102 In Life

Thankful for their Hearts

girls2

Saturday morning we decided to eat breakfast at Waffle House and Morgan prayed for us…

Thank you, God, for this food and that we can all be together. Amen.

So simple, so precious… much like their lives right now. Simple, sweet, and innocent. Their hearts have never been hurt  {maybe nicked but not wounded} and I dread the day they come home wounded, embarrassed, or defeated. Their ages are physically demanding of my time, but  today I am rejoicing that at this stage their needs are mostly physical and not emotional {although we battle sin constantly}. Their hearts are guarded, protected and unafflicted by the hurt that comes with living in the world. Morgan’s grandfather {Daddy Boy} bought her {and the rest of them} overalls last Christmas. Her’s are a size 5, she’s 6 and clearly has grown a few inches since she last wore them so they are a tad short. But she’s 6 and she doesn’t care. She’s also not a girly girl and kindly declined my offer to add a ruffle to the bottom. She wore them to a swim party {over her bathing suit} a couple weeks ago without thinking twice {which is good because no six-year-old should}. She felt 100% comfortable in overalls {even ones that were way too short} and that made my heart sing. I thought about how innocent she was and then I thought about how in a few years if she were to wear too-short overalls to a swim party over her bathing suit she’d potentially be made fun of and I was so sad to think of her heart being hurt. When the time comes, because I know it will, my hope and prayer for my  children is that they will find their confidence in Christ and love those who hurt them.

girls

rover

They’re home from preschool today and we started the morning off right with an outing to the Dunkin’ D. I asked them what they knew about Martin Luther King, Jr and they both answered my question with blank stares so I just found this video {suitable for kids} on National Geographic so we’re going to have a little home school lesson on MLK, Jr.

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  • Hannah
    January 17, 2011 at 4:18 pm

    I have been following your blog since summer and your family is so precious. I read your blog and it really inspires me. Your kids are darling and I hope some day I am blessed to have darling kids like yours. Have a wonderful day!

    Hannah
    hannahmichellesullivan.blogspot.com

  • Jennie-Marie
    January 17, 2011 at 4:25 pm

    LOVE this post!!!!

  • Melissab74
    January 17, 2011 at 4:27 pm

    Oh, if only we could keep that innocence and shelter their little hearts forever! Thankfully it hasn’t been TOO bad, but Matthew has had his feelings hurt at school a few times. Soooo hard for a Mama to see!

  • Cat Moore
    January 17, 2011 at 4:27 pm

    This is just precious…just like you and your beautiful children. I feel the same way. and thanks for the helpful link! 🙂 Happy MLK, Jr. Day!

  • Amy
    January 17, 2011 at 4:28 pm

    Precious! Thanks for the link!

  • Shireen
    January 17, 2011 at 4:30 pm

    Precious. Amen.

  • the domestic fringe
    January 17, 2011 at 4:34 pm

    You have a beautiful family!

    -FringeGirl

  • Carol
    January 17, 2011 at 4:36 pm

    I just want you to know that I seriously NEED your blog. Please don’t ever stop! I know this is crazy, but when I have a bad day I always have to check in to see what those crazy Sticklers are doing in hopes that there will be a new post to cheer me up. Out.of.control.

  • Melanie
    January 17, 2011 at 4:39 pm

    That Rover is a mess. I know that he is running you ragged. He is adorable.

  • alison g. (brazil)
    January 17, 2011 at 4:47 pm

    Such sweetness. I know what you mean about praying for their heart’s protection *sigh*
    I can’t get over how much of a “big girl” Paige looks like in these photos, too.
    I’ve been reading this blog a long time, I guess (and I couldn’t be happier!)

  • Katie
    January 17, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    I love how you captured such a sweet, sweet moment. The prayer warmed my heart. You are a wonderful mom! Thanks for sharing.

  • kristen
    January 17, 2011 at 5:03 pm

    So sweet and so true!

  • Opalm
    January 17, 2011 at 5:05 pm

    Your babes confidence is strongly influenced by their moms and dads. If you don’t make a big deal about it, they generally don’t either.

