Dear Josiah

Dear Josiah,

You are nearly 10, and you expressed how much you hate your beginning of the year photos that I edit because it always says a your current age, not the age you are most of the school year. Ah, the woes of being a September baby.


Oh son, where do I even begin. You are staring to show such growth and maturity. As we have started this new school year, you have taken on much more responsibility without me even asking you to. You are beginning to think of others before yourself, which is a feat most adults can't do. You are beginning to show signs of maturity that both impress, and scare me. It's reminding me that we are on the back end of our days with you at home.

This year you have showed us a new side of you, a side that wants to be so grown up. You want to be a part of every adult conversation that's going on. You want to know things, hear things, and learn things. You want to know how to cook (you even impressed me with your "no recipe pancakes"). You want to do your own laundry, and you certainly want to stay home alone. You want to do your schoolwork alone, and independently. 

And still, even in your growth and maturity, you prove that you are such a loyal brother and son. You want to be where the action is at in our home. You want to do what what everybody else is doing. Just last night I spied all four of you playing "war", spinning sticks around "fighting bad guy aliens". You led that time for your siblings. You set up that game, like you set up nearly all the games in the house. You lead your siblings in the fun and your imagination is like nothing else. You are so creative, with your stories (Potato Star Wars is my favorite), your games, and your art. Don't ever lose that creativity, it will take you far. 

You have also shown so much growth in your athleticism. This summer we watched you grow as a basketball player when you played your heart out for your competitive team. You rolled your ankle twice in one game, and got back on your feet to give it 110% the next two games. You showed us drive, and passion; a new fire we hadn't seen yet. You have become so willing to improve your game, and you desire to learn from your Dad as he coaches you. Keep up that fire, and that drive. We love it!

You are also an amazing friend. You will jump at any opportunity to play with friends. You are loyal to your core. And one of the qualities I love most about you is that you want to be part of church and the community of believers we have built. You never complain about going to church, or being in childcare for VOX. In fact, you love it. You love to be around the high school kids, play their games, be part of their conversations. We adore this about you. Your friendliness. You are so kind, and thoughtful. You are also hilarious. No wonder your friends love you! You would never leave somebody out. You are so very inclusive, with everybody. 

And most importantly, we have watched your faith and leadership grow as a follower of Christ. You are becoming more bold as a leader. At camp this year your counselor couldn't stop talking about what a leader you were during your Bible times. Offering to pray and read and lead studies. This is where you shine. Your love for Christ and your love for others. You truly are the fire of the Lord. I adore you, my love. 

Forever and ever,

Mommy

Dear Ella

Dear Ella,

You are now 6 years old.

How, exactly, did that happen so quickly? I was snuggling on the couch, with my bald, baby girl, 2 seconds ago. Here you are, standing before us, a gorgeous, sweet, 6 year old. 

Honey, listen....



























You are kind.

You are capable.
You are strong.
You can do ANYTHING.
You are smart.
You are created in the image of an almighty God.
You are beautifully, and wonderfully made.
You can move mountains.

The world will try to stifle you. It will lie to you, and tell you that you are unworthy. It has done this to all of us. When you feel doubt, you ask me how valuable you are, and I will tell you. Open the scriptures, and let it tell you who you are.

This year has been full of changes for our family, and you have handled it with grace and joy. Change doesn't seem to bother you, although you do love a game plan.

You are my helper; my sidekick. Where I am, you want to be. Whatever I'm doing, you want to help. You joyfully offer to do chores. You will scrub a toilet and love every second of it.

You adore Caleb. It's quite a bond. While Josiah and Micah were blessed with a twin-like bond, you and Caleb have an amazing relationship as well. The two of you can't sleep without each other. And Caleb, MUST know where you are AT ALL TIMES.

You get along with everybody (minus some scuffles with Micah). You are eager to make new friends, and adore the ones you already have. And, you love fiercely.

You are so feminine. You love makeup, and dresses, and frills and sparkles. You love to draw, and doodle, and make artwork for all those you know. You love dancing, and twirling, and shaking that booty. You love to play with my hair, you love when I do your's. You want your nails always painted. You love to play dolls, and house. You love being a girl.

You are also athletic. You love sports (most recently, football). You love to race your brothers. You love to jump on the trampoline, and do speed drills with Daddy. You are competitive, and you are fast. You prefer your practical Nike's over your gladiator sandals. You love to play in the dirt, because being dirty doesn't bother you. You love to play games, any game, any time. You just love to keep your body moving. I can hardly keep you on the couch to watch TV.


You have an amazing sense of humor. You and Jo, twinsies. Your laugh is contagious, and your smile is perfection. Your favorite shows, are always humorous. You don't enjoy dramatic, or even remotely suspenseful stories. You want to laugh.

You say you are a "mamma's girl", but I think deep down, you're a daddy's girl. Nobody can make you laugh like he can. You would follow him anywhere, do anything, just to be with him. You love both of us so deeply, and you are so sensitive toward our feelings. Most recently, when I burned my arm, it was you who was bothered the most. You saying, "I can't see it. I don't want to see you hurt."

Oh, Ella, you are such a blessing to our family. How deeply I longed, and prayed for you. My girl. Thank God for you. You are a true gift. I pray that you will continue to love, and sparkle; just as you were created to do.

Forever and ever,

Mommy