Yes, it’s true; I’m now an old man in my thirties. It’s not all that bad, really.

I’ve had a great birthday celebration so far. Last Thursday, on my 30th birthday, Julie surprised me by coming to my work with Rebecca, some black balloons, and Krispy Kreme doughnuts for my coworkers! That evening, we went out for dinner and dessert, and I got to open my birthday present – a Timex Ironman Data Link watch! It’s very cool, and I’ve been having fun uploading alarms, appointments, phone numbers, and even a simple Yahtzee game to the watch from my computer. It’s a fun toy, to be sure, but I hope to get good use out of it as well. Of course, the best part is that I can look to my wrist when I forget what day of the week it is!

I also got a lovely card from my favorite daughters… On Saturday, the girls went to Lynden to hang out with Grandpa and Grandma, so Julie and I got to stay home and do some chores that needed to get done. Saturday evening, we went out to eat with friends from church – we drove down to Everett to eat at Chang’s Mongolian Grill. Very good stuff – I ate far more than my fill.

Today (Sunday), Julie and I went to church together – without kids – almost like old times – and then went to Lynden to reunite our family and have Sunday dinner with Julie’s parents. We had a good dinner and dessert, and I got to open another present – the Babylon 5 Movie Collection! I can’t wait to watch them! I’m also very thankful for the cards, gifts, and birthday wishes I got this past week from others in my family. Thanks, everyone!

So, I’ve had a great birthday, and more is on the way – Julie has graciously planned for me a birthday party with friends from work this Friday night, which is sure to be a great time.

If I am to grow old, I’m so glad I’ll be doing it with my wonderful wife Julie. I have no doubt that the best of life is yet to come – Lord willing.

I just wanted to let everyone know that I’m currently a young man in my twenties.

Reflecting on my youth reminds me of my favorite song from elementary school, “I Wonder How It Felt.” The chorus held deep meaning for me as a child, and still does today, for I will always be a child of God, with eternal life before me.

  I’m just a child
    My life is still before me
  I just can’t wait
    To see what God has for me
  But I know that I will trust Him
    And I’ll wait to see
      What life will be for me

This past Saturday, we spent the day upgrading our three upstairs bedroom windows that face the backyard from single-pane aluminum to low-E double-pane vinyl. Our bedroom window was especially bad, so we’re really pleased to have it replaced. We also installed baseboard in our newly painted office, so it was a busy day! It feels great to have it done.

Our sincere thanks go to Julie’s parents, who once again sacrificed a Saturday to help us improve our home.

On Friday evening we enjoyed the annual Carnival at Mount Vernon Christian School, where Sarah attends first grade. Unfortunately, the weather was a bit drizzly – autumn has come early to the Pacific Northwest – but they moved many of the attractions into the gym, so it wasn't so bad. We had hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and a drink for dinner, followed by a variety of games and activities in exchange for tickets, which were purchased for 25 cents a ticket. There was a bouncy castle, popcorn, cotton candy, a throw-the-ball-into-the-hole game, and a bunch of other activities we didn't participate in, including a dunk tank and pony rides! Our final activity was the Cake Walk, which is a little bit like musical chairs, except that it's not so competitive, and the winner gets a cake! We won a tasty white cake and had some of it for dessert this evening.

Anyway, it was a good time, and it's always nice to help the school. The event seemed well-attended, so hopefully a good amount of funds was raised.

It's video time! Click on the pictures below (and wait!) for short videos showing Sarah, Bethany, and Rebecca in motion!