Handfuls of Blessings

How quickly the years pass!  Stanley was the only one of our six that was born early, and we believe it was because God decided to bless him with the sharing of a birthday with his Grandpa Stensaas.  Despite us living in the same country, it is still rare that they actually celebrate together.  However, Mom & Dad were on their way home from being up north, so we were privileged to have them join us for presents and homemade ice cream.  Stanley is my picky man, so coming up with a cake design for him was difficult.  Actually, his choice was a satellite.  I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to make a glob of rice crispies resemble anything that is orbiting earth.  Then I remembered that he got his violin this year, so that seemed to be the perfect idea.  Happy Birthday, Stanley!  May you give God more of yourself this year in service to Him, and may you see His blessings upon your life.

It almost seems strange starting school in September.  It has been easier for us to use the Ugandan school schedule all of these years.  However, because the time has come for our children to start graduating, this year we switched to the American system. Shane - our senior Shane will be returning to the States in May to graduate from our home church.  Wow - it doesn't seem possible.  I can still remembering the struggle of teaching him kindergarten!  Some of you can relate - first year homeschooling...first child...great expectations...nothing goes as planned.  But we both have survived 12 years, and now he is a senior!  I am proud of him that he has bravely endured my rough teaching, many days of interrupted school time, and years of classroom on the road or in hotels.  Thank you, Shane, for your patience with me. Stanley - our sophomore Give Stanley a book - nearly any book - and he is happy.  Thus said, he hasn't had to work h...

The month of August is our busy birthday month with 3 out of the 8 of us having birthdays. Keith is now soaring to greater heights at age 41.  Since we were hit by lightening the week of his birthday, we thought a lightening bolt was appropriate for his cake. Skyler is now 8!  Wow!  Where has time gone?  I'm not sure what inspired the choice of a snowman.  My policy is that I don't make the same thing twice, so my kids are getting creative...or desperate to come up with new cake ideas.  This snowman turned out so cute that I had a hard time cutting the little guy.  And then there is me!  Hmmm!  Shae-Lynn made me a lovely heart-shaped cake.  Then Keith's family decided to re-celebrate on our family vacation.  Notice the little tombstone cake on the ground?  I guess they have had enough of me. Thank you to all who sent birthday greetings.  We appreciate your thoughtfulness.  Poor Savannah has the las...