Asa's Birthday Party

went off without a hitch. We went to the local splash pad with some family and a few friends. The kids had a great time playing in the fountains and thankfully, it wasn't too crowded. Asa's birthday cake was angel food cake (for it's low fat content because his diet is still restricted to low fat) with strawberries and cool whip. He didn't even notice the difference in the nutrition choice and enjoyed having some cake for a change. After cake and presents, we headed to our house for a little pizza. . .yes, we did dessert first. The kids didn't seem to mind at all. All-in-all, it was a great birthday and fun was had by all. See for yourself. . .


Asa's third birthday


Rachel's so cool, she's gotta wear shades.


Gracie Mae & her mommy


Jonathan & his mama


Gracie Mae's parents



Isn't Joshua too young for a mustache?


Ayden


Jonathan & his daddy


Gracie Mae



Jack


Anne Michal


Anna-Katie


Austin


Micah


Addison



Cousins are sooo cool!


Silly Christopher


Emma takes aim.



Lizzie & Cara Beth


Cara Beth cools off


The Birthday Boy


The gang's all here!


Asa & mommy


The birthday boy gets kisses from dad.


Thanks Marian for all the great pictures. I'm only realizing now that I didn't even get one shot of you. . .grrrr.

April 24

Happy Birthday Asa! I love you more than words can say. You are a ray of sunshine that brightens my every day and your sense of curious adventure makes me laugh right out loud. Oh, what a treasure you are! I'm so thankful God gave you to us. I hope you love being 3 big guy.

(We aren't celebrating his birthday until tomorrow, so those pictures won't appear until afterwards. Here are a few to tide you over until then.)

April 23

So many events have happened on this day. It is a happy-sad/sad-happy day for me. If I had to define the word bittersweet, I would need only say, "April 23rd". For one, just 40 years ago today, Kevin was born. So happy birthday baby! Below are pictured just a few of the reasons why I love you so much. I love your goofy side as well as your serious side. Your strength and support continually overwhelm me. What a joy it is to be your wife, your partner, your lover and your friend!

Parenting with you inspires me to be a better mom. The way you love our children is a blessing that goes far beyond anything they could ever realize. But you should know that it doesn't go unnoticed. I notice how you lead them, touch them, love them, kiss them, play with them, celebrate with them and show Jesus to them. Thank you for journeying down our road with me, wherever it has been and wherever it leads us. I would not want to do this with anyone else. I love you. Happy Birthday!
















































































But April 23rd also carries some heavy memories for me also. In 1995, I had a tubal pregnancy that exploded my right fallopian tube. The doctor told Kevin after the surgery that he couldn't save the tube and that we would possibly never have children. Well, we all know how that turned out. But there's still a part of me that mourns the loss of one that never came to be. . .

But then, on April 23, 2005, I went into labor with our fifth child. I thought Asa would make a great birthday present for his daddy, but God had other plans. And although I labored all day on the 23rd, Asa didn't make his grand appearance until 6:41 am on the 24th. So Asa will celebrate his 3rd birthday tomorrow!

And then there was April 23, 2007. I don't really have any great words, but I miss Knox so very much. I feel his loss daily. I know he celebrates now, for he sees and knows far more than I can even comprehend. But I hope. And I look forward to being with him again one day, along with others I know and love who have gone on before me. What a day of rejoicing that will be! I love you Knox. Oh, how I miss you!