Happy birthday, Dad/Grandpa Rumley!

Dad,

Before my dad’s accident, he wasn’t very open with his feelings or expressive with his love for us girls. So, you were the first dad I had who wasn’t afraid to hug his kids and tell them he loves them every chance he got. The first dad I had who wasn’t afraid to shed a tear. Thank you for that. It means more than I can say.

Thanks, too, for raising a son who loves Jesus with all of his heart (and five of his siblings, too). My life is so full of joy because of the work and prayers you and Mom poured into his life.

We love you very much! Happy birthday!

Lacey

Happy 1st birthday…


To my youngest, my sweet Jaden,

Today is your FIRST birthday! It was one year ago today that you graced the world, and especially our family, with your presence. TWELVE days late, I might add. I pray that that doesn’t mean you’ve inherited your extended families’ propensity for lateness. I do think it means that you do things when you feel like it. Typical youngest child attitude there.

If I had to choose one word to describe you, it would be DELIGHTFUL. This past year with you has truly been full of joy and delight. You are just wonderful – such a sweet disposition. You are our only baby who has given so many hugs and snuggles. And you love to smile, wave, clap, and talk.

You are such a smart boy, too. You are already copying words we say. Just tonight at dinnertime, we asked Ava to say “purple,” and YOU piped up, “Purple!” My little genious!

You are toddling around everywhere. Since we had to put you on formula earlier on, you have been our sturdiest baby, with the cutest little (or should I say big?) thighs! This gives you an advantage with walking. You don’t fall over as easily, and when you do, it’s no big deal! I love watching you toddle around the house. And Ava is still saying, “Jaden’s walking!” all the time, even though she’s been saying it for about a month! Silly sister!

Maybe it’s because you’re our youngest, and our last (unless God has a different plan in mind – if we’ve learned anything it’s that He’s ultimately in charge!), but I’m enjoying every moment with you. I thank God that He blessed our family with you. You give us so many moments of joy, so many opportunities to smile, so many giggles.

I pray that your joy will always be found in Jesus, and that you will always work to make others smile.

I love you, Jaden.

Mommy

Birthday Festivities

It was a very full, busy week last week, and then the weekend was great. I want to share pictures of our Easter celebration soon, but first I’m going to share some pictures of Caleb’s birthday festivities. (Lots of celebrating going on around here lately!)

You already saw our trip to the zoo. That same evening, we had Caleb’s birthday dinner (one day early, so we could participate in Maundy Thursday services at our church). He chose pancakes, smoky links, and orange juice.

We also had chocolate cake and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Below is Caleb’s super-cool spider cake. This is the first *fun* birthday cake I’ve made for the kids, and I must admit it was really easy. But doesn’t he look cool?

Blow out the candles, Caleb!

That evening, we attended a Grand Rapids Griffins hockey game. We were up in the nosebleeds, but it was still fun. We left after the second period, and Caleb let us know that he wanted to stay “all night long.” Here are some pictures from the game…

All in all, it was a full, fun day. And then when he woke up the next morning, on his *actual* fourth birthday, this is what he saw…

Happy birthday, Caleb! We love you!