Last One!

Today we celebrate our last birthday for the month!

It's been a whirlwind month with all the projects and birthdays, but it has been such a joy to celebrate the birth of each of these who were born in October!

It's Caleb's 13th birthday today!

It kind of sneaks up on you...you know.

One day they are a tiny little baby in your arms....

And in what seems like a blink of an eye you couldn't carry them anymore even if you tried :)

When I think of the qualities and character I appreciate in Caleb the thing that stands out most in my mind is his quiet spirit. He is really a pretty quiet guy all around, but there's just something about his spirit that is so gentle and quiet.

He is also an amazing big brother and his siblings love to hang around him. Especially his little baby brother Jaden.....as soon as Jaden sees him, his eyes light up and he lifts up his little arms! And Caleb will always pick ihim up! I can hardly wait to watch the love he will pour on his newest sibling due in March!

Caleb is also very creative, and when he isn't making something, he is dreaming up how to make something! He likes to work with his hands...especially with wood.

He drove the combine for the first time this year and as soon as I saw how well he did, I knew that I could relax. You see, I was his trainer! Sometimes training can be a little of a hair pulling experience. But not with Caleb, he got stuff right away and as the season went on he became a pro!

He really likes sports, and especially likes to play football or hockey with his family. He is often found begging his little brothers to play some kind of sport with him!

Caleb, I really can't tell you in words how proud I am of you. You are growing into a wonderful young man and I look forward to seeing how you grow in Jesus. Your life reflects Him in so many ways. We love you Caleb....Happy Birthday!

Partying On.....

Today we are celebrating 2 birthdays. Zachary's who was 11 yesterday and Jesse who's 9 tomorrow.
It's great having these two boys birthdays so close together because it's double the fun!

Zachary is one of the sparks of our family. He's quite the little clown and comes up with all sorts of things that we just smile and shake our heads at! But underneath all his silliness he is a deep thinker. He doesn't just take anything at face value and has to figure out why things are the way they are. No question seems too silly for him to ask....so he asks lots of questions! Zachary loves a challenge and tackles them head on....unless it has something to do with MATH :) I know I have mentioned here before about Zachary's boundless energy....but it's worth mentioning again! It's so fun to watch him play sports, for he puts his all into it! He reminds me of his dad.... A LOT! In fact, I often visualize that Zach is just like Mark when Mark was little! And Mark is still like that....if there is a task to do, he never does it half way...he goes all out! So I know that if Zach ever gets married someday she is going to enjoy him VERY much!!! We call him Zippy Zee, and that pretty much explains him to a tee (except when he is doing the dishes:) I have often thought that if I could have just half the energy that he does.....I would get A LOT accomplished in a day! Kids love to hang around Zachary because he is just a plain goof ball!!!  Zach's heart for the Lord has been very neat to watch ove the years. As I said, he is a thinker and this includes the things of God. He will often come to me with a question or a comment about something spiritual he has been thinking about. Zachary, I am so proud to call you our son. You add a special spark to our family and I can't imagine it without you!!! I am praying that this year will be a year where you continue to search for the things of God and as you seek Him, that you will find Him! And please, please, please, don't give me any more gray hairs this year.....:)

If you speak of opposites, Zachary and Jesse would be a perfect example of that!!!! Where Zachary is very adventerous, Jesse is very cautious. Where Zachary just does things on a whim, Jesse plans and contemplates. Where Zachary would rather just learn by doing, Jesse likes to observe someone do something before he tries it. I think it is so neat how God puts all these different personalities in a family. Not only do they compliment one another, but they also rub against each other to build character!

Jesse is our little farmer. He reminds me so much of our oldest son, Joshua when he was younger. Jesse likes to spend all the time he can out in the field. And he prefers to be in the fastest tractor (as fast as tractors are that is:). He watches the wheels to see how fast a tractor is going (exactly what his big brother used to do!) and if he knows that the guys are going out to the field early in the morning, he makes sure he gets up REALLY early just so he doesn't miss his ride!!!! If I am every driving a tractor or something that I have never driven before I will make sure that Jesse comes with me to give me advice! Because he watches everything so closely, I know that he will be able to help me out! Jesse can be pretty quiet, but he can be very talkative too! He is more of a one on one kind of person and if he ever corners you, be prepared to get your ears talked off :) Jesse is a very self-motivated person. He is often up early to get his math done even before I get to the table. Right now he is doing 2 math lessons every day so that he can move on to the next book! Jesse has a sensitive heart. He loves on his little siblings and cares for them well. We love you so much Jesse. Thanks for being the great son that you are! We look forward to another year of loving on you and watching you grow closer to the ONE Who loves you most!

Happy Birthday to two-sevenths of our favorite boys!
WE LOVE YOU!!!!!

HACKED!!!

I (Jennifer) am hacking Mom's blog because today is a VERY special day!!!! 

Today is Mom's (your's truly's) BIRTHDAY!!!!!

I want to ask a favor of all of you (anyone and everyone who reads this blog). 

