Justus turns 2

 My little man celebrated his 2nd birthday yesterday.  We did a Thomas theme even though he was asking for a football cake.  (I made him a football cake last year)  I got some fun ideas from a blog about games and ideas.  I think it is safe to say Justus had a blast!

We made train tracks on the drive and sidewalk heading up to the house, had railroad crossing signs that said "Welcome to JJ's party" outise, "Refueling Station" by the food, and "Freight Drop Off" where the presents went.  The food was in shoe boxes decorated like train cars. 

We made 3 pinatas like James, Percy and Thomas out of oatmeal containers.  We played a number of games including making a cousin train out on the tracks. 

I had a friend make the cake and just frost it green.  Then I decorated it using licorice for the tracks and jelly beans to add color and be like rock piles.  We had little Thomas figures already that he plays with so I put them on the tracks.  I think it turned out pretty good. 

And then of course there were presents.  He got all of his favorite things; balls, cars, a gun, sporty clothes, and a sweet wooden bench (even if it is the wrong baseball team). 

Oh Happy Day

Today was one of those days I never want to forget.  My 5 year old came to me and asked me when she became a Christian.  I knew she thinks Jesus is already in her heart, but there has never been a specific time that she has "invited" Him in.  I didn't really know how to answer her, but I told her there wasn't really a date and asked if she wanted to make it today.  Without hesitation she said yes.  

So we knelt down on her bedroom floor and she prayed, "Jesus, I know you have been in my heart since I was one, but will you continue to work in my heart?"  

She has such a tender spirit.  She feels things deeply.  She gets hurt easily and remembers everything.  She loves people and gives all that she has.  I have no doubt she senses God and has for as long as she can remember.  She understands more than she gets credit for.  She has pure, innocent faith.  The faith of a child.  

I am so proud of you Haddee, and I promise to do my best to point you to Jesus for the rest of my life.  And I pray too that He will continue to work in your heart.  I'm so happy to be your mommy!

Introducing Chara Raine

She entered the world a week early and weighing in at a measly 6lbs 15oz. Although the 4th kid, she has already been very unique.





Her name - Chara - is pronounced Ch like "church" - are - a. It is the Greek word for joy and was inspired by the book "One Thousand Gifts" which changed my life last year. Our prayer for her is that she brings joy everywhere she goes.

This That and the Other

I realize I am far behind, but better late then never.
I have been wanting to post about Haddee's birthday party. She turned 5 in December and we made a pretty big deal out of this birthday. The most exciting part for her was she got to have her first friends party. She said it was the best day of her life and asked her daddy if he thought she would be able to remember this day forever. I have to admit she is blessed with pretty neat little girls her age. I hope they can be a godly influence as they grow older.





For her party we had her favorite meal - Shepard's Pie




Made jewelry



Painted nails (which is something our girls are not allowed to do until the age of 5 so it was a pretty big deal)



Colored princess pictures



Had a scavenger hunt & opened presents



And of course, ate cake



It was pretty fun. She is already looking forward to her next birthday and planning that party.

We celebrated Christmas with Scott's family the week leading up to Christmas and then had Christmas day for just us. That was nice. The Shetler family had our Christmas Jan. 6-7. So they were nice and spread out and kept the kids spoiled for quite some time.



One other random picture: The girls took a tumbling class in Syracuse that was fantastic. They loved it and loved the teacher. We will definitely do it again.



Next post - hopefully news on our new little baby!!!