six

My sweet girl turned six this last Saturday. Six! How can it even be possible? 

I find that every single one of my children's birthdays is so bittersweet. Bitter in that they are growing up and it is so hard for me to let those baby days go; sweet in that the older they get the more I love them and love discovering who God created them to be.

This last Saturday we celebrated Audrey. My beautiful girl. I feel blessed beyond measure to not only be her mama, but to just know her. She is an amazing little girl. So creative and bright and just lovely in every single way. And I love that every day I am still learning new things about her. 

I love how she has the most remarkable memory and is a wonderful storyteller. I love how obsessed she is with art and creating- it is one of the most beautiful things about her. I love how at any given time she has a million different collections- right now it is Strawberry Shortcakes, rocks, American Girl catalogs, coins from around the world, and cards + notes from family and friends. I love seeing how the Lord is working in her and heart and teaching her so much. I see Him answering so many prayers I have had for her in such amazing ways. I can't wait to see what God has in store for her and her life!

Here are some little peeks from her special day...

the first day :: homeschool

This week was a huge week of firsts. 

First day of soccer for Audrey.

First day of preschool as a four year old for Elliot.

First day of homeschooling. 

Yes, I have homeschooled a little before. 

But that was just for preschool. 

Kindergarten is the big time.

We still have lots of fun + games + art projects (Audrey lives for the art projects!)

But there are a bit more expectations now.

Like practicing reading + writing + math every day, not just when you feel like it. 

It has been a big adjustment this week. 

We are creating our new normal, our new family rhythms. 

And that is not always easy, 

Especially when it is still in the 80s outside and you just want to play!

But despite the adjustments, 

we have seriously had so much fun. 

I can't wait for this year 

and all that we are going to learn 

and how we are going to grow as a little family.

Here are some peeks at what our first day looked like...

early morning visit from Mooma

mini-photoshoot with mama

making a science notebook for her favorite doll

Kit was very involved in the whole day

excited about new school books! 

the day's art project- alligator As

 journaling about dinosaurs

building a fort in the backyard

after bedtime pajama ice-cream run (a first day of school tradition)

Yes, it really was a good day.

happy birthday, dear sister

Dear Amanda, 

Happy Birthday! 

I don't know if you will be peeking into this little space today or not, but I just wanted to say...

Happy Birthday!

And welcome to your 30s! 

Despite what the rumors say, the 30s are really, really good!

I promise.

If if I lived closer 

and could take you out for coffee today

in honor of your birthday,

I would.

And over our cups of hot coffee

I would tell you how very much I love you.

How no matter what,

no matter how much time has passed, 

no matter where we are,

I love you. 

So much. 

Words cannot really even describe how much. 

I would say it over and over and over again. 

Until it got through to you

and you never ever 

forgot it.

Then I would remind you of God's love.

How deep

and wide

and endless

and amazing 

His love is

for 

you.

Then you would make fun of me for crying, 

because 

of course, I would be. 

Then

as our cups of coffee grew cold, 

we would talk about life. 

Growing up 

and "fashion boots",

and baby dolls,

junior high crushes, 

and My So-Called Life. 

Then we would talk about the hard things. 

Divorce. 

Heartbreak.

And healing.

Then we would talk about those 

five little ones of ours

who 

are

beautiful

and 

everything.

There would be lots of laughing. 

Because you always always make me laugh. 

You are truly one of the

funniest 

people I know. 

There might be a little of crying.

Because that is just what I do.

And you might too.

And after we were done, 

we would hug 

and our 

hearts 

would feel so 

full. 

Full of 

love, 

and hope, 

and peace.

That is what I would wish for if I lived closer.

But instead, 

I am across the state.

Missing you an awful lot. 

Especially today. 

And hoping that today of all days 

is perfectly 

lovely

and 

wonderful

in 

every

single

way.

And that you feel so, so 

loved. 

xo Reinos

You are the light of my life. You make me happy. And when I'm feeling sad, you make me glad.