Happy 7th Birthday, Benaiah!

Mr. Benaiah,

What can we say about you, little man? You are a treasure mixed with a little sass and independence. Boy, do you know that you are the baby of the family! You are quick to remind us, but in so many ways your young self keeps us all on the floor playing Legos, racing for a quick sprint to see who's the fastest, and reading books from our own younger years. I am so grateful for that. 

You have blossomed into a little reader, and it is so fun to watch you grow as a first grader. Whenever I run into parents at your school or at a classmate's birthday party I am told, "oh, we hear all about Benaiah at home". And they ensure me that it is all good things. You are such a big friend with a big heart! Your favorite subjects are math and science, and you are often eager to tell us all you're learning in science. You have a great curiosity for the world around you. 

You still sit in Daddy's lap in the wee hours of the morning as you are a natural early riser. You love playing Legos, building forts, practicing baseball and riding on your electric dirt bike. In this last year, you have learned how to operate Daddy's excavator. On. Your. Own. It's really quite incredible (and scary from a mom's perspective). If Daddy's around, you're typically within 10 feet of him. There's no doubt in any one's mind that he is your favorite, and we (I) have embraced that. He's a pretty great guy if I must say so myself. 

You are in a funny season of being easily embarrassed and worried about what others might think. I really hope it is just that - a season - and not something that you carry around for the rest of your life. It's not worth it, buddy. You are great, and you will make mistakes, but you are loved by many and most importantly, by God. Fear (respect/revere) Him, not men. 

This year I've been able to connect with your birth mother more, and I'm so thankful for that. She is a lovely person, and she really loves you and cares for your well-being. I know one day you'll get to meet her and experience that for yourself. In the meantime, Daddy and I will continue to be available to her and ready to connect as she opens the door. 

We love you, buddy, and the fact that we get to be your parents and watch you grow into such an amazing young man is a joy and a privilege. 

Love,

Momma

Leila Turns 20!

Leila! Twenty, I cannot believe it! You’ve now been with us almost half your life, and the Lord has done a great work in you during that time. You’ve persevered through so many challenges, you’ve learned so much academically, socially and even physically. You are becoming the young woman God created when He formed you in your birth mother’s womb, and we are the blessed ones who get to journey alongside you every day.

This past year you’ve entered your junior year of high school, which has included the Culinary program at Hanover’s Trade School. You have really enjoyed it, and we have, too! A few times a week you bring home your creations, which has included cookies, pie, chicken and rice, spaghetti and meatballs, biscuits and macaroni and cheese. You’re also participating in NJROTC for the second year, which we think has been really good for you. You, however, are not too keen on learning about past wars and pushing your body to the limits. Alas, this will be your final year in the program.

When you’re not focused on academics, you LOVE church. You’ve continued to enjoy serving on the worship team for MCC YTH, serving in MCCKids and hanging out with the babies and toddlers. We’re very proud of your heart to serve and love others through your relationship with Jesus.

You’ve made and kept some solid girlfriends who love you and share your faith in Jesus. This is such an answer to prayer because we know the power of friendship! You enjoyed a birthday sleepover with a handful of them complete with time in the hot tub, everyone’s favorite snacks, and a few good chick flicks. 

Rice is and will probably always be your favorite thing to eat followed closely by Old Bay Seasoning, which I’m convinced you’d put on a cookie if we let you. You’ve taken up an interest in exercising, and that’s been really good for you and helped you get into a good morning routine. Driving continues to be a top goal for you (and us!), but you haven’t been able to conquer the written test yet. We will try again this summer. Your biggest concern is achieving this milestone before your little sister, which I get. I hope you will, too!!

Sometimes your future feels uncertain to both you and us, but we know each person is on their own journey and our timeframes are not always the world’s or our own. We can trust God in the process and work hard as if it depends on us. Together, we will watch you thrive and never forget all you’ve overcome.

We love you, 

Momma