Little Lady

Sometimes, I find myself simply gazing at my three-year-old - top knot, and pants that I would wear if only they came in my size. In those moments, all I can do is be still. One day, her top knot will be complete without a little bow, and not only will her pants come in my size, I will probably be borrowing them from her...

Last night, she got stuck upstairs and when I went up to help her, she said, "Mama, thanks for being there for me." Oh baby girl, I'll always be there for you! It won't be much longer that she says, "Mama I need you," so I need to slow down, and hopefully time will slow with me.

 

"Mama, I'm Not Tired" ... liar

Fun fact: research shows that, statistically, this is the most commonly used, and biggest, lie -- in the history of all lies! At least, it is in my house. 

My Heart Leaf

Each morning, I gaze out my window at the two beautiful trees we have just beyond the house. As with every tree, these leaves are all individually and uniquely shaped - the leaves look like hearts. When I awaken, these glorious leaves are the first thing I see as I roll over toward Eric - my eyes drawn to a particular leaf, right in the center. This heart - a gentle reminder, as I admire the daylight, that love is the reason I climb out of bed each morning; the reason for my very existence. Love for my family, and love for my God, who caused this tree to produce a hint and a refocus to give me the aid I need to start my day inspired.

The Jog of a Lifetime

This morning, Aaron's school had a jog-a-thon. The families were invited and Aaron told me that he really wanted us to come. A few minutes before the event, I was putting the girls in the car and realized the car was dead. I flew into a frenzy and told the girls to jump in the stroller. He wanted us there, so we were going to be there! We're Oregonians now, we fear no rain! 

Whoever came up with the "walking distance" time estimate for Google did not include the fact that three-quarters of it is up hill.  However, we jogged the whole way and got there - less than halfway through the event. (Next time I fly into a frenzy, I will definitely have to remember to take off my high-heeled boots - thank heavens for a college degree with a requirement to move fast in heels!) 

When we got there, we saw Aaron scanning the crowd as he ran past, searching for us - which made me even happier that we'd pushed through to be there and support him, as he'd hoped. As he came back around and saw us, he was so excited! Originally he'd said we should come watch, but now, he had us run the track with him. (Sometimes walk, but lots of jogging and actual running!)

His plan was to complete 5 rotations. Instead, he got 13. Each set of 2 "rotations" is a quarter of a mile.

I finally got to meet his buddies and loved watching them take care of eachother on the track. One fell a ways back and Aaron told us to stay put, he had to go help his friend. The three of them also played tag to help push through their exhaustion. 

We looked like drowned rats by the end (ok, *I* looked that way), but it was well worth it!

Jared, Nathaniel, Aaron

October 7, 2016

Aaron's Kindergarten School Picture

Listen Closely to Aaron's Song

You'll have to listen close, but if you do, you'll hear the made up song coming from the heart of a very sweet little boy.

Craft Time!

Craft time! Complete with paper, scissors, glue, and paint! Aaron is drawing a bike, and Audrey is drawing a person. Thanks for the paint shields, Nona!