December Birthdays

 

Normally, I post birthday updates in a much more timely fashion but this December has been rough for us. Not only did we have the normal busy holiday functions but we were hit with a nasty flu bug that turned into a respiratory infection for me. As soon as I was better, I left for a quick trip to Flagstaff to celebrate my baby sister’s graduation, leaving Ian behind to hold up the fort. So here I am, very late, posting about two of my sweet boy’s special days.

I don’t know which one surprises me more, that my baby just turned 3 or that the baby that first made me a mother turned 12! Either way, we have much to be thankful for with these two boys.

Happy Birthday Jacob and Evan! We love you so much!

A Birthday Boy

The sweetest boy in the world turned 8 years old yesterday. When I asked him what he wanted for his birthday he said “all I need is the love of my family.” He’s pretty amazing. We are so happy to celebrate this little guy and so thankful God blessed our family with him. He is tender, compassionate, merciful, kind and loving. We love you always Nathan, Happy Birthday my son!

8 Year Old Favorites

Favorite Color: Red

Favorite Toy: Bow and Arrow

Favorite Lunch: Cheese Quesadilla

Favorite Game: Minecraft

Favorite Book: Calvin and Hobbes Comic Book

Favorite Outdoor Activity: Swimming

Favorite Drink: Chocolate Milk

Favorite Fruit: Watermelon

My First Baby Turns 11! (am I that old already?)

Forgive me, this post is a few days late (his birthday is on the 9th). Happy birthday my dear Jacob. We love you so much and can’t believe you are already 11!

11 Year Old Favorites

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Drink: Sonic Lemonade (Large please)

Favorite Fruit: Pomegranate

Favorite Activity: Playing video games

Favorite Book: Keeping Holiday (it’s what we’re currently reading as a family)

Favorite Food: Mashed Potatoes

Favorite Thing To Do Outside: Wrestling on the trampoline with his brothers

Favorite Scripture: “I can do anything through Him who gives me strength” Philippians 4:13

Baby Boy Turns 2 (does that mean I shouldn’t call him baby anymore?)

Our sweet Evan turns 2 today. 2 years ago today, God gave us the blessing of another son to add to our family. Little did we know, what joy and love would fill our hearts when Evan came into our family.

This curly haired, chubby baby is also known as “Golden Baby”. People are always commenting on how adorable he is, how sweet his chubby cheeks and curly hair are.

He is a gentle natured little guy but he also loves running around with his brothers. He’s a fun loving boy but also gives some killer snuggles.

He loves playing with cars, puzzles and his play castles. The only show he ever asks to watch is Finding Nemo. We can all recite that movie line for line now. Ever since we came back from the Disney cruise, he’s had a love for Mickey Mouse.

Happy birthday sweet Evan, we love you so much!

Happy 4th Birthday Austin

Today is my Austin’s 4th birthday. Why does time have to fly by so quickly? It seems like just yesterday I was bringing home my sweet newborn from the birthing center, introducing him to his brothers and holding him in his favorite position.

Now, he’s 4, and about to start preschool. He’s learned how to swim, build with Legos, play video games with his brothers, ride a bike and so much more. We love this little guy and all his crazy energy. He has joy for days, unless you’re asking him to take a nap. I can’t imagine our family without this little man in it. We love you son and happy 4th birthday!

He’s Seven Today!

Our sweetheart Nathan turns seven years old today. Look how cute and adorable he was (and still is). Every year we tell him the story of how we went to the hospital to have him on Valentine’s Day. He didn’t want to share his birthday with a holiday so he waited to be born on the 15th. Although, it is fitting that this boy who loves so much, would have his birthday so close to the day we celebrate the ones we love.

Nathan is a true delight to everyone he meets. He has the most tender heart and desires to serve others. He is our snuggler who always wants to be close or holding your hand. He says the most amazingly kind things sometimes and prays enormous prayers with a sweet child-like faith. He is gentle to his younger brothers and is a defender to the helpless. Man, I love this boy.

He loves to ride his bike, bounce on the trampoline, swim, play soccer and basketball. He’s an active little boy. He likes to read books like Frog and Toad or Morris the Moose. He loves to get frozen yogurt, its his favorite treat.

Nathan is a joy to us all. We are so grateful for another year watching this wonderful young boy grow. I pray for many more happy birthdays with him and that God would continue to draw his heart closer to Jesus.

The Lord your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

Little Man Turns One

Happy Birthday Evan!

One year ago today, these words were heard around our house, “Ian…my water broke!” and a few short hours later this beautiful boy was born. We didn’t know whether he was a he or a she, and we didn’t care. But I must say, he fits in nicely with all his big brothers.

Now 1 year old, Evan is very close to walking. He cruises on everything. Not long and he’ll be chasing after his brothers. He is learning to communicate through a few words like “mama” and “baba” (bottle) and some sign language such as “all done” and “more”.

Just last week he was at the doctor’s office with a double ear infection and his weight was 24lbs 7oz! He’s a big boy indeed. He fits into most 24months size clothing. He wasn’t a little baby for very long. Evan is a precious gift to us all. We are so thankful for this little boy and hope to celebrate many more wonderful years with him.

Happy Birthday Austin

This handsome man is now three years old and I’m having a hard time believing it. I mean, wasn’t this yesterday?

Not any more. He’s a big boy now. He has his own likes and dislikes, his own friends, his own little will. There are so many reasons for which we are grateful for this little boy. His happiness is contagious. His laugh fills a room. His sense of wonder helps us remember the big picture. His curly hair is luscious. His independent nature is a big help to this very busy mom. He loves to pray to Jesus about everything. And his toughness will one day be an excellent protection for his family. We seriously love this little boy!

Happy 3rd Birthday Austin!

One of My Favorite Things

A Golden Birthday, turning 9 on the 9th.

This month, we celebrated two births, one week apart. First, the birth of our fourth son, Evan. Second, the birthday of our first son, Jacob. I would love to know how other families celebrate sibling birthdays that are so close together. My brother and sister were born on the same day two years apart and I know they did not always appreciate sharing birthday parties. Does this just mean we're destined to spend two of our December weekends having back-to-back birthday parties? Maybe I should ask my sister-in-law who has 3 of her 6 children's birthday's in May.

Jacob looks forward to his birthday each year and likes to think of fun and creative ways to celebrate. So this year, he wanted to have a Lego party. Because of Evan's birth, we knew it had to be low key but I still wanted to make it fun. So we invited two very close friends...

built some Lego sets...

and ate some Lego cake!

The very next day, Jacob was hard at work on his birthday present. An 800 piece pirate ship. Needless to say, he was a very happy boy! Happy Birthday Jacob.