Happy 9th Birthday, Abel

Posted on September 28, 2024 by learninggodsway

Dear Abel,

It is hard to believe that you are already nine years old. The years are going by too fast for my liking, but I enjoy watching you change and grow every year. You have overcame so much the last nine years. It has been an honor to be a part of your journey.

The day before your birthday, we snuck off to celebrate. You got to plan the day. The first thing you chose to do was grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant in Abingdon. The food was delicious. I could tell you thought so, too.

Next, we went to a little mom-and-pop ice cream shop where you picked the perfect flavor ice cream for the occasion: Birthday Cake! I enjoyed a Hershey’s chocolate cupcake. Mmm… so good!

After that, you decided to go shopping at none other than Super Walmart. We looked around for a few hours until you chose the perfect gifts. It was a difficult decision, but you finally decided on new fishing gear and your very first BB gun. Seeing you smiling from ear to ear also made me smile.

We love you so very much, sweet boy! Don’t ever change. Keep on smiling and live each day for the Lord. I hope this year is the best one yet!

Love Always,

Mom 💙

Abel’s Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 9
What is your favorite food? Pizza
What is your least favorite food? Pickles
What is your favorite thing to do? Play football
What is your favorite animal? Cat
What makes you happy? Doing school
What is the best memory from when you were 8? Going to Daufaski Island, SC
What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 9? Go on a fishing boat
What would you like to be when you grow up? A fisherman
What is your favorite song? I’m A C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N
Where is your favorite place to eat? Wendy’s
What is your favorite book? Books about fish
Where would you like to go on vacation?  Dollywood

What do you want the world to know? I love my mom. 🩷

Ephesians 3:20 – Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us

Posted in AJ, Let's Reminisce and Reflect! | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Happy 15th, James!!

Posted on May 30, 2024 by learninggodsway

Dear James,

It is hard to believe that you are fifteen! Time flies by. I know I probably write those words in every birthday letter, but there are no truer words. Time is a thief, and I feel like it has been stolen from me. If I could stop time, I definitely would because I know you will fly out of this nest way too quickly.

You have come out of your shell so much this last year. It has been amazing to watch. You had your moment to shine on the basketball court, and I can’t wait to watch you play this coming season!

I hope you have a great time at basketball camp this week and learn more skills that you can use on the court. The best part about sports is the fact that you have met so many awesome friends over the last several years. I am thankful for that. I pray you always choose your friends wisely.

Thanks for letting me hang out with you at the formal this year. It was your first one, and it made my heart happy that I got to experience it with you. I know you had a great night. Seeing you happy makes me happy. You looked handsome, and your date was beautiful.

I also had a wonderful time with you at Daufuski Island recently! I think it turned out to be a great birthday adventure. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Seeing the dolphins on the boat ride to and from the island was a highlight of the trip. I am thankful you got to spend time with three of your brothers, too. It was nice having a trip with some of my boys. We hadn’t had a boys’ trip since we hopped on a plane on a whim and went to Disney World in 2019. We were long over due for another one!

Disney 2019 Boys’ Trip

Thankfully, we have gotten to go on many family vacations and basketball tournaments since 2019, but it’s nice when we downsize and go for special occasions. Spending quality time with you means more to me than you will probably ever realize. I love you very much and am thankful God gave you to your father and me to raise. May this next year be filled with blessings!

Love Always,

Mom ♥️

Psalm 34:8 -O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

James’s Birthday Interview

How old are you? 15
What is your favorite food? Cheeseburger
What do you hope you never have to eat again? Chicken livers
What is your favorite thing to do? Play basketball What is your favorite animal? alligator
What makes you happy? Basketball
What is the best memory from when you were 14? Playing basketball. What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 15? Play basketball What would you like to do when you grow up? wildlife rehabilitator
What is your favorite song? I’m not sure
Where is your favorite place to eat? Texas Roadhouse
What is your favorite book? Tom Sawyer
Where would you like to go on vacation? Italy
What would you like everyone in the world to know? Jesus Loves You

The alligator shots you captured at Daufaski are amazing!
Posted in James, Let's Reminisce and Reflect! | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Happy 10th, Jayce!

