Happy Birthday Andrew!

Andrew turned 14 yesterday. Wow! How time flies! I remember listening to him play with his toy cars, action figures, and space ships as they all battled good verses evil. He sat there making the sounds of the various vehicles and blasting noises as he entertained himself for hours on end. And that was just last week!

Andrew has always been his own person (some would say stubborn). Way back when he was attending preschool it was picture day and try as they might they could not get him to smile for the camera. He didn't even want to look up. By the time they finally took the shot it looked just like either a bad DMV shot or a mug shot. I loved it! It really captured Andrew's personality.

Over the years Andrew has learned to smile. He has forgone the long shaggy hair look for the more groomed style he wears now. This year for his birthday we bought him contacts. He has gone from the little boy who wouldn't look up, to the tall young man who is always right in the middle of the action.

Andrew has been known to be a challenge, but it is one that I have enjoyed. I love this young man with all my heart, and I'm glad that the Lord sent him to me. Happy Birthday Andrew!

WOW! Where does the time go?

This coming Sunday I'll be celebrating my 51st birthday. Okay, I actually won't be celebrating, but we will mark the day with cake I wager. I tend to get a bit somber around my birthdays. I get to thinking: This year I will have lived 3/4 of my life without my mother by my side. I've outlived her by 15 years! She died before her 37th birthday. My father made it to 53. He'd be 81 this year. I know that they are up in Heaven watching and waiting. I do look forward to that glorious reunion, but as the song goes, "Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to go now." I love my family here on earth with every fiber in my body. As I watch my mother-in-law go through her trial with cancer up close and personal, I am reminded to treasure every day we have here on this earth with our loved ones.

I love you all very much!!!!

I Love the Oregon Coast!

We had a wonderful time at the beach last weekend. We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather. The sun shined, the wind hardly blew, and Jennifer and I were able to walk on the beach early in the morning collecting agates on Sunday as we worshipped God in our own way. I think Ma had a good time celebrating her 71st birthday as well.