The Very Hungry Caterpillar Birthday Party - Day.....

Jonathan's 5th birthday was loads of fun! It was a full day beginning with Dunkin Donuts and ending at Joe's Farm! It was a nice family time off from school and with friends! It was neat to see the Madison again was the primary party planner - I can only take credit for a few small details.....It was a wonderful party to take pictures of!!!! I couldn't stop!

The night before the party Ryan helped paint caterpillars....

Jon and Madison made the cupcakes....

Madison helped Allie and Jon paint a sun for the wall! I loved it so much!

Table centerpiece......

On Thursday he ate through four strawberries.....

On Friday he ate through 5 oranges....

On Saturday he ate through one piece of chocolate cake......one lollipop.......one cupcake, etc.....

The whole weeks' spread.....

The boys had a great time playing in the treehouse. I got so many great shots of them! Too many to post here!

Samson and Jonathan.....

Wyatt so loved the treehouse!!!

Birthday boy.....

I took pictures of each of the boys with Jon and then they made picture frames to put them in....This is Quinn concentrating!

After Madison's caterpillar "hunt".....

The boys loved playing football with Ryan.....

Barefoot runner.....

Sam's creation he gave to his buddy.....

There is no better way to cap off a night than at Joe's Farm Grill! We got there just at sunset......

Beautiful ending to an amazing day!

It's #5 for Jonathan!

Our little one is not so tiny anymore.....he is growing up to be an amazing fellow! I love his cuddles, kisses, and missing-toothed smile!

This kiddo is always moving and feels the need for speed! I am not kidding when I say I am constantly "behind" him! He has mastered his rollerblades in just a short month. Jonathan is also running an under 10 minute mile! As we run around the track I have a nice view of his cute compact frame.....the back of it! He is athletic for sure - can't wait to keep moving with him!

Like the typical youngest child.....Jonathan is always "along for the ride" as we drive to our activities. He is a good sport! He has also been "tagging along" in school.....learning his letter sounds, spelling, and writing! Jonathan's favorite subject is math! He often wants to do a whole lesson in one shot. I enjoy watching him work and think........and listening to his questions and thoughts.

Some of Jonathan's favorite authors are Eric Carle and Beatrix Potter. Heavily influenced by his brother's music choices.....he knows many Newsboys, Skillet, and Switchfoot songs! But no worries - he is doing great on his Catechism memorization too and is now participating in this class on Wednesday nights with the older kids.

Yes - it is sad to see the last one grow up....but I have to say - I delight in watching him change and do new things! And as I look through the photos I have of him, I realized - he is so expressive! Hilarious faces and mannerisms! He keeps us laughing and smiling.

Crazy clown!

Surprise! It went in!

I know, Aslan looks mad - but actually he had just licked Jonathan's face! This is his I have the dickens face.......

Always gotta watch this boy!

Happy Birthday, Jonathan! We love you and are thankful for the joy you bring to our days!

football party!!!

I figured I'd better get to posting some pictures of Ryan's birthday party before we get to Jonathan's on Friday! What a busy week! Ryan enjoyed spending time with his good buddies (his book club friends) on Saturday. The time was fairly simple: pizza, gatorade, football, legos - fun.

Carefully selected football cards for each of his guests.....

Isaiah, Joey, and Matthew make their pizzas....

Zach's creation....

Lined up and ready for baking.....

Madison's colorful plate......

Ryan just slips out of Matthew's grasp while Madison runs from behind!

Huddle.....

Cool gifts....

What a great group of boys - fine young gentlemen and incredible friends!

And that's a wrap on the celebration for year #11........

It's #11 for Ryan......

Ryan has had another year of energy, fun, and firsts! Happy Birthday, son - we are so proud of you! Ryan is not afraid to try new things for sure and is always looking for a challenge. I love his desire to go for it and do things well.

In the spring, he built an amazing treehouse with Grandpa Spence!

This summer Ryan ran his first 5K with dad......

It is encouraging to watch Ryan develop rich friendships! He is fortunate to have so many who love him. Most of us are drawn to his passion and enthusiasm for life!

