she has daddy coaching her? Ella is doing a great job learning to read and is an excellent student. I love you Ella and you are a blessing!
Ella had a few friends over after school on her birthday. We did a few crafts and ate cupcakes. Ella was a happy girl!
My dear dad turned 70 this year. I would never guess he was 70 and am so thankful that he is so healthy and active still! Always helping others and keeping very busy! We love Pop Pop very much and we are so thankful for him! Love you dad!
Our middle child, the quietest of them all, turned 9 recently. He had a short wish list and very little desires for his birthday - most of all he didn't really want anyone to know it was his birthday (besides his family members). Noah is growing in several areas of his life. I see ways in which the Lord is molding and shaping this kind, fun boy. He is quick to laugh with us over jokes, loves to be on the soccer field (and is quite the player as well), is helping out more around the house (without an argument) and is trying hard to be diligent with school work. He is a kind friend and gets along easily with others. One of my favorite things is seeing how the two older boys have really bonded over the last year - perhaps sleeping in the basement together will do this? Noah Maxwell is a special gift - we are grateful for him and love him so much. Here are a few pictures from his birthday. His cake was a mistake turned crazy - but he was very sweet about it and even liked it (the kids saved me at the last minute).
P.S. I think he will wear hand me down soccer jerseys for the rest of his life! XOXO