    Even as young teens, the battles in our home were not about “everyone else is……” but rather, “We have earned your trust mom and dad now please, please, please let us enjoy some freedom.” (our issues were with letting them take flight with their own wings). Whew that was the tough stuff for us.

    Lovely post, it is obvious your family is doing things very right.

  • The Mom
    January 17, 2011 at 5:15 pm

    I am thankful that you are seeing the lack of guile and artifice in your little ones now. Store the memory of these sweet times in a safe place (I call them erecting stones of remembrance) because you will need to remember times like this when you pass through the waters with each of your children. I am so blessed to be “seeing”….and always seeing more and more of God’s goodness and His promises made manifest in the lives of my adult children, yet I am ever mindful that each of us must travel the road of faith on our own. The tween and teenage years were hard. I learned that the wounds of enemies go very deep, but the wounds of a friend go deeper still. Each of my children faced disappointment, struggles, and sorrow. Each had to deal with his or her own sin…and mine as well. Yet I always found my strength in the Lord and the fact that His promises are Yea and Amen FOREVER! Remember always that you were chosen to raise these three little ones by the Creator of the universe Himself. Whew. I have preached enough…or too much!

  • Marielle
    January 17, 2011 at 5:17 pm

    Precious words. Precious children.

    On another note… Any thoughts on designing t-shirts for your line with drums and guitars? Our little guy is wild about musical instruments.

  • Becky
    January 17, 2011 at 5:21 pm

    Beautiful post and in that first pic, OMG the Raiger looks just like YOU!

  • Meg
    January 17, 2011 at 5:25 pm

    I am so deeply blessed by your blog.

  • Cat
    January 17, 2011 at 5:37 pm

    Hope the Lord makes me a faithful mother and wife like you when my time comes!! Thank you for such great inspiration!

  • Alex
    January 17, 2011 at 5:41 pm

    This was a beautiful post and it brought tears to my eyes. I stumbled across your blog several months ago, and while I love the beautiful photos and your honest voice, what keeps me reading is your ability to capture sweet and simple moments. It seems like you don’t take the small, precious things for granted, and that is a wonderful quality. Thank you for sharing!

  • Carly
    January 17, 2011 at 5:53 pm

    I love this post. And feel the same about their precious little hearts. Thank you for putting it into words. I constantly remind myself of Psalm 91:11 — “For he will command his angels to guard you in all your ways.” Since my first one started kindergarten this past fall, I pray this prayer for each of my children daily. Often, I add a descriptor after “guard” … your heart, your mind, your attitude. Satan cannot defeat that, now can he?

  • Taylor@WiseFamilyLiving
    January 17, 2011 at 5:58 pm

    I share your feelings. Protecting my girls from the “world” or/and “culture” as long as possible is one of my biggest concerns. TO me, they are like early flowers who need to be in a hot house, in an environment of warmth and protection. And I will do my best to protect them until they have grown and are thriving and their roots are strong enough to withstand the winds and storms that the world pour onto them. A constant prayer.

  • Brooke @ Blueprint Bliss
    January 17, 2011 at 6:13 pm

    What a sweet post… thanks for sharing.

  • martha-caknitter
    January 17, 2011 at 6:18 pm

    You are the best mom for letting your kids make decisions for themselves (with your guidance) but most importantly, for teaching them a little bit about history and the world around us. Bless your heart.

  • stephanie
    January 17, 2011 at 6:21 pm

    you are such a good mama. I soooooooo love reading your blog.

  • Beth
    January 17, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    Darby, I just love reading your posts. They are so honest and heartfelt. It makes me feel good to know that there are moms out there like you. I really disliked high school and I think often about how my 3 girls will deal with the same issues I did growing up. I wish they would never have to feel embarrassment, self conscious broken heart or , but I know now, that those experiences are the ones that made me who I am today.

  • Lori
    January 17, 2011 at 6:27 pm

    I was just talking about this very thing with my husband a couple of nights ago. Mine is almost 17 months and I already fear for the day someone takes advantage of his sweet spirit. I guess all we can do is set the best example possible, teach them what we can, and then pray, pray, pray!!

  • Suz
    January 17, 2011 at 7:24 pm

    I had that very same Humpty Dumpty lamp when I was little! What a flashback to see it again! And I also dread the day my little ones get their hearts hurt! Wish I could protect them forever.

