L turns Eleven

Oh joy and wonder - L you are so much more than we could have hoped for in a daughter.  Your love for learning is infectious.  You work so hard and make it look easy.  We are bowled over by your integrity, joy and creativity.  It frustrates me a little that you don't enjoy your photo taken any more, you would rather do something else.  But know I love how you know your mind, you melt our hearts with your kindness, your faithfulness and how easy you make loving you.  My prayer is that you keep talking to us, that you love adventure and grow in grace, humility and compassion.  Thank you that you are quick to forgive, it means a lot to me, especially as this stage is a challenge and I really want to love you extravagantly.  Our hearts burst with love for you, Mum xx

L turns T E N

Today felt very emotional as L turned ten.  Time is moving way too fast.  Each year I write a post for each of my girls.  L we truly cannot help but love you.  You are a delight and joy to be around, although the last few months we have experienced a few moody hormone driven days.  We are learning about how you yearn to be grown up and crave more independence.  You continue to be such a caring and thoughtful sister, daughter and friend.  Your friendship with C is stronger than ever, she adores you and loves your company.  As you enter yet another year of your life, please know that you are completely accepted.  Grow in kindness, grace and hope for all you want to do in life.  We love how you are enjoying your faith, learning the guitar and coping with this challenging year at school.  Stay brave and true to you, don't compare yourself to others, don't give up doing good, don't fret over being popular or cool.  Do love adventure, thinking about how to help others, and not giving up.  Thank you, for the fun you share with us.  How you love to send me text messages and pick up on me saying things back to front and upside down.  I hope you know that you can always trust us and that we believe in you.  All our love, Mum and Dad. 

Six Today

Today C turned six!  She was thrilled, the run up to her birthday she mentioned it to everyone we met!  Yesterday C remarked that she felt like she was getting older.  Then this morning, she was so excited that she blurted out with sheer delight that it felt like it is the first birthday she ever had.  My darling girl, you bring such a joy to our hearts.  We love how you observe life and share your thoughts so eloquently.  You love your dear friends, you are so caring towards them.  For some reason you have the need to change your outfits several times during the day!  Your a master of pretend play, have a connection with singing and love to talk about the things that pop into your mind.  Your love for Jesus is so pure, filled with songs.  You hate it when we get cross with you, but massively confident in our love for you.  It is easy for us to show compassion, as you do it daily.  Thank you for the comfort you give to all that touch your heart.  Today was about Birthday giggles.  Enjoy being six! 

Nine Today

My eldest daughter is nine today.  Our understanding of home happened on the day you were born.  L you are hard working, open to learning and growing in courage.  From the age of three your sense of humor melts us into laughter.  You are an incredible kind soul and gentle big sister.  Your compassion teaches me, your integrity inspires us and your sensitive spirit will guide you.  You are faithful and have such a pure love for God.  This year you have loved maths, minecraft, been brave, had your first ever sleepover last Friday, got the chance to visit Downlands dance workshop, stood in assembly and read out your poem.  Hope that you know that each day we love you more.

C turns Five

Today our youngest turned five.  The first thing she said this morning was "I am really five today, at this time?"  C you bring us so much joy, you love making us laugh, you are full of humor.  The best thing is your endless affection, you love to cuddle up, be held and get into our bed at the weekends.  At times you are fiercely independent, yet other times you crave being the 'baby'.  Recently when Becca and Tim stayed Tim said to Becca that you are 'impossibly cute'!  Even L remarks how 'cute in C' most days.  You play nicely with your friends, you love to make them laugh, you love doing accent impressions and repeating lines in films.  You sing, I would say all the time if that was possible?!  You sing at school, at home, in the car, when we are out, you mainly sing about what you are thinking, seeing or doing!  Lastly you are a little too cheeky, but we adore you.
Photos taken yesterday, ready for today's post!

