totally worth it.

So tonight during dinner, we were doing our family devotion and learning about the Magi that came to see Jesus after his birth. We were discussing doing things enthusiastically for God, and striving to please God instead of man. After answering the question, "How can you give God your best this week?" the last question was "Is Jesus worth it?" 

Reid, who usually has to be coaxed a little to give any lengthy answers or discussion during Bible study, immediately stopped in his tracks while walking to the trash can and boldly replied, "Totally!! A million percent! Yes, absolutely Jesus is worth it!" 

So I went on, "Why is Jesus worth it?" 

"Because he DIED for us. Because he died on the cross so we could have eternal life with him in heaven. I mean, who else could love you like that. Who loves you that much?! Jesus is so worth it."

I could have cried. He never has answered anything with that type of excitement, boldness, and certainty. He's a mess...he pushes every single one of my buttons...and he tests my limits. But I love that child with every fiber of my being, and tonight, God reassured me that we are on the right track. 

back to school. 2017

 

Reid's 9th Birthday.

I've loved him from the moment I first laid eyes on him. I was a little groggy after my c-section, and I asked my mom if she was sure he was my baby. Nine years later, and I know he could definitely not be any more "mine." He expects excellence, desires perfection, demands attention, leads confidently, and loves deeply. He's a Jesus-loving, over-thinking, problem solving, fiercely competing, basketball card collecting, shark drawing, nature adoring, deeply caring boy...and I'm so glad he's mine.

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Birthday cupcakes at the baseball fields!

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Rush's 3rd Birthday. {Let's Blaze!}

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Rush is obsessed with the show "Blaze and the Monster Machines," so of course this year he wanted a "Blaze party!" He was ecstatic about all of the party decorations and getting to have his friends come our house. Now he's asking if it can be his birthday party every day!

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We kick-started the party with truck tire painting! The kids used monster trucks to paint pictures by rolling the wheels in different color paints.

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Nuts and bolts - party chex mix!

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I made these adorable stoplight brownies! They didn't look perfect, but they sure were yummy!

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I kind of have a thing for themed sugar cookies!

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Fruit racecars

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I couldn't find a monster machine inflatable around these parts, but he LOVED the firetruck! 

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Filling station

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The "make-your-own-monster truck" station was a HUGE HIT!

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especially for the birthday boy...

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This activity kept them busy for quite a while!

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My little artist loved the painting station!

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The cake turned out AMAZING!

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He so super into it too! 

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I just adore his sweet baby face.

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THE BIG THREE

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His favorite part of the entire day was when everyone sang "Happy Birthday." He put his little hands up next to his face and just soaked it all in. I pray I remember that moment forever. We had a little drama with the Blaze pinata. I didn't think about pinatas not being a good idea for a three year-old. He got super upset when people started hitting his big "Blaze" and trying to bust it open! LOL! Other than the busted pinata drama, it was the most adorable "themed" party, and I'm already excited about his next birthday...just not about him turning FOUR.......