Test Me In This

That's what I hear You saying in my spirit.

"Seek first My Presence, and I will take care of the rest. Test Me in this."

So many things on my list and so little time. A full day, every moment accounted for. But I hear You whisper,

"Spend time in My Presence. Test Me in this."

I will. I choose You and Your Presence. I find Peace and Promise that all has been done.

Eli is Seven!

Eli's birthday got celebrated several times. We had a party when we were in Georgia for Easter, cupcakes as a family on his actual birthday and then cake and presents again this past Sunday with Kris' family. He's still saying it's his birthday. And why not? He's pretty awesome and totally worth celebrating over and over again.

I got a gift on his birthday too. I got to have him all to myself. My neighbor watched Susanna while Judah and Luke were in school. After his check up we went to Walmart to pick out his gift.

Then Susanna joined us for lunch at Chili's. Which is why the picture is blurry.

It's so rare that I get one on one time with Eli. The child is just fun. He's funny, he's polite, he's easy. In the chaos that abounds in our household, sometimes those qualities get lost a bit. It's amazing how much more settled he has been since that day. Almost like he knows himself again. I love it.

Eli, you sweet, fuzzy-headed, second baby bear of mine, you light up my life! I enjoy you! I'm so proud of who you are, you're very own self. There isn't a thing about you I would change. Not one thing. I can't wait to see what fun things this next year brings for you. I know that you will be brave and take the challenge. You have what it takes! Thank you for loving me and wanting to spend your day with me. I treasure that time, and I treasure you!

Susanna at 7 Months

"The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize." 

I think of this quote from Steele Magnolias every time I just can't help myself and put a bow on Susanna even though she's only wearing her diaper. It just makes me happy.

Her first time in a swing at the park.

Judah adores her as much as her big brothers do. And even when she sneaks up on him and grabs a handful of his hair when he's laying on the floor, he never is rough with her. It blows me away.

 Luke is my "babysitter" often.

Hallelujah! We can put her in a highchair and feed her puffs now. Mealtime is so much easier!

Look at that concentration. This was her first time. We were all rooting for her.

 It always cracks me up when they get stuck to their face.

She and Luke enjoy some good snuggle time.

She's mobile!

And she recognizes a good opportunity when she sees one. She crawled up to Judah while he was sleeping and pulled the kindle out of his hands.

This girl is pure sunshine. She wakes up with a smile and, as long as you give her a bed when she's ready, she smiles all day long. We are loving her to pieces!