Happy Birthday, Michael!

19 Years!! I know it's sounds so repetitive and cliche, but where does the time go? And it also makes me feel so old to have a 19 year old child. And I didn't start that early on the baby thing, so actually, I really am old - depressing! But I digress (most of the time). This is supposed to be about Michael. (I just typed Aaron and Michele before I finally got Michael down.) Sorry Michael, it really is supposed to be all about you, at least on this post on this day.

What can I say about Michael, but that he's amazed me from the day he was born - sometimes in an overwhelming, "what am I supposed to do with this kid" kind of a way, but more and more as he grew older, in a "Wow - what a great kid" kind of a way. He's wanted for many years now to serve God and please him in the things he does, and I found that because of that, I didn't have to worry a lot about whether he was making good choices or doing things that I found pleasing. I know he's not perfect, but he works hard at trying to do the right thing. I'm very proud of the person he's becoming. He's working his way through college, working a full time job and a few part time jobs and doing an amazing job of staying ahead in all his classes. I don't think I did near as well at that my first semester of college. Anyway, most of you already know all about everything he's doing, so I won't go on about it, but to repeat how very proud I am of him and how thankful I am that we've had the privilege of playing a part in the person he's growing into. What a gift he's been to us.

I know I probably sound really sappy about my kids, but I do feel so blessed in the children God has allowed us a part in raising. They really do give me very little to worry about and mostly lots of joyful moments. And I know better than to take much, if any, credit for the way they are turning out. I just keep thanking God for playing a bigger part in their lives than I could be able to handle right. Most of what is good in them is because of Him. So I thank Him again on this anniversary of my firstborn's first day - for my first amazing child - and for His help in guiding all of their lives.

Happy 19th! We love you, Michael!!!

And I know I said I was going to try to keep up my blogging better, and except for my boys' birthdays, I'd have posted very little here lately, but I really do have lots of great pictures and stuff to post from the last weeks. I'll try to get that done over the holidays, I hope! And if life stays insane, then Michele has a birthday in April, and I guess I'll be back then.