Jack turns 9!

Jack turned 9 on July 31st. Wow, I can not believe our baby boy is nine years old. Grandpa put together a fun filled family birthday party for the whole family. We all attended the McDonald/Rough Rider night on Thursday July 30th. Jack got a quarter pounder meal and finished every bite. Then we ate the cupcakes that Grandma made and opened presents. Jack was so excited to get an Iowa wrestling shirt. Then it was off to the Rough Rider game. Savannah fell asleep by the end of the first inning. The San Diego Chicken was in town for entertainment. Everyone had a great time, because the Rough Rider's won! Spencer caught a foul ball and David Lee caught a t-shirt. Spencer gave his ball to Jack since it was his birthday. What a nice big brother. David Lee bought Spence a funnel cake since he did the dishes for him that day. The lady that waited on Spencer gave his funnel cake to someone else, so Spence got a free hot dog. I promise that son of mine is always getting something free all the time. We all ate and ate until we all felt sick, but still had to eat cotton candy. Deuce came over and wished Jack a "Happy Birthday!" And Savannah was so happy that Deuce gave her a hug, but she still letting everyone know that The Chicken did NOT give her a hug.
On the 31st, I took Jack out to lunch at Pasados with one of my good friends. We ate and ate and laughed and laughed. It was very special to be able to spend some one-on-one time with him. I still can not believe he is almost in third grade. Then later on that night we went to the older boys baseball game. The boys lost, but we went to Sonic to celebrate the end of the summer season. Then it was off to home for presents. Jack got a paint ball gun, a new scooter and fishing pole. He was so excited about the paint ball gun, because that means he can now go with the "big" boys. He is still carrying around his gun and wearing his mask almost four days later. Those boys better watch out, becuase I am going to play the next time they go paint balling and they better be ready because I am going to get me some Schoen boys! HA!HA! And now since he has his own fishing pole he does not have to share with Spencer. As I look at Jack, I see such a nice young man. He is a pleaser by nature and takes great care of his little sister. He loves to just hold my hand while we watch T.V. or if we are sitting in church. I hope that he always wants to hold his mother's hand but I am afraid it will end before I know it. But he will always be my "baby boy" no matter how old he becomes. He has a strong love for Christ and willingness to serve others. My hope for him is that this does not change.

Happy 67th Birthday to My Dad!

Today is my Dad's 67th birthday. We were fortunate to spend the whole day together. Let me tell you about my Dad. He is hard-working, loving patriarch, caring shepard, loyal friend, man of God - these are attributes that describe My Dad. First, he is the best Dad and Grandfather in the world. My Dad grew up in a time that I can not fully comprehend even though I am not that old. He as a young boy did not grw up with lots of "worldly" items, they did have love of the family. Becuase of this strong love for his family, I learned at a very young age that family always comes first. There countless examples of when I was in need and my Dad would come running and willing to help me out. Sometimes he came with advise that I did not necessarily want to hear, but these words were always given to me out of concern for my wellbeing. Just a couple of weeks ago, I got into a terrible car accident. I was driving the kids up for a visit to Sherman when I drove into a terrible rain storm. My car began to hydro-plane and before I knew it I lost control and crashed our SUV. I called David and Spencer called Grandpa. Dave was almost 90 minutes away and Dad was only 30 minutes, so Dad got into his car to come and get his daughter's family. He maticulously got each grandchild out of the car into safety one at a time. Then, he gave me a great big hug and kiss and told me it was going to be okay. Those words of reassurance made me feel so safe and reassured everything was going to be okay. He has always done that for me, my whole entire life even at 40 years old. I am so thankful for my dad.
I read in a Sunday school mannual; "It must be emphasized that as a father, you are always teaching. For good or ill, your family learns your ways, your beliefs, your heart, your ideas, your concerns. Your children may or may not choose to follow you, but the example you give is the greatest light you hold before your children." I am so very thankful for the light my father has shined on me. Thank-you for the wonderful example you have given me and my children to follow!

The Dog Days of Summer Fishing and Baseball

David Lee has been playing in a baseball summer league for a team called the Express. David has been lucky enough to be the team's assistant coach. David has loved helping out to coach with the team. Well, the head coach received a one game suspension from the league this week, so it meant David got to be the head coach on Wednesday night. I am proud to announce the team won their first game under David's stewardship. Additionally, he did not argue with the umpires one time about any calls. He did such a great job encouraging the boys and being a gracious winner. His official won loss record as a coach is currently 1-0. Way to go DAVE!
Spencer and Jack have been going to the big pond lately to catch fish. They have caught about a dozen or so over the past couple of days. Jack says the fish are so big and that they weigh at least 10 pounds. Now that's a true fisherman, he is already telling his fish tales. I loved them going fishing because they stay out of my hair for a couple of hours. But I did promise Jack we would go and get his own pole tonight so he would not have to share Spencer's anymore.