A Taste of Christmas

Many traditions surround the Christmas holidays, but one that has particularly grabbed my attention this year is the tradition of baking.  Sure, we bake all year long –cakes, brownies, cookies – sometimes for special occasions and other times for no real reason at all.  But Christmas is different.

The bar in my kitchen has become another holiday decoration of sorts – and a tasty one at that – as it holds an array of seasonal delights during the month of December. Each tray, tin, bowl, plate, and basket holds special meaning.

 

 

The boys insist each year on purchasing holiday shaped pretzels from Sam’s Club. A ceramic winter bowl always holds our Cuties. A couple of plates arrive after Mike’s office party, where we have a reputation for working together to “steal” our favorite homemade goodies in a Sneaky Santa game. 

Some of the sweets that adorn the counter must be made by my own hands each year; my family insists! The fudge is a recipe I immediately adopted from my friend Stephanie after she delivered some to us one Christmas Eve morning. M&M cookies and peanut-butter chocolate chip cookies are standard.  The sugar cookies iced and decorated with Christmas sprinkles (by Zachary) were requested this year by Nicholas for their book club friends.

 

 

And M&M bars – ah! – those I have finally perfected after years and years of much difficulty in getting them to bake just right.  My mom passed along that recipe, and her ability to cook them to perfection encouraged me to keep trying until I finally figured it out, too. 
 

 

The most meaningful Christmas treats on the bar – and thus the ones I like the most! - are those which have been given to us.  Brandon was given sugar coated almonds and a loaf of gingerbread by some of the kids with which he works at church. A sweet T&T girl gave me a red snowman tin of cookies and mints.  Several Sunday school class members blessed us with tasty foods. And one precious, older neighbor brought a basket of goodies about ten minutes before another retired friend brought a dish of homemade zucchini parmesan, just in time for dinner!
 

As we bake, eat, and enjoy the tasty treats of the season, may they prompt us to “Taste and see that the Lord is good!” as Psalm 34:8a says.  We can taste His goodness for ourselves, just as we taste those delicious baked items, by seeking a relationship with the One who came to earth, the One whose birth we celebrate, the One who gave His very life for us – Jesus Christ.  This is what Christmas is all about, and those delicious homemade goodies made and given with much love are a sweet reminder of the blessings of our relationships with others and, most importantly, with our God and Savior. 

Preparing Our Hearts for the Holidays

I haven't had as much time as I would like to write for our blog lately.  Homeschooling the boys, as well as normal wife and mom responsibities, take up so much of my time.  But I was asked to write a post for the Southeastern Women's Life blog "Walking Worthy" on Preparing Our Hearts for the Holidays.  Here is a copy of that post from December 10.

An assortment of boxes, bags, and tins of various shapes and sizes filled our living room a couple of weeks ago. Christmas music played throughout the house, with amateur voices singing along in delight. Even our dog sensed the excitement in the air and curiously followed the heels of her human companions who pulled from bins a wooden reindeer, a nativity set, several stuffed snowmen and Santas, and various sentimental ornaments from Christmases past.

After almost eleven months of anticipation, the time for preparing our home for the Christmas season had arrived. We decorated our tree, hung stockings from the mantel, strung greenery and lights outside, and placed the wreath on the front door to indicate our readiness.

Without a doubt, our home is prepared for the holidays! But are we just as enthusiastic and diligent in preparing our hearts for the holidays? Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. With so many distractions, preparing our hearts can easily be overlooked. So how do we keep our focus on what is truly special about this time of the year?

Preparing our hearts can go hand in hand with preparing our homes. As our family contentedly spends time together in the midst of our holiday decorations, we prepare our hearts by discussing the meaning behind timeless traditions. The Christmas tree, for example, is a wonderful centerpiece for telling the story of Christ and directing our focus on Him. The evergreen leaves signify God’s everlasting love for us. The wood recalls the manger in which the newborn baby Jesus slept and the cross upon which Jesus gave His life. The star atop the tree, a symbol of the star that led the wise men to Jesus, is a reminder to keep our eyes on the Lord and always follow Him.

As we bake and eat tasty treats throughout the holiday season in preparation for parties and family gatherings, we reflect on Psalm 34:8a, “Taste and see that the Lord is good,” and we give thanks for the many blessings God has given us. Additionally, we use those goodies as an opportunity to show God’s love to our neighbors by sharing our culinary delights.

