six years.

In honor of your sixth birthday with love-

On January 14, 2008, she laid you in my arms.  Her words were, "He's not my baby.  I've always thought of him as your baby and I was carrying him for you."  And a lump swelled up in my throat.  I knew that she had just laid one of the greatest treasures I'd ever possess in my arms and it was the most unselfish act I had ever witnessed.



That night is as vivid as something that occurred five minutes ago, but somehow SIX YEARS have passed.   And that little 7 lb 11 oz, blonde haired, green-eyed baby has brought more joy that we could have imagined.



This morning you proudly announced that the greatest thing about being six is "that it takes two hands to show [my] number."  Somehow growing up is way more exciting to a boy than to his mama.  Every year you add a number, I praise God that you are growing and changing, but I am also reminded how quickly the time is passing and how important it is that I make an impression on your heart NOW, rather than later!



So as you begin this sixth year of your life, I pray BIG things for you.  And even though I know we will fail you a million times as parents in the next 365 days, we trust that God's grace is BIGGER and that He will change you for the better, despite our imperfections!



Lord, we thank you for Max, for choosing us to love him, guide him, and mold him in these impressionable years.  We pray that your grace would abound as we seek to make the right choices in parenting and as we daily fail and start anew.  We ask that you would continue to draw his heart towards Yours.  We pray that you make his sin abundantly clear to him and that You show him his need for a Savior as only You can do.  Help Jason and I to plant seeds of You in his heart so that the fruits of Your Spirit will be evident in His life.  As this world attempts to draw him in , Lord, it is our desire that he would turn towards the only hope that is available to us- You.



Happiest Birthday, Max!

Love,
Mama and Daddy

six on saturday.

I missed 'five on friday' by just a few hours, so we'll just go ahead and rename this post 'six on saturday.'  Just thought I'd use this post to update everyone on life.

1.  We are still in Thailand.  But last week, our crew grew by three adults when my mom and dad and Jason's mom arrived!  It's been over a year since we've seen my dad or Jason' mom, so all three of them were a welcomed sight!  Jason's dad will join the fun in a little over a week.  We could not be more thrilled to have everyone here, especially Jack and Max!

2.  Unfortunately, planning their trip dates was a bit of a guessing game (as babies like to decide when they want to be born!)  So while we wait, Jason is enjoying showing them around Bangkok.  The boys and I tag along when we aren't in the middle of homeschooling or when there isn't much walking required.  Yours truly isn't much on physical activity these days!  In the last week, they've seen an insane amount of markets and malls, taken a large variety of transportation modes, tried some fun street food, and taken part in our favorite activity- the Thai foot massage!  Hopefully the waiting passes quickly and they enjoy their time in Thailand.

3.  So when are these babies coming?  Your guess is as good as mine.  Their due date is March 10, but that's very unlikely.  The doctor would like to see them make it to 37 weeks, which would occur around February 17th.  As for now, we are just waiting, hoping they pack on the pounds while they continue to bake, and praying that they are born healthy!

4.  Did I mention that we are having a girl and a boy?  We would have been happy with any combination of genders, but we're pretty excited about the idea of one of each!  The new little guy should be right at home with two big brothers, and this little girl will be a fun new addition to a house full of males!  

5.  We had a virtual baby shower last week, via Skype!  Jason's mom's church was so gracious to bless us with a shower.  Prior to their generosity, we were minimally prepared for the birth of babies, but after their outpouring, we are fully prepared to dress and care for the twins.  Thank you so much, Bethel Baptist Church!  We could not be more thankful for your kindness!

6.  And last, I leave you with the ever exciting self photo (taken about two weeks ago.)

Hope everyone has a great weekend!  Looks like some of the world is finally starting to thaw out and enjoy some sunshine!