This past week we spent in Santa Cruz celebrating my first born, Luke. It’s surreal that this beautiful little boy is already six! As I think about his life and the soul that resides in this sweet boy I can’t help but to feel just utterly grateful! This sweetheart is always giving, putting others first, and is truly so kind. When asked what kind of cake he wanted for his birthday he said, “vanilla.” I asked if he was sure knowing chocolate is his favorite and he responds, “mom, you’re being silly you can’t have chocolate remember!” I told him, “I’ll eat whatever flavor you want. I just want you to have what you want sweetie.” Luke said, “mom I want vanilla, I don’t want your throat to hurt.” This is the kind of child he is. Even on his birthday he thinks of others and it’s humbling!
This boy is a rare treasure in such a broken world. Lately, he tells me he’s going to be an army man before becoming a police officer and a part of me is already worrying about the pain this beautiful, loving, innocent soul will have to endure. Yet, I remind myself of who’s he truly belongs to. He isn’t mine, he’s God’s. I often have to remind myself of that truth. Yes, God has selected Kyle and I to be their earthly parents. As parents however our kids are not our property; We can’t keep them to ourselves forever! We have to prepare our children to grow up and leave to do what they are called to do.
“Start Children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Probverbs 22:6
My goal in being a mama is to foster my boys dreams with encouragement and support. To raise them with discernment and honesty. But most importantly to always redirect them to God and His never ending love for them! I will let them down at times although this is never my goal and writing it makes me feel sick… it’s true! I am imperfect and as they grow I see my imperfections more and more. Yet, I am to love unconditionally and that is why it’s crucial to foster who they desire to be. For if they are doing what God has designed for them their is no greater reward.
I grew up in a family where success was always more valuable than what your passion was. Certain subjects never came easy me however, I love and excel in the the arts that’s my heart song. We are all so unique in our abilities and interests! Birthdays are a great opportunity to dive a little deeper into our kids interests.
This year the boys both wanted destination birthdays and Luke wanted to originally go deep sea fishing to catch a shark. That’s Luke’s interest… fishing, sharks, and the ocean! Well after doing some research we learned you have to be much older to charter a deep sea fishing boat so he settled for pier fishing instead. Than we ran into a friend who told us about this little aquarium in Santa Cruz where you can pet a shark! Luke could hardly contain himself, so that was that. We booked an Airbnb and headed to Santa Cruz!
The first day started off a little rough shortly after we got to the Capitola Pier and got all the fishing poles set up Luke ran right into one of the hooks and got caught right above his chest! Luickly, once it was out the blood was barely anything and he recovered quickly and got back to fishing.
After we fished for awhile the boys wanted to go to on the beach so my mother in law and I ventured down to the ocean so the boys could run and play!
After hours of beach fun it was time to head to the Airbnb to get cleaned up for dinner. After we got to the house Kyle, his mom, and Luke went to get the cake at The Buttery Bakery. The cake was fantastic, tasted AMAZING, was conviently located and was reasonabily priced. Luke ordered a vanilla bean cake with chocolate ganache filling and a whipped cream frosting.
The next day was Luke’s actual birthday which we celebrated by heading to the Seymour Marine Aquarium to touch a shark! We got there at a little before they opened so we could wander around a bit. The property is gorgeous with ocean views all around and amazing whale skeltons on display!
After exploring for a bit we headed inside to explore more marine life including the sharks. This aquarium is perfect for littles and adults alike. It’s very educational with tours occurring of up to ten people per group to give in depth knowledge of various marine animals; including an up close view of their dolphins they have on site.
After the aquarium we headed to the Boardwalk, which was closed due to the filming of the movie Deep cuts. We than headed to Ideal Bar & Grill for an amazing lunch before heading home.
This trip was filled with so much joy and amazing memories that will be looked back on for years to come! We as a family got to experience so many interests this sweet boy has and relish in who he is becoming. With each passing year I’m in awe of God’s love for us and how he uses our kids to shape who we are as parents. Every year I see growth in my children but I also see growth in myself. I am so grateful God has called me to motherhood it’s been the most amazing, rewarding, humbling experience I could have ever asked for and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Luke, Judah and Kyle you are truly my earthly treasure and I am so blessed we had the privilege to experience another birthday with this amazing boy! Happy Birthdaybmy sweet angel.
Faith Based Heart by Julie Black 