  • Dana
    January 17, 2011 at 7:27 pm

    Also, pray for Your heart. I wasn’t prepared for the hurt that I would feel on behalf of my children. The beauty of children, is they are so forgiving and their memories are short. Unfortunately, a mothers isn’t…at least this mother! I pray often for God to soften my heart to others’ shortcomings….just as He does for me.

  • nicky
    January 17, 2011 at 7:39 pm

    I love this post – made me teary-eyed! Thank you!!!

  • Ashley Williams
    January 17, 2011 at 7:55 pm

    Made me teary-eyed too, D-bone! Sweet loves! I love this post!

  • Jean Anfindsen
    January 17, 2011 at 8:01 pm

    As a mom of 4 “almost grown” children- ages 20-25, it seems like just yesterday that they were just 6 years old. I have seen the Lord use the pain they will experience from this world to draw them to himself. God is faithful 🙂

  • Kelly C.
    January 17, 2011 at 8:07 pm

    Oh how I can relate. As a mom to a 6 year old little boy I dread the day some little girl breaks his heart. He has already come home in near tears saying that a child at school told him he was not his friend. His little heart was hurting and there was nothing that I could do but try to reassure him and love him extra that day. I just want to cry when I hear stuff like that.

  • Happiness Is...
    January 17, 2011 at 8:11 pm

    Aw, I love this post. Don’t you wish the world could stay as innocent as it is from a 6 year old’s eyes? Such a good reminder of what matters.

  • Mandy
    January 17, 2011 at 8:18 pm

    So sweet and my husband and I have this same conversation daily about our little girl, Kendall Gail, who is Morgan’s age. She too, is so innocent, creative, assertive, strong, opinionated, and sweet, but the girl drama has already headed this way a little bit and it is tough! I just pray daily that she and my son’s identity (he’s 2) is rooted in Jesus and not this world. I know I have a hard, up hill battle, but I know I am not alone. We know and serve a BIG GOD and that is how I know that he will have the victory with ALL of his precious children! Night, Night!

  • JJ
    January 17, 2011 at 8:25 pm

    Yes, it is hard to see your children go through heartaches and hurt feelings. But, they will learn to lean on God with your guidance. Praying for God’s blessings on your family.

  • Tara
    January 17, 2011 at 8:31 pm

    Oh, Darby. I can’t even think about the first time their little hearts are broken. It makes me cry to just think about it. We have to just remember all the lessons we learned growing up each and every time we got upset, and know that it will only make them stronger, better people!

  • Ashley
    January 17, 2011 at 8:42 pm

    precious family, precious post!

  • Scarlett
    January 17, 2011 at 8:44 pm

    I love this post. I think you are spot on with our children’s innocence during their younger years. I wish it would never end and feel with each generation they are faced with emotional arrows much earlier than we were. I pray we will continue to encourage and preserve our children’s virtue.

  • Meredith
    January 17, 2011 at 8:44 pm

    I think (and sometimes worry) about this all the time! Love your blog!

  • meredith tichenor
    January 17, 2011 at 8:44 pm

    you are such a precious mommy! I love this post. Doesn’t it make you thankful this world is not our home… we’re just a passing through! 🙂

  • RebeccaM
    January 17, 2011 at 9:19 pm

    You just brought tears to my eyes! I totally agree. It is hard raising children in today’s world but it seems that girls have so many additional pressures. and yes, I have two girls. 🙂
    Thanks for such a thoughtful post.

  • Abby S.
    January 17, 2011 at 9:25 pm

    I could not agree with you more. I try each day to soak it all in because they do grow so fast. Many people complain about how hard having little ones is, but in my heart I worry about them being big kids. Being a big kid is tough. Your words were beautiful and I too hope my little guy has a relationship with the Lord to rely on.
    Love this post. Love your blog.

  • MJ
    January 17, 2011 at 9:28 pm

    They are the sweetest…

  • Lisa
    January 17, 2011 at 9:41 pm

    I hear you, I love how when children are little they are so sweet and uncomplicated. I feel a little bit sad whenever I think that it won’t be long before I leave this stage behind. Why do our babies have to grow up so soon?

