...And That's a Wrap!

So long Twenty Sixteen.

It's been real (real, as in not-so-great-can't-wait-until-it's-over).

So there were good moments.
Our family survived "Flumageddon", Winter weather was super kind to us, Summer was slow and amazing, end-of-summer-vacation was relaxing and refreshing (which included the kiddos' first plane ride!) and Fall was on point with all her beauty and charm. We got to know our church family better, my husband was offered supervisor (though that turned out to be a thorn in our year), my husband survived knee surgery and being out of work for over a month, my dad did amazing in yet another back surgery, the boys and I are doing very well with homeschooling, we voted, survived post-election, most of our chickens are still alive, we made some new friends, my grandma is still with us (she just turned 96!), my baby turned five, and right now, we are all healthy and thriving.

So, there is still and always something(s) to be thankful for. Yes.

There have been hard lessons surrounding all these good moments. Moments that have brought us to our knees. Moments that have bent us near breaking. Moments that have caused tears and provoked hard mercy, forgiveness.

The cool thing about being in this wild deep valley? God.

He is here friends. He is good. ALL THE TIME.

Sure, He's around when we're on top too, but, He is most active when we are in the pits. WE GET TO SEE HIM in the depths of our struggling and suffering. We get to see Him move and work. And it's awesome. While I don't want to stay in the valley, I truly want to climb this mountain, I really want to stay fixed. I want my eyes fixed on Jesus. And I know that I know that I know, it doesn't just happen. We must purposefully make this an effort each and every day. And that's hard friends. Life happens and throws us off and messes us up.
But Jesus. Jesus meets us right where we need Him. And, we usually need Him in the midst of our mess.

So, I'm thankful for this hard year. I am.
I'm also glad to be moving on. With so much grace, with Him.

So, arrivederci Twenty Sixteen. Let's run into Twenty Seventeen with arms and heart wide open!

Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Five.

My baby turned 5 last week.

It was so exciting. For him. For me, it was bittersweet. My baby. It just seems a bit unreal to me that time has flown by like this. He's a little boy. A jumping bean. A real live hurricane. A squirrely, sneaky little ninja-boy with a wide, slightly crooked, toothy grin and big brown eyes sweet enough to break even the hardest hearts.

"When I grow up Mommy, I'm going to be a ninja. I can't get married because my wife can't see me. Ninjas can't be seen."
"I will live in the wilderness, maybe in our backyard. So, if you suspect a ninja, it's just me."

"Maybe you can throw some food out there every few days so I don't have to live on bugs and berries."
"I can't come to dinner, Mommy, because...ninjas can't be seen!"

I can't make this stuff up people.

This boy. He breaks my heart a thousand times a day. He also cracks me up. Like belly-shaking-roll-on-the-floor-laughing. I'm so thankful for this little boy.

He's smart. He's not interested in reading but can count, add and subtract and wants to learn to multiply. (Apparently, ninjas need to know their mathematics.) He loves to draw, write notes to mommy and daddy, and do math worksheets. His favorite food and drink is pizza, yogurt and chocolate milk.

His favorite color is purple, girls are his weakness and he makes friends wherever he goes (Usually with the ladies.).

He's growing fast. If he doesn't slow down soon, he may outgrow his brothers!

At the end of the day, no matter how good or how bad, he still wants to cuddle with mommy. (Actually, he wants to sleep with mommy...)

While so different from his brothers, he was the perfect addition to our family. God just knew that we needed some excitement for ALL THE DAYS.

God bless you, my precious little boy!!