Carter is 10!

 Carter,

You are 10. Double digits. An entire decade. Little did I know when I was in that hospital room 10 years ago how full and hard but so fun these 10 years would be. Being the oldest of 4 you have it tough because everything is new for us as parents. You get mad that Brooks and Abby get away with things we would "never have let you done" and son...I'm sure there's going to be a lot more of that in this 2nd decade! You have a strong sense of justice and often hear "I treat you fair but not equal" and are learning to find your role as oldest brother. You are one of the most responsible, intrinsicially motivated people I have ever met and that made virtual school this past year feel like smooth sailing. You have picked up cycling and enjoy long bike rides with Daddy while he runs...you say you equally enjoy the 1-1 attention and conversation as much as the cycling part! I rarely have to remind you to do chores, you bring your kindle downstairs at night like clockwork at 8:15, and you protect the neighborhood kids walking home from school and playing in the street. You feel it's your responsibility to make sure Abby doeesn't turn into a "princess" since the rest of the family treats her like one so you make sure she does her fair share of household tasks. 

You are a great student and love to discuss adult topics and current events. At your parent-teacher conference a few weeks ago Mrs. Porter said you come into the classroom and immediately want her thoughts on the new CDC or the election. You love history and government and said the biggest treat when you are having a hard day is a stack of history books. We planned on you doing a BIG trip with Daddy to celebrate 10. Washington DC was your place of choice and then with covid we tried to think of all new places but it's just not the time to travel right now. Fortunately you understand delayed gratification better than anyone I know and are excited to take your 10 year old trip to DC when restrictions lift. We look forward to celebrating you today with french toast breakfast, pizza for dinner, cookie cake, Harry Potter reading (SO good! we only have 40 pages left in book 6 and we are all obsessed), and a set of flannel sheets on your bed! We have a babysitter coming Saturday so we can have a date night just the 3 of us...to toast YOU and this new decade! I'm not sure what is to come but I'm so glad you made me a Mama 10 years ago and am so proud of the young man you are becoming! You still think it's cool to talk to Mom and pray with me at night and I'll take that for as long as I can! I adore you Carter David Wood and can't wait to see what God has planned for your life...I know if you follow HIM you will do big things!

Love,

Mom

Brooks is 6!

 

Dear My Brooksie Boy,

 

Today you are six. You woke up to streamers on your door, eager to go all by yourself to the donut store with Daddy. You picked out everyone's favorite donut, opened presents (Star Wars Mandalorian is a major theme), and hopped off to Kindergarten. Mommy couldn't bring you lunch because #covid but I packed you a special snack of goldfish with m&ms and a drawing on your baggie. You gave goodie bags to your friends at school and walked home to a yard full of tables and chairs. Your neighbor friends came over to celebrate you with an epic Star Wars cake and ice cream. A few rounds of beyblades and remote control car crashes later we hurried back up to school for Miss Hook's wedding shower on the playground. You wrestled your friends because you could actually touch them since it wasn't school hours! Orange chicken for dinner and Mandalorian with Daddy, your brothers, and a big bowl of popcorn (with baby Yoda in your lap) and your day was full!

 

I could not be more proud you at six B. You are thriving in Kindergarten, a natural leader in teaching all the boys "Who let the dogs out". You do not play favorites but make friends everywhere you go and have a sensitivity that sees someone being left out and invite them in. You have a tenacious spirit that comes out when you are tired and we all love it when you growl at your opponents on the soccer field! You still adore Abby and do anything for her/always look out for her. You love a good snuggle with Mommy and I soak in those moments at the beginning and ending of the day when you say "can we snuggle?" and crawl up on me with your head on my chest. You do not have it easy in our family. Your time at home with Mommy was cut short in March when big brothers went virtual for school and it's hard having 2 big brothers--you try to stay up late and get up early, you often lose in any game, race, wrestling match, and are used to being dragged to their games and activities. However, I've seen both sides this year....the side where it's really tough and you are constantly hoarse because of all your screaming and yelling and you have to go to bed at 6 pm BECAUSE 6 YEAR OLDS NEED SLEEP, but then the other side that has developed a tough shell and can go with your peers and thrive and lead because you get it, you get the underdog, you win the races, and you have equals. You are a social butterfly that comes home and immediately wants to go out and play with friends. You love collecting bugs and being in nature and having unstructured playtime. You love oatmeal and still are iffy on meats but down your veggies for coin flips every night. You love sports and are the first to play frisbee or baseball or soccer or a board game with Daddy. You are a fierce checkers player and legimately beat me most of the  time. You are super creative and love downtime to color and draw and let out your creative outlets. You see figures in the clouds and shapes in your food and I love seeing your creative mind come alive. You are rough and tumble and super tough but if there is blood you cannot function until you have a band aid. You love for me to read to you, are first to remind me if I forget to pray for you, and find ALL the reasons not to go to bed at night. You are our favorite six year old and I absolutely adore watching the little boy you are growing to be. God has gifted you with a strong spirit, a creative mind, and a sensitive heart that loves all people. I am so thankful to be your Mama. Happy birthday to our Bubby, B Bears, Brooksie Boy, B!

