4 Years Old

Hold your fingers up high Coleman!

Today is the day you are 4!

I am so blessed to be called your mommy!

I am so thankful for such a sweet and amazing gift this day four years ago!

Happy Happy Birthday sweet boy!

Twelve

He is totally twelve!

Happy Birthday Theo!

SEVENTEEN!

Dear Lauren,

Happy Birthday! It has been a beautiful day today. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and it is a glorious day.

We had nothing big planned for the day, but instead just some family time. Your sister and brothers all made you cards and decorated your room after school to surprise you when you came home. As usual you were absolutely delighted and enjoyed every ounce of their effort. I peeped in on you this morning as you ran out to cheerleading practice in the wee hours of the morning, received the warmth of your smile as you darted off to school, and caught the joy in your eyes as you ate your dinner and headed off to youth group. Something in me wanted to grab you and make you stop. But I know I can't.

Seventeen years ago you made me a mom for the very first time and it seems each year goes by faster and faster. I am so thankful to the Lord for giving me such a gift in you. I just wanted to be a mommy, but He far exceeded my expectations.

Your compassion for others truly blesses me. I am humbled by your mercy and desire to see those who are hurting healed and those in need provided for. The only thing you asked for your birthday was to take a trip to Chicago to visit and pray for a young man from your school who is laying in a hospital bed. I asked if you were serious, and you said, "yes". I often say to myself, "when I grow up, I want to be just like her."

I love these photos of you because it was a very special day (date) you and I shared. I will treasure the memory, the moments and the conversation.

October 8, 1991 I sat in the hospital room at the end of the hallway in awe of the baby girl I held in my arms. Today I stand in awe of the young lady that God has placed before me.

Love,

Mom

Happy 75th Birthday!

(Big Ted and baby Ted as his grandpa would so fondly refer to him when he was born)

My father-in-law turned 75 today! He is a wonderful Godly man who has loved his wife, cared for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with grace and compassion and served the Lord with humility throughout the twenty five plus years that I have been priviledged to know him.
My husband took a flight to Southern California Sunday afternoon to surprise his dad for his birthday. He wanted to honor his father and express his love by being there on this very special day. We wished the whole crew could have gone, but he was extremely grateful and overcome with gratitiude when my husband walked through the door.
We love you Grandpa Ted and miss you very much! May God grant you many more years of life! Thank you for always being there for us and living your life as a man of great faith!

Happy Birthday Ted!