Happy Birthday Belle!

Belle, 

I am in awe of who you are becoming...

I feel so privileged to be your mom.

My life has been radically transformed since the day you came into my life. 

God has used your life (He still is) to teach me and many others about how great and good He is.

I love how God made you.  You're persistent, ambitious, creative, beautiful, and absolutely one of a kind.

I can't imagine life without you, Belle.

It is my prayer that God will use your life in powerful and incredible ways. I can't wait to see the girl and woman that you are becoming.  And in the same breath, I can't imagine you growing up. Happy 6th Birthday Belle!

Happy 1st Birthday Fiona!

My precious Fiona,

Words will never be able to capture the love and awe that I have for you. God has blessed us beyond our wildest dreams with your life. You are so joyful. I love that about you. I pray that your joy grows as you know and begin to understand the incredible love that God has for you. You are sweet. Truly. Your temperament from day one has been that of an angel, and for that we are grateful. Regardless of how you act, the choices you make, and the things you do... you will always be loved. You can't do anything to earn love or grace, it's just there.

Happy Birthday Noni Bear! I can't wait to celebrate so many more with you.

Love,

Mom

A blessed 2011

Where did this year go? Really!?!? I guess when you have a newborn at the beginning of the year (Fiona's birthday is February 1st- ahh! How do I have an almost 1 year old?)time flies.

I could go on and on about all that has happened and all that I'm thankful for, but I want to sum up our year in one word- BLESSED.

We have had more activities, events, and transitions this year than in any other year of our marriage. Life has not been a happy-go-lucky, kumbayah situation. It's been messy, sleep-deprived, crazy, and simply not what we planned. More than anything, I believe we have been blessed because God is pouring His grace on us and I am starting to understand my utter need for Him alone.

What are my resolutions as I revisit this past year? Lean into God even more. Recognize that without Him, I can't do a single thing. I look forward to how we can join God in what He's doing in 2012. Happy New Year!

Juju-- You're 2!

Juliette,

Happy Birthday my beautiful, energetic, creative, amazing daughter.



I am really looking forward to this year, Jujubee. We're going to have a blast. Get ready for even more arts and crafts, outings, and silly dances and songs.




You know how to have fun, talk to anyone, and run around without a care in the world.




I am SO blessed that I get to be your mom. You do so much for my soul.




I pray that you know God's deep love for you, little one.



I am asking our extravagantly gracious and purely good God to show you His love for you as you continue to grow.




Our family has dramatically changed since you came into this world- but only for the better.



You are a real life example of God's grace, love, and work in my life. I love you precious girl. Happy 2nd Birthday! I hope there are many more celebrations to come.

Happy 5th Belle!

Belle,

Your life is a gift. A precious miracle. Before you even came into this world, it was my prayer that you would know and experience the greatness of God. God has used your amazing life to make His grace and love more real in my own life.




I can barely remember life before you, and yet you've only been with us for 5 years. There has been lots of wonderful, happy, joyful memories. There's also been a lot of pain, exhaustion, and very hard days.



As I get ready to celebrate you... 5 years of life with Belle... I think about how I am privileged to be your mom. You are the most creative kid I know. I love that about you.



My heart swells as I reflect on the sweet memories we have together. I love how you love to snuggle and that you can focus on projects for longer than developmentally appropriate, I think. You remember the smallest details and you love to celebrate.



As you continue to grow into who God made you to be, I have but one hope. I hope that you see how big and marvelous God is, and that you really get that we can't do this life without Him.




Happy Birthday Belle. I love you. I look forward to celebrating you A LOT these next days... and hopefully, for many years to come. You are so loved.

Today was the day...

that I thought was so far away. Belle Elizabeth Alana Perdue had her first day of Kindergarten.

It doesn't feel like too long ago, that I was waiting for our sweet daughter to join us. We had so many hopes and dreams for her. Mostly, that she would know she is loved and that her life has a purpose.

Life has never been the same since Belle came into this world. Being new parents, rocked us to the core. God has given Belle such a strong spirit, and we're glad for that. Nevertheless, we were quickly aware of our desperate need for God with this little one.

She has never been short on smiles. Or words.

Her curiosity delights us.

She will always be our warrior princess.

Today was the day that I sent my first daughter to Kindergarten. I didn't cry. I might later. For now, I know this is exactly where she is supposed to be and I am thrilled to see her grow and thrive in this new environment. Jackson took the day off and we had an awesome time connecting with other parents and seeing Belle enjoy this new season. Belle had an amazing first day. She didn't want to leave. In fact, she wanted to go back when we got home (Kindergarten is 3 hours here in Fremont). This marks a new season for our family. Here we go!

Jabbering Juliette

I'm so grateful I get to be Juliette's mom. Juliette (we usually call her "Juju", and that's how she refers to herself most times) is 21 months old going on 3, maybe 4. She has such an amazing personality. Here are a few of her most recent ramblings within the past couple of days.

- "I drank my cup. (If you were at our table, you'd see a twinkle in her eye here). I drank my BIG cup."

- "That's my potty. That's my shower. That's my tummy. That's my (insert pretty much any word here)..."

- "Mommy, my tummy hurt you" (she has a tummy bug as of 3am this morning, this was announced some time in the late morning).

And the best for last...

"That's my wedding ring. It's pretty". (I let her 'borrow' my ring to distract her while changing her diaper today). Oh goodness.