Birthdays.

As they tend to do, the days have gotten away from me. Three birthdays have passed without any sort of documentation here, so welcome to the happy birthday post-slacker mom/wife style.

As we celebrated each of these special days, I found myself taking a close look at the heart of each person we were celebrating. As our kids get older, and us alongside them, I am acutely aware of how fast each season passes.

To my husband, when I look at you I see the strength of our family. You are so many things to us; provider, protector, fixer, adventurer. You show us your love by doing, and you love us well.  You have a true servants heart, and I am continually moved by your selflessness. As you embark on this new path God has called you to, I can already see the power of the Holy Spirit in you as you love on those around you. While I am sad that soon our kids will be grown and off on their own, I am so excited for what that season will mean for us as a couple. I can’t wait to do all the crazy things with you!

Samantha, I don’t know about you-but I’m feeling 22!! (sorry, I couldn’t resist! How cool is it to have a theme song for a whole year?!) As I watch you wrestle with who you are and what your life is going to look like, I have the peace that comes from knowing God has a plan for you. He knew every single one of your days before you were even born, and I know He has great things in store for you. You are all heart; you love your people fiercely, and you have a moral compass well beyond your years. You see and appreciate the people around you, and really seeing someone is such a gift. Your compassion and empathy, your loyalty and your artistic flair; that is what I see when I look at you. Before we all became a family, there was me and you. You made me a mom. You were the first brown-eyed girl to steal my heart, and I loved you with all of my crazy 18 year old intensity from the moment I laid eyes on you. I am because you are. And I love you like crazy still-always have, always will.

Katie, you are such a joy to me. As a newly 14-year old, it’s fascinating watching you become a young woman, while still catching glimpses of that magical chubby-cheeked toddler that charmed everyone around her. You are conscientious and reliable, brilliant and witty. People are drawn to you, because your light shines so brightly. I love how nerdy you are; how happy books make you, and that you write persuasive essays for fun. I love your inquisitive nature and your hunger for knowledge. As we enter a new season in your life where we talk about boys and guarding your heart instead of Littlest Pet Shops and Dinosaur Train, I am both excited to watch you grow and missing my little girl. I adore you, and can’t wait to see you go out there and tackle the world. You will continue to shine wherever God leads you.