How did my boy get to be 8?  It’s impossible that 8 years have gone by! It’s hard to believe.  He’s always been my little cuddly boy.  Thankfully, he still likes to cuddle and promises that he will forever.  I will be holding him to this.

It is so hard to believe that one minute you’re changing their diapers, the next you’re teaching them to ride a bike, and before you know it they go and turn 8! I’m going to blink twice, and he’ll be graduating high school.

Judd, You are getting so big. You are such a jokester. You love to tell us jokes. You are so full of life and fun…and it’s so adorable to listen to you. You are so smart. You are courageous. You are strong, yet gentle and sweet. Your smile lights up each day. You have so many talents that your possibilities are endless and I am so excited to see where life takes you. I love that you are so passionate about sports, about learning and you try so hard at school. You are such a blessing to your teachers and your friends.

I want you to know I’m proud of the young man you’ve become. I love the way you love your sisters (most days). I love the way you are a good friend to others and best friends with Jake. I love the way you give generously. I am proud of you, son.

I pray that you continue to follow God’s Word and look up to your Daddy as an amazing example. He is a great a great man of God and loves us deeply. This is a prayer that I have for you this year:

Psalm 63:8, “Lord, please instill in Judd a soul with a craving for You, a heart that clings passionately to You.”

Happy Birthday, Judd!!

Today I am thankful. Very thankful. Thankful for the little things. This Christmas season has been one for the books. One I hope not to repeat this year, but it was still a great day. The past two weeks have been a bit interesting with sickness in our home, we’ve had hand foot and mouth, a serious ear infection, 3 flu victims and 4 bottles of amoxicillin. I know that there have been people praying for our family to get well soon. I appreciate their prayers. All of them. Prayers for my sanity and prayers for the sickness to end quickly. Those prayers have been answered in several ways. All three flu victims were only REALLY sick for 3-4 days not 7-10 and that is a huge difference in a family this large. #thankful

This Christmas wasn’t exactly what I planned. I didn’t get to do gingerbread houses like I planned. I didn’t get to go look at Christmas lights liked I planned. As I was reminded this week to not get discouraged because many are the plans of a mom’s heart, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. This morning we were blessed to have everyone fever free all day. The day after Christmas could be different, but for this day everyone was fever free. We spent our day at home so that we wouldn’t get any of our family members sick. We’ve missed 3 family events and that is not fun, but we were able to talk to them or FaceTime. #thankful

My kids were so thankful and appreciative of their Christmas gifts. I love how they receive gifts and how they love to give to one another. #thankful

All day I have reflected on those who have so much more going on in their lives: lost loved ones, sick parents or spouses, and families torn apart for various reasons. When I look at our Christmas flu it is so meager compared to those bigger issues. I don’t do well with sickness. I’m not a mom of mercy and I know that when certain kids get sick it shows the ugliness of my heart. I’m praying that as this Christmas season comes to a close that I will see His mercy and grace in the little ways He provided for us this year. #thankful

Merry Christmas! So as this day ends, I am counting our blessings. Many of which include and begin with God’s rich and unfailing love and Jesus’ miraculous birth. Thankfully it didn’t end with His birth because His perfect sinless example of living life and His sacrifice gave me the opportunity for salvation. My family and friends, I am so very thankful for them. I am thankful for their patience with me, their love for me, and for their health. I am blessed. My heart is full. #thankful

This is how she went to bed and woke up a little nauseous, however, by lunch she was all smiles and getting into the Christmas spirit.

All of the kids enjoyed watching Caroline open her presents.

Everyone needs to wear a leotard and skates while pushes their three babies. The twins were born this Christmas and Katy in the back is 5. She’s a good momma.