Love, 

Mama

Abby is 3!

 My sweet Abigail Ann,

Today you are 3. You are still asleep in your bed at 8:15 am because you are my party at night/play during nap/sleep in because you are not a morning person kind of girl. 

I see little bits of who God is making you to be and I absolutely love watching your little personality emerge. You are the first to see someone else is upset and run and tell me or their Mommy that they “need a band aid”. You have such a tender heart and take care of all of your baby dolls. During nap time you line them up on your top bed (you sleep on the trundle) and feed them bottles, read them stories, and create a “school” for them. You love your Mama and Daddy, your brothers, bunny, chincha, Daniel Tiger, and applesauce pouches. You love to shop and insist on picking out your own clothes. You love school but quarantine made you and Mama both big homebodies—we leave school and you grab my hand to come straight to the car. “No talking”. You are grumpy in the mornings and cry when we tell you “no”. Your favorite color is purple although most things are “blue” because you are still working on your colors. You love your friend Boyd-y and your cousins Brayson and Presley but are terrible at sharing and mostly cry when they come to play with your toys. You get dragged to brothers activities but you don’t really mind...unless it’s at 8 am! You pretty much potty trained yourself after you wanted candy at the store and I bought it telling you if you go in the potty you can have the candy. Well, you did it and basically haven’t had any accidents! I hope you always spell your name “A baby baby y” and grab your chincha with that left thumb and snuggle with Mama. You own being the baby, are not as into family adventures but slowly learning you are in a fun family so adventures are just part of your life. You love your Daddy and piggy back rides, high front yard swings, and soccer. With Mommy we read lots of books (5 Little Monkeys is favorite), you are my biggest cooking helper (“I help you. Let me get my step stool”), and we are still pretty inseparable. . Oh my Abby Ann, I just adore you and soooo thankful God brought you into this world 3 years ago! Today we celebrate YOU. You want a “bunny party”. I learned that means you and bunny—no friends, maybe brothers can have a piece of cake. Did I mention you don’t like sharing?! So in these Covid times we are not forcing a big friends and family gathering on you. You will wake up to presents and streamers on your door, have a bunny cake, and play babies and hide and seek, doctor and the bounce house in the backyard (remember that sharing thing?). Sister, you know what you want and I know that will take you far in life. Every night I put you to bed and we pray (until you say thank you God for poopy head and laugh because #3brothers) and I say your Bible verse “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him”. You finish with Romans 15:17 (although you know it’s 13–this is your way of being silly at night), get your blue cover, pink cover, bunny, chincha and “one last kiss and hug”. I pray big things for you but mostly that You would experience the love of Jesus and how He made you, not this world. In the times of Covid and a very heated election I’m glad you are 3 and innocent and your biggest problem is Mommy telling you no more Daniel Tiger. So enjoy it baby girl. We love you and adore you and are so proud of you.

2017 Goals

Word for the year: ABIDE--Jesus says I am the vine, you are the branches. Remain in me. Apart from me you can do nothing. Exploring what really abiding in Christ looks like in my daily life. Starting my day with him is habit, but continuing to abide as kids throw tantrums and that text message comes that invokes frustration, when my schedule doesn't go according to plan, and when it's 6 pm and all I want is to be alone. I need Jesus every minute of every hour, He has made that known. I want to abide in Him every minute of every hour. I will fail, but there is grace. 

Goals:

1) Serve with Caleb at church (looks like we will be a marriage mentor couple in the premarriage class...will see how that goes!)

