Happy Birthday Ezra!

Happy 7th Birthday Ezra!  Today you turn seven.  On Wednesday you head to first grade.  I have watched you grow up so much this year, and particularly this summer.  You are growing into quite the boy.  

You have grown into a good worker.  Dad loves it that he can give you a task, here on the acreage or at the school and you will methodically complete it and keep at it until you are finished.  You also got to the point this summer that you would go and find Dad and ask him what job you could do next.  You just finished organizing your dresser drawers.  You have a things about socks -- very particular about how they fit, putting them on every night no matter how hot it is, and spending your own money to buy socks with the Nike swoosh on them for school.  You are the only one in our family that eats his plate in sections, finishing one thing before starting another.  

Even though you have grown up this summer, there are some things about you that haven't changed.  You still love to laugh and joke around.  You often can be found giggling at the table at something Josiah is doing.  You still love to play ball with Simeon.   You will eat just about anything you are served and still are the only one to join your Dad in spicy salsa and tomatoes.  You fill your plate with whatever fresh veggies that are served and for your birthday meal, you were adamant about wanting a spinach salad that I make.  You are still easy to be with.  As part of a devotional I shared at a baby shower this summer, I talked about what each of my children has taught me about God.  About Ezra I said, "Ezra has taught me about friendship with God.  He is easy-going and easy to be with. . .Ezra challenges me to rest in the easy-ness of being with God."  I can't quite verbalize what it is, but there is just something about the way God has made Ezra that he is easy to be with.  You will still snuggle up to me when we are sitting on the couch and occasionally I get your hand slipped into mine.  You are still prone to suck your thumb with your duck blanket -- we're  working on that with duct tape. . .  You still put to memory anything with music to it in no time at all. 

My dear sweet Ezra, I pray that as you continue to grow older, you keep your sweet spirit,  and you continue to tap into that easy to be with part of you, ultimately using it to draw people to Jesus.  I am excited to see what this year brings for you.  I love you buddy and am so priviledged to be your mom.  Happy Birthday.

Cousin time

Amazingly, Joel and I were able to spend five days with his brother and wife riding motorcycles up the west coast.  It was a beautiful ride and an unbelievable experience.  I am so thankful for all the family that cared for the kids and to Josh and Amanda for planning the trip and making it possible for us to go!

My parents had Simeon and Lucas.  Josiah went to Joel's parents and Joel's sister, Julie kept Ezra and Evelyn.  Julie sent periodic updates throughout the week and I wanted to paste them here to remember the fun of cousin time! 

"Seriously, we've had a great day.  We mowed lawns before breakfast and after dinner; took a lengthy trip to the library and breezed through HyVee with Johanna and Ezra pushing the race car cart with Evelyn and Micaela in it; read our library books during break time and had a blast at the pool.

 Ezra ate 3 helpings of Grandma Hoffman's cucumber salad and both mowed down their black-eyed pea burgers.  Evelyn was regaling us with Joy to the World while riding on the lazy river, to the amusement of the teenagers near by, and with silly songs tonight (accompanied with giggles).  Micaela finally seems to have rounded the corner on her sickness. 

 Ezra picked out four different books on tape and wants to make sure I document his reading for the summer reading program.  One was called the Heart of a Shepherd--looks like a really neat book.  He also chose a Laura Ingalls Wilder book. Evelyn picked out Dora books and Dora movies, perhaps influenced by her cousins.  There has been lots of doctoring of babies and caring for baby dolls today. 

 Going up to put the girls back in bed again!  They have been wound up tonight.  Scary to think of them as teenagers . . . .

 Much love,

Julie"

"We're loving having Ezra and Evelyn here.  They have been a joy, and full of joy.  Ezra has been an eager beaver, jumping in and mowing the lawn here and begging to mow other people's lawns.  So, we took him over to a neighbor's today and recruited two other people who'd be up for it.  He's using our reel mower. 

 Evelyn has been happy to be the center of attention--both Johanna and Micaela are enjoying her company.  Johanna is the doting older cousin, playing with her hair and laughing at her antics. Micaela is glad for a friend her age and claims her as "her" cousin.  She's been easy going, but also has her strong mind about what she wants to do.

 All four of them have been building their imaginary stories together that involve different ones being a mother or grand mother or daughter or fireman or who knows what.  They had an animal rescue station going, complete with dance studio earlier today. 

 We hit the pool this afternoon. It was cool, but they were not deterred in the least.  Evelyn was off and running, going down the slide many, many times.  Likewise, Ezra was confidently doing everything. They all did the lazy river together, and Johanna and Ezra went down the slide with the inner tube.  Evelyn would have--but she needs another inch before she's legal.  .  .

 Much love,

Julie"

I am so grateful for family that loves my children and is willing to provide a secure, fun place for them!

Happy Birthday Evelyn!

Happy Birthday to my sweet little girl! 

