Fall Family Traditions Begin...

A New Beginning

Dear Kayla,
Today is your first day of kindergarten and mommy and daddy could not be more happy for you! We have watched you grow into a sweet beautiful girl with a heart of gold. This is a very big day for you and the start of a new phase of life that will challenge you and prepare you for what God has in store for you someday. May you use each day to do your best all to the glory of God. May those around you see Christ in you through your actions and words. May your speech be gentle and kind. May your actions be Christ-like. May your heart stay pure. And, may your mind be challenged.
Remember, nothing is impossible with God. So, when the work seems tough and the day seems unending...don't give up! God is with you. Always look for others who need a friend and need someone like you to help them do what they may be struggling to do for themselves. Serve others,place them first and you in turn will be blessed and filled with the joy that comes from living your life for others and not yourself.
We love you so much and cannot wait to see what God has in store for you! We have seen the way you care for Hunter and are always willing to help around the house. And seeing that, we are confident that God is already preparing you to be used in the lives of many others in the days ahead. We sure will miss your smiling face and imaginative ways around here each afternoon that you are gone. Mommy will especially miss her little sous chef and baking partner. :) But, we can't keep you from growing up and as hard as it is to let you go, even for this short time each day, we wouldn't want to hold you back either. You are ready for this day and have been for a long time! You are eager to learn and meet new friends. For that reason, each day we will bid you farewell for a few short hours and then hurry back to get you eagerly waiting to hear all about your day! Our prayers will be with you and may God protect His little Kayla each and every day! Remember, Kayla means pure. May you stay true to that beautiful name.
All Our Love,
Daddy and Mommy
Proverbs 31:30

Hunter' Kindergarten Learning Celebration

Congratulations Hunter!!

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Happy Birthday to our Princess!!

We love you so much Kayla Nicole!! May God continue to grow you into a beautiful Godly young lady with a heart for others. You are our little princess. May you stay true to your name. Kayla - Pure. Happy Birthday, Kakes!!

To My Mother...

For all you have taught me - thank you.
For loving me in spite of the times I disappointed you - thank you.
For being there whenever I needed you and even when I didn't think I need you - thank you.
For sacrificing so I could have... - thank you.
For listening to me - thank you.
For crying tears of joy and pain with me - thank you.
For not letting me have whatever I wanted, but ensuring I had all that I needed - thank you.
Most importantly, thank you for being the one to lead me to God and for that I am eternally grateful!!
On this Mother's Day may I once more say thank you for being you - for being my mom.
Love, Heather Elaine

Happy Birthday to our Baby!!

 

First Ride...Another Big Milestone

 

Hunter got his first "big boy bike" this spring. Until his head was "fixed" we did not feel comfortable having him too high off the ground in case of a big fall. Well, this past winter he really took to riding a tricycle (which was way too small for him) in our basement. He then decided he wanted to try a big bike. We knew then that it was time. We are starting him out on a smaller bike until he develops a little more skill and coordination, but for all of you that know Hunter, you know what a big step this is for him!

 

He definitely needs to build up endurance. He was ready to be done about halfway down the block! :)

 

Here comes his competition...well, if only he would accept the challenge of competion then maybe we could get somewhere. :)

 

There he goes...one more milestone reached! Thank you, Lord!!

Florida - Part Three (Disneyworld)

Florida - Part Two

Florida - Part One

Memories...

 

 

 

 

This past weekend we tried once again to help overcome some "cabin fever" and make the most of our time indoors together. The older two enjoyed their second pajama party. They watched a Christian video from the library and then made a bed of their own in the living to sleep on. Hudson joined them in the morning for breakfast in bed by the fire. Fresh strawberries, rolls and smoothies were served fireside and mom and dad looked on with thankful hearts blessed by three children who are thrilled with the simple pleasures of life. Another memory etched in our hearts.

Tea for Two

 

 

 

Just Don't Tell His Father...lol! :)

 

 

 

A Reason to Smile

 

 

 

 

We are surrounded these days with doom and gloom and all kinds of bad news. Each day brings headlines that tend to bring on anxiety and worry. What a blessing to know that as Christians we have real HOPE to meet each new day. We can rise above the problems of this world and fix our eyes on the only real solution...our SOLID ROCK. We are so thankful that this world is not our final home and that someday (hopefully soon!) all tears will be wiped away. But, for now, while we are given the priviledge to serve Christ here on this earth we set out each day to find joy in the midst of trials and grief and we look for the blessings in life rather than focusing on our troubles. Here are three of our greatest blessings. They give us more joy than we can express. Their young lives untouched by anxiety that tends to get the rest of us down. Their simple childlike faith brings comfort and rebuke and through it all they give us just one more reason to smile! May you find true hope and joy this day...a joy that comes from knowing Jesus Christ...our awaiting hope!!

Daddy's Little Valentine