Blessing Our Children

It is our intention to bless our children. By blessing I mean purposefully building into their lives affirmations and experiences, prayers and passages, corrections and inspirations that give them advantages for life. Sometimes that takes the form of thoughtful words and encouragement. At other times it’s making lifestyle choices that will reap benefits years into the future. Many times it’s petitioning the Heavenly Father. At times it’s acknowledging our own short-comings. And sometimes it's trust.

One of the ways we have tried to bless our children over the years is through celebrations. And I don’t mean just a party. Yes, for sure there have been the streamers, the cakes, the birthday chair, the special foods and the friends. But the center piece whether a birthday party or a ceremony has been the words given. Words that build up. Words that are insightful. Words that are meaningful. Usually it goes something like, “Maria what I appreciate about you is…”

Speaking of Maria, she celebrated her 16th birthday this week. Her first among friends in West Virginia since her 10th. What a wonderful daughter we have with all of her unique gifts, abilities and personality. After the Outback steak of her choice and a blooming onion, we came home for ice cream cake and those words. This year we decided to celebrate sweet 16 with sixteen characteristics we appreciate. And in honor of Maria here they are: 1) focused in work 2) kind 3) art talent 4) musical 5) polite 6) witty 7) insightful 8) responsible 9) pleasant 10) accepting 11) beautiful young lady 12) hospitable 13) frugal 14) competitive 15) disciplined 16) godly. Happy Birthday Maria!


Cool and Her Gang

Candy Bouquet (orders being taken)

Girls Being Girls

Dad Gets Things Going in His Fire Starting Hat

The Purity and Promise Ring

The Happy Outback Trio