Duck feeding

Josiah wanted me to take him and his buddy fishing, so we brought stale bread for the ducks and Seth thought that was great!  It didn't take long for Alayna to join in the fun.  :-)

Tball

Seth's first summer playing tball.  It's fun to watch!  There's minimal talent, but lots of entertainment. :-)

My little fish

They are both excited for swimming lessons each day and it's fun to watch them swim.  I can't even count the number of times Seth has asked his teacher if he can go under water!  He's crazy about swimming!  Josiah finished lessons last summer, so just these 2 are enjoying lessons this year.

Happy Father's Day... early

Alayna made these for Dan and on the front of the card it says Happy Father's Day. I love that she adores her daddy and I pray one day she finds a man just like him.

Basketball Camp

This week started summer fun activities.  Sadly, Alayna didn't have any this week, but the boys each have basketball camp.  Josiah has gone for a number of years, but it's Seth's first year.  I love watching my boys play and maybe someday I'll be watching them play for West Fargo. :-)

Congratulations!!

Today was the last day of school which means it was Josiah's last day of elementary...next year is Middle School...I'm excited for him, but it's hard for me to believe he's done with elementary already...  

Anyway, they had an awards ceremony today.  We were so proud to see what he was awarded!  He was nominated to be a Student Ambassador this year for Freedom Elementary and so they had those kids stand to be recognized for their leadership at Freedom throughout the school year.  

Then they started handing out awards...

National Physical Fitness Award 

                                          Citizenship Award

 Presidential Gold Award for Excellence

-- To earn this award he needed to maintain at least a 3.5 GPA and 85% average or higher on standardized testing throughout their elementary years.                

Holding up his Presidential Gold Award for Excellence.  We were invited to go to the ceremony and we knew ahead of time that he would be honored with either the Silver (maintained 3.5 GPA throughout elementary) or Gold (GPA and standardized test score results throughout elementary) but they told us it would be a surprise that day which award they were given.  We were so proud either way, but he told us as they were calling the Silver winners he was really hoping they wouldn't say his name. :)  

Way to make the most of your elementary years...I pray you would continue to strive to do your best in Middle School as well.  We love you and couldn't be more proud!!

Happy 11th Birthday!!

Yesterday was a bit emotional, but today we need to celebrate!  It was 11 years ago today that the Lord blessed us with our first born.  Josiah Daniel, you changed our life in ways we never could have imagined, we're so thankful for you.

I've written about your life and birth story here, here, here, and here.  We didn't anticipate meeting you on May 23rd 11 years ago, after all, you weren't due until June 19th.  The Lord had other plans though and on this day 11 years ago you were born....quickly. :)

I came across this blog post a while ago and though I've changed it a bit to fit you I had to share it...

Today you are 11 and there are 11 things I want to share with you:

You don’t have to fit in. The world expects you to act a certain way. Culture demands it. But it’s okay to be a square peg in a round hole, to look different, be yourself. It’s alright to chart your course to God’s plan, even when others might not understand it. Yes, you might feel odd or weird chasing it, but that’s okay, most world changers do.

You don’t have to give in. You already know about the pressure–to talk or dress a certain way, to disrespect adults or girls, to be like those that do. But you possess the strength and character to walk away, the Christ living in you will help you stand. You don’t have to give in.  But if you do…

You get second chances and third and fourth… You can start again. Every sunrise is a second chance to get it right, to say no, to say I’m sorry, to ask forgiveness, to make a new start. I want you to know that this is what God is about. He wants to give you as many chances as it takes, just don’t every stop taking them.

You don’t have to be tough (all the time). Boys are supposed to be rough and tough. Maybe you've heard that “real men don’t cry” and always wear a stiff upper lip. But I want you to know real men are tender, they care about others, and root for the underdog. They rush to open the door for elderly women and use their manners. They cry over poverty and when they grow up, they tuck their babies into bed.

You don’t need a girl (yet). Girls. They are everywhere and their influence can be intoxicating, you’ll discover that soon enough. I can’t wait to see the girl God brings into your life and I already pray for her. Become friends with Godly girls, but don’t be in a hurry to make them a girlfriend. That time will come, enjoy today.

You make me proud. If you didn't do another thing, win another award, get another A, I want you to know I’m proud of the young man you've become. I love the way you love your brother and sister (most days). I love the way you are a good friend and listener to others. I love the way you opened your heart to foster care even though it was hardest on you initially. I am proud of you, son.

You are a success if you love God and others. I don’t know what you will be when you grow up. I think an engineer (that's been your goal since you were 7, but that could change) or a millionaire, a pastor, possibly a missionary or an artist. The sky is your limit and it’s up to you and God to decide. But no matter what you accomplish or don’t, in my eyes, you’re successful if you love God first and others second. Always remember this is true success.

You have great men in your life. God has given you amazing men to shadow. It doesn't get better than your father.  You have also been blessed with wonderful grandpa's as well as men in our church. They love God and their families more than themselves and if you aren't sure where to step next, look for their footprints.

You can always come home. No matter what happens in this life, what you do or don’t do, you always have a place with us. We might make you want to leave with our rules or ask you to because of your actions, but we won’t stop you from coming home.  

You are loved. No matter how long those legs grow or how high I have to look up to you, you will always be mine. I can still wipe your tears and listen to your heart. I can still ground you and make you say your sorry (hopefully). No matter what you do or what happens in this life, you are mine and nothing can change that. If you never hear another word I say or choose not to listen, you must believe that you are loved deeply by your parents. But even more than we love you, you are loved by a God who sent His son for you. Don’t ever doubt it. Believe it. This life might bring great joy or sorrow, great wealth or loss, but you can make it because you have His love. Make sure you give it away and share His love with others.

And most of all, we say a lot by not saying anything at all. We can accomplish a lot by praying these words from Psalm 63:8, “Lord, please instill in my child a soul with a craving for You, a heart that clings passionately to You.”  

I long for that to be your heart.  We are soooo proud of you and yet I don't want you to feel pressure to be perfect, but instead I want you to be the 'boy'/'man' that God intends for you to be and I pray that your dad and I are able to give you the freedom to do that.

You are loved Josiah Daniel Holder and there is nothing you can ever say or do that will change that.