ages and stages

Micah: Tenacious Tens

It is hard to believe we've been parents for an entire decade now, but when we look at our firstborn we have all the proof we need! Fourth grade has been a year of tremendous stretching for Micah as he's had to rise to his teacher's high standards of excellence, work out some tensions in friendships, and hold fast to the faith he has learned from infancy, which he desires to share with others. Like many boys his age, he loves anything involving video games, adding to his dragon collection, reading all kinds of books and magazines, and just being part of the action of life.

Rachel: exciting eights

Rachel has taken a turn this year into the world of girlhood with great gusto. She loves to wear anything sparkly and pink (though black does remain her favorite color), asks at times to wear a dress to school (never saw that one coming, but reading The Hundred Dresses together did help), and just hanging out with mom. She loves to be silly but has times of tremendous seriousness when it comes to matters of faith. When she asked to help with our Easter egg hunt last week, she went over my notes on the resurrection eggs at least six times to learn how to communicate the meaning to others. Who knows what God has around the bend for this girl who has, from age two, expressed love for people from other cultures and has longed to go to Africa to tell others about Christ?

Josiah: terrific twos

Whoever calls age two terrible is looking at the glass half empty! We've seen Josiah's emotions and behavior level out this year as recent adenoid surgery seems to have been a turning point in his health. It is amazing how different he is now that he feels well instead of sick most of the time!!! Josiah has a deep love for others (especially if they look old enough to be a grandma or grandpa), exuberant joy, and no fear!!!!! His children's leaders in BSF have commented on how much he loves to sing during hymn time. He also seems to have a bent toward cooking...this morning he asked if we could make muffins. I am so thankful for these precious years with my youngest still at home. Looking at my older two, I know they fly by far too quickly!