My kids... For now :)

Let me start off my saying... I love you. Each of you. So so much. God has placed you in my life for a reason, and I am blessed to be surrounded by such darling children.

Zachary,
Three years old and full of fire :) I adore you, do you know that? I have always loved you, but yesterday you were such a gentleman! You held doors open, pushed chairs in, chewed with your mouth closed... even got a milk cup for "broder" and "sissy." The words "I love you" melted my heart MORE than once, and the grip you had on my hand crossing the street made me smile so big :) :) The night went on, and sleep was starting to overtake you... you rested your sweaty curly hair on my shoulder, and asked me to pray with you. I did, and the peace in your handsome face was beautiful. Little Zachary, as you continue to get older and mature... I pray your love for Jesus will be more profound, more intentional, and more passionate. Love Jesus with everything you are, when it's easy... and when it's not too. Your daddy, mommy, becca, Em, and Nate love you... and sweet boy? So does Lyssa :)


Nathan,
I asked you how school was yesterday, and you said..."School was okay, but you walking in the house today made the whole week so great!" I have a secret for you. I had plans to "date" you since the beginning of the week... and I was SO excited, Nate! :) You have a spunk, crazy kid. A spunk so unique to you... and I love it. I love seeing your desire to serve and obey. It brings joy to my heart, handsome boy. I will never ever look at the moon the same... I will look at it with so much more awe and wonder. You said it, little love... God is majestic. Take that with you everywhere you go. Let it seep through you, and into the life you live. Let every single word, thought, and action be a reflection of the goodness of God. He loves you, Nathan Echols. He loves you with a love so beautiful, you can't even comprehend it! He is the only reason I love you. Think about that. We get to play, laugh, love , learn, sing, dance, hug, see... because of HIM! Whoa :) Pretty amazing, right? I cannot wait for the next adventure we have... Nanny dates are the best :) I love you, kiddo :)



Emily,
Sister. BEAUTIFUL, sister. How I love you. If I could spend five hours with you every day speaking truth into your life about how desired you are... I would, sweet girl. I would tell you that you are desired by the KING! He calls you Daughter. He adores you. When life is ugly and doesn't make sense... He is beautiful, and has power to wipe away confusion and bring perfect peace :) Em...Be thankful for the life God has allowed you to live, be a girl of resolve, daydream, sing out loud, dance in every kind of weather, see the beauty that surrounds you, remember that "Sometimes God calms the storm, other times He allows the storm to rage, and He calms His child", laugh until your stomach hurts, pick your battles, communicate effectively, see things through, set boundaries, treat people how you want to be treated, take your vitamins and eat healthy, take responsibility for your actions and sin, apologize humbly, make a list of things you want to do in life and work toward them!, LOVE... Darling Emily... above all, Love the Lord your GOD will all your heart, all your mind, all your soul, and all of your strength. He is the Giver and Sustainer of Life. If you delight yourself in HIM, He will give you the desires of your heart. I love you, Emily.