Monday, March 21, 2011

Owen is SEVEN!

A few months ago EJ and I decided that we wanted to give Owen a "real" bible for his 7th birthday. Now that he is reading on his own it seemed about time for him to have his very own. Don't get me wrong, we LOVE, this Bible, but we wanted him to be able to learn the books of the bible, see individual verses in scripture, etc. (this picture was taken right after he opened it)
We also knew that he wasn't going to jump for joy when he opened it. We wrote a short note in the inside cover and included Psalm 199: 105, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
I prayed as I wrote the words and wrapped it up, because I wanted him to see it for the treasure that it truly is. Just as we expected he was initially disappointed. Baseball or football cards would have been more up his alley. But I think the note inside helped him understand and perhaps realize it was a special gift.
We read from it last night. This is the one we got. It was recommended to us. It does still have some pictures and stories featured. I think it's a good transition. He is definitely still enjoying the pictures.
Tonight when I went into their room to start the bed time routine, I found him thumbing through it's pages looking for where EJ left off last night. Be still my heart! And he carefully put it in his bedside table drawer to keep it safe.

Owen- Happy 7th Birthday! We love you so much. You have handled becoming a big (again) brother with much grace. Ryan adores you and lights up when you get home from school. You are doing great in school and are still nuts about sports! Mason spends most of his time trying to keep up with you on the ball field. If only you knew how much he looks up to you. Daddy and I enjoy cheering for you from the sidelines. You aren't our little boy anymore. Some days I catch myself just staring at your face in awe of how you've changed. We are blessed!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

7th Birthday

The expression on his face is priceless!
Yesterday, we a great day celebrating Owen and he enjoyed every minute of it.
 
I have a 7 year old son! Please!

His party started at our house. We had cake and ice cream and he opened his presents. 
My family was there, a neighborhood friend and our dear (to all 5 of us) friends the Cassadas.



Then we loaded everyone up and headed to a ball game.
JMU played VCU on his birthday. It couldn't have been more perfect.
We choose the sunny side (for warmth) without realizing we were in opponent territory.
The VCU fans got a huge kick out of listening to the kids cheer for JMU while sitting directly behind  VCU's dugout. Oops! When the sun left our spot, so did we. We joined the JMU fans on the other side.



The kids were such "great" fans, that a JMU player gave the kids each a baseball. 
That was Owen's favorite part!  

I had given all the kids a purple horn to help with the cheering. At first they used them like megaphones. Then they figured out how to make a REALLY loud honking sound. OOPS, my bad! Their cheering was not appreciated by everyone, the VCU coach sent an usher over to ask us to stop. Clearly his players won't be able to handle the major leagues.We were a little stunned. Needless to say our cheering died down A LOT. It was almost as quiet as a library or a golf tournament. So serious.

Hot Dog!
Today the kids enjoyed their own baseball game.
It was such a treat having our friends for the weekend. They drove 2.5 hours each way just to share in Owen's celebration. Courtney and I managed to cram in some great conversations that blessed and encouraged me so much. I am so thankful for her friendship! And it is such a joy watching the kids when they are together.

Birthday Morning

Saturday morning Grandma, Sir and Owen went and picked up bagels to bring back to the house for his birthday breakfast. 
When they arrived home a special surprise was waiting for him.


EJ and I deliberated at the store for 1 HOUR about which bike to buy and which size. Well, when he saw how big it was he was really nervous. He reluctantly gave it a trial ride and we all agreed it was too big! He didn't seem too disappointed to pick one out himself. Oh well, live and learn.We didn't waste any time returning it and he came home with a different bike that he is much happier about. Of course I didn't take a picture of that one.

School Treats

Owen and I made cookie ice cream sandwiches on Thursday for his class to have at lunch on Friday.


 Can you tell he was not interested in getting a picture with me?
 My mom came too! She took the pictures and walked Ryan around to keep him happy.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Oh No He Didn't

Oh yes he did. He climbed up the stairs. What?!?!

Don't worry my mom was right there to catch him.


EJ said, "well did you tell him no?" 
Mom and I looked at each other and I said, "oops, I was too busy taking pictures."
I'll have plenty of opportunities to say no, right?