  • Lindsay T
    January 17, 2011 at 9:58 pm

    I love reading your blog!! You inspire me in so many ways. I loved this post about your sweet children. I have two little girls under 3 and it was a reminder to be thankful for the daily trials we go through at this stage in their life. It can be so tiresome being around them all day but it truly is a blessing from the Lord. I am so thankful and blessed to be able to teach them His word and hope that one day they will rely on Him. The Lord uses them to teach me everyday 🙂

  • sherene
    January 17, 2011 at 10:09 pm

    Adorable kids..:))

  • Lizziefitz
    January 17, 2011 at 10:24 pm

    My sweet sweet 11 yr old was told she had a unibrow at school last week. She came home embarrassed and defeated. Why do girls have to be so darn mean? Why do they have to tear other girls down rather than raise them up, I’ll never know?

  • Erin
    January 17, 2011 at 11:06 pm

    i cannot believe how grown up they look in that first picture!

  • Megan C
    January 17, 2011 at 11:22 pm

    your children are simply beautiful!

  • Kim
    January 17, 2011 at 11:27 pm

    This post makes my heart happy. My sweet girl is only 11 months and I already pray for these areas that I know she will eventually face. I want her to be strong in Christ and not be shaken by the world around us, which can be such a mean and scary place. You are doing a great job momma!

  • mary katharine
    January 17, 2011 at 11:33 pm

    I think the emotional demand varies with the child. My oldest, who’ll be 13 in March, has far less emotional demands than a couple of my other ones. And not to put a damper on anything, but I am no less drained physically with my older ones than I was when they were younger or than I am with my younger ones. It’s amazing what you can accomplish while little ones nap and are not up and about. AND it is nice to have everyone in bed at an early hour and not at dance classes or Bible studies until 830 at night. And I really don’t mean that negatively, I just remember thinking sometimes that “so and so had it easier because they had kids who could brush their own teeth, wash their own hair and play outside alone, etc.” and again, I wasn’t thinking that in a complaining way, but I did sort of remember the other day that I thought that once upon a time and boy I was wrong! But I love that my kids wear me out. I wouldn’t have it any other way. They bless me, too. Even the older ones … the blessings of their hearts only increase, and I’m sure your Mom would say that about your heart still blessing hers!
    Reading this post brings this song to mind
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JaCt37AB1c
    If you haven’t heard of Judy Rogers, check her out. This song brings tears to my eyes.
    Blessings to you!

  • Cara
    January 18, 2011 at 12:10 am

    As always, beautifully written and beautiful pictures! My feelings are the same! 🙂

  • Sydney
    January 18, 2011 at 12:11 am

    stop it. I’ve only been gone two weeks and they’re already growing up. slow, slow, slow, slow down! I teared up during this post.. oh i miss their sweet little voices! love and miss yall!

  • Susie
    January 18, 2011 at 12:41 am

    Oh how my heart sings to your post. I already have gray hair for worrying about my 8 month old daughter’s feelings. My hopes are that her 3 year old twin brothers will always protect her. 🙂

    Thanks for your genuinely true posts. I escape my own busy reality sometimes with your blog. I love the moments when I get to enjoy your photography (it helps that you have FANTASTIC models), taste your recipes, and dabble at your tutorials. You’ve been with me this particular weekend as I made your mom’s fruit pizza for my husband’s b-day party and tonight I made your heat pack. My belly and my back thank you!!!!

    On a side note, I didn’t have milk for the filling when I made the fruit pizza. Instead I used the juice of one lime. Yum. It almost tasted a bit like a key lime pie but with the delicious fruit and crust….oh my…heavenly.

    Anxious to hear more about the video lesson on MLK! Thanks for providing a place for me to rejuvenate and unwind!

    PS- you’re an AWESOME mom, wife, daughter, and sister. Just love your blog!

  • Justine
    January 18, 2011 at 12:51 am

    So sweet, you really do take the best photos. I love it when i see a new post from you. 🙂

  • HannahJ
    January 18, 2011 at 12:55 am

    You are so eloquent…I have that same fear/worry as a mother. The thought of my children facing adversity makes my heart hurt. But I find peace in knowing that we will be here to guide them, support them and listen as they find strength in their struggle.

