The many faces of Levi at 3

Happy Birthday to our dear little man! Levi is three years old!  I tried to take a photo that best described him at this age and in the end decided that all of these expressions are equally important. Levi is our firecracker boy, full of life and mischief, love and exuberance with a tad gentle old soul.  He tries so hard to keep up with his big sisters and never wants to be left out of anything.  But he also takes on his own explorations and is likely the most extroverted of all our children.  Levi at three adores vehicles of all kinds.  He still loves his antique tractors, but now thinks construction vehicles are rather spectacular too.  He admires wheels and hammers, can match pitch and remember songs he hears once.  He loves his kitty and blankie, riding his bike, reading Busy Town books by Richard Scary and building towers.  His favorite foods might be apples, yogurt and sausage.  He loves bath time and still sleeps terribly, appearing in the middle of the night by my side. He loves read alouds and can quote Anne of Green Gables, Lord of the Rings and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. His wonder of the world is innocent and simple and it is refreshing in a world that feels dark and heavy most of the time. He loves listening to We're Going on a Bear Hunt and can occupy himself happily with his trains, tools and cars.  Our dear boy has been a strong child since birth, stretching me in ways I did not know my motherhood and faith needed stretching. He has had chronic breathing issues that have caused many a sleepless night for all of us. But I see God growing him into such a strong man of God, even at this little age. He is courageous, long suffering and full of big feelings. I can't believe he is three, but more importantly I can't believe how blessed we are through the gift of his life. Happy birthday Levi Marshall. May God bless you and keep you always.  

 

Another Year

The year is fresh, like snow. The days have been full of many good things: homemade bread and tea with cookies, friends and fellowship, family meals, a Redwall Feast, blanket forts and trampoline jumps for energetic two year olds, embroidering sisters and homemade gifts.  The piano was never silent and Carol of the Bells was heard echoing the halls in around 100 different renditions! We visited those who had no family and brought love to those who were lonely and hurting. We watched and tended our sick kitty Clara and adopted a new fish. We had piano recitals when the power went out and so many duets we forgot who was playing and who wasn't. We remembered again the longing we feel for all to be made right and rejoiced that the Lamb came to crush the Serpent. 

And now, we start again with new books, new rhythms and the unfailing faithfulness of the Lord for each new day.  The year has not started off with ease. In fact, shock and sorrow and anger threaten like storm clouds. But He holds us fast. And we look with the eyes of our hearts for the goodness of God. When we look, we see it in abundance.