(Mimi here are the purse and gloves you a gave to her)Sunday!! We had a little princess party for her. It was sooo cute!!! I will have to post pictures when I get one. I forgot my camera!!!!
She has officially turned 3 now! She is getting to be a big girl.
I have to say...having Ava, wow!! God knew the exact children He would give to me. It is NOT ONLY to help them to grow, but to help me become more like Christ. I mean this in a positive way.
Ava...What a gift!! I just love that girl!!! I love all of my children the same but each according to the way the Lord has made them-in their own uniqueness. I know you Moms with multiples can relate!! Each child brings something so different into your life! This time it is about Ava since it is her Birthday.
Ava is what you would call our pleasant surprise!! Absolutely Different than the first 3. See the first 3 were somewhat similar in the way we would train and relate to. Now, I don't know if it is the result of having #4, or just that the more kids you have, the more you have to focus on. Why was it just easier to parent 3 kids instead of 4 or 5? (these questions I may have to do a post on another time)
For now this is what I mean.
God in His kindness and mercy has wonderfully given us a daughter that was different in character than the older 3. While raising a 2yr. old again, God has used this to challenge Stefan and I in many different ways. It can be challenging to parent that age anyway, but God has revealed through training 4, 2 yr. olds so far that it can be challenging at times because of our sinfulness-God has taught Stefan and I a lot through her character.
Her character seems to involve more of a desire to be independent, and bold. See it is these very characteristics that God has given to her, that Stefan and I must direct towards the Lord.
Yet, we may see them as challenging at times, but really it is because of our own sinfulness that may cause us to struggle. For example in the way we may respond to her-we must respond with much patience, grace, MUCH cheerfulness, and practicing consistency while teaching/training her. In general as parents we are still seeking to work and grow in these areas!!!
In our church we have been taught well how to train our kids biblically. For some reason there were "techniques in parenting" that I had grasped hold of that challenged Stefan and I to rethink, "how does this apply to this situation? or Is this technique the only "biblical" way of parenting?" God has given us nuggets of wisdom here and there as we have parented, not only through His word and teachings, but through others' wisdom as well. We are definitely still learning and will continue to learn!
Ultimately it is because of God's grace that she is growing-evidences of grace!
She is so much of a delight to Stefan and I!!
The Highlights of age 3:
She is potty trained, age 3 seems to be an easier and more peaceful age to train than 2, she can verbalize what she needs or desires better, she seems less frustrated at times now that she is allowed to do more on her own and she understands more.
Throughout my days at home and spending time with her, I have been greatly encouraged to see how much God has worked in her little heart at being a sweet and cheerful girl!
She is so creative, very smart, bold, independent (she is learning her boundaries), and hilariously funny!
Stefan and I realize the task ahead is great for raising all of our kids. We must rely on God to direct us in this training. We do pray that we can teach Ava how to use this boldness in character that she has been given, for Gods glory alone!!
I get so excited as I think of how her boldness can be used for the Lord!
Oh Lord, I pray that she is chosen for your Kingdom and that you will capture her heart and soul revealing your gift of salvation to her!!!
Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!! We love you soooo much!!
You are a present from the Lord and you bring so much joy to our hearts!
(a little phrase we say to all of our kids)
2 comments:
Ava,
You look just like a princess!!
Mimi
Happy Birthday again, Ava Boo...
We think you look so cute in your princess outfit, we're sending you love and hugs..
You remind us so(both in looks and in personality) of your daddy.
Because our Father-God is faithful, we will be praying for you as you grow, also for daddy & mommy for Gods direction and wisdom, as they seek to direct your life toward His wisdom and truth.
Love~Mamma and Papa
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