  • Shana
    January 18, 2011 at 1:54 am

    Thank you for such a great post! I have three little ones too and love their sweet innocence! Thank you for that wonderful reminder!!

  • Rina
    January 18, 2011 at 2:33 am

    I love this post and relate so much it brings me to tears. My 4 year old daughter loves Taylor Swift so I bought the newest CD for her. I can’t get enough of her song “Never Grow Up”. The words will melt your heart.

  • Tiffany
    January 18, 2011 at 4:17 am

    What a sweet post. I feel the same way…I look at my little one and my mind drifts to days in the future when she’ll come home w/ a skinned knee or a bruised heart. Not sure I’ll be able to stand it. And yet I know the trials and tribulations of growing up is what will make her a stronger adult.

  • Alli
    January 18, 2011 at 9:37 am

    great post! i love the ‘overalls’ comment.. it is so true! If only we all could go back to those days of carefree-ness.

  • beki
    January 18, 2011 at 9:44 am

    Darby, you just keep doing what you’re doing, and they’ll be fine! They have a great foundation and support system which will make those future heartbreaks easier to handle. I’ve already been shocked by the things that my 9 yr old has come home with. They grow up so fast!!

  • Melissa
    January 18, 2011 at 9:45 am

    Precious! I love it and love that age of innocence as you are right it wont last forever. However they have great parents so all will be great.

  • Whitney
    January 18, 2011 at 9:51 am

    Beautiful post about beautiful girls!

  • Katie
    January 18, 2011 at 9:55 am

    I almost never comment on blogs, but you mentioned a lesson on MLK, and I wanted to share a link: https://www.amazon.com/Martins-Big-Words-Martin-Luther/dp/0786807148

    I’ve given this to most of parent friends so that they can help their children learn about Martin Luther King, Jr. It’s a wonderful book.

  • Tara
    January 18, 2011 at 10:04 am

    Oh D, you have no idea how much I’ve thought about this very same thing lately with Towns being halfway through with kindergarten just like Morgan is. It’s been on my heart lately. And if anyone ever hurts your sweet little girls I have no doubt JM will be hot on their trail. Don’t you think?! Love you!

  • Lola Rain
    January 18, 2011 at 10:42 am

    Your children are absolutely precious!! That innocent stage is just so sacred….enjoy it! I am sure they will do fine when their hearts are hurt because they have a mother like you. Love your blog!

  • Beth
    January 18, 2011 at 12:13 pm

    I think about future hurts for my daughter often. She’s almost 3 and I wonder who will be more crushed after her first hurt, her or me? But you are right, by teaching and reminding her that she belongs to God, hopefully she can overcome the obstacles she is bound to face. Thanks for sharing.

  • lisa
    January 18, 2011 at 12:41 pm

    You are so right! I think about that a lot, too. With two girls and another girl on the way, I often think about all the cattiness that they will have to deal with. I fear the middle school years. I love that my oldest acts out scenes from Annie and is not in the least bit inhibited or embarrassed to show her imagination, but I know one day she will be. However, like you said, it does make you appreciate so much where they are in their life right now.

  • Jennifer
    January 18, 2011 at 12:45 pm

    Darby, they are so precious! I feel the same about Turner! I love that he still loves for Mommy to makes his pants and thinks nothing of it. I know next year when he goes to “big school” he will be too big AND he will notice. As a former teacher, I applaude your history lesson! I wish I had thought of that; we may have that lesson today when he get home =)

  • Jennifer
    January 18, 2011 at 12:48 pm

    **correction: When he “gets” home! My “S” key is sticking b/c a little boy has been on my computer!

  • Laura
    January 18, 2011 at 1:15 pm

    What a sweet post about your sweet little ones!

  • Abbie
    January 18, 2011 at 1:25 pm

    Sweet words.

    I can identify with treasuring the security & happiness that my young children have in this season of life…but knowing that there is brokenness and suffering in this world, and at some point they will experience it.

    There’s a Sara Groves song that really speaks to this feeling in a mother’s heart. I listen to it whenever I feel that pull—of wanting to always protect my children but knowing that they will face struggles in this life. I remind myself that He is faithful….Every portion of their journey will be part of His plan and He will always carry them through.

