Last Day of School and Birthday Party

Today was a big day. Katherine went to school for her last day of Kindergarten this morning. We went to the closing chapel and enjoyed seeing her class up front with their part in the chapel. Each was to say what they want to be when they grow up, how they will serve the Lord, then recite their favorite bible verse and say why it's their favorite. Katherine's bit went like this - "I want to be an interior designer because I like designing and seeing people happy" and her favorte verse is John 3:16. After she recited it, she said she likes it because it makes her happy and reminds her of her Grandma. Sweet.

After chapel, there was a picnic. It was fun to see her hang out with some of her friends. She's really blossomed this year, especially socially, and it's really great to see.

After the picnic, we held her birthday party - a princess party. We took 5 of her friends from school to our house for the party. I think they all had a good time. They decorated flower pots and planted flowers, got candy from a pinata, opened presents, and ate cupcakes and ice cream. FUN!!

Happy Birthday Katherine!!!

Today, Katherine is 6 years old - how is this possible? She's looking forward to a party with her friends after school today (it's also the last day of school!) It's a busy day for us all, so I'll post pictures later, but just wanted to celebrate with her :).

1 week old...

6 years old...

where did the time go!

A Different Mother's Day

It's a different kind of Mother's Day this year - one that has followed quickly on the heels of Mom's death. It is weird to think about how tomorrow will go - without her with us. I always tried to make Mother's Day somewhat special for Mom, with varying degrees of success. I know that she always gave so much for me, and I am thankful for all of her love and giving throughout the years. With that being said, and with the memories of Mom's death relatively fresh in our hearts and minds, I am thankful that I have someone else to celebrate with on Mother's Day - my wife. This year, Katherine and Elizabeth both have a real sense of Mother's Day approaching and are excited to share their gifts with her. We are all thankful for the Mom that we have in our house - a Mom who loves her kids, and who loves the Lord. Sure, there are times that she gets frustrated and probably isn't the Mom she wishes she could always be, but she is a great Mom just the same. As we see our kids grow, I am thankful for the time that she spends with them, and for the ways, unbeknownst to even her, she instills a love for God in their hearts. So, Happy Mother's Day Mom - we miss you and wish you were here. We pray that you are celebrating like never before, and thank you for the ways you loved your job as a Mom while you were with us. And, Happy Mother's Day Julie - we love you for the Mom you are to all of us every day! We hope that you know we love you, and hope that we can convey that every day - not just on Mother's Day!