meet the Boys, all 4 of them!

"Jennifer, please tell me you're not naming another one with a 'P' name!"

Oh, but I am. I mean- I did. When I became pregnant with my 4th and last son, my dad politely asked me to not name him another P name. I just couldn't give the man what he wanted. RIP Dad.

"Jennifer, please tell me you're not naming another one with a 'P' name!"

Peyton, who I'll often refer to as P1 is 19 years old and in his Sophomore year of college. He is wildly smart and extremely talented, athletically. He spent middle and high school years as the QB for his school and would later turn down a D1 offer to play college ball for a Military school VA. I don't know if he will ever regret that decision, but I do know it wasn't my decision to make, rather help him weigh out all his options and be supportive of whatever he decided. Plus shaving your head your freshman year of college was simply a no-go. No, that wasn't his deciding factor, but I'm convinced it played a bigger role than he would like to admit. He is wise beyond his years. He has his life figured out, knows what he wants and he has plans on how he will get there. And if his plans align with the Lord's will for his life, the kid will be unstoppable. But for now, he is still a rent-free occupant in my home, who starts fights with his brothers and eats a lot of food. and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Preston, P2, is 16 going on 30. He is a Junior in high school. He begs me at least once a day to go to online school so he can graduate a year early, go to trade school, and begin his career. He, too, knows exactly what he wants for his life, and likewise if it aligns with God's will- then I will be his biggest supporter. But for now, I am still able to be mom and help (more like overrule) some of his decisions. His dad and I agree that we simply do not want him to graduate early. From people who did have to start 'adult' life way to early, we want him to enjoy these years. You will spend the rest of your life working and paying bills, why start early? This child has many gifts that I fully believe are intended for kingdom work. Which often comes with a price tag of it's own. By now most of us have figured out that if you have gifts that can win souls to Jesus, the enemy is on your heels from birth. P2 is no different. This child is determined to test all limits and find out everything the hard way. In doing so, he has doubled my anxiety...and wrinkles.

Paxton, P3, is 13. Whooo wee, he is headstrong. He has a wild imagination that often produces great ideas and I pray he continues to grow in his confidence to walk in to them. He, too, is a phenomenal athlete, (I suppose since P1, P2 have the same dad, and P3, P4 have the same dad, I am the only common denominator) they definitely get their athletic ability from me. You're welcome boys! kidding, kind of, not really though. Anyways, Paxton is one of the most loyal human beings you will ever meet. His loyalty to his people and his beliefs is unmatched. I pray he uses this strength to change to the world. He is pretty funny too. Must get that from his mama too. Okay... or maybe that came from his dad. But no one tell his dad that I gave him a semi-compliment. Fun fact about P3 is he is a Rainbow baby and the only child out of 4, that was planned. He has given me the biggest scares as a mama, from complications from his asthma to trying to swallow pills. Pax has some struggles that I understand deeply, because he struggles like me.

Parker, the baby. His mama's baby. P4. The favorite. But, no one tell the others. Just kidding, but if you ask them- they'll either all agree it is Parker or claim they are the favorite. Truthfully, moms don't have favorites, but if I did... Parker would be an easy choice. The heart in this kid is the most incredible thing I've ever witnessed this side of heaven. It is a true testament that there is undoubtedly a God, because a child's heart that loves so purely, selflessly, and unconditionally, is not man-made. It is a God-given. And I am so grateful God gave it to our family for this season of his life. He has blessed his mama in ways he will never fully understand until he is old and gray. God knew I would need reminding that there is still good in the world, and Parker would be that daily reminder for me. My dad, who was also my best friend, hero, and stability; he was my person and when he passed away in 2022, a part of me died with him - but through Parker, I see a part of my dad stayed living with me too. My dad and Parker's hearts are wired just the same.

Jesus loves you and I am trying,

Jennifer, #sittingwithsinners