Happy 1st Birthday Jacob

One year ago today, our little Jakers was born into our family. What a fast, yet fun, year it has been.

This little guy's personality, expressions and curiosity make us smile and keep us on our toes daily. What a joy of a son he is. May he grow up to be a leader among men, for the purposes of the Lord. May he think of others first, and act in a way that is honorable, humble and full of grace. May he hone his ability to capture people's attention and bring a smile of joy to their face and warmth to their hearts.

Practicing his hammering skills, so he can soon use this on our dog Sugar and on Ashley. Watch out!

Savoring his yummy chocolate pie/pudding while using a spoon on his own for the first time.

S.N.A.K.E.S.

My friend just told me yesterday to be careful because she works at the ER and they had 3 copperhead snake bite cases the night before. I proceeded to tell her that we hadn't seen many snakes lately at all around our place and were very thankful about that. Well, I knew that in opening my very mouth, I would surely soon have opportunities to see snakes. Ugh!

So, today as Joe and Ashley are crouching down picking blueberries from our blueberry bushes, Joe jumps back and hollers "Snake!" Oh gosh. But, thankfully this one was tangled up in the bird netting, so it couldn't go far. He took care of it and it no longer poses any threat to us, if you get my drift.

This evening, after some fun times feeding the fish down at the pond we saw another, much larger snake crossing our path. Joe went to retrieve the proper implements to eradicate the snake, but by the time he returned, the snake was long gone, and I was not going to investigate to determine its location in my sandals. So, that snake is down there somewhere...hopefully just eating some mice and intending to mind his own pretty little business.

Life on the farm... 

The Real Thing

Jacob has developed an interest in balls. Balls of all shapes, sizes, textures and colors. But, his most favorite ball is the one we least like him to have-the little red ball for Joe's track-ball mouse.

Joe mentioned tonight that we need to consider getting him a ball that is similar to the track ball, but that is NOT the track ball from the mouse. Joe often comes home from work and goes to use his computer, only to find the track-ball missing from his mouse. And let me tell you-it rolls very well.

I was thinking about Joe's request and the fact that it seems that we already have GAZILLIONS of balls floating around our house. Then I was reminded of something we all know...there is no substitute for the real thing. Kids even know the difference. Jacob wants the real tools from the garage, not the plastic ones that sing to him. Ashley wants to use my real mixer and crack real eggs, not the cheap, plastic substitutes.

This is how we all so often find ourselves in life-trying out different substitutes for the real thing. You know what I'm talking about: the fat-free cream cheese; the Walmart (fall-apart) version of something trendy; every food item in the house but the chocolate chip cookie we really wanted in the first place; the 1/2 price Harbor Freight tool instead of the one that comes with a lifetime guarantee. We find ourselves reading good books with good thoughts, but not THE GOOD BOOK. All this to only to find ourselves dissatisfied and STILL wanting the REAL THING.

If you're finding yourself hungry or yearning for something, remember to just start with the REAL THING in the first place. He will guide your steps and direct your paths. It really is a lot less hassle when you do things HIS way and with HIS blessing.

Proverbs 3:5-6

 Trust in the LORD with all your heart 

and lean not on your own understanding;

 in all your ways acknowledge him, 

and he will make your paths straight.

Peach Harvest

We harvested peaches last night from one of our trees. Though the peaches were rather small, I was able to get 20 cups of peaches, which means we get to enjoy 5 peach cobblers this year with friends. Yummy! Perhaps you'll come visit and share one with us. We're now accepting reservations :)

Our bountiful basket of peaches:

Jacob, devouring peaches:

Ashley proud of all we picked...if only she knew how much was still left for mommy to do.

Cousin's Week 2010

We were blessed this week to be able to have our niece and nephew stay with us. All the kiddos seemed to have a great time together. It was fun to see Zachary and Ashley at an age where they can truly play together as friends. Jacob is right behind them trying to get in on the fun.

All the kids at the park:

Zach inside a bubble at the NE Texas Children's Museum.

Madeline and Zach inside a very tall bubble.

Ashley inside a bubble.

And finally, Zach and Ashley playing "fall off the chair and pummel one another."

 

What a fun week indeed. It is so heartwarming to see the kiddos having fun, developing memories as cousins together. May they be friends and there to help one another out for many years to come.

Jacob's Eye Appointment

Thank you to everyone for your prayers. Jacob's appointment with the ophthalmologist went really well. The doctor is hoping/thinking Jacob will outgrow his eye problem-perhaps even over the next two months. So, for two months we'll wait and watch, and unless things get worse, we'll go see him in August to check them out again. And, if he doesn't outgrow the problem (please Lord, please), the doctor is pretty sure they can fix the problem if need be.

Play Date to the Park

We had a super time playing at the park with our friends Whittney and Drew yesterday. Surely Drew and Jacob (only 2 months apart) will grow to be good playmates and even better friends.

Ashley a swingin':

Jacob peeking through:

Sweet Drew boy:

Snack time for the understandably hungry kiddos:

On a different note, please pray for our visit to a Pediatric Ophthalmologist tomorrow morning for Jacob. He has one eye that doesn't seem to be tracking quite right. I suspect they'll just have us patch it, but I don't know. I'm not an M.D.