BIRTHDAY BOY!

Two Years ago today I delivered Samuel Justice at 4:54 a.m. via C-section. He is such a blessing to our family and we can't imagine life without him! He's grown up so much and it is so fun to have a walkin', talki'n little boy! Here is a little glimpse of his life in pictures...

Happy Birthday Big Boy!!

She Knows

Becoming a mother added dimensions to my life and heart I never knew existed before. After I gave birth to my first son, not only did my life drastically change, but life suddenly didn't revolve around ME anymore! Having children has increased my joy, deepened my ability to withstand sorrow and pain, strengthened my stamina, heightened my senses, awakened my motherly intuition and deep desire to protect and nurture, and last but most importantly gave me an incredible appreciation for my own Mom.

I've always been grateful to her for raising me and setting a beautiful example of Godly wifehood, motherhood, and womanhood, but not until I became a mother, did I relate with her life. I must add that I still cannot fully relate with her life, because I have only two children, and she has borne seven children over a span of 21 years. I never appreciated completely all the meals, the hours of reading Curious George and Box Car Children, the consistency and creativity of delicious lunchbox lunches, the clean laundry, all the "fun" activities, the tidy house, the excellent education I received, the new shoes, the sleepless nights, the potty training victories and catastrophies, the constant dialogue of teaching, training, and disciplining, the womanly art of multi-tasking, and the mental strain of having so many things to do and little people to care for.

Being a mother doesn't mean you stop being a wife, a friend, a mentor, a daughter, or a sister. You're all this and more! It's actually quite overwhelming at times. You're "adult" life doesn't halt once you become a mother--there are still bills to pay, a husband to love and communicate with, friends to keep friendships with, a quiet time with the Lord to do, and just the small organizational things in life that take time. Learning to juggle all these things is tricky.

I'm so thankful to my Mom for showing me practically how to do and be all this! She's not the type of Mom that sits and cheers from the sidelines. She's been the Mom that runs, races, plays, and learns with her children. She knows what it means to be sleep deprived and still tackle the day with energy and a smile. She knows what it is to have two babies under two years. She knows what it's like not to have time to shower or put make up on! She relates to the frustrations and joys of homeschooling. She knows what it's like to have babies and teenagers. She knows what it is to have a baby who doesn't sleep through the night and plan a wedding. She has been through so many "stages" of her children and knows there is nothing new under the sun. (I was the Queen of Stages)

Thank you, Mom, for knowing, understanding, and relating. You always are standing ready to nurture, to serve, to encourage, and to uphold in prayer. Dad is a rich man because of you, your children are strong and blessed because of you, your sons-in-laws love you, and your grandchildren don't even realize yet what a blessing they're in for to be part of your family.

Thank you, Mom!

~I love you~

Happy Birthday!!

Megan Elizabeth Goff

Birthday Present to Mom

FROM: GRANDPA MAX AND GRANDMA BOBBIE!!!

Happy Birthday MOM!

To the BEST Mom, Grandma, and Mother-in-law!! Have a very happy birthday, and we'll celebrate when you get home!!

~~August 7th~~

"Her children arise and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her: many daughters have done well, but you excell them all!"

Proverbs 31:28-29

Eden String Quartet featured on Focus on the Family's Weekend Magazine Broadcast~

To Listen Online: http://listen.family.org/weekend

Local Stations: Saturday Aug. 11th, 18th, 25th : 89.3 FM NOON or 102.5 FM 6:00 pm

Eden String Quartet will be featured on Focus on the Family's Weekend Magazine Broadcast. They will be sharing about their experiences growing up in a musical family as well as offering advice and encouragement to parents who are promoting music in their own families. The girls will be featured on three different broadcasts, airing August 11th, 18th, and 25th. Be sure to listen in!

William is 1 Month Old!

Double Date!

William enjoys Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe' too! Mint Tingle Milkshake is the special of the night.
Snoozin'

William eating supper--timing it right when we sat down to eat.

Kyle and Justin~

Sometimes I wonder about those two. :) They were acting goofy, like usual.

Half the time I don't get their inside jokes...

Here were are at Moonstruck--our new favorite date place. Oh, and I love date nights! William's been several times in utero and once in person.

The happy couple: Gretchen and Kyle

Delicious Papa Dell's Deep Dish Pizza!

(low calorie, too)

Kinda dorky photo of us, but who cares~ We had a great time together and had a blast spending the evening w/ Kyle and Gretchen too!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

TO MY BELOVED PARENTS: DAD & MOM

WE LOVE YOU AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR GOOD EXAMPLE TO US OF WHAT MARRIAGE IS, AS GOD INTENDED. THANKS FOR PRESSING THROUGH THE HARD YEARS AND REJOICING IN ALL THE OTHERS. WOW! 27 YEARS! (YOU BOTH LOOK TOO YOUNG TO BE MARRIED THAT LONG!)

"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee; The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them." Numbers 6:24-27

~I'll find some good "old" photos and post them later~

Summertime w/ my little boy: Samuel Justice

Helpin' Mama Water the Flowers

Golfin'

Farmer Samuel J.

Baseball Dude

"Daniel Boone"
(Thanks to the Henry's!! He wears it now!)

--Army Guy--

~oh, the delights of dandelions~~

Just for you, Mommy!

**love the expression--captures a memory for me**

Playdate...

We had a fun time at the playdate on Tuesday! Only the "big" kids braved the cold pool water. Samuel lasted maybe 10 seconds. :)

My "cousin" Tricia--getting her "baby fix" holding William~

Two cuties!

Krayton and Samuel playing w/ legos. I was impressed that they played together some. Seems like Samuel's always doing his own things even w/ other kiddos around. The boys are almost exactly 1 month apart in age. Guess who's older???

The babies were content to snooze the morning away...except for eating. :) L-R: William 3 weeks, Belle 2 months, and Karston 2 1/2 months. It's amazing how fast babies grow! I know William won't stay tiny very long. He's already starting to fill out!