Posted on May 15, 2024 by learninggodsway

Dear Jayce,

You, my dear, are growing up on me. I truly cannot believe that you have hit double digits. It seems like it was only yesterday that I was taking care of you in the NICU. Your NICU stay was a time where it was only you and me. Even though the journey seemed frightening, I am grateful for the extra one-on-one time we had together.

You are so full of life. You are kind, smart, and have the biggest heart. I love your hugs that you freely give every day. I love how much care you have for your dad, your siblings, and me. You show all of us so much love every single day. Your heart overflows with love and care for those around you.

You not only love people so well, but you also love your pets and have a tender heart for all of the creatures you find in nature. Your excitement is contagious as you talk about every type of fish, turtle, rabbit, bird, frog, or toad that you catch. I giggle when I think about all of the creatures I have found in your pockets or even in my bed!

(Your birthday pigs!)

Searching for arrowheads, building forts, hunting, and fishing are just a few of the daily activities you partake in. You are so much like your Pawpaw Tim when it comes to your knowledge and love of nature. You recently caught a fish with your bare hands while kayaking.

When you aren’t exploring the great outdoors, you turn into John Wayne on your fast pony, Shadow. He’s the best, and watching you ride him into the sunset is priceless. You always wished for a pony of your own to ride on the farm. I’m so thankful that wish came true!

Don’t ever lose your enthusiasm for God’s creation. Don’t ever lose your passion for the things that make you happy. Don’t ever lose your love and care for those around you. You are a blessing to us but most importantly God loves you more than we ever could. That reality is so difficult to comprehend because the love we have for you is unending. However, I’m thankful God loves you even more!

The Lord will never leave you or forsake you. Always turn to Him during the highs and lows in your life. His ways are never wrong and will carry you through any circumstance that this life throws your way.

Love Always,

Mom

How old are you? 10

What is your favorite food? Deer jerky 

What do you hope you never have to eat again? Alfredo noodles 

What is your favorite thing to do? Hunt 

What would you like to do when you grow up? A chef or builder 

What is your favorite animal? Dogs 

What makes you happy? Getting hugs 

What is the best memory from when you were 9? Getting my first deer 

What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 10? Get an eight-pointer 

What is your favorite song? Amazing Grace 

Where is your favorite place to eat? The buffet Dad takes me to in Charlottesville 

What is your favorite book? Awaiting Midnight: A Promised Horse (my mom’s book) 

Where would you like to go on vacation? Daufuskie Island, SC 

What would you like the world to know? Jesus Saves

Psalm 104:24 – O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

I had so much fun with you on your birthday trip to Daufuskie Island! ❤️
Posted in Jayce, Let's Reminisce and Reflect! | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Happy 12th Birthday, Jayla!

Posted on March 27, 2024 by learninggodsway

Dear Jayla,

Happy 12th birthday, sweet girl! Make this year count, and enjoy it. Not too long from now, you will be a teenager. Things seem to change as the teenage years begin. You will be one step closer to reaching adulthood.

You are a smart, kind, and beautiful girl who is filled with a little bit of sass every once in a while. You have made me smile as I’ve watched you learn how to handle your emotions. I have had to do the same in my life. I’m glad we have been able to learn together.

I am thankful we have each other to go through this life together. The Lord blessed me extra special when he gave me a mini-me. Everyone comments on how much we are alike. They are right because you are like me in so many ways. You have a tender heart, which sometimes is portrayed as feelings of frustration. You are passionate about the people and animals you love. Don’t ever lose that passion for helping, even if you are sometimes misunderstood. As long as God knows your heart, that is all that matters.

I enjoyed dancing with you this year. Thanks for encouraging me to let go of my stage fright and perfectionism. The memories we made together will last a lifetime. You have always been one of my biggest encouragers, and you helped me step out of my comfort zone in a good way.

