Today...

Today is my birthday. I am 33 years old today. I was awoken this morning by a sweet sweet surprise. Josh and my three boys came into the room and each was holding a card. (even Liam at 12 weeks had a little card in his hand) As I read each card I was overcome. Josh said Britton and Aidan had chosen their own cards. That they picked the one they liked and then Josh read it to 'em and they decided if they liked it or not. I was amazed because each card fit each personality so well.

Brit~my serious son, the one who takes things so personally, sometimes is all business, sometimes sweeter than sugar and sometimes as goofy as it gets...here is the card he chose for me:

For a very special mother, you are a wonderful creation. You were designed in the heart of God, fashioned by His loving hands, and given to our family as His precious gift. Thank you for all you do, your prayers, your words, your example and every moment you've selflessly given to our family. You are appreciated, celebrated and loved.

Aidan~my silly middle child...he is snuggly..loves to cuddle...and often tells me how beautiful he thinks I am, nothing formal about him...here is the card he chose for me:

Mom, if I could give you anything for your birthday, it would be all the happiness you've given me just by being my mom. Love you, happy birthday.

I know they are just children and they will change so much...but I am so blown away by how EACH child represents a piece to a puzzle...a piece that God has given me one by one...it started with Josh..my rock, my safe place on this earth and then it was Britton...the piece who let me see what unconditional love TRULY looked like...who introduced me to a part of me I NEVER knew existed. He made me a momma. Then there was Aidan, the snuggly piece. The child who loves to snuggle with me and on a regular basis, the piece who makes me feel beautiful..tells me on a regular basis that I look like a princess...Now, there is Liam..the child who has reminded me to slow down...to enjoy the baby...that life is about experiences and relationships NOT material possessions.

Each child..so different...and yet, now, this morning..on the day of my 33rd birthday it is so clear to me...God has placed all 4 of these people into my life to bring about a sort of healing. You see, there was a wound placed in my heart years ago. One that I have tried and tried to overcome...and one that has tarnished every relationship I have tried to have...however, it hasn't been until NOW, this MOMENT that I realize just how precious and meticulous God has been at helping me heal. My three sons and my husband, all represent a part of the puzzle that God has designed to heal me...to make me whole...to help me see how much HE Loves me...how precious I am to HIM...oh God, I am overcome...Thank you..thank you...thank you...

Praise you Lord...

On this my 33rd birthday...the first birthday that I haven't felt like my birth was a mistake..the first time I realize my purpose in this world...the first time I have had TRUE unhibited happiness...yes, what a day...my 33rd birthday...the day I REALIZED that God has TRULY made me a NEW creation...November 16, 2010...my BIRTHday.

Funny things I heard today...

Aidan: I don't like daddy.

Me: well that's not very nice.

Aidan: well, he gets onto me.

Me: well, I get onto you and you love me don't you?

Aidan: well, I love daddy too, but I just get fwustawated.

Aidan: can I tell you a question?

Me: yes.

Aidan: well, sometimes when my booger itches and I can't find a kleenex, I have to eat it.

Me: ew.

Liam's Birth Announcement

Chic Screen Blue Baby 5x7 folded card

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A Sweet Prayer from a Sweet Boy

Thank you Lord Jesus

please don't let Jesus die on the cross, let Him be ok.

Thank you for Britton, Liam, Mommy and Daddy and me, Aidan for we like to play

together. And Jack, Ben, Emma and Thomas we like to play cars and play d bill's. Thank you.

Amen.

Above is the prayer that Aidan prayed when I tucked him into bed tonight. I was so touched I just had to blog it. He is 3 years old.

My Brave Boy

Britton went to the Third Day, Toby Mac, Michael W. Smith concert with his daddy and his brother Aidan a few days ago. They had a blast. I was home with a disconnected jaw. On the way home from the concert, Josh called me and said he had sent a picture to my phone. It was of Britton, Josh, Aidan and TobyMac. I was shocked. I thought they must have done a meet and greet. When Josh got home he gave me the scoop. Britton said at the concert how badly he wanted to meet TobyMac. Josh informed him that he couldn't because TobyMac was so busy. Britton wouldn't take no for an answer. Josh finally told him that if he wanted to talk to TobyMac maybe he could go ask the security lady by the stage. Britton walked over there, all by himself, and asked the lady if he could meet TobyMac. She politely informed him that TobyMac was really busy and wouldn't be able to meet him. Britton said that he really wanted to tell him that he liked his song. The lady said well, tell me your name and I'll pass it along to him. Britton informed her his name was Britton and then walked over to his daddy, bummed. A bit later, the lady came up to them and asked them to come with her. She put passes on them and took them backstage where TobyMac stood waiting for them. Britton told TobyMac how much he liked his song and even sang a bit of it for him. TobyMac joined in. Then they talked about sports where TobyMac informed Britton that his son liked soccer too and how cool it would be if they could play with each other. Josh said TobyMac was amazing. Britton was thrilled and Aidy was petrified! oh well...

I am unbelievably proud of my brave Britton. I have always thought that someday he will move mountains. He is way too passionate about too many things...now I KNOW he will move mountains because he will NOT take no for an answer. Very much a David. I am so proud of you Brit!

Three boys = Three prince's...

Today, we were on our way home from Branson and our little mini vaca. I was sitting in the back seat with Liam and Brit was sitting behind me. I was resting my head on the back of my seat and Britton reached up and started playing with my hair. At one point, he pulled my hair. I flinched. He reached up and rubbed my head. He spent the next 10 minutes or so, just "fixing" my hair. While he was doing so, I had a thought. I had a lady this summer, when I told her I was having a third boy, apologize. "I could NEVER have THREE BOYS," she said. I politely smiled and said, "oh, well, we are excited." Now, looking back, with my THREE boys next to me, I realize one thing. I am the LUCKIEST girl in the world. All my life I have wanted to be treated like a princess. I know that my my daddy loves me, my God loves me, my brother's and uncles love me, but I secretly wanted to be a princess. Nothing brings a tear to my eye quicker than a little girl pretending to be a princess. Now, with my 3 sons, ages 6, 3 and 6 weeks, I AM a princess! They think I am beautiful even when I have just gotten out of bed and my hair is on end. They will do anything for me. If they feel their daddy is being unfair to me (which never happens, it's all youthful ignorance and perception), they RUSH to defend me. They enjoy listening to me talk about the things I liked as a child and recently Aidy even sat down and played Barbie's with me. Just because I wanted to! I AM a princess. And I am the luckiest princess because I have 3 not just one, but 3 prince's showing me how special they think I am!!!

Wow...to be able to tell the lady from vacation that I would NEVER NOT want 3 boys!!! :)

Three boys=THREE PRINCE's!!!

**And thanks to their daddy for showing them HOW to treat a princess...You set a wonderful example baby!**

Liam~one who will protect

The moment Josh put Liam by my head after he was delivered I had one thought...I didn't say it out loud because I was sure it would leave the nurses and doctors with the thought that I am crazy. I thought, "this is the one Grandpa sent me." The first few days after he was born, when I found myself alone with Liam, I would whisper in his ear, do you remember that Grandpa chose you for me?

Now, a week and a half later, as I sit and hold this sweet baby, I smell the scent of my grandma's perfume...she was here earlier in the week and we are unable to bathe him yet because of his umbilical cord. I had the thought, you were sent by my Grandpa and you smell like my Grandma...with that thought came a tightness of the chest that can only be understood if you have indeed felt it. It also left me wondering, did God part the clouds and let Grandpa peek down this week when Grandma was sitting and holding Liam, the one he and God sent to me? I believe he did.