Happy Boy

Here's a short video of Titus. It's one thing to talk about how happy and content he is, but this really shows it.

And, yesterday, he ate 2 ounces of vanilla pudding. It's great to see how the feeding therapy is working - but I will say, my boy has a definite sweet tooth.

Comment from the Back Seat

As I am driving Noah to church last night, Tucker was sitting in the back seat and we were all talking. And then Tucker said "Dad, I don't mean to hurt your feelings for what I'm going to say but . . . . when you die, I'm going to work in your office.

Um . . . ok!

GFI National Conference

We head out tomorrow for Tulsa, OK for the Growing Families National conference. Becky and I will be speaking in 4 sessions and would really appreciate your prayers.

I'll be leading a session on 'Raising Daniels in a Technological Babylon: trainng your child on today's technology". I co-facilitated the session last year with Hank O last year, but unfortunately, he can't make it this year, so I'm doing it solo. It amazes me how much I have had to update the notes from last year's talk - so much has changed on the technological landscape. And my focus this year is more and more on the character training that needs to go on. Our children need to know how to 'resolve not to defile themselves (Daniel 1:8) in this ever-changing techno-world we live in.

Becky and I will also be speaking with our good friends, Mike and Jody K on 'Raising Kids with Character'. All 4 of us practiced last night and all I can say is, who knows what's going to come out of our mouths. Between the 4 of us (who ALL enjoy presenting) and our warped sense of humor, it promises to be a fun session. It's kind of like trying to fit a size 10 foot into a size 6 shoe. There's just so much info to share that we will squeeze it all in, but there's bound to be some spillage.

But most of all, we are looking forward to seeing good friends in Tulsa. This conference is one of the highlights for the year for us. And this year, all the boys (except for Noah) are going with us. Noah has rehearsal for the Kids Summer Musical this weekend (He is Mordecai in Ester-Ordinary Faith), so he will be staying in town.

We would appreciate your prayers as we travel and present at the conference. Our hearts are always to lead parents into knowledge on biblical parenting. And we so want to be encouragers since parenting is a tough task. 

And this Sunday, when we return, we will also begin our Growing Kids God's Way class in our home. God always amazes us on how he brings together the couples for this class and we are excited to lead this group of couples.

Blessed

Well, today is my birthday. And I'm not ashamed to say I'm 49 (because if I don't tell you, Tucker probably will).

But I am blessed. Blessed beyond measure.

My God has blessed me with another day of life to learn of his incredible treasures.

My God has blessed me with an incredible wife who is beyond measure.

My God has blessed me with 5 boys who keep me young (and feeling old at the same time).

I could go on and on, but it's just easier to say I'm blessed and I'm thankful.

Summer Cut

Everyone got haircuts yesterday or today. And that includes Titus. If you've met Titus, you know that this child can grow hair. And, it sticks straight up on top. No amount of water, gel, or combing can get it to lay down. We absolutely love it, but we did feel for summer, he should have his summer cut. Now that he has it, he and Noah look so much alike.

Happy Birthday Tucker

July is our celebration month - between Noah, Tucker, and my birthdays, and our wedding anniversary, it's a busy month for us.

So today, Tucker is 6! He's been so excited for the few months. And he has a fun day planned out with a behind-the-scenes tour at the movie theater and then going to see Toy Story 3. And, then he gets to go to his well checkup visit with the doctor. And I'm sure tonight, there will be plenty of cake to still eat (although he seems much more interested in opening presents that eating cake.)

Last week, Tucker and Cade were talking in the room and the conversation went like this.

Tucker: Cade

Tucker: CADE

Tucker: CAAAAADEEEEEEE!!!!!

Cade: What?

Tucker: What time is it?

Cade: Time for you to get a watch!

So, as you can see in the pic above, Tuck received a watch for his birthday from his Meemaw and Peepaw. He is very proud of it and loves to press all the buttons (although he is still not sure what all the buttons mean, but I know his mother will be teaching him how to set the timer very soon).

To my precious "Tucka", you have added much spice to our lives. Your energy astounds me (but that's cause I'm old), your athleticism amazes me, and your smile dazzles me. As my sanguine child, you make friends whereever you go. But at the end of the day, you are still my cuddle-bunny who still smothers me with kisses.

I say this every year, but I still pray for your birth mom and her peace. May she always know she gave you the most precious gift when she chose life for you, and she gave us the most selfless gift when she made an adoption plan for you.

I love you dearly Tucker Paul Jin.

Happy Birthday Noah

Noah is 12 today. We are out on Cedar Creek lake staying with friends at their lake house (as we have done for the last few years on the 4th of July weekend). Noah got up this morning ready for his early morning celebratory jet-ski ride with Mr. David. And, he's now out on the banana tube skidding all over the lake with Aidan, Madison, Bailey, and Tucker. Cade decided to stay on land.

And, I'm in the house with Titus. We decided I could probably get in the boat hopping on one foot, but getting me out could take an army, so I'm sitting in the house working on our presentations for the Growing Families conference in 2 weeks (and blogging).

But back to Noah.

My precious son - You have always been and still remain our firecracker. From the moment you decided to make your early (and very fast) arrival after the 4th of July parade, you have led your life at full speed. I have tried for years to find your speed and volume switch, but them seem to be permamently set to fast and loud.

Oh how you have changed this past year. You are now as tall as your mother and you can wear your father's shoes. Your voice has deepened (but is still very loud). I love how you play with your little brothers. You can be so sweet (and firm) putting them to bed or reading them a book or playing legos. You are incredibly tender with Titus. Titus face always lights up when you take his hand and have him touch your head. You and Aidan together still make me laugh. You can work beautifully together one minute, then holler at each other the next. You know exactly how to tease Aidan, and although he will never admit it, he loves it.

I love how you serve others. Watching you on Wednesday night helping serve / cleanup dinner at church blesses my heart. I see how you joke and love on the senior adults and I love how you know all their names. I love to see you run up to the younger boys and give them high-5's (and to see how those little boys light up because you know their name). It blesses your mother and I, when someone we don't even know comes up and tells how you helped out or served others. I love your diligence - when you set your mind to a task you carry it out to completion - much like you did with Bible Drill this year and ended up with a perfect score at state. My prayer is that you always keep that servants heart and maintain that diligence on your goals.

Oh, and my other prayer is that you learn that burping really loud will never attract a decent girl. I know that's not important when your 12, but trust me, when your 24 it will matter. (And it's something you need to work on now).

Happy Birthday son. I love you dearly.