May, In Moments

It seems like our lives have been in a whirlwind since Christmas, but especially the months of April and May.  We have had lots of fun and made some special memories:

Luke's Mother's Day Tea

(This was such a special time.  You could see all over his little face that he knew he was loved, and he was proud of his mama.)

Eli's Mother's Day Tea

(Once he realized that Mama was in the building, he would have nothing to do with his teachers or friends.  We left school early that day.)

 The next morning I left for a trip with my parents and sisters in Puerto Rico. It was beautiful.

 At the top of a lookout tower.

 Daddy had a little trouble figuring out how to work my camera, and this was the result.  We're not a very patient bunch.

 We hiked down a trail in the rain forest to a waterfall.

 And even though it was worth it, the hike back up was...intense.

 There were these crazy iguanas at our resort that would do a belly flop out of the trees into the pool.

 In the meantime, Judah is growing like a weed and figuring out all kinds of ways to get into trouble. I have to shut just about every door in the house these days to keep him contained.

 Luke's preschool graduation was this week.  He is thrilled that he will be in kindergarten next year. I have mixed emotions!

Luke with his friends Maggie and Haley.  (Yes, this Haley.)

Luke with his best school bud, Cole.

Luke and Eli were signed up for soccer.  Luke had a great time playing, and Eli says he'll just wait and play next year.



So, vacations are done, parties are done, school is done, soccer is done, MOPS is done and Mama is DONE!  I'm going to go lay on the couch with my boys.



Eli is Four

Eli had his birthday week last week.  We celebrated with family last Sunday, with friends at school Wednesday and at home on Thursday, his actual birthday.  I still can't believe he's already four.  It almost seems as though he has morphed into a big boy overnight.  He has started asking more intuitive questions, understanding more abstract concepts, quit sucking his thumb. (He had a little help with that.  He nearly cut the pad of his thumb off with scissors at school, and the result was that he wasn't able to suck his thumb.  Extreme measures, but I am grateful.)  He is still most happy at home with his family and doesn't easily venture too far away from Mama's side, but I know he will all too quickly grow out of that, so I'm not rushing it.

I know I say it about each one of my children, but there is just something about this child.  He had my heart from the very beginning.  I often wonder who he takes after.  His daddy and I are both so even keel.  He is so passionate.  He feels hurt, sadness, anger, weariness so intensely.  He feels happiness, contentment, excitement, love so intensely.  He is loyal and devoted, kind and generous.  He often shares and offers encouragement without prompting.  He protects his brothers and his mama and daddy when he thinks we might need it.  Sometimes I think I want to protect him and his little heart because I know he gives so intentionally.  If he gives his affection, he meant to.  I want to tell him to protect himself from those I know will not appreciate what he is offering.  Instead, I know I need to simply learn from him. 

I love you, Eli!  You make me smile every day.  You keep me on my toes and make me a better mom every day.  I love who you are and the part you play in this family.  Thank you for the way you love us.  Happy four year old birthday. 

 And while he did get some great birthday gifts, who needs toys when Daddy has an air compressor?