Eight-ness

This eight year-old boy is not unlike other little guys out there in that he is full of spunk and sport. However, this kid of ours is the one I held in my belly and prayed for while he squirmed inside. He does not pass by the armchair in the living room without jumping from the back of it into a handstand. And, he does not slip into bed at night without a kiss to his mommy. He won't relent on a good argument with his sisters, when he feels justified, but give him the opportunity and he will cheerfully cook them eggs for breakfast. He wants recess more than spelling, but craves art above all subjects. This boy can erect any Lego set and carries around his bucket of tools, begging me to find him things to fix. He has many friends and approaches kids on the fringe and asks if they want to play.

 

This sensitive, energetic boy is mine and he is a gift for all my birthdays and Christmases. His eight-ness will be greatness as he learns and grows this year. The Lord knew exactly what we needed when He gave us Oliver.

 

braving the -8 degrees Celsius weather at his birthday party!

double cousin hug

 

 hockey party 

another year under his belt!

 

Happy Birthday, our creative, lovable boy. May God grow you to be a mighty warrior for Him. May you always respond to His voice as He speaks to you.

Super Seven!

There's a superhero in our house. He dresses like Spiderman but in my opinion, he's a hero for other reasons. He's kind and sweet and often mentions how thankful he is. Some other little superheroes with varying abilities and qualities showed up to celebrate their friend and cousin who turned seven. Amidst gathering flying wrapping paper, preparing food and helping zip falling-off costumes, I beheld some pretty heroic behaviour by my super seven year-old.

As Oliver opened each gift, he showed the giver how pleased he was and thanked them each with a hug.

When one child bragged their gift was the best (as many precious kiddos might do), Oliver announced to the group that all the presents were special and he liked every one. 

Then it was time to show off their super powers on the luge run.

 

They had so much fun together.

Some superheroes had special vision and could maneuver even with their eyes closed the whole way down.

A couple of them could make themselves as light as air and therefore, a spotter had to make sure they didn't fly over the luge walls :) 

The Lord bless you, my little superhero. You are a wise boy and we pray you will grow to be a mighty man of God!

Parties Are A Way Of Life Here

It seems that we can come up with a party for anything. Yes, this is Emily's birthday, but we're always looking for a way to celebrate life. Where there's a party, there are good friends. Where there's a party, there is cake. Where there's a party, there is laughter and joy. Next party: Valentines. See you there :)

Gratitude:
1096. party friends
1097. little girl shyness when giving gifts, then joy when it's received well
1098. pin the tail on the donkey
1099. The Mission Of Motherhood book by Sally Clarkson
1100. The Heavens Declare CD from Sonlight.com
1101. Sara Groves--Invisible Empires
1102. an unforgettable weekend with 22 friends
1103. hearing the unmistakable voice of God
1104. inspirations found, realizations received and decisions made on the retreat
1105. sobbing from my two youngest over my cell when I called from the drive home ("I mmmisssss you, Moooommmmy, sooo, sniff, muuuuch")
1106. a husband who listened to me chatter on about my weekend
1107. the many emails from friends who messaged just to say what a great time they had
1108. the potential of more sweet times and retreats ahead
1109. soaking in the presence of the Maker of the universe
1110. Kingfisherbay.ca