Evelyn Hope....

Dear Evelyn,

     Happy birthday, my sweet girl! My, how you have turned the whole house upside down with your sweet and your spice.  You are talking SO much.  Today, we celebrated your birthday with:

Homemade (ish) donuts

Fun at the zoo:

And dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's:

     At two years old, you speak in mostly sentences....although I don't always catch every word. 

     You are pretty vocal about your likes and dislikes. 

     You love books already, and you even love looking at your "Bible."  You prefer to "hold hand" when we pray, even at dinner time.

     Your name, Evelyn Hope, means "long-awaited hope." We waited for you, for quite some time (especially Emma-it took her 10 years to get a sister!). There is so, so much joy in having another girl in our home. But I think this year, your name is more meaningful than ever. There is a hope that is truer and greater than any we will ever know on this earth. It is the hope of heaven, of being with our Savior, face to face with the Father, fullness of joy, healing of hurts and hearts and bodies and souls....no more death, no more cancer, no more crying.  Oh Evie...it is my prayer that you would know this hope, and that you would cling to it. I pray that you would know the Rescuer who created you, and that your joy would find it's completeness in Him. Dance, laugh, and sing baby girl....and do it all as one who knows the Hope she has no matter what hard things come.  Our Hope is sure, and it is worth the wait.

Love always,

Mommy

"Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel..."(Colossians 1:21-23 NIV)

Busy Days: Easter, Ezra, and an Update on Elijah

"It was a great responsibility taking care of so many ducklings, and it kept them very busy." 

-a favorite quote of mine by Robert McCloskey

Easter was wonderful. We read "Amon's Adventure" (a great resource to read in preparation for Easter; a cousin of the Jotham's Journey Christmas series), we did our Passover Seder (although I'm quite sure that our version isn't exactly authentic.....), and had a wonderful lunch with family.

Tuesday....we were admitted to Children's Hospital in LA for the second time in three weeks. This time, it was for Ezra.  When people ask why, we say "swollen and infected lymph nodes."  A picture is worth more than words here-we aren't talking the swollen glands when you're sick type of deal:

We had already taken Ezra to the pediatrician and he had been on antibiotics for...five days. They referred him to an ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat specialist) who switched his antibiotic and ordered a CT scan. The ENT said if was doing poorly, to bring him in.

I had outpatient appointments scheduled for Elijah at CHLA on Tuesday and Wednesday and was scheduled to stay at the Ronald McDonald house.  I left early Tuesday morning and headed down. By the time I pulled into the parking garage, I had a text from Ambree saying that Ezra had a fever of 101.1 and was just laying on the couch.

(He had been having low grade fevers each day, but not all day, and never had he broken 101. Since this was the sixth day of fever, it was higher, and he was on antibiotics....) Ben and I decided we needed to bring him in. And, since I was already at CHLA, we really felt it would be the best place for him if he needed special care.

Now, they didn't say this....but look at the pictures. I think everyone figured we needed to rule out lymphoma. The swollen nodes were not responding to antibiotics, and the low grade persistent fever was troubling as well.  Ben brought Ezra and we checked in at the ER. And then waited. A lot. 

We ended up waiting in the same chairs we had waited in outside Elijah's MRI. The same chairs where they told us about his tumor.

Anyhow. Ben was going to grab good for us, but when we checked with the nurses station they told us that Ezra would be next and that they didn't want him to eat.

Bottom line....after two nights in the hospital, they are not entirely sure what's going on. Ezra has tested negative for strep and mono.  However, a later test showed up positive for mono. (Which is a virus!). However, they still have him on some pretty strong antibiotics.

The CT Scan didn't show any abscesses, so that is good. (It did show one of his lymph nodes to be 5cm!! That's big!!)

So basically, he is to continue on the antibiotics and we will check back on him in 10 days to see if any of the swelling has gone down in his lymph nodes. 

Now, at this point, I would probably still have been pretty concerned about Ezra and the possibility of Lymphoma. However, the night before we were discharged, Ben (who had gone home Wednesday to be with the kids and go to work) texted me a picture of Emma, who felt like her neck was swelling a bit. On one side. And it was! Now, it didn't look like Ezra's! But it was enough to make me think virus-since before this, no one else had been sick. Emma doesn't really have any other symptoms...

