Dear David...{Your 2013 Fall Bucket List: Letter 11}

Dear David...

Baby boy, momma is kind of emotional. As I was searching for a proper photo for this letter, I stumbled across a bunch of fall photos of you last year. You were so small...and round! We loved it!

I was thinking about how you touched leaves for the first time. It was a very strange experience for you but it was thrilling for Daddy and I. To watch your facial expressions, wondering what you were holding, slowing putting it to your lips...then realizing it didn't taste as good as you thought.

Now that you are 16 months, walking and talking your cute lil' face off, I am even more excited about fall this year! We can actually do things together that you might remember, or at the very least, enjoy. You are definitely our explorer. That is another nickname we have for you. You get giddy when there's cabinets to open, doors to close, baskets to sift through, furniture to climb on or under...all with a bright, big smile :)

So, here is a bucket list for this autumn season that will hopefully enhance those senses and the natural adventure inside of you:

Visit a pumpkin patch (pick your own pumpkin!)

Go on a hayride (you adore car rides so this will be special)

Play in a corn maze (being chased is one of your favorite games)

Make a painting with leaves (creativity is in your blood so let's involve nature)

Crunch leaves between fingers (I want to video your reaction this time!)

Jump in a leaf pile (we laid you in a tiny one last year. time to go bigger.)

Build a scarecrow (this would be a great activity in grandma & grandpa's yard)

Make homemade apple recipe with momma (you love food and helping me.)

Make first seasonal craft (We kinda did this already so let's check it off!)

Try apple cider (Another reaction I'd love on video.)

I cannot wait for you to really experience the beauty of a New England fall season! Leaves changing, crisp air, the smell of homemade baked goods, warm hot cocoa, spicy apple cider, pumpkin everything under the sun...you are going to have the time of your life, we will make sure of that!

Love,
Mom

Letter to Myself: Be Content

Dear Jacy,

Last night you were a little emotional. By little I mean a whole lot. I know you were feeling worn and tired after having a toddler pull at you all day, then not eat anything you put in front of him. You feel like your effort is useless and that nothing you do gets noticed. You feel like you are being pulled into 100,000,000 directions...and all you want to do is focus on the One.

I want to tell you that your attitude was wrong. You victimized yourself and manipulated the situation, which you are very good at if I do say so myself. We are not to do things to get noticed. You are appreciated and you know that. Your husband tells you almost every day. Still, you are not content. And it really bothers me because I have to deal with it. Think on these things:

While most women long for love, God blessed you with a hardworking husband, who encourages you, is proud of you and loves that his wife can stay home with his darling boy. Be content in love.

While most women cannot have children, you have a beautiful son. Training him now is hard work and you won't see the fruit of your labor until he's grown. But don't rush it. Be content in the season.

While most children play in the streets or live in drug-infested homes, your living room is messy because it's a safe playground. He feels happy here and it shows. Be content in the clutter.

While most families are poor and starving, your kitchen counter is cluttered with dirty dishes and cups. It's because you are rich in nutrition and your family eats well. Be content in the mess.

While most people are sick and hospital bound, your bed is not made and the sheets are not perfectly tucked. You and your husband sleep well and are provided with comfort. Be content in rest.

While you huff / complain / whine / groan / sulk, others have no money, no food, no home and no family. You are rich, no matter what society says. God says your are. You lack NOTHING. Be content with what you have because it is everything you need.

Love,
You
{and that's not just a signature. it's a commandment}

Dear David...{Good vs Evil: Letter 8}

I've started a series of letters to my baby boy, that (hopefully) one day he will get to read and (hopefully) be inspired by (if not embarrassed by)

Dear David...

So mommy has been thinking a lot lately. Surprise surprise.

I've been thinking about how to teach you about God and His ways. Then I thought about how scary this world is and how modern day Christians have ruined Jesus' good name. I'm not saying every Christian, son...just those who are not discerning.

You see, we as believers have a lot of knowledge about God and we feel differently than non-believers. The Bible says that the real battle of good and evil is not in our human hands, in our flesh, but it takes place on a spiritual level (Ephesians 6:12) But there are too many of us arguing, fighting, yelling, shouting our beliefs in the face of people who oppose God and His church. This is just not how we should act, my boy.

