Christian's Big Swim

Christian swims for the first time...

We love mom because...

A little video on Valentine's Day that tells all the reasons we love Mom.

We love mom because...




Happy Valentine's Day! We Love You, Mom!

Doughnut for Dad 2010

One thing I hope to always remember is seeing my boys get excited for Dad to come to their class and visit. This year, once again, was Christians chance to have Doughnuts with Dad. I think they should probably just call it Doughnut for Dad since we just get one, but at least it's more manly than muffins.

I always enjoy reading some of the things that Christian says about Dad on his yearly sheet about me. Here is a snapshot...

My Dad is Special...because he knows everything (hmm)
I like it when my Dad...takes care of me
My Dad can do many things! I think he is best at...doing legos with me
I like to make Dad smile by...bringing home pictures of him
My Dad is as handsome as a...turtle (I am trying to see the silver lining in this)
My Dad is smart! He knows...how to play games. He plays Go Fish with me and my brother sometimes.


Here are some pictures from the Morning. (Click to pic to enlarge)
Love you Christian - My prayer is that you will always be excited to spend time with Dad and I will always make spending time with you a priority. Hope to do it again!

Georgia Aquariam

For Gabe's birthday this year we decided to do something different. We gave him the choice of having a bowling party or going to the aquarium. He thought about it for a couple of days and then decided that he wanted to go the aquarium. Good choice Gabe!

We couldn't go on his birthday because of Christmas Parties, but last weekend was the week he had been waiting for. We packed up the kids and headed to Atlanta. We left on Friday afternoon and checked into the downtown Hampton Inn. We ate at the spaghetti house on Friday night and then went to the game room at the hotel. It had two flats screens, a Wii and an Xbox. We had a fun time just goofing off and trying to figure out how to play some of the new games.

The aquarium was a blast and the boys loved every minute of it. Gabe's favorite place was where he could go and touch the Stingrays and other fish. He kept asking to go back and do it again. Christian liked the cold water display and Melissa and I liked the large aquarium. We also got to check out the 3D movie but it didn't compare to what we had seen at Disney. We ended the day walking around Centennial park and then heading to the CNN center for some lunch. We had a great time making memories and we will definitely go back someday.

unbelievable. . .

it is unbelievable that it has been eight years. . .

it is unbelievable how much you have changed. . .

it is unbelievable that you are so healthy and strong. . .

it is unbelievable that God chose you for us. . .

it is unbelievable that despite all of our shortcomings as parents, you are such a sweet and obedient little boy. . .

it is unbelievable that you are in the second grade. . .

it is unbelievable that God chose to rescue you. . .

is is unbelievable how much we love you!!

happy birthday, gabriel william! you're unbelievable!!

my mission field. . .

had a little conversation on wednesday with christian. he had been in quite alot of trouble that afternoon. i was working on "school" stuff on my computer, and christian was on the floor playing next to me. it went something like this. . .

christian: mom, i think i'm ready to pray now.

me: what do you mean?

christian: i think i'm ready to ask Jesus to forgive me for my sins?

me: what does it mean if you ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins?

christian: well, it means that Jesus will be my Rescuer and that he will take me to heaven one day.

me (a little caught off guard): well, i guess we can do that then. (he climbed in my lap)

christian (with a puzzled look): i don't really know what to say.

me: well, mommy will help you. . .

and with that, our littlest guy accepted Jesus into his life. sometimes, i think the littlest ones understand the gospel even more than those of us who have been christian's for years and years.
i have to admit that i had been feeling a little sorry for myself when all this happened. rick was on a much anticipated mission trip to panama. i was a little jealous that he was going away to have such an amazing experience sharing the gospel with people who had never heard, and i was stuck here just trying to survive the daily routine.
i got a blessed reminder that this little house and the little people who live here with me are my mission field for now. and. . . how excited his daddy was to hear that while he was listening to people in the mountains of panama pray the sinner's prayer, his christian was saying the same prayer here at home. what a blessing for all of us!

christian james dewalk
rescued, redeemed, pardoned, faultless, blameless, free, HIS
november 18, 2009

Help me not to hit my brother!

At Dinner:
Me: What can you Thank Jesus for tonight.
Christian: Dear Jesus, help me not to hit my brother, and help Gabey not to tease me.
Amen