If my mom has in anyway encouraged you or made your day brighter while reading her blog, I would like you to comment and tell her how much you have appreciated all the time and effort that she puts into writing this blog for you all.

 

I know it would make my mom's day if she could receive some feedback and to know that by writing her blog, she is making a difference in other's lives. (because that is really the only reason she is doing this)

SO COME ON YA'LL!!! Even if you have never commented before.... NOW IS THE TIME!!!! Please help me make this very special woman have an AMAZING birthday. Don't let me down!!! 

Oh, and don't forget to wish her a.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Jaden Isaac

A year ago today I was cuddling a brand new baby boy in my arms.
Who ever knew that I would wonder a year later how we ever lived without this lively little guy!

Jaden has been a mover and a noise maker ever since he was born. In fact he wasn't even fully born before he let out his first cry! And he hasn't stopped making himself heard since then! I guess being the youngest of 12, he knew to be heard he would have to be loud. But we love him that way!!!

Jaden is just a bundle of energy and fun. He has never been a cuddler which has made it hard to console him when he is upset. He never nursed to sleep, or was comforted by nursing like most all of our other children were. In fact from about 6 months to 8 months he pretty much fought me every time I nursed him!!! At 8 months I finally gave up and he was put fully on the bottle.

His idea of cuddling is to be hugged for about 2.2 seconds. Then he goes off to play. But he likes several 2.2 second hugs a day! And he gets many of them. Every once in awhile a sibling will try to hug him for 2.3 seconds to which he loudly lets them know that their time is up :)

One of Jaden's most adorable features is his red hair. He had a head full when he was born and now at a year old he still is a true red head. This is our 3rd boy with this red of hair....it is so special and unique, I love it....and so do the many other people who meet him. In fact it is not uncommon for perfect strangers stopping us to comment on his hair color. So far it's only our boys who have been blessed with red hair.....someday I am hoping for a little curly, red headed little girl! Wouldn't that be just so adorable????

A few days ago Jaden decided because his first birthday was coming up that it was about time to take his first steps. We now often find him just letting go of whatever he is holding onto and walking halfway across the room! No matter how many times I watch a child learn to walk, it is always such a joy to see!!

At meal time Jaden figures he is the life of the party and he will always try to get someone laughing! He loves to jabber and actually can say quite a few words already. His favorite being Dada, Mama, Puppy, Ball, and his most favorite food right now....POPCORN!!! Whenever he hears the popcorn maker he comes as fast as he can to watch it pop....all the while saying POP, POP, POP!!! And he feels pretty ripped off if we put him to bed without a taste!

Jaden, we are so glad that God gave you as a gift to us. You add fun and sparkle to our days.

Happy Birthday big guy...we love you!!!

Let the July Birthdays Begin!

 Thursday we started the July birthday celebrations! We have 3 birthdays in July.

It was Brooke Abigail's birthday.

Brooke is the one that reminds me the most of her sweet Daddy! 

She is witty, charming, easy going and likes to laugh and cracks herself up!

She makes us all laugh many times in a day.

Her laughter is very contagious!! 

She is a big help around the house and loves to help bake.

She has a super duper memory. She can remember names and events from long ago.

She only has to hear a song a couple of times and then can sing it almost word for word.

She won't sing if she knows you are listening, 

but if you eavesdrop you will find she is an amazing little singer!!!

She likes to color.

She likes to keep me company in the garden and swats all the mosquitoes that land on me!

She has the most beautiful curly hair I have ever seen. 

(with the exception of her big sister, Megan!)

She can put down a LOT of food, but she is still so tiny!

Not sure where all that food goes :)

She is great at entertaining little babies and toddlers.

They love her!

She is very, very special to all of us :)

It was so fun to watch Brooke as she anxiously awaited her day to arrive!

When I asked her what she wanted for her birthday she told me 2 simple things. 

A candy necklace and a birthday girl ribbon, just like last year!!!  

Not too hard to please :)

We started the day by her opening up her gifts. 

She got just what she wanted! And more :)

Hugs are always plentiful around here.

I found this camera at a garage sale! 

It was a big hit! 

She spent all day taking pictures :)

Then for the grande finale!

 

A New Bike!!!! (one of the perks of having a summer birthday!)

And a pink one at that :)

Jaden figured he should get a bike too!

Well your birthday is next Jader, maybe, just maybe :)

The happy birthday girl with her new set of wheels!! 

Every big sister has a follower!

The meals Brooke chose for her birthday were simple and to the point!

Cinnamon Buns for breakfast, 

Tomato Soup for lunch, 

and Chicken Wraps for supper.

Enjoying her tomato soup picnic.

The theme was butterflies. Brooke really likes butterflies.

Happy Birthday little princess!

We love you....even if your a bit quirky :)

Another April Birthday

And for our second (and last) April birthday we have little Miss Mikaya.
When I think of Mikaya I think sparkling eyes, priceless expressions, great smile, encourager, mischevious, talker, questions, and a whole bundle of fun!

