A
little over three years ago (a week before James Carlton Blake
Igarashi) finally debuted, I remember lumbering in circles around my
deck like an overdue rhinoceros and telling myself, “Self,
in three years you’ll look back on this last miserable week of waiting
and you’ll be amazed at how weird the perspective of time is”
Three years later, I remember my conversation with my younger self and it is true. How can one week last so long, but three years can fly by like a blink? It’s a mystery. Do you think heaven has time? I
wonder, when I’m in heaven, if I’ll think back to this time in my life
when it seemed like He would never come back for His church. But
just like King James finally came (even tho it seemed it would never
ever ever happen), I know my hope and faith are not in vain. He HAS to come back because He said He would, and He’s not a liar.
Anyways, I love my little three year old, even tho he has definitely been the most challenging one (by far). I thought Dippy was hard when he was two and three… actually, Dippy was hard, but now he is the most generous, caring, considerate, helpful, respectful, relationship-driven 6 year old I know. So I should not be discouraged (or lax in my child training). Kids are all *so* different. Come to think of it, Coie was an absolute monster when she was three. That kid was stuck up, and she lied like a little terrorist. And Ryann has
always been good, but she used to be so loud and obnoxious and clumsy
that I thought for sure she would end up accidentally killing us all
with her long windmill arms and gigantic oversized feet (she’s grown
into them nicely, now).
Anyways, I pray constantly (beg constantly) that God will make them His. I
know it's probably not the best of odds that all six kids from one
family will grow up to faithfully chase Christ with their whole being,
but I am begging and begging that it will happen. All
six, every one, following Him and giving Him glory and teaching their
own children (and others in their lives) that the only worthwhile thing
in life is serving the Messiah, who will one day return.
As I conclude this, my three year old just walked into my room with
Coie's bottle of expensive smelling lotion firmly stuck upside down on
his fat little hand. Yep, it'll be another one of those days…
Two of the Many Faces of James
Scary little guy, isn't he?
|
on August 12th, 2006 at 1:52 pm
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What a *precious* boy!!!
Thanks for the reminder that a few years can really change yor perspective…I’ve been having one of those weeks with my girls, and your reminders helped me to think back just a couple of years and to see how far we’ve all come around here!
Joining you in that begging for my children’s walk with Jesus!
In Christ alone,
Kari
Blog Team, http://www.ChristianWomenOnline.net
on August 12th, 2006 at 4:22 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, KING JAMES!
I hope he has a wonderful B-DAY!!!! Many Blessings to him and all your clan!!
Sincerely,
on August 12th, 2006 at 5:17 pm
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It amazes me that you can remember three years ago! If I don’t write it down or my children didn’t hear me say it — I don’t recall much : )
Happy Birthday to your preciosu little man. You have wonderful children. May the Lord answer your prayers 10 fold.
Blessings,
Maria
on August 12th, 2006 at 5:51 pm
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is that kitten ok? he’s a cutie! happy birthday to him.
on August 12th, 2006 at 7:47 pm
ha, look at that kitten!!
That kitten saying “help! please! squished. can’t. breathe. help.” LOL
Can I send my cats to King James for some lovin?
on August 12th, 2006 at 9:27 pm
Oh Jen,
What a beautiful birthday post for your little man! And it was encouraging for me to read that three was a yucky age for all of your young’uns and they grew out of it, because three has been VERY tough for me with my 2nd one, and when you mentioned that I thought back and realized my firstborn was tough at that age, too! So, maybe there is hope!
I loved your comparison of being overdue and Jesus coming back…. really really good thought. Keep on praying for all six of those Igarashi bairns, because our God is BIG and He can do anything, despite the “odds”! Actually, I kind of wrote a post sorta kinda related to that today you might wanna read if you get some time.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KING JAMES!
Jen (JenofAvonlea/ MrsIncredible)
on August 12th, 2006 at 10:07 pm
Dollywood
Hi! I read your comment. We’d love to meet up and have a picnic while we are in the area. It will be the end of the month-we have Dollywood tickets for the Wednesday August 31st.
Alisa
on August 12th, 2006 at 11:52 pm
Hi!
That James is going to grow up to be one very blessed boy to have had such a great mother like you! Not many mommies would have kept taking pictures while their three year old snugged up to a panic stricken kitten. LOL! So cute!
on August 13th, 2006 at 1:27 am
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What classic photos…love the smile and the kitten! Too adorable!! You know, I never thought of labor that way…it does seem to drag on, but their lives go by way to quickly.
on August 13th, 2006 at 7:57 am
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I just read your article in the new TOS and it was great as usual. We can hardly pray enough for our babies to seek HIM. Thanks again, for sharing your story and making it so real. I know moms in the exact situation as your mom was and it’s so, so heartbreaking. They’re on the prayer list, too!
