Life with Owen

We are learning life with Owen... It is so much fun to experience things for the first time with him. Everything seems to be a "first" these days. Our little peanut in his sling...our first walk to starbucks on the weekend! I am feeling so much better and Im trying to get out and about with my little guy. Mark and I take walks together every weekend. Now Owen comes too... he will love the ocean and being outside just as much as we do.

Bub and Owen sleeping together... they are best buds already. Owen LOVES his dad, the second he walks in the door Owen relaxes and can't take his eyes off him.
ALERT!!! Owen is so much more awake these days. Its so much fun seeing his expressions and movements. He is an active little guy.

Grandpa's 60th Birthday

My dad has a new sparkle in his eyes...he LOVES being a Grandpa and being with Owen. I happen to think my dad is one of the greatest men I have ever known. He never stops surprising me with his sacrificial love and his excitement for life. My dad turned 60 this week, and I thought in light of his birthday I would list a few of the things I have learned by watching my dad live life:

1. "If youre not excited, you dont have a heartbeat" One of his famous football sayings (that doesnt make much sense, but totally does make sense) is true of the way he lives life. Everyday is new and exciting for my dad, another day to work hard, love people, play, and worship God.

2. God honors a grateful heart. My dad has experienced heartbreak, loss, and disappointment and he will yet praise his God in thanksgiving for life, people, and all that he has in that moment. My dad experiences true joy in the midst of trial.

3. Tradition is everything. 4th of July pancakes, wearing his dad's old sweater every Christmas Eve, saying our thankfuls in a circle every thanksgiving, Christmas morning pictures in the hallway... my dad is the king of tradition. He makes every holiday fun and every football game memorable with his gift of marking life with tradition.

4. When people are in need you help them. Driving hours to pick us up from school, moving us with every new apartment, painting, helping neighbors with their yards, fixing broken sprinklers...my dad has a servants heart. He truly understands what it means to receive help and support in a time of need, he is Jesus' hands to so many people through his acts of service.

We love you dad!!! You have been our rock, our provider, our mom and dad, our greatest fan through life. Happy Birthday.