Happy 14th Jacob

Happy Birthday to my wonderful boy! Jacob is such a tremendous blessing to me - and to our family - he makes us all laugh every day, and his sweet spirit and kind ways are so endearing. He is always eager to serve too. Here is an example - when we go in the basement to watch family movies, it is ALWAYS Jacob who runs up and down all night to get everyone what we forgot upstairs! Snacks, blankets, drinks, whatever...

He is a "dream" brother to Hannah and Ryan - he loves them, plays with them, encourages them, includes them, and is truly their hero and best friend - no exaggeration. I look at him and I am so very very proud of who he is and grateful for the young man that God is leading him to be.

Danny and I fight over who gets to have special "dates" with Jacob when a favorite movie comes out - he is just such a delight to be with... Danny has been winning a lot lately and I better stake my claim! I NEVER feel like I get enough time with Jacob - or any of my kids for that matter!

Even as I am typing this, Hannah came upstairs saying "Mom, Jacob is so sweet - he keeps giving us turns on his new game!" (which he just received in the last hour). Not surprised. This is just typical of Jacob.

Here is Jacob today at fourteen!!! Hannah and I made him a special cake!! We love you so much Jacob! We hope you know we love you by how much we all FIGHT over you!! haha

Some more color - but not on the walls!!

After months of saving and pondering and finding just the right artist, Matt purchased a piece of art that he will have with him forever... This one was beautifully done and is an expression of Matt's heritage. Tattoos these days are such an expression of who one is or what something means to them. From that perspective I can truly appreciate a beautiful artistic tattoo - this one was free-handed by an up and coming young artist. After enduring hours of pain, this is the finished product!

Finally some color on the walls!

After two years of looking at creamy white walls, I am so happy that I have some color!!

Danny's birthday cake

Ever since the movie "Kung Fu Panda" Danny has been nicknamed "Po" by the kids.  We have had many a laugh over this, at appropriate moments as Danny cooks one of his famous noodle dishes someone will ask for the secret ingredient, or just out of the blue say "that was a Po moment" - all characteristic for the real Po - but we have affectionately named Danny "Po".   So Hannah decided to suprise him with a Po birthday cake this year.  It was sooooooo very cute!

"Po" holding his "Po"

Last Days of Summer

I cannot fathom that summer is almost over and school starts next week. Meanwhile, I have several things I have wanted to post but the camera software is acting up and I cannot download my pictures to complete the updates! So meanwhile, I guess I will wrap up the kids final swim lesson days, which were actually a few weeks ago.

Mrs. Schickler has taught all three of the younger kids swimming the last two summers, and it was a highlight of their summer each time. She liked to once in a while throw in an exercise where the kids have to "help" each other by grabbing the other's head and guiding them... ah, yes, a perfect recipe for mischief. Especially for Jacob.


Our final day of lessons. Always a sad day as I know that now summer really is almost over...

Deep Creek in pictures

Deep Creek Lake, Maryland

We spent 3 days there last week with some of Danny's family - the kids had a blast on the water.

My three kids along with Jeremy, a friend of Jacob's

Danny's parents - the gracious owners of the family home at Deep Creek

Hannah fell off, but she isn't sure she wants Jacob to help her get back up...

Hannah after her first fall!

Ryan as captain of the boat!

An action shot - enough to make this mother nervous as the kids go flying around the lake at 30mph... I can tell you that it is NOT easy for me to watch. Yep, I'm a wimp.

Tickle tickle!!!!

Floating around, waiting for some action

Here is the action!!!

Happy 20th Matt

Happy Birthday Matt!!! I can't believe that you are turning 20 today!! (I think your birthday makes me feel older than my own!!) I am priviliged to have been your mother these past 20 years - you have been such a blessing to me.

You have grown into a very fine young man. You work hard at what you set your mind to, and you have determination to reach your goals.

You are so kind to all who meet you - you have a love and passion for people that is rare. I know that God is going to use that in your life.

You have gone cheerfully (mostly haha) to a job this summer that isn't your preference, and made the best of it.

It is sweet to see the way you serve Sherry - I am proud of the man that you are growing into in this area.

And thank you so much for ALWAYS making me laugh!! You are the funniest person in the world!! I really think you are an intelligent, handsome, funny and kind person. I am so glad that you are my son...

Love ya!!!