2) Seek and establish a relationship with a mentor 

3) Limit social media time to 20 mins/day, only at naps/nighttime (again--be present)

4) Serve with Carter (and/or other boys if able) atleast once this year

5) Invite people over for dinner once/month

6) Kon Mari my kitchen 

2016 in review

Word for the year-neighbor. Yes, front yard bounce house parties and fire pits and our first ever street Christmas party. We now have a little community with Sunday night get togethers and kids are friends and Dads are friends, thank you Jesus. This year would like to go a little deeper and also love on a specific neighbor/family.

Goals:

1) Memorize a scripture verse every week.-Nope. I just am not great at Scripture Memory but did a Jen Wilkin study in the fall on Hebrews and will say I was probably in the Word last year more than I've ever been in my life. His Word really is my daily bread--and when I don't get it, I get grumpy and selfish.  

2) Sit down and do "school" with boys 3 days/week. -Nope. But I'm ok with this. I was so anxious about Carter starting Kinder with no formal "preschool" that last year and he is doing great. I now see that the boys have the rest of their lives to be in school. When we are little, we play--and last year was a lot of play and I don't regret it one bit. 

3) Become a front yard person. Choose to play in front yard instead of backyard atleast twice a week (this incorporates present and neighbor). Yes. We now are in front yard more than backyard. Mamas accumulate daily around 4:30 for our "let's just get through the day" time! 

4) Date night once a month (just the 2 of us--parties, etc don't count). Hmm...not sure on this one. We did go on dates but I would say we definitely dated at home a couple of times a month. We started a eat on China/open champagne dinner and put the kids in front of a movie thing this year and it's pretty glorious. 

5) I don't know how to make it measurable but this year I want to work on letting go. Be ok with not controlling everything. Letting go of the schedule to just be. Hmm....I would say check on this one, although it will be a work in progress. Especially during the birthday/holiday season--even Caleb noticed a change.

Brooks turns TWO!

Birthdays are a big deal in our family. You get pretty much whatever you want and everyone does their best to "encourage" the one having the birthday. It's especially meaningful for me, because as a Mama, I sit down and reflect on each of my boys as I see more and more of who God is making them to be. So, even though this blog doesn't carry a lot of weight anymore, it's a place for me to come on everyone's birthday and write them a little note....

My sweet B, B-bears, Brooksie boy:

You are my baby. You are the baby of the family and you own it. You love to be held...Daddy takes you places and insists that you are "walker baby" but you have this move where you will face me and grab onto my legs and you know I'm the weak link. I hold you. We are still pretty much attached at the hip and I love how you are still a Mama's boy. You love to go on "Bob rides" and prefer the stroller over walking most of the time. But don't get me wrong....you do have energy and love to be active. You have started wrestling with Isaac and playing the nightly wrestling games with Daddy and your brothers. You laugh and laugh until you get hurt....then are quick to run to Mama for refuge. You are getting very tough and most of the time can take a good fall or hit without crying, where I later see blood or a big scrape and I'm like really dude? You didn't cry for that?

You LOVE trains and balls. I mean, LOVE them. Like can play trains at your train table for hours upon hours. Like will do anything it takes to get to a ball. You have a determined and focused energy that I'm seeing at 2 that will take you far in this world. You are pretty much go with the flow (as you've been all your life) and can easily play by yourself. You love to read books and you know that's Mama's soft spot...so you bring me book after book and we read. Oh, I hope it continues! Since Carter is in school you and Isaac are starting to become buddies and I love watching that bond form. We go to the gym most days and after I'm done we go to the big gym where there is a tub of balls. You get so excited every.single.time that you yell "ball! ball! ball!", run as fast as your little legs can, and pick out a very particular ball for you and for Mama and then the 3 of us play dodgeball against the mat. It's one of your favorite parts of the day. As far as eating, you sure do love your carbs. Fruit, bread, cheerios (and milk on a Bob ride is your breakfast of choice as we walk Carter to school!), pb&j "nee nish", crackers "ba ba", rice and beans are your favorites. You are not a meat or veggie fan, although you've learned the prize factor in our house, so you now will eat broccoli/cauliflower dipped in ketchup to get into the coin flip. You still love your bed and love to sleep. You are not a morning person and are Mr. Grumps most mornings so we let you eat your breakfast in peace. You go to bed about 7:30 at night and like to sleep in until 8 most mornings although I often wake you up around 7:30 to take Carter to school (and don't talk to you...just give you milk and "do dos" (cheerios) and set you in the stroller and 25 mins later when we return you are ready to talk to the world). You still have your morning rest time for about 30 mins most mornings then take a good 2-3 hour nap most afternoons. Our before nap/bed routine is my fave...I read you books facing out as you sit in your rocker. We both rock in our rockers and sing "Jesus loves me", then you turn on your sound machine and determine if you want to "rock" (with me and snuggle!) or go "nigh nigh" (me put you in your bed). I pray Joshua 1:9 over you, give you your chincha, you put that left thumb in your mouth and you never cry, never wake up at night. I may never move you out of the crib! This is such a perfect way to end the day....because as much fun and play as we have, I have to be honest that you are TWO. Man, you have a temper and a fireball personality that wants what you want if I tell you no you will 1) hit me (this is getting better) or 2) threaten to hit me (hence discipline from #1 is working) by putting your hand up and giving me a dirty look but not hitting or 3) spit at me or 4) find something/anything to throw. Whew. I do love that we are really working on a spirit of gratitude with your older brothers so you are learning to say thank you. You are not sure exactly when to say it, so when you know you're in trouble you will just look at me with those big brown eyes and say "thank you". Ha! Already learning I discipline you because I love you?

