18 years! Wow

Running a bit behind here, but our oldest turned 18 on Saturday. Can you believe it? 18! She's like old enough to vote! She's putting in college applications! She's looking for a job! This makes mom and dad very old. But also very proud, as she has turned into a wonderful young lady, by the grace of God. Happy Birthday, Sunshine!

Obama Speech Not A Problem for Us

The whole controversy surrounding the President's address to our school children was not an issue for our family. Why? Because our children are not in government schools. Here's a great old video explaining why.

Mini Field of Dreams

The middle two had a great mini “field of dreams.” They were able to take part in a short baseball clinic with Manager “Pop” Warner and three of the Springfield Cardinals top players: Tyler Henley, Steven Hill, and Colt Sedbrook. They did brief lessons on hitting, pitching and fielding. Nathanael and Katrina both had a great time and even learned a thing or two.

A Fair Fair Season

It’s been a pretty fair Fair Season around our house. It started with Katrina going over to a neighboring county to enter her rabbits in the junior fair there. She won the Showmanship Award as well as the Best in Show for her little half-lop Pipi.

Back here at our home County Fair, everyone but Dad and Nathanael had some entries. And everyone won something.

Mom one some red ribbons for her antique doll house furniture, some crocheting, and some bead work.
LoriAnn won blue ribbons for her homemade Barbie clothes, her watercolor, and some winter mitts she made. She won a third place ribbon for her homemade stuffed dragon, and won Best In Show for her collection of poetry.Katrina won blue ribbons for her Lego castle, a short poem, and a beaded bracelet. Then she won Best In Show for her horse drawing.
Even Kenaniah won a blue ribbon for his collection of toy football helmets.
As I said, all in all a pretty fair Fair Season. Guess next year Nathanael and Dad will have to get in on the act!

Another Birthday!!

Almost 10 years to the day from the oldest boy's birthday, we have the youngest. Nathanael is 15. Kenaniah is now 5! Five years old! He wanted a "Mustang" birthday this year, as in the Ford variety. So mom whipped up a nice red car cake, he got a couple of Hot Wheels, and he's ready to go. Funny how both boys' birthdays involved cars (the older one is ready to drive them!) Here's a couple of pics.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KENANIAH!

Happy 15th!

Hard to believe, but Nathanael turns 15 today. That's right...drivng permit age! Fortunately, he hates to study, so he hasn't been studying his driver's manual yet. So the streets of SW MO are safe for a little while longer.

Happy Birth Day, Buddy!

The First Twenty Years

Back in the day, I used to crank out some sappy poetry now and again for my then bride-to-be. She has a shoe box full of notes, cards and letters; the sum total of my romantic artistry. Since today marks our 20th Wedding Anniversary, I thought I’d give it another shot. This is mainly for us, so if you are allergic to “sap” you may want to skip this.

The First Twenty Years

1989 was a very good year
Not just because college graduation was here
But because of the best day of my life
The day you agreed to be my wife

Oh, there have been other days almost as grand
Seeing each of our children draw breath in this land
And each new experience they’ve brought us
The life lessons those four have taught us

But the greatest lessons I’ve learned come from you
Like patient endurance in what I’ve dragged you through
Life as a pastor’s wife is certainly
Not the picnic it appears to be

You’ve gone with me to the mission fields up north
And places where folks have not recognized your worth
You’ve lived with so much less than you deserve
From you I’ve learned what it means to serve

Humility and faithfulness you’ve shown me
Even when I’ve acted like you should disown me
The Spirit of Christ is so real in you
No matter the trials we’ve been through

Although I’ve been called to lead and be the head
In our home, so often I’m the one being led
My goal is to some day be worthy of
Your devotion, respect and your love

I know you’re not perfect (but you are so close)
I know that your weakness occasionally shows
But I wouldn’t trade our life together
For anything, now or forever

You’ve been my best friend, my lover, even guide
That’s why I acclaim the day you became my bride
And so for all the laughter and the tears
I thank God for the last twenty years

In the years to come with all the ups and downs
I pray God blesses us both with more smiles than frowns
But whatever comes, whatever’s in store
I thank God for the next twenty more