The requested birthday meal...

 but he wanted to cook it!  He has been watching and learning from many videos in preparation of today.  I am so thankful for a beautiful day.

 He dry rubbed the ribs, has a smoke box, and he is spritzing the ribs with pineapple juice.

I am sitting back and watching the process.  I took care of the sides and dessert.

 It was a process...

 of great preparation...

 patience...

 love...

 and reward!

 Oh...we will do this again...with other types and cuts of meat!

"Hey, Alisa....you have some company!"

 Our youth pastor and leaders came to our house today to be a blessing to Alisa.

 "Do I really have to go out there?" YES!  Put your cap, gown, and smile on...and be encouraged by people who care about you.

 A gorgeous Michigan day...

 social distancing...till I went in for hugs for the gals who gave up their Saturday to visit each of our graduates from our church.

 Listening to some loving words from Miss C...

 Some encouraging words from Mr. JV...

 Some fun advertising from Mr. and Mrs. B...

 It was a little windy...she only lost her hat once.

 Standing and watching...and tearing up at the blessings from a Heavenly Father who keeps ministering to Alisa.

 Silly string...Pomp & Circumstance...poppers...certificate...gift...

 For our memories..."Wait, do we have to be 6 feet away?"  No, you are good...ya'll are wearing masks!

 This will be a the graduating class with more little gatherings than most.  Hmmm...which year will be remembered more?  Thoughtful gift...a pretty bracelet and gift card.

Birthday Shenanigans

We took off...on a drive...OUT OF STATE!  We wanted to take Teddy out for a yummy meal.  Not a drive thru.  Not a carry-out.  Not a home-cooked.  A real sit down restaurant without restrictions!

Teddy chauffeured us to OHIO!  An hour drive to freedom to eat in a restaurant without people freaking out about when, where, and how.  

 We found Pizza Papilis in downtown Toledo.  They had just recently opened their dining room.  They were not busy but had several families eating there.  They are located right by the Toledo Mudhens baseball field which was locked.  So sad to see the lack of people out and about enjoying the summer evening!

 We enjoyed our time with Teddy.  We enjoyed yummy food.

 We enjoyed our drive.  I just sit in amazement as I see where we are now!  Our kiddos are grown-ups launching into new phases of life every time I turn around.

 Once a little guy...now a big guy with a big personality!  And we know how to keep him happy...feed him good food!

Testing...

to see if all this fuss has affected us!  Alisa was very ill in December and January with the same type of symptoms that have been heralded as the COVID-19.  There were a couple days I was worried about her having bronchitis or pneumonia...and that was all before the official coronavirus craze.  To us it is normal illness of each fall/winter of working with children.  I work with germ-infested little friends who spread love all over me from September to May and I had some mild symptoms.

For the sake of our wondering and curiosity of how all of this crazy is affecting those in education and those in our home, Alisa and I went and had blood drawn for the anti-body test.  We had to go back a second time...our little veins blew and they didn't have any smaller needles.  No big deal...we have time!  We each had a pretty purple bruise when we went back.  The gals were so nice and felt so bad.  We were ok with it all because they didn't dig around and it didn't hurt.  The second time...easily in and out with that smaller "butterfly needle".  Now we know what to tell people...we both have little veins and need the smaller needle!  We shall know the results in 3-5 days.  Another adventure with our Alisa girl is in the books!  We continue to thank the Lord for His constant provision and protection!

Happy 17th Birthday to our son!

My heart is in my eyes today!  17 years ago this little man child joined our family!  How is this possible that we are now here?!

 I still remember Teddy as this little guy who was so curious and mischievous. 

That little grin and his brown eyes. 

 Now...he is a big guy with the same curiosity and mischievous grin with a sense of humor that doesn't quit...no matter how much I beg for mercy!  He is a friend and defender of his sisters.

                                                             He is athletic and strong.

                                     He is a huge helper, partner in plans, and buddy to his Dad.

                                                           He is kind of loud and crazy!

                                                       He is my helper and protector!

                                                       He has a hard time being serious.

                                           He keeps us laughing and guessing...all the time!

 Dearest Teddy...Don't lose your joy and energy in life.  Be vigilant to recognize the traps that satan will lay for you.  Seek God's wisdom and direction in all that you do.  Continue to work hard and serve others.  We love you!  You make our lives fun...you always have...and we are so thankful you brought some danger to keep your Dad on his toes and your mother on her knees!

                       Ohhhh...here we goooooo...we are now entering SENIOR YEAR TERRITORY!