The Birthday Celebration

Faith's birthday was a two-part celebration. We had cupcakes with our friends, the Angells, on Faith's actual birthday, then had her party last Saturday. The first couple are from her actual birthday, where she got to open her presents from her family. She got a new doll from Mama and Daddy, lots of new baby clothes from Grammie and Papa, and a new doll stroller from Grandma and Grandpa. I love the picture of her with the cupcake the best. We asked her what the best part of her birthday was and she said, "the prizes".

On Saturday, we had her party at a local place called "Lil Biggs". This is a place where there are lots of different "stations" for the kids to play in. There is a pretend hospital, jail, boutique and more. The kids can dress up and just run around. Faith and her friends had a great time. As we sat down for cake, presents and pizza, we heard Faith announce to the table that she was in charge. After correcting her and diverting her with cake and presents, everyone had a good time. For those that have heard about Cooper from school, the little boy in the picture with Faith is Cooper. Over all, Faith's birthday was a lot of fun, and she is really enjoying all of her new things.

"Baby" Faith is 4!

Fingerprints of God

Never has there been and never again

Will there be another you

Fashioned by God's hand

And perfectly planned

To be just who you are

And what He's been creating

Since the first beat of your heart

Is a living breathing priceless work of art and

I can see the fingerprints of God

When I look at you

I can see the fingerprints of God

And I know its true

You're a masterpiece

That all creation quietly applauds

And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

Just look at you

You're a wonder in the making

Oh and God's not through no

In fact He's just getting started…

- Steven Curtis Chapman

As we get ready to welcome another baby, it has been very hard to acknowledge that "Baby" Faith is 4. She tells me more and more frequently not to call her "Baby Faith", but that is what she's always been. So, when I hear her "reading" to her dolls, or counting to 75, it's a little bit shocking. She is so much fun to be around- she is so smart and affectionate. Everytime she has a treat, her face lights up as if she's never seen candy before. Her imagination when she is playing with her dolls is unending.

I am privileged to be her mother and thank God everyday for blessing us with Faith.

Staff Sergeant Ryan Struck

Ryan is officially a Staff Sgt. today. We found out on August 20th that he had received a line number from the Staff Test (essentially meaning he passed the test). His line number was low enough that he did not have to wait very long to actually put his new rank on. For those close to us, you know that this day has been about 3 years coming and has at times been frustrating, discouraging and painful.
With that behind us, his promotion ceremony was Friday afternoon. His colleagues were there, as was our good friend Brian to celebrate with him. For those who are not familiar to military promotions, you have your stripes literally "punched on". Ryan chose his supervisor and the NCOIC incharge of his department to punch his stripes on. Both of these men have been very supportive of Ryan since we have been at the Academy. I am very proud of Ryan for persevering, pushing himself and remaining committed to a strong work ethic, no matter what rank he wears.
So, Ryan is asking me to be sure to call him Sgt. from now on...I don't know if that applies to everyone else as well or not. But maybe you could be sure to call him "Sergeant Struck" at least for this week.