L turns eight

My eldest daughter turned eight today.  It only feels like yesterday when I held her for the first time and gazed into her smiley eyes. Today, I am amazed and grateful for L and all that she brings to our lives.

L, the first thing about you that I always mention (this blog included) is your kindness.  It is such a simple virtue, but so hard to follow through, when life or tiredness gets in the way, but you are so natural and consistent in this trait.  You love to learn, presently you are thriving in year three, with wonderful certificates in tow.  May the greatest lesson you learn be that you are greatly loved.  Trust your decisions, you are very discerning and have a wonderful heart.  I am learning to love the things you love (one direction and camp rock...why)??  Seriously, I love to find you where you are, not always where I would want you to be.  When the road seems to divide, please remember I will always come to you.  As a mother I will always celebrate you being your own person, but for now I still have the role to help you grow.

Four Today

Our youngest, turned four today.  She exclaimed to nearly everyone we met today that 'I can't believe I'm four now'!  She is a bundle of fun, cheeky and a great source of entertainment.  She sings her thoughts and actions through the day (really all day).  Going something like this; 'it is raining today, oh raining again, again, again, again, I am going to wear my wellie boots, my boots, my boots, where are they now I know, it's by the back door, back door, back door.' C, you adore your big sister, love and loved by your friends, love singing, playing babies and watching the film Annie.  This year you have enjoyed gardening, dressing yourself, pulling faces and playing flying Barbies.  You love to play with Eddie, Henry, Kai, Xanthe, Yasmin, Benji, Allegra and our neighbours.  You always want to jump on Daddy, annoy L and assert your will.  You continue to grow in grace, compassion and wit.  Thank you for blessing our family, you are most wanted.  Love, mummy xxx

Seven

Today our precious L turned seven. Celebrating with L has been a very low keyed affair, but perfect! I love her more then in instantaneous moment of her birth. I am so proud of her. I learn so much from her, some lessons I care not to learn, but embark or this journey of ever learning and ever leaning towards.  I lean towards her, when she doesn't know how to come to me, when frustrated and in her overwhelming waves of emotions.  L, I love your compassion, kindness, quiteness, gentleness, and giggles. You are creative and spirtual. You love to run, ride your bike, make things, write away, watch your sister, play 'mum', collect what I'd love to discard, take photos, sing and play on the computer. You don't give much time to bossy people, tiding your room, television, eating crusts, make up or being centre stage. L long may you facinate me, capture my heart, cause me concern, be my everyday pray for you, bring tears to my eyes, forgive each other, love you unconditionally and make me laugh. I love you.

Three

Today our youngest turned three.  Clara likes talking all of the time, cuddling, pretending to read, pretending to be a mummy, pretending to be a teacher, dancing, watching Fireman Sam and Peppa Pig, singing, playing with her sister and friends.  Today she proudly announced to passers by 'it's my birthday and I am three.'  We learn so much from you Clara, your sweet nature and compassion touches our soul and changes us daily.

SIX today

Our Eldest is six today. Happy Birthday LV, we love you more than you could ever know. When I look at you, my mind takes me to the days when you were a mere baby and then in an instant it races forward to what I can only dream, hope and imagine for you in the years ahead. May you grow in grace, wisdom, kindness, compassion and with a deep sense of being loved and cherished. As your mum, I hope that I will grow in grace, kindness, acceptance and be brave enough to learn from you, trust you and let you follow your heart. (secretly I would love to wrap you in cotton wool and protect you as best I can).

5th

Today is L's 5th Birthday. Our firstborn is growing up so fast. She is fun, creative, a little shy at times, very serious, not into tidying up, enjoys being outdoors and loves playing with her little sister. I loved sharing this special day with her, I love being her Mum. May her days be blessed with health, peace, love and laughter.

Sweet things for a Sweet 1st Birthday

Sadly CLJ's 1st birthday has been postponed. She has chicken pox and it is 10 times worse than LV's! So today we remembered the first time we met her and had an afternoon of sweet things..