Oh, the days are long but the years are short. I look back and remember your birth day so vividly. It was only two years ago but we have fit so much into these two years. I feel like with you being the third child you get dragged a lot of places. You get woken up in the mornings and from naps, you get dragged to practices and performances, school meetings and games, and I know it will just get more and more. I don't feel bad for you though. I see your flexibility and go with the flow personality and have to believe part of it is because you've been forced to be adaptable since birth. You are definitely growing into your own little person. You have such focus and determination. You say hi to strangers and can walk into a group of 6 year old boys and think you fit right in, completely unaware of an age difference.   You have such a joy in the simple things. You laugh and smile so much of your day--oh that big gap tooth smile I adore! My word and prayer for you since you were in the womb has been joy. Lord, fill him with joy and may his joy continue to grow. Your teacher at school  (you go 1 day/week) Ms. Denise (nee neese) says you are the happiest boy in your class, always smiling. That's your joy buddy. I pray it will continue. That you will not just be happy, but even when you fail and when trouble comes the JOY of the Lord will be your strength. I pray over you most nights as we rock and snuggle and I pray specifically that you will come to love and know God will all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. That your joy will continue to grow. That you will love others well. That God will help me and your Daddy train you and point you to Jesus in all things, as Jesus is the only one we can promise you will always be with you. May angel armies be by your side as you grow and become more and more your own person. I sure do adore you at 2. Sometimes your tantrums and melt downs and complete neediness wears me down, but I am so grateful to be your Mama.  To have a front row seat as your discover your world, to find joy in the simple things, to discover your gifts that God gave you, and watch you become your own little person. Happy birthday buddy. Today is your day. We will play trains and balls, be outside and eat lots of cake. Tomorrow your family and friends come over and your celebration will continue. We love you and are so thankful for you.

Love,
Mama

Isaac you are 3

My sweet sweet Isaac. Today you are 3. The mama in me always thinks back to that cold day when you were born, when the epidural only halfway worked and labor took forever. But then I held you. And Daddy got all teary looking at you. And all the pain went away and I knew right then you were special. You were so wanted and desired and you bring us such joy. 

You have the sweetest most compassionate heart. You are a servant, not willful but joyful to help.You get feelings and emotions--and you feel big. You hurt when others hurt. You squeal with giddiness and delight. You cry out when you do not get your way. You clench your teeth and push when others bother you. You are a go getter and don't let anything get in your way. You see boundaries as a challenge and welcome most challenges. 

Oh Isaac, you stretch me as a mama. You live in the moment and go at your own pace. You are rarely in a hurry and don't want to make plans, just live minute by minute. This is so my opposite but so what I desire to be. You find joy in order and structure and as long as something is explained or I acknowledge your feelings, you are generally okay with change. 

You crave milk and it soothes like no other. As I pour milk into your cup you lick your lips in anticipation and want to see inside the cup to make sure it is"big". You are so much a lover of life your body is constantly going and it takes a while for you to settle down. Although you need sleep, you have a hard time settling down to sleep. You feel like you are missing out so choose to play with Carter during naptime. Oh, how you adore your brother. You want to do what he does, have what he has, and call other 2 and 3 year olds "babies". I love hearing you boys play--you fight quite often but there is such a deep love and bond between you two that is amazing to watch. You are already protector of Brooks, wanting to make sure he is safe and following in your order. God knew what he was doing when he made you our middleman. 