Isaiah and Ryan at a Diamondbacks game

The three musketeers watch Latin American soccer!

Ryan and Matthew with his new treasure....

As parents Merl and I appreciate Ryan's commitment to his siblings as he loves, cares, and seeks to protect them. Jonathan especially looks up to his brother and loves to play football, legos, and rollerblade with him.

Huddle in the backyard....

I will admit......one of my favorite things about Ryan is his passion for sports and competition! I could sit and watch him play all day! He plays soccer, swims on swim team all summer, runs, plays football with friends, rollerblades - you name it - he is game!

He always has a smile on his face!

It is also wonderful to see his selflessness on the field - passing the ball to his teammates so they can score. He seems to have a great balance of giving 100% all the time but not being overly concerned with the win or points, etc. I appreciate his kindness toward the opposing team's players as well!

Quite the rollerblader!

Ryan is also a servant and loves to help his dad and pitch in where needed. He is beginning to reason and think through his faith on a different level and it is a privilege to discuss the questions of life with him. We are blessed to call him son! Happy special day, Ryan!

winter rest and reflection in anticipation of rejuvenation....

It sure doesn't look like this here......but as I sat and sipped my coffee looking out the window at the New Mexico snow a month ago, I couldn't help but feel rested and reflective. The new year is often a time when people seem to start "afresh" with new goals and thoughts.

Wandering around the snow-capped garden where I had just snapped pictures in the fall, I was reminded how parts of the garden must die or become dormant before the rejuvenation of spring and planting of new seeds.

Really my life is no different.

Pruning from the Lord takes place......"He must increase, but I must decrease....." John 3:30

Thank goodness the Lord does this in a loving way - with patience and grace.

Through trials and daily events He works with me - and if I am responsive to His molding.....new life is around the corner.....

Maybe lessons learned.....

Added color and viability....

Transformation in the new year....

19 years......

19 years ago on Jan.2, 1993 was a day that couldn't have come soon enough for me! After more than two years of being separated from each other over the miles (Florida and New Mexico) I was finally marrying my prince. I was sure he was a prince anyway....but really....what did I know? I am convinced now that at the time we marry we really know next to nothing about what we are getting into! What wisdom and knowledge do we have at the time? Not much. Sure - I had done my research. I'd spent time with the family, asked all the questions and thought through all the potential problems. Honestly - I glossed over some of the likely difficulties.

Fast forward 19 years. I actually have life experience now - and like - some wisdom. Marriage is work. It is more than the wedding, first apartment, first year, and first baby. People change. A lot has happened. I could be up a creek without a paddle.

But I'm not. The Lord is gracious. The man I am married to now is not the man I married 19 years ago. He is MORE amazing. He works as many jobs as it takes to provide abundantly for our family - going above and beyond. He is a visionary and works to build his skills in his career so that his opportunities don't run out. In 19 years I don't believe the man has ever been out of bed after 7am - even when he is sick. He rises hours before me to work on ministry or his job. He is honest, wise, and self-less. He believes in me even when I don't. He works extra and does without so I can have the resources to make homeschooling easier. "Vegging" on the couch in front of the tube is not an issue here. He is an insightful and loving father. He spiritually leads our family.

It is humbling to realize how things could be. I see the situations all around me. Why me? He is not what I deserve and I don't think I could ever be to him back what he is to me. There have been so many wonderful and difficult times....and in reality.....where did the years go? But during that period we have grown and changed. We are not a family of 2 but a family of 6.....that things are different is an understatement!

We are a transformed family here - working on life with the Lord and I wouldn't have it any other way. I am SO glad I married this man and am thankful for the husband he is to me. I am grateful the Lord has given us so many years to "walk" together. And in Christ we will continue to walk - imperfectly - but together! : )

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken."

Ecclesiastes 4:10-12

Renewal.....2012

In 2012 I pray for a teachable spirit and change as I seek a closer walk with the Lord. Let go of the old and bring on the new.......

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Romans 12:2

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. "

Jeremiah 29:11