Today, Joshua turned 3 and David turned 2. We love our little ones so and they are changing so fast! Here are a few pictures to show how they've grown.
Joshua, a few days old
Joshua, a few days old
David, a few days old
Brothers, Dec 2006
October 2007
November 2008
Chris and I are grateful to God for our children and the privilege of loving them. We have been entrusted with the care and training of their bodies, minds, and souls, and we take our task very seriously. We so often bemoan our sinfulness and weakness that causes us to fall short of being the parents we would like to be. We get angry, we lose patience, we fail in countless ways. Yet, God is faithful, so we persevere by His grace, trusting His promises, praying for our boys. We rejoice in the hope we have because of Jesus, who paid the penalty for our sins on the cross. His victory over sin and death proves his power to do the same for us and our children! God's strength is made perfect in our weakness, and it is our fervent prayer that in their Mom and Dad's weakness, Joshua and David will be drawn to God's strength, so that they trust in Him.
We tried to capture some of who they are right now in these birthday poems, which we read to them at breakfast with their balloons, presents, and birthday pancakes.
Joshua at 3
I know a joyful, loving boy
Who grows by leaps and bounds.
He often serves his folks with joy;
His thoughtfulness astounds.
He asks important questions, like
“Why did Jesus have to die?”
And gaily rides his shiny trike
Under God’s blue, sunny sky.
He loves his books and trains (whoo-whoo!)
And loves his brother dearly too.
Who is this child who makes us glad,
Whom God has given to Mom and Dad
To love and shepherd faithfully?
It’s Joshua! And today you’re three!
Who grows by leaps and bounds.
He often serves his folks with joy;
His thoughtfulness astounds.
He asks important questions, like
“Why did Jesus have to die?”
And gaily rides his shiny trike
Under God’s blue, sunny sky.
He loves his books and trains (whoo-whoo!)
And loves his brother dearly too.
Who is this child who makes us glad,
Whom God has given to Mom and Dad
To love and shepherd faithfully?
It’s Joshua! And today you’re three!
David at 2
I know a grinning, singing boy
Who jumps and throws with zest.
He runs about all day with joy,
Then with his blankie takes a rest.
He copies all his brother does
And repeats all that he hears.
He’s ticklish as he ever was
All through his first two years.
The piano keys he gladly thumps
And sings “Amazing Grace,”
And with a hug after he bumps
Tears dry without a trace.
Who is this effervescent lad
Who overflows with love?
Who is this gift to Mom and Dad
From our dear Lord above?
Who is turning two today?
It’s David! Happy Birthday!
Who jumps and throws with zest.
He runs about all day with joy,
Then with his blankie takes a rest.
He copies all his brother does
And repeats all that he hears.
He’s ticklish as he ever was
All through his first two years.
The piano keys he gladly thumps
And sings “Amazing Grace,”
And with a hug after he bumps
Tears dry without a trace.
Who is this effervescent lad
Who overflows with love?
Who is this gift to Mom and Dad
From our dear Lord above?
Who is turning two today?
It’s David! Happy Birthday!