And Ezra is behaving pretty close to normal.

So for now....we are excited to be home and thankful for Ezra feeling pretty well. We will keep our eyes on him....but we usually do. ;-p

And ELIJAH!!! He saw Dr. Kim, who said the healing of his eye is going well. He has a silicone implant in his socket, and will be fit for a prosthetic eye in about a month.

As he was literally walking out the door of the exam room, he popped his head back in and said, "I JUST got the pathology report back. Give me a minute."

This is totally an answer to prayer, as we were really hoping to have the pathology report back. AND. It was favorable!!! Meaning, the cancer cells were contained in the eye that was removed and he DOES NOT NEED CHEMO!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!

Luckily, Ben was there Wednesday morning so that I could take Elijah to his other appointment. Blood draw. Then we met with the hematology/oncology doctor.  I almost could have just thought that something traumatic happened to Elijah's eye....except that the follow-up visits to this department remind me that it is cancer we were/are dealing with.

Because of Elijah's age and the rapid growth of the tumor, his eye is at much higher risk for developing tumors. He will have exams every 4-6 weeks to make sure no tumors develop.

The genetic testing won't come back for two months. It will tell us if he is "at risk" for other cancers. If he does have the gene, he has a 50% chance of passing retinoblastoma on to his offspring. (So we are praying he doesn't!!!)

It has been some busy days.

We are SO thankful to be home, with ALL of our little people. Lots of appointments ahead. But we will just take one day at a time. :-)

Thank you all SO much for praying!!!  

The Whirlwind, The Fire, and the Still, Small Voice: Elijah's Story

Sometimes life goes at a pace such as though you feel you can barely keep up!

In the 8 weeks of Elijah's life, they suspected a heart murmur (which turned out to be normal!), my tooth infection returned and I had to have oral surgery, and Caleb knocked out his front (adult, permanent) tooth.  Between all the appointments, we were all just sort of hanging on one day at a time....

I remember when Elijah was 2 weeks old, standing in a room with his pediatrician, telling him, "He doesn't seem to be making eye contact. He isn't tracking even small movements..." The pediatrician assured me that this was normal for his age. And it may be. But it didn't seem normal for our kids.  It was then that we began to be mildly concerned that Elijah couldn't see.

When Elijah was about 3-4 weeks old, Ben noticed that at a certain angle of light, it seemed as if he could look into Elijah's eye.  He thought it was pretty cool! In the next couple of weeks, the kids and I noticed it as well, and we seemed to be able to notice it more frequently.  I began to research everything I could, but wasn't coming up with much. I did, however, see an interesting article about how pictures of your child with flash photography can warn you of some very dangerous conditions. So, just before his 7th week of life, I took pictures of Elijah with flash. Immediately, we saw that while his left eye showed "red eye" (which means that the retina was reflecting light unobstructed), the right eye was not.

We made an appointment with our pediatrician, and they squeezed us in with a doctor we hadn't seen before. It was about a five minute appointment-as soon as I reported the flash photography findings, she said she would be referring us to an opthalmologist.  They gave me a card for a place in Ventura-they would get us in in a few weeks. There was a definite sense of urgency so I pushed for him to be seen sooner. The best they could do was a week out, but the receptionist almost casually mentioned, "We don't actually have a pediatric opthalmologist....just an opthalmologist who sees kids. She is only in once a week."  I made the appointment, but got to work that evening looking up all pediatric opthalmologists within a 100 mile radius who were providers for our insurance. When Children's Hospital L.A. came up, I knew it was the right place. They even had a vision center!! I started the process of getting a referral and an appointment.

At this point, I realized that my research wasn't leading me anywhere. I thought, "Maybe the way I'm describing things is not how other people would describe them?" I kept reading things about "the glow."  These articles would reference mainly two causes of a whitish-yellow appearance to the eye. One was Coat's Disease (a rare situation in which leaking blood vessels cause the retina to detach), and a very rare childhood cancer called Retinoblastoma.

