Birthday Bliss

I HAVE A 9 YEAR OLD!!!! How did this happen? He just kept growing and growing. Today is #1's birthday. His last year as a single digit. He is an amazing boy with an "old" soul. He loves to be with people. He has a compassionate heart for those who are hurting. He is a goof ball times 10 and a wonderful big brother. Adam and I can count on him to be in charge and make sure that all brothers are safe. He is a worrier and a screen fanatic. He loves football with a passion. Most importantly though, he is OUR son, our first born. We had the privilege to learn how to be parents with him. Man, those were long ago days. At the time, I was "working" for California Baptist University. He was my side kick. He went with me to work (I guess he still does :)) We would go to the caf and eat with my friends or girls that I was meeting. I made a little space for him under my desk to keep him occupied, but he would rather be about talking or hanging around people. He is precious. My prayer is that he will continue to grow and become the man that we are teaching him to be. Happy Birthday #1!!!!!! See, he is a goof ball.

First Day of School

This was our first week of school and man it was HOT!!! This year there are three of us at school. Amazing! I can't believe that #2 is ready to go. He started Kindergarten this year and is loving it. #1 is in 3rd grade. That seems so old to me. He is now in the "middle" grades. I will say the first day was good in some respects and hard in others. One reason is that we move into our regular routine. I like the consistency, but loathe the lack of freedom we have. #1 is in a combo class this year which has multiple challenges for both teachers and students. BUT...I have the joy of working at the school where both the boys attend and so that adds an added bonus for me. I can check on them through out the day. I also am able to talk with their teachers frequently. (plus they're my friends too)

#1 and #2

#2 at his seat on the first day #1 with his teacher (she was also #1's teacher)
#1 and his teacher

Happy Birthday #1

My baby is 8 years old today! It doesn't seem like it has been that long since we brought him home that first Easter weekend. I was tired and exhausted from labor, but so happy to have our baby boy home. Now he is growing up to be a compassionate, caring, too cool for school guy. He has a brilliant mind as well. Adam and I always laugh because my one prayer was that he would have some personality. Let's just say there should have been no worry on my part. This guy has never met a stranger and enjoys people much like his mom. Happy birthday, buddy! We love you.

Merry Christmas

Another performance for the children's choirs at our old church. I have the boys go to missions and music on Wednesday nights. Two things which I highly love and can be passionate about. We were able to go and hear our children singing. #2 actually sang which I was wondering if he would, but you have to love the hands in the sleeves. #1 is all about a performance and did a great job. I love the costumes they were able to dress in and create a beautiful picture of the birth of Christ.

Christmas Piano Recital

#1 is in his 2nd year of piano. Each year he has two recitals, a Christmas one and the end of the year one. He did a superb job playing his four songs. Piano is not his favorite thing. He does like it, but mom will not let him learn another instrument until we have a few years of piano underway. He is musically gifted and we love hearing him play on his own. For myself, I recall countless hours of driving my own family crazy with practicing or just playing to get out frustrations or boredom. He will thank me later:)