Today....

my 4 year old asked me when he was going to die, my 3 year old made my day when he said, "Guess what, Mommy? I wuv you!" and my 10 month old is on the verge of taking his first steps.
One of the reasons I love having a four year old is being able to have these eternal conversations quite often. It's always nice having a loving, affectionate 3 year old to encourage me to continue the good work He has called me to do...b/c I'm gonna need it with my wild, spunky baby...who I just adore, by the way!

Three

Can't believe how fast three years of knowing my precious Jon Jon have passed. He's a precious, tender hearted, affectionate and silly little boy. Jon Jon is LOUD...his scream, his voice, his laugh...there's no volume control on this child! He's a cuddler who often tells Jon and I how much he loves us. Jon and I ADORE going into the boys' room right before or a little bit after Jonathan's fallen asleep. He is seriously the funniest thing! He gets this HUGE smile on his face, reaches out for hugs, kisses and lots of drowsy I wuv yous.

Last night he got a big egg on his head by falling on my parents' marble coffee table. Through his tears, he so tenderly said, "Mommy, I sorry I bumped my head. You forgive me?" When there really are things he needs to apologize for, he's quick to repent and ask forgiveness. Michael kept asking him what train he wanted for his birthday. "No fank you, Michael. I want a baby Jesus." He's been happily playing with his new manger scene. I'm so thankful the Lord chose me to be Jonathan's mother. He makes my heart glad.

I LOVE...

my man and boys!

Filled with Thanks

...for The Edgren's who opened their home to the whole gang and The Qiang Family (a family Mom Edgren tutors).

...for my family who basically just had us come over and took care of the rest.


...for my wonderful parents and their to die for food!



...for being with my brothers and their beautiful and precious families.

...for my children being able to spend two days with their cousins.

Some conversations

with my boys crack me up. Jonathan's little mind, how he perceives things, in particular makes me giggle regularly. The other day I was trying to buy some time so I decided to go a different way home. Michael quickly alerted me to the fact that I was NOT going the right way. Jonathan joined Michael but added, "No, Mommy. You're not going the right way, you're going the left way!"

I absolutely ADORE how Jonathan says girl. So every chance I get I"ll ask him if various people are girls or boys. "You're a girl, right?" "No, I not a gweull. I a BOY!"

MD and JJ call me the best cooker, even when I give just give them goldfish and hotdogs to eat. Jonathan just told me this week that I'm the best train finder because that's what mommies do...look everywhere for favorite trains.


These are just some of the things that make me smile about my boys.

Never Forget...

to count your blessings. I was looking through pictures of Michael David over the years and the same feelings I used to experience every day overcame me. One of desparation b/c no one could help our boy with his severe eczema, everyone having differing opinions. One of weariness from being up all night to reapply lotions/ give more meds to a child who would call out in pain only to wake up in blood stained sheets from scratching so much. One of jealousy b/c MD couldn't live a "normal" life, enjoying the outdoors for only 5 minutes max. Many days were spent in zip up footed pjs to keep scratching to a minimum...but I would often find him hiding with all his clothes off going to town on his skin...more lotions, more itchy meds throughout the day.



I recently started crying when talking about our summer to my Bible study group b/c this is the first one MD has been able to be outside for any extended period of time without major consequences. This is the first year he got a bathing suit line from being in the sun. This is the first summer he was able to go to the waterpark almost every weekend with Jon b/c the chlorine water used to be too harsh. How wonderful that we don't deal with the daily, minute by minute struggles with his skin like we did the first 3 years and 8 months of his life. I firmly believe everything happens under God's watchful care. God saw fit to allow MD to have such problems but HE walked with us through this fire and has brought us rest and relief. Praise be to His name.

Black & White Fall Pictures by Joanna Fleming

Soccer vs. Train

He was so proud every time he touched the ball and would look back asking if we saw him.

I could not stop laughing at his determined face.
He was not so happy about having 2 people fall on him. The coach was so sweet...picked him up in the air which kept him from crying.

Well, Michael David started soccer last week. His anticipation was building all week. Monday we bought shin gaurds, soccer shoes and socks. Of course, he thought it was the coolest thing that you could hit his legs with no subsequent injury. On Thursday I told him that tomorrow he'd finally get to play. His response, "Is today tomorrow?!" Friday we arrived at the field very enthusiastic about soccer. Little did we know there would be a competing factor for his attention. The field is right across the street from train tracks and during practice 2 trains zoomed by. MD: "Mommmy, TRAIIINNNN! Can we pleeassee go over and see it?!" This was all during his coach's instructions. All the other kids looked at him like he was a little crazy...he is just a little crazy about trains! The train definitely won his attention during practice. "Mommy, I don't want to be a soccer player, I want to be a train engineer."

