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!