The beginning of the Christmas season also begins a series of family devotions related to our celebrations. We have used various books over the years and are currently rereading Lisa Whelchel’s The Adventure of Christmas. The climax of our devotions occurs bright and early on December 25 as we gather with our sons to read the biblical accounts of Jesus’ birth from the books of Matthew and Luke before starting any other Christmas Day activities.

Other ways we prepare our hearts for the holiday include attending church services, giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering, and helping the less fortunate. However, no heart preparations compare in importance to spending time daily with God – the One who sent His Son to be our Savior so many years ago. Without having a personal relationship with God based on Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection and growing that relationship through consistent, daily communication in prayer and Bible study, we will likely struggle to have our hearts ready for Christmas Day or any other day of the year. The best preparation for the holidays is spending time with the One whose birth we celebrate!

“And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at His birth.” Luke 1:14

A Road Trip to Remember!

We recently returned from an amazing family vacation – a road trip spanning seventeen hundred miles and ten states, plus Washington, DC. Numerous hours spent researching minute details and planning our agenda paid off! We efficiently, yet leisurely explored many well-known historical and engaging sites.   

Day 1: Nicholas suggested a picnic lunch at Gettysburg, so we began our road trip early in the morning. Arriving in Gettysburg around noon, we found the landscape serene and beautiful - ironic when considering the amount of bloodshed on this Civil War battlefield. Our favorite section was Little Round Top, a hill full of huge rocks, narrow crevices, and perfect spots for boys to recreate a soldier’s defense in war time.

The boys recited from memory the Gettysburg Address in the same spot Lincoln delivered his famous speech seven scores and nine years ago!

Day 2: We began at Hershey Chocolate World, a very fun and happy place which is home to many delicious sweet treats. 

We then drove a few miles to Indian Echo Caverns, where we trekked underground to explore the murky interior of a cave. Zachary claims this journey as his favorite road trip activity.

Following a picnic lunch, we chose the scenic route to Philadelphia, detouring through Amish country and visiting an Amish farm. We’ll never forget the homemade root beer we purchased, which we later discovered was more “beer” than “root”!

We wrapped up the day with a tour of Valley Forge, another landscape whose current tranquility seems to contradict its heartrending history so many winters ago.

Day 3: A drive through rush hour traffic led us to Philadelphia. Highlights included touring the Philadelphia Mint, walking through the room where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed, and seeing the Liberty Bell.  

While I appreciate the history, my favorite memory from this town may be eating Philly cheese steaks for lunch in the front yard of Independence Hall!

We left Philadelphia around mid-afternoon, crossed the Deleware River just a couple of miles from where Washington and his troops did during the Revolutionary War, and spent the rest of the day driving towards Boston.

Day 4: After another morning of rush-hour traffic, we arrived at Boston Common and began our trek along the historic Freedom Trail. Memorable sites included the balcony of the Old State House where the Declaration of Independence was first read and Paul Revere’s house. After lunch, we climbed 294 steps to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument, a feat that exhausted our already weary legs. 

The highlight of Boston, and perhaps our entire trip, was boarding the U.S.S. Constitution, an incredible ship with a rich history of courage, victory, and patriotism.

Nicholas was overjoyed at seeing the boat he and his granddaddy have discussed so much!

We arrived in Plymouth just as the sun was setting, a beautiful sight to behold. We saw the infamous Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower 2. 

We stopped by Cupcake Charlie’s for a sweet treat, only to find it closed. However, the owner flagged us down and gave us five absolutely delicious chocolate chip whoop cakes for free!

Day 5: After an overnight stay in Rhode Island, we drove to Staten Island and took the ferry to lower Manhattan.  Zachary claimed he had never seen so many people in his life! We walked through Wall Street, ate near Battery Park, and visited the 9/11 Memorial – a touching tribute in response to a terrible tragedy. Before heading back to the ferry, we ate supper: pretzels and cheesecake! We returned to Staten Island as the sun was setting behind the Statue of Liberty – a stunning, unplanned delight! 

Day 6: We took an early bus from our hotel in Secaucus, NJ, to Times Square. Our first stop was the observatory deck of the Empire State Building, the highlight of the trip for Brandon. He was amazed at how small and peaceful this big and busy city looks eighty-six floors up!