Let me clarify: you must be bold and stand firm in what you believe. You have nothing to fear (1 Timothy 1:7) and all power lies in Christ Jesus our Lord. The problem lies when we waste our time and our breath with those whose heart are hardened and not ready to receive. His Word stands on it's own; we do not add to it's strength by trying to use our own.

Society has turned good into evil and evil into good. What once was wrong is now being accepted and what once was right is now being condemned. Though on the surface it seems that people are the cause of these issues, the battle is spiritual. There are dark forces at work against good. This is not a new concept, son. It all started in the garden (Genesis 3).

But how do we, as Christians, deal with this change?
How do we act when approached with criticism and condemnation?

I want you to know, David, that you do not owe anyone anything except for our God, the Lord Jesus Christ. You do not have to entertain these spirits by engaging in debates or arguments. You can respond with love and careful words. Pray for them. Remember that they are a product of their circumstance just as much as you (and I) are. Approach them with a compassionate heart, not closed fists.

God doesn't change. Not even for us Christians, regardless what some believe. His ways stand and His words are eternal. He set the standard and truth, and it doesn't matter what happens, He is still in control. Don't lose your patience with a world who has lost God. He is here, waiting for us all to turn to Him. Remind yourself that the more you scream, shout, fight with your entire being cannot change an evil heart.

But a soft word, a calm approach, a peaceful conversation can make more of an impact (Proverbs 15:1).

For the record, mommy doesn't argue with folks who are not ready to hear the truth. I have saved my strength to minister to the broken, those who are hurting and are in search for a holy hospital. Those who understand that something is not right but they don't know what to do or where to turn. Yet they are seeking and hoping and praying for clarity and charity. We cannot approach everyone in this world as evil doers, ready with our swords to slay them. No, son. There are some who need open hands and a warm embrace. For an eager ear to listen and for a clean heart to love them.

Be that, David. Don't mimic the loud trumpets of the church who sound off just to be heard and to be right. Be like Christ; humble and wise, knowing when to speak and when to just listen (John 6:35). Because, honestly, between the accusations and the evil darts, people just want to be loved. Be love, my son. Above all else, be love.

Love,
Mom

Dear David...{The Sky Is NOT The Limit: Letter 7}

I've started a series of letters to my baby boy, that (hopefully) one day he will get to read and (hopefully) be inspired by (if not embarrassed by)

Dear David...

There is a saying that many people use to try and encourage someone. Though I am sure the intentions are good, mommy has a different perspective.

It says: "The sky is the limit."

No. Sorry, son, it is NOT the limit. You see, when people say this, they don't really know what they are saying. It sounds good but the saying itself is very limited thinking. How can we tell people that the sky is as far as they can go? What about the stars? The universe?

As your mother and as an adult example I want to say:
"Why limit yourself to the sky when you can be among the stars and the heavens!"

Don't limit yourself by playing it safe. Reach higher, go farther, shine brighter!!
God made you in a special way. If you choose to follow His will and allow Him to guide you, there is no limit because through God, opportunities are limitless.

The sky is NOT the limit...it is only the beginning.
Don't settle for the limits other people may put on you. God is more powerful than that. You can do the incredible and the impossible because with God, ALL is possible! Nothing is too much, too hard, too great, too far for Him and we are well able to reach the stars and explore His glorious universe through His power and greatness.

Son, you are my shining star. In my darkest nights, your face is the light that shows me there is hope. Go be that and more to someone else. When you grow older, I don't ever want that light to dull or for your shine to be buffed away. My mommy bear instincts are already taking over as I write this because people will try. They will try to tell you that you can't go higher than the sky. They will whisper in your sweet ears that there is a line into greatness that you cannot cross. They will shout that you are not good enough, smart enough, handsome enough...

...and they are wrong. All wrong. Take those emotions inside, the yucky feeling they dumped on you and building yourself the tallest most beautiful latter! Past the sky, past the first star, past the first planet...and keep going and going and going...until God tells you "You are right where I want you."

Baby, don't settle for the sky when God created so, so much more...

