Seven

My baby is seven.

Seven.

And he wants to be just like his dad. 

We had a small party for him yesterday. The boys walked up to the park for some football before lunch and cake. We were blessed with a beautifully mild January day. Both my winter boy birthday celebrations have been able to be outdoors this year. 

The football cake my chef-in-training decorated himself! 

 

Peter has wanted a catcher's mask for years. He is always finding creative ways to protect himself with the right gear as he plays with his constantly pitching brother. Here's how I found him a few days ago in the front yard.

Well, Mema and Grandpa sent the perfect gift.

I adore this kid. 

He keeps us laughing.

Happy Birthday, Peter! 

New Year

Again this morning our phone rang with tragic news. Inexpressible heartache, tears, whys. The calls have been hard these past weeks... months. My heart, heavy and weary, was encouraged by these words this morning...

And in a fallen world, I fall forward into a New Year,
and I fall forward into Christ’s safe arms and it is safe to trust.
He is safe to trust.

January 1st and clinging to Christmas.

A thrill of Hope, the weary world rejoices...

Wishing you all a Hope-filled New Year, friends. Full of Jesus.

finally posting glimpses of our rejoicing from these past weeks...

The fifth grade class at church performed the York Nativity Play. Hannah loved being a part of it. 

The kids made hot cocoa mix and homemade marshmallows for their friends this Christmas. 

I love the messes they make.

One of Hannah's sweet gifts for family. 

We all loved having my mom and dad here for a week. 

A night of celebrating with a living nativity at the farm. 

Peter was a adoring shepherd at our Family Christmas Eve Service. 

 

Christmas Day Legos. Is there anything better?

Peter's favorite gifts. Love that kid.

Family.