Thankful

Now these are little boy legs! See all those bumps, bruises and scrapes? It's funny how just the sight of these cute (very obviously boy) legs can make me so thankful. People often ask me if we want a girl. I have to be honest, I am content. Before having Josiah, I was terrified of having boys and really wanted all girls. But God knew what I needed, and I am so thankful that He gave me what I needed and not what I wanted. :) I'm not saying there is anything wrong with girls, I'm sure I would love them too...but there is something special about little boys in my heart. I love that my days are filled with legos, superheros, dirt, bugs, gross bodily functions (ok, maybe not really thankful about that part), wrestling,  transformers and nerf gun wars. I'm thankful that I hear on a daily basis "Mommy, you're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. I want to marry you!". I'm thankful for the mystery that little boys are to me. Sometimes I am watching them play with their superheros and suddenly am amazed at the way God made them so very different from girls. It's often obvious that they are made to be leaders and protectors.
I am grateful for the gifts God has given us...but the greatest gift is that I get to be their Mommy.

Happy Birthday Josiah!!!

How could it possibly be that 6 years ago today this happened? Josiah came into this world and turned it completely upside down for us. He has been a challenge from the beginning but he has added so much to our lives. He keeps me looking to God for answers, he has a super sensitive heart to all spiritual things, his prayers convict and encourage me, his questions push me, his passion for life is insatiable, his love for his family is fierce! He is God's gift to me!

Okay, so all the mushy part over..let's talk about the celebration we had today! First thing this morning Josiah opened his presents and he and Casey began playing. I was originally planning to have school this morning but they were having so much fun that I decided that we'll have school on Saturday instead (the plus side of homeschooling!).

Why do they always take the best pictures when they are in their underwear?

Excited about the K'nex he got from Nani and Pawpaw.

When we originally asked Josiah where he wanted to eat (much earlier in the week) for his birthday, he said he wanted Indian food, then changed it to Chili's (yes, we have that here) and in the end, we ended up with McDonalds. Aaron and I were less than thrilled. :) But Josiah and Casey enjoyed it very much!

Josiah's meal of choice...McDonalds.

Casey and Papa

After lunch we went to see "Planes". It just came out today so it was great timing for some birthday fun.
Josiah decided he wanted lemon pound cake for his dessert. I made this one, substituted yogurt for sour cream and added a lemon glaze. It was delicious!

Josiah's lemon poundcake

Happy boy!

Birthdays are always emotional for me. I automatically think about how the number of years they will be with us has just decreased. When we were in the US I heard someone say: "The days are long but the years are short.". Isn't that incredibly true? I want to make the most of the few short years I'm given with these two awesome little boys.

Why I'm Quitting Facebook...For Now

Living overseas can be tricky. Our lives are here, our home is here, our kids know nothing else but I still feel that constant pull toward home. That place where the people I love most in the world are, where I feel most comfortable, where life is just a little easier. Daily I catch myself being drawn to the world of Facebook. A way for me to live here and still be involved in the lives of everyone at home. You could say that I am doing my best to live in two worlds. But the reality is, it's exhausting to try to live in two worlds at once. And honestly, I don't have the time for it. I know that it isn't what God wants for me either. So, I think it's time to ditch facebook for a while and get back to the blogging world (so I can still keep my family at home up to date). So there you go...I'm quitting Facebook.....for now.

I Love My Moms!!!

I did a lot of babysitting growing up, worked in a preschool and I was a nanny for a while. I thought I had a good understanding of what it means to be a mom. But then, I had Josiah and I realized that I had only scratched the surface. I have never respected Mama Lyons and Mom Goccia like I do now. I understand how you can love a child so fiercely that it hurts. I truly know what sacrificial love is. I know what it means to work hard all day long and still feel like you’ve done nothing. I understand how much patience is needed in raising little ones. I know that time is no longer your own. I see how difficult disciplining a child can be. I understand how a Mom’s heart can ache when her little one is hurt or sick. I experience what it feels like to be exhausted all the time. I understand the anxieties Mom’s face when they think about their child’s future.

So Mama Lyons and Mom Goccia – you two are my heroes! You are the most selfless people I’ve ever known. I pray that I can be the Mom to Josiah that you have been to us. You are an amazing example to me of what a Mom needs to be. We love you so much!

Okay, and for your Mother’s Day present….pictures of Josiah!

Grammy and Nani - I wanted Mom to send me to you in this box, but she wouldn't.

Josiah with his first pair of "big boy" shoes.



Isn't this sweater awesome? Josiah's Great Aunt Janet made it. Thanks so much Aunt Janet! I love it!

I love this picture of Josiah and Papa!


Josiah LOVES the refrigerator...maybe it's because he knows there's food inside!

Family Pictures

The new family. As you can see, Josiah is very excited.


Proud Papa with his son.