We were scheduled for an appointment at Children's Hospital, and now we just needed to wait. :) During that week, we felt that the situation was getting worse, fairly quickly. Thursday evening of Elijah's 7th week of life, the flash photography pictures now showed one eye reflecting red, and one eye showing whitish-yellow. This looked more like the "glow" I had read about. I also noticed what seemed to be some "bulging" of that right eye-as if there was more pressure there.

(I realize this is not a flattering picture of Elijah-but it was the best I got with the flash and the "glow").

On the way to our homeschool co-op on Friday, I let my mind drift on the drive down. Should I push for Elijah to be seen? What if this was really serious??

Almost instantly, the Lord brought to mind a familiar passage:

            "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me..."

                                      Psalm 23:4

Clearly, the still small voice of the Lord cautioned me: Do NOT go down any dark valleys that I have not called you to. IF I call you to walk down a dark valley, I will go with you. But if you walk down valleys of worry and fear, I am not there because I have not led you there!

Quickly, I was able to just worship and rest, and enjoy our day at co-op, although I did ask for prayer. And my prayer request was quite clear, although it didn't really make sense at the time: Please pray that Ben and I will have wisdom to make decisions on Elijah's behalf.

(This is what we were seeing in Elijah's eye. It was like we could see into it. But it wasn't like this all the time. It was only in certain light or angles. This is in the ER with his pupils dilated)

Before I headed home, Ben and I had a brief exchange about possibly taking Elijah down to Children's Hospital Emergency Room.  We decided to think about it.  As I drove home, the Lord literally played out in my mind the coming events. I knew we would head down to Children's. I knew my mom was going to come and watch the kids, and then Ambree would come and relieve her and stay with the kids. I knew I needed to come home and pack a bag.  As I came home, I called the Vision Center at Children's, and they confirmed that I should bring him in. And then, it was literally as if I just walked in the steps that were already laid out for me. Call Ben. Pack a bag. Call my mom. Call Ambree. Feed the baby. And GO!

We were quickly seen at the ER, and told we were being admitted to the hospital. Looking back, there were a lot of clues, but we had not been given a diagnosis of any kind....

They told us that Dr. Kim would be doing an eye exam on Elijah the next day (google revealed that Dr. Kim is the Director of the Retinoblastoma program at CHLA). They also said we would be staying on the 4th floor....Oncology (They told us it didn't mean he had cancer).

Saturday, they got Elijah in for an MRI, with an eye exam (both under general anesthesia) to follow.  During the MRI, Ben and I sat outside the room waiting, and then saw Dr. Kim go in. After about 15 minutes he came out and introduced himself.

As he sat down, he said the words we knew, but hoped were not, coming.

This is cancer. (Retinoblastoma)

There is a tumor.

It is very large.

It will be confirmed during the exam, but you should be prepared that we may need to remove his eye.

Deep breaths. Trying to process all that quickly. Elijah came out of anesthesia, and we went back to the room only to head straight to pre-op for his eye exam. They took him in and about 40 minutes later the doctor came out.

They rate tumors from Stage A to Stage E. (E being that the tumor was taking up at least 1/2 of the eye). Elijah's tumor was taking up 2/3 of his right eye.  He did not have any vision in the eye. The doctor said that even two more weeks and the cancer would have spread. But we have a shot to cure him, by taking out the eye.

Within 2 hours of first hearing that this was a tumor, his eye is out.

I broke down in tears....I told Ben, "I don't doubt our decision. I don't doubt God's goodness! But it's still just so sad..."

(He is still so absolutely adorable!!!)

So. Now, we wait. We appreciate your prayers in the days ahead. Here are some specific requests:

Elijah will have genetic testing to determine if the mutation which allowed tumors to grow in his eye are present elsewhere in his body. (We pray it isn't!!!)

Elijah's eye was sent to pathology-this will determine if he needs chemo. (We pray he doesn't!!!)

Elijah's left eye will be watched closely to make sure no tumors develop. (We pray they don't! We are praying for a healthy left eye that will have vision)

And our greatest prayer....is that we, as a family, would walk worthy of the calling we have received. That Christ would be glorified.

