Happy 3rd Birthday, McKinley!

We've been so busy this summer having fun with you, our big girl.  You have changed and grown and learned to try so many new things... riding your bike, swinging "way up high to the sky", and climbing tall playsets to name a few.  And to each new activity you add your own sense of McKinley sweetness.

Many people, myself included, mistake you for Elissa these days.  The two of you really enjoy playing together and doing many of the same things so it's easy to get you confused from across the room.  However, you have your very own personality that seems to look at life differently than a lot of people.  God has given you a wonderful love for all things living:  people, plants, animals... all of His creation.  You give hugs and kisses, even to the not-so-kissable things!  Kindness just pours out of your heart.  I definitely believe these are the first glimpses of the gift of hospitality that God has given to you.  People instantly feel warm and welcomed in your little presence.

You have a love for singing and your collection of songs is growing.  Your favorites this week are the Butterfly Song, the B-I-B-L-E, and the ABC song.  Unlike your Mommy and Daddy, we think you might have a great singing voice as you grow older.  I'm praying that you will seek to use it to sing beautiful songs for Jesus and to encourage others.  And like your sister, you love to dance.  The two of you put on shows for me all the time, and you love to put on a pretty dress or ballet outfit before you begin.  This is just one of the signs of the very feminine spirit you have.

Even your little gait is carefree and graceful, more than athletic.  You are surprising us, though, with the way you've started enjoying being active more this year.  When you decided you were ready,  you showed what a great bike rider you are.  You jumped in the pool without holding our hands by the end of summer, and you climb right alongside Ethan these days.  This has been a good lesson for me to always be looking for ways you're growing and changing and not just define you by your past likes and dislikes.

I love you, McKinley.  You're a little girl so full of compassion, increasing courage, and a sense for adventure.  You teach me how to be more people-oriented and care less about my to-do list.  I'll try to keep teaching you how to eventually get that list done, and we might just end up being well-rounded together!  I look forward to seeing how God continues to show me more of who He's created you to be, so that I can help build that firm foundation under your feet for the awesome steps ahead.  Love, Mommy

Happy 3rd Birthday, Ethan!

Where did the last year go?  And where did my baby boy go?  I'm not sure exactly, but they seem to have both disappeared overnight.

Ethan, you continue to be the neatest boy I know.  You have this perfect combination of enthusiasm and energy balanced with tenderness and compassion.  You rarely sit still, but so much of that movement is used to love on others.  If I need help with anything, you are the first to run to my side, regardless of what you might be in the middle of enjoying.  I pray that you keep hold of that other-centeredness that God's gifted to you. 

You are a strong and powerful boy already and we've had talks about why God has given you such strength -- for His glory and to help others.  Daddy and I see this in the way you love your sisters, and we're so proud of you.  You already have a sense of protection over them.  It's adorable.  Having never had a big brother growing up, I love imagining the way you will encourage and watch over them as you get older in the way only a good brother can.

Ethan, God has also given you a love for His word.  We read the Bible before bed, and you refuse to skip a night.  You listen closely and often repeat things that you find interesting.  We started memorizing some verses as a family, and you quickly and easily memorized Psalm 1.  I recorded all of you kids reciting it for Daddy for Father's Day, because it's precious.  I pray that you will continue to grow in your love for knowing the Bible.  God will use it in mighty ways to shape you and form you into the boy and man He wants you to be.

You love all of your family, and have a special affection for Uncle Joel right now.  My favorite quote of yours was when you said that when you grow up "you want to be a Joel", as if that was an easily defined profession.  Uncle Joel plays football with you and lets you tackle him, which you're getting very good at doing.  He moved to Dallas recently and you talk about him a lot and seem to miss him, which is sweet.  Many days as you play, you inform me that I have to call you Joel, not Ethan.  It's pretty funny because I don't actually talk to Uncle Joel nearly as much as I talk to you, so when I'm saying "Joel" all day it makes me laugh.  You make me laugh a lot, actually.  You have an awesome sense of humor that exudes joy from within.  People pick up on your joy almost immediately and comment on it often.

I love you, buddy.  Being your mommy is one of the greatest privileges of my life.  I pray often that the training and love you receive from me will grow you to be more like Jesus and help lead you down the path He has for you.  And whatever I do that isn't in His plan will stay out of the way.  I know God has great plans for you.  I pray that you follow Him and trust Him and see all that He has in store for you.  Love, Mommy