More pictures

I couldn't get Sarah's birthday picture to download, so here is a picture of the birthday girl, Sarah. She is modeling her Regency tea gown she made for the Cotton Extravaganza (and took first place at County (brag, brag)).

Here is Rebecca modeling her outfit she made for the Cotton Fiesta. She won at County and Distric and will be competing at the State Fair in September.


I can't leave off this picture of my two Knights. These dashing young men caught the eye of a photographer at the County Fair. He was very kind to send us a copy of this photo. I must confess I think these are the four loveliest blessings in the world - that's my opinion, and I'm going to stick to it.

Happy Anniversary

The most important post that should have been made a week ago is a huge big I LOVE YOU to my dear hubby of 20 years!!! Hard to believe he's put up with me all these years, but he has and deserves a medal. I wish I could tell you they have been 20 years of bliss, but some of you would know that was a lie. I will say that we received a gift from our children that made those years of working through difficulties worth it. Our children gave us a piece of paper. This piece of paper was a Marriage renewal that John and I signed as well as "the four witnesses that know us better than anyone else" - our children. They also shared with us how much they appreciate our working on our relationship and giving them a home where they know they are loved. WOW!! Again, there were tears everywhere - including John (mine were a given). I can honestly say that after 20 years, I would still go back and marry him all over again - struggles and all, and I look forward to the next 20, 30, 40 and beyond years of marriage!!

I love you, John, and I dedicate this song to you!!

IF I HAD TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN

We’re not as young as we used to be
But baby I don’t mind
'Cause growing old with you is gonna be
Full of life and good times.

And if I had it to do all over again I’d do it with you
I wouldn't want to miss a thing that we’ve been through
Baby nothing can compare with the good love that we’ve shared
And if I had to do it all over again I’d do it with you.

Looking back on life I can’t complain
It ain’t been easy but don’t you know
We still had sunshine even when it rained
And we’ve shared a love few have known.

And if I had it to do all over again I’d do it with you
I wouldn't want to miss a thing that we’ve been through
Baby nothing can compare with the good love that we’ve shared
And if I had to do it all over again I’d do it with you.

And if I had it to do all over again I’d do it with you
I wouldn't want to miss a thing that we’ve been through
Baby nothing can compare with the good love that we’ve shared
And if I had to do it all over again I’d do it with you...

Belated birthdays

As many of you have emailed and reminded me, I have been very delinquent in my blogging. Let me take a quick moment in the midst of my chaotic world to at least catch up on my birthdays. Caleb is now the big 6!! Way to go my little energetic, bundle of encouragement. It's hard to believe that 6 years ago we all wondered if he would even survive let alone whether he'd have any disabilities. Looking at him now, I just have to laugh at all the worry.

Next, we need to welcome Sarah as a new Youth (she doesn't want to be called a teenager). She turned 13 a few weeks ago, and we were blessed to celebrate with the Heckendorn traditional 13 year old evening (I can only whisper this as I don't want the boys to find out what we do until they turn 13). Let's suffice it to say that the evening is filled with blessing and welcoming our newest young lady. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner in a very special place, shared lots of encouraing words, and shed tears all around (yes, even Daddy.) It was just wonderful.