Our Ten Year Old Reuben

Our sweet Reuben is now double digits! It doesn't seem possible that we could have three children now in the pre-teen phase, but we are blessed to have such amazing children. 

Reuben joined our family on the outside ten years ago today! 

I can't express to you what a joy and delight Reuben is to our family! He is so mild mannered and for the most part even tempered that he just goes with the flow in spite of the chaos or fullness around him. He watches and takes it all in. He listens to what's around him. He also enjoys the stories in his own mind. Reuben loves to read and learn as well as imagine and create. He's a thinker and loves to put things together. He's quiet and caring and such a vital part of the Manor Manor.

One of the amazing things about Reuben is that he can fix anything! God has given him an incredible mind to look at something and find a solution for how to put it back together. He's become our handyman in training and regularly fixes drawers, doors, cabinets and shelves. He also practices his building skill with Legos and builds both from instructions and his own imagination. Building and putting together is probably one of his favorite things to do.

Reuben inherited creativity from his Creator. He loves to draw, color, create with origami and other paper creations. He is wanting to write a book series about heros and has been writing down ideas for these books. Creativity runs deep in his veins and it is so fun to see it emerge in many different ways. His drawings from our study of Revelation as a family were amazing and so realistic! He constantly surprises us.

Reuben also loves to read and learn. He reads books of all kinds from lift the flap from Usborne to chapter books. He has been working on The Hobbit this year as his stretch book and enjoys comparing it to the movie. Right now he's very interested in geography, Biblical studies and what firefighters do. 

We call Reuben "Muscles" because God has given him a natural strength that goes along with his natural building and fixing tendencies and preparing him well for becoming a fire fighter. He loves to climb, swing and use his muscles for fun activities. He also uses them to carry heavy objects for his mama and help when Daddy is not here to do the heavy lifting. He is eager to help and wants to help others regularly. When asked why he wants to be a fire fighter he says so he can help people.

Our Reuben is so sweet and tender. He is easily upset and doesn't like to see others hurting. This is a gift and it helps him care well for his siblings. It's amazing to see how God has given him such a heart already. He is learning Scripture and memorizing it and learning more about the God of the Universe. He also prays for missionaries and to obey. We clearly see God working in his heart and mind. Reuben is such a gift and I'm thankful everyday that God has given him to our family.

Father, thank You for our sweet Reuben. Thank You for how You're working in his life. Please continue to draw him to You and bring him to life in Jesus. Thank You for his sweet spirit and desire to help others. Make Reuben more like You even as You draw him. We pray all this in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Our Five Year Old Malachi

Our spunky Malachi is now five! 

Our last child born in Louisville, he was a turning point in our family's story. He was not even one when we came back to GA, and now Malachi is five. Time flies so quickly the older you get and it's no exception with this little man.

Malachi is such a joy! He loves to help, loves to learn and loves to be outside. One of our favorite things is talking while we sort laundry together to put away. He enjoys helping me do this and it's a special time for us. He's also amazing at sorting clothes! Malachi is also learning to clean his room by putting things away and sweeping as well as making his bed. He will also give the older boys a hand with their chores when needed. 

Learning is at the top of his list of favorite things to do. Recently, Malachi has been excelling at learning to write while practicing phonics and numbers, color and draw. In fact, it's been amazing to see his drawings recently. He's a bit obsessed with Larry Boy and draws him over and over again. He's getting pretty good! Puzzle books are also becoming fun for him. At this stage it's more for mazes and picture puzzles, but he enjoys doing the same ones over and over again. So fun! He wants to learn to read, but is in no hurry. He enjoys being read to still and it's precious to sit and read together when he's not wanting to write and draw. 

Being outside is also a favorite of his. Malachi has become very proficient at climbing trees and climbing high. He is fearless in this and loves to explore. Watching bugs, studying leaves and plants and watching birds are his preferred forms of science. He let's James teach him about these things as James loves to teach what he knows. 

