Gracie's TV Debut

Our niece, Gracie, made her TV debut yesterday morning on FOX 59 News. Gracie has been voted Indianapolis's Most Photogenic/Cute Baby the last two years in a row. The contest is starting again this weekend and FOX 59 was running a promotion for the contest. They asked that Gracie come to the studio to represent the contest as it does raise money for Riley Hospital. We were so proud of her! It was very early in the morning, but she did a great job. I am trying to find a weblink...stay tuned.

1st Day of Pre-School

As I sit writing this blog, I have been reminded of the awesome honor of being a parent. God has granted Chris and I the privilege of raising two of His special little ones, but with that privilege comes boundless joy and tremendous heartache. That is what we experienced today as Luke started his first day of preschool. Boundless joy and tremendous heartache...We are so excited for all of the new things he will learn and this new chapter in life. We can't wait for the messy coloring pictures, the chaotic Christmas program, and the homemade Mother's/Father's Day gifts. However, our heartaches when I think that he has only been on this Earth for four short years and it seems like only yesterday...

They're only little once.

Grant me the wisdom to guide them down the path that their feet should take.

For I know that they can never turn back and walk those paths with me again.

Give me the wisdom to guide their feet
so that someday they'll be able to walk alone.

They're only little once.

Give me the time I need to enjoy them.

For I know that after they're grown, I'll never have another chance
to tell stories and pretend at those tea parties.

I'll never have another chance
to watch them in a school play or sing in church, or to see them catch that first fish or score that first goal or hit that first home run ball.

Give me the time in life's busy schedule
to have fun with my children.

They're only little once.

Let me be a loving parent.
Let me correct and not just punish, explain and not merely scold.
Let me know when to correct, and how often, and when it's best to just look the other way.
Help me be patient and give me a gentle hand to mould them into better people.

They're only little once.

Let me be a good teacher and an even better example.
Give me the right words and deeds to teach them.
Help me to teach them about You and how to walk in Your ways
so that when they are old they will not depart from Your ways.

For they're only little one time,
only innocent and trusting and pliable for a space of time, one minute in an eternity.
Let me do my best for them while I have the chance.

Amen

~~ Author Unknown ~~

Mommy-0 Daddy-0 Jake-0 Luke-20+

Yes, that is right. We returned from camping over the holiday weekend and we were getting Luke ready for his big day at Preschool. My mom came down and was cutting Luke's hair when I noticed two tiny, brown spots on the back of the ear. Yes, it was my worst fear. Ticks...We pulled over 20 ticks off of him that night. They must really like Luke, because nobody else had any. Not to mention Luke was stuck in the camper a good part of the weekend with a high fever. The poor kid can't catch a break.