All Noah Wanted For Christmas...

Well Christmas has rushed upon us. But this Christmas has a much different feel than other years. This year has brought some great trials in our lives, and trials brother-in-law blessings. The award for greatest trial of the year has to go to our oldest, Noah, for busting out his two front adult teeth. On September 10, 2007 (four days before his birthday), Noah was at scouts being led in the "Feats of Skill" qualifications. It was his turn to do the "frog stand". This feet requires you to put your hands on the ground and lift your legs up around your arms like a frog. As I watched my son perform this feet, I wondered how well thought out it was. I then made the prophetic announcement "We should stop this before someone busts out their teeth." Noah then fell on his face, shards of teeth all around. My heart sank in ways that words cannot express. I was furious with the scout leader for allowing such a dangerous activity to harm my child... unfortunately I could not yell at him because standing in front of the mirror screaming at myself seemed a little bit on the crazy side.

But Scout HQ got a call from me about this activity and so did their insurance company. Noah had two root canals and while in the dentist chair one of the teeth came completely out. The endodontist (root canal doc) said we should wait a while before we do anything cosmetic. The trauma to his teeth was significant, but we would try to save his teeth until he is about 18 years old when he can get implants. I have been sick about this, yet Noah has faced this trial with his standard jovial faith driven character. For the last three months he has shown off his smile and then broken into song..."All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth....".

Well all this heartbreak aside, three weeks later the poor guy ended up with an infection around his eye that looked like someone shoved a golf ball under his eye lid. So we were treated to a new song..."I'm popeyed the sailor man...toot tooooot"....

Noah continues to amaze me with his ability to face this trial with the faith that is promised in the gospel and this week he got his Christmas wish...

The new teeth are not permanent, but they do bring back his smile. Noah has also brought James 1:2-4 alive for us.

The 21st Century

Well we have finally done it. Cell phones, DSL and now a blog. After years of being disconnected from dear friends we now look to the information highway to reconnect. So don't be shy, add us, send us your comments, make quipy remarks about bad grammer; and inproper spelingz.

As for an update, we are living in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Lynard Skynard fans will know us by the song "Sweet Home Alabama", which was not only recorded down the street but mentions our town by name. We own a house that gets nicer with every tax return in the same neighborhood that George Jones used to live in, along with many other musicians... ohh, and we have three great kids.

Jen is sitting next to me rolling her eyes wondering why she allowed me the chance to enter our first blog entry, but I digress.

Noah is 8 years old and is in the second grade. Elijah is 4 and is incredibly charming (and knows it). Elizabeth is 2 and is into everything. I am a pastor of a 40 year old Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (yes a real pastor with preaching and everything). While Jennifer has only grown more beautiful over the last 12 years, I have simply grown less hair. But our first blog entry would be incomplete without mentioning our dog, Kolbe. But I can explain his name at a later date.

This being my first blog, I don't want to blow it by telling our whole story, so check back early and often...The best is yet to come!!!!!!!!