Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Happy 17th Birthday Jacob!!


Today this sweet, big-eyed boy is turning 17.  I hardly know where the time went!  One minute he was outside riding his scooter up and down the driveway and building legos, and now he is a busy young man pursuing academic excellence and shooting marksmanship, reading books I can't pronounce, and saying things like "Mom, I need more driving hours to get my license..."


Yes he is definitely growing up.  

Jacob, may God abundantly bless and multiply all of your efforts this year, all your hard work, and may it be fruitful and satisfying to you.  May you grow in your strength, leadership, knowledge and ability to persevere in challenging circumstances.  May your shooting skills be sharpened and your underlying talents become apparent to you and all around you.  Most importantly of all, may your knowledge of and love for Jesus grow and multiply as you learn to lean on him during this most challenging year of your life so far, and as you learn that He alone will give you the strength you need and satisfaction you desire.



 I am more proud of you than you will ever know Jacob.  My heart is bursting with love and pride, and I hope that you have a wonderful day, and a wonderful year!


Tuesday, September 4, 2012

First Day of School


 As we begin school this year, and I am realizing just how old my kids are getting (grades 7, 9, 11 and post-college!)  I couldn't help but reminisce about the days when they were little.... and we did amazing field trips...  and they just loved school. Here are some shots of the three that I still have at home...


Days when petting a kitten was all it took to bring delight...



 Dressing up was fun!


Field trips to get pumpkins...

 and picking blueberries with grandma and grandpa...

Brothers hugging each other... sigh... oh to see that now!

Hannah still loves to hug her Dad.




I miss that little red wagon going up and down the driveway!!


 Legos.  That's all I have to say.  Legos.




 Doing school projects with our co-op - those were the days!!



Dressing up, costumes, oh these were special moments...


 This little face is so adorable!!!



A little soldier in the making????