HEY, MOM... look at what we can do!!!

Seth has been patiently waiting for the sky to clear to try out his brand new big bike! Although we were doubtful that this weekend would be completely rain-free, it was good enough for my boys!!!

So, while Matthew (home, because the High School Winter Retreat got cancelled) took Abby to her last tennis lesson, we had a little time to ride our bikes out front :).

A little big... but not for long :)

Isaac doesn't seem to like this arrangement so much...

I love to watch my boys play together (yes, they are sometimes loud and obnoxious)!!! They are such good friends. What a blessing! Lord, I pray that they will continue to be each other's best friends and help them to challenge each other to love You more as they grow!

Career On Parade... Abby's turn :)

In Mrs. Hunt's first grade class, as a part of the social studies curriculum, the students have the opportunity to explore different jobs in the work force. At the conclusion of this unit, the students each pick a career that they are "interested in pursuing in the future".

Abby did not chose to follow her brothers in choosing to be a scientist, she had her own opinions. She chose to be a teacher (to orphans, like Aunt Bekah -- she's told me very consistently and precisely this answer many times before, for the last year or so). I think she has put much thought into this choice!

Abby, I pray that God will continue to direct you in the path that He would like you to take. May your heart be soft toward His calling for you.

Eight!

My dear Sethy, you are a big eight-year-old today! How you amaze me, my peace maker, my "hugary" sweet boy :). I think you are right when you told me that "hugs are good! They are what keeps you alive!" I love that :). I love your sharing heart... that you when you get a prize or treat, you save some for your siblings. I love your unparalleled ability to climb any tree with confidence and agility. I love how you live life with wreckless abandon :). I love how you have the gift to make others laugh. I love watching you with little ones -- your gentle care and patience with each one of your cousins and your friends' siblings. I love the depth you see in God's Word... even at this young age.

I treasure the gift that God gave to me in you. I am grateful that God placed in your heart to be so sensitive to needs around you and selflessly desire the best for others! I know that I can always count on you to run over to me at school and greet me with a hug (even when you are in the middle of an intense tether ball game)! I wonder how long before you think it's uncool to hug your mother in public... I hope not for a long long time!

New BIG BOY bike!

Nothing like getting present and being able to play with it IMMEDIATELY!!!

My favorite Seth, you challenge me to be better :) May God continue to grow you into a young man that desires to live for Him and to shine brightly for His glory and your good!

I love you, Sethy Bananna! Happy Birthday!!!

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We had a little extra excitement for Seth's birthday this year. RAIN (and hail and stuff)!!!

Seth told me that he is going swimming...

We got home from school on Tuesday afternoon and most of our downstairs was covered with puddles of water... half of the carpet in our family room was squishy soaking wet :( We were thankful that we didn't have mud coming down the slops (like at Mom and Dad's house), but we were having a birthday party here in two days (Seth's birthday was on an AWANA Night, so he said we can celebrate a day later)!!! No problem, I thought. I will get someone here to suck up the water and dry the carpet and lay it back down IMMEDIATELY and we are good to go. Well... not so much. I didn't take into consideration that our house was going to be unbearably stinky (especially to Bethany's pregnant nose) and that the carpet nails will be sticking up (looking for little tender Rebekah Jane and Ezekiel hands and feet to grab and tear up!!!). So... Mom offered PLAN B :). Thank you, Mom and Dad, for hosting Seth's birthday breakfast dinner at your house! Thank you, Family, for spoiling Seth with all the love (and presents)!!!

Happy Birthday, Seth!!!

I hope you really wanted the Pineapple Upside Down Cake that you requested...

Christmas Day and Dad's Birthday (Observed)

Saturday, January 2, 2010, is Round Two of our 2009 Christmas :). We had all 13 + 1 cousins at Mom & Dad's house... and at one point all of them were awake!!!

Matthew's new DR shirt from Rebekah :)

Now what should I do with this one???

Daniel... what a servant!

Mom asked Selah, the brave, to come and take some family pictures! I took the opportunity to see if I can capture some shots of my little family:

I LOVE these cute dirty little bare feets :)

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for opening your home (once again) and welcoming this crazy troop!!! Thank you, Dad, for allowing us to celebrate you a little early -- and thanks for requesting the amazing prime rib that Mom made for dinner :)! Thank you for letting us ALL spend the night (not sure if you had a choice)! What a blessing for us to gather as a family to worship God, celebrate the birth of Jesus, fellowship with the saints, and share precious memories... all at the same time!