We then walked along 5^th Avenue, making stops at the New York Public Library, Grand Central Terminal, Junior’s Cheesecake, Rockefeller Center, and FAO Schwarz. We rested on a bench in Central Park before taking the subway back to Times Square for supper at John’s Pizzaria, cheesecake from Roxie’s, and shopping.  Zachary bought a hat from a street vendor.  Doesn’t he look cool?

We all love New York City!

Day 7: After sleeping late and eating a delicious hotel breakfast that included the best bagel I have had in my entire life, we were back on the road. We stopped at our favorite pizza place in Washington, DC, for a mid-afternoon lunch/supper before arriving home at dusk. 

This road trip showcased the beauty of our country - from the peaceful hills and valleys of Pennsylvania to the energy and resilience of New York City; from a humble Amish farm to the mighty Old Ironsides; from the charm of Plymouth Harbor back to the comfort and love of home. The time spent exploring this part of America together as a family is a gift for which I will forever be thankful.

“Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed, it was very good!”Genesis 1:31

Getting Ready for a Road Trip!

Our family is detouring this year from our normal vacation.  Instead of heading south for our usual trip to Orlando, we will be driving north through several states including Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New York to visit a variety of well-known and historical sites. 

Technically classified as a field trip, this vacation has instead been referred to as our “road trip”. After all, who wants a vacation to include more school?  Not my kids!  Even though every day will be considered a school day, no text books, worksheets, or even pencils will be included in our packing.  All of the education will be hands on and will not feel like learning at all. 

Of course, there will be no roller coasters, water rides, stunt shows, or fireworks. Our vacation will not be fourteen hours of play each day, but instead about sixteen hundred miles of driving and more miles walking as we visit many famous places with significant histories.

Although not a Disney vacation, this trip is eagerly anticipated by the boys.  However, in order to rouse their enthusiasm even more, I have encouraged them to learn the history behind much of what we will see, as well as the geography of where we will travel.  I have required assignments such as memorizing the names and locations of the thirteen colonies, studying maps of the states we will visit, watching certain documentaries, and reading Ester Forbes’ Johnny Tremain.  Other assignments, however, are optional and a way to earn spending money for the trip.

Reports written on approved topics related to the trip (such as Independence Hall, the U.S.S. Constitution, and the Statue of Liberty) earn $1 each.  Reciting the Gettysburg Address from memory also earns $1.  Writing a book report after reading a biography of Benjamin Franklin earns $2.  No one can earn more than $10 in spending money.  As additional motivation for participating in these extracurricular assignments, each person that earns a minimum of $5 receives a bonus goodie bag for the car.

The boys have been working diligently and learning much about the sites we will see.  All three have met the $5 minimum to earn a goodie bag.  Each is close to reaching his $10 limit.  We are all much more informed about the places we will visit and are eagerly counting down the days until we leave!

“…that all may learn and all may be encouraged.”  1 Corinthians 14:31b

The Importance of Accountability

For the first time in my life, I am a part of an accountability group.  I have never had an official accountability partner, although my husband is an invaluable sounding board and support in leading me in a godly, biblical direction.  Another dear friend has also provided a helpful degree of accountability.  As she says of our relationship, “We can talk about trivial things but usually bring it back to how we should act or respond in Christ.”

Last night I met with my accountability group of five ladies for the first time.  After a fantastic first night of sharing and bonding, I am excited about the potential of growing together in our walks with the Lord.

But why does accountability matter?  Is it truly worth sacrificing a couple of hours a week of family time, relaxation, or other events to meet with these ladies for this purpose?

Yes!  And God tells us exactly why.

“But exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”  Hebrews 3:13

Christians are to exhort one another, which means we are to caution, advise, and even warn our siblings in Christ.  We are to teach and be teachable, correct and be corrected.  We are to encourage each other, which includes not only sending a thoughtful note or complimenting someone on a job well done, but also supporting and gently nudging one another towards growth in godly character, biblical knowledge, and spiritual wisdom.

This is accountability! 

And it is important, as the urgent tone of Hebrews 3:13 suggests.  God commands it.  Our faith in His Word should compel us to obedience with or without a reason for it.  Yet in this instance, God gives us what we wish we had in every command from Him: an explanation, an answer to the question “Why?”   

Satan’s job is to deceive, which is about all he can do, but deception is powerful.  Accountability (exhorting one another) counters Satan’s work.  When we encourage, teach, correct, pray, and in general urge and motivate one another to grow biblically, we are less likely to be deceived by sin and have our hearts hardened against God’s righteous way.  Rather than being unable or unwilling to recognize God’s truth, accountability helps us clearly distinguish and accept it.  We grow not only in character and knowledge, but also in spiritual discernment. 