Love,
Mom

Linking up here:

Dear David...{Boys Have Hearts Too: Letter 6}

Dear David...

Wow, my boy, time is sure flying by. The last time I wrote a letter to you was back in August. Now you are just about one month away from being a year old. What?! Man you make my life complete.

I am going to try and not take so long in between letters next time because there is SO much momma wants you to know. A lot of pressing issues are on my heart and I want to connect with yours. That's right, David. Boys have hearts too. No matter what any macho-man-wannabe, thick headed muscle man tells you...listen to me. Guys are just as sensitive compared to those yucky girls.

Believe it. I'm sharing with you a secret that mankind has been sweeping under the rug since the first caveman wrestled a T-Rex to save his darling. He probably acted all tough up front, but on the inside he was screaming like a little girl getting hit in the head during a came of PE dodge ball. You see, son, it is inside of a man to want to protect. You were made with that instinct to provide security. As you grow older, you will understand this more.

Part of having that instinct to protect is a responsibility that can leave a heavy weight on some men's shoulders. And some of them like to act as if they are okay when really they are scared inside. Frightened. Shaken by the amount of stuff on their big tough guy plates. but society has taught them to be quiet and put on a brave face. Crying is for girls and as a guy, you shouldn't even have tear ducts!

I'm telling you right now that crying is for all humans. Not only that, it's okay to be sensitive to other people's needs. Daddy may not tell you this, but he is very sensitive. If you don't believe me, ask him about the video of Dalmatian puppies eating peanut butter for the first time. This doesn't make him "less of a man", son. He has plenty of samurai swords hidden around the house just in case he needs to protect us with his killer skills.
We are all sensitive and that's how it's meant to be. It means that God has made you in His image, which He surely did! Isn't God's heart sensitive? Doesn't He care about other people, and not only that, doesn't He express His feelings?

I'm not trying to turn you into a whiny, mushy advice columnist. But if that's who you turn out to be, that's who you will be. All I'm saying is this...boys have hearts too and for a purpose. Use your sensitive heart to turn to God, to mirror His ways and to accomplish the calling He has given you. Use your heart to help the least of these and to build up your family. Being a sensitive boy doesn't make you any less "macho." It actually makes you more of a man for not hiding what is naturally within you.

Love Always,
Mom

Linking up @

To My (not-so-little) Sis...{A Letter}

Dear Leani {my forever partner in crime},
Today I was thinking about all the fun memories I have involving us. You are about to embark on a new chapter in life {mommy hood} and I couldn't resist going back in time when we were just rugrats {remember that show?! lol}

Here is a list of things that you should {or should not} do with your little guy {or girl but we won't know 'cuz you're not finding out the gender!!! *sigh* Okay I'm over it...not...} Just a few things to keep in mind:

- Concerts are super cool with Daddy {'NSync, BSB, Britney, Christina, Spice Girls, LFO...remember how we met them?! We were such POP heads haha}
- Write skits and video them! {The Blair Twitch Project...just don't use soap if you want a runny nose effect.}
- Go hiking {even if it's just in the backyard}
- Take weekend trips {Ah, good ol' Westfield, how we love thee. Thanks for the good times.}
- Build super-cool forts in the living room {just don't forget to really tuck in those sheets in between the couch cushions!}
- Have snowball fights {just watch for pieces of ice}
- Play restaurant, store, school etc {this time, YOU get to be the cook, cashier, or teacher lol}
- Blast music and dance like no one is watching {and video it for blackmail footage later, mauahaha}
- Have a Lemonade Stand {this time, charge tax. We totally could have been millionaires by now!}
- Climb tree and read {help them find their own reading branch :)}
- Swim all day and all night {showers not needed all summer...that's what chlorine is for!!} 
- Create a secret writing code {The Secret Sister Code will NEVER be broken. Take that, CIA. Just kidding, don't hurt us.}
- Play dress-up and fashion show {don't forget to take lots of photos for blackmail!}
- Makeup songs and perform them {don't forget to video for blackmail!}
- Be silly as much as possible, laughter does heal the deepest wounds, don't take life so seriously, blow bubbles, run through sprinklers, play badminton, play hide and go seek in the dark, play freeze tag/tv tag, watch The Goonies 184644846+ times, visit the mother island {PR}, make BIG Sat morning breakfasts and love until your heart is about the explode!