This boys is also rough and tumble. Wrestling and hugging with force are very big for Malachi. He loves to spar with his brothers and get his energy out with a good row. With the rough and tumble, Malachi is also very sweet. He loves hugs, kisses and gentle pats on the head or back. He takes care of the little ones, especially Esther. He loves being a big brother and teaching her what he knows. It's amazing watching him teach even at a young age. What a sweet thing to see! 

Recently, Malachi has really grown in prayer, Bible memory and singing. Our Bible time in the morning is so precious. Though his flesh still fights it, we see God's Word not returning void as Malachi grows in learning it. He is beginning to pick out things from our Bible reading and answer questions. He is working on memorizing James with the other children and doing well with learning it. He's also learning to pray and he just prays whatever is on his heart and he loves to pray for others, especially our full-time missionaries. Singing is his favorite. He sings all kinds of things, but hymns he sings the most often. He asks to sing "Victory in Jesus", "Holy, Holy, Holy", and "Be Thou My Vision" among others. It's such a blessing to hear him sing. 

We are so thankful for Malachi. He's added such life to our home and he is a precious gift.

Father, Thank You for Malachi and giving him to our family. It's such a blessing to have his bright and fun personality in our family and home. Please continue to grow him in love of Your Word, Prayer and singing to You. Let him know You. Save Malachi by your amazing grace and let him bring You glory and honor by living a life after you in every way. Give him passion and love for You! We pray all this in the Name of Jesus, Amen!

Esther is One!

Our Precious second daughter is one year old!

How is it even possible that it's been a year since Esther was born into our arms! Having another girl in our home is such a precious gift.

Our sweet Esther is growing so quickly! She is full of personality and adds such fun to our home. She loves to smile and laugh, to be with her brothers and sisters, and to eat. Boy can this girl eat! And she eats everything. What a blessing that is! 

She already loves to learn. Esther watches then does. She repeats everything that she hears and is already talking a LOT. She's a super fast crawler but is working on walking. Right now she enjoys looking at books and turning pages. Already she's beginning to ask what things are. She wants to know.

Esther loves to be around people, especially family. She and Lillian already have a special sister bond and it is so sweet to watch Esther follow Lillian and want to be with her. She loves her brothers too, but already she recognizes that Lillian and her are different and it's such a blessing to see this grow even with ten years age difference between them. In turn, Lillian loves to take care of Essie and make sure she has what she needs. Lillian takes Esther with her and teaches her as they go. 

She also loves to snuggle and it so sweet to have Esther come up and give you a hug. She also loves kisses and fishy lips. It's so cute to watch her make fishy lips to ask for a kiss. Esther also blows kisses when she's leaving a room or Daddy is leaving and she's in her chair. It's precious having such a sweet little girl. 

We have been so blessed by this arrow in our quiver. Esther has been such a blessing to our home. 

Father, thank You for sweet Esther and giving us another girl to fill our family. Thank You for her life. We pray that You will continue to grow her and that You will save her by Your amazing grace. Give us grace to teach her to love You and her neighbor. Make her a light for Your glory. In Jesus's Name, we ask these things. Amen!

Our Six Year Old Nehemiah

 Our sweet Nehemiah is now six! This sweet spunky boy is growing so quickly. He entered the world with a bang and he continues to add so much life to our home.

Nehemiah loves life. He loves to explore the world, learn whatever he can and be with people. Being outside is one of his favorite things to do. No matter the weather or temperature, God's creation is where he wants to be. He explores our yard, climbs trees fearlessly and takes note of everything around him. He takes it all in and learns by doing so easily. He likes to figure out the puzzle of the world.

