Isabelle is eleven. But she wears size 14 clothes. And her feet are just about the same size as mine. However, there are more reasons than just her size that I have to remind myself, often, that she is only turning eleven today. While Isabelle doesn’t love schoolwork, she practically jumps at the chance to do almost anything else. So, she is capable beyond her years at cooking and baking, laundry and cleaning, taking care of anyone when they’re under the weather, mailing packages, mowing the lawn, styling hair, and probably lots more.

Despite her easily distracted nature, though, Isabelle does still excel at school. She has a naturally inquisitive mind, and an eye for detail. While not great at summarizing something she has read (usually, she just retells everything), she usually acquires a deep understanding of what she’s learning, and is quite good at applying what she has learned.

Isabelle is strong-willed and tenacious, though she sometimes requires reminders about her limits. She is not a high-energy kid, but she can keep going at a task longer than most. She loves playing the piano and singing. She rarely wants to be alone, but prefers company in whatever task she’s doing.

Isabelle is a sweetheart, with the best smile, the best giggles, the biggest hugs, and a deep desire to be a blessing to those around her. She is generous and servant-hearted. She anticipates the needs of those around her. She cheerfully volunteers when help is requested.

Our family is so blessed by Isabelle. She is a treasure and we love her so very much. I hope she knows today how truly precious she is and how thankful we are for her eleven years.

Today is our twenty-fifth anniversary. And I know it’s kind of cliche to say so, but I love Tim so much more today than I did on the day we walked down the aisle. It’s not even really hard to explain. I have had twenty-five years of experiencing him consistently, continually laying his life down for me and our family; making decisions time after time after time to prefer others, to do the hardest task, to take the least preferred anything for himself.

Tim is the one who gets up in the middle of the night with sick kids. He shuttles them to Tae Kwon Do. He helps with laundry. He preps gardens and trims fruit trees and mows the lawn. He kills spiders and catches bats (ick!) and cleans up puppy accidents. He gives me backrubs for meeting exercise goals, or if I’m tired, or if he just knows my day has been rough. He changes the oil, and changes the brakes, and changes the tires. He restocks toilet paper in the bathrooms, and unloads the dishwasher, and puts away groceries.

Tim is not naturally sympathetic or emotional. Words of affirmation are not his strong suit, and I’m not sure he has a poetic bone in his body (though he does put forth valiant – often humorous – efforts for birthdays and anniversaries). And, to be honest, I’ve had moments in the past twenty-five years when I have wished for romantic gestures and gushing sentiment. But always – ALWAYS – when I consider who he is and all he does for me, I conclude that there isn’t a single thing about him that I would trade away to instead be swept off my feet for a moment.

We have gone through hard times, we have butted heads, we have yelled. We have apologized, we have forgiven, we have tried again. We still can get on each other’s nerves occasionally. I could probably do better at supporting instead of trying to force my way. He could probably do better at…something, I’m sure. But we have learned to not expect perfection from one another. We’ve learned that everyone needs mercy, sometimes. We’ve learned that grace is undeserved and to [try to] show it even when it’s hard.

I might be guilty of taking Tim for granted, at times, but mostly, I am acutely aware of how much I depend on him, am blessed by him, and hope to never have to figure out how to live this life without him. Next to Jesus, he is the best decision I have ever made and I truly love him more than words can say.

My kiddo is eight years old today. As with all of my kids, Lucas remains who he has been from the first, but more refined.
Rough edges are smoothing out. There are fewer outbursts over school…in fact, there are even days he chooses to get ahead. His propensity to fight tooth and nail for his preferences has now often gives way to preferring someone else. He more often does his chores with a good attitude, and he listens to and processes correction (somewhat) more readily.
Lucas loves to laugh and be silly. He is a practical joker at heart, though his siblings aren’t *always* fans of being in the receiving end of his antics. He is creative and ambitious, and will often work diligently on an idea to see it come to fruition.

Lucas’s verbal communication skills are exemplary. He excels at explaining clearly, and at understanding fairly complex explanations. He has also finally started to accept that books can sometimes be enjoyable, though not so much that he will choose reading instead of other activities very often.

Lucas loves playing outside. He loves having dogs. He loves music. He loves his big brothers.

Lucas has a strong understanding of the gospel, and is growing in his fledgling faith. He is learning repentance and grace and forgiveness and compassion.

Lucas, thankfully, still loves to snuggle. He gives me hugs if I’m sad. He goes for walks with me. He jumps into my arms when he says goodbye. He his full of energy and excitement and emotion. I am so thankful for Lucas and he brings so much joy to our lives. It is a privilege to celebrate his eight years today.