Prayers of a child

There is something about listening to my children's prayers at night that just fills me up to the brim with joy. Tonight was one of those sweet prayers that I wanted to jot down before my febal mind forgot it. Avri was praying tonight and as she always does, she asked God to bless each family member by name, her friends, her animals and then out of the blue she says "And God, please bless the ponies that are coming to my party (birthday) with the strength to give us a ride and still enjoy my party. Please let them know that we are thankful for them." It was just so sweet and it made me proud! I could take a lesson from her. So often I pray for strength for myself, whether it be physical, spiritual, or emotional, and never think to pray for the strength of others. So tonight, I am praying for the strength of all my friends and family whatever thier circumstance..........from the mouth of babes.........

Happy Birthday to my darling daughter!

5 years ago today, I met my daughter. The way that she entered the world would be a small glimpse into the personality of this little girl. She raced to get here the day she was born, two weeks to early and in record time compared to her brother (4 hours). From the moment she breathed in her first breath she let us know exactly how she felt. She screamed from the moment she was born until the moment that she was finally cleaned up and dressed like a lady should be! Til this day, she is exactly the same. She can't wait to do all the things that the big girls do and she will let you know what she thinks wheather you want to hear it or not. Although it can be a challange at times, I love that she is so sure of herself, confident, and enjoys just being Avri.

Avri has changed my life in so many ways. She makes me want to be a woman that she can model herself after. I want her to grow up and know that though I was not perfect that I wanted to teach her most of all how much God loves her and that this life is meant to serve him. I want her to know that beauty really is just skin deep and that the beauty of your heart will continue to shine despite the lines and gray hair. And I want her to know that she has made my life so amazing and that her little smile and silly laugh has turned this world upside down in the most wonderful way:)

Avri, I hope you always remember what this day represents not only for you, but for your entire family! We love you so much and cannot wait to see the amazing life that God has in store for you! You are fearfully and wonderfully made!

I love you!

Mamma

Put away those guns at dinner!

Tonight at the dinner table, I noticed Isaac looking at his arms. I mouthed to Phillip not to say anything because if he knew we were watching, he would have stopped immediately. Then I saw him raising up his sleeves and pushing on his "Muscles". He whips his head around and says "Have you seen how big my muscles are getting?" I, of course, responded "Absolutely!" He gave me a big smile and went right back to his dinner. What I wouldn't give to know what is running through that beautiful mind all day!

Happy Birthday Phillip!

30 years ago today, my husband was born! It amazes me when I sit and think that before he and I were even born that God had already planned out this life for us. I am so thankful for this man. He is and will always be the love of my life. I love that he still makes me feel like the prettiest girl in the room, I love that when he walks in the door he is running wild with the kids, I love that he loves God above anything else, and I love that he has never been unsatisfied with who he is. It is funny to hear people describe him and I just kind of have to laugh within myself. I know that nobody in this world knows the Phillip that I know. Those wonderful parts of himself that he only shares with me (I know I am leaving this wide open for some jokes, but I am serious). He is absolutely the most amazing husband and father and we could not be more proud of him! Happy 30th Birthday Daddy! We look forward to every day that follows.....You are our hero!

Misty, Isaac, and Avri!