Micah David: Eleven Years Old

December is always a whirlwind; the week of Christmas in particular. We celebrate Jaxton's birthday, Jesus' birthday, and Micah's birthday. It's a solid week of gifts, cake, and singing Happy Birthday.

When Micah turned 11 this past December, we made every effort to celebrate him individually and intentionally so that he wasn't squeezed into the already busy calendar of events.

Per his request, Krispy Kreme donuts for breakfast...

... and Olive Garden for dinner. This kid can more than eat his weight in pasta.

He had three requests for birthday gifts: climbing shoes, a Warriors jersey, and money. And this is why boys are awesome - super simple to buy for!

It was no surprise Micah asked for mint chocolate chip ice cream with hot fudge and mini marshmallows. In Micah's world, this is its own staple food group.

I'm late in posting this, but I don't ever want to be late in telling you how much I love you and value you. Micah Man, you have gifts and abilities that leave me wondering if we brought the right baby home from the hospital because you don't get those things from your dad and I!

I love your humor. I enjoy your creativity. I admire your relational abilities. I appreciate your sensitivity. I respect your quick insights and mental connections.

More than all of this though, I want to see you know, love, and serve Jesus with all that you are and all that you have. He is worthy of your everything - even when it doesn't seem easy, convenient, or cool.

Psalm 1

Blessed in the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,

But whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers.

Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, not sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Happy 11th Birthday Buddy!

Micah David: 10 Years Old

This handsome guy? He's 10 years old now. TEN. (Say what?!)

He's handsome and funny. He's curious and witty. He's athletic and creative. He's friendly and confident. He's insightful and patient. And, he's a gift and a treasure to our family!

Birthdays in our family begin with your breakfast of choice, followed by a fun family activity, then dinner out where you want, and ending with gifts and your favorite dessert. 

It was no surprise when Micah requested cinnamon rolls and asked for a morning at Top Golf. Sugar + Sports = Winning Combination (in his mind) Every Time

Micah is into anything sports-related, learning magic tricks, and trying to beat logic games. He had his fingers and toes crossed for a Go-Pro, tickets to the Super Bowl, and a ping pong table for his birthday but those gifts didn't make the cut. Maybe next year. (But probably not.)

Because he walks to the beat of his own drum and has no hesitation about doing things his way, he asked for mint chocolate chip ice cream for dessert. No cake, no cupcakes, no brownies, and no cookies. Just ice cream. And it had to be mint chocolate chip.

Micah is a loyal Golden State Warriors fan and was so excited when we gifted him with tickets to see the Warriors play while they were in Charlotte. It was a special night out with just Dad. And, because he turned 10, it was his first time riding in the front seat, which to him was a big deal.

Spend five minutes with Micah and you'll see him climb or jump or flip on something. (Thank you American Ninja Warriors.) When he discovered there was a small ninja course close to home he asked a few friends to join him there for his birthday.

He had a fun (and sweaty time) and realized just how hard some obstacles are. Special thanks to my husband who spent an entire day with fifth and sixth grade boys (who belch and tell dumb jokes non- stop) and managed to impress them with his warped wall and salmon ladder abilities.

Micah David, Happy 10th Birthday! Thank you for sharing your humor, being willing to adapt, and caring for the feelings of others. I value your perspective, your inquisitiveness, and your originality. It's a joy to be your mom and you are a gift I cherish.

This year as you continue to grow, mature, and learn, I pray that you will recognize in a personal way what God desires of you: "He has told you, O [Micah], what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8

Mammal Organs in My Kitchen

Not too long ago,Micah and Annalyse needed to come up with a science project and presentation about a land animal. They didn't have a lot of guidelines and they had freedom to play with different ideas. 

However, after less than two minutes of discussion about various options, Micah was resolute on dissecting something. It didn't matter what - just something. Annalyse immediately thought that was "so super cool" and before I knew it I was ordering a multi-pack of preserved organs from a cow and sheep.

Lord have mercy.

Because the pictures give a pretty good step-by-step, and because their presentation practice videos at the end give the general idea, you are free to skim along at your leisure.

Or not. 

Because maybe you're hyperventilating that they did this at our kitchen table. And maybe your heart is rapidly palpitating because you've recently joined our family for dinner and are skeptical about cross contamination.

Have no fear: disposable tarp, plenty of Lysol wipes, and hot water. Times a lot of times.

And, the good news is that I have a sheep hart and brain sitting on a corner shelf in my pantry. Apparently it's good for six months so there's no rush to dissect it now, but I sure do hope we remember before it starts to... to do whatever it is preserved sheep organs do when they expire. (!!)

Micah David: Nine Years Old

Oh that's right! Micah had a birthday. 

Over a month ago.

Oops. 

But he's the middle child so things like this are supposed to happen.

As usual, all things sports, balls, and strategy topped his gift list. He did ask for tickets to the Super Bowl and while we love him, we don't love him enough for that. Or maybe we just didn't want to set the standard for future birthdays.

Lucky guy had Grandpa and Grandma here on his birthday - the benefit of having your day on the heels of Christmas, I guess.

For birthdays, our kids get to choose breakfast, dinner, and a special "thing" to do as a family. Micah began his day with cinnamon rolls an bacon, spent his afternoon shooting guns, and chose Olive Garden for dinner. Simple requests that were easy to fulfill and that meant something to the birthday boy.

And for birthday dessert? Miraculously he stepped away from his beloved pumpkin pie and opted for brownie sundaes. Whatever floats your boat when it's your birthday!

A week after his birthday he had several friends join him for laser tag, pizza, and more brownie sundaes. When we closed the door to his last guest leaving, he was struck with the reality that celebrating nine was officially over. "Mom, maybe I can have a half birthday party this summer, you think?" No. Uh-uh. Nope. Remember, we love you, but not that much.

Micah David, Happy Nine Years!

Your potential is through the roof. Your personality is magnetic. Your humor is contagious. Your kindness is tender. Your mind is creative.

But.

But none of that is enough. It's part of who you are and part of how God wired you, but you need him. You need his truth. You need his wisdom.

Again and again I'll keep on praying, "How can Micah keep his way pure? By guarding himself according to your word. I pray that with his whole heart he will seek you; let him not wander from your commandments. Help him to store up your word in his heart, that he might not sin against you." (Psalm 119:9-11)

Moments Like These

Relaxed and quiet. Ease-into-the-day kind of mornings. Moments for you to be cozy together.

Strategy and competition. Again and again and again. Moments for you to be best friends and fierce competitors in the same breath.

  Creative and messy. Colors and textures. Moments for you to discover and enjoy.

  You and me. Card games and board games. Moments of just-because-we-want-to.

 Reading and learning. Comfy anywhere you want to be. Moments of pleasure while doing school.

 Interest and excitement. Curious and determined. Moments of impromptu discovery.

Teacher and leader. Follower and copy-cat. Moments of watching big sister love her little brother.

 Squeals and laughs. Splashes and games. Moments of me watching you be what you are: kids!

Moments like these: I cherish. I mentally file away. I linger on.

Because moments like these are fleeting and tomorrow becomes next month which becomes next year. And pretty soon I don't have moments like these anymore.

Moments like these I wouldn't trade. I'm grateful for time - open, lingering, unscheduled time - with you.