warning! Major smiles ahead!!

I just can't look at these photos without grinning from ear to ear! These are my kids! Well, 2 belong to me and 3 belong to my brother. I ADORE these kids. I mean I'm extremely mad about them! These are 5 little people in the same family and each one of them is completely different from the next. They are their own unique individuals. I could go on and on about them, beaming with pride over them. I love these guys. I'm FIERCELY PROTECTIVE of them. I like to think I'm a decently nice person but if you dare to hurt one of my people I could rip your head off. (not saying that I should, just that I could) :)

I have a new goal as a parent and auntie of these fine individuals. You know, they're growing up. These aren't the babies who we potty trained and baby proofed for. These are independent kids who leave us for 7 hours a day on a bus to school. We are passed the stage of "yes mom" and first time obedience. I mean obviously those things are still enforced but now we are on new ground where feelings get hurt, bullies attack self esteem, and my confident kids need their mama and auntie to back them up! I have a BIG job now! I MUST be on my knees for these kids! I must make sure that no one destroys their confidence! As a member of this family I am determined to stand against lies that threaten their self esteem. I will do everything I can to protect these wonderful kids from anyone and anything that tries to bring insecurity.

I am no expert. I just know what happens. In elementary school I was the most confident girl you ever saw and then one stinking bully made me feel small and that horrible insecurity found a root into my soul. It took it's toll. So lesson learned, I am on the offensive when it comes to my people. I'm constantly teaching them to dismiss any lie that is spoken over them. We memorize verses from the Bible that say who we are. We memorize verses that promise God has a HOPE and a FUTURE for us. We speak the truth that we are fearfully and WONDERFULLY made in the image of God and no weapon formed against us can prosper. We are filling our minds with TRUTH so that there isn't any room left for lies. I know that this is a hard battle and in my own head a lie is telling me there's no way that I can fight every lie that comes these kids way! But then I'm reminded that If God is for us then who can be against us and I'm going to do my darndest to fight for these kids in every way that I know how!

Happy Belated Mother's Day!!