AJ turned 5 today. I've taken some time to reflect on these past 5 amazing years as AJ's mommy. AJ was born just past midnight, on his due date, in the middle of a snowstorm. He often asks me to tell him the story of when he used to be in my tummy. Of all my boys, he was definitely the most active in-utero. And his personality has proven the same! He is always on the go, and I think we'll get him on a soccer team as soon as he's old enough. I love AJ's zeal for life. His smile is contagious, he seeks out adventure, and his imagination has no bounds. He has a tender side, and is compassionate towards his brothers (when he's not pounding on them). He's been known to defend them when they're being disciplined and loves to give them big bear hugs. He is my pride & joy, and I thank God every day for the honor of being his mom. I cherish the sticky kisses, the big hugs every morning, the cute things he says, his curiosity about life, and the way I see God's unique mark on him. Every parent of older children I talk to says that time will start to fly once your kid turns 5. I can't wait to see the potential in my son be fulfilled. My prayer is that he will grow to be a strong man of God, a seeker of justice, with a compassionate heart and an inner joy that can never be squelched. I love you, my sweet AJ. Happy birthday!
Today my friend Meg came over for a play date. Meg & I taught kindergarten together in Minneapolis 8 years ago. We got to be good teaching buddies (honestly, I don't think I could have survived that year without her!), but the end of that year brought lay-offs for both of us. So our paths haven't crossed a whole lot since then. But now we share the bond of being mothers of 3 boys. (her youngest, Samuel, is too little to climb up to the top bunk!) It was a riot watching all of these little guys playing together. I feel blessed by Meg's friendship and hope our boys will grow to be good friends as well!
Today's the big day! It's pretty amazing to me that just over 2 short months ago we were settled into our St. Paul home, not expecting to move for several more months. Then we got the surprising call from our buyer and had 3 weeks to move out. With most of our belongings in storage, we've been bunking with my in-laws since Thanksgiving. It has been such a positive experience living here, and I'm grateful for the peace & love that fills this home. We have a "damage deposit" for all of my in-laws' belongings that are in worse condition than when we arrived, but they have been very gracious, tolerant, and patient with all of us. Thank you, A-ma and A-gong! Our new home is within walking distance of Lawrence's parents, in west Bloomington. A-ma is a wonderful "cooker" as AJ would say. I joked with Lawrence that he'll be tempted to stop over here on his way home from work to eat her food before coming home to mine. :-)So Lawrence is returning to his roots. I was initially unsure if this was the area I'd want to settle in, but after living out here for a month I'm convinced! I'm thankful for the little details like hockey wallpaper in the boys' room and a fabulous climbing tree in the back yard. The boys are excited too. I tried to take a picture of them yesterday as they checked out the house for the first time, but they were running so fast I couldn't get them to stand still! More pictures to come later.
We are 2 weeks into this transition period, living with my in-laws until we close on our new house Jan. 9th. It's going very well....the boys love staying at A-ma and A-gong's house. Despite battling sickness and dealing with major changes in our routine, they've all been troopers.
Funny AJ story: he was mad at Dad today for not letting him watch a movie, so he decided to send his accomplice (aka Jordan) into the room to hit Daddy. Jordan didn't blink an eye at having to do his big brother's dirty work. We're in trouble.We set up our Christmas tree last week, and although we didn't maintain the tradition of cutting down our tree this year (Micah was sick), the boys didn't seem to mind. They had fun darting between the trees and playing hide & go seek at the tree lot. And they got candy canes & apple cider. No complaints there. Cousin Megan also turned 7 last week, and we celebrated her birthday with Grandma & Grandpa and made Christmas cookies at Auntie Rica's house.
Today it finally warmed up a bit after a cold streak. So we bundled up the boys and took them to a nearby skating rink. Micah just scooted around on his boots, but the other boys actually did a great job keeping their balance on their skates.
Tonight I am counting my many blessings. I think of the millions of people who are struggling this holiday season, and I am humbled. We are blessed by this wonderful home and our amazing extended family and friends. We don't know the feeling of hunger, or the lack of basic needs. We are safe from violence and war. We are healthy. We have three amazing children. We have the hope of eternal life, and joy in our earthly journey. May my heart not grow hardened this Christmas season, for the moment I lose sight of the fact that I possess NOTHING that didn't come as a gift from God, life becomes meaningless. I am truly thankful.
