dear children series//part ii

Dear Darcy,

My wild one. We just thought parenting was hard. Then you came along. From the very day you were born, it was so much harder. My epidural never worked with you. Addie and Porter? They were a breeze... But with you, I got 2 epidurals, but nope. Neither one worked. I was tired and overworked the moment you came into this place. And I don't know if you've let me rest much since. You do enjoy your sleep, which is very odd for your personality, but all the waking moments are filled with life!
And you are so beautiful. Your big brown and eyes and golden brown skin--you capture our hearts every day. Your grin. And you know exactly how to push our buttons, and oh, do you enjoy it!
You currently wish to be a "softball player" when you grow up because you want to do everything Addie does. So we will sign you up to play t-ball this spring. I can't wait. You love Doc McStuffins, braids in your hair, dresses that twirl, and you tell everyone you meet about your puppies Shep and Rex. School is a blast for you but you already hate homework (figures). You hate being called a "baby", but you'll tell us you're the baby anytime you need some attention. You've also probably ridden your stick horse around the house 362,456 times so far and I don't think you'll quit any time soon.
Darcy, always be you and please don't change. Your free-spirited, headstrong, singin' all day, self. We love all your songs and your sweet spirit.

We love you "so ever".

Mommy <3

dear children series//part I

Dear Addie,

You're beautiful. You're kind, and you're loving. You really have the sweetest, most selfless soul I've ever seen in a child. And you're already 6 and a half years old! I cannot even fathom how fast {entirely too fast}you are growing.
You are already in the first grade?! I have a confession: I have taught first grade for 5 years and in my mind, it's always been the "big kid" checkpoint. The time past the little kindergarten baby days; the point in which real subjects begin and nap mats get stuffed in closets. It's a point in which children like you are gradually prompted to grow up.
But wait. One thing I refuse to do is let you grow up too fast.

Please do some things for me:

Please keep taking your baby dolls to church. Even on those mornings when your dad and I are scrambling around trying to get everyone out the door before the sermon starts, please keep insisting that your baby needs to go too. And when you get your baby to the car, keep buckling it in like you do.

Keep imagining that you're a contestant on Chopped Jr. and please keep letting me try your recipes you make in your pretend kitchen.

Please keep giving me kisses, hugs, and I love yous even in front of all your friends before you walk to your classroom every morning. I cringe when I think about the day you become too embarrassed to do that.

And keep on making things. Drawing pictures. Doodling, Cutting. Gluing. Crafting. Making potholders for everyone under the sun. Playing on your car table. In your dollhouse. Pretending you're Darcy's teacher.

Your spirit is like no other and your personality is uplifting to everyone you meet.

Addie Lee, you are SO loved. And I love you more than you'll ever know.

2015 Wrap Up

2015.

Brandon and I both agree that this year was the best year ever--hands down. SO many blessings were sent our way this past year.

• All five of us were healthy as a horse at all of our check-ups!
• Brandon QUIT DIPPING tobacco May 7th!
• Porter was born May 30th! My sweet baby boy!
• Darcy became a big sister the same day P-man was born. Haha! She wasn't thrilled about that, but we are!
• Addie Kate was SAVED and BAPTIZED in July. What a HUGE moment.

See what I mean? Awesome. 

I am so blessed. Thank you, Lord!