You are now five and ready to charge into the world with all the joy that you possess.  You really engage life with so much joy and excitement.  You greet each day with a bright smile and I am so thankful for your cheerfulness. In general, you are very even-keeled, although you have struggled a bit more with all the kids home for the summer. It has been hard for you not to have my focused attention for most of the day and you have started asking me if I can do something with you.  We like to jump on the trampoline together and you love have mini tea parties when we can fit them in.  You also like me to paint your nails, but never only one color. . .always 2 or 3!  You like wearing jewelry and have started being particular about what you wear, always disappointed when I say we can't wear nice clothes to play and work here at the acreage.   You tell me I look pretty.   You can spend hours coloring and love to give your pages to anyone who visits.  You also love to play pretend and use your dolls or horses to talk to each other.  And, you like to tell others what to do!  You still love music.  Your favorite foods are quesadillas and chocolate anything!

We still visit Sioux Falls to visit the doctor there and try to get your digestive system working properly.  You are a trooper and never complain about hardly anything.  In the midst of appointments getting you ready for kindergarten, we discovered that you have one eye that has not fully developed its vision.  We are praying it will develop fully as there is no correction for that deficiency.  I have never noticed you favor one side for vision, so it will be interesting to see if that effects you at school.  The dentist also said that one side of your mouth is more crowded than the other.  It seems like this is a continuing of your development issues as a toddler and has me wondering if it is effecting your digestive system as well.  I hope to ask the doctor at your next visit.

You are a big help to me around the house.  I'm not sure if it is just your personality, or because you are a girl. . .probably a bit of both, but I can give you a job and you will get it done almost as well as I would.  You are particularly good at putting toys away -- you know their designated spots, and tidying the mudroom.  You often tell me you are helping so that I don't have to do all the work!  If I had to guess, your love language is encouraging words.  You light up whenever someone praises and you are constantly telling others "good job" or encouraging them in what they are doing.

Dear Evelyn, I pray this year, as you go out into the world, that God will protect your sweetness, that you will hold fast to the joy within you and you will grow into a young girl, full of grace and kindess towards all.  I feel so priviledged to be your mom and grateful for the sunshine you bring into our home.

Loving life on an acreage

Cleaning up some of the scrap metal on the place

 The  cleared out space

 This was the only shot he would give me. . .sigh

 The amazing man doing all the work who lets all the kids ride with him!

 Another part of the acreage almost cleared out.  This is where the small garage will end up.

 Beautiful peonies blooming. . .

And a storm blowing in. . .

Life is good.

Happy 3rd Birthday Lucas!

Happy Birthday Lucas!

It is hard to believe that my baby turned three today.  You came into the world in dramatic fashion and you continue to keep me on my toes.  I often tell your Daddy that you are "jekyll and hyde" which means, to me, that you are either very happy and cooperative or Mr Crabby and opinionated -- there is no in-between, and it can change in an instant.  I know this is true in general about toddlers, but I have not experienced it to your degree with your siblings!  You always have an opinion, but often change your mind after stating your opinion. This can make getting dressed, snacks, etc a long process.  I often tell you, "well this is what you chose" and walk away so you can calm down and "decide" to accept your own decision.  When you are happy, you are about the cutest thing ever.  You have the funniest phrases that you use, making me laugh often.  If I ask you a question, you will say, "Weelllll. . ." long and drawn out before answering.  You mutter, "Not again!" in disgust when things don't go your way.  And, my favorite, which most often occurs when I am helping you dress after sitting on the toliet, "I wuv you soo much!" This is followed by a big hug.  You really were a late talker, but now are starting to become clearer and you can chatter on and on if you are in the mood to.  Of course, if you don't want to say anything, good luck trying to make you say something!  All of these things are accompanied with facial expressions that are hard to describe.

You love all things to do with super heroes and ask me to "put your super powers on," which means your super hero cape.   You also love your toy gun.  You want to take it with you everywhere and once got very upset with me that I wouldn't let you take it inside a business. You often sleep with it by your side.  Earlier this spring, you went with your Daddy to the high school, with your gun in tow.  Daddy had to call and tell me that the school was safe because you had "cleared" the hallways just like you imagine a cop doing.  You love riding in the skidloader or tractor.  You still "spin" to music with your sister almost every day.  And, I'm started to catch you sitting on your bed, paging through books.  You love playing with the kitties.

I never thought that God would give me five children.  And, most days, I'm not sure I can handle you all!   But, the joy that you, my fifth child, bring into each of my days, is beyond what I can verbalize. I know that I do not deserve the blessing that you are in my life, but I'm so very grateful that God chose to give me you.  I am so excited to see how you grow and change this year.

I love you!

Mom

Happy 10th Birthday Josiah!

Ten.  Somehow when you are holding a little 8lb 3oz baby, you don't realize they eventually turn four, seven, and now ten.  I remember often feeling like I didn't know what I was doing with you when you were a baby.  Honestly, I feel that way now too.  You, as the oldest, get to be the guinea pig.  Sometimes, I think that benefits you. Sometimes, I am sure it is a burden! You seem to have a personality that handles all that well and I am grateful for that!