Oh Isaac. So many nights I sit on the edge of your firetruck bed and stroke your long stringy hair (that Daddy and I argue over cutting constantly...currently Daddy is winning so when you see your pics and wonder why it's all Daddy!) and I pray my hopes and dreams over you. I pray you will know Jesus--not just know him but be so rooted and established that since He is your refuge you will never be shaken. That as your grow you will know more than anything else how much He loves you and has a purpose and plan for your life. I pray for your wife, that wherever she is Jesus is planting seeds in her life. Isaac, I pray you will know and experience how high and wide and deep is your Creators love for you. That He created your servants heart and strong willed nature and has such big plans for you and your generation. Oh, He is going to do a mighty work through you my son! You have such determination and passion and love at 3...what a gift he will grow and use. I pray it will flourish for His glory. 

And as it flourishes, I pray for me and your Daddy to know how to create boundaries and train you up in a way that grows your gifts. Today you are 3. So you will get as much as your chocolate Batman cake as you want. You get a joker house and Legos and a batman nightlight. You get to play with your cousins at nickelrama and eat pizza and more cake for dinner. Because we are not rushing you. I adore you at 3. Sometimes it's tough when you "can't fweep" and you slur your words because you are so tired...but I embrace you for you. I'm so so so thankful God entrusted me as your mama. I love you, my sweet precious "Izit mitil wood". 

2016 Goals

Word for the year-neighbor. Jesus says the greatest command is to love God and the 2nd is to love your neighbor as yourself. He has been tugging on my heart these last few months to be intentional as a literal neighbor. With these people that are literally right outside my door. Ok Jesus, take my hand and show me what neighboring looks like on Vista View Drive!

Goals:

1) Memorize a scripture verse every week. 

2) Sit down and do "school" with boys 3 days/week. 

3) Become a front yard person. Choose to play in front yard instead of backyard atleast twice a week (this incorporates present and neighbor). 

4) Date night once a month (just the 2 of us--parties, etc don't count)

5) I don't know how to make it measurable but this year I want to work on letting go. Be ok with not controlling everything. Letting go of the schedule to just be. Hmm....

2015 in review

My word this year: present. Pulled boys out of school in May and intentionally chose to be present and play vs send them away so I could do. It's been tough at times and I'm not always present...but I wouldn't change it. 

Goals:

Run a half marathon-nope. Didn't happen. Although I would say I'm in good shape and stronger than I've ever been (that pulling kids out of school thing has given me lots of gym motivation with free childcare) so maybe that's a win?

Pre pregnancy weight-check!

Hands free--Hands free in car and rarely use speaker. This is a huge change as car used to be my chat time. Unfortunately relationships are suffering bc that is how I kept in touch with my out of town peeps but the benefits and safety are key. Hands free at home has been a roller coaster. Sometimes I am over my kids and escape to social media world for "connection".  

Quiet times during week-check. This has become a habit and again is how I survive my long days at home. Starting my mornings with quiet, cup of coffee, and Jesus is a game changer. That give us our daily bread stuff that Jesus talks about? Yeah, I really need it. 

De clutter house and spend less-nope. None. Amazon prime is my best and worst friend. This goal was too lofty! 

That was a quick review of goals, will write my 2016 word and goals within the week!

Goodness.

Psalm 100:5

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever, His faithfulness continues through all generations. 

Remembering this truth today. Such a simple song I learned as a little girl in preschool choir--God is so good. God is so good. God is so good, He's so good to me. 

I have to cling to this truth today. When I wake up to news of a terror hostage situation in Mali, which to many is just some African country but to me is where one of my best friends lives. When I show up to MOPS and a sweet sister pours out her story of abuse and kidnapping and hopelessness. When I get an email that a family member is struggling. And that is today. And it's easy to go along my merry way because Caleb took the older boys camping and I am having snuggle time with B and our life is "good". But God calls us to be the body. To encourage one another. So tonight I'm thankful that God is the same through all generations. That HE IS GOOD and present amidst the daddies and little boys giggling in a tent in Oklahoma. And HE IS GOOD and present in that Ramada hotel in Mali. And in the apartments where there is no heat and no hope. And He is so much bigger than this world. Jesus says in this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world (John 16:33). Thankful I trust in a God that is good. His faithfulness does continue through generations. So I will praise Him tonight, thanking him that He does have the whole world in his hands.