Update, Part 1

Oh, how I miss blogging.

I REALLY miss it.

It was such a sweet time in my life.  The kids were young.  God was calling us to make some huge changes in our lives and I found comfort in jotting down my thoughts during the quiet afternoon nap times.

I miss those days.

And, yet, I love this new season of life just as much.

Dimples is now 13 and in the 7th grade.  Yes, we officially have a teenager in the house!  He is a typical teenager in so many ways: he refuses to wear any type of coat or jacket (regardless of the temperature), he lives in hoodies and jeans, he has become a bit of a slob, his first love is soccer, and he is eating us out of house and home.  But, to my surprise, he is a complete joy to be around.  He still chats with us about everything and even share concerns about his friends' poor choices.  I love his convictions.  He is a social guy but still enjoys spending time with his family.  He also has a new love for the theater.  He even had a staring role in the school play this year.  He rocked it, if I do say so myself.  I love that he is exploring things his father and I never experienced.  In turn, he also has a strong faith that guides his decisions.  Dimples is a born leader and I can't wait to see how God continues to mold him into a man of God.

Bruiser is in the 4th grade.  At 10 years old, he is a very sensitive and passionate young man.  Plus, the boy knows how to have fun!  He loves to show off his hip hop dances moves anytime of the day.  If music is playing, Bruiser will most definitely bust out with some dance moves.  He can also rock the soccer field.  And, for an added bonus, most of his goals are followed by a front flip in celebration.  He is quite the entertainer.  This boy also seeks the truth in all things.  He is a black and white thinker.  Thankfully, he always wants to know God's take on everything.  He is a loyal friend and expects the same from others.  He is the middle child and he seems to always compare himself to to his siblings.  I know God is revealing exactly who Bruiser is to him each and every day.  I love watching him discover his God-given gifts, talents, and abilities.

Sweet Pea is quite the young lady as she counts down the days to her 7th birthday.  She is in the first grade.  It is so fun watching her discover a love for learning.  She loves to read and spends most evenings playing school in the kitchen while I cook dinner.  She wants to be a teacher when she grows up.  She talks a mile a minute and tells us every detail of her day.  (And, I do mean EVERY detail.)  She is such an encourager to those around her.  She adores her brothers and thinks Nurse Boy and I are pretty fabulous as well.  She tells me every day that I am the "best mom EVER."  (I had to get that in black and white because we all know she might deny this in the not-so-near future.)  She loves God and often asks us to pray with her for friends and family who are in need.  I am thrilled that I get to watch God mold her tender heart.

The kids are growing up.  Fast.  They bring us joy, while challenging us every step of the way.  I was so tired when they were little.  They needed me 24-7, in a demanding and physical way.  Yes, I was PHYSICALLY exhausted.  Now, I often find myself EMOTIONALLY exhausted.  Big, tough questions are asked often.  I am so thankful they are asking us the hard questions, but sometimes I just want to curl up in a fetal position instead of educating them on the harsh realities of this world.  My prayer is that God uses each one of them to bring beauty to this world.

(To be continued...)