Bryant Nathanael

Bryant boy, you are six years old today. WHAT?! Go back, rewind, say that again? You are SIX?!This is going to embarrass you someday, but when I look at you all growing-up, this is really how I see you:

 Part of the reason for that as I sat staring at you for such long hours in those first few days, I distinctly remember thinking that you were going to be a big, bold personality. There was a spark in you that would challenge me and melt me.

 

 Buds, you love to sing and I love to listen to you. I hope you never lose that enjoyment. There have been many times I have had a difficult day and I will hear you all of a sudden bust out with, "I know who goes before me, I know who stands behind, the God of angel armies is always by my side..." or, "I am not skilled to understand what God has willed what God has planned, I only know at His right hand, is One who is my Savior..." You go forward in life so confident in God's sovereignty in everything...that sounds so 'big' for a six year old, I know. But that is you.

 

That confidence in the goodness and might of our great God will serve you so well in your future. So to our first boy, the one with the big blue eyes and the mischievous grin, keep living big and bold, and don't ever let anyone convince you that God isn't good and isn't mighty. Because He is and He loves you very much. So do we.

Happy 6th birthday, Bryant Nathanael.

Happy Birthday, John!

 John, it's your birthday today. Your 32nd year held quite a bit of adventure. Your commuter car had an accident and you committed there to start riding your bike to work. You ride about 24 miles roundtrip per day. You built several pieces of furniture that are AMAZING (that's more accomplishment over 'adventure,' I know.) You participated in your first sprint triathalon, coming in first in the novice category as well as your age group. You went on a work trip to Barrow, Alaska, and stopped over in Kodiak to hang with some friends for a few days. You spent a week with Nate in Wyoming working on the ranch and skied in Vail for a day. And, we also found out you'd be changing jobs and we'd be moving back to our hometown after 10 years of marriage (11 years in the Coast Guard.)

I really like how adventurous you are:

 
 

 

 

But I LOVE this about you:

You led a snowball fight in the backyard with the boys.

You daily have at least 2 kids hanging off your legs. This particular night it was three, with one pretty girl close behind.

You live committed to your little people. And they love you for it.

And you've stuck by me these last (almost) 10 years, growing and changing with me.

 Thank you for being committed to the core to your family. Thank you for teaching our kids the joy of hard work, the thrill of adventure, and satisfaction in the small things. Thank you for walking hand in hand with me as we navigate life's homeruns and curveballs.

My life is so much richer with you in it. I love you. Happy birthday, favorite person of mine. Here's to your 33rd year of adventure.

A Leader

I'm thankful for my man today. As we enter into a new season, new place, and new career, I am thankful that this is the type of guy I am married to.

John, your life speaks louder than your words. And you live a very courageous life. You inspire me.

The Party

I never imagined we would get to have this many people at our house for Aubrey's birthday party!

 The Jones' (Laurel, Kathryn, & Caroline), The Slingluffs' (Lee, Hannah, Julia, Thomas, & John), Skyler Acree, Mimi Pizzurro, Addison Carl, Annie Brennan, and Ava Holm.

 Cupcakes for the 8 year old!

These are such incredibly sweet friends. Winnie the Pooh once said, "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." These people right here are the only kink in our hose of complete elation over leaving. How lucky we are.

Aubrey Grace

Aubrey, you are eight years old today. Our world is changing, your world is changing, all for the good.

Eight years ago today my heart flew out of my chest when I met my beautiful, mysterious, precious baby girl. It has lived outside my chest these past eight years, and I am quite sure it will continue to live outside of it for the rest of my life. You amaze me, Aubrey. You amaze me with the way you see beauty. There is beauty and wonder in everything for you and I pray that never ceases.
While Daddy was gone for a week you and I stayed up later than the rest of the household to watch, Anne of Green Gables. On the last night, when it seemed sure Anne was going to accept the marriage proposal of Captain Harris, you were desperate when you said, "I just really think Gilbert is the one for her. I will be so disappointed if she doesn't marry him." At the end of the movie you said, "This was quite lovely." I thought so, too, and I so look forward to more memories like this with you. You are a delight for me to spend time with.

You are becoming more grown up every day. And you are still beautiful, mysterious, and my precious gift from God. I pray as we enter into these years with new emotions and new experiences, that we can walk hand in hand and grow in our relationship with each other.
You are such a beautiful gift to Daddy and me. Happy 8th birthday, Aubrey girl.