Kylie's 13th Birthday and her Special Promise

The Birthday-

On Thursday we celebrated another birthday at our house.  Kylie turned 13!  I know it would be a cliche to say "where did the time go?"  But....

Anyway, she didn't have the best start to her day.  She fell at music practice while taking Anna to the restroom.  She tore up her knee and hands pretty good and ruined her best jeans.

We got her home, cleaned her up, got her leg up and snuggled her under a blanket. She had a quiet birthday the rest of the evening.  She chose cheesecake for her birthday dessert.

Then some presents from mom, dad and siblings.

The Promise-

Kylie had made her wishes known to her family as we spoke the last year or so.  We knew her desire to wait on the Lord to bring a husband in her future.  We presented Kylie with a purity ring and she made a promise to God and her family.

(click to enlarge)

In an age where young men and women have more pressures than ever and are taught that they can't control their own behavior we are proud that our girls desire to make this commiment to the Lord and to themselves. 

Kylie, you have always done things your own way, you always have had a strong spirit.  Focused the right direction, these gifts God gave you will enable you to stand up for what you know is right.  We love you and we pray for you as you walk with the Lord and find your direction.  And we pray for your future husband as he too grows in his walk with the Lord and prepares to be a good leader and a good protector for you and your future children.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
   and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
   or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
   and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Psalm 51: 10-12

Yep, still alive!

I can't believe it has been over 2 months since my last post.  We did have Thanksgiving and Christmas.  I will try to do a couple quick posts about them in the next couple of days.  I will also do a post soon about what everyone is up to in school and band and update our "jogging to Idaho" icon.

You may notice another little person in some of our pictures.  We are blessed to be sharing our home right now with EJ.  He is 12 months old.  We won't use his full name or discuss his specifics but he is sure to show up in some of our future pictures so I am giving you the heads up.

We have just thawed out from a long, cold, snowy stretch.  It was beautiful while it was here but we are glad to have our roads clear and the animals water ice free.

View from back deck

More coming soon...