He had his first game Saturday morning. Friends and family woke up early to see our buddy "play." On the way there MD kept saying, "Mommy, even when I get really tired I won't give up. I'm going to drink this water and it's going to give me super energy!" He was pretty enthusiastic the first half, his fierce running made me giggle. The second half, there were a lot of heavy sighs, walking and scratching (due to his eczema). He was so proud whenever he kicked or touched the ball (and yes, he touched the ball with his hands). Thankfully the train that raced past us did so during a period when he was on the sidelines. I would have to say that soccer won over the train on Saturday. Only time will tell which will be the true winner. I have a sneaking suspicion nothing will ever touch the beloved train. The child is a fanatic.

Brotherly Love...

Here's a picture of Jonathan talking to Michael who was telling him all about his excursion to Charleston with Nee Nee and Poppy. The conversation went a little something like this:

MD: "Jon Jon, we walked over the bridge. I saw a huge boat that was taller than me! And I played at a cool playground at the end."

Jon Jon: "You did?" I wanna see bwidge too."

MD: "And we just saw a train. It had a black engine and red caboose and there were frieght cars coupled to each other."

Jon Jon: "Really?! I wanna see train, Michael."

MD: "Bye, Jon Jon!"

Jon Jon: "Bye, Michael! I wuv you."

Sweet boys.

Dear Grady,

Mommy loves you to death and usually doesn't mind your wild antics, but could you please stop turning over when I change you? And would you please stop getting so excited about your ability to sit up and stand up? Rest a little, Buddy! You are making rest a luxury around here.

Wild man is 6 months old!

Seriously, I have never been around or held a baby as active as Grady (most people really can't handle it). I'm convinced he is determined not to be left out. He adores his brothers but has a special bond with Michael. He is pure exhaustion and joy rolled into one.

Grady is now able to sit up pretty well and he's started to do the crawling stance. When I first started to see him get up on his hands and knees I "encouraged" him to get down...more like I quickly put him on his back...and he quickly rolled back over to try his new trick. I'm not ready to have three wild boys roaming around. Isn't the 3rd baby supposed to be the easiest?

His adorable "talk" and smile make me momentarily forget how hard he is. He hasn't met a stranger yet. The past two times at the doctor's office he didn't cry when his foot was pricked all b/c he was busy flirting with the nurse.

Fun Easter Activities...in Summer!

This week, when cleaning out one of my closets, I happened upon an egg coloring kit that I bought back in March. I pulled it out and the boys and I went to town...boiling eggs, coloring the water, making a work station. We had the best time checking the eggs to see if they were the just the right tint...about 50 times. =) Then the inevitable occured...Jonathan dropped one of his fully decorated eggs on the floor. He immediately started crying and I quickly started to playfully say the Humpty Dumpty rhyme. Everything changed for both boys! Our masterpieces quickly ALL became Humpty. What joy came out of such tragedy. =)

Such a good book...

I don't usually use my blog to tell personal likes and dislikes. I mainly use it to document moments in the lives of my children, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to tell you about this book: Faithful God by Sinclair Ferguson.

It is a short (only 157 pages) and truly rich read on the book of Ruth in the Bible. It is full of life changing biblical principles that we should be reminded of as believers. I have found it particularly encouraging to remember God's providencial loving-kindness in my life: by bringing me to Himself and continuing His good work in and through me inspite of myself. Even in my children and their vastly different personalities the Lord is showing me how He cares about every detail. He has hand picked each child to be in my care and HE is weaving a beautiful tapestry together, even if all I see right now are the stray strings underneath.

It's given me practical tools to be confident in the midst of life's circumstances. Something I've been convicted of lately was put into just the right question by my Bible study leader today. "Are you undone by your circumstances?" YES! But what opportunities I have to be a witness to my children, husband and those around me..."Those who look to the LORD are radiant." Oh, that the Lord would make me "grace under fire" and that He would help me see through His eyes. Trusting and walking faithfully even when I can't understand why and instead of becoming frustrated through life's happenings...after all, everything is orchestrated under His watchful care to bring Himself the most glory.

I pray I'll become more like Ruth and my man and boys will grow to be men more like Boaz! You will too after you read this enlightening, beautifully crafted book.

Cousin Time!

Fun was had by all at the beach during the 1st week in June. We're elated to have Gabe, Kel and the girls closer so that we'll see them more than once or twice a year.

Here are all the Edgren cousins on the 4th of July!

