Birthday Boys!

My heart is just bursting with the thoughts of God's goodness upon my life.  It seems that every day I am loaded with His benefits.  What a merciful God we serve!

I have so much to write about, so much that has happened the past couple of months, and due to lack of good internet service, I am behind on the posts that I have wanted to write.

But in this post, I will share pictures of both of our sons' birthdays:  Andrew Jonathan turned ten on December 22, and our Little Tommy Greg turned one year old on January 18.

Both of our sons are so precious.  Watching our Baby Tommy Greg this past year has actually reminded us of our Andrew Jonathan when he was that age.  Little Andrew was a lot like Baby Tommy Greg is:  Chubby, active (very active!), quick to learn, adoring his Daddy and clingy to Mommy.  It has almost been like reliving Little Andrew's infancy, which has been a lot of fun.  In fact, today, Baby Tommy Greg is wearing the same pajamas that belonged to Little Andrew.

"Thank You, Heavenly Father, for our boys.  They are both so unique, each created with a special purpose.  Please give us wisdom to train them up for Your honor and glory, and may Your Holy name be exalted through their lives."

We had a special guest at Andrew's birthday party, a new friend we met in December.  Kelli Copeland is a friend whom we met at an orphanage near to the city where we live.  She is a big help to the precious couple who takes care of the 19 children in their children's home.  Kelli spent several days with us toward the end of December, and she was here to help us celebrate Andrew's 10th birthday.  What an added blessing it was to have her here!

 Also to help us celebrate were Philip and Liz, and their 4 precious boys (Josh, Sammy, Mark, and brand-new Baby Gabriel Robert Joel, born December 12).  It was definitely an unforgettable birthday for Little Andrew.  He told me that night, "Mommy, this was the best birthday ever."

And our Baby Tommy Greg turned one year old on January 18. It seems impossible to me that he could already be one year old.  How quickly time has passed!  But we are very thankful that the Lord has allowed us to have a healthy baby this year.

For his birthday, his Mimi and some special people from our "home church" came to his party.  It was so much fun having them (as well as Pastor Manuel and his wife, Lidia; and their daughter and granddaughter, among other guests)!

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,

nor standeth in the way of sinners,

nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;

his leaf also shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

Psalm 1:1-3