Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy....

And, then there is the stink-eye...

Another season over, and a new one begins...

Mae had her last soccer game tonight. I have loved watching the growth in her over the past six months from one soccer season to the next. Last spring, she would be so excited to get to the game, but then as we reached the top of the hill that overlooked the field, she would get a little nervous and would want to stay with me. After a few minutes of coaxing and a prayer, she would hesistantly run down and join the team. This season, she would barrel out of the car, rushing out on the field, never looking back. Our girl has most certainly entered a new season in her life. She has really come into her own, leaving all signs of baby behind and embracing the adventurous spirit of a little girl. She delights us with girlie giggles, lots of twirling of herself as well as her hair, and constant requests of "Watch me, Watch me!!" Around every corner is something new she wants to try, and she can hang with the best of the boys. You can see the constant wonder glimmering in her eyes. But more than that, I am watching her innate nurturing spirit blossom into a true consideration of others. Whitt loves "hard" with an enthusiastic intensity; Mae loves tenderly. She is perceptively sensitive to others, really loving them well in her own confident and peaceful way. At four and half, she already seems to know when words are needed and when they are not-when a friend or brother just needs you to "be" with them. Mae is a challenge for me to raise. Not because she is strong-willed (although there is an assertiveness to her that I just love), but because God has placed such a deep and beautiful heart in her. She already teaches me so much, and I am challenged by her spirit to be more, to be a better version of myself so that I can be the mom she needs and deserves. God has made me feel so special and loved by His trusting me to be this girl's mom.

Hunka Burning Love...

Yet another reason you gotta love Memphis. It is completely normal to dress your 15 month old as Elvis for Halloween... What can I say he is a total stud! He totally rocks the costume, doesn't he?! And, a little Halloween bonus from Dorothy of the Wizard of "Paws" (as she called herself) and Superman.

With a Wink and a Smile....

Ok, the "wink" is really just batting of her eyelashes, but look at how pleased with herself she is. She looks pretty darn cute either way!

And, don't you just love the encouragement by brother Whitt in the background.

Whittisms....

These are just a few from today.....

"There is the Mississippi River. One time God turned it into blood." (not quite the Nile, but hey, our city is named after Memphis, Egypt)

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"Mommy, my favorite thing to do is to stay home from school and be sick. Let's do that tomorrow. That is a great idea!"

Me: "Why do you want to do that? And, by the way, you aren't sick anymore" (he was sick one day last week)

"I feel a cough coming on, and I need to get in bed to watch videos and have breakfast for dinner again to feel better."

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"Mommy, we are the boss of our bodies."

Me: "Yes"

"But, we are not the president of our bodies, right!?"

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At bath time, he decided to stand on the edge of the tub and "spray" it down just as I was about to run the water. And, yes, just in case you were wondering, the potty is only about two feet away. Not really sure why he decided to use the tub instead of it.

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And, finally as he was being tucked in and we were saying prayers, he said, "Thank you Jesus for finding a home in my heart!"

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What a perfect combination of boyhood wonder, precociousness, mischief, and sensitivity, and all in one day!

Touchstone

It is going to take some kind of woman to capture my Whitt's heart. She is definitely going to have to be pretty special to pull away from the shadow of his big sister.

He absolutely adores Mae. This picture says it all. Whitt is loud, rambunctious, enthusiastic, and loves an audience. Miss Mae is more reserved and pensive with an independent spirit and a quiet confidence. She doesn't mind that he is continually chattering while she hardly gets a word in. She laughs at his antics. One would think that the quieter one would rely on the energetic one, but not so. She is his touchstone, always there when he needs her. She so often is his strength and reassurance by being just who she is. Like I said, this picture says it all.

Grace

From the lips of children and infants, you have ordained praise..." Psalm 8:2a

Michael took this picture last weekend, and I immediately fell in love with it. I never would have seen the way Bruce was looking up at me if Michael hadn't captured that perfect moment (I was busy keeping my eyes on the older two as they danced and darted around the shell). That is the story of sweet Bruce's life-he quietly and patiently goes here and there, just about everywhere, following after Mae and Whitt.

Being a wife and mother of three, I am fully aware that I am unable to meet everyone's needs each day. I fail each of them at some point. I cling to the hope and knowledge that God fills in all those gaps for me, He is made perfect in my weakness. And, although I love them with an intensity I can't even begin to put into words, an ugliness bubbles up in me from time to time, the resentment in my selfish heart whispering when is there time for me. The reality is I always miss them the minute they are gone.

But, in this picture, my precious baby is looking at me with complete love. He isn't thinking about all the ways I have failed him or my many faults; he is just patiently waiting for me to turn and face him, holding on to me the entire time.

As I looked at that captured moment, I thought what a perfect reflection of God's grace for us. How amazing is a God who uses a fourteen month old to remind his mommy once again of our God's love!