Another First

Dad insisted that if "blondie" didn't get a hair cut, he was going to cut it himself... since he thought Jonathan was starting to need a ribbon. I liked the comb-over and the "Jack Jack" look. But he's still a cutie- even with a hair cut. Isaac did such a good job manning the camera for me. It felt like we were having a photo session!

Where did last week go?

Goodness... It feels like I have lost a week. We've been so busy with Isaac's birthday camp out then our trip to Rally Day, plus Eddie was away at a New Holland meeting too. I'm thankful that we are all healthy and able to do so many fun and exciting things this spring. Hopefully, I will get some photos posted this weekend. But I've just got to catch you up on the baby. I can't believe we are already at 14 weeks. The little critter is about the size of a lemon. "It" is able to make facial expressions, pee, suck its thumb, and stretching out. Grow little one, grow!

Lettuce Bed

Yippee! Isaac I got the lettuce bed planted just in time for rain! There were even greens still growing in the winter garden.

My Blessing

When our Isaac was a little guy, I use to sing a little chorus to him... "You are a blessing...."
I'll never forget one time when I was scolding him for something I've now long forgotten. He looked up at me with those penetrating eyes and said, "I am a blessing!"

Today, as our young man turns 11 years old, I have to stop and ponder what a blessing he truly is in my life and to our family. I am constantly amazed at the maturity and character I see developing in his life and heart. The kind words and unselfish deeds that seem to effortlessly flow from him [even when Mom doesn't deserve kindness] are evidence of the Holy Spirit in his heart. We've all heard the horror stories about the "teenage" years. They are of no concern to me because of what I daily witness transpiring in our young man.

I have to admit that I had my concerns last year about welcoming a sibling into the home of our only child. How would he react? Isaac couldn't be a better big brother. He has shared his heart, his space, his time, even his time with Mom and Dad willingly and unselfishly.

So Happy 11th Birthday, Isaac. You will always be my Blessing... with a capital B!

"Reports from Nigeria say more than 500 Christians were slaughtered in several villages. The machete attacks were blamed on members of a Muslim group. Reports say Muslim residents of the villages were warned by phone text messages two days before the attack so they could escape before the exit points were sealed off. Security forces have detained 95 suspects."

Prior to reading the book "Miracle of Miracles," I would have felt anger toward this "peaceful religion".... as so many refer to Islam. But today when I read the morning news, my heart is broken not only for these Christian families- but for the Muslims that performed such a horrendous act. Oh may they see, know, and be touched by the power of Jehovah God- the One True God!

If you'd like to read the book I mentioned, send me a comment and I'll mail you a copy.

Eleven Weeks... and Eleven Months

Eleven seems to be our number right now... We are eleven weeks into our pregnancy... Jonathan is eleven months old... and very soon we will have an eleven year old young man! Praise the Lord!

So what's happening with the baby?

• Its about 2 inches long (won't it be nice not to call it "it" anymore?)
• Hair follicles are forming
• Toenails and fingernails are starting to form
• Baby is moving and with its body straightening

Jonathan....

• is into everything... toilets, plants, you name it


• He's rattling off some words like tractor, brother, fish, momma and dada
• Starting to use some sign language to tell us he's all done or wants more

And Isaac...

• is finishing up school for this year
• getting ready for a birthday camp out
• And growing into a trustworthy young man!

The Dairy Barn's Opening Weekend

Ah... strawberry hurricanes and cheese sticks... my latest "craving." Mother has promised that she will help limit my consumption of cheese sticks this summer! I think Jonathan has already figured out where Nana keeps the baby cones. If he only knew there was suppose to be something in those cones and cups !

We happen to come by when they were not busy... so we got to have fun and be goofy... right, Isaac?