Eli turns one!

All the kids were here this weekend except Adam and Amber. We had a Young Married Ladies' Retreat, so Jade and Kayla came to be a part. Amber had a wedding so they couldn't make it. It was a sweet retreat. We also got to celebrate Eli's first birthday on Sunday. Can hardly believe it. He's walking everywhere and loves to play with balls. If anything is round or close to round, to Eli it is a ball. Pumpkins, grapes, potatoes,. . . anything. He's so adorable.

When the kids leave, there is a part of me that grieves every time. I know my prayers are enough to keep them loving Jesus, but it is hard sometimes to trust that. I need more faith. I know Jesus is coming for us soon - very soon - and I just want all of them to be found faithful. Father, let all these boys - Kyle, Adam, Kevin, and little Elijah be warriors for You. Not afraid to stand up for what is right, even if it goes against what everyone else is standing for. And let my precious girls, Jade, Kayla, Amber, Hannah, Leah, and Rachel also be warriors. Let their knees be calloused from coming before You on behalf of themselves and of the men You have put in their lives. Protect them all Sweet Jesus, and keep their hearts close to Yours. Oh, yeah, and thank You for letting me have them for awhile to take care of. I love that in my life.