Missing Daddy

It was Youth Retreat weekend, and so we were Daddy-less. Made it through by the skin of our teeth.

Counting down the minutes til he's home again!

To help pass the time, we ran Stuffed Animal Races, made an obstacle course, threw cotton balls down the stairs, made marshmallow-and-toothpick creations, threw wadded up foil and newspaper balls, and played at the neighbors.

Meals included chicken nuggets, hot dogs, and Mickey-D's.

We made Snow Ice Cream (with blue sprinkles). 

The snow is getting a little iffy for eating, but the boys were promised, and they certainly enjoyed! 

Cinnamon rolls and smoothies for breakfast.

A little reading together while Mom got ready for church.

Now, how bout you don't go away overnight ever again?
Or at least not til Summer Camp?

Love you, hon.

Chilly Day at the Zoo

Dream

Dear Benjamin,

Last night I had a dream that for our 15th wedding anniversary, we were having a "recommitment" ceremony, complete with bridesmaids, up-dos, and wedding guests.

My wedding dress still fit, but I did forget to take off the long-sleeve blue shirt underneath it. My hair was going a little crazy. The microphones were not working, so we had to stand in the very corner of the stage and say our words of commitment really loud.

And I was so, so happy to be next to you.

I love you.

4 Years Old!

4 years old!

3 years old

2 years old

18 months

One year old

11 months

10 months

9 months

 
8 months

7 months

6 months

5 months old

4 months old

3 months old

2 months old

1 month old

2 weeks old

Dear Victor,


You are 4 years old, wow! This year has been full of growing and learning.


- Some of your favorite activities are riding your Strider bike, reading stories with Dad, playing "precipice," and playing with your best buddy Josiah.

- You are a great helper in our home! You are the designated "silverware-putter-away-er" whenever we run the dishwasher, and you help with all kinds of other jobs too.

- Your mind is active and sharp. You ask many questions and put together ideas in amazing ways! We are going to start doing some school activities next week, and you are VERY excited!

- You are a good big brother, often teaching Josiah new things, chasing him, showing him things, and playing with him. You are also excited about a new baby coming to our home in a few months!

- You love visiting other people and having company come to our home for a visit. You are a good host, showing people around and helping other children find toys to play with.

- You continue to love trucks and construction machines, and your normal request for what to watch during neb treatments is Mighty Machines.

- You enjoy going to church, sitting with Mom and Dad for the whole service, and then going to your special Preschool class. You are also memorizing many verses in your class, and have your own blue book bag to carry your special Bible to church with you!

- You love music and singing. When we visited Grammy and Grandad's house, several times you requested Grammy to play the piano so that you could sing together.

- Favorite toy: Fire truck

- Favorite author: Richard Scarry

- Favorite foods: Chocolate chips, chicken, applesauce

Our verse for you is 1 Corinthians 15:54-57:

But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law, but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

May you always prove to be a trophy of grace, as Jesus' victory is seen in you! We love you, big man!

Mom and Dad