Furthermore, we produce more fruit in our lives – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control - and God is glorified.  Not only is accountability an act of obedience to the Lord and a way to prevent being deceived by the enemy, but its results also glorify God to the world around us. 

Is accountability important?  Absolutely!

Overcoming the Monotony of our Home School

Organized, methodical, prepared, task-oriented… these are all my strengths.  

Creative, spontaneous, imaginative, carefree… these are far from my strengths! 

So what’s a mom/teacher to do when she realizes that her kids find their school routines boring, even at home? 

Of course, my logical personality repeatedly explained that life is not all about being entertained and having fun.  Work must be done.  Sometimes labor is enjoyable, but other times it is tedious.

Still, I knew my kids had a point; our school days were in need of some liveliness.  After surveying the boys on what they would consider a fun addition to our home school and then pondering and praying over their input, an idea surfaced in my typically unimaginative brain – a system of rewards that I (not so creatively) penned “School Year Incentives".

Now, my practical side knows that in this life we are not always compensated to the same degree of our diligence and that that our motivation should not merely be to get a prize.  As a result, I have been hesitant to give tangible rewards.  After all, we should learn first and foremost to do our best for God’s glory rather than selfish gain. 

But my other practical side realizes that children who receive much of their education outside of the home have their own rewards, including parties, prize bins, certificates of honor, and lunch and recess with friends everyday.  So I am willing to compromise a bit on my “reward” stance.

I decided upon an incentive system in which the boys earn points (given in pennies) which may be accumulated and then redeemed for items from the “shopping list”.

Certain behaviors - listening, obeying, and having a good attitude – are expected and are not a means of earning points, although misbehavior may result in losing points. 

Exceptional academic performance - including completing daily language and math assignments without error, scoring high on tests and reports, memorizing historical documents, watching documentaries, and reading extra books - are several ways to earn points.  The boys are not only motivated to work more carefully and diligently, but also to take pleasure in the extra effort they are putting into learning.

Items on the shopping list include but are not limited to the following:

10 points – a candy bar

25 points – a Dairy Queen blizzard or a bag of candy

35 points - invite a friend over

60 points – no chores for a week

75 points – movie date (including popcorn) with either mom or dad

100 points – $10 cash

Hmmm… maybe I should create an incentive list for myself!

Not hitting the snooze button in the morning = 1 point

Staying awake while Zachary reads out loud = 1 point

Not checking emails or facebook before school is finished for the day = 1 point

Not panicking when Brandon cannot figure out an Algebra problem = 2 points

My “shopping list” would look much like the boys’ list.  Undoubtedly, I would work towards a Blizzard, no chores for a week, and a movie date.

When I first introduced our new plan and read through the “shopping list”, the boys became so ecstatic they laughed uncontrollably!  (Yes, we really needed some fun in our school days!)

The new addition to our school year is no substitute for loving, consistent discipline, whose foundation was laid years before we ever considered homeschooling.  But it is a nice supplement that is providing a little more joy to what had become a rather monotonous school routine.

“…for your work shall be rewarded!” 2 Chronicles 15:7b

Fourteen!!

A mom never forgets the events surrounding the birth of her firstborn child, or any other of her offspring for that matter.  Over fourteen years ago, those events played out in my life.  It was an exceedingly stormy, summer night with massive downpours.  If all the “old wives tales” about heavy rain leading up to a baby’s birth were true, I was going to be delivering my son soon. 

I guess those old wives knew what they were talking about!  Just after 10pm, as Mike and I were getting into bed, my water broke.  Our little boy would be appearing shortly, almost three weeks ahead of schedule.

Upon arrival at the hospital, a quick check (as well as much painful confirmation) revealed our son was feet first – not a position in which he could safely be delivered naturally.  Within about three short hours, I was stretched on an operating table as the doctor delivered eight pound, two ounce baby Brandon via caesarean section.

The general consensus by the hospital staff was that our little boy looked just like his daddy.  While some of his features have changed over the years, his personality is a lot like his dad’s – patient, level-headed, self-controlled, and content. 