Though we did not always get along, we had some great times growing up. It's crazy to think that we are both going to be mommies together...when were we allowed to be in charge?! {Okay, maybe as the big sis, I wasn't allowed but just took over a lot...sorry about that ;) }

Congrats to my Mooch and her fiance Owen! Seeing how natural you guys look in this pic holding my David, I know you both are going to be great parents. It's going to be scary at times but so rewarding. Enjoy the early moments as much as possible...you will get sick of hearing this, but it does fly by :)

As always, I'm here for you sis. When you go through postpartum depression, I'm just a phone call away. When you want to pull out your hair because you don't know what to do, or when something funny happens that you need to share, I will always be there with you to share new memories. Love ya sis...you are going to be an awesome mom to a special little boy or girl {okay, now I'm over it!! okay, still not...}

Love,
Jacy
{your big-lil sis...did I get that right?! lol}

Dear David... {Letter #1 Girl Advice}

I've decided I love blogging about my life and what great things God is doing. One HUGE blessing is this little jumping bean inside my tummy :) His name is David and I can't wait to meet him! 5 weeks left, ah! So I want to start a series of letters to my little baby boy, that hopefully one day he will get to read and (hopefully) be inspired by (if not embarrassed by)

DEAR DAVID...

You don't know this yet but you will be what this world calls a stud. How do I know this? Well, just look at your parents! Actually, the idea of girls swooning after my baby boy is making mommy a little nervous. You see, whether you want to admit it or not, mommy is a girl. I know I'll be known for wiping your bottom and runny nose but I know firsthand how girls can be when it comes to boys. Believe me, we can be crazy & nuts!

So I'm going to list some things you should always be careful of when it comes to the ladies. Remember, mommy loves you and wants to protect you. I don't want you to grow up in a bubble but I want my boy to be smart and aware...okay? Okay.

1.) Watch your words

David, girls will hang on every word a guy says if they like them. Please, for the love of Moses, be careful what you say to a girl especially if you know she likes you. Don't make her feel like you like her back if you don't BUT don't be mean either. Be the nice little boy Jesus called you to be; a sweet gentleman with sweet words.

2.) Respect her even if she doesn't respect herself

Many girls don't understand good or bad. That doesn't mean you can go ahead and abandon what we've taught you about respecting girls. They are princesses of the King and need to be treated like royalty. Speak kindly even if she speaks foul. Respect her entire palace: mind, thoughts, decisions, heart and body...not just what SHE will allow...respect all of it! Sometimes girls act on emotions and will think they have to say or do certain things to get a guy's attention. Always remember this: one day, she will be someone's wife...so treat her like she's already taken.

3.) Play nice

Boys can play rough with one another, I know that. You will witness daddy and uncle Nikko probably wrestling in the living room or being really competitive during a session of Wii boxing. When you play with girls, you can't play with them like that. Sure playing games are fun, I'm not being negative, son. Just remember that your tolerance of this sort of thing is wayyyy different than a girls. It's not that we are weak and helpless...you know your mommy is definitely not! It goes back to the respect thing; she's still a lady and you cannot hit her even if she is beating you like crazy in Mario Cart.

Here are some quick things to keep in mind also:

- Use your manners, even if she belches like a 200 lb man

- Only call her names that are classy & flattering, not vulgar & disrespectful

- See her as your fellow sister in Christ not just a pretty face

- When she cries, don't laugh. Ask her what is wrong and listen.

- A kiss is one of the most important things to a girl's heart; save it for the right one!

- Dating is like an interviewing process for marriage; be selective

- If she's angry, that means her feelings are hurt. Make things right.

- No spitting, biting, hitting, throwing, shouting, slapping, kicking etc. or you will have to answer to daddy!

I can probably go all day and list things for you. Hopefully, I can be the type of mother that you admire and look up to as an example of what a godly woman should be. I want you to come to me with any questions you have about girls because, after all, I still am one :)

Love Always,

Mom