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Today I am participating in a blog roll of mothers of big families over at Kelly’s Korner.

Even though I don’t always consider us a BIG family, I don’t usually think of us as small either.  And I can’t say that we always planned to have four kiddos, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.  Michael and I met our freshman year of collage, and were married in the spring of our sophomore year, so we were 20 years old.  At 22, we had our first son and now at 35 we have four!

Here is my family

Mason is my oldest and as much as I hate to say it, he turned 13 in February so he is officially a teenager.  YIKES (and I will gladly accept your prayers!!)

Actually, he’s a great kid with a heart of gold!  He loves Jesus and his siblings!  I couldn’t ask for a better first born!  He’s incredibly smart and talented when it comes to sports.  He plays football, runs track, competes in pole vaulting and will be on the swim team this year.  Thankfully, girls aren’t really in the picture yet, but I know that won’t last forever.  So, for now, I’ll just keep praying for the young lady who will one day be his wife

Connor is our second born and he’s our *special* kiddo.  He is ten years old and currently in the fourth grade.  He’s incredibly smart – actually sick smart with a mind that memorizes almost everything that is factual.  But he has social challenges.  He has Aspergers Syndrome.  And I would be lying if I told you that raising one with some special needs is easy, but I do believe it has brought many, many blessings into our lives!  Through this child God has taught me more than I have time to tell you in just one post.  But to sum it all up – it may me realize that life isn’t always perfect and it taught me to CHILL OUT!!  Learn what is worth fighting for, let go of what isn’t, and pray for wisdom to know the difference.

Following Connor we were blessed with our daughter – Kate.  She is stunningly beautiful and is crazy outgoing.  She never meets a stranger and loves having friends in her life.  We found out last year that she has dyslexia, but with a little extra help in learning a variety of strategies, I’m proud to say that she doesn’t let it slow her down! She is severn and is in the second grade.  I’m so thankful God trusted us with a little girl, but with all the drama, I am thankful to have one.  We enjoy shopping together and getting our manis and pedis!  She is crazy spoiled by her daddy.  But every time he buys her jewelry, he says he is setting the bar high for her future spouse.

Ethan is our fourth and final.  He is such a sweet mess!  He was born a bit premature – at 33 weeks and spent some time in NICU, but you would never know it now! He brings much joy and laughter into our family and we simply could not imagine our family without him!  He’s four and will start Pre-K next year.

They all love each other and get along PERFECTLY!

NOT!!!

Actually, they do love each other and get along pretty well. But there is arguing and teasing on a weekly basis!  We’re pretty strict parents, and don’t put up with disobedience or  disrespect.  And I haven’t hesitated to spank, when needed.  But a very wise woman once told me that if you spank them til they’re five, you won’t have to spank them anymore.  I can’t say that we stopped right at five, but the jest of what she meant is absolutely true.  I think it’s really about setting realistic expectations and being consistent.  Our children know what we expect of them.  They know that when they follow the rules it benefits the entire family.  And usually, they’d rather obey and reap the benefits than the opposite.

Michael and I recently celebrated our 15th anniversary and were able to get a way for the weekend.  Finding someone to watch all the kids for an entire weekend isn’t always easy.  However, I cherish the time away with my spouse.  I think that’s another reason we are so strict on bedtime (8 o’clock sharp).  It’s crucial for parents to have their time together – regardless of the size of your family.  We have to be good with one another in order to be the parents we need to be.  For us, that means consistency in church EVERY week – no exceptions.  It also means that we both maintain a daily relationship with the Lord.  And then we take care of each other.  By having a strong and healthy marriage, I know that we have the foundation that our children need.

I am a part time photographer.  I operate solely out of my home office, so I am at home most of the time, unless I’m out shooting.  Running a business is time consuming, so I have to set up boundaries for myself.  I love what I do, so I have to be careful to keep our life balanced.  But Jesus is at the center, so our rock solid foundation never changes.

March 7, 1997

Boy came in and stood in front of a large crowd. Girl walked down isle.

And together they became husband and wife.

And now, 15 years later, I find myself asking God for the gift of living a long life with this man.

“His heart, so humble and loving, is the vessel God uses to pour His goodness into my life, our home, and marriage, and our children.

Through the years, the vessel has been reshaped and weathered through challenges and joys that are ever-changing.

But his heart has always been willing to be pliable in the Master’s hands – and that is what makes him a man after God’s heart – and the man who has won mine.”

Thank you, Michael John, for making my reality better than my dreams.

You complete me.

And I can’t wait to spend the next 75 years with you.

Happy Anniversary, my love.