Four Boys & A Lady: June 2011

Six and a half years ago my husband became a father to our oldest little guy. I knew from the moment I met him 11 years ago that he would be a great Daddy and he has yet to prove me wrong.

Let's start with the wikipedia definition: A father is defined as a male parent of any type of offspring. I think he has that part down. He has definitely parented his off-spring. It does take it a bit further in the relationship section of the page: Most fathers are naturally protective, supportive, and responsible and are able to provide a number of significant benefits to themselves, their communities, and their children. Involved fathers offer developmentally specific provisions to their sons and daughters throughout the life cycle and are impacted themselves by their doing so. Active father figures have a key role to play in reducing behavior problems in boys. Glenn is all of these things and more. He is involved, he is active, he is protection, supportive and loving to our boys. He tries every day to be exactly what the boys need him to be: playmate, cuddler, friend, disciplinarian, coach, teacher, and DAD.

With Ayden he is challenged...a spitting image of himself with several of the same mannerisms and characteristics (can't wait to see how that plays out in ten years, I am sure with determination on Glenn's part). With Mason he is tested...a reminder of me in a lot of ways. Glenn smiles at the similarities and the attention Mason desires with every step! With Reid he is silly and he catches a break. Reid loves to laugh and giggle and besides going a mile a minute hasn't quite hit the years where is character requires too much thought and planning!

I am grateful at the gift I was given when God introduced us. It is not easy to be all those things above and it is a full time, wait more than full time job, and Glenn works every day to better than the day before!

Enjoy a few snapshots of photos over the last 6 years...

Thank you babe for being a wonderful Dad!

It feels strange. Being here, typing, editing photos, and putting our life into words. The past 6 months have come...and gone, leaving memories embedded in our minds and hearts, but not on this blog. I have been gone. Have you noticed? Some have, my faithful few, wondered aloud, "Why aren't you blogging?" Life is why I haven't been blogging. Do we all really believe that life is always beautiful? Always something that makes you proud? Always something that you want to remember, with each heartbreaking detail?

My family is good. In fact we are stronger, more faithful, more proud of who we are then 6 months ago. But it hasn't been easy. I have said to friends that have asked that this blog has been a place where I marked memories, stored photos with their stories, and mostly smiled at the victories. Life for the last 6 months has not been full of memories I want marked, not quite so many photos, and just recently we started smiling at the victories. The victories have been great. I am proud of my family. For now I am here, typing and recording new memories. Maybe over the next few months I will share our struggles, because these struggles mark a journey of faith and strength. It is a journey where God and our commitments are being glorified. It has been some of my hardest days, marked by God's voice echoing in my reactions and thoughts, carrying me through. I have said it already, but I am proud.

Just a quick logistical recap:
Our biggest boy is 6.75 years old...if you ask him. He currently has an attitude that is best described as "too kool for skool"! He had a sweet, promising, exciting end to Kindergarten. We will miss his teachers, but he is moving over to the "big" school and headed on to 1st grade. He shined this Spring in K-ball, becoming more comfortable with catching and running FAST! He is still swimming, making an All-star time in the 1st meat of the season. I am so proud.

Our middle son (you know the one that talks really loud to be heard) is almost 5. Where has the time gone? It was surreal when my oldest past the half-decade, but my second child...wow! He is following in his brother's footsteps, loving T-ball and Swimming. He has an unbelievable sense of the game of baseball and a dedication that could take him somewhere! He is a serious player, paying attention and having fun all at once. He is swimming for the Seals this summer, as a cute little 4 year old, and holding his own. He finishes all his raises somewhere in the middle of the pack, and doesn't like it when he falls into his brother's heat. He knows he can't beat that crazy 6 year old time! Mason is on his way to Pre-K next year and we can't wait to see what the big year of learning have in store. I came back after adding the photos to add that this little man reminded Ayden and I about the "summer mowahks"...you have been warned.

And our littlest one turns two in August. He is a crazy mess. His feet move faster than his brain. He just can't keep up! He is simply adorable, dolling out kisses for anyone who says "I love you" and is talking up a crazy storm. He is no longer the baby, the most noted milestone for this mama was the last time he nursed...about a month ago (tear). As you will see in the pictures below~ our little man loves his paci and it makes an appearance in many photos. He loves Wow Wow Wubbzy, repeating lines and asking for his show whenever he passes a TV. He loved his Spring Mother's Day out class, and started swimming lessons. Since the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, he is a little fish.

My husband is a ripe old age, kidding, kidding, but his dad sent me some photos from 12 years ago today, and well, he is 12 years older. He is an amazing Daddy, spending quality time with his boys, the parent most asked for. He is working hard, making his family proud. He still loves wakeboarding with a passion and has made a home out of the new Houston cable park on most weekends. He has also started teaching Ayden how to ride!

And me, well I am working hard at being a good wife, a great mom, and a boss people like to work for. I have an amazing family, inspiring friends, and wonderful support around me. I am trying each day to wake up and be a woman that God is proud of, someday reaching Heaven and standing before God hearing "well done good and faithful servant". I am working to find a home in a volunteer position with a local charity, that both me and my family can serve in regularly.

Our latest adventure found us in San Antonio at the JW Marriot resort in the Hill Country. It was a beautiful trip with Glenn's parents and brother and his wife. We spent our time at the pool, me at the spa, and Glenn playing a round of golf. The boys had a blast and Mom and Dad just went with the flow...of the lazy river...those boys can swim!

Enjoy our latest photos...