My Little Man is 22!!

Jacob's birthday is tomorrow January 22. I wanted to put a couple of pictures of him on this here little blog, but it was hard to pick just a couple so here is the very "cut down" version of my chosen pictures.

Happy Birthday Jacob. I count it a privilage and an honor to be called "Mom". I love you.



Jacob and Johnathan went to Taiwan for James' wedding just after Christmas.


In Taiwan with a group of Aborigine (sp?) kids from a village.


Recieving his boyscout awards.


Climbing in Squaw Peak in AZ.


At the theme park on the Strip in Vegas.



Having fun with dad shooting his gun.

On the San Francisco Bay.


At the karate compitition in some casino.

Giving his little sister (Rachel) huggs, cuz Mom's watching.

A day at the park.

In the mountains for the day with Mom and Rachel.

Climbing our new tree with dad in our new backyard.

Watching dad in the tree.

This is an all-time family favorite. This is the day after mine and Scott's wedding, which Jacob was in. He spent the week with Grandma and Grandpa while we were on our honeymoon. Jacob was so wound up from the exciting day that he had a hard time winding down that night. My dad said he ran around the back yard howling at the moon until 3 in the morning. This is what he looked like when Grandma (not knowing he was up all night) got him up for breakfast. Too funny!!

At the reception that was held at Mark and Debbie's house.

Telling Grandpa (his hero, by the way) all about the cool limo ride he just went on to get to the chapel. He rode with his dad and Uncle Mark.

Dressed just like Daddy. These tux's had tails too. He was so adorable.

Riding the go-cart at Aunt Sharon's house with dad.



At the circus with dad.

On the road trip with Grandpa to Texas.

One of many funny Christmas celebrations.


Playing in the mountains with Grandma and Grandpa.


Climbing Red Rock.

The cutest baby boy on earth!!

My New Year

But first a couple of pictures of Christmas Eve, which was our Christmas Day since Jacob was leaving. I was not in the wrapping mood this year (or any other year for that matter) so I had mentioned a treasure hunt. I don't know where my brain had taken a vacation to at that moment. You see I happened to mention that in front of Leah (my "never-run-out-of-energy" child) and she was thrilled. By the time it came to actually do the work of trying to figure out riddles and hiding places I was WAY not in the mood for that. Leah was OK with that because it meant she could do all the "fun" work. Let me tell you she did a wonderful job too. The only problem was that she was kind of tired (no I didn't say weepy) and it was not exactly as she had planned. She did such a good job that Scott and Jacob had to get into the fun. That can be dangerous to a very weepy (I mean tired) little sister. We had one or two little mishaps with the clues, but recovered and had great fun finding Rachel's Christmas present.

Scott and Jacob after they had been banished from playing in the treasure hunt.

Jacob saying sorry to Leah after blurting out a clue that Rachel didn't hear anyway. ;)

Scott, just before he was ousted.

Leah feeling better.

Rachel reading her last clue before finding her new stereo.

Last but not least Scott and Jacob playing. ;)

Wow another new year! God is good, His mercies are renewed each morning, each week, each month and each new year. What would you like to resolve this year? I think I just want to simplify my life. I don't want to think of bills, dirty dishes, laundry or bathrooms. I don't want to have to think of alarm clocks, schedules, mopping my floor (which I'm not good at anyway), or going to work everyday. Well since that will not be possible this side of Heaven I think I'll try something a little more realistic. I want to spend more time with God this year. I want to renew my mind on His word and His promises. I want to tell my family (all of my family) how much I love them as much as possible.

I see tons of people each and every day. Most of them are without peace and hope. I would like to be a shining example of God's love. I want them to know that if He can love me after I've broken ALL of his commandments that He can love them too. I want to show them that loving God is so much better than the things they have to give up; like bitterness, loneliness, selfishness and bad attitudes or behaviors. Add secrets to that list. Telling my story (which I didn't do for over 20 years) is very hard and I would rather not do it most times, but each time I do God blesses me. He is glorified for sure, because my part in that little bit of history is the bad part. When people see the way I am now (which is ALL God's doing) and hear me tell my story, His power is evident in their faces. His seed of love and grace is planted. The wonder of grace is in their eyes. I am so blessed to be a witness to that. I'll say it again God IS good!