Growing like weeds

I have been delinquent on blogging for a while now. I was in major survival mode this Spring, with the beginning stages of this 5th pregnancy consuming what was left of my time & energy. I'm over 6 months along now, and so thankful to be feeling good. Still tired--but that's pretty much been a constant for 7 years now! I guess I've just had it on my heart to do a little update on the boys. They are doing well, growing and changing before our very eyes.

We went through a "no fruit" phase a little while ago, where we just really didn't feel like our discipline was working or paying off at all. We weren't seeing the fruit. But God is always faithful. I think He was just simply teaching Tom & me what obedience and faithfulness really mean--on our part, not the kids'. Thankfully, things have turned a bit of a corner. School is going well. Listening is happening sometimes. And occasionally we have an actual family dinner conversation instead of total chaos! While still as wild as can be, there are many moments where we see glimpses of the beautiful hearts God has given these 4 boys, and the purposes that He has made them each uniquely for. We are so thankful to be a part of the unfolding of their little lives. The blessings definitely outweigh the hard parts (even if we would still love for their ears to work a little more often ;).

Jack is almost 7. Wow. That's crazy. I still remember exactly what it was like spending the night with him in the hospital, watching fireworks out the window, not having any clue what our life would be like when we walked out those doors. And then Tom & I taking turns all night trying to console him as he screamed and we thought we'd be horrible parents if we gave him a pacifier on the first night of his life. Oh, how much we've learned since then! Jack is our biggest brother. He is learning some responsibility. He is finally enjoying school a little bit, and especially enjoying getting into certain things that he likes learning about (History and Science, some Math). He is our rule follower, and he loves an adventure. A lot of days, though he is getting older, I am still reminded he is a little boy. He still has a bed full of stuffed animals and books, and he loves to play imaginary games with his brothers. I love that.

Luke is 5 1/2! He is such a hard worker, and he loves a challenge. He also has grown to love soccer, and sometimes goes out to just kick the ball around even when no one else wants to go with him. He especially loves to play a soccer game with his daddy, choosing a team name like the monkey rocket frogs or something like that. He's our boy who's a bit harder to reach at times. He doesn't always volunteer a hug or cuddle, but when he does choose to show affection, it is priceless. He is thoughtful. He is kind. And he still adores and especially loves to care for his little brother Joshua.

David is our 3-year-old pistol. He is so fun-loving and cheerful most of the time, but he can also put up one of the biggest fights you've ever seen if you're asking him to do something he just simply does not want to do. He currently lives in his jammies, refusing to even play outside at times if it means he has to change into clothes. He was again the greatest fan at the soccer games this season, always wanting to wear his own "uniform" (the orange one Jack wore 2 years ago), even though he is still too young to play. He loves songs, puzzles and books...and his good old brown blanky. And he just loves to be crazy with his brothers. One thing we've seen recently is just how brave little David is. He is amazing when it comes to being hurt or afraid. So different from certain others in our house ;) Our lives certainly would be dull without this little guy in our family.

 

Then there's Joshua. Little Joshua. He's a toddler, and he knows it. He's as sweet and happy as can be one minute, and then throwing a tantrum, full out throwing himself on the floor the next. He does have a tender heart, though, always running over to check on someone right away if they are crying or hurt. He loves animals, and has found a best friend in our dog, Maggie (her name was one of his first words). He's mommy's baby still right now, and though we know God is going to absolutely work it out when this new little one comes along, Josh will certainly be in for a little shock in his world. For now, when we mention the baby he says "baby" and points to both mommy's tummy and then his right after that. He's a joy, and we know he'll be a wonderful big brother.