Will's 5th Birthday

Will had a great week and thanks to all who shared it with him! The four of us celebrated his birthday at home on Wednesday. On Saturday he had a party at the bowling alley with his friends and family. There was action going on all week! By the time Monday rolled around he was exhausted. He never takes naps and had two naps yesterday (both before 1pm)! He certainly had a great birthday!

Birthday Party at Home

Bowling Alley Birthday Party!

Preschool Graduation

Will graduated from 4 year old preschool this week! Mommy and Daddy are so proud. Here are a few pictures from his ceremony. The kids did a great job singing. You could tell they had a lot of fun!

It's the blue room (Will and his classmates)!




Will's proud of his diploma.


Giving his teacher a gift. She's a very sweet lady. Will had a great year!

Happy Birthday W!

Five years ago today we were holding a brand new baby in our arms. We had know idea you would bring so much joy into our lives. It's hard to believe you're turning 5 years old today. We are so thankful to have you as our son. We hope you have the best birthday ever! Happy 5th Birthday William! Daddy, Shelby, and Mommy love you very much!

Here you are still in Mommy's belly!


First picture with Daddy


Your first few moments of life!





Your first visitors!






Going home for the first time!



Home at last....

Footer!

We have a footer! Seems like it's been a long time coming, but the house construction is finally underway. We are so excited! It's going to be a long process, but we are certain we are going to love living on QR. We should have basement walls by the end of this week!

Sports Day!

On Saturday, we had a couple of sporting events planned for our family. Will played his last soccer game of the season. Each player was awarded a medal after the game. Will was super excited about that! This was his second season playing for BYSA. He really enjoyed playing this year and looks forward to playing again in the fall.

Later in the evening we headed to Cincinnati to watch the Reds play the Cardinals. It was both Will and Shelby's first time attending a professional baseball game. Will was just amazed by everything. I guess you could say the kids pretty well. We at least made it to bottom of the 5th inning! It was 7:30pm game so we weren't planning to stay the whole game. We all had a great time.

Our Father

Today marks 5 years since my father passed away. It's hard getting through May 15th without a feeling of sadness or tears of joy. Although I miss my father so much, I know he is in the right place. Dad was in a lot of pain during the last two weeks of his life. It was very difficult for us to see him that way. It is good to know there are no tears of sadness in heaven. God says in Revelation 21:4 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

Inserted in my bible is a memory booklet from my father's funeral. I keep it there to serve as a constant reminder that even though he is in Heaven, a part of him is still with us. I treasure all the memories he and I shared. He was a great father and friend!

God Saw You
God saw you were getting tired
And a cure was not to be,
So he put his arm around you
And whispered. "Come to me."
With tearful eyes we watched you
And saw you pass away,
And though we loved you dearly,
We could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.

Today we visited his grave site and planted flowers. I am fortunate to be one mile away from where he was laid to rest. He rests in a very beautiful place.

I enjoy looking through family photos. Dad always knew how to make us laugh! Here are some wedding photos from 5 of his 6 daughters (I was unable to locate a picture of Chris).
Dad was proud of his girls. I don't know how he stayed sane when we took over the house.

Michelle


Heather




Kim


Diane

Notice my father pushing Diane out the door and holding up three fingers. This means he was down three weddings and only three more to go!


Cindy