So Much to Blog, So Little Time

I have gobs of stuff to blog about all of a sudden. This weekend was VERY busy!

Before I get started, here's a quick Samuel story. I mentioned in an earlier blog how much he loves the Olympics. Another thing he loves is Extreme Makeover, Home Edition. Sunday night is family night, we eat dinner in the living room and watch the "House Show." Last night they built a house for the family of John White, a pastor in OK who passed away last year. Samuel said, "John White? Is that the Flying Tomato?" For those of you who don't realize how adorable that is, the Flying Tomato is the nickname of Shawn White the snow boarding half-pipe Gold Medalist. And yes, John White does sound an awful like Shawn White.

And I need to mention the 12th seed for the 12th man!!! Gig 'em Ags!!! This year's March Madness is going to be a little more fun than usual!!

OK, now to the weekend. Jerry & Ann arrived Thursday afternoon so they could watch the boys while David & I went to see the Soweta Gospel Choir (outstanding btw). Friday (David's birthday) was Samuel's Texas Program at school. It included singing and then some square dancing. After the program there was a rodeo, aka games for the kids to play in the classrooms and outside on the playground. Then we all had chili together in the cafeteria. It was fun, fun! Here are some pictures:
Something about how wide Texas is. :)

Promenading with his partner, Chloe.

"Honor your partner."

Samuel & Daniella waiting their turn for one of the games.

Samuel & Raetsch in the Stage Coach Race.

Saturday we had Jeremiah's birthday party. He had four friends come. We played outside in the backyard, had lunch, opened presents and then had cake. It was an Elmo party because he has really gotten into Elmo lately. My parents came in Saturday morning from Ft. Worth (Dad arrived from Africa the night before) along with David's sister, Kristi, from Austin. It was a good group and Jeremiah was so sweet. When our kids open birthday presents, we set up two chairs: one for them and one for the giver of the gift. So with each present, the child who gave the gift sits in the chair next to Jeremiah while he opens it. It kind of gives them a little "moment in the spotlight" and helps cut down on kids crowding around the one opening presents. After he opened each gift, he would say thank you to the child next to him and give them a hug. It was very cute! Here are birthday party pics.
Lunch outside on the picnic table.

Jeremiah hugging Sam after opening his gift.

Making/decorating birthday cakes is one of my favorite things to do. I'm especially proud of this one.

Singing "Happy Birthday!"

Jeremiah got skates for his birthday -- he's very excited about skating with his big brother.

Saturday night we celebrated David's birthday. It was a surprise party, at Samuel's request. So we followed Samuel's plan. He took David on a bike ride while we "got the house ready". Then Samuel raced home before David and came in to make sure we had everything under control. When David entered, we all jumped out and yelled "Surprise!" Samuel loved it! (as did David, of course) David opened his gifts, then I cooked dinner (the famous Pecan Crusted Fish -- the recipe is listed on a previous post).

Sunday at church we had a "baby dedication" for Jeremiah. We had not done that at RHCC because we moved before it happened. Then we kind of forgot in '05 and really wanted to do it with our ComChurch family. Both sets of grandparents were here and went to the front with us. Thad, one of our pastors, introduced us. Then David spoke, talking about what we were doing and why, then I spoke a little. Thad closed by asking the church to stand if they would join in covenanting with our family to help raise Jeremiah in the Lord. Then he read a blessing over him and said a prayer. It was a very sweet, meaningful moment.

The family all went home Sunday afternoon. We had a wonderful evening watching the House Show and taking it easy. Now we're officially on Spring Break. :) We're planning to go camping later this week and are pretty excited about that. Hope you all are doing great!