    “Prayers for this Child” by Sara Groves (Station Wagon album)
    Give it a listen!

  • Suzanne
    January 18, 2011 at 6:44 pm

    I have to agree with everyone else. Such a sweet post! I want to be just like you when I grow up. 😉

    Also, the Raiger looks more like you every day! She is the spitting image of you in that first picture!

  • Sara @The Fat Hydrangea
    January 18, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    This pretty much made me cry… so sweet, and so real. I think God teaches us the most amazing lessons through children. We should all embrace our highwater overalls in our own way!

  • Tracey
    January 18, 2011 at 10:37 pm

    So sweet. Tonight my little girl and I were saying The Lords Prayer…she said…”give us this day our daily breath” instead of bread…out of the mouth of babes. Thanks for sharing the sweetness in your life!

  • Katherine @ Grass Stains
    January 18, 2011 at 11:12 pm

    Darby, I may have already said this here before, but I will just fall to pieces the first time any girl breaks one of my boys’ hearts. Right now they’re only 8, 6 and almost-3, but they are tender-hearted and I am just DREADING the day when their feelings get truly hurt or that a girl doesn’t reciprocate feelings. DREADING the day!

    I can’t believe how much your kids are growing … they are so precious.

  • Cynthia
    January 19, 2011 at 8:34 am

    Darby,

    Thank you for all the time you spend on your posts. I can tell the words truly come from your heart. I found this video on youtube for a song by Mercy Me called “Beautiful” that I thought went great along with your post!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WnAq0o2Xl8

    Blessings,
    Cynthia

  • Kate from Party Resources
    January 19, 2011 at 9:06 am

    Adorable. Adorable. Adorable. What precious children and what a lovely sentiment. Such a great mom!

  • Snekcip
    January 19, 2011 at 11:01 am

    This post just reminds me of how blessed I am to have found your wonderful blog! What a beautiful post!! BTW…those beautiful kids could wear a potato sack and still ROCK IT!!

  • Leslie
    January 19, 2011 at 11:47 am

    I’ve read your blog for a few months now and have never posted a comment. I just wanted to encourage you that this post made me a better mom. Your story about Morgan’s overalls was a great reminder to foster that innocence. I live in Troy so not far from you, however, I did attend UA so I have to skip over your War Eagle posts, ha! Thanks Darby!

  • Perfecting Pru
    January 19, 2011 at 12:15 pm

    One day your kids are going to sit down and trawl through this blog and find your words in this post and find that it shows their childhood in a wonderful way. I loved this.

  • Andrea
    January 19, 2011 at 1:20 pm

    Love this post. Makes me want to get my kids in a big bear hug and not let go!

  • Emily
    January 19, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    Such a great post (as they all are), especially for us mamas of little ones.

  • Christie
    January 19, 2011 at 3:25 pm

    Being the mother of girls, especially, can be so hard, and my oldest has already come home with her feelings hurt. It is nice when they are young and innocent and just happy with life. Great post to make us all appreciate how special — and fleeting — this time is!

  • Lauren {themonogramswap}
    January 19, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    Well said. I have a 2.5 year old girl and this brought tears to my eyes:)

  • {darlene}
    January 19, 2011 at 7:37 pm

    I loved every word of this post.
    Let our precious ones find their confidence in Him. May it be so.

  • Liz Schneider
    January 20, 2011 at 9:23 am

    Such a sweet little post. I wish I were still that young and innocent. Your girls are going to grow up to be adorable young ladies thanks to a wonderful and caring mother!

  • Rhiannon
    January 20, 2011 at 9:34 am

    I found your blog through a friend and have been following for a few months now. Your babies are precious. This year my youngest started kindergarten. It is the first year I have had all 3 kids in school! K, 1st and 3rd.. I can relate so much to this post. I pray every day as they leave my van that the Lord will guard their hearts, ears and eyes… He is so faithful! 🙂

  • Anita K
    January 20, 2011 at 1:36 pm

    Oh I so know what you mean by worrying about your kids being hurt. mine are still young too, and I have already shed tears for their future heartaches! Recently, my son’s cousin teased him about something, and even though he didn’t fully understand, he looked at me like, mama, why is he saying that to me? Broke my heart! But I loved what you said,

    “When the time comes, because I know it will, my hope and prayer for my children is that they will find their confidence in Christ and love those who hurt them.”

