Happy Birthday, Jordan!

Jordan turns 18 today, so everybody go over there and wish him a happy birthday!

You made it to 18, son!  There were plenty of times when I didn't think you would, but here you are. What an odd feeling...there are no minors in this household. My youngest is a legal adult. I am so proud of you, Jordan. From the moment I laid eyes on you 18 years ago you have been a blessing to me. I won't embarrass you by gushing memories here, but just know that they are all tucked away in my heart. You have grown to be a fine young man, strong, thoughtful, and compassionate. You know how to hang on tenaciously to finish a project, like your EDH video and your Eagle rank, in spite of difficulties and setbacks. You are a delight to be around. It's been 18 wonderful years so far, and I look forward to what comes next as you continue to find your place in the world. Hold on tightly to God, and He will direct your path. I love you forever, I'll like you for always.

Here is a song that I heard long before you were born, and as I watched you as a youngster these words often came to mind as a prayer.  "Half past three" - Not just 3 1/2 years old, but how many times was I awake with you at 3:30 in the morning? Even now...

HALF PAST THREE
Lyrics by Stormie Omartian
Music by Michael Omartian

Only half past three,
And yet you've got a way of taking self control from me.
Only half past three,
Who know at four-and-twenty where you'll be.
Sitting on a mountain top,
Or at a poor man's table.
Leading sheep from anywhere,
As far as you are able.
I want you to know love the way that I never knew it.
I don't want you to travel life the way that I've been through it. 

Oh Lord, don't let me ruin things with faults and weak displays.

Don't let me make a monster from a perfect piece of clay.

It would be so easy to do.

Unless you take what's inside me,

And replace it all with you.

Only half past three,

A curly headed shadow that is never out of mind.

Only half past three,

With eyes that want to trust that you are kind.

What else do I ever see,

Preparing him for solo flight.

But all the possibilities,

For good, for bad, for love, for fright.

I don't want him to ache inside the way I did for years.

I don't want him to have to shed more than his share of tears.

Oh Lord, help me teach him all that You have taught me.

Show me how to guide his footsteps and when to set him free.

Give him a time to know you,

And a place inside your kingdom,

For when his time is through.

Sometimes I think Oh Lord, It's getting very late for me.
But the sun is just about to rise on half past three.

I've Been Tagged

...by Dani!

1. What time is it? 11:52 a.m.

2. What are you most afraid of?  Spiders. And disappointing people.

3. Have you ever seen a ghost? I thought I did once, but it was just my brother in the hallway.

4. Where were you born? Corvallis, OR

5. Ever been to Alaska? Yes, lived there for 3 1/2 years.  It's cold.

6. Ever been toilet papering? No.

7. Croutons or Bacon bits? Yes!

8. Favorite day of the week? Monday

9. Favorite restaurant? Stanley & Seafort's, Tacoma, WA.  Best prime rib, blackened fish, and cheesecake on the planet.

10. Favorite Flower? In a bouquet, Carnations.  To grow in my garden, Roses.

11. Favorite sport to watch? Baseball, best viewed live. I'm not much for watching any sports on TV.

12. Favorite Drink? Milk...I'm a country girl.  Although I'm currently on a Pepsi Jazz kick.

13. Favorite Ice cream? Where do I begin? Vanilla bean, with huckleberries and chocolate syrup.  At Baskin Robbins, it would be Peanut Butter and Chocolate. In a carton, probably Moose Tracks or anything chocolate with chunks of goodies.

14. Disney or Warner Brothers? Warner Brothers, no contest.  Bugs Bunny rules.

15. Favorite fast food restaurant? I like all junk food - Taco Bell, Carl's Jr., Jack in the Box, In-n-Out. Burger King is good but the King on their commercials is just too creepy.

16. What color is your bedroom carpet? Light grey

17. How many times did you fail your driver's test?  I think I did once, when we moved to Washington or Alaska

18. What do you do most often when you are bored?  Bored? I don't have time to be bored. However, when I sneak a little time (like now) to do something fun, I read or socialize on the computer.

19. Bedtime? 10 - 11 p.m.

20. Favorite TV show? See 18.  However, if and when I do sit down to watch whatever someone else has on the TV, it's usually M*A*S*H, old Star Trek re-runs or old Twilight Zone re-runs. 

21. What are you listening to right now? Rain tapping against the study window, the washing machine in the laundry room, and Jordan in the next room humming "Singing in the Rain".  All very comfortable, homey, soothing sounds.

22. What are your favorite colors? Yellow, blue, green.

23. Do you have any pets?  We are owned by a dog and a cat.

24. Which came first the chicken or the egg? Chicken

25. What would you like to accomplish before you die?  Just once to be "caught up".  Other than that, the list is too long.  No wonder I'm never caught up! 

26. Favorite instrument? To listen to, piano.  To perform, voice.

27. Favorite band or musical artist? Pablo Cruise

28. Favorite school subject? History

29. Favorite thing to eat? Dark Chocolate in all its glorious forms

30. Ever been hunting? I've gone along for the walk, but although I am delighted to eat whatever game someone else shoots, I couldn't pull the trigger myself.

31. Favorite movie? That Thing You Do

32. Who's your favorite classical composer? Tough choice.  I'll go with Schubert...or maybe Vivaldi...or...

I tag Alyssa, Jordan, Kent, Karoline, and Mom.

Getting Back on the Horse

My Firstborn Turns 20

Yesterday Alyssa turned 20 years old.  She is no longer a teenager.  

My precious daughter, although you have been wished happy birthday in person and by phone, mail and internet in many places and by many people, I couldn't let it slide on my blog.  Happy birthday to the most wonderful daughter a mother could ask for. And I mean that. I was filled with wonder when I first laid eyes on you, and I still am.  You are such a blessing to me.  God is good.  

Love,
Mum

Announcing...

The happy engagement of Alyssa to Kent. As Jane Austen would say, "it's a good match." There is much joy in the household, and we look forward to gaining not only a son, but a whole wonderful family of Will in-laws!