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The past few weeks have been fun and full! Silas and Kaitlynn started off the year with going to overnight Back-to-School Camp (Kathrynne didn’t get to go because she was sick — she was so disappointed!) This was a picture of Silas right before he left!
And this was a picture of him at camp after one of the activities! Our good friend, Isabel, was one of the seniors helping lead the camp, so she sent me daily updates and pictures!
First official day of school for these three!
We have a Junior, Sophomore, and 6th grader this year — and they are all at the same private Christian school again together, which they are excited about. I love how much they enjoy each other… even if they also sometimes get on each other’s every last nerve.
Also: yes, our Sophomore (Kaitlynn) is the tallest, but she also has on platform Converse in this photo. 
One of my greatest joys in life is being mom to these three. Even on the hard and hormonal days, I love them so much. I’m excited to see what God has in store for them this year and am looking forward to all of the memories to be made, the growth to be had (spiritually, emotionally, and physically — we’re still holding out hope that Kathrynne’s growth spurt is coming ;)), the lessons to be learned, and the character to be developed.
Here’s to a new school year and seeing more of God’s gift and grace and goodness in all of it!
Soaking up the cuddles with this sweet boy!
She is always hugging and kissing him and taking care of him. It’s the sweetest!
Kierstyn has been loving our lunch and Little House (we’re listening to the series on audiobook)
She “read” our book to him after she and I read it together!
Guess who got to come for a visit?? Champ!
He is growing up so much and thriving! We got to take care of him three days over the past week and it was the BEST!
When our kids come home from school every day there are always squeals and laughter as everyone is reunited again!
Silas and a few friends started a little business selling rainbow loom band bracelets. They had a table at the high school football game and it was quite the hit!
I got to have a Zoom call with a group of women who have been doing a book study on Love-Centered Parenting. It was so encouraging to me — and they ended our time by asking if they could pray for me! That touched me so much!
Whenever I need to be reminded that there is still hope, that miracles still happen, and that a story is still being written, I look at this girl.
10 years of infertility. Doctors and medical tests saying it wasn’t possible. But here she is.
Her middle name (Michaela) says it all: “Who is like God?”
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A huge thank you to @brigettebillupsphotography for gifting us with these @littlebig_shots of Kierstyn. I wish I could share the amazingly gorgeous shots she took of Baby D, too! They are pictures I will cherish for years to come!
I wish you could witness the beautiful relationship that these two have. It’s almost twin-like. They care so much for each other and just LOVE being together!
He continues to make progress in therapy!! Little bit by little bit, he is getting stronger and more mobile!
They both love Baby D so much! It is adorable to watch them care so much about him and try so hard to be gentle towards him.
We got to go meet up with two of my sisters in North Carolina over Labor Day weekend. My nephew was excited to read his very first book to me!
Kierstyn enjoyed watching the cousins play together!
“If 20 years ago, you could see who you’ve become, you would be so disappointed in yourself.”
The blog comment went on to recount how this person was so disappointed in me themselves and how I’ve changed.
While the comment was likely meant to be harsh, it actually encouraged me so much. Because it actually caused me to stop and contemplate how much I’ve changed and how grateful I am for the joy, freedom, and deep fulfillment I have now that I didn’t have 20 years ago. In fact, if I could have known then how much peace and confidence I would have now — I’m pretty sure I would have wanted to fast forward to here!
It’s not uncommon that I get these types of comments — in fact, it’s almost daily that someone writes in to say they are offended, bothered, or upset by something I said or did or didn’t say or didn’t do. And as someone who puts her life out on the internet, I respect others’ rights to give feedback. I’m not everyone’s cup of tea and that’s the beauty of the internet — there are a million flavors of tea to choose from!
Negative comments and critical feedback used to really get under my skin, bother me, and eat at me. It took enormous emotional energy and almost pushed me to quit blogging multiple times.
But the more I have been on this journey of understanding how much I am loved by God and living in confidence in His love for me, the less I have needed the approval or accolades of others. And it’s allowed me to see past the negativity or criticism to see a person who is hurting, wounded, weary, and/or discontent. It’s given me a newfound ability to respond in kindness and compassion when a response is needed. To not be offended but to moved to pray for this person and pour love on them instead.
As Charles Martin says: “Only Jesus gets to tell you who you are.”
When I listen to His Voice of Truth, I don’t have to worry about or pay attention to what others think. I can let unkind comments and critical remarks roll off of me because I know who I am in Christ and I know that I am redeemed, loved, chosen, forgiven, and beautiful.
“Only Jesus gets to tell you who you are.” There’s so much freedom and joy and REST there!
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