You are wonderfully made in God’s eyes. Don’t ever forget that. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will be with you wherever you go. I will also be your greatest cheerleader, standing on the sidelines cheering you on, similar to how you cheered on Caitlin Clark at one of her games in Indiana. I will pray for you and trust you will always follow the Lord.

Love Always,

Mom

Jayla’s Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 12

What is your favorite food? Sushi

What do you hope you never have to eat again? A dandelion

What is your favorite thing to do? Crochet

What is your favorite animal? Dog

What makes you happy? My dog, June

What is the best memory from when you were 11? Getting to dance

What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 12? Cheer

What would you like to be when you grow up? A nurse practitioner

What is your favorite song? Fishes and Loaves by Josiah Queen

Where is your favorite place to eat? Chick-Fil-A

What is your favorite book? Monkey Business

Where would you like to go on vacation? Hawaii

What would you like the world to know? God is good.

Psalm 139:14 – I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Posted in Jayla, Let's Reminisce and Reflect! | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Happy 7th B-Day, Azariah

Posted on March 20, 2024 by learninggodsway

Dear Azariah Jackson,

Happy Birthday, Buddy! The last year with you was amazing. After five years, we were finally able to rest in the fact that you will be with our family forever. Those five years of waiting taught us a lot but were also filled with uncertainties. Your adoption last March brought all of those uncertainties to a close, thankfully! The Lord helped us each step of the way, but we are very grateful for the closure we have all felt this last year.

Having an adoption party at Disney World was the best! You loved riding all the rides and swimming in the pools at Fort Wilderness Campground. Dancing and roasting marshmallows with Chip ‘n Dale was also a blast. We love your big personality and creative mind. Your mind is always thinking of ways to be entertained. Maybe that is why you gave yourself a haircut on the way back to the resort. We all laughed and giggled. Dad had to buy a set of clippers and finish what you had started.

Celebrating your 7th birthday a few months later was also a lot of fun. Of course, you requested pizza and fishing gear. You are quite the fisherman, and your knowledge of all the creatures that live in the water amazes me. You would rather be fishing or exploring outdoors more than anything else. We have to watch you closely because you have no fear. When you set your mind to something, it cannot be changed. You keep us on our toes, that is for sure.

We love your willpower and ambition. We are certain the Lord is going to use all of your energy for something amazing one day. You just have to be willing to let Him. I have no doubt that you will! You enjoy church and often have one of the Lord’s songs freely flowing. When you sing, it brightens my days.

We love you so much! Keep being you, and don’t ever lose your quirky personality. Continue being kind and going out of your way to help others. Follow the Lord and let Him direct your paths. He has great things in store!

Love Always,

Mommy

How old are you? 7
What is your favorite food? Cheeseburgers
What do you hope you never have to eat again? Salad and green beans
What is your favorite thing to do? Fishing
What is your favorite animal? Bluegill
What makes you happy? Catching bluegill and bass
What is the best memory from when you were 6? Going to Bald Head Island
What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 7? Catch bass
What would you like to do when you grow up? police officer
What is your favorite song? Sunday Sermons by Anne Wilson
Where is your favorite place to eat? McDonald’s
What is your favorite book? Bible
Where would you like to go on vacation? Universal Studios
What would you like the world to know? About God

Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Posted in Let's Reminisce and Reflect! | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Happy 14th Abby

Posted on March 13, 2024 by learninggodsway

Dear Abby,

Lately, as I have scrolled through pictures and videos from years gone by, I have been in awe at how you have recently flourished into a young lady. It seems that you have grown up over night not only physically but also in maturity. You have let your hair down so to speak, and your unique personality has begun to shine through in a big way. I am thankful for that because you are loads of fun to be around.

