Seven

We couldn't be more proud of the person Rob's becoming.  He's a great kid with a great heart.  We can't wait to see what this year brings for Rob.  Happy 7th Birthday!

Party at the park.

Last night.
 Cake designed by Rob.

 

Singing.

And a really, really happy kid!

Rob had been saving for quite a while.  He finally reached his goal!

What's on your mind?

Tonight, as I tucked the boys in, we had the thought that their little brother or sister is probably just getting up.  Both Rob and Charlie think their sibling will be a girl.  Charlie decided tonight that we will all call her Tootsie.  If so, I'm praying that Gentle 6 is a boy!

Cousin Visit

We had the perfect fall weekend. 

Complete with challenging photo shoots,

horse rides,

 more challenging photo shoots,

face painting,

 farm animals,

a corn maze,

 and lots and lots of giggles.

We're very thankful that Grandma, Uncle Steve, and Aunt Sara were willing to venture over.  Hopefully the memories made outweigh every ounce of exhaustion our cousins will be experiencing, today!

Every Boy's Dream

Sitting in the driver's seat...

 Trying on the gear...

Practice drills...

Thanks, Jason, for a great tour!

Birthday Message

Fourteen years ago, I was smitten with you.

Eleven years ago, I committed to you.

Today, I am completely and totally blown away by you.

Thanks for this amazing adventure.

I couldn't love you more.

Happy 35th birthday!

Came across this verse, yesterday.  “Once our eyes are opened, we can’t pretend we don’t know what to do. God who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls knows that we know and holds us responsible to act …” Proverbs 24:12  What a crazy, exciting, wonderful act He's given us!

No Sweeter Sound

Rob had his first piano lesson, last night.

He didn't want to go.

It was definitely something new for him and a little scary at six.

He braved it up and went.

He loved it! 

He came home able to play his first song.

Nothing has ever sounded sweeter to his parents than Jolly Old St. Nicholas, on a warm September night.

After the lesson, the kids devotional actually encouraged them to try something new. 

It reminded us to forget our fears.  

God has filled His world with wonderful opportunities. 

He has hidden many special talents in each of us. 

It's our decision to find them.

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

First Day

Today was the day that Charlie and Jack started preschool.  Charlie returned for his second year and will be in the Busy Bluebird 4-year old class.  Jack will be a Busy Bunny in the 3-year old class.

Notice how big Jack's backpack and Charlie look. 

Or you could just say, notice how SMALL our Jack looks!

Any words of wisdom, Charlie?

You were a Bunny, just last year!

There were no tears, just smiles. 

Especially at pick-up!