Happy Birthday Tyler!

Tyler at 3 months old. August 1998 Tyler at 10 years old. May 2008.

My Dear Tyler,

“Can I tell you sumpin? Well…” (I say with 1 finger pointed in the air), 10 years ago today the doctor announced, “It’s a boy!” As tears flowed down my cheeks, I looked upon that beautiful baby boy and marveled at this precious gift that God had given me. (Sorry but I have to use the word beautiful-handsome just doesn’t fit a baby!) My life had changed forever, and I am so glad it has! You are such a blessing to me. I am so thankful that God would entrust you to my care.

I cherish the memories I have of when you were little; building ‘sunset tunnels’ for Thomas the Train, reading Dr. Seuss together, rocking with you in my arms as we sang “Little Chucky Rabbit”, watching ‘tractors’ over and over and anticipating the day when “baby Danny” could watch too.

It has been a joy to watch you grow in this past decade and I am so excited to see the person whom God has created you to be.

You have always loved books. Even as an infant we would look at books for long periods of time. You giggled and giggled at “Funny Farm” and by 18 months you had several of the Dr. Seuss books memorized. I remember listening from the other room as you sat with your books in your crib and ‘read’ them. I could always tell which book you were reading and what page you were on because you knew them so well.

It is neat to see that you still have that love for reading. You can still read a book and remember every detail! I love that you enjoy reading God’s word. I know that as you read it and memorize the “details” of scripture, it will serve you, and others well to spur you on in your walk with the Lord. God’s word is living, active and powerful! It will encourage and strengthen you as you face the challenges of your next decade.

Ty, I love your unique sense of humor, especially when you’re not really sure why something you have said is funny.

I love when you hug me and tell me you love me.

I love how you have persevered even when things can get hard on you.

I love how you desire to do what is right.

I love the questions you ask-well, maybe not the ones I can’t answer, but that’s what we have Daddy for. It is encouraging to see how you want to know more-especially about God.

I love the conversations that these questions stir up. I love how you can bring a new perspective to our reading in the Bible.

I love that you care for your family, in particular for the safety of your brother and sister.

Ty, you are a precious gift, a treasure. I thank God always for you. I am looking forward to seeing you grow in this next decade- though I must admit I don’t look forward to the food that I will have to buy to fill your bottomless belly!

My prayer for you, son is that you will grow deeper in your relationship with the Lord. That you will know the joy and peace that is found only through the blood of our Savior Jesus Christ.

I love you,

Mom

Graduation and a Surprise!

Friday was Katie's graduation from preschool. I can't believe my baby is going to be in Kindergarten! How can this be? It was a tearful goodbye on my part! I have known her teachers for 7 years-longer than Kate has been alive! I have so appreciated how they have so tenderly cared for my children and always with such joy in their hearts! Kate cried at bedtime that night because she "will never see my teachers again!" Tyler is going to be 10 (yes that's right, TEN) on Wednesday! Today we had a surprise party for him after church at Chuck E Cheeses. While Dad and the kids started their walk part way home from church, I rounded up Nate and Andrew-Tyler's 2 favorite buddies, and we headed out. We picked up Ty and the rest of the family about a mile from the church. Ty got in the van and just said "Huh? What are you guys doing here?" It was such fun. We had a great time at the Cheeses'!

A second surprise-Danny bit into his pizza and FINALLY lost his front tooth! It has been sticking out and snaggly for several weeks now! It was a little bloody-Poor Nate who was sitting next to him; I'm not sure he really wanted to finish his pizza after that!

The lone girl amidst all the boys-she looks so forlorn in this picture.
After the pizza we came back to our house for ice cream cake. All in all it was a very fun day and I think that Ty was quite surprised and very blessed to have his best friends share in the celebration of his first decade.

Morning Glory

A couple of weeks ago we got the boys on the bus, put on some Mozart outside and Katie danced in the morning sunshine. I love her little heart that loves to sing and dance with joy!