My Four Boys.

What can I say about my 4 boys?  Well, they challenge me everyday and honestly make me reevaluate my purpose in life.  Why did God choose Tyler and I to raise these crazy, rambunctious boys who take me to the very edge of my sanity some days (or most)?  Not sure I will ever know why, but what I do know is, I love these boys and they make this Mama mighty proud.   Here is a bit about each one of my little men.

Jacob David, almost 7

What a ball of attitude!  He sure knows how to push Tyler and I's buttons.  He is persistent, does not let things go, and thinks he is the coolest, smartest, most talented kid alive (Humility would not be a strong suit for this boy as of yet).  He is a chatterbox, has to have the last word (I have no idea where he got that from...), and tells us "no" more often than not when asked to do something, but he has a very good heart.  Every morning before he walks out the door to go to school, he gives each of his brothers a kiss from oldest to youngest and kisses and hugs me before he walks out the door.  Then he proceeds to yell, "Adios!"  He insists on having us all stand at the door and wave as him and Tyler as they pull away.   Jake does not go a day without telling me he loves me.  He will make a girl swoon one day.  He will always have my heart...  My Jacob David.

Zakariah Tyler, 4 1/2

What a ball of energy!  He loves to play video games and computer games which keeps his attention for hours if I let it.  He snacks constantly and drinks like a camel.  He is often in his own little world and I have used the phrase, "Earth to Zak!" a few times in his life.  He has inconsolable fits some days, and he has brought me to tears more than once from frustration.  Usually after Supper, he gets tired which unleashes the bull in the china shop.  He becomes destructive, irresponsible, and darn right insane!   When he finally settles down and gets to sleep, he will sleep in until the late morning.  I can see it now, my teenage boy sleeping in until noon!  But he is also my sensitive sweetheart who tends to be my most generous kid.  He shares the best out of his brothers and enjoys drawing pictures for others.  He loves to watch his older brother play video games and misses Jake when he is at school.  He loves hugs and kisses, although he always wipes mine off... little booger.  Zak is a tough guy, but is mushy gushy on the inside.  The day I found out I was pregnant with Zak was one of the best (and long awaited) days of my life.  Can't wait to see what is in store for my Zakariah Tyler.

Thaddeus Wayne, 3

What a whiney butt!  He has been a "half empty" child from the very beginning.  He wakes up most mornings whining to be held and stays that way for most of the morning.  And you say, "just hold the kid then, it will help,"  but it doesn't!  I will struggle some mornings holding him (He is a nearly 30lb, 3 year old) while making breakfast and packing Jake's lunch thinking he will cheer up with a little lovin'.  Thaddeus wants my attention 24/7.  Poor kid.  He is a middle child and is good at it.  He is VERY stubborn and is a hard kid to break once he has made up his mind.  I once left a crying Thad to go to the store for a half hour and returned to a crying Thad who stood by the door until I got home.  His persistence will pay off one day I imagine, but for now it is challenging.  BUT when Thad is happy and smiling, it absolutely makes my day.  He has the sweetest grin in all the world and is my little helper.  He has a great sense of humor and is a total goof (Not to mention he is a handsome little fart).  He is my little Buddy and will do something very special one day I believe.  Love me some Thaddeus Wayne.

Malachi Gabe, 1 1/2

Mr. Mischievous!  Mal is great at playing the ornery little messer who can't be left alone for a second!  If it is quiet, Mal is up to something!  His specialty right now is toilet water splashing with the toilet brush and toothbrush dunking (you can imagine where).  He has the pouty/frown face down pat and knows how to use his cuteness.  He has also developed quite the attitude.  He is a busy boy, but he has been a ray of sunshine sense the moment he entered the world.  He is our happy boy who wakes up jabbering and giggling.  I always told Tyler, he may be our preacher one day.  He has the attitude and spirit for it.  He is one special, cuddly boy who makes us love parenting on those not so lovable days.  Mal may have been an "oops", but he sure completes our family.  Love my baby boy, Malachi Gabe.

Sometimes I feel like I am just trying to survive another day, but I am learning to cherish special moments with these young boys.  They are all healthy, smart, handsome, and lovable.  How did we get so lucky?  Why did God choose Tyler and I to raise these 4 boys?  Well, my guess is, He loves us so very much and He knew we were the best for the job.  God's plan is a mystery to this gal, but I trust it whole heartedly and look forward to seeing more of OUR story unfold.