Winner

Remember this post? You know, the one that made me famous? Heh. Yeah, I'll admit I almost forgot about awarding a winner. I went back and forth, back and forth over whether to be lazy and award someone with stupid, useless Beaver points (which, I mean SOUNDS cool) or to award someone with an ACTUAL prize.

I chose a prize. I mean, if you like what I'm giving away, it's a PRIZE. Otherwise, use it as a coaster.

Annnyway..... (insert drumroll)

The lucky winner is the 8rd (chuckle, chuckle) commenter which was The Bannister Family! Congrats Bannisters! I'll be giving you a copy of David Platt's new book Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From The American Dream.

You can see my original post of Elizabeth's messed up birthday cake by clicking here.

And, as for clarification on the "fixed" version of the cake...if my memory serves me correctly (which most times my memory does not serve me at all, much less correctly so take this as you will)...

Almost 4 years ago, when I ordered this cake, I stood beside the lady as she wrote out our cake order. On her scratch pad she wrote, "Happy 2rd Birthday Elizabeth."

To which I said, "Don't you mean second?"

In turn, she scribbled out the entire "2rd" and wrote something, undecipherable, above it. Yes, I should have asked for further clarification. No, I didn't. Clearly.

And, just for the record, when I write "2rd," in my head, I hear the word "terd."

Poop is inevitable when you read my posts, people. Even when I talk about cake. Deal with it. I do do.

Happy Birthday Aaron!

Two. Two years ago yesterday our lives changed forever. As we went about our normal day, just minutes down the road our sweet boy was taking his first breaths, unbeknown to us. Yes, our lives changed that very day even though we had no clue they were changing.

How we thank God for Aaron's life. As a step of obedience to God's calling on our life, we chose to pursue foster care for our family. Aaron (and his little sister Olivia) are God's greatest rewards for our choice of obedience. And even though somedays life with two toddlers (and 4 other kids) is chaotic and a struggle, we wouldn't have it any other way.

Aaron,

At two years old you are a fiercely independent little man. You prefer to play alone most of the time even though you want to know what everyone else is doing. You like all starchy foods and defy most everything else put on your plate. You have the sweetest laugh and your chuckles tend to get everyone else vying for your attention to see who can cause the most belly laughs in a row.

You love to climb on anything that will allow you. You live to ride on our battery powered cars for hours on end. You love all things to do with animals, especially fish. You are sweet on your littlest sister and love to give her kisses over and over and over again. You can jump and get both of your chubby little feet completely off the floor and you adore wearing shoes, particularly your boots. And, you continue to give the best, most snuggly hugs of anyone.

We love you so much sweet Aaron boy. And though your independence and strong determination continually challenge us as parents, we can't imagine our family without you. We pray that God will use your story of adoption and redemption for His glory. We pray that your life is devoted to Christ and you love Him with the fierceness and determination that you live the rest of your life. I love you so much sweet boy, so much more than my words on a page could ever express.

With all my heart,

Mommy