Of course, no child is perfect.  We see the best and worst in all of our kids.  But we are very proud of Brandon.  He successfully juggled a great deal this year, including a challenging eighth grade academic schedule that included several high school courses, piano lessons, a part time job, basketball, and Awana (both as a leader and a student).  Additionally, he wrote twenty-two Disney blog posts for the Mouse for Less website and has more in the works. 

And did I mention he wrote a book... in a month?! 

One of his highest accomplishments this year included completing a reading of the entire Bible, which he began in second grade.  His goal is now to read through the Bible in one year.  So far, he is on track!

Furthermore, he continues to be an excellent big brother, quick to offer help with difficult Lego creations, challenging puzzles, various projects, and school work.  He won Zachary’s admiration (and mine) by taking time out of his busy schedule to help his youngest brother build Star Wars paper airplanes. He is thoughtful with me, too, always ready to lend a helping hand when needed, at times without even being asked.

We celebrated Brandon’s fourteenth birthday last month.  My parents came to town (bringing him back from a week’s stay with them) for some of the festivities.  I cooked spaghetti, his favorite food, and served our family’s traditional M&M birthday cake.  The next day, he invited one of his oldest friends – one he played with before they could even talk – to supper at Sonic and a local minor league baseball game.  The following day, we celebrated with another tradition: cinnamon rolls for breakfast!  He enjoyed lots of birthday wishes all weekend from family and friends.

How thankful we are for that sweet little baby boy who has become a responsible, delightful fourteen year-old young man!!

“We give thanks to God always for you…” 1 Thessalonians 1:2a

Myrtle Beach Memories

Vacations at Myrtle Beach defined a large part of my childhood summers.  I recall specific details from at least twelve different trips, but the actual number of times I have been to Myrtle Beach is likely closer to twenty, maybe more. 

Some of my favorite memories of those childhood vacations include playing in the sand, collecting sea shells, walking along the beach, playing miniature golf, eating seafood, and visiting attractions such as the Pavilion, Myrtle Waves, and Waccamaw Outlet (or “Walk-a-Mile” as my dad would say).

Until last week, it had been almost a decade since our last visit to Myrtle Beach when Brandon was four years-old, Nicholas was two years-old, and Zachary was two months-old.  During that trip with our little boys, we played in the sand and at the pool, putted around on a miniature golf course, spent hours at NASCAR Speed Park, and had such a great time on our first vacation as a family of five that we spontaneously added one more night to our trip the day we were supposed to check-out!

Last week, deciding we were overdue for a trip to the beach, we headed to the coast for a few days between baseball games to play and relax after a challenging school year.  We stayed in an ocean view room at the Sea Crest, a resort in Myrtle Beach with several inside and outside pools and lazy rivers, as well as a small water park for children.

Hurricane Beryl tagged along as an uninvited guest, but thankfully her visit was relatively peaceful and confined to one night while we were sleeping.  No plans were spoiled, and we were able to enjoy lots of outdoor fun.

While I reclined in my beach chair with a captivating book, the boys ecstatically rode the waves to the best of their inexperienced ability on their new boogie boards.  

We explored the different pools and lazy rivers.

We also played miniature golf both evenings under a clear, beautiful sky.   

We enjoyed a picnic on the beach, pizza in the Jungle Lagoon parking lot, a nice seafood lunch with an ocean view at Sea Captain’s House (which, by the way, has the best hush puppies ever!), and a late-night excursion to Krispie Kreme. 

No trip to Myrtle Beach would be complete without stopping by one of the many Wings or Eagles stores.  We spent just a few dollars on souvenirs – shark-tooth necklaces, a hat, earrings, and a deck of cards.  During the little bit of time we spent in our room, we played cards and sat on the balcony watching the waves crash. 

We thank God, the Creator of the universe and all its beauty, Whom even the wind and the seas obey, for our fun and relaxing beach excursion and the many wonderful memories made on this trip!

“The heavens declare the glory of the God…” Psalm 19:1

Defining Marriage

Webster’s dictionary defines marriage as…

Well, does it really matter how Webster defines marriage? Merely a man-made list of words, a dictionary’s definitions are subject to change as our culture transforms.

Yet “…the word of God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)

For a more accurate description of marriage, I prefer searching the Bible, a historically accurate and error-free text written by the Creator of this timeless and sacred institution. Our perfect God has no need to modify His definition to suit the ebb and flow of society throughout the ages.

