Happy #7, Zoey-bug!

Beautiful, carefree, sassy, silly, out going, adventurous, loud, loving, forgiving, sweet, wonderful, giving...  All those words and so much more describe our Zoey girl.  If you've met Zoey once then you know exactly what I am talking about.  If you have been blessed enough to become a part of her life then you know that Zoey isn't someone you will ever forget.  She is just that kind of a girl.  Zoey was our surprise baby.  When her brother was just a few months old we found out we were expecting again and I can't tell you how overwhelming that was.  Here we had a colicky baby with acid reflux and I was staring at a positive pregnancy test.. AHH!!  But Zoey's surprise arrival was a blessing.  She healed so much of my heart (long story.. and only people who are the closest to me will ever understand why).  She was and is just such a special blessing.  God knows just what we need and He knew we needed Zoey.  So on December 2 at 7:07am we welcomed our first and only daughter into this world "sunny side up".  She was bright eyed and already soaking in all this world had to offer.  And ever since has been so full of life and soaking it all up with each new day.

Happy Birthday, baby girl.  Momma loves you more than you will ever know until the day you become a mom yourself.  Keep being you and you will be just fine!!

Love,

Momma

Happy 8th Birthday, Jon Kent!!

8 years ago at 5:05pm your daddy and I became first time parents to a beautiful, blonde hair, blue eyed, baby boy. Jonathan Kent Owens, Jr. (you) weighed a "whopping" 5 pounds, 8oz.  I was scared to death, but had such a sense of awe come over me knowing I was chosen to care for this little miracle.  Still to this day I don't have the words to describe my feelings and thoughts.  I think only other mothers would know my thoughts and emotions that day.

Happy Birthday to my tenderhearted, smart, charming, bashful little.. err.. big boy.  You will always be my baby boy and you will always hold my heart.  I love you to the moon and back!

Love,

Momma

First Day for Everyone!

Dear Jon Kent, Zoey, and Nathan,

Today was your first day of school. For all of you!  For the first time in almost 8 years I have all my babies gone for at least half the day to school.  It doesn't seem real that each of you should be toting a book bag and lunch box.  I pray for each of you daily to have safe days at school, to learn as much as you can, and to make Godly friends along the way.  I am so proud of each of you and look forward to hearing about each of your first days.

Love,

Momma

1st of 4K

1st day of 2nd grade

1st day of 1st grade

Annnd, they're off!

Stand Firm

Jon Kent, Zoey, and Nathan,

My sweet babies. You were each born into a Christian home.  A home where we believe the Bible.  We believe that we all deserve hell, but by God's grace each of us has the opportunity to choose Jesus and spend eternity with Him.  We believe that what the Bible says is what the truth is.

Right now our faith is under attack in a very public way.  This is not new news to Christians.  The Bible tells us that just as Jesus was persecuted, you will be as well.  It can be easy to lose heart and to take the easy way out.  To sit on our hands and say or do nothing.  But the Bible tells us to stand up for our faith and to do so with love.  It's hard though to not let our flesh take over.  The only way I know to live out the Bible in love is to pray.  Pray, pray, and pray.  Let God be my guide and stand firm in the knowledge that God will take care of His children.

My sweet babies, none of you have yet come to the saving knowledge of Christ.  My prayers are that you each will and soon, but only in God's timing.  That you will each know of God's grace and that it will be so rooted in your soul that you will stand firm for your faith when the time comes.  And it will.  It. Will. Not. Be. Easy.  Please understand that, but your reward isn't here.  Your reward is in heaven where rust or rot can't touch it.  Stand firm in knowing that this life is temporary.  Any pain (physical or otherwise) won't last forever.  Your joy can't be stolen from you, so press on.

God is always with you and my prayers are always for you.

Love,

Momma

Making Memories

Dear Jon Kent, Zoey, and Nathan,

This summer we had a lot of fun making memories and relaxing.  I am so glad I get to stay home with each of you and enjoy your childhood along side of you.  I truly hope that at some point when you are older you can look back on your childhood and pick through many memories of wonderful times.  I hope this summer you had just as much fun as I did.

Love,

Momma

Happy #4, Nate!

Nathan, today you are 4.  You were spoiled with whatever you wanted all day long.  You got Angry Bird toys from us and you got to eat at a Japanese restaurant.  You loved watching them cook in front of us.  And yes, we did embarrass you by having them sing "Happy Birthday" to you.  (We have to get our kicks while we can!)  You had a great day and I am glad that you enjoyed yourself.  You are growing way too quickly for my liking, but I am thankful that you ARE growing and are healthy and happy.  I love you my sweet baby boy.  I am so glad that God gave you as a gift to me.  Happy Birthday!!