He also loves to learn. Nehemiah has grown so much in learning and he is now reading very well and taking in whatever books he is able. He also loves to do puzzle books of all kinds. Math has been coming naturally to him these days and he is motivated to learn whatever he can. If he wants to know something he has no problem asking. He loves learning from his older siblings and is picking up on all kinds of things as he listens to them. It's amazing to see how God created his mind and it is a joy to watch him learn. Especially watching him learn Bible and memorize it. It's incredible!

Nehemiah also takes care of the little ones, even though he is not that much older or bigger than they are. He loves to play with all of the younger ones, especially Timothy. He knows he is the big brother and seeks to lead by example as they play together. He pretends to be daddy or the dog owner. He makes sure they are not hurting each other and taking care of Esther if she is playing with them. His disposition is so sweet and it makes him such an amazing leader, even at such a young age.

With all of this, he is very sensitive. He easily gets hurt by others both physically and emotionally. It makes him very compassionate and we see his name's meaning (God is my comfort and help) already coming out in his personality. We pray that he will know the deep love and comfort of God so that he can point others to God when he is caring for them. 

We are so blessed by this precious gift from God. He is such a light in our family and we are so grateful for him.

Father, thank You for Nehemiah and giving him to our family. Thank You for his precious personality that You are already using to reach others. We pray that you will save Nehemiah by Your amazing grace. Make him like Jesus, fill him with Your Holy Spirit and use him to be Your hands and feet to those around him. Please grow him in Your grace in wisdom, in stature and in favor with God and man as he learns and grows. Give him a deep love for You and Your Word that he may keep Your Word and point others to You. In Jesus's Name, Amen!

17 Years of Marriage

 Today marks 17 years since we said, "I do." 

17 years of adventure. 17 years of learning what it means to do life together. 17 years of learning what it means to follow God and live according to His Word. 17 years of ups and downs, smiles and tears. 17 years of life.

This year has been one of much growth. Since much of this year has been interesting in a number of ways, God has taught us even more of these things above and we have grown so much together. 

This year we have learned so much more how to pray together over everything. We're still growing in this as it's not always easy to do in the fullness of life, but we see critically how much we need to pray over everything in our life and in the lives of those around us. We need to pray for our leaders locally, nationally and globally. We need to pray for the church our local body and our family around the world. We grow everyday in what it means to truly pray.

This year we have grown in learning together. Learning Bible, learning theology, learning how to parent better, learning how to organize and plan more efficiently, learning how to grow an online business, learning how to be together and enjoy fun times. We have really loved learning about growing a ministry business together and understanding how Scripture guides us in the principles even when exact commands do not exist. We're learning how to try and keep going and not be afraid of failure. 

Year 17 has been big for us in other ways as well. A book was published, we had our tenth child (another girl!), we started working diligently on Childbirth Conversations, we have gotten coaching to help guide us as the LORD shows us His path, and begun work on The Manor Manor as our parent business for all of our endeavors. 

What an adventure God has brought us on! 

And even though it has been challenging in many ways, it has been so good as God leads the way. 

Father, thank You for the gift of marriage. Thank you for this opportunity and privilege to share the Gospel by living Your design. Thank You for all of your blessings and all of the amazing gifts You have given us. We are blessed beyond measure and we are so thankful that You have brought us to this point. Please continue to guide us in our marriage as we walk with You, teach and train our children and seek to encourage others to do the same. Thank You for your grace! In Jesus Name we pray, Amen!

Jim's 38th Birthday

 38 years Jim has been on this earth. It has been an amazing year. Jim has grown closer to God, closer to me and closer to our children. He is growing in courage and learning to be who God has created him to be.

With the pandemic Jim majorly stepped up and did an amazing job as we were unable to meet with the church for several months. We loved our family Sundays that included Bible study with breakfast, Systematic Theology study after kitchen clean up, watching our church worship from a far, and sermon discussion with lunch followed by family game and movie time. What an amazing job he did as we delved into going deeper with our children. While we don't do this all on Sunday now, it set us up for even deeper conversations after our corporate worship and Sunday School and gave us even more to discuss and teach in our week. This grew our family together in mighty ways and we have seen God doing amazing work because of the faithfulness of Jim to God's instruction to train up his children in the ways of the LORD. We're so blessed with an amazing spiritual head of our home.