A year to grow to ten has brought some changes.  Your sense of humor has grown and I love watching you "get" jokes that were above you just a year ago.  You think Hogan's Heroes is funny.  Your ability to read has grown and you've made a good dent in The Hobbit.  At one point while you were reading it, you told me, "I can't stop reading it, Mom. . .it's sooo good!"  At the risk of slightly embarrassing you, but because I want to remember, you stink more too and find bodily noises extremely funny!  I am sure that will get worse, but for now it means more showers, deodorant, and reminders to tone down the bodily noises as much as possible.  You started cello lessons this year.  I think you really enjoy it, although you tell me you really want to play bass.  You have worked hard at it and are doing well.  I am excited to see where that goes in the years to come.

A year to grow to ten has also keep some things the same.  You still love Legos and disappear often to make whatever you have dreamed up in your head.  You chose to pool your birthday money to get a large Star Wars lego set.  You still make the sets up but then spend hours modifying them! I continue to be amazed at what you dream up. You still love to work -- not housework, but "real" work.  Your dad often needs your help outside and you are content to do that.  You still love to shoot guns.  You have been thrilled that the move to the acreage has brought quite a few gun shoots with different groups.  This year you got to carry a gun during rabbit hunting.  You still like to be with people and continue to trail me or your dad or leaders at church to be a part of whatever we are doing.  And you still want me to be with you while you are practicing or doing school work or many other things you do.  Sometimes that desire of yours is impossible to fulfill, but I am trying to say yes as much as possible, because I don't know how long it will last and it is such a privilege to be your mom.

Life with ten year old Josiah is as exciting as it always has been.  You are always thinking, learning about the things around you, and talking with others about them.  Like your dad, you are always ready to have a conversation with people and keep things interesting with whatever new thing you have been learning or thinking about.  At conferences, your teacher told me that you sometimes "make the rounds" in the classroom, stopping at each desk to chat with students.  What a fun thing to know about you!  You embrace life enthusiastically, like you have always done, full steam ahead on most things.  You remind me that God has given us so much to enjoy and we miss so much when we fail to enjoy them!  

My prayer for you this year is that you will grow in godly character, developing those gifts that God has placed inside of you.  I pray that you will be confident in who you are and love others with more and more grace.  Josiah, you were the gift I didn't know I wanted and you put my life on a course of motherhood that has forever changed me.  You continue to challenge me as each year brings new aspects of mothering and you continue to bring me more joy than I ever knew I could experience through being your mom.  I love you!

Happy Birthday Josiah.
Love,
Mom

A Very Late Birthday Post

I have written Evelyn's birthday post in my head over and over again.  Each time I sit down to write it, I get teary and give up!  I think partly it is because, she of all my children, is a reminder that life is fragile and each child is a gift.  But, there are many things I want to remember about this year of her life, so here is goes!



Evelyn wakes up smiling and goes to bed smiling, literally.  Recently, she has started watching out of her bedroom door for me to leave my room in the morning and then she hops out to meet me with a big grin and stays with me throughout my getting ready routine.  Almost every night, after I pray, she tells me she wants to pray about something, grins and then, usually thanks God for something from her day.  Then she gives me another huge grin and snuggles under the covers.

Although she has mostly stopped humming while she eats, she is constantly humming and singing throughout the day.  When we walk across the yard, she is making up a tune.  When she is playing in the living room, she is singing.  When we are in the car, her vocals are at their loudest!

Evelyn had her tonsils taken out this year.  She really didn't sleep for the two weeks after the surgery, but since then has slept better than she has in a long time.  While she was recovering, she mostly ate chocolate pudding and orange popsicles.  Since her surgery, we have been back to the ENT doctor numerous times as her ears have had fluid in them.  We were so grateful to have them better at our last appointment, which meant postponing another surgery for tubes in the ears.  We are hopeful that they will continue to improve.  Evelyn is still visiting a doctor in Sioux Falls periodically, to keep her systems moving regularly.  She takes medicine at each meal to help train her body to work properly again.  Overall, she is much better, but has had some relapses.

She loves to play with her Strawberry Shortcake set and I love to eavesdrop while she makes conversation between the dolls.  She is also easily persuaded from her brothers to play big machinery or kitties.  She loves to run errands with me and thinks she likes to shop with Aunt Crystal and me, although often grows weary before we are done!  She holds my hand.  She hates to have her hair combed, but will sit very still for Aunt Crystal to do it.  Her made-up word is "Ba-ba-low-nee" -- as it "it's a babalonee" or "we should make a babalonee."  She is almost as tall as Ezra.  She loves to wear pink and purple. She loves to ride horses, especially Grandpa the Farmer's Copper, and seems completely confident and comfortable on them, like she has always ridden them.




Dear Evelyn,  you bring so much joy and life to my days.  I love to watch you enjoy life, bouncing through your days as if life was a gift. . .as it is.  You challenge me to remember that, each day.  I am grateful for the "girly-ness" you bring to the house.  I pray this year that you will grow in your love for Jesus and in your understanding of His love for you so that you can show others that love in your joy, actions and words.  I love you.