This last year, I watched your volleyball and basketball skills improve because you put in the hard work necessary for skilled athletes. You are definitely a perfectionist and always give your best sometimes to the point of injury and exhaustion, but I have no doubt that you will find the perfect balance as you begin your high school sports journey. We love watching as you show passion when participating in activities you enjoy. I know your determination will pay off! And, I’m excited because I have a front row seat.

Our college basketball dates were one of the highlights of my winter. Your screams and cheers at the television were contagious, and your enthusiasm turned me into a fan. I am glad you went to see Carolina play in February but organizing a trip in March to Indiana to see Caitlin Clark play in person was definitely the icing on the cake. I could tell you had a great time! Are you ready to see her play in the WNBA?

Attending a TobyMac concert and getting the best seats in the house was amazing, but you being there with me made it even more special. I can’t wait to experience many more adventures with you not only over the next four years, but for many more years to come. Simply being around you makes life an amazing adventure. I love you beautiful girl and am thankful God brought us together!

Love Always,

Mom

Abby’s Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 14
What is your favorite food? Pizza
What do you hope you never have to eat again? Not sure
What is your favorite thing to do? Play basketball
What is your favorite animal? Bunny
What makes you happy? hanging out with friends and family
What is the best memory from when you were 13? Going to see Caitlin Clark and TobyMac

What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 14? See Caitlin Clark again and go on vacation
What would you like to do when you grow up? Play college basketball
What is your favorite song? Til the day I Die by TobyMac
Where is your favorite place to eat? Taco Bell, Zaxby’s, and Texas Roadhouse
What is your favorite book? Wonder
Where would you like to go on vacation? To Outer Banks with Mom and Dad, or Hawaii would be nice.
What would you like the world to know? Jesus died on the cross for us because He loves us.

Romans 6:8-11 KJV – For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Posted in Abby, Let's Reminisce and Reflect! | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Happy Birthday, Ava

Posted on March 10, 2024 by learninggodsway

Dear Ava,

Happy 10th birthday, Ava! It is hard to believe that you turned ten on Christmas day. Here I am once again playing catch up. Your sister’s birthday is only a few days away, so it is time to get caught up!

Over the last year, you have discovered new hobbies such as raising chickens, breaking ponies, and even ballet! You are not afraid of hopping on any pony or horse and taking off even if it is the first time it has ever been ridden.

You enjoy building chicken coops and nesting boxes. You collect eggs and share them with others. When you are not taking care of your chickens or ponies, you are helping out with chores around the farm or building forts in the woods by the creek.

I am very proud of you for joining a ballet class. You are doing so well. It is a joy watching you learn new ballet moves and even a dance routine with your sisters and classmates.

I am thankful we get to watch you mature and grow. Before long, you will be as tall as me and sharing my clothes and shoes like all of your sisters do.

We love you forever and a day! May all your dreams come true!

Love Always,

Mom 💕

Jeremiah 29:11 –

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Ava’s Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 10
What is your favorite food? pizza
What is your least favorite food? chicken nuggets
What is your favorite thing to do? play football
What is your favorite animal? horse
What makes you happy? Mom
What is the best memory from when you were 9? Going to Disney
What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 10? Go trail riding
What would you like to be when you grow up? a horse trainer
What is your favorite song? Rebel by Anne Wilson
Where is your favorite place to eat? Texas Roadhouse
What is your favorite book? Amelia Bedelia.
Where would you like to go on vacation? Amish Country in Pennsylvania
What do you want the world to know? God is good.

Posted in Ava, Let's Reminisce and Reflect! | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Happy 2nd Birthday to Two Precious Babies

Posted on February 7, 2024 by learninggodsway

Dear Sweet Boys,

A year ago today, I did not anticipate adding two more little ones to our family, especially without warning. However, none of us in this home would change your sudden appearance for anything. We all fell in love with you instantly.

We have learned a lot since you scooted into our lives. We have learned that prayers are not always answered in our timing or how we expect. I will never forget praying for God’s will to be carried out in your lives even before your birth. I asked others to pray not only for you but for your mama as well.

