Henry's 1st birthday party

All the family came today to celebrate Henry's first year.

He enjoyed time with his cousins.

He kinda-sorta blew out the candle on his cake.

He ate cake...

and ate some more...

but didn't get as messy as we all expected him to.

Henry opened gifts with all his family around him.

And we were reminded of what a gift he is to our family. We thank God for his first year and pray for many more.

Henry turns one!

Can you believe it?  Henry turned one year old today!  The kids are on spring break, so we were able to spend the day doing some extra fun things (in between Henry's naps, mind you.  Birthday boy likes to be well rested.)  The day was warm and we spent some time at the park.  Later, once Jeff was home, Henry "opened" his gifts.

We are so grateful for Henry and thank God for blessing our family with him.

Professional pictures

I finally got around to getting a picture of all four of my children today--as well as Henry's 12 month picture.  I'll tell you, it was no small task getting a shot where all four kids were a) looking at the camera and b) smiling in a normal smile.  In fact, out of about 50 or 60 shots, the posted picture is the ONLY one that turned out to be a keeper.  But here they are--Joost 8 years old, Gracie 6 years old, Kate 3 years old and Henry 2 days shy of being 1 year old.

52 weeks old

It's hard to believe that after 52 weeks of posting Wednesday pictures of Henry, we have reached the end of his first year.  What a wonderful journey it has been with a delightful and happy little boy.  I praise God for blessing our home and family with such a special addition.  May we have many more Wednesdays of happiness together!

Easter 2012

It is Easter day and we celebrate the resurrection of our King and Saviour!

It's not easy getting six kids to smile all at once--especially right before dinner!

51 weeks old

51 weeks and counting....

Grandpa with his two youngest grandsons--Owen and Henry.

Lent

As we near the end of Lent, I read a letter from a pastor that's associated with one of the missionaries we support. I thought it was well said....

For most of us observing the Lenten season is not part of our experience. This is most unfortunate. It is the time on the church calendar for believers to contemplate such a rich redemption that is ours in Christ. In that contemplation we soon are convicted of our own slippage from the throne of Grace.

Business of life, preoccupation with the cares of this world and sin cause us to slowly slip away from our first love. How sad it is for us who are investing in the proclamation of the Gospel to the world to find our own delight of the Gospel waning.

During Lent I find the following words of the familiar hymn ringing in my ears:

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here's my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.
(Robert Robinson 1735-1790)

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10