I continue to see God welling in Jim a love for family ministry and training parents, especially fathers who work many hours, to train and disciple their children. It's a super exciting time as we work on plans to make a ministry to do just that. Jim is naturally shy, but as God expands His vision and shows Jim what He desires, Jim is growing in courage and love for following God and what He's calling him to even when it's hard. 

On top of this, Jim continues to work tirelessly at Piedmont in the PACU to provide for our family. God has been so gracious to provide far more than we ever expected with this job and still have a semi-normal schedule so that we have Jim on weekends and he's home Wednesdays during the week. He are so blessed to have a wonderful job that allows him to provide well and be present well for our family. 

We are beyond blessed! I'm so thankful for Jim and his incredible life. I love watching what God does as He grows Jim in Christlikeness. 

Father, thank You for Jim and his Godly influence on our family. Thank You that he loves Your Word and teaches our family straight from it without hesitation or reservation. Thank You that he teaches, trains and disciples. Thank You for the love he has for all of us. Please continue to grow him in Your strength and make him even more like Your Son, Jesus. Continue to lead Jim as he leads our family and teaches us what it means to follow You with all that we are. Thank You for Your continued provision, even in this strange year. Thank You for drawing us closer to You and to each other. I pray these things in Jesus's Name, Amen!

Our Eleven Year Old Lillian

Our first daughter, Lillian, is 11-years-old today. Her birth is one I have never forgotten. From the moment we knew she was in my womb, God used her life to show us that trusting Him and listening to His voice is the way to live.

Lillian is such a precious young lady and God has worked so much in her this year. It's been amazing to watch Lillian flourish into a young woman and learn to embrace who God has created her to be. During this year we have seen God save her and Lillian has grown so much in her faith. She's been studying the Word, memorizing James and Proverbs 31 and growing in prayer. God has given her a love for her home and she enjoys taking care of her little brothers and sister, cooking and baking and is learning to sew. This love is definitely from the LORD as we have seen such a change in focus since she was saved. It is beautiful to watch her light up as she talks about making things for her home now and when she grows up. She so desires to be a woman after God's own heart.

This year Lillian has grown so much in her baking skills. Cookies, cakes, pies, tuilles, cream puffs, muffins and just about anything else you can think of she is willing to try and usually succeeds at making on her first try. (Soft pretzels are a family favorite) Her flavors are amazing and her textures are right on. She does both traditional baking and baking with alternative flours and sweeteners and both are delicious. It was amazing that she developed her own blondie recipe made with alternative flour and sweeteners so that those with sugar sensitivities could enjoy. This year she is working on presentation and finesse as she decorates her cakes. She has also started selling cakes, so Lillian's Bakery has commenced.

Reading has also become very important to Lillian. When she's not baking she's usually reading. She enjoys her American Girl books and is working through The Baxter Family series by Karen Kingsbury. There are many other books she reads, but she goes back to those over and over again. 

Lillian also enjoys being outside. Whether reading in the grass, exploring our yard, picking flowers or helping Esther explore she loves to be out and about in nature. 

And people. She loves to be around people, especially other women. She is wanting to learn from those who have gone before and asks all kinds of questions. Lillian sees the value in asking questions and learning from others. It is such a blessing to see this in her. She has grown up so much this year and it is amazing to see how God is working in her and through her.

Father, thank You so much for our sweet Lillian. Thank You for the life you have given her and the joy and laughter she brings to our family and home. Thank You for the work You are doing in her to make her a woman after Your own heart, making her like Jesus. Continue to grow her in loving You, Your Word and Your Way. Teach her to hear Your still small voice and let her follow You wholeheartedly! In the Name of Jesus we ask these thing. Amen!