    That explains it so well and I pray I am able to teach my children that same message!
    Thanks!

  • Cricket
    January 20, 2011 at 3:14 pm

    I think it is very important for children to be thankful and that was a very sweet prayer. I truly hope that “sin” is used very carefully…they are really to young to sin.

  • Cami@Good Craft Day
    January 20, 2011 at 4:58 pm

    My goodness! Your kids get more gorgeous every day. You are very blessed. I continue to enjoy your blog. Thank you so much!

  • Kelly@TearingUpHouses
    January 20, 2011 at 5:45 pm

    Such a sweet sweet post. They seem like great kids.

    Kelly

  • Tara
    January 20, 2011 at 8:30 pm

    What incredible timing your sweet blog has… I’ve been so sad all day because my sweet 7 year old son is being teased at school. It happens overnight. They are so innocent and carefree and then they are so vulnerable to hurt. It is so true that your children are your heart outside your body. Hurts much worse when it’s your child than if it was you. Your words comforted me. Thank you.

  • Rebecca
    January 20, 2011 at 9:00 pm

    Girl, I know exactly what you’re talking about! I constantly pray for my girls’ hearts and for mine! How blessed we are to have our precious little ones! xoxo!

  • cousin
    January 21, 2011 at 2:05 pm

    I love that Morgan absolutley did not want ruffles on her overalls;) so cute. I miss and love you all!

  • AJ
    January 22, 2011 at 9:20 am

    A very sweet post and so true. When I was teaching 1st grade I would see my students as 2nd/3rd/4th graders and notice how they had changed due to age or peer pressure.

    Thanks for the reminder to take some time and just be thankful. It’s hard to do sometimes when you are in the trenches.

  • Oksana
    January 22, 2011 at 4:28 pm

    I love her overalls! Such a sweet girl, and you are right, too soon the time will fly by and the length of her jeans will make a difference. Enjoy this sweet time!

  • Annette
    January 22, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    That is just so dear and on point. I couldn’t have said it better myself. Wish we could just bottle them up at this age. They are so sweet and innocent. You have a beautiful way with words and your children are lucky to have a mommy like you. God bless.

  • Emily
    January 24, 2011 at 4:18 pm

    So, I pray for my daugher’s strength and confidence to always be found in her Savior when she is feeling hurt or feeling defeated by others, and I also pray that they would always be an encouragement to others that are experiencing pain, and they might never cause pain to others which they will, of course. But. . . I also pray that I might excercise kindness, gentleness, self-control, etc. towards those that hurt my baby and that I might love them also. I could really cause pain towards anyone that is ever hurtful towards my babies. . . serious pain! Oh. . . thinking of such things causes me to yearn for eternity!

  • andi
    January 24, 2011 at 5:12 pm

    DARBY!!!!! THE DOLL ON THE COMPUTER!!! I am scarred! LOL!!! So sorry about the craziness of the shipping! 🙁 On the upside, love those sweet little hearts! Our motto around here is that your brothers are your best friends besides Jesus. We are ALWAYS ON THE SAME SIDE-even if we don’t always agree with each other! We want them to know that no matter what happens “out there” there will always be a team of Macs at home loving and cheering-always! Now I am about to cry!!! Our sweet babies should NEVER grow up! Never! Ever! Hugs to you! You are a precious mama! 🙂

  • Elizabeth
    January 24, 2011 at 5:53 pm

    I love your blog, and get excited at every new post. I found your blog because we have friends in common as I live in Shelbyville KY and know some people that went to Christian Academy. Anyway, I just awarded you with the “stylish Blogger” award, and hope you can play along!! Still new to the blog world, but slowly figuring it out!!

  • Tara
    January 25, 2011 at 10:18 am

    I rarely comment on individuals blogs but really enjoy reading yours and wanted you to know that you made me tear up reading this post. I just had a baby girl 5 weeks ago and hope that I do half the job you do at teaching your children about the lord and praying for them in the way that you do! Very inspiring, keep up the great posts!