A Skid-loader Birthday!

This little guy turned 2 last month!

He is full of energy, very determined and can communicate almost as well as his sister!

{For some reason, I thought little boys didn't talk much. He didn't get that memo!}

He is ALL boy, and getting to ride the tractor, four wheeler or skid loader 

pretty much makes his day. 

But for the moment, the skid loader is his favorite.

So it was easy to decide on a theme!

Oreo cookies make a wonderful dirt pile!

He doesn't look impressed, but trust me, he was.

We had burgers on the grill with toppings...man food.

At one week old, baby Liam was the guest of honor!

Sneaking in a kiss 

She calls herself a "sister-cousin". Pretty much the cutest thing ever!

He snuck some food off of Papa's plate. 

Those baby blues!

The kiddos are always up for a party!

This kid loves to swing...so much, in fact, that I almost hate starting because he doesn't see the need to stop!

Blowing out the candles is a pretty big deal, at least in his sister's mind! 

Make a wish!

He has a major sweet tooth, just like his parents :)

A wagon from Auntie Jess & Uncle Craig

Part of her sisterly role is helping to open presents.

It's an important job!

His gift from Mommy & Papa...wait for it...a skid loader!

It's a prized possession indeed.

There was ball playing with Papa

and running through the sprinklers that his friend Makayla gave at dusk!

It was a fitting celebration for our little guy.

We love you, Nicholas Edward!

A Child Shall Lead Them

It was one of those days. I had plenty of things to cross off of my to-do list, and was anxious for a nap but a certain toddler had no interest in taking one. Apparently, his 20 min snooze while riding with his Papa was just enough to keep his busy little self going. A drive around the neighborhood made his sister nod off, but he chattered away in the backseat.
The afternoon flew by with preparations for a trifle I was supposed to take, and a devotional I was asked to give at a combined baby/bridal shower for my sisters-in-law that evening. After bathing, dressing and combing the children (and myself), I gathered sippy cups, gifts, notes and my dessert. In the middle of it all, the kiddos escaped outside and started playing. I was so irritated! The last thing I needed was dirty children that needed a change of clothing! I hollered at them to come get in the vehicle, impatient to get going. I knew I wasn't being kind and I felt sorry about that, but frustration ruled. We got loaded up and headed back the lane to pick up a sister-in-law, while guilt plagued my mind. I knew I needed to make things right with my children for how I mis-handled the last few (frustrating) hours. I told them that I was sorry for how I spoke and asked for their forgiveness, which they readily gave!
Everything went smoothly at the shower, and before long we were on our way home again. Somehow, the subject came up again and Hadassah said "You shouldn't be frustrated! That isn't a good mother!" Her words were like a knife to my heart. I knew it was true, and it hurt deeply to know that my actions hurt her! But I wasn't prepared for what happened next. She volunteered to pray for me "right here in the vehicle"! And she did. It was the sweetest prayer, asking God to bless me and help me not to be frustrated and make me a good mother. She said something silly and then giggled, while I sniffed and wiped some tears from my eyes.
God met me there that night, in the heartfelt prayer of my child. Sometimes, He uses a child to lead me.