Birthdays!!

John turned 7 on Feburary 5th and Joylyn turned 8 on February 20th. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing them home from the hospital. We sure do feel blessed to have such good children in our family. We took them to a Japenese Steak House for their birthday dinner:



John Joseph certainly looks like his dad, but I think he has my personality. He is reserved, tender-hearted, unselfish, curious, always thinking, tidy, obedient, and for sure a people pleaser. He loves to ask questions (all of the time), but that is how they learn! He keeps his room clean, does his chores, and even goes the extra mile without being asked. I love to watch him play. He can play with anything anywhere and be happy. He takes correction well, is mannerly, and very loving. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect boy for our family! God sure is good!! I asked John Joseph a few questions and here are his answers:
1-What is your favorite color: green
2-What is your favorite thing to play: baseball
3-What is your favorite thing to do: play video games or baseball
4-Where is your favorite place to go: Busch Gardens
5-Where is your favorite vacation place to go: Disney World
6-What is your favorite food: Chicken nuggets
7-Who is your best friend: Jacob
8-Who is your hero: Dad and Mom
9-What do you want to be when you grow up: Police Officer
10-What is your favorite Bible story: Jesus dying on the cross

I am constantly asking these kinds of questions to make my kids think. I love hearing their answers and getting inside thier minds. As I reflect on the past year of his life, there is so much to thank God for! Thank you, Lord, for good health!! John has no allergies and has been healthy all this year. He mentions aching in his legs sometimes, but we are sure these are growing pains. He has learned to tie his shoes, ride a bicycle without training wheels, skateboard, and play lots of different sports. His favorite right now is baseball. John Joseph entered the Math Hall of Fame in record time and he enjoys and excells at Math. John has learned to read and even though it's not one of his favorite things to do, he does it well. His favorite resource is PE and he loves to play outside. His chocolate habit has calmed down some as we try and encourage healthy snacks. He still gets a Reese's Peanutbutter Cup any chance we offer! John's teacher tells us often that he is very well liked at school by both the boys and girls and everyone wants to be his friend. She says he is kind to everyone and shares whatever he has. Thank you, Lord, for a wonderful little boy whom you have entrusted to us!

Joylyn looks more like me, but she definitely has her dad's personality. She is a social butterfly, outspoken, a leader, intelligent, creative, and has a genuine concern for others. She likes to be in control or in charge (don't we all) and she doesn't mind you knowing it. She struggles with keeping her stuff together (just like Daddy) and has to be reminded daily to clean up after herself. We have been working really hard at keeping her room both clean and organized and putting things back in their proper place. She does well, but just needs some reminding. She is all girl and loves being around other girls of any age. She loves animals and insects (not scary ones) and enjoys taking care of them. She is what some call "high maintenance" as she likes you to play with her. Joylyn is extremely affectionate as she loves to be held. I love to play with her, whether it is with barbies, polly pockets, or making some kind of craft. She is always busy and as with John Joseph, I couldn't have asked for a more perfect girl for our family! God sure is good!! I asked Joylyn the same questions and here are her answers:
1-What is your favorite color: light blue
2-What is your favorite toy to play with: barbies
3-What is your favorite thing to do: play with friends
4-Where is your favorite place to go: Grandma's House
5-Where is your favorite vacation place to go: Disney World
6-What is your favorite food: tacos
7-Who is your best friend: Hazel
8-Who is your hero: Dad and Mom
9-What do you want to be when you grow up: Vet
10-What is your favorite Bible story: Birth of Jesus

As I reflect on the past year of Joylyn's life, there is so much to thank God for! Thank you, Lord, for good health!! Joylyn may have some allergies in the future as she was bothered by the pollen, mold, etc. some this year. Nothing too major though so we will see what this year brings. She loves gymnastics and shows no real desire to play organized sports. We may get her into cheerleading this year if she shows interest. I think she would swim everyday if we had a pool and thanks to some stays in vacation homes, she has become a great swimmer above and below the water. Joylyn has become an excellent reader, reading well above her grade level. She actually loves to read which is a blessing. We go to the library often so she can pick out books to read at night. She is liking the "scary" books right now. Joylyn's teacher has told us (and her) that her writing skills are very advanced and she encourages her to write stories and poetry all of the time. We are still working on her handwriting which has also been much improved. Joylyn loves to sing and she has a beautiful little voice. She has developed some very special friendships and we are so please with her and her ability to adapt. Thank you, Lord, for a wonderful little girl whom you have entrusted to us!