Oh Lord, may we fix our eyes on what is unseen....because that is what is eternal and lasting.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV)

Judah Sean

Dear Judah,

     Today, you are four years old!!!! You are so fun and cuddly (you remind me a lot of your brother Noah). You love making jokes! You love giving kisses!  You only have two volumes: off (when you're asleep) and very LOUD.  You admire your brothers so much, you just love doing what they do.  I recently asked everyone in our family six questions.  These are your answers:

1. What am I interested in? Legos, cookies, schoolwork, math, coloring

2.  What am I good at? Picking up things (not super heavy!), coloring, cleaning up Evie's room.

3. What would I like to learn more about? Pictures of our family, coloring, and treats. (Can you tell they were coloring when I asked them these questions?????)

4. When I grow up, I want to be....a cowboy, a firefighter, a babysitter

5. One big dream I have is: to worship God at church

6. I can help the world by: worshipping God and Jesus, and by killing all the bad guys...

    I can help the church by: helping Jesus

     Judah Sean, it is such a privilege to be your mommy. You are full of life and joy. You are so good at bringing laughter to a room! Oh, I pray that, as you praise and worship God, you would change the world and build God's Kingdom. I pray that your ability to bring joy and laughter to hearts would always point people to the One who rejoices and sings over them. I love you Judah! May you feel loved and special today as we celebrate your fourth birthday!

With love,

Mommy

One month

Elijah Seth.  Today you are one month old. In your one month of life....

They thought you might have a heart murmur, and you had to have an echo done. Everything was normal!!!! (Praise Jesus!)

Daddy and I celebrated 15 years of marriage....

And many other things (the "week of teeth").....this has been a very eventful month.

But in this month you have turned our whole house upside down with LOVE. We are all over the moon, giddy, absolutely in love with you. Every prayer includes thanking God for you. You are such a special gift to our family.

You are so strong. You love to hold your head up. When you are awake, you are very ALERT. 

Oh Elijah. Truly, you were appointed by God, and we love you!!!!!

Happy guy...

This is Evelyn playing peek-a-boo for Elijah. :-)

It's pretty safe to say we are all in love with this sweet little guy.....

Elijah Seth Hester

Welcome to the world, Elijah Seth Hester.

Elijah means "my God is Yahweh"

Seth means "appointed".

Oh baby boy. You were certainly appointed by Yahweh, and we pray earnestly that your heart will forever belong to the King and His kingdom!

Born at home on Jan. 26th, 2015 at 9:34pm.

8lbs., 4oz.

Loved and adored by all his brothers and sisters.....

We are in awe of God's handiwork, and so thankful to welcome him!!!!

First test!!

Judah finished his first Sing, Spell book and test!!! Yay!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉

Things that take work....

"Hobbit Stew" served atop mashed po-Tay-toes

Lembas Bread (you know....the bread of the elves)

I gotta tell you....this took a lot of work. But isn't it *interesting* how most things of value do take work?

Making memories....that's what I hope it was all about. When my kids look back at some of these stories that have shaped them, and our family....maybe they will remember with a smile their crazy, pregnant mother buzzing about in the kitchen just to put the finishing touches on the Lembas bread. They have been talking about Hobbit Feast Day ever since I told them about it. And I planned so much food that it wouldn't fit in one day, and will have to carry over to tomorrow.

It is a lot of work. But it is worth it. I don't think any of us Hesters will ever think of The Lord of the Rings in quite the same way again. ;-)

And, here is this evening's movie clip:

Samwise Gamgee:....there were plenty of opportunities for those folk to turn back, but they didn't....because they were holding onto something.

Frodo: What are we holding on to, Sam?

Samwise: They believed that there was good in this world, and that it's worth fighting for!

For the True King! And for the Kingdom!

"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10 NLT)

"Hobbit Feast Day"

Shire French toast

Shire berries

Bilbo's roast beast (aka Ham)

The Golden Ring

Caleb started it all by deciding to re-read The Lord of the Rings. Then Noah decided to read (and finish!) The Hobbit.  I thought we were sort of out of that phase, having read the Hobbit as a read aloud last year. But, as I was meal planning for the week and the holidays, I couldn't resist planning for a Hobbit Feast Day, seeing as how the interest has been renewed. 

