Calyn your kindhearted, servant heart teaches us all that we are to put other’s needs before our own. You teach us to never give up, to work hard, and persistence does pay off. I love watching you display your talents on the softball field, listening to you share your gift of playing the clarinet, and maneuvering your cows and sheep around the rink for showmanship. You definitely have all the firstborn characteristics, and yes, I know exactly how you feel when you say, “You make me do everything.” If I could give you one piece of advice it would be to allow yourself to fail. This is when the learning takes place. Amongst all the things you are involved with, you will fail, and that is OK, you only end up failing when you don’t try again.
Addisyn your strong-willed, independent competitive nature is going to take you far. I hope your love for reading never leaves you. God definitely gave you to us, to show us the importance of quality time and being present in the moment. You teach us to spend time playing games, making crafts, fixing hair, just so that we are together enjoying downtime. You are also teaching me a great deal of patience. You will get your chores done on your timeline not mine:) If I could give you one piece of advice, don’t be in a hurry to grow up. You are not meant to be 13 or 18 today, you are meant to be 8 going on 9. You are meant to play dolls, make bracelets, run around the block. Just take a look at the blessing around you. Be thankful. You are the middle child for a reason, you are learning from your sister, yet you are leading your brother.
Zephyr, your zest for life, your creativity and innovative mind make me think we are all one idea away being a genius. No one could fill the youngest child role, better than you. Raising you has been completely different than raising your sisters. Of all the little things I tried to protect your sisters from mud, sand, bruises, etc., you enjoy to the fullest. There isn’t a mud puddle or rain puddle that you cannot pass up without jumping in. You have taught me beds are meant to be messy, Legos are meant to be all over the floor, and books are meant to be on the floor not on the shelves. You have taught me, a hug cures all things. If I could give you one piece of advice it would be to never give up on your aspirations. Little man, you have big dreams, keep following them!
God has placed me in your life to be your mom. God has given me the specific characteristics to help you grow in the person He wants you to be. Every day I pray to Him, to give me the patience, love, courage, and encouragement each of you need. Two of my go to Bible verses:
Galatians 5:22-23 -- But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
I am not the perfect mom...most suppers end up being disasters, laundry isn't always done, most mornings we are rushing out the door. I know I miss many of your birthdays because I am out of town, I know that many nights you spend at school with me preparing for the next day, or even those family vacations to conferences. However, I love being your mom. And I want you three to know, I am a better person because God gave me each of you.