Nature Boy.

You know what I love? People who can appreciate the little things in life. To see beauty in the mundane. Grasp God's glory in the ladybug landing on overgrown grass, yellow wildflowers lining the freeway. As adults, I think this takes practice...we have to look for it, slow down long enough to notice what is right in front of us. But kids, how they so readily delight in the simplest of things! From playing in the dirt all day, to obsessing over animals, our Ezekiel's love of nature runs deep. He notices and appreciates beauty -- and is quick to recognize it as God's creation -- in way that can stop me in my tracks and beckon me to join him.

• Last week he invited me to climb the hill in my parents' backyard (and check out his secret hideout!). When we got to the top (which overlooks the neighborhood), he took in the view and softly said, "Isn't it so peaceful and quiet up here, mom? Don't you just love this town?"
• This morning I was commenting on how much I love the sun streaming through our french doors in the morning. A few minutes later, I glanced outside, and Ezekiel was sitting in the backyard crosslegged, leaning back on his hands, face tilted toward the sky, basking in that stream of sunshine.
• We pruned our rosebushes way back at the end of January, and it looks so doubtful there for a while that anything good will ever come of that. I explained the process of pruning to the kids, and they checked back in on those rose bushes from time to time to look for new growth. The other day, Ezekiel came running into the house exclaiming, "Mom! I have a surprise for you! Come quick!" He led me outside by the hand and told me to close my eyes. When I opened them, my son was beaming and pointing to a single rose bud...our first bloom of the season. 
• Just today I overheard him talking to a slug he found under a brick in our yard. "Hey slug," he said, "Aren't you so excited to find a shell and make it your home? I saw some good ones at my grandma's house. You should go there." 

I hope you always talk to animals, son...and always bask in the sunshine.

It's not always easy...

But moments like these make it worth it all.

Goodnight, beautiful babies. It is my honor and privilege to be your mama. xoxo

The thrill of the hunt.

{Bekah Jane, Kate, and baby Susannah in the background}

We had such a fun morning as a family today, traipsing through wet grass, peering in bushes and through branches, delighting in trinkets and treats as treasures were found.

Some friends of ours annually host this Easter egg hunt --- and it is the hunt to beat all hunts. There are hundreds of eggs hidden all around their property, even at neighboring houses. They begin the morning by reading a story to all the kids, an opportunity to talk about why we celebrate Easter and what Jesus did for us. When asked why we hunt for eggs, one boy said "Because it's like finding a gift, and it reminds us that Jesus already gave us the best gift when he died for us." Couldn't have said it better myself.

After the hunt, they bring out baby chicks and bunnies for the kids to hold and pet. I'm sure every child loves this, but my Ezekiel L-O-V-E-S this. That boy and his love of animals, it is such fun to see. One chick we named Quackers and Ezekiel kept referring to him as "my duck friend" for the rest of the day. 

One the way home Ezekiel said "Mom, that was the best party ever." And Bekah Jane chimed in, "That was the best DAY ever!" It was a pretty great day.

My baby.

Elijah is pushing two. 20 months old, as of yesterday. I sort of feel like hyperventilating just thinking that. How does this happen?! He was just born like two seconds ago!

I took about eight million pictures to commemorate him turning 18 months, about six of which he stood still for. For someone who took his sweet little time learning to walk, he sure is making up for it now! That boy never stops moving! I am so, SO glad I soaked up every moment of holding him as a baby, because the toddler version of Elijah simply does not have time for snuggling. =)

So, two months later, I am finally getting around to posting these pictures!

We sure love you, Elijah! Every stage with you is a wonder and delight. What a joy you are to us!

PS: I leave tomorrow to go visit my sister's new baby! I can't wait to meet my beautiful nephew Elliot!!