Eric's Old(er)

Yikes! It has been a while since I last updated on here. Over a month now to be honest, sorry.  Right now my biggest obstacle is a sweet, little, cute ball of energy who does not stop touching whatever is in his path. Nor climbing on whatever has a resemblance of a ladder (dresser drawers left open by siblings or chairs that seem to be made with all the steps in place for little tykes that want to see the world the way everyone else sees it) or assuming drawers were not to put stuff in, but to take out whatever the last person worked so hard to put in. His name is Simeon, and I love him dearly, he's just busy and it prevents me from getting a lot done that I would like to. Then again, I would not change that for all the other things that distract me from my role as a mom. Which primarily at that age is to keep him alive so I can love on him.

It is also November which for our family means we have 3 birthdays in the first two weeks of the month. I want to give time to each one individually in their separate post because each one is very special and our family would not be the same with out them.

So, without further ado I will start in this post  with Eric. He turned 35 this year and still continues to have energy, there is no question where my boys get their energy. This year he really wanted a chainsaw and it was way beyond our possibility to afford so a few of our family members pitched in to make it a special gift for him. We were able to present it to him on his birthday and of course he was very excited. We have five acres of woods that will provide for good use of this new toy. So, like any new birthday present you want to use it quickly after receiving it and that is just what he did. However, these goofy machines have levers and safety attachments that we were un prepared for and on the first try even before the bar touched a piece of bark, the machine was completely totaled due to a lever not being pulled back all the way. Eric read all the instructions and there just was something that was not right about how it all worked out and it basically burned the saw from the inside out. The damage that occurred cost just about as much to fix it as it did to buy it. Oops. Thankfully, Stihl gave us an OK discount and we just got the chainsaw back this week so he can head out and cut some wood. We do have enough wood already to get us through this winter thanks to a man from our church and my brother who so kindly gave us so much.

Anyway, back to Eric. While he has a lot of energy I have also enjoyed watching him grow in character and response to the kids and I. Eric has been a go getter since I met him, someone who can start something follow through and bring something to completion in a way that is successful for everyone. He sees a task and does it with initiative. So, adding soon to be seven kids to the mix has naturally slowed him down in a way that requires sacrifice on his part of  activities he would love to be doing. I have been very privileged to watch him make those sacrifices and the fruit that follows of someone willing to lie his life down for his family and lead them in a way that honors the Lord and us. He not only has a family that continues to grow to lead and make sacrifices for, he has a church to lead as well. I have watched him as he has had to swim against the tide on certain issues, has had to absorb critics, and make decisions that not everyone agrees with. Watch people walk away that he truly desires to serve and serve a community that he has no roots in or ties to. During it all he continued to "watch his own life and doctrine closely" when it would have been easy to escape into himself and find comfort from the world. Or walk away, or revile in return. Instead he has chosen to remain steadfast, persevering under trials, and remains faithful to us at home. He has not always responded perfectly to every situation, but I have seen him respond humbly when he has been wrong. He continues to lead us not to cliche answers but back to the truth of God's word. I credit our families spiritual growth first to God and His faithfulness to Eric in growing him in this area. But also to Eric responding to our Lord's leadership and leading us in return. I am very proud and thankful for his life and all he has learned in his short 35 years! I hope he has many more. Happy Birthday Eric!

Speaking of adding to our family, the pregnancy is going very well. Nothing to be worried or concerned about so far. I am very thankful for that as I know I could easily take it for granted. I am 26 weeks, plus and am looking forward to heading in to the last trimester. Someone said to me the other day that I am right in the fun stage and I really don't think (for me) there is ever a "fun stage", I am definitely tired and uncomfortable and looking forward to holding this little one and getting to know him or her. Not too much longer!!

I will post about Christian next since he turned 4 this month. I hope you all are getting ready for celebration season of the One who made Joy and Hope possible.

Love,
Miriam