1. They're just so cute :)
2. I wanted to surprise my brother and his wife with some pictures
I started planning on how I would sneak them out and get take their pictures but I kept running into "road blocks." They do not live fairly close so I knew I would have to make up some grand scheme but then I thought to ask my sister-in-law's sister! And boy was she a life saver! She got them dressed and met me at the location! What a huge help! So thank you, Lauren! :)
Before you look at these sweet faces, I wanted to write a little post about them and what being their aunt is like for me. This may be a little sappy but the Lord has laid it on my heart to share.
I was about 14 when Ashton came along, so I wasn't quite sure what being an Aunt looked like or really what I supposed to do except be called, "Aunt Hillary." I loved her when I first saw her beautiful blue eyes (which you will see in a minute) and I have grown to love her throughout the years. Ashton is a spunky, loving, and full-spirited girl. One of the many things I love about her is her laugh. She has the sweetest giggle and it makes me smile (even right now) whenever I hear it or think of her laughter. She has such a kind heart for those around her and is a great big sister to Davis. She also has a funny sense of humor which I love as well. She can crack me up at the things she says and I love when she makes me laugh!
Davis is the newest edition to our family. He will be 2 (so hard to believe!) this July! Let me tell you that he is all boy. He loves being outside and running around with Ashton and his mommy and daddy. He has the sweetest smile and the same killer blue eyes like his sister. He loves watching football, basketball, well, pretty much anything with a ball. I think he will be playing sports in the near future. One of the many things I love about this sweet little man is his curiosity (and the face that goes with it). He is always people watching and always has to know what is going on.
One of the most exciting and most proudest moments of being Ashton's aunt is when she accepted Christ into her heart almost 3 years ago. As the years have past and the Lord has taught me many characteristics about Himself, I have learned what it means (and by no means have I got this all figured out) to be discipled and to be a disciple. This is when the Lord really opened my eyes to being Ashton and Davis' aunt. I'm not married nor do I have any children of my own, but the Lord has given me 2 precious children to call my niece and nephew. Scripture says,
Children are a gift from the LORD;
they are a reward from Him.
Children born to a young man
are like arrows in a warrior's hands
How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!
Psalm 127:4-5
I love the reference to children and "arrows in a warrior's hands." I desire to be a mother if that is what the Lord wills. Yes, children are a wonderful addition to a family and they bring SO much joy into your life. But the other reason I desire to be a mother is so that I can further the Kingdom through my children. And since the Lord is calling me to wait in this season, I pray this for my sweet niece and nephew. I (as well as our family) desire for them to be "arrows in a warrior's hand," I want them to be a weapon against the Enemy and to do some damage for the Kingdom however the Lord calls them. But most importantly, whatever they do and whoever they become,
I pray that they make much of Jesus.
And since I don't have children of my own I pray that the Lord uses me in their lives to help disciple them in any way I can. Whether that be through praying for them, going to their school/church events, sending them notes, etc. I want them to see Christ in me so that they want to live for Him. Yes, I want to be the fun Aunt and take them to do fun things, but I want to invest in what is eternal in them. I think it is neat how the Lord blessed me with these 2 while I am still young. I kinda feel like a "hip" aunt when I get to be around these 2 :)
So that's my heart. I desire that Ashton and Davis become whoever the Lord wants them to become. I ask that He would make that evident in their lives early on as they grow into a woman and man after God. He has crafted them in His image, so He alone knows the plans for their lives. I am so, so blessed to be their aunt. I am so thankful for their beautiful lives and the plans He has for them.
Enough with the sappy-ness.... here are some pictures ;)
oh how i love these 2!
