mama's day '12

Today I post in honor of both my mom, mama-in-law & grandma. How blessed I am to have not one but two amazing moms and Grandma to look up to & by whom I am continually encouraged. Reading Ann Voskamp's blog (aholyexperience.com) she has promised that by thanking mom(s) publicly she will, in turn, help support a mothering educational project in Haiti - just through this simple act of gratitude. She calls it "the 1000 moms project" ~ she will match my (your) honoring of mothers by funding a maternity/child survival program in haiti for a whole year! You can read about it here: http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/05/the-one-thousand-moms-project-make-a-mothers-day-difference/ So onto these three amazing women. I would have to say some of the greatest things I've seen in my own mom is the servant's heart she has, and her ability to spread love & joy on anyone who crosses her path. Sometimes I wonder if her cheeks hurt from smiling so much. I've never known someone to smile as much as she does! I love the lines etched in her face from years of smiling and joy. I am so grateful for her constant encouragement from early days through my own journey as a mama and I know much of what she learned, she learned from my Grandma - a woman who epitomizes one who is gentle & humble at heart, a quiet & kind spirit. I am so thankful for these generations of women... Regarding mama-Susie, she has most definitely remained committed to me since the moment I married her son! I remember when Tagen was just a few weeks old feeling like I didn't want to blow it in any way as a mama and the overwhelming task of raising this lil' human being. As Ann points out in her blog: as humans, we DO mess up and that simply exposes our need for Jesus! So it’s not so much that we aren’t going to blow it. It is what we do with it, when we do. Both my mom & mama-Susie have gently reminded me of this in many different ways over the years. Ann continues this thought by saying "perhaps there is something more powerful to experience than a perfect Mother: the wonder of a committed Mother who simply humbles herself. Like that Shepherd who knew the cost of relationship, chose to pay the price, and, staggeringly, “humbled Himself… even to the point of death on a cross” (Phil 2:8) No one gets it perfect. And that’s exactly why we sing Amazing Grace — and it really is! Motherhood does not require complete perfection and a Superman cape. It simply requires an imperfect commitment and the surprising humility of Christ. The Shepherd gently leads those with young not to be Hallmark versions of perfection — but rather persevering versions of humility. Grace stands in the gaps." I couldn't agree more. And I couldn't be more thankful for two mamas & grandma who embody such grace and humility and for all they have sacrificed for me. I know there are plenty treasures awaiting you three in heaven. I love you!!!

Tagen turning 7?!

Dear Tagen,

In just 5 days, you are going to turn seven. It's the oldest question in the world, but WHA?! When did I blink & suddenly you're a man? Please. Slow down a bit for your poor mother. Perhaps I should put a brick on your head.

But. There are most definitely many benefits of you getting older! One is that I'm always safe. Because you are super strong. You frequently remind me of this fact by showing me your bulging muscles and ninja moves. Aveda is the luckiest to have you as an older brother.

Another amazing part of you getting older is that we get to know more and more of the workings of Tagee's mind. You are getting more & more creative in your humor and you keep us laughing constantly. We can see that you love to make people laugh. It's definitely a gift God gave you early on. Whenever Aveda is sad or hurt you think of the craziest things, even if it means inflicting pain on yourself, to make her giggle. Just this morning you thought out loud "what if i could have a wind gun and blow things from here to there. We'd see chickens flying so far! or what if i could make a tickle gun and shoot tickles out of it - everyone would be laughing…"

You tell me that when you grow up you are going to be a police man. You are very concerned with justice, for yourself & for other people. I have never met a lil guy so empathetic. I can see this in the way you take note of how others feel and how, of your own initiative, you try to help. I greatly admire you in this. I can also see this in the way you like it best when everyone sticks to the rules and you panic a lil' when somebody doesn't. In this, I gotta say, lighten up my love. You are a tad dramatic (understatement). You get very upset when you feel that YOU are being unfairly treated. But you are also selfless. If Aveda feels SHE is being treated unfairly, you often share what you have to make her feel better.

Bonus again of getting older - your mind is coming up with more and more complex ways of putting together your legos. You are like a lego-king; something of a phenomenon. You love your legos and at your request are having a Lego birthday party with some of your buddies from school this year. Being a huge fan of legos myself, I am ecstatic about this idea. Perhaps you'll end up being an engineer or an architect or something. Your skills really are insane in this area.

My dear son, I know there is something very special about you. People feel it They're drawn to you. I feel it too, & it makes me a little protective of you. But then I remember how God gave us you as a gift. One to train to love Him above all the world has to offer and eventually to shoot you off like an arrow into this world we live in. I love you with a wild, ridiculous love, son. Happy 7th Birthday!

love, mama

preschool:

kindergarden:

1st grade!!