Never in my life did it cross my mind that my prayer and many others’ prayers would be answered when I picked both of you up from the place you had called home since being released from the NICU. What I thought would only be a night or two has quickly turned into a year full of snuggles. Those snuggles led us to more of an understanding of what was needed to care for you properly.

The last year has been somewhat of a challenge due to many difficult obstacles that presented themselves, including health concerns. These concerns led to many doctor visits, therapy appointments, tests, surgery procedures, and specialist appointments. Thankfully, a great team of doctors and therapists locally and at UVA surround us and are the scaffolding needed to hold us up as the layers continue to be peeled away and each underlying issue is revealed and tackled.

God works in mysterious ways and knows much more than we do. We must trust in His plans because He holds the future. He has performed many miracles since the day of your conception and birth and throughout the first year of your lives. We have recently slid right into your second year.

We got to celebrate your 2nd birthday not once but twice. We had a party at our house and then another with your birth mama and siblings. It is evident that so many people love you and care about you. We will continue to love on both of you in significant ways as long as the Lord allows us to.

We are grateful for all the Lord has done and will continue to do as you grow more and more each day. We have dedicated both of your lives to the Creator. He silences our fears as we navigate through the unknowns. He reminds us that He loves you more than we ever could! We are thankful.

Love Always,

Mommy 💙

Psalm 56:3 – What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

Posted in Let's Reminisce and Reflect!, Twins | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Happy 12th Birthday, Alayla!

Posted on January 16, 2024 by learninggodsway

Dear Alayla,

Your 11th year was full of unexpected challenges. Sudden severe headaches that were present day and night began a journey that we were not expecting. After a few weeks with no relief, we knew it was time to figure out what was going on. I felt sure you probably just needed a pair of cute glasses to cure your relentless headaches. Needless to say, I was left feeling shocked when the eye doctor said your eye sight was perfect, but there was something much more concerning going on.

The next few days were a whirlwind as we made a visit to a pediatric optometrist who immediately asked for an MRI to be ordered. The MRI results were not what anyone was hoping for, so a lumbar puncture became the next step. Those results were also abnormal, so the MRI results were confirmed. Both of these tests led to referrals with neurosurgery and neurology, which also led to a second lumbar puncture that caused a spinal fluid leak. You scared your friends at church when they found you lying in a completely dark bathroom floor. Your dad scooped you up and brought you home. We phoned the neurosurgeon and scheduled a spinal blood patch.

After this incident, we did not feel as confident in the neurosurgeon as we needed to, so we decided a larger hospital at a university was needed. That’s when the Lord led us to Virginia Commonwealth University. The neurosurgeon and neurologist there have been amazing so far.

Watching you be thrown into the medical world so quickly has not been easy. You were one of our healthiest children physically, so going from thinking you probably just need glasses to a diagnosis of papilledema, increased spinal fluid, chiari malformation, and possible celiac disease has been a complete shock for all of us.

To be honest, the thoughts of one of our children possibly having brain surgery is terrifying to us, so we cannot imagine what you have been feeling up to this point. However, in true Layla fashion, you have handled everything in stride. We would not expect anything different from you because you have always had an upbeat attitude and have made lemonade out of lemons many times thus far in your life. That is just how you are. You roll with the punches with a smile and laugh.

Thankfully the doctors at VCU have been conservative in their treatment for you. It was decided the best plan is to take medications to treat symptoms, repeat MRIs and lumbar punctures as needed this coming summer, and to watch and wait to see if surgery will be necessary. We are grateful we have found such caring physicians, but we are even more grateful for the great physician, our Lord and Savior.

He has held our hands all the way through your newly found medical conditions. He has brought a peace that passes all understanding not only for us but also for you. We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, and we know you love the Lord with all your heart. We cannot wait to see the testimony the Lord brings from your suffering.

If your dad and I could take all the pain and suffering away, we would in an instant. But, since we can’t, we will trust the Lord’s timing. We are here for you, but more importantly, so is He. We love you sweet girl and are thankful God sent you to be our daughter. He knew exactly what He was doing.

