Shhhweeeeeeeeeet 16!

I love this man. Man. Seems an odd term to use on one's own progeny, but that is the only way to describe him now.

He watches out for us when his dad is gone, he fills my hug quota till it is overflows, he is learning to take responsibility quickly ~ there isn't much child left in him.
We had a group of guys out to the house for basketball, an off trail adventure, bratwursts and smores last Friday. What an eyeopener to have that much testosterone in one place all at one time! It was a kick! Today was his actual turning and we celebrated with the world renowned Wheat Montana cinnamon rolls! (appropo for his first bday here!)

Thank you, Father God, for such a wonderful son! He is a man after your own heart.

We also had a bit of a surprise:

The first birthday ever to have a snowfall!! Strange, indeed.

Big Picture Friday

Cassia got to attend her very first Opera tonight ~ Mozart's The Magic Flute. It was a ritzy affair for Bozemanians!

Connection Time

Shortly after moving and becoming full time pastors, we realized that we needed a "date night" for our family as well as James and my usual one alone. We settled on Tuesday. Every Tuesday James comes in the door by 6pm, we have dinner waiting, and then our date begins!

We crank up the tunes (last night was Newsboys) and sit down to enjoy a meal together (Black bean and Cajun Shrimp Tostadas shown from last night).
Then we do an activity. Sometimes we play a game, sometimes its listening to a sermon, but with the onset of Spring we have been getting outside and kickin' it with the sunshine! In our back yard is a trail that leads to a look-out over the entire Gallatin Valley. That was last nights activity.
I haven't really exercised all winter, and everyone stopped to let me catch my breath about 12 times! :o) The trail begins at about 5200 feet above sea level and ends at about 5700 - you would probably need to catch your breath too! The family gave me hiking boots for Mother's Day (hint hint, Mom - you're putting on some pounds!) so I had to break them in (an me along with them!)

But I documented the fact that I made it! It was gorgeous!

What I really loved was that we laughed together, talked incessantly, sang goofy songs (big surprise there for those of you who know us at all) and strengthened our hearts as family.

God's heart as Father is never more real to me than when I see my kids interacting with their Dad. Whether in correction, laughter, teaching or snuggles - God's heart towards me as His daughter is reaffirmed.

I am Blessed!

(for those of you wondering - the Golden Retriever is our landlords dog who loves us :o)! )