An epiphany...

I had this epiphany last night in church. Now you may read this post and think, how is this an epiphany, but to me it was because this truly has never dawned on me before (as horrible as that may sound!).

What I realized as I sat there next to Brendan, who was in between Jay and I, is that the Holy Spirit works in the lives of my children. The Holy Spirit brings them convictions too, not just me. The Holy Spirit speaks to their young little hearts and guides them in the very same way the Holy Spirit does that for me.

You may be thinking, well, duh...but this really never resonated in my brain the way it did last night.

This moment came as I watched Brendan pull out an info/prayer card from the pew, pick up the pencil and begin to write something. He was writing a prayer request. He wouldn't let either Jay or I see it. When the offering plate came around he slipped his card in. In my attempt to sneak a peak, I saw the words strength and wisdom...how I wish I had seen more! But that was when it hit me...Brendan is his own person with his own personal relationship with God and the Holy Spirit is working in him.

And a feeling of relief swept over me because I realized that God's got my back in this parenting adventure. God loves Brendan, and all my children, more than I do. He wants their hearts and a personal relationship with each of them. So it was such a relief for me to have this ah-ha moment and realize that God is working in their lives and hearts just as much, if not more, than I am as I try to disciple and teach them and expand their understanding of God, the Bible and Christianity. What an encouraging epiphany it was!!

10 months old

Aaron is ten months old today! I can't believe it. His personality is really starting to reveal itself. He loves to be tickled and can really get to laughing when we tickle him. He is officially crawling now, but has not yet realized this means he has full access to the house! Of course this also means he has started the bumping his head/forehead stage. He still loves to clap and now he waves. He waves at everyone, multiple times, even if they aren't looking. And I'm pretty sure he says "hi" because he opens his mouth real wide and makes the 'h' sound over and over.



He surprised us all when he discovered the slide and decided to climb it.




He pulls himself up to stand on anything he can manage, but gets frustrated when he can't sit back down.

He thinks its fun to crawl under our computer desk to get the papers or cords (he loves any kind of cord). He actually laughs when we catch him under there.

He has four teeth now, but does not eat. He does not like baby cereal (any flavor or brand). He is not a fan of any type of baby food (he gags then seals his lips tightly). I have tried our food mashed up, but even that he won't really go for. The one thing he does seem to like is baked beans...well the juice/sauce that the beans are in. Of course he is still nursing like a champ. Well, obviously at 23+ pounds!!

He loves his jumper and does his best to get his feet off the ground.

He was diagnosed with asthma, so he does breathing treatments every so often. At first he hated the mask so we did it while sleeping, but then he got used to it. He keeps his mouth open the entire time as if he is in awe of the cool mist that he is inhaling.

He graduated to the big bath tub, which means he and Emmie can do baths together. She is thrilled...then again so is he. He loves to splash!

Jay calls him "bigs" and the kids call him "chub" - wonder why?

He loves to sit in the driver's seat with Daddy and play with the steering wheel.

It is so fun to watch him explore his world. The best part is watching him with his older siblings. He adores them! They help so much with him and there are literally times when they fight over him. We are so blessed!

Focusing on the Positive

Sometimes it can be so easy to get focused on the negative things in life, especially when life gets stressful. We have a lot going on right now with our house and the loan modification, the bankruptcy, Jay's job and commute, needing another vehicle, learning how to deal with a teenager, etc. Today was just one of those days, but as I get ready to head to bed I realized how much I have to be thankful for. Yes, life is stressful and there are lots of unknowns right now, but one thing is certain...I am so blessed and I adore my family! Thank you Lord for giving them to me! Looking at these pictures makes me smile and reminds me to focus on the positive!!!

Jay and I at a wedding recently.

Brendan and Aaron - my June boys!

Exhausted after a long walk with Gramma Dedee.

His first time in the swings at the park...love the rolls!! (Yes, he fell asleep).

My sweet little Emmie Rose. I love when she holds my face.

The whole gang! Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Jaylon after returning from three days in Catalina.

Easter morning at the Nelsons'.

Gracie Ann in one of her many "original" get-ups!

Wow, what a hat Brendan!