Well said

The other day Michael made a telling discription of little Grady. "Mommy, Grady's funny and fussy, but boy he sure is cute."

Grady is hilarious because of how hyper and wiggly he is. The child scoots and rolls all around his crib and often gets his arms stuck through the slats. I constantly feel like he's going to jump out of my arms when I hold him (this part makes me a little nervous for others to hold him). He also has the gift of gab. If you're talking to him, he's talking and smiling back.

This leads to MD's fussy comment. If Grady is not in the middle of everything; watching his brothers play or you're not paying him any attention, he's not a happy camper. He hates the car. Cries...I mean screams all the way to and from any location. The funny part is Michael and Jonathan could care less. I have seen MD cover his ears a couple times but he's only learned that from his cousin who is with us on Fridays. The only thing that soothes him at the end of the day is a bath where he just goes to town, kicking and splashing.

We love our little funny, fussy cutie pie. Good description, Michael!

Growing like a weed

Grady is now 12 weeks old and finally starting to get into the swing of things. Sweet boy loves to "talk" and smile at anyone who will engage him. He's extremely active, maybe my most hyper child. He is really never still. All this energy has it's perks. Yes, days are hard but nights are going more smoothly than with my other boys. Loving my littlest man.

Favorite Jonathanisms...

Love that my little boy talks up a storm now. He's always been a talker but now most people can understand what he says too. He cracks me up with his humor and melts my heart with his sweetness.

When I explain why he shouldn't do something using a serious voice, he'll chime in, "No sirry Bobs, Mommy."

He'll also look over at me while we're sitting together and say, "Mommy, I wuv you so much. I wuv you the best."

While praying at night he says, "My turn! Dear Jesus, thank you Mommy, Daddy. Amen."

In the morning, when I am too tired to answer questions verbally, I simply give Jonathan nods. He refuses to take lazy Mommy's answers. "Mommy, you listening to me?" I smile and nod. "Mommy, you talking to me?"

Love that boy!

Joanna Fleming Photography...has a nice ring to it!

My sister-in-law has such a talent! I seriously started to tear up when looking at the pictures she captured of Michael. He especially has always been difficult to photograph and having severe eczema doesn't help matters. No one has been able to capture what a handsome little boy he really is until now. I've told Joanna many times that she needs to start her own photography business. I would pay a lot of money for these shots! Take the plunge Joanna!

Happy Birthday to my big boy!

I can't believe my baby is FOUR! Time has flown by. People tell you that it will when you have babies and you try to savor every moment with them. It is true. Michael David, quirks and all, is growing up before my eyes. My little boy does everything in a big way. He is single-minded, focused on the task at hand or disturbance (lately his skin, pollen or bees). May the Lord continue to use MD's determination, loads of energy and persistance to accomplish great things for HIS kingdom.

Things your working on: writing letters, letting others go first, being kind to your little brother b/c he's your best friend, not overreacting but simply asking for help in a calm way, not interrupting and obeying the 1st time.

Things you mastered/enjoyed during your 3s: Pooping and peeing like a pro on the potty, loving your littlest brother-always wanting to hold and tend to him, laughing...and making Jonathan laugh, going to the zoo with Ye Ye, playing and spending the night at Nee Nee and Poppy's, running, TRAINS, playing with your cousins...and so much more.

I praise the Lord for allowing YOU to make me a mom. You are the apple of my eye, Buddy!

Girlfriends and boyfriends

Haven and Grady excited to meet for the first time. They hit it off so well! Grady is 4 wks and Haven is 9 wks.
Here is our attempt at a group photo. Jonathan and Noah crack me up in this picture...Jonathan flinching while Noah hammers away.

Miss Sandy, Evie and Kerry

Noah was quite the ham!! Don't you just want to squeeze him?!

Last week two of my dear friends came to visit, Kerry from Charlotte and Evie all the way from St. Louis. We had a blast letting our six children, 3 and younger, play at Leapin Lizards while the adults attempted to catch up. We actually got to talk more than I expected, although it never feels like enough. (This time in my life brings with it a bunch of unfinished conversations b/c someone always needs training, disciplining or tending.) After LL's we packed all the kiddos up and headed to Chick Chick for some lunch and then for a little playtime back at our house. I wish we all lived closer so that our kids could grow up together. Later when I was talking to MD about his birthday without hesitation he told me he wanted Noah and Brennan to come. That tells you how much fun he had. =)

Grady at 3 weeks

FIRSTS...

Michael reading Grady his first book about Jesus.

The big boys "helping" give Grady his 1st bath.

1st 2 week picture

1st bath