3 year old Aubrey

As November nears, our time with Aubrey as a 3yr old comes to a close. It's so crazy to think that nearly four years have passed...James 4:14 tells us that our life is a vapor, here one minute and gone the next. How real that verse is when we look at the time with our children. We have only so long to impress on their hearts the tools we want them to have for a life honoring to God. Scripture also tells us that the children of our youth are like arrows in the hands of a warrior (Psalm 127:4) Eventually we have to release those arrows we pulled back, aiming oh so carefully to get them into the target.
Back in August before Aubrey's MRI, I had been praying over her. I was reflecting on everything that makes Aubrey "Aubrey". I wrote down a list in my prayer journal all the little things about 3yr old Aubrey that I always want to remember.
Aubrey loves crayons, and they are rarely just crayons to her. Sometimes they're people, or treasure, or snacks in a sack lunch on her imaginary picnic. She loves church and plays Sunday school with her stuffed animals lined up on her bed, giving them lessons about God and Jesus. She loves giving Frank (the cat) kisses when he's sleeping because according to her thats the only time he's not crazy. Aubrey loves the zoo and of all the animals her favorites are the river otters and the foxes. She loves sidewalk chalk, inside or out. She likes to spot dragonflies, butterflies and ladybugs from a distance or in pictures, but screams and cries when ANY bug gets close to her. She is particularly afraid of mosquitos. She loves playing "tea party" with a small porcelain play set. She also loves those craft pom-poms and I am always finding them all over the house and in my shoes. She loves sitting with me and looking at pictures on instagram. Sometimes she likes the pictures belonging to people I don't even know. It's for that reason that I only follow people who won't post or "like" inappropriate things. She likes for her daddy to paint her nails and always holds her hands out to examine them afterwards and whispers "they're beautiful, daddy". She loves the song Amazing Grace. It is her absolute favorite and she urges her brother to practice constantly on his chanter because she so badly wants to hear him play that song on the bagpipes. Her other favorites include I'll Fly Away (Flatfoot 56 version-its a Christian/celtic punk band) and she still loves Johnny Cash. She has since she was a newborn baby. Aubrey loves chocolate and candy, but not donuts or cake. She loves great horned owls-not the cute, colorful ones that are very popular right now, but real great horned owls with their browns and grays. She has a love for horses that I swear borders obsession. She cries looking at pictures of them, pleading with us to let her ride that horsie! She loves to help me make coffee and feels an indignation has occurred if I grind coffee beans without her. She loves helping her daddy get ready for work. Aubrey loves my hair at a length where there is enough for her to play with because it soothes her, but not long enough to be in a ponytail. She likes her own hair short and gets excited when it's time for a trim. She loves doctors and always wants to go see one. She loves running around and playing with other kids. She loves and knows to pray. She wants me to sit beside her bed every night holding her hand and singing Amazing Grace. Sometimes when I think she's asleep, she'll whisper "mom? can we pray?" Aubrey is a whirlwind of destruction. Everywhere I turn, there is evidence of Aubrey. She is so rough and so sweet all at the same time. At 3yrs old Aubrey has loved life so much and loves being with those who are dear to her; her family, her church and her friends. Eddie and I pray for wisdom in how to bring her as God wants us to without putting out the fiery flame that drives her wild spirit. We have loved all that we have seen in 3yr old Aubrey and are so excited to see what 4yrs will bring.