So. Here is our first meal on Hobbit Day, here in the Hester house. Only Emma and Caleb have seen the first two Lord of the Rings movies, but in honor of our feast day, we played the following clip for our breakfast meal.

Frodo and Gandalf are talking...

Frodo: It's a pity Bilbo didn't kill him (Gollum) when he had the chance.

Gandalf: Pity! Yes, it was pity that kept Bilbo from killing him. There are those who deserve death, but receive life, and those who deserve life but receive death. Can you give it???

And then:

Frodo: I wish the ring had never come to me.  I wish none of this had ever happened.

Gandalf: Yes, as does all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide.  All we can decide is how to use the time that we've been given.

Well. Off to work on Hobbit Stew!!!

Word Up!!!

Okay, so the makers of Visual Latin, a high school Latin curriculum, have outdone themselves with this fun approach to learning Latin and Greek roots.

My big two love Visual Latin, and Caleb has almost finished his first "year", along with reading Lingua Latina.

Anyhow. Noah had finished his current Latin work, and was so excited to move on to something new. I really didn't feel that Visual Latin was the right "next step" for him, despite all the fun his brother and sister were having with it.

Enter: Word Up! The Vocabulary Show!!! A fun little video introduces 10 new words with the Latin root and 10 new words with the Greek root.  This is such a fun way to bridge the gap, and increase Noah's vocabulary, without being too rigorous academically. After the video, there are FREE online activities including flashcards, games, and tests.

Right now, it's only $10!! And with the online content, each group of words can easily last a week (or two!!).

The first root was the word for water: Aqua in Latin and Hydra in Greek.

They learn all about aqueduct, aqueous, aqualung, aquatint....hydrate, hydrant....well. You get the point.

Today, Judah (age 3) informed me:

"Mom, Ezra and I are going to jump on the trampoline. But if it starts raining aqua....then we will come inside."

Can barely contain my excitement...

If you know me, you know that I research things. I have a joke with my husband where I tell him, "I know things." Usually, this is because he is surprised that I know something that seems fairly random for a...ahem...middle-aged mother of (soon-to-be) seven.

I have known for some time that I wanted to use this curriculum. I just wasn't sure when or how.

Summit ministries offers some fantastic resources, both by way of curriculum, and conferences, as well as a "semester" for high school graduates before going on to college. Their focus and heart is worldview.

As I prayed over Emma and Caleb for this year, the one thing I was most burdened for them was: worldview.  But there was still the issues of finances, timing, and how to fit this in with all the other stuff!!!!

Needless to say, the day has come. Today is their first day of the Lightbearers curriculum. It is intense. (They say an hour a day for 180 days). I don't know how accurate that is, because I'm just starting out.  But I am so excited to see how God will use this tool to grow our thinking and evaluating of what is around us.  I love thinking deeply about my God....and I am excited to see what the next 180 days will hold for us.😉

PS-they have to do a pre-test today, where they answer yes or no to questions like, "If I obey God, things will pretty much go well for me."

Yikes. I'm so glad they get to start thinking about this stuff now!!

Just the beginning...

This kid came in early this morning and asked to snuggle. (This isn't his usual). Then, he quietly announced, "I finished the Bible today."  Caleb started in Genesis and read all the way through.  He says it has taken him two years and two months-which means he started just after turning eight. He is ten now. 

I am amazed. Daddy smiled and asked him, "So, was it good?" ;-p

I asked what his favorite book was and he said "Revelation."  Wow. 

I don't really have the words to convey all that I'm thinking and feeling. I'm so proud of this young man! And because of his example, his brothers (Noah, age 8, and Ezra, age 6) have started reading in Genesis.

One of the most amazing things about God's Word is that it is alive. It changes us. We can read it over and over and it never stops flowing the lifeblood of our God into us, and washing the blood of Christ over us. It never stops changing us, but is always useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

So. As I told my sweet boy this morning, this is only the beginning..... :-)

"It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it."

