Seven years of Brave-ry

He tells me almost every day, "You're the BEST mama." I smile and kiss the dimple in his left cheek, or bury my face in his thick brown hair, or look into his puppy-dog eyes the color of wet stones, and I say, "You are the BEST Brave Ransom."

I love my third son. His butter-toned skin is always soft, like his dad's. His big hands are strong for a kid, so that he gives better back rubs than his dad. His favorite five things on this planet are his parents and siblings. He really would rather that I never be out of sight. Daddy has super powers, as far as he's concerned. Math and music are his strengths in school, while running and pummeling are his strengths outside. He is big-hearted, big-boned, and a huge goofball.

He makes decisions quickly and with conviction. He protects people, especially his beloved "twin" sister Jubilee. He watches the faces of those around him, looking for signs of happiness. Then he breaks into a dimpled grin when he sees it.

Seven years ago this month, Brave came into the world, quickly and with conviction. I thank G0D for blessing my life with Brave-ry.

His brothers stayed up late the night before his birthday, adding reptile scales to the "7" on his poster.

Little Rupps looking on as presents are opened on Brave's birthday morning. All eight bare feet on a single bench...be still my heart.

Reading the back of the box is seeeerious business.

Zion is pumped about this particular gift (I think it adds to a collection of some sort).

Siting-in the new gun.

And then there was the night-swimming birthday party in the neighborhood pool, complete with water-squirter party-favors, glow sticks, and cupcakes. Look at Brave's guns! And I don't mean the water gun, either. 

Standing behind his left shoulder is his best friend Zeb. Gotta mention Zeb.

Happy 7th birthday, Handsome Brave Ransom!

14 years, and still true to our word

Daniel and I recently celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary, and as I watched my husband crack crab legs across the table, I felt one overwhelming emotion.

Gratitude.

There truly aren't words for how blessed I feel. I know not all women are loved like I am. I know not all kids are healthy, not all jobs are fulfilling, and not all homes are happy. Not a day goes by that I don't thank G0D for what I have.

But all marriages are hard. No matter how submitted one might be to the L0RD, sin never stops plaguing us in this life. Daniel and I have both been known to succumb to selfishness from time to time. I have a quick tongue, one that lashes out like a whip if I don't keep it tied down. Daniel, as close to perfect as he is, forgets to think about my feelings sometimes. We hurt each other. We lose sight of where we were headed when we started out.

We stumble. We fall.

But we never quit. We always repent, always forgive, and always move forward together.

Why?

Because we said we would, that's why.

One of my favorite quotes from Samwise Gamgee of The Lord of the Rings: "I made a promise, Mister Frodo. A promise! 'Don't you leave him, Samwise Gamgee.' And I don't mean to! I don't mean to."

I love this pic of us, from our 14th anniversary, because Gene took it, and those are our wedding picture and invitation on the wall.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. STAY MARRIED. It's the best promise you'll ever keep.