Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day, Dad! I'm thankful to be yours! You have given me everything I needed to be successful in this life and the next. What more can a girl ask for?

Tod preached at New Life this morning, which was a wonderful treat for us! He talked about 5 things God did for Jesus (at his baptism). He was present and available. He was physically affectionate. He verbally expressed his feelings. He said "I love you." He said, "I'm proud of you. Who you are. How you were wired. Whether you ever doing anything or not." Dad, you have been such a great father to me. I have lots of mental snapshots in my memory of these things.

One of my favorite things Tod said this morning: God intended for those of us who have the loudest voice (dads, and moms too!) to speak the truth in our children's lives. I'm so thankful for the truth you have spoken to me in a million different ways. As we work to pass on truth to our kids, I'm grateful for your encouragement and for your help! I love you, Dad!

Conversations with my daughter

Lena and I were just sitting together and talking about different things. She noticed my glass of water and asked for some. She drank it all, then told me she drank it all because she likes water so much. I told her it was fine she drank it all because water is good for you. Then the conversation changed and this is what was said:

L: "It's good for us to pray, isn't it?"
Me: "Yes it is."
L: "It's important to pray to God every day, so we don't make him sad."
L: "I don't want to make God sad."


I just love that girl. She's learning to pray wherever and whenever she wants. Lately the prayers have been that the baby in my tummy grows big and strong and comes out soon.


It's conversations like this that make me feel like I am doing something right in parenting.

Snow

This is a little late, but oh well. During Spring Break, we went to Pagosa Springs, CO to play in the snow. The snow was knee deep, so Lena kept losing her boot in the snow. All in all, she had fun with the snow. There were so many pictures, it was easier to include a link to my photoshop website to view the slideshow of pictures. It's not all the pictures I took, but it's what I have edited so far. So, click the link below and enjoy pictures of Lena in the snow.

http://www.photoshop.com/user/sweetpeaphotos/?galleryid=a3db56e2ae0a4a3181b88558dd6a0f8d&trackngid=BTAGC&rlang=en_US&wf=shareslideshow

CONNOR'S SIXTEENTH BIRTHDAY

Today is all about Connor in my heart. I really don't know what to say except that I miss him and still sometimes want to scream, "NOOOOOO!" But, today especially I miss him. I think about what might have been. I wonder what he would look like and wonder how tall he would be. I think about the keys to a new car for him and that long awaited drivers' license. I think about Italian food. :) I think about singing Happy Birthday and watching him blow out 16 candles.

But, I just decided to share pictures and some of my favorite things about Connor to once again remember what a special young man he was. Nothing new. Just remembering and filling my heart with beautiful memories of a life lived so well in such a short time. And I thank God for the precious years we had. What a gift!

PS. So far only about half my posts are showing up. Don't know what the problem is. The last one should be, "What kind of car..." They show up as posted in "edit posts", but don't appear in blog.

CONNOR LOVED HIS FAMILY...

CONNOR LOVED HIS MOM...

...AND HIS DAD...

CONNOR LOVED HIS BROTHERS AND SISTER...

CONNOR LOVED HIS GRANDPA...

...and his Grandpa loved him.

One of my favorite pictures--Connor walking and listening to his Grandpa.

AND CONNOR LOVED HIS GRANDMA...

Some of my favorite keepsakes of Connor are things he did for me on Grandparents' Day at MCS.

His sweet words on my 60th birthday made me cry.

The time we spent together on his 12-year-old trip will always be treasured memories.

One of my favorite pictures of Connor is when he gave me Piper II for Christmas. He was so proud of taking care of her and keeping it a surprisse until Christmas.

CONNOR LOVED HIS COUSINS...

I imagine that these two would be leaders among their peers...

...and I imagine these three would still be good friends...

and I imagine these two could have been mighty Mustangs together...

and I imagine that these cousins would still be coming up with fun, new things to do at the lake.

CONNOR LOVED TO TRAVEL...

Connor in front of the White House...

and Connor sitting at Congressman Mike Conaway's desk. Hmm. I wonder if there would have been any politics in his future? :)

CONNOR LOVED LITTLE KIDS...

He was never too busy to play with his cousins. A.J. gets a ride...

...and Elijah gets a swing from their older cousin.

CONNOR LOVED BABIES...

He was especially fascinated with their hands.

He just had a way with babies. Olivia and Connor shared some special time together.

CONNOR LOVED SEAFOOD...

However, this 2 or 3 pound lobster nearly did him in. :)

CONNOR LOVED HIS FRIENDS...

You couldn't ask for a better friend than Connor. None of these friends will ever forget their special friend and his influence on their lives.

CONNOR LOVED ANIMALS...

One of his special requests for his 12 year old trip was to visit the Philadelphia Zoo, the oldest zoo in the US. Connor and I spent a delightful afternoon at the zoo while Grandpa did some business--one of my favorite memories.

CONNOR LOVED NATURE, ESPECIALLY THE OCEAN AND SEA LIFE...

Connor loved aquariums and all kinds of sea life.

Connor loved the ocean.