January 2006

Four months have gone by since the last update, and we have celebrated several birthdays and holidays. Eric's birthday was October 5 and then Sophie's birthday was on October 13.  We had her the weekend before her birthday. 

Mom was not planning to go to her party at the park the following weekend, so we had a little party at Mom's house.  Our card playing friends had already bought Sophie a gift, so I was glad they could watch her open it.  I made a cake spelling SOPHIE with M & Ms like I always did for my home day care children.  We all had a great time. 

Eric and Connie held Sophie's birthday party at Maxie Park in Lubbock.  A few of Sophie's friends came with their parents, and there were several family members present, also.  Sophie requested everything "blue," and that's what she got!  The children enjoyed playing in the park and the weather was beautiful for this time of year.  We feel blessed to be included in family events such as this. 
 

For Halloween Sophie was dressed as a Texas Tech cheerleader.  Eric and Connie brought her over after she got candy in Lubbock.  We gave her a puzzle, which she put together while the adults visited.  About TT -- Joe and Eric had tickets to the home FB games and Joe thoroughly enjoyed it!  Eric's folks sold them the tickets from a block they get every year.  Joe will cheer for TT as long as it isn't against KU.  I guess during the TT and KU game he must have stuck out like a sore thumb with his KU Jayhawk sweatshirt and hat in the sea of Red Raider fans.

Mike and Maria came to visit over Thanksgiving, and we exchanged Christmas gifts with them.  Connie's sister was in Lubbock with her family, too, so we were only with them for one meal and to open gifts on Wednesday.  Eric's parents came and ate with us that noon, also. 

Sophie came to spend the night with us a few days before Joe's birthday, so I took the opportunity to surprise Joe.  She helped me decorate Joe's cake, and we had gone shopping and bought Grandpa Joe a KU hat.  Sophie made him a real cute card, and had so much fun helping him blow out his candles!  Eric, Connie, Sophie and Mom came the Friday before Christmas and we exchanged gifts with them, ate lunch, and played games most of the afternoon.  Then they let Sophie spend the night here, which is always a treat!  We were invited to Connie's surprise birthday party at her parents' home on Jan. 12.

I will leave you with this appropriate Bible passage:  "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way.  Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.  I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken" (Psalm 37:23-25).