Isaiah 55:11

Thankful....

Most days....life is crazy. You find yourself just wanting to take a breath for a moment. Life, these days, is just....FULL. For everyone. The hustle and bustle. The classes and the appointments and the activities that we all think are so necessary.

It's easy to miss the *holiness* of each moment.  Every once in a while, God gives us this beautiful sense that stops us in our very tracks and reminds us to "take off our sandals", because the ground we are on is holy. Something is happening that we can't always taste or see or measure. 

Little tiny fingers are learning to fold in reference. Little tiny mouths are learning to say "Amen"....and there is an awareness that their childlike declaration of "let it be so" carries heavenly weight. The voices of children are lifting up simple prayers that are more profound than you thought possible.  Sweet boys give up play time to push little sisters on swings.

Things are happening.

I don't want to miss it. So today, I won't hustle and bustle. Today, I will choose to take off my sandals and bask in the holiness of the moment. Today, I am asking God to help me look not to the things that are seen (which include messes and squabbles), but on the things that are unseen.  BECAUSE..."the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (2 Cor. 4:18)

Oh Lord! Give me eyes to see what is eternal today. My soul craves what is unseen...that holy ground where the mountains are moved by the smallest seeds of faith. There are so many things I get wrong. But today, I'm digging my toes into this holy ground. I'm slowing down. I'm seeing....with my heart. And I'm thankful.....

Noah Benjamin, age 8

My dear Noah Benjamin,

     You are eight years old!!!! There really aren't enough words to say what you bring to our family. You experience just about every emotion to an exponential degree. Because of this, you are one of the most snugly and cuddly boys I know. You are a dreamer, for sure! You are so very loving and thoughtful. 

     Your joy is so full and so abundant that you love including others in it (this is one of the ways I love seeing you reflect the heart of our God).  When we did your "last hoorah" of candy before you got your braces on, you very happily shared your candy with all your siblings. Down to the very last piece.  

When you got your new scooter for your birthday, within minutes, you allowed Judah to take it for a spin because you wanted him to share in the fun too.

     These last couple of weeks with braces....all I can say, is that I have been so amazed at the depth of character and integrity that has been growing in you. You have borne each sacrifice with such honor, and such grace. It's not easy being faced with a long list of: you can't eat.....  But you, son, have been SO faithful to not eat the items you have been asked not to, even if you were given an "out." You have remained faithful and true, even when it meant forgoing both snack and treats at church. All this to say: we are so proud of you, and of the character God is building in you. It seems that these moments that have gathered up into days, which have gathered up into weeks, and months, and now eight years!!!! Well, they have begun to produce a harvest. It is amazing to see the fruit that God is producing in you. Is it encouraging and inspiring.

     And so Noah.  This year, we pray that you would continue in the steadfast love of our Savior. We pray that you would know what is the height and depth and width and length of God's love for you in Christ. We pray that you would continue to be captivated by the joy that Jesus came to give you-it is full, and complete, and it is meant to spill over on to all those around you. We pray that the light of Christ would shine ever brighter in you, and from that amazing smile of yours.  And we pray that you would continue to DREAM BIG for God's glory and His Kingdom. We love you Noah Benjamin.

For the King! And His Kingdom!!!

With love,

Mommy and Daddy

Ezra the Great!

Six years old!!!! Sporting his new tool pouch.

Oh Ezra Lucas Knight Hester,

     I wish I had the words to say how much you bring to our family. And to me personally. I have learned more about the love and grace of God than ever. You are sometimes, a little challenging to parent. But it is not because you are a bad kid....it is because you are extraordinary. Once you set your mind on something, you simply must do it. (Many times, regardless of the consequences). And although this presents some challenges for a mom of a (now) six year old, it would be sad if I did not recognize how amazing this quality is in the heart of a young man.

     You are such a hard worker. I can give you tasks beyond your years because you will work SO hard. You have amazing initiative. At this stage in life, that works against me sometimes. But later, and even now at times, it is unbelievable how you can recognize when something needs to be done and go about doing it all on your own.

