I have been granted an opportunity to post a blog entry and because I love this blog (and it's author!), I will do my best to not mess it up!
Overall, I see this past year as one of tremendous growth-growth for each of our kids, our family and for me personally. Growth can be very exciting and fun - but it also means change... which can be challenging and sometimes even painful. With that in mind, I've listed a few of my memories from this past year.
*STITCHES: 3 daughters times about 22 years - none; Rodrigo - 6 hours, Romeo - 3 weeks!
*FISH HOOKS: used frequently this year on the river and at the cabin; we all dodged a few except for one Rapala which found flesh on Romeo's forearm.
*BEDTIME: my favorite time of the day - reading books, telling Fibber Jibber stories, talking with Roselyn, back rubs for Steph.
*TWINS BASEBALL: a shared love for the team and the game.
*HEAD TRAUMA (to me): hit by baseballs, snowballs, basketballs, a canoe paddle, elbows, light sabers and swords!
*DAMAGED GLASSES/SUNGLASSES: See above.
*THE WEDDING: Amazing! Beautiful bride/family! Great ceremony, reception and square dance!
*RICE: Not thrown at the wedding but we certainly eat more of it!
*HOMEWORK: A lot of it, but I think I finally understand Algebra!
*NOISE: There is more...a lot more!
*LAUNDRY: See above.
*FATIGUE: See above.
*DISCIPLINE: We have great kids but this remains a constant challenge for us.
*CARS - THE SOUNDTRACK: heard perhaps a couple of hundred times this past year!
*SMELLY SOCKS: Brings back (unpleasant!) memories of my brothers!
*STAR WARS: The battle rages on!
*JOY: I saved the best for last. The most lasting memory I will have of this year is seeing the look on one of our kid's faces as they "snuggle" in with their mom to read a book, watch a movie or go to sleep.
Having a bigger family is definitely more stressful and tiring than I could have ever imagined but is truly the most rewarding and meaningful thing I have ever done. I love being a dad and I would not trade our crew for anything! Thanks to all of our family and friends for your love, support and prayers. We could not have made it through this year without you!
8 comments:
TO: the guest writer
You did a fantastic job of summarizes the "first year." It is a year you will never forget and probably never want to re-live! You are an amazing family! You are doing an awesome job with your ENTIRE family!
Yep...it's a hurdle! Thanks for sharing and Congratulations on your 1st Anniversary! So thankful that we have gotten the chance to know you over the past year(s)!
I had some time today to catch up on the blog! :) I smiled through the entire entry. The highlight for me was the sequence of short clips that played in my head as I imagined the different head trauma scenarios.
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Bjork
It has been fun for us to watch your first year coincide almost exactly with our first year as parents. I can definately agree that it is far more tiring and trying than what I expected but also far more rewarding and joyful. I am looking forward to hanging out with the boys next weekend!
Aaron (and Erica and Miriam)
Great summary of the first year. It is a year full of ups and downs, but it is a great foundation for all the years to follow. You both are doing a wonderful job of building your family.
I LOVE this!! How fun to hear the way he writes!!!
But my favorite is how he started by saying "since I love this blog...and its author..." =)
Beautifully done! Isn't it true that (in hindsight) we rarely want to trade back the tough days that are mixed in with the wonderful ones? Thanks for sharing!
Mary and Allen, What a great description of this big milestone in your lives! IT has been such a "gift" to us to be able to share a small part of this journey with you. God is good! I was reminded this week as I travel my journey that I have no need to worry about the future because God is ahead of me. So I am telling myself: "Lord, I don't know what's ahead but YOU do!" Congratulations, Allen and Mary! Job Well done! PS: Evan showed us his Staples in a little paper cup! Allen, you have "a way" with boys! ha ha Love, Rox
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