Eli's 9th Birthday

Eli turned 9 on Saturday. We had a family party at my mom & dad's complete with pizza and the requested Lego Star Wars light side vs. dark side cake. He got a total of $105 plus Mr. Magoriums Wonder Emporium (a wonderful movie for all ages), two Lego star wars kits, and a potato gun. The potato gun was a big hit, all three boys (each with their own potato gun) spent much time outside shooting each other with potato 'pellets'.


Yesterday, Bryan took Eli to Toys R Us to spend his birthday money. He spent all of it on a 953 piece Lego Police Headquarters. Amazingly, he has spent all of his free time since he got home last night working on putting it together. I'm very impressed with his focus and skill in following the directions. I'll post a pic when he gets finished.

All in all, it was a very good birthday. I can't believe my baby is nine. Time flies. I'm trying hard to pay attention everyday so that I don't reach his 18th birthday with too many "Cat's in the Cradle" regrets.

My Baby Girl is Sweet Sixteen

I can't believe Laine turned 16 yesterday. Where have the years gone?

I can honestly say that even though I treasure each memory from her childhood, I wouldn't go back. A wise woman once told me to enjoy each stage of my children's life and not worry about missing it when it passed. Truly, God has taken care of the sadness I thought I would feel about the kids growing up and replaced it with the joy and wonder of each 'stage' seeming better than the last.

I'm amazed constantly at the mature, godly, young woman Laine is becoming. She's not perfect, of course, but she is a wonderful person with whom I would choose to spend my time even if we were not related. Many parents complain about the teenage years but I've found the joys of having this teenage girl around far outweigh the trials.

I love you Laine! Happy Birthday!

Rocky for Chill

For my dear husband. Now you can work full-time, pastor part-time, take 4 classes in seminary, AND rewatch all six Rocky movies. No need to thank me. Love you dear ;-)