Love Always,

Mom 💕

Alayla’s Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 12

What is your favorite food? Lasagna

What is your least favorite food? Mac N Cheese and Broccoli

What is your favorite thing to do? Ride horses

What is your favorite animal? Highland Cow

What makes you happy? My family

What is the best memory from when you were 11? Going to rodeos

What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 12? Go on a cruise

What would you like to be when you grow up? A rancher

What is your favorite song? Things a Man Oughta Know By: Lainey Wilson

Where is your favorite place to eat? Texas Roadhouse

What is your favorite book? Magic Treehouse books

Where would you like to go on vacation? The Bahamas

What do you want the world to know? About Jesus and the Bible is true

Romans 8;28- And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Posted in Alayla, Let's Reminisce and Reflect! | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Happy 17th!!

Posted on January 6, 2024 by learninggodsway

Dear Jaden,

Wow! The countdown to 18 has officially began. I never imagined we would get here this quickly. But, nevertheless, here we are.

You celebrated your 17th in true Jaden fashion by going on a cruise and exploring Hawaii with one of your friends. I think it is amazing how you have gotten to go on so many adventures over the years. Alaska, Peru, Bahamas, and Hawaii stand out the most. However, you have also went on many other vacations as well. You love to travel!

This past April, just the two of us hopped on a plane and went to Disney with another friend and her mom. We had so much fun! Thanks for joining me as we check boxes off of our bucket lists! I am not sure swimming with sharks in the Bahamas was ever on my bucket list, but we can go ahead and check that one off, too. You teamed up with the life guard, and you both got a good laugh at my expense as I tried to jump onto a floating raft with my arms and legs flailing about.

Only a few weeks ago, you drove your sisters and me to Richmond to see the Grinch. I offered to drive, and you said, “Mom, I’ve got this.” I did not doubt you for a minute, but we all had a few laughs along the way, at your expense this time, considering you missed a few turns and then pulled into the wrong driveway way past dark. I am pretty sure I remember one of your sisters yelling, “Jaden, you are going to get us shot!” You threw the truck in reverse and went on your merry little way. I love your independence and problem solving skills!

Nothing much seems to faze you. You have became a confident young lady who makes goals and achieves them. From barrel racing, to sports, to taking college classes, to working in the public, you know how to get the job done.

Keep your head on straight and continue to serve the Lord in all that you do, and you will continue to succeed! I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you.

I love you something fierce and when God gave me you, he not only gave me a beautiful daughter but also someone who always encourages me to try new things instead of being afraid of failure. Your confidence has rubbed off on me, and for that I am grateful! Thank you for being you!

Love Always,

Mom

Jaden’s Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 17

What is your favorite food? Japanese

What is your least favorite food? Seafood

What is your favorite thing to do? Ride horses or play sports

What is your favorite animal? Cats, dogs, and horses

What makes you happy? Friends, Jesus, family, riding horses, and my pets

What is the best memory from when you were 16? Being able to barrel race in a rodeo for the first time and going to Hawaii with Clara

What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 17? Continue barrel racing and be able to place in a show

What would you like to be when you grow up? An equine vet

What is your favorite song? Pickup Man by Joe Diffie, Lady May by Tyler Childers, Wondering Why by Red Clay Strays, Outskirts of Heaven by Warren Zeiders, Not My Home by Luke Bower, fishes and loaves and The Prodigal by Josiah queen

Where is your favorite place to eat? Yummy Yummy, Wendy’s or Sisters Cafe

What is your favorite book? The Bible

Where would you like to go on vacation? Anywhere warm with sand, Texas, or Vegas

What do you want the world to know? You can’t handle everything at once. Focus on the small things the Lord gives you and dwell on them. God will take care of the rest.

Psalm 100:4-5 – Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Posted in Jaden, Let's Reminisce and Reflect! | Tagged | Leave a comment