what's more important?

Everyday, sometimes a couple times a day, Jo poses this question to me....."What's more important?" "What's more important mom, doing your schoolwork or making someone a birthday surprise?" "What's more important mom, being on time or taking care of a frog?" "What's more important mom, if someone ruins your shoes or hurts their ankle?" [as she's walking around in my wedges].  Just about every time, she's got me. She gets it. She sees the bigger picture and she reminds me that in our hurried pace, in the demands of getting things checked off lists and being places on time there are far more important things people in this world. This girl, she's schooling me on what the important stuff is. Of course I know these things but am I truly living my life to reflect it? I am so caught up in the list, in the getting there that I miss out on the good stuff. The important stuff.

It's funny. You make decisions for your kids with the mindset you are the expert on what they need most. I was so excited to have them home and to be their teacher this year. I hope they've learned a thing or two from me but I guarantee they have taught me more. God has used them in big ways to teach me important lessons. We've learned to work through disagreements, we've had deep talks about God and heaven, the wonder and awe of a spider web, being called out numerous times on my patience [or lack thereof] and then reminded I'm an example. yikes. Their appreciation for the world around them and their love for others is humbling. Their faith blows me away- it's no wonder that Jesus tells us we must have faith like a child. They get it. And I am so thankful to be their mom and so thankful for the lessons they teach me each day.

Like sometimes making sure your frog has water IS more important than being to somewhere on time.

"Who gets the highest rank in God's kingdom?"
For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, "I'm telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you're not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom. What's more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it's the same as receiving me." Matthew 18:2-5 [MSG]

Soccer Saturdays with JoJo

 

Two seasons into her soccer career and I'd say she's loving it.

 

 

 

"You guys really need to cheer me up this game so I can get it in the goal." Jo in the car on the way to the fields. Pretty sure she meant "cheer me on." 







 

I could watch her run up and down the field all day. She's a little oblivious and totally happy.

 

 

 I noticed something this past week while I was taking pictures. Her tongue is always out of her mouth. Notice above three exhibits. She's looking just like her Auntie Ali.

 

With one game left on the schedule I think it's safe to say she's had an awesome soccer season. Excited for every practice and every game. Just so darn happy to be out on the field playing with her buddies. And the best part of the game for her....giving her coach Jessie high fives. She thinks he's pretty darn great.

 

 

 

Couldn't love this little soccer player any more.

Just a tease

 i loved today. church. time outside digging in the dirt. much needed one on one time with my oldest girl. signs of spring....even though i know the groundhog says otherwise. that's okay, even if it's a big tease, i'll take every last minute of it.

 since she was just tiny, amelia has loved digging in the dirt with me.

 she's about to lose her first tooth. even though i've warned her multiple times it's not allowed. {i think it's time tang is outlawed at sunday school}

 i know. totally immature of me but i couldn't resist. please forgive me Jo.

it's a good day when we can trade the rubber boots in for flip-flops.

Gifts

Miss Josie, lover of all things small, creepy and crawly...especially caterpillars. You are a joy. Today, as we had a rare, few moments alone in the car I was struck by the overwhelming  feeling of gratitude I have for the gift of you. I tried telling you that God wrapped you up special for us. That you are a gift, a present from heaven. You giggled at me and said I was silly. Sometimes the most treasured gifts are the ones that come when we're least expecting them! Love you Josephine Kate!



Happy Birthday Firecracker!

Three years ago today, at this exact moment we were meeting our little firecracker Josie Kate. My how you have taken over this household in your threeshort years! We love every ounce of your fiery, independent, silly, sometimes a little spoiled little person! You are constantly making us laugh and love it when the big kids think you're funny. You can be snuggly and sweet and do such a fantastic job at tagging along to all the big kid's activities. You can also be a little sassy and sometimes a bit naughty{especially with pens}. Case in point....

But we wouldn't change one thing. YOU are a blessing dear Jo and we are thankful each and every day for the richness you add to our lives. Happy 3rd Birthday Miss Jo! We love you!