Happy 16th Birthday, Emma!

Olivia and Emma at the Currituck Lighthouse, April 2012

We are away from our birthday girl today. She is on a mission in Areciba, Puerto Rico with members from her church youth group. While I am sad to miss this special day with her, I'm very proud and excited for her also. She is certainly growing up, making wise and thoughtful decisions about her life, caring for others, all while keeping a healthy amount of sass!

Much love to you, Emma Hawkins! Can't wait for you to return to us so we can hear of your adventures, holy moments, and to celebrate your 16th birthday in your presence!

Happy 11th Birthday, Olivia!

Olivia enjoying the fire on a snowy day.

Today, Olivia turns 11 years old. Both of my daughters think I'm odd compared to most mothers who long for their children to remain small. While I cherish those times, I'm so thrilled watching how they are growing and who they are becoming. Olivia continues to love horses, piano and doing things. Her requests for the day are to help make her birthday cake, (red velvet), ride bicycles to the park with Emma and have Indian food for dinner. Simple joys for a contemplative and lovely girl. Happy Birthday, dear Olivia!

Happy Birthday, C.S. Lewis

Today is C.S. Lewis's birthday. Born 113 years ago, the impact he has had on the Christian world is immeasurable. From his ability to speak across denominational lines, to his facility to communicate to both the specialist and the commoner, and to his prolific writing across many genres, including fantasy, theology, scholarly criticism and poetry, his is a singular achievement.

Below are two recordings of his voice when giving his broadcast talks over the BBC during World War II. It is said that his voice was one of the most recognized voices in England at the time, second only to Winston Churchill.

There are very few recording of his voice remaining. There are a couple more, besides the following, one of a lecture he gave and another a modified version of his book, The Four Loves.

Happy 15th Birthday, Emma!

Olivia and Emma

Wow! It is hard to believe that a full year has already passed since I posted this. Emma's life is much as one would expect a 15 year old's to be. She's been practicing driving off road with her dad and doing quite well, loves hanging out with her friends, clothes shopping, participating in church youth events and was confirmed on Pentecost Sunday this year. Some things, gratefully haven't changed. She still hangs with her little sister, Olivia, and her grandparents, has had the same best friends for years, dances and is wonderful with younger children. She is a blessing.

Happy birthday, lovely Emma! Here's to another wonderful year.

Happy 10th Birthday, Olivia!

Today, my youngest enters into double digits. What a lovely and thoughtful person she is becoming. She loves animals, particularly horses and has now completed her first horse tournament, placing second in Walk and Trot Equitation in her age group. She dreams of running a farm and is becoming quite the pianist. Kindness, loyalty and diligence are qualities which immediately come to mind when describing her.

Happy birthday, dear, sweet daughter!

Happy Birthday, Emma!

Emma is now fourteen and becoming quite a lovely young woman.  This Saturday she'll be off on a mission trip with the youth group at church, soon followed by a week of dance intensive and then begins her freshman year of high school (homeschooled, of course).  I realize the life changes will come more quickly now, but I'm not apprehensive.  She is fun loving, responsible and has her own sense of style and of herself.  I have so much for which to be thankful and optimistic.  She is truly a blessing. 

Happy birthday, dear Emma.

Happy 9th Birthday, Olivia!

My daughter Olivia turns nine years old today. How very quickly the years have gone by!

Olivia has a very tender way with animals and young children, loves horseback riding, playing piano, pleasing people and her big sister.

Happy Birthday, dear Olivia. Your daddy and I are very proud of you!

My daughter, Emma, Olivia's elder sister, took this picture on a train ride in W.Va.

Happy 13th, Emma

Today, my daughter Emma turns 13. She is a very responsible, funny, lovely and energetic young lady.
Here she is hanging out in the dressing room during The Sleeping Beauty rehearsals.