Eighteen Today

{Once again, no digital photos for younger years....}

Jamin is 18 years old today!

There were times many wondered if Jamin would survive childhood. He was in the ER almost routinely...jumped off a picnic table - stitches, brick landed on his head - stitches, jumped off a fence - stitches....and there were the quite frequent trips to relocate his shoulder.....Chick-Fil-A has a first aid kit with Jamin's name on it. ::snort::

I was told by many that Jamin would "never learn to read or write if you don't drug him now." We chose not to. Looking back we now know that Jamin has many of the same "alphabets" as Zander. That gives me great hope and peace as we walk Zander's path. An older friend told me years ago - when Jamin was about 5 - that I'd cherish my relationship with Jamin as an adult because I had "paid the price" for the young man he would become. I wasn't sure exactly what she meant.....may really not be now...but I've got to tell you that I THRILL when I see Jamin calm, collected, reading, writing and pursuing his dreams....because so many said it wouldn't happen. God is good! We often laugh around here when we watch Zander. Jamin finds it hard to believe he was as much of a handful as Zander - but his older siblings guarantee him he was. ::snort::

I love the passion that drives Jamin into any new pursuit.

I love how kind and caring he has become with Zander and Stacia.

Life has not been easy for Jamin in our family. Jamin is an introvert who craves routine. God placed him in the midst of a large and somewhat chaotic family (though we HAVE tried to establish routine and isolation as needed). I can remember when he was YOUNG having many conversations with Jamin in which I would attempt to assure him that God had placed him in our family because he was best for us and because we were best for him. I told him that, left to his own nature, (and if he'd had his heart's desire to be an only child), he'd never learn to interact with all the personalities he sees daily. It was a joy to read his letter to the editor last weekend and see 1. that he's learned to communicate on topics of social relevance in a way that his generation and culture can "hear", 2. that he had the passion to take a stance, and 3. that he said he was GLAD he wasn't aborted and that he grew up in a large family. YES, GOD! You've blessed our lives with our introvert and we've blessed his.

Jamin, we are so very proud of you and the path you have traveled. We are proud of the work of grace that God has preformed in your life. We look forward to see where God is taking you next. I have no doubt that we will one day see your novels carried by a major publisher. I'm also not surprised that you are drawn to intercultural ministries.

I'm sorry that Dad isn't here for your birthday. We'll celebrate big when he returns. Happy Birthday!

Oh, the trials of an introvert with lots of younger siblings....

...but there is always a way to find a spot alone.

Jamin's 2003 birthday - 12 years old

He doesn't even LIKE fishing but does it with his brothers and dad! LOL

Fall 2005

Second novel done - 2008!



Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Be Very Careful....

of the traditions you unknowingly begin. Write one sappy birthday blog and you'd best settle in for months of sappiness. ::snort:: Seriously, I didn't plan to write public tributes for each person - but I'm glad it's a new tradition. I have stacks of journals here - one for each family member - and I'm supposed to be filling them. It's weighed on me each year that they weren't filling up....and so maybe it's the accountability of this that is helping me DO IT - so there you have it. Embrace your inner sap. ::snort:: Yes, we are gearing up for a birthday tomorrow.

Dad Earl update - Be sure to check the text box at the top of the blog for updates...but this is what I know as of now. Mike reached CA this afternoon. He called to say that Dad Earl is out of the hospital. Mike and I've not been able to talk beyond that. I know they are arranging home health care of some sort.

In other news, Jared and I have been in the midst of making tough (for us) decisions. I think we've come through the process. I'll write more one of these days.

Zander learned a lesson today.....and it deserves its own blog... but I may forget by morning if I don't write it now. The bottom line: "Mom, I'm glad that God is like you with a magic eraser for my messes." That'll preach.

My little camera isn't working. The Nikon needed charging...it's taken all day so I figure I've done something wrong. No photos today...but given the day Zander had he's happy to have no photos. ::snort::

I'm flat out exhausted and going to bed.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Ahoy, Matey

Zander was a captive native who was made a slave....


...to this viking princess, Stacia.


This pirate attempted to steal the Viking princess. She was saved by the loyal bondslave.

There you have it. Homeschooling: all the threads of life being seamlessly woven into play. ::snort::

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

I Promise I'll See You Again....

Mike flew out yesterday. Stacia is a bit confused about how long he will be gone, and where he is going....she blessed him with her standard goodbye...."I promise I'll see you again. I love you." She asked me if he would be gone like Bre and Krista? No, honey, just a short bit this time.

Mike landed in Eugene at 2 a.m. our time. I've not heard more, but will update when I do.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

$3,000 of Groceries

Have you ever wondered what $3,000 of groceries would look like?

It's hard to really get perspective...I took all but the first seat out of our 15 pass van....

Just in case a new blog reader would think I spend $3K a month on groceries...no, they are not all ours. We coordinate a United Natural Foods co-op. LOL

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Frigthening! Aren't they?

Enjoying Nolan and Zander's birthday present...laser tag guns. We are dreaming of a big field at night...but evidently the house will do just fine.

OK - I know. I get it. This is teaching our children to play with guns.....but what can I say? They enjoy playing laser tag and this is far cheaper than going to the "place".

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Winners - Claim your prize

Finally, some book winners. Thanks for your patience. You have one week from today to email me with contact info. Either email me at our family email or at dschoosingjoy@gmail.com , rather than the old yahoo one. I actually CHECK this one because it pops up right by my google reader. I had to go with the "one week" thing because books were backing up. Any books that have been unclaimed within a week will be re listed. With the exception of the singles book, Arielle picked numbers and then I went to see who had won.

Here you go:

*When God Writes Your Love Story* - I said I would give any singles who entered priority, then parents of singles....we had two singles enter. This is a no brainer! I'll send a copy of this book to BreAnne (my babe) and Ruth Russell. Bre and Ruth, email me your mailing addresses and I'll have these shipped from Amazon.

*I Do Again* - This one goes to Hope of Reflections of Hope

*The Love As A Way of Life Devotional* - Darci - dkoski@roadrunner.com

*For Couples Only* - Jodi at Snapped!

*Intimate Issues* - Because of a very generous publisher and a postal glitch, I have several copies to give away of this title. These copies go to Connie (from Kelly's giveaway), Bobbie Jo from Just Me Bobbie Jo , Kris from Just as I Am, Yvonne from Grateful for Grace, and Holly from Household Six . This one made me chuckle. I think Arielle was tired of "choosing numbers" and so went 3, 4, 5, or whatever....but then I realized all but Yvonne are military spouses....PWOC sisters...yep...doing my part to stir things up in the military. ::snort::

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.