Birthday Fun

Andy's birthday was quite a crazy day for us here.

 Andy's favorite birthday presents -- Legos and a new scooter

 In the afternoon the kids enjoyed trick or treating at all the businesses downtown.

Here are all the kids in their costumes -- Queen Ester, King Solomon, (can't remember what Tim was), Jonah, and Pharoah's Daughter.

Busy Week

Wow, this has been an incredibly busy week for our family.  Thursday was Andy's birthday, and I'll try to share pictures on another post.  Yesterday I had a pampered chef party to get my sister's wedding gift (Pampered Chef pans).  And this morning we took the kids to the health fair, installed the new church sign, and are awaiting our weekend company.

 We really enjoyed the Health Fair this morning.  J.A. went shortly after it opened to go get his blood work done while I stayed home and fed the kids breakfast.  Once J.A. returned and finished breakfast we all walked up to the high school together to enjoy the health fair together.

 Each of the kids had the opportunity to decorate their own pumpkin.  Ezekiel was having so much fun using the markers on his pumpkins that I don't think he even noticed all the glue his brother and sisters were using.  However, once Andy discovered the stickers there was no stopping Ezekiel from adding the stickers to his pumpkin.

 Walking around the different booths the kids enjoyed a variety of treats -- some stickers, candy (imagine candy and chocolate at a health fair), and all four kids were able to get new bicycle helmets.  Again, Ezekiel is really excited to be joining the ranks of his brother and sisters with his new head gear. 

After our adventurous morning, the kids were ready to come home and do some work.  Kara and Lydia went next door to help a neighbor rake leaves, and Andy went to go help daddy and some men from church install a new church sign.

 Last month, the men came and laid the foundation for our new church sign.

 Yesterday our new sign arrived, and today JA along with some men from the church installed the new sign.  The electrical still needs connected, but the new sign is up and on display. 

 Ezekiel enjoyed watching the progression of the sign from the sidelines, 

and you can see his wonderful new bike helmet.

Happy Birthday Andy!

 Four years ago, our family was in a difficult position.  JA was working a job he did not enjoy because they wanted him to push sales of a satellite TV system.  We didn't have our own home, so we were living with my parents, brother, and sister in their three bedroom house. And, we had no prospects for a ministry position we greatly longed to serve in.  Yet, in the midst of this time, God chose to bless us with one of the cutest and sweetest gifts possible -- My Andy. 

 Andy was named after his grandfather that I've never had the privilege of meeting, yet I know this man was a godly and dedicated father.  This is evidenced by the incredible three sons that he and his wife raised -- All who are planning to serve in the ministry as God permits.  Andy has a very compassionate and caring heart -- even towards his own sisters (which I think is the biggest indication of how loving he is).

 Andy, is one who loves to help and work.  If you need something, he is one of the first to volunteer to go get it.  He loves helping daddy load up the car to take the trash to the dump.  He has also been busy this fall raking the leaves.

 While Andy did not start off life with a bed (who needs a bed when you have a laundry basket :) ), he is growing into quite the young man.  In fact, I think if we would let him he would gladly let Ezekiel sleep in his bed with him -- but I don't think they would get much sleep as the two brothers love to sword fight and play trucks together.

 Andy's sweet smile melted my heart when he was born.  I fell in love with his cleft and actually cried when it was repaired.  As you can see in the picture above, the cleft just made his smile look so big.  However, Andy did not lose his great smile.  Now he loves to smile and make goofy faces.  He is certainly one of a kind, and following his daddy's footsteps in the area of humor.

 Andy's eating habits have not changed much in the last three years.  The only difference is his food doesn't usually make it up above his eyes :)

 Andy is always running, jumping, and climbing.  He has this need for constant movement.  Despite the lack of athletic ability JA and I have, Andy loves sports.  He loved playing t-ball this year, and this morning turned his sisters house slippers into a football (quickly squelched by his ever loving mother though).

As I've said before, Andy is Daddy's little helper.  He has helped daddy fix the living room fan, install a kitchen faucet, build the potatoe box (which by the way produced nothing).  He is always trying to build things and loves walking around with his toy hammer.

One of the most exciting characteristics about my little boy is his spiritual sensitivity.  For the last six months, Andy's prayer request is that God would give Ezekiel and himself white hearts.  A couple of months ago Andy began telling us he had a white heart, and that he had prayed and asked Jesus to save him.  While we don't know for sure where Andy's heart is, we do know that he loves God and wants to obey him.  Time will tell as we interact and discuss with Andy (and possibly have him pray again as we see the need).  Please pray with us for our little boy that he will choose to follow Christ as his two older sisters have.

Precious Moments

On our way home from our trip to Uncle Ted's, we stopped to enjoy some Precious Moments at the Precious Moments Chapel.

The kids enjoyed climbing on the animals outside after we ate our picnic lunch of McDonalds.

How many kids can you fit on one turtle?

I'm working on training Ezekiel to walk holding Kara's hand, so when the baby comes and my hands are full I know he will obey.

The fountains all over the property were beautiful and relaxing.

 I love the illustration of the cross and the open grave.

 The playhouse the artist designed and built for his grandchildren

 Meeting with friends in Glory -- I am looking forward to this wonderful reunion.