Happy Birthday Daddy!

I love you soooooooooo big!

Robert's Doing Fine

Well, he's doing as well as can be expected. We picked him up this afternoon at the surgery center. We went to the little room where he was and I tried as best I could to explain to Lily what was happening. I told her "Daddy has a big owie and we need to take care of daddy". She looked at him in the hospital bed and said, very sadly, "Daddy owie. Poor poor daddy". She wanted to climb on him right away and when she couldn't, she insisted on giving him a kiss. She wanted to help him with everything. She helped him put his shoes on and she helped the nurse push him in the wheelchair. The whole way home she repeated over and over and over again, "Daddy owie. Poor poor daddy". This little girl is very empathetic and very concerned about her daddy. Have I ever mentioned that she is just the sweetest thing? I think her spiritual gifts may be mercy and service, but I'm sure it's too soon to really tell. Anyway, we are thankful God has answered our prayers and that Robert is safely home here with us. We love you daddy. Get well soon!

Home Again and All is Well

First of all, I had an amazing time in Salt Lake City! I didn't get to see much of it...the convention kept us pretty busy. The lake looked really nice from the airplane though! We had so much fun and got lots of new stuff. We got to make several projects (I'll post pictures soon), buy lots of stuff at the Momento Mall (that's where they sell convention memorabilia) and got tons of new ideas. I'm having my New Catalog Open House this Saturday and can hardly wait! But more importantly, Lily did incredibly well while I was gone. God must have really prepared her heart for my being gone. Almost always she cries in the morning if I'm not the one to get her up...even daddy won't do. But she didn't do that while I was gone. She was happy to see her Nai Nai and from what I've heard, they had a pretty great time together. I am so thankful for that. Thank you Nai Nai! It made the trip so much more enjoyable knowing that she was doing so well.

On another note, Robert is having his gallbladder surgery tomorrow at noon. If it comes to mind, please pray for everything to go smoothly and for a quick recovery. We leave for Oregon a week from tomorrow, and I just want him to be comfortable so he can enjoy the trip. The doctor said he should be fine to go...a little uncomfortable and it probably won't be a good idea for him to drive. That's fine as my mom is going too, so she and I can take turns driving. I just pray the surgery and recovery go smoothly and that he won't be in a lot of pain.

And on one more note, for those of you who may be interested in following up with Steven Curtis Chapman and his family after the loss of Maria, they are scheduled to be on Good Morning America this Wednesday, 8/6, on Larry King Live Thursday, 8/7 and they have an "extensive feature" in People Magazine scheduled to be on shelves 8/15. I pray God will be glorified as they proclaim their faith in and love for Him, even as they walk through this valley. They know Gods' promises are true and He has promised never to leave or forsake us, and that all things work together for good...for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. I pray many will seek Him after hearing what the Chapmans have to say.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Last year, for Robert's 40th birthday, we had a big ol' luau at our house to celebrate.

We had lots of fun decorations...

...and TONS of food.

We had lots of friends and family...this is James, Allison and Lydia...

...Jenny and Phil...

...Marcos and Angela...

...Mike and Kerry...

...Jocelyn (daughter to Jenny and Phil)...

...even Shayna got in on the festivities!

And we had this amazing cake decorated by Robert's sister, Ellen.

This year was much more subdued with a small, quiet

(and fabulous!) dinner at Robert's mom's house.

There was a small, new addition to the party this year who was absent for the last. I'll let you decide which birthday was better....

Robert's Blog

I've found writing to be helpful during this whole adoption process. It was mostly for me but I thought I'd share it with whomever wished to view my rambled thoughts.

http://thoughtsofafather.blogspot.com/

Robert