It has been a couple of days. Yesterday was Sunday, which for us means anything but a day of rest, especially for Becky. Meetings for me start at 8:00, church starts at 10:00. That means Becky has to get all five kids ready all by herself. It's hard for me to feel guilty when I am about the Lord's errand.

I am a lot busier with my new calling at church, but it sure is easier than wrestling the kids to get ready at home, and having a spectator's seat up on the stand watching Becky struggle with four kids while nursing the baby couldn't be easier. Steve knows what I am talking about. But just like everyone else in leadership positions I will pretend like the sacrifice is absolutely killing me.

This new church arrangement has really given Emma an opportunity to grow. Throughout the entire meeting she is constantly volunteering to take her little brothers out to the potty or get a drink (not that we have a drinking fountain). The problem with her taking the kids out though is that the building sits right on a very busy highway, and the front doors to the building are automatic sliding glass. When those doors open if you take more than five steps in the wrong direction you are going to get run down by nissan's version of a mack truck. It has been a major concern for all of those who are parents of little kids. However, our Branch President wisely pointed out that in order to eliminate the danger of run-over children, we simply need to teach them differently. Needless to say he doesn't have little kids.

Today was Isaac's fourth birthday. We started the day by opening his presents. Among other things, he got a radio controlled 4-wheeler, with a little guy that sits on top. It goes really fast and actually survived a full day of his abuse. He tested its durability by driving it off the curb, tripping and falling on it when his dad was driving it, and by harrassing Dutchess (family dog) with it who was attacking it like it was a crazed squirrel running through the house.

It has become tradition for Becky to make the kids their birthday cake. She has been able to meet every one of their demands over the years. Isaac's demand this year was for a rocket cake. Relatively simple for her. She made two cakes and chopped one of them up to make the wings and everything. It turned out really well.

Becky invited one of the neighbor families over for cake and ice cream. Mom and dad weren't able to make it, but were nice enough to send all three kids over. Gee thanks.

Its hard to believe he is four. He is really growing up and even let his brother open one of his presents this morning. Happy birthday little man!

-AJW