How can he be 14?

Last week, my son turned 14!  I remember when I couldn't wait to turn 14, and now my son is that age.  Time really does fly!  His birthday landed on a Wednesday.  He chose our meals and activities for the day.  Originally, he just wanted to stay home and play video games all day, but he changed his mind and decided he wanted to go swimming instead.  I called up some friends who own a pool, and they invited a couple other kids we knew, and we enjoyed an afternoon at their pool!

He joined us a couple weeks earlier than we expected, but there were no complaints!  After many many hours of labor, he made his appearance.  And since this was a very small town in which he was born, he was the only baby there.  Although, I think there was another woman in labor at some point.  Only 2 baby beds were in the nursery.  Very. Small. Town.

He is the typical oldest child.  He has always been very well behaved (enter teenage years...haha).  He is a perfectionist and works hard at everything he does.  When little sister came along, he discovered his rebellious side and went along with her schemes on occasion.  Then, other times, he knew not to join her because he is very obedient and hates being in trouble.  He has been an amazing big brother to both of his little sisters.  They might not agree with me on that.  But, I don't think they could ask for a better big brother.

Even though he was obedient and lived to please his parents, he was still a sinner headed to hell.  He realized his need for a Savior at a very young age and decided to follow Christ.  He often prays for the salvation of those who have not yet come to Christ as Savior.  He continues to grow in his faith and be a light in his school.

He has excelled in school, getting almost straight A's for the last 2 years of public schooling.  He was voted to be the JV commander of the JROTC drill team.  He led his team to top places throughout the season.  He also competed on the varsity team which qualified to compete in the National middle school JROTC competition, but they were unable to attend this year.  He also ran cross country and plans to continue next fall.

Seth was able to come home at lunch so we could open presents while he was home.  We had fun swimming, then we ate out at HuHot for supper.  Afterwards, we went to prayer meeting, as we do every Wednesday.  And since it is VBS season, we practiced the skit.  J and K are both in the cast this year!

When we came home, we had cake and ice cream to finish the day of celebrating.  We all enjoyed the day with him.

He is growing into an amazing young man.  He is kind, a hard worker, a bit goofy, and loves Jesus.  I couldn't be more proud of him!  Happy 14th birthday!!!

12 just sounds so big!

My daughter is 12 years old now.  It's hard to wrap my brain around that.  We celebrated her birthday on Saturday, even though her birthday was Sunday.  Sunday, we went to church in the morning, ate at Panda Express per her request, then headed to Kansas Bible Camp.  Both K and J are at junior high camp this week, thus the early celebration.

From a life that started out as a miracle to this beautiful girl.  After we had a miscarriage in 2002, we became pregnant a few months later.  Had we not miscarried, K would not have been conceived.  Then, due to her foot trying to come through the birthing canal first, she was born via c-section.  She was not breathing and needed resuscitation.  This is why she is our miracle.  Conceived only after a miscarriage and  she was not breathing when she was born.

She proved that she is a fighter and became a little fire cracker.  She always had the crazy ideas and pulled her big brother into her schemes....even if they weren't a good idea.  She's very creative.  Spreading lotion on our bed, painting the kitchen with ketchup, and feeding the fish Cheeze-its were among her crazy ideas.  Since she could talk in full sentences around 1 year old, she could easily convince big brother to join in her fun.  lol  But to give some credit to J, he didn't always go along with her.

She gave her life to Christ at about age 3 and was baptized a few years later.  She continues to live on for the Lord.  She enjoys going to BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) and sharing the love of Jesus with others.

The Lord blessed her with musical talent and we have really seen that grow this year.  She plays the violin at school and has joined a harp class which she plans to continue next fall.  She also loves to sing and had the opportunity to perform in front of her school after auditioning for the spot.

To celebrate her birthday, we went to a park with sprinklers.  We also ate one of her favorite meals: chicken Ranch wrap.  We enjoyed cake and ice cream before calling it a night.

Sunday, we had to say goodbye for a week.  I'm sure she enjoyed her birthday at camp and will have a lot to say when I pick them up.

She is growing into a beautiful, kind, and smart young woman.  I am so proud!  Happy 12th birthday!!!