Happy eighth Olivia

Olivia arrived in the midst of chaos. We had just sold our first home and had bought a second I was pregnant (with our fourth) during the move, pregnant during the renovation, and have been pregnant twice more since living in this house! On theday we brought her home life seemed chaotic for sure, but we were determined to find some semblance of order in our crazy life. We have spent the last eight years raising children, cultivating a marriage, renovating a house, starting new home improvement projects each season, and trying to hold onto time just long enough for the memories to be etched forever in our minds. We knew our life would be crazy when we decided to have six children… And at times that craziness feels overwhelming! But we also know this without the craziness life wouldn't be nearly exciting as it is. Tomorrow we will be celebrating our Olivia's eighth birthday, I have no idea where those eight years have gone but I do know this there have been happy moments, there have been tears! There have been lots of bumps and scrapes, arguments and fights, lots of laughter and yo mama jokes! (Yes we tell yo mama jokes.) There have been days I wish to never speak of again, and days I wish I could hold onto forever. When I look at the sweet face of my eight-year-old I remember that precious baby I held in my arms and vowed to love and care for forever. I am often overwhelmed with the love I have for each of my children and how it pales in comparison to the love my heavenly Father has for me. That He would give His only son to make a sacrifice so great just in order to know me in a more intimate way, is beyond my comprehension. I think of the times my children have hurt me, have disobeyed, have chosen to go outside the standard their father and I have set for our household and do their own thing. How much more have I gone outside of the will of my Father has for me? He is so faithful and it seems as if His time and patience with me will last forever. But I realize that just as these eight years have passed by so quickly so too will our lives here on this earth. The time is now, the choices need to be made. Are you living the life God has for you? Are you raising your children to know Him and to love Him in an intimate way? As we celebrate Olivia, my prayer for her birthday would be that she grows to know God in a deeper way each and every day. That she dedicate her whole being to serving Him. She is such a special girl with great God given talents and I can just imagine if used for His glory how she will flourish in this world. Not for her own selfish gain but to point others to a God that loves them so much. Life is never going to slow down, and distractions will always be with us. But it is important to remember that even though it seems we are plowing headlong into the unknown God has a path set before us. He knows the desires of our hearts because He has placed them there and when we choose to follow His will he has great things in store for us.