Melissa
on August 13th, 2006 at 12:39 pm
Wow…
he’s growing up….and by the way, this post brought tears to my eyes!!!
on August 13th, 2006 at 4:14 pm
So, there is a chance? 🙂
I have had one of those weeks with my youngest. I pray and know that my prayers have been heard! I just can’t wait to see God’s work in her come alive! It is very nice hearing that they come out of this stage!! I love hearing about hope for the future with my little Miss Attitude, I cherish any advice that you post!
Jeni
on August 13th, 2006 at 7:46 pm
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He’s delightful! In BOTH photos!
Happy Birthday, little King James. May God grant you many returns of the day and a heart to love and honor Him.
Many blessings!
Mrs. Christi
on August 13th, 2006 at 10:37 pm
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Blessings from God be upon you sweet King James. May your heart follow the Savior from young on into grey haired days.
JenIg, Yes, time flies, mine are 35, 29, 23, and 21. And now I number my grandchildren’s ages, oooeeee tiime is slipping away. Blessings.
on August 14th, 2006 at 9:46 am
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That cat actually looks quite happy, the squeeze must be in the face muscles, not the biceps……
So true about time. That’s good perspective to think on heaven like raising children. You cannot imagine how fast it goes until you have kids.
on August 14th, 2006 at 11:44 am
Happy Birthday
Happy (belated) birthday to King James! I hope his day was filled w/ laughter, sunshine and lots and lots of dirt! 😀
My little guy turned 3 in June. His middle name is James. 🙂
And I agree, 3 is tough!!! Each of my “angels” turned into little hellions of varying degrees at 3. Almost overnight that will rears it’s ugly head and they aren’t our sweet little babies anymore. *sigh*
Enjoy your sweet little 3 year old!
on August 14th, 2006 at 2:14 pm
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LOL. That 2nd photo with the gritted teeth reminds me of Daniella. She gets that same look many times when she’s loving animals. We’re always telling her she is loving them to death–literally!
I enjoyed your post. I’ve been at that same place this week. Ashley is about to turn 20 next month! Briana graduates this year, and will probably go to college in 2 years. It panics me to think of the dynamics changing so much, but I know it has to come eventually. Then, to top if all off, Marissa will be 10 next year. 10!!!!!!!!!!!!! What?????????
Hope to see ya soon.
Letitia
on August 14th, 2006 at 3:30 pm
Tag!
Maureen over at Trinity Prep School tagged me today so now you get tagged! Have fun!
Be Blessed!
Gina
At The Moment
on August 14th, 2006 at 10:06 pm
Amen!! Amen!!! Amen!!!
The prayer that you have for your kids is also my prayer!!! You are doing a great job!! Keep up the good work! Yeah God!!!
All of your children are PRECIOUS!!!:):):)
Happy Birthday King James!
on August 14th, 2006 at 11:34 pm
Cute
Cute pictures of James, and happy birthday to him. Wow, I can’t believe how many ladies actually change their sheets every week! I change the kids the day before someone pees on them, and the next day and then I wait a month or so to forget what a hassle it was. That has been my routine, wait till someone pees the bed and then change them but we are growing out of that stage so I guess I need to get on some sort of bi-weekly routine.
Miss you and yours,
Jennifer
on August 15th, 2006 at 11:20 am
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I still can’t stop laughing at these pictures. That is SO HIM. I love that little guy. Can I babysit again soon?
on August 15th, 2006 at 1:33 pm
:+)
That was a lovely post, Jen. God is good to us, isn’t He?
Keep praying – I am praying the same prayer!
Happy Birthday, Sweet James.
Warmly,
Kate
on August 16th, 2006 at 9:34 am
AWWW…..
He reminds me of Isaac. He turned 3 on July 23rd. Aren’t they the sweetest things, well sometimes!
How are you? Hope you are having a GREAT week!
Sorry I haven’t been here in awhile. Things have been majorly busy here.
Just stopping by to say HEY……so……HEY!!
Stop by “The Daily Planet” soon! There are a lot of changes!
Take Care!
Luv
Daughter of Jacque Dixon
Sister of
&
on August 16th, 2006 at 10:06 am
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I believe that way about heaven.
And I love your description “lied like a little terrorist”. LOLOL
And what a good looking little man! Did the kitten survive?