     You love big. Your spicy little sister loves you so much and frequently calls out for you when you aren't close by.  You pull Evelyn up into your lap and read books to her.

     You are super smart. At just now six years old, you are working at about a third grade level across the board. It is such a balance because you have LOTS of energy in that body of yours, and I have to remind myself to keep both your body and your mind stimulated and a little challenged in order to *help* you stay out of trouble.

     Some of your favorite time with Mommy or Daddy is when we read your special book, His Mighty Warrior.  This has been an invaluable resource as a devotional, and as an encouragement for your sweet heart as a warrior, and servant of the Most High King.

     This year, we pray that you would grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We pray that you would be surprised with joy at how wonderful it is to serve so great a King. We pray that your heart of love and service will grow.  And I pray personally, that I will love and serve you as your mom in such deep ways that you will always know how much you are loved by the Father.

     We are so thankful for all that you bring to our family, Ezra!!! 

For the King! And the Kingdom!

With great love,

Mommy

Big change...

Noah did such a great job! His braces are on and we just need to get used to a new way of eating and brushing and such.

Last hoorah!

Well, tomorrow is a big day for Noah Benjamin. He's getting braces!!!

We absolutely love Emma's orthodontist office. They are fantastic! One of the reasons we love them so much is that they have been really honest with us. We were told by another orthodontist that Emma needed to go ahead and get braces on about 2 years ago.  Fortunately, her current orthodontist has said it's totally ok to wait.

I showed him a picture of Noah at her last appointment and he said to go ahead and bring him in.

Imagine my shock when they said he needs braces!!! He needed to have a tooth pulled (which happened last week), and then he will be ready to get his braces on. His situation just happened to be different than Emma's, and was in need of some attention a little sooner. (So, I guess now it is our family's orthodontist office).

Anyhow! The point is, that when we became aware of all the foods that Noah probably wouldn't be able to have while his braces are on....

And since it all came up sort of suddenly...

And since he is still a young guy....

We decided to have a "last hoorah!"

We took him to the candy store and let him choose many of the things he won't be able to have this next year or so.

He was such a kind brother to share his candy with all his siblings. And after all that candy he said on the way home, "I'm hungry!!! But for something HEALTHY!!!"

We were delighted to honor that request too. ;-)

Noah Benjamin, we are so proud of you and your courage moving forward. We want to take good care of you during this new adventure!!!

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Big Boy!!!

This sweet boy finished Sing, Spell Kindergarten!!!!!

Now-this doesn't mean he has finished kindergarten. But, it does mean he is well on his way to reading. 

We are so proud of you, Judah Sean! You have worked hard at learning your letters and their sounds! You have also loved cutting and pasting, playing with play-doh, and building with duplos.

If someone were to ask you if you know how to read, you will tell them no. And there were days I doubted it myself. ;-)

But lo, and behold....you are getting better at remembering the words you know and sounding out the ones you don't.

I'm so thankful that I get to be your mommy and that I get to hear you beginning to read.

We love you Judah Sean!!!!!

Celebrating...

This man is a very loved man. :-) 

Ben Hester, we honor you in the Lord. You work SO hard to care for us. Not just everyday at work...but everyday at home. With six kids and a pregnant wife, you just never know what you will come home too. ;-p

But you are faithful, and steadfast to jump in.

I appreciate your selfless service to our family so much.  But one of the things I appreciate the most about you (and there are MANY!).... Is that our kids know what it is to fall asleep almost every night to the sound of their Daddy, reading God's Word and wonderful stories. They have had the incredible privilege of hearing tales told through the voice of their father....some even with accents. ;-)

When I look back, I see how all those nights, all those readings of Scripture, all those stories, have been anchors for our souls and for our family. We have been inspired together to serve the One True King....led faithfully by you.

I do not know what plans God has yet in store for our family....but, I'm so thankful that you are our leader.

And while the world sees the craziness of all these little people....I see the fullness of a life overflowing with the love of a child....times six plus this new little one to come. And let's face it: our life is crazy. Sometimes, overwhelming. But there is one thing that is most definitely evident: you are so loved. Thank you for loving us. We are so glad you were born.

Happy birthday my love.