Things of Kaya that we said goodbye to in the past year:

-Her cute little chubby rolls
-Her hair twice! (from her cutting it)
-Size 3 & 4 clothes
-Sneaking gum without asking (I hope we said goodbye to this FOR GOOD :)
- Fear of getting her hair washed in the tub
-Her baby lisp

Things of Kaya we said hello to in the past year:

-A huge vocabulary
-A fascination with anything that is considered a doll or a baby
-Learning to "nurse" her doll :)
-Compliments for everyone. Almost everyday she compliments somebody on something.
-Skating
-Size 4 & 5 clothes
-Trying her hand at cutting hair (only her own thankfully)
-Coloring in the lines
-Working her way into her family's hearts even deeper

 

Mikaya we love you so much. You are a special blessing to our family. We pray that the joy of the Lord will continue to be your strength and that you will keep touching hearts with your beautiful personality and smile!

 

Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;

sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Psalm 32:11

May May Bring Showers, but around here April Brings Birthdays

We started April off by celebrating the births of two of our sweet children. We'll start with the oldest.....

Nathan Daniel was born 04/04/04. He was the only child who has made it easy for me to remember the year he was born.....it gets tough after awhile when someone asks you the years that all your children were born :) But I come to Nathan's year with a smile and rattle it off....just like that!!!!!

Nathan is a mixture of quiet/loud, laid back/high strung, passionate/passive, sweet/sweeter!!! Nathan really likes little children, especially babies. To put it frankly, up until now, it has been kind of a hard thing, because he would always overwhelm babies with his hugs and kisses and they would end up getting quite upset when he was around. But he has found a way into Jaden's heart. And I am sure it is not on Jaden's part, cause if any baby would get upset, it would be Jaden. I think Nathan has finally figured out the way to treat babies and how to make them like to be around him. Now when Jaden sees Nathan he gives him a big smile and usually wants Nathan to pick him up!!! So now I can not only say Nathan loves babies, but also that babies love him!!! Yeah!!

Nathan is often very quiet and softspoken, but many times he is very loud! He has not quite found that in between :) He has a very sensitive heart and will melt in a puddle of emotion in a moment. This is also something he has gotten way better at and seems to have less and less meltdowns. I am so proud of him and the self-control he has shown.

He has many playmates. He is sometimes found playing boy stuff with his 3 older brothers, or if he feels like playing house, cooking, or more quiet type things, he plays with his sisters. How blessed he is....so many playmates!

He also really likes horses and cows and is out doing stuff at the barn whenever it works out. This year he has been Jennifer's shadow while she is working with the calves.

Nathan also likes sports and is very athletic for a little guy. He played a lot of ice hockey with us this year and was quick to learn where he could be useful. Being so small he can't outskate most everybody, but he found out if he stood by the opponents net, there may be a chance to score. He made quite a few goals that way!

Nathan also has a deep love for God and is a real thinker when it comes to spiritual things. He is really good at memorizing scriptures and keeps right up with his older brothers.

We love you Nathan and are so glad that God gave you as a gift to us (the meaning of Nathan's name is "Gift of God"). You are a very special young man and I look forward to see how God is going to work in your life this coming year.

Happy 7th birthday Nate :)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,

and comes down from the Father of lights,

with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

James 1:17
 

Oh and one more thing....Nathan is really good at feeding  babies, and here are some pictures to prove it!!!

Belated Birthday Wishes

On the 19th of February our most favorite daughter-in-law (she will carry that title for a few years:) Rebecca had a birthday.Now many may think that I forgot to post about her birthday, but quite the contrary, I have just been waiting for that perfect opportunity!!! And it has come :) A few uninterupted minutes (ya right!) to write down a few of  my thoughts of this sweet young lady.

My first real memory of getting to know who Rebecca is on the inside was when her and some of her siblings came over to visit our older children. We all had supper together and right after Rebecca hopped up and started cleaning off the table. Later I was commenting to Mark what a servant's heart she has.

And now that I have gotten to know Rebecca better over and over I have found this to be true of her. She has a true servants heart. If you ever ask her to do anything, she responds with a "sure". And she doesn't just do it, she is joyful about doing it! So refreshing :)

Another great quality about Rebecca is her passion to be a Godly wife and mother. She takes this role very seriously and devotes her time and energy to her family. She stands beside her husband and is an amazing helpmeet to him. She takes excellent care of her son and her love for him is very evident. It is so encouraging in this day and age to watch a young lady, like Rebecca, who actually enjoys being a wife and mother and finds it rewarding.

She is also very teachable and is often asking advice. She doesn't just want to get things done, she wants to do it right. I admire that about her.

Rebecca is an amazingly creative person. She likes to scrapbook and her work is beautiful. She also loves flowers. Last summer the first thing people saw when they came on our yard was her beautiful gardens filled with flowers. This yard really needed her!!!!

I have enjoyed getting to know Rebecca more and more as we spend more time together. And I hope tp enjoy many more years of doing so. Rebecca and I are going to have to stick together. One day her and I may be the only adult ladies on the yard!

We love you Rebecca. You are truly a sweet person and a joy to have around. Hope you have a great year!