Hunter

 I have been procrastinating big time on writing a post about Hunter turning 16. I thought there was no way that I could even begin to express my thoughts on it.  It really seems like just yesterday he was born. Sean and I were so young. Sean was 23 and I was 20 when he was born. So in some ways we have grown up with him. He has always been very laid back but such a deep thinker. Hunter challenges me in my walk with the Lord regularly. He is my talker and loves to get into deep discussions about the Lord and just about anything. We are so proud of him. He works hard in his school work and makes awesome grades. We are truly blessed to be his parents! There are days that I get really emotional thinking about him going off to college or on the mission field somewhere far off but then I am reminded that he is a young man now:) I am so excited to see what the Lord has for him in the future.
 Hunter,
 Always love Jesus with all of your heart, soul and mind. Seek Him every morning with prayer and reading His word.Put others first above yourself always, even when it is hard to do. Everything you do, do for the Glory of God!! Do not think that you have to do what the youth of this world does to fit in and be a normal "teenager". God has given you His word for you to obey Him not this world. Be strong and courageous when it comes to sharing the gospel with people. Keep that sweet, loving, playful heart that loves children. All little kids love and adore you for a reason:) Your dad always says that you are just like me but I see more and more of your dad in you every day. I am so thankful for that because you have a dad who is not perfect, but who loves the Lord with all of his heart and who loves you so very much. You are a special son to me Hunter, and I love you with all my heart!!!!

 Love, your Mama Hardwick:) (aka mom)

"I have no greater joy to know that my children are walking in truth"  3 John 1:4.  Hunter, you are a blessing to me and I love you dearly.  You truly have such a special disposition about you that proclaims that you having something or someone  ruling in your heart that is not of this world.  That someone is Jesus!  Yes we see struggles that you have but are thankful that you are growing in His grace everyday.  Keep hiding His word in your heart as it will be a light unto your path and a lamp unto your feet throughout the days of your life.  Always remember the quote that you have on your wall by Brainerd that says, "As long as I see any thing to be done for God, life is worth having; but O how vain and unworthy it is to live for any lower end!"  Keep that ever in your mind.  All for Him who is worthy to receive the reward of His suffering.  I love you son!   You are an inspiration!


Love Dad  

Crazy Days

 

 This little group of beautiful people is what keeps me busy all day and lately, all night long! I have had three children three and under before in the past but I don't remember it being as crazy:) I have days where I feel like all I do is change dirty diapers, feed babies, wipe little noses, find pacifiers, bathe, rock, nurse, kiss boo boos, and the list could go on and on. If I am honest, I would say that I am pretty selfish most days. It is hard work being a mommy when you put yourself first. I know we all need some time away to refresh and think clearly but that isn't what I'm talking about here. I so long to be the wife and mom who puts Sean and the kids first. So this is my prayer lately, that God would give me energy to be able to keep up and that He would make me a joyful servant to Him first, then Sean and then to the kids.

 

 The kids came in the other day, after walking in the marsh and getting stuck, looking like this!!! They were so unsure about the reaction I would have that I had to just smile and take a picture of them. They will die when they see it on here:) Punishment done:) 

 

  Ready to feel good about yourselves moms? This is actually the bottom of my pile of laundry for the day, until showers tonight:) I love laundry though, so this one doesn't bother me too bad.

 

  One of my huge battles lately has been what to do with my very active, roaming, don't play with toys little ones during our morning school hours. I believe babies and toddlers need just as much one on one with mom as the older children. After all. they are learning how to  talk, walk, share, ABC's and all kinds of things. They want to snuggle up on the couch and read with me too, but I do need about an hour in the morning to get the girls' basics done with them. I decided I needed to teach Josiah how to play with toys like all little boys do:) I put a blanket down for him beside the table near me, and he cannot get off until I am done. It has forced him to play! He actually loves it and I can get school done with the girls:) 

 Farah Elisabeth colors at the table beside me and works on her letters while Eden takes her morning nap. Working great so far!

 

 Eden just adores Josiah. She squeals with delight when he walks in the room. It makes my heart melt. I realized the other day that I don't have hardly any pictures of them together. It is so hard to get them to stay still and both be in focus! I love how close they are. 13 months apart. I pray that they will always be the best of friends.

 " Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1,2

This is my desire, my need right now. To walk in love. 

Well, I better go grab a quick nap while my babies are napping. I need all the energy I can get for the afternoons:)

Oh, one more thing. I have found that B complex works great if you struggle with fatigue. Green tea is pretty amazing as well.

 ~Joli~

Dress up

 Life with lots of little girls is so much fun! I love watching them play dress up and act like they are mommies or like they live in another era. Often it is the Civil War time period or they live in a little house like on Little House on the Prairie:)

 

 I just had to post these pictures of them all dressed up. I never played dress up when I was little but my girls sure do make it look fun! I think I will plan a beautiful tea party outside with some of their friends as soon as it warms up. Have a blessed weekend.

~Joli~

iheartfaces Contest

I thought it would be fun to enter a picture of my smiley little girls in a photo contest. It is a contest for smiles this week. We have lots of those around here, but this picture is one of my favorites.

 

  

 So here is Treasure and Farah Elisabeth sharing some sisterly love:)

  

Joli

Happy New Year!

 Happy new year! Wow, 2010 was a very busy year for me but so much fun:)  I resolve to make every little moment with my children teachable moments about God. I want to know Him more this year!! I want my children to know Him more too.

 

 I want to see His beauty in the little things like my kids do. I want to come to Him humble like my little ones do when they pray.

 

I want to love Him more, love my husband more and love my children more. Love my neighbors more and my enemies more. Wow, that can only come from Him!!  I need supernatural strength that can come only from God. So, my desire for this year is to be in the Word and on my knees praying.

 

 I read on a friends blog where she found a verse and a word for herself for the year. I thought that was an awesome idea.
My verses for 2011 are Psalm 25:4-5

(4)  Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.  (5)  Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.

 My word is Diligence. I need that in a lot of areas of my life right now:) I am looking forward to what God is going to do in my life this new year! 


 Have a wonderful weekend.


  Joli