Four.

My little boy turned four on September 23 (birth story here).
 
He is a sweetheart who flashes the best smiles.

At 4, this boy loves to read. We have moved on to "big boy books," and are making our way through the Boxcar Children series. I am enjoying them just as much as Ori.

At 4, Ori loves homeschool. When I announce that it is time for school, he stops what he is doing and comes running (usually dragging his sister with him). I do not know what our plan is for Kindergarten (we have two more years), but I am absolutely loving the intentional time that preschool at home is giving us.


At 4, he reminds me to pray. Any time I mention a problem or can't find something, he will pray either to himself or out loud and then announce in a reassuring voice, "I prayed about that, Mom." Most of the time when my mommy-brain is not working at the grocery store and I can't find something, Ori will pray and we will find the long-lost item right around the corner. It's happened so many times, and I love how God is building Ori's faith by answering those "little" requests.


At 4, his sister is his best friend. They play together quite a bit and are learning how to relate to each other. Ori enjoys showing Calla how to do new things and can't wait to teach Katee "how to play." He is a great big brother.


At 4, Ori is still collecting "old junk metal" from around the farm. He has quite a collection out in the barn. Our sidewalk is usually littered with random metal pieces as well (pretty, huh?!). Ori takes everything apart and his inquisitive mind finds great joy in figuring out how things work. If Ori ever tells you that something of yours is "old", please know that he is giving you the biggest compliment! ;)


At 4, he is often found playing trains. If junk metal litters our sidewalks, train tracks litter the carpets inside. Ori loves to build his train tracks underneath the couch legs and around pieces of furniture. I think building new tracks every day is one of his favorite things.


At 4, Ori is learning that "he can't be good on his own" and that he needs a Rescuer, Jesus. So often he wants to respond selfishly (don't we all?), and is learning to pray about the condition of his heart and ask the Holy Spirit to help him be like Jesus.

Ori, your daddy and I are proud of you and love you so very much! You are a treasure.