Ash and Shep- The Stats

First, let me say how thankful I am that my middles had another year of no health issues.

Second, let me say that I hate taking these two to the doctor together.  It is one of those humbling experiences.  They are sooo goofy, laughing over every little thing the doctor asks them to do.

Nurse- "Please undress to just your underwear. Would you like a gown to cover up with?"

Kid- "hahaha, ok."

Other kid- "No, I will just stay in underwear."

Doctor- "Any diarrhera or constipation?"

kid- "hahaha, no."

other kid- "what's constipation?"

Doctor grabs a glove and does the "cough" check.

Kid chuckles

Other kid full out laughs while it is happening to his other brother.
Both kids preface this experience with, "do we have to have a weiner check?"

Doctor "jump up and down ten times."

Kid - you would think he has zero athletic ability with the way he is jumping around the room

Other kid- making all kinds of weird faces while he jumps

I am so thankful they get us in and out quickly because by the end, I am about to die.  These boys are just too much.

The middles!  Love this duo. Yes, I cropped Hunter, Bennett and even (gasp) Moses out of the picture.

Ashton 

Weight- 56 lb (21%)

Height- 52.5" (46%)

Shepherd

Weight- 67 lb (94%)

Height- 52.75" (99%) 

***He is officially taller than his older brother.  We knew the day would come, but didnt think it would be when he was 7.  I went back and checked on Hunter at 7 as Hunt has always been tall for his age.  This puts Shep's size into perspective.  Hunter weighed 57lbs and was 51.5" tall at 7 so a good bit smaller than Shepherd.

After the doctor's appt, we met up with Olivia and baby Isaac for lunch.  I love her being so close to do quick meet ups!  I got to love Isaac for a little bit but he is already quite a momma's boy and wasnt truly happy until he was back with him mom. Thanks for meeting with us Liv.

One One

11 years ago my epidural was cut off and I pushed for almost 2 1/2 hours...  All this was done to get to hold this scrawny little 7 lb 2 oz baby for the first time.  Of course I loved him from the moment that I found out I was pregnant, but, for me, it was awe at first sight.  I was in absolute awe of this little person.  By his one month check up, he was up to 10 lb. 13 oz and by six months was over 20 lbs.  I feel like I just blinked to the present.

This kid knows how to take a picture.

My Hunter is growing into such an amazing young man.  He is a thinker... sometimes overly so.  He is obedient to a fault (if there is such a thing.)  He completes his homework without any prompting from me or any complaints.  He fits the mold of the oldest child and is quite the caretaker to the younger three.  During football season, he helps me tremendously around the house and with his brothers. He is compassionate and hurts when others hurt.   He is funny.  I love that he now gets all of my sarcasm and will softly chuckle when I say stuff to his brothers that will go right over their heads.

He loves his Clemson Tigers

He loves Jesus, knows the Bible amazingly well, and loves going to church.  He still loves all super hero shows and movies.  As I mentioned before, he and I can have a 2 hour discussion on the latest Arrow or Flash season.  He remembers trivia (AKA trivial facts) and is in dismay that I do not share his love of history facts, science info or random knowledge.  He still loves for me to read to him.  He is not an avid individual reader, but will come running if I offer to read to him or if he hears me reading to the other boys.

Opening presents

Ashton made him laugh.  Still opening presents

His favorite present (the arrow was a Christmas gift) was the quiver and more arrows.  He is posing here as the "Green Arrow."  I told you we slightly in love with Arrow and Oliver Queen. Well, he is in love with Arrow.  I am in love with Oliver Queen... hahaha

It's funny how God knew exactly what I needed when he loaned you to me.  Hunter, you are such an amazing kid.  You are a bit weird and you totally own it.  I pray that your mold is always fashioned after Jesus.  Surround yourself with like-minded but dont be afraid to get into this messy world and love on people.  As we are studying the armor of God, prepare for battle daily.  This armor is the same divine armor that Yahweh used in Isaiah.  We have access to Jesus' armor!  I take great comfort that you are equipped to handle the "flaming arrows of the evil own" because you are covered by Him.

Blowing out his birthday brownies.  He requested Zaxbys for dinner and I caved.  

I love you so much!  You have a lot of exciting things happening in the next year and I know you are ready.

Happy Birthday,
Love,
Mom

Height- 5'2" (not in inches anymore- that sounds so tall.)
Weight- 98 lbs
Shoe- 8.5 or 9
Shirt- Youth XL or 14
Pants- 14
Gosh, you are growing up so fast!

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And because I dont have enough to make it its own blog.  We were able to head up to Asheville to celebrate my niece, Eva's, first birthday.  She is such a beautiful, precious little girl.

Eva Claire is 1!!!!

She knew just what to do with the cake... double fisting it.

So, happy happy birthday to Hunter (and Eva).  While I am at it, Happy Birthday to Nolan too.  From December 7 to December 14, our family has a bunch to celebrate (actually, Happy Birthday to my cousin and maid of honor in my wedding Stephanie who hit the big 33 yesterday!)

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To sum it up- Hunter, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil."  Eph. 6:10-11