Five.
These guys made me a mama. From the moment I conceived them, I've been forever changed, forever blessed. We prayed for kingdom changers, not realizing how much we would be changed ourselves. Parenthood is like that; "...learning about strengths you didn't know you had and dealing with fears you never knew existed." (Quote by Linda Wooten)
Elijah.
Bold. Truth-teller. Social butterfly. Philosophical. Methodical. Artistic. Day-dreamer. Ocean-lover. Ninja warrior by day, story teller by night.
Eli will debate an issue from sun-up to sun-down. And remember it the next morning, and oftentimes into next week. He's not big on sitting for long to do lessons, but won't let his twin brother excel him too far. He is writing well and quickly learning to read. He memorizes EVERYTHING. Everything. He requires personal space, one-on-one attention and hands-must-stay-busy. Jumping and dancing are a daily necessity. Sleep comes easy for this bundle of energy.
Don't be surprised if he asks you if you have Jesus in your heart. He loves the Lord and has a growing desire to live for Jesus Christ all his days.
He adores his Grammy and his "best buddy", Zek. Getting along with baby brother, Ike, is a daily practice.
"Mommy, when I grow up, I want to be a ninja and live with Grammy."
"Mommy, I want to marry a girl just like you one day."
"Mommy, someday, I am going to be brave like daddy."
"Mommy, can we send Ike back?"
"Mommy, can we move to South Carolina?" (almost everyday.)
Current favorites:
Legos, ninja turtles, all things ninja, "big" conversations and/or eavesdropping, and drawing.
Ezekiel.
Helper. Tender. Shy. Heart-worn-on-sleeves-at-all-times. Reader. Teacher. Mediator. Note-writer. Spreading love and joy wherever he goes. Ninja warrior.
Zek loves to learn. He loves to write and is quickly learning to read. He loves to sit and "do lessons". He loves to draw. He especially loves to write. He wants to write everyone "love notes". If he has an opportunity, he will not let you leave without a note or picture from him.
He's still a picky eater, but is getting better at trying new things. He requires a back-rub and song at bed-time and still wakes up in the middle of the night frequently. (I think, to make sure mommy is still around.) He loves the Lord with all his heart and prays for everyone to "have a heart for Jesus".
This boy's heart is for Jesus, but for mommy too.
"Mommy, you are my sweetheart, I am going to live with you forever. Well, unless I marry Kinley and have lots of kids."
"Mommy, one day, I will go to work like daddy and will buy you all the (essential) oils you want."
"Mommy, my sweetheart, can I get you anything?"
"Mommy, when I grow up I am going to be a dad and I will go to work as a ninja."
"Mommy, can we do worksheets?"
Current favorites:
Legos, ninja turtles, all things ninja, baseball, writing, drawing, and helping out in the kitchen.
Eli and Zek gave their hearts to Jesus at VBS last summer. I wasn't with them with it happened, but heard the beautiful news from their teacher. Since then, they have learned much about what that means and are growing in faith day-by-day.
These guys might be night and day in the personality department, but their bond grows stronger each day. They are never far from the other and won't let anyone hurt their "best brother". Frick and Frack working towards the greater good. God's got big big plans for these two, no doubt. I'm so grateful for the gift of being their mommy.
Here's to another amazing year!
