Lucas

Born in 2006, he is Ashlee's older twin brother. 

He is a guy’s guy. He enjoys fishing and baseball and being outside. He is determined, strong-willed and hilarious. He’s an intercessor and has the ability to talk to God in a way that boggles my mind. He’s always had a way with prayer that sets me back on my heels just a bit.

He sucks at being alone, which I guess is the curse of being a twin, though his sister doesn’t seem to share in this issue. He’s a tender older brother to his baby sisters, and is quick to come to the aid of those around him.

He makes a mean avocado toast with a perfectly fried egg on top. To his future wife: You ARE WELCOME. Also, I’m sorry about his inability to hit the laundry hamper. I tried.

Ashlee

Born in 2006, she is Lucas' feisty, red-headed twin sister. 

She was born a whole 2.5 hours after her brother and her desire to be her own person has not slowed down since. When I read the description of the word doulos, this is the written picture of her heart. The peacemaker of our home, eager to serve and sacrificially love, her petite frame houses a large tenderness that makes me stand in awe. She's never met a stranger and is the most tender with the oldest and youngest in every crowd.

Hard working, loyal, compassionate, meditative are just a few of the qualities I admire in her.

Aaron

Born in 2008, he was placed with us as our first foster child when he was just 4 days old (straight from the hospital).

Our foster parent license went through on the day of his birth. We felt very certain that God was calling us to become foster parents even though those around us thought we were crazy. I can see why. We had a 4 year old, two 2 year olds and newborn Aaron. He is the reward of our obedience, the promise of God’s faithfulness to us in the flesh.

If you can pry a book out of his hands, you’ll likely hear every detail of anything he’s laid his crystal blue eyes on in the last 7-10 days. He recites information quickly and with precision. He has the absolutely best belly laugh I’ve ever heard.

His adoption was final in August of 2009. 

Read our journey of fostering and adopting Aaron.

Olivia

Born in 2008, she was placed with us at 4 days old, as our second foster child, and stole our hearts immediately.

Making friends easily is second nature and she’s quick to forgive. She gravitates to all things sparkly and shimmery, dresses and cute shoes. She brings sparkle, songs, fresh dance routines, and new dangly earrings to every interaction.

Her laugh is contagious, and she brings joy everywhere she goes. She loves dancing and music and is always up to try something new. She’s our adventurous eater, and shares my love for kombucha and fermented foods.

Her adoption was finalized in February of 2010.

Read our journey of fostering and adopting Olivia.

Ella

Born in 2010, she finally made an appearance after 42 weeks and 3 days gestation (with a scheduled induction), but really who was counting.

She's determined, loves to help, and is quick to go out of her way to bless someone else. She is a toddler/preschool whisperer, meaning there’s never been a toddler/preschooler who didn’t love Ella completely.

She is grit and tenderness all in one. You can find her painting, drawing or making cards, or sliding into a stolen second base on the softball field. I love that she’s perfectly okay with being on both ends of the spectrum of feminine creativity and covered in dirt, trying to make a diving catch. Tough and tender, soft and fiery, that’s our Ella goat.

Abigail

Born in 2012, I knew for sure she'd be our last biological baby. She is the ONLY baby I've ever birthed that was early and not smoked out of my uterus via pitocin induction. Her birth was beautiful and easy and fun (yes, I love birth, all of it).

She's a hilarious kid, who usually laughs at her own jokes before they’re even fully complete. She loves horses, her Mom’s bed at night, and her dogs.

She’s a deep thinker, big feeler, and the family reporter. Lost something? Abigail knows where it may be. Unsure where someone might be? Abigail knows their schedule. Can’t figure out why someone is mad/upset/laughing? Abigail for sure knows all the details.

Evelyn

Born in early 2014, she is the feral child. 

Her due date was our 11th anniversary and her birth was the most dramatic of all of our children. She’s a free spirit, who loves fiercely, sometimes a little too rough, and farts on command. She’s the family comedian, true to the baby-of-the-family norm. We all adore her, even when I would sometimes adore her more if she were sitting still or asleep at a decent hour.

Hannah

She is our little strawberry-blond cherry on top. Born in 2020, she is the missing piece we didn’t even know we had. 6 years of baby/toddler hiatus in our house and she came in healing parts of us many of us didn’t even know needed healing.

She loves animals, all of them, but particularly nay-nays. She’s sharp as a tack and self-potty trained at 2.5 years old. She can write a perfect “H” to sign her name, too. Her days are spent at the center of all of our worlds, and none of us are one bit sorry that she’s spoiled rotten.

I look at her and savor these days, knowing she’s the final bookend in our self-created army. I squeeze my eyes tight, hoping I can remember all the things I know I’ll forget and praying that in my old age, a plethora of images will come screaming back to my mind.