Despite his disgruntled expression, he was actually begging me to take his photograph.  Whatever you wish, son!

Please follow the blog circle by visiting my friend Jessica Holden’s blog to see her lensbaby images!

You are the silliest boy ever.  Laughing is your favorite and you have quite the infectious giggle; I can’t help but smile when I hear it.  I’m not all that funny but you seem to think I’m hilarious and say that my tickles are better than Daddy’s.  One day, most likely in your teenage years, the hilarity of my jokes will wane but please always keep those happy memories of your childhood where you thought I was silly.  Your laughter is the best gift and my hope is that you remember it as a gift as well.

Love Mommy

Please continue the Letters to Our Sons blog circle by visiting Megan Cieloha’s post!

I’m not much of a gardener.  In fact, I have the thumb of death when it comes living things and soil.  But, the kids are fascinated with flowers, fruits, and vegetables and having a garden is a dream of theirs.  Because of that, my mom purchased each of the kids their own strawberry plant and let them know that they are responsible for watering them.  Hey, it’s better than fish with a tank I’d have to clean

Please follow the blog circle by visiting my friend Megan Dill and her post about perspectives here.

Dear Finley,

You’re a giver.  Now, you do have your selfish moments but most of the time you care more about making others happy than yourself.  For instance, as soon as you got some money gifted to you for Christmas I asked you what you wanted to do with it.  Your response?  To buy your little sister a birthday present.  Never let someone talk you out of giving.  Never stop giving – whether it be gifts, meaningful words, or love.  And most of all, never forget the joy that comes with giving.  Be a giver.  Always.  And thank you for these constant little lessons and reminders you unknowing teach me.

Love, Mommy

Continue the blog circle by visiting the photography blog of the very talented Ashley Spaulding.

You’re only 5, just a boy, but something I’ve realized is that what we teach you now will help mold you into the man you become.  We love your laid back personality that doesn’t care what others think about you and our desire is to nurture that as much as possible.  Those are good qualities!  Keep your patience, compassion, and your confidence in who you are and the decisions you make.  Trust your instincts.  Be respectful to everyone.  Help others.  Love.  Have fun.  Don’t be afraid.  Don’t fear the bullies or opinions or rejection.  Don’t be scared to chase your dreams.  Be you and only you, never anyone else.

Love, Mommy

Follow the circle by visiting my friend, the inspiring Elle Walker’s blog!

Even though I’ve always known how to cook it’s not something I enjoyed nor did very often.  The food allergies forced me to cook and to learn even more.  It’s been a huge blessing.  We eat better, the food has more taste, and we’re healthier.  I’ve learned to cook things I never would have imagined.  It’s a blessing to be able to feed my family a delicious and healthy meal.  And, I’ve learned to enjoy cooking.

We’ve learned about friendships.  It’s easy to be someone’s friend when life is all rainbows and sunshine but those who truly care will be there when life gets tough.  While the losses have been painful they are few.  We are blessed to have many friends and family that will encourage us and do what they can to keep Finn and Zoey safe.

Perhaps the biggest blessing in all of this has been the compassion and consideration for others that my children are learning.  They’ve learned to give something up for the safety of another.  They’ve learned that while they could safely drink a glass of orange juice in front of Zoey without harming her it would still be rude and they should consider Zoey’s feelings prior to fulfilling their own desires.  Consideration for others is a constant reminder in our home and it’s something that they take into their social life also.

Like I said, food allergies suck but they’ve made us better and I’m proud of the lessons my children have learned from them.

(and here’s the beautiful sunset that God blessed us with last night)

Head on over this way to read about my lovely friend Melissa’s blessings!

Dear Finley,

To say that you’re an Avengers fan is an understatement and Captain America is your all time favorite.  I may not be well versed in superheros and comics but you remind me of him with your persistent and caring nature.  This month you gave me the biggest compliment that a 5 year old Avengers fanatic could give – you told me out of the blue that I was better than Captain America.  Well my dear boy, I think you are better than Captain America!

Love Mommy

Next up in the blog circle is the wonderfully talented Amii Wroblewski!