Another Birthday Came and Went!
This weekend we celebrated the kid’s birthdays…again!
Alex – 6 months
Alexis 1 year birthday
And then they grew SO fast! 
Above – turning 5 and 7. Below – turning 6 and 8.
Years are passing rapidly!
And yesterday we celebrated Alexander turning 9 and Alexis turning 7.
Silence…
The evening ends with wrapping paper, plastic cups, pinata shavings, dirty dishes and toys scattered.
Mommy gulps as she reflects on the memories of her little ones who each day grow a little bigger.
Silence…Reflection
Time seemed so slow during the Barney days.
Tear*
Time is moving so fast she wants to hit the pause button.
Where did the days of binky’s, bottles and blankies go?
Gone.
Completely gone – never to return.
She begins to clean up.
She wonders is she good enough?
Is she doing the right things for her children?
Has she given them too much, too little, enough?
It seems like life is 2 steps forward, one step back.
Signs of maturity sparkle
but then the bubble bursts and ugly messes she never saw coming spill out.
And she wonders – how will this end, will they live well?
She lays her head in the chest of her strong man and says,
“I think this is hard for a reason.
God is making sure I don’t think I can do this in my own strength.
He is keeping me humbled so I will learn to persevere in prayer
It seems I forget to pray on my knees when we take 2 steps forward.
But on days when we are one step back, I am reminded I am weak. He is strong.”
And 2 who are 1, comfort each other as together they look to the future with hope.
Hope in a great God who is faithful.
Hope that in our weaknesses, God will give us strength for the days to come.
Hope that our children will be the next generation to shine like lights in a dark world.
And hope for future generations.
2 Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the Lord range through out the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” NIV
In the midst of fevers, spit up, diapers and dishes we moms can grow weary. We can forget all the firsts and LASTS that our children are progressing through. Don’t wish this season away sweet mamas! Embrace the moments. Live in them – love them and live well!
Psalm 127:3 “Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.”NLT
Walk with the King!
Courtney,
I so needed this today. The last two days feel like I’ve been unsuccessfully trying to tread water. My “to-do” list has taken on a life of its own and is threatening to swallow me completely. Thank you for this post, it is exactly what I needed to help me get my head & heart back in line.
Courtney thank you needed this post!! I just had my daughters 18TH birthday last Thursday THE 22ND she is the oldest of our 7 and I had a really hard day!!! I remembered as though it were yesterday giving birth to her and yet over the years of busyness that seems so far away and now I cant get the time back. To all you mom’s out there please dont wish the time away it goes oh so fast and we cant get those precious moments back live in the moment embrace lifes graces for that second and pray fervently daily for you as a momma and your precious gifts on lone for such a time as this a time only God can guarantee and give to them. Thank you for continually sharing your heart and being transparent COURTNEY WE LOVE YOU here in Las Vegas!!! <3
I love hearing about your children -and they look so gorgeous, Courtney!! They really are beautiful kids.
Can you please reply to me privately so I may ask you a question about my marriage?
Sarah
I love how they share the day and the cake!!! So many think that to feel ‘special’ that they need to be separated, but sometimes it’s more fun to celebrate together. I have a daughter whose birthday is March 12 and another one that is March 29 and they often celebrate together. It’s fun to have cake and individual gifts on their actual birthday’s but we often do a ‘fun activity’ for both of them together and none of them are upset about it. I love that we aren’t the only ones. Happy Birthday to a beautiful girl and a handsome boy 🙂
Great post! Your kids just make me smile!
Looks like they had a great party! My son turns 8 next month! I can’t believe it! I can vividly remember bringing him home from the hospital…..his first bites of baby food, his first steps, his first day of Kindergarten and now here we are at the end of his Second grade year. Time flies!
I needed this! I am in the midst of the days of binky’s, bottles and blankies. they are hard days but I know they will fly by and I will yearn for them back. Congratulations on 9 and 7 years of being a mama to two beautiful children!
Happy Birthday Xander and Lexi!!!!! Such sweet pictures Courtney- Oh how I wish I could just pick that little baby up through the computer screen!!! Times goes so fast.
Happy Birthday to your precious children and thank you for the sweet reminder to enjoy these moments! 🙂
What a great way to celebrate! My brother’s, although 15 years apart, had dates 3 days apart, so they often had their family celebration together too. How many days apart are your kiddos? They certainly look like they enjoy sharing their day! They are beautiful children.
Great Job Mama!
Happy Birthday to your precious little ones!!! I enjoyed looking at all the pictures and memories you shared with us. I love the cakes…what a great idea! It has been a blessing lately for me to be able to embrace those moments with my girls!! It goes by soo fast and before you know there gone! Thank you for sharing your heart!
God Bless you sis!