“God made them male and female. For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” Mark 10:6b-8a

God speaks through three key figures over the course of approximately five thousand years to confirm marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman who physically and emotionally unite to become one flesh. God first makes this statement on marriage in Genesis; Jesus confirms it in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark; Paul restates it in the book of Ephesians.

Additionally, various books in both the Old and New Testaments provide clear familial roles, including specific duties of the husband and specific, but often different duties of the wife. While nowhere does the Bible suggest men and women are not equal, it does clearly distinguish between the two sexes, especially concerning marriage.

“To the woman He said: ‘…your desire shall be for your husband…’ ” Genesis 3:16

“Wives, submit to your own husbands…” Ephesians 5:22, Colossians 3:18

“…let the wife see that she respects her husband.” Ephesians 5:33

“Husbands, love your wives…” Ephesians 5:24, Colossians 3:19

“Husbands, likewise, dwell with them in understanding, giving honor to the wife…” 1 Peter3:7

“Wife” is always feminine; “husband” is always masculine. Every indication points to marriage as being between a man and a woman. Further, sexual relations between men or between women are clearly forbidden.

“If a man lies with a man as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination.” Leviticus 20:13

“…For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful…” Romans 1:26b-27a

A solid stand on marriage as established by God is rapidly fading, with a segment of Christians being all too quick to support altering God’s definition of marriage. How arrogant of us, mere humans, to think we are more informed than our Creator! “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes….” (Isaiah 5:21a) The perspective of Christians who profess a personal relationship with God yet accept a definition of marriage as anything other than between a man and a woman is baffling.

Differences between men and women cannot be ignored. God’s physical design of His human creation and His perfect plan for procreation necessitate marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Same-sex marriage is like trying to fit together two mismatched pieces of a puzzle. It does not complete the biblical picture of marriage or family, but rather distorts it.

I appreciate the protection in our Constitution of the separation of church and state. Yet nowhere is that protection meant to include separating God’s moral laws from our country’s legal system, which in fact was founded upon basic biblical principles. As American citizens, we must protect those values upon which our country was started. As followers of Christ, we must support what God established from the beginning and has confirmed throughout His Word.

Celebrating Zachary's Ninth Birthday

Two weeks ago, our once eight and half pound baby boy turned nine years-old! As the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun! These single-digit years have zoomed by, in part a testament to the delight and amusement Zachary has added to our family.

Due to a variety of circumstances, Zachary’s ninth birthday celebrations extended over the course of almost a week, beginning with a weekend sleepover with his best buddy and life-long friend Eli, who was born in the same hospital just three days before Zachary. Together they celebrated by playing at a local children’s museum, observing a St. Patrick’s Day parade, watching a movie, and eating lots of cake and ice cream.


Because Mike had work obligations on Zachary’s actual birthday, we gave him his gifts early. He was thrilled to receive some drawing books from Nicholas, a telescope and microscope set from Brandon, and a new bike from us. Of course, riding his bike, drawing animals, and star-gazing before bed were immediately added to the weekend festivities.




Celebrations continued on Sunday with cinnamon rolls for breakfast and a birthday lunch at Pizza Hut, followed by ordering some baseball catcher’s gear using money received by extended family members.

My parents arrived on Monday to continue the partying!


Zachary easily convinced them to let him open the gifts from them after supper. He couldn’t have been more excited about receiving additional bug catching equipment, which he has since used almost daily, adding all sorts of little creatures to his menagerie for as long as they will survive.


At last, Zachary’s actual birthday arrived on Tuesday and was spent with my parents eating out, watching a movie, and having a Starbucks Frappuccino – Zachary’s choice!


Had it been up to Zachary, the celebrations would have continued endlessly, still occurring right now. But, alas, all good things much come to an end… or at least, be put on hold until next year!

What a blessing our youngest son has been! Full of life, enthusiasm, and passion, at times he has been a challenge to teach and discipline. Yet his life reveals a pattern of progress, sometimes at a snail’s pace, but onward nonetheless. Academically, relationally, and spiritually, Zachary is growing in maturity and in his desire to honor the Lord.

Oh my, is it ever a challenge for him! Yet he is willing to face it head-on, as he does anything he truly cares about. To see a child revert back to wayward habits must be heartbreaking, but to see a child grow in wisdom and maturity is pure joy.

We are proud of our little man and his passion for life, for God’s creations, and for the Lord Himself.

“And the child… grew both in stature, and in favor both with the Lord and men.”
1 Samuel 2:26