Growing Up - Joshua turns 9!

It has been a big countdown to the big day for you, Joshua. Not sure you still think you will grow an inch the night before your birthday as you did for the last few years but nonetheless you have reached 9 years old!

Our big 9 year old, soon to become an older brother to three siblings! When we told you that you were to be big brother again - you could hardly believe your ears and gave me hugs over and over in a state of shock and delight!

You are such an enthusiastic boy! You anticipated this day for some time. I watched as you and a group of friends splashed around the pool. You excitedly went from one to another, chatting away, enjoying a bit of rough boy play and splashing and having a grand time. You love to be with people and after the party is over you were just dying to go and visit someone or have more guests over!

You tend to make friends wherever you go - simply because you are brave enough to go up to unfamiliar faces and get to know them. Just love it. Our family has been introduced to so many beautiful people because of this boldness. We thank the Lord for it.

When I teach you at home I am amazed at how quickly you pick things up. Today I was trying to solve a maths question with you and you solved it before I could even get my mind around the question... As many know you have an amazing memory for dates and times and details - Daddy recently wanted to call some of your friends to reschedule an event and you had memorised the number and gave it to him just like that!

Lately it has struck me just how fast you are growing up, wanting to be more independent and try new things. Even lighting the candles on your cake was something you just wanted to do yourself! Daddy and Mummy are hoping we might be able to give you a room on your own soon so you can have some growing up space. We love you so much, Josh and we often pray together in the early mornings that you would grow to have an enthusiastic passion for Christ.

When we do our regular walks around the lake after dropping Owen at school I am aways astounded at how enthusiastically you spot insects, bearded dragons sunbaking, new ducklings and bobbing turtle heads. You even asked me recently if you could walk around the lake twice (considering the 30min. walking part isn't your favourite - you were so caught up in God's creation!)

Your enthusiasm for nature means that even simple activities like the animal farm

still excites you - you spent the majority of your time at Owen's Prep reunion, simply patting animals and trying to chase a chook around the pen.

There will always be new challenges, new experiences and disappointments ahead but we pray that as you grow, you would learn to cling to the Saviour who loves you, that you might see His hand always present even when the going is grim or when you are alone, doing tedious jobs you don't enjoy or frustrated at new challenges. He loves you dearly, Joshua, and more deeply than Daddy or Mummy ever could!

Happy Birthday Big Boy!

Happy Birzday Oze!

It has been a whopping 5 years today since the Lord gave us our Owen. What a lot has happened in these five years. Owen was born in the Czech Republic (in the bathroom of our little apartment - but that is another story). David and I just lay on the hospital bed praying "Lord, we don't know how to raise a special needs child, help us please!". Since that time Owen has had two heart surgeries and multiple operations to insert grommets in his ears, tests for thyroid function, hearing, eye sight and a few others I just can't remember... but you know that all seems like nothing... nothing at all when you look at the cheeky grin he gives you, when you see him dance and bop to music, when you see him running with his arms swinging, Owen style! Ahh... these five years have been so full and so rewarding. We know that the Lord has been with us.

While you are just so full of mischief and still cause your Mum and Dad to wonder what on earth we are going to do sometimes - we just love you so much, Owen! You add such a dimension to our lives that we could never have imagined - you are so much fun. This morning you gave us that shy, delighted little smirky smile when we told you it was your birthday. You didn't seem to mind that big brother wanted to open all your presents right away and both Joshua and Rosa wanted to play with all your new toys. You don't hold grudges either, Owen!

You are so absolutely affectionate! When Daddy's relatives stayed with us before the funeral you were so quick to make friends with your great Aunt and Uncle - in fact you were instantly on Great Uncle Peter's lap and followed him around - best friends at once though you had never met him before.

I was once again blown away at Grandma's house, after the funeral when Grandma's new, elderly neighbour popped in to bring a boquet of flowers that had accidentally been delivered to his door. When asked, the gentleman said that he had no grandchildren of his own, to which grandma replied "Well here, have some!" You just jumped on the man's lap and gave him cuddles instantly! He was so blown away! He said he has only his three legged dog to talk to at home and though he was new in the neighbourhood you just made him feel right at home! Who could resist the warmth of your cuddles, Owen??

Owen our prayer for you is that your sweet affection may draw many to the Lord - that your welcoming ways and "Hi" to all you meet may help to make the outsider feel welcome...

XOXOX - hope you had a special day Owen!

PS - in case you are wondering - our cowboy happens to like ice creams (see photos above)!

Thanks Dad and Mum - every cowboy should have them!