Jude turns 4!

It has come and gone, my eldest is now 4!  Jude Edgar Putnam, entered the world 2 weeks late and he likes to inform us it was because he likes to be cozy.  Apparently, he views my belly cozy.  But it is true, his favorite pants are so called "cozy pants.". We get dressed up for 2 occasions- church and our BSF bible study.  But as soon as we get in the door at home, Jude disappears upstairs to change into cozy pants.  He can't sleep without his soft blue blanket and Elphie, his stuffed elephant.

Just because Jude loves to be cozy, he is a warrior.  For the first part of this year he would growl, roar, or run over another boy because he was demonstrating "rhino power".  Being a boy and having a warrior mentality isn't bad when used with righteous intentions.  May the Lord give us wisdom on how to do that.  As a result of this little warrior, he asked to have a "KNIGHT BIRTHDAY Party.".

So we entered the 4's with a bang!  Each child was Knighted by Jonathan and given a sword.  They painted their own shield's and were sent off to slay the dragon (uncle Joel) and the dragon piñata.  It was a great time. 

I wasn't sure what to expect approaching 4.  When Jude literally turned 2 it was as if he got an injection of "independence".  My very compliant baby turned a corner at 2.  Then the day he turned 3 it was as if  he got another injection, this time very bully-like or possessive (like protecting his territory.). So I wasn't sure what was going to happen at 4!   Well, God's plan and molding for this little boy never cease to amaze me.  Jude has received a shot of Kindness, empathy and servant like heart.  I'm not kidding.

We were getting out of the van for church and Jude looks at Elijah and says, "I got my eyes on you, Eli.". Then he turns to me and says, "Mom, I got Eli covered.". That's my boy!  I am excited to see what God does this year in my boys heart and life. 

I love you Jude Edgar Putnam, your giggles, your strategic mind, your love for being home, and your love for cozy pants. 

Needing each other to grow

This past week I have been so thankful for 2 boys.  They need each other and I need them. 

In making my point, let me give you a little background on my sons.  Jude is a very clever boy, almost 4.  He is very practical and likes to plan out our days. He loves his bike and uses any toy as a weapon.  He is more serious and straight forward, meaning he has a hard time pretending.  In fact, he said to me one day at the park, "Mom, those kids keep saying this playground equipment is a rocket ship.  It's not!!!  It's a slide.".  The only thing he pretends at is a game called "sea monster" where we chase him and tickle him.

Then along comes Elijah.  He is 22 months, a climber, explorer, a snuggler and a giggle-er.  He loves boys, trucks, and being outside.  He is a second born and learns everything from Jude.  He in fact has just learned to climb out of the crib as he watched a tutorial from Jude.  He is also studying how Jude gets on his new bike.

I never could have anticipated as a parent that our kids need each other, just like I need them.  Elijah is good for Jude as he helps Jude be silly and less serious.  He helps Jude learn how to snuggle or give a hug with arms.  He helps Jude giggle.  We need Elijah.  And Jude is good for me.  He helps me grow in speaking with warmth in giving instruction, or patience in being persistent.  Jude helps me slow down and enjoy days at home. 

I need these boys and they need each other.  I just wonder if we add another to the mix how he or she will help us. 

keeping it simple

Just a few snaps of life. 

Motherhood: a season of giving and receiving

I am a mother of 2 active little boys (age 4 and 20 months).  It is a very exhausting season yet full of life, energy and chaos.  I describe it as:  sleepless nights and early mornings, whiny children and lots of giggles, spills and messes, temper tantrums and full out anger explosions, tickles and giggles, pitter Pater of feet and random Cheerios on the floor, defiant attitudes and direct disobedience, kids music and the Wild Kratts, cold coffee never finished, running, jumping, and a sigh as I sit on the couch when the kids are finally asleep with a full heart of love for them.

The days are sometimes long but the weeks fly bye.  these little people are a lot of work and yet we long to have more of them. 

This has definitely been the hardest season of my life.  Probably because these little ones require constant giving of time, love, energy, correction, more love, grace, more tickles and lots of food. 

Today I read James 1 with the scope of motherhood in mind.  It sure was encouraging.

"Consider it PURE JOY, mothers of little ones, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you my be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  If any of. You lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

My days are full of trials. I am in need of becoming mature in complete in love, patience, forgiveness, grace.  I am in need of God.  And that is what I found here. 

Joy in my trials of motherhood because as I humble myself under His guidance He will lead me. 

What hope in this season.  My new definition of Motherhood:  A season of constant giving yet a season of Constant receiving. 

Can't believe my lil man is turnin 2!

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Love this: God has good things in store

"How does God’s grace meet you in your sufferings?" David Powlison asks in his chapter:

"We can make the right answer sound old hat, but I guarantee this: God will surprise you. He will make you stop. You will struggle. He will bring you up short. You will hurt. He will take his time. You will grow in faith and in love. He will deeply delight you. You will find the process harder than you ever imagined – and better. Goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life. No matter how many times you’ve heard it, no matter how long you’ve known it, no matter how well you can say it, God’s answer will come to mean something better than you could ever imagine."

A Day with my Family

Jonathan wanted to spend the day in Chagrin Falls. It was the best day to go. The leaves were changing colors, the air was warm and at times the sun peaked through. We strolled through some beautiful streets, passed the fire station where a wife stopped in to see her husband and all were loving on a little baby. We went to the park where Jude chased some geese. We ate a a small restaurant. And of course saw the falls. One of the funniest moments of the day was while we were sitting outside at a table for lunch. Jude was very stoic. Everyone was trying to get him to smile, to no avail. But alas, Jude spotted a 4 year old girl sitting next to him through a window. Instantly, Jude started smiling, waving, and blowing kisses. We just laughed. What a great day!