Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all." Proverbs 31:28-29 (emphasis added)

Today is my Mom's 38th birthday - but you couldn't tell. After 9 children and 10 pregnancies, most people think she is still in her mid-twenties. When she brings Jacob out with her, she always gets "oh, is this your first?". I love the expression on peoples faces "What? Your NINTH?!"

I don't know how she does it - homeschooling 3 highschoolers (well, 1 is almost done with school), 2 grade-schoolers and 1 in kindergarten - ALONG with 2 toddlers and 1 newborn!! She also runs the house, manages the finances, and is continually opening our home to friends - and sometimes people we don't know!

Mom is amazingly hospitable. We usually have a couple different families staying with us during the course of a month. Last year, there was once when we had 3 extra families here (one family did bring their camper) for a total of 40 people here!! Not once did I hear her complain. "Use hospitality one to another without grudging." 1Peter 4:9

Most importantly, she is (has) training (ed) us to fear the Lord, and walk with Him. She is a great example of submission, wether to Dad or to the Lord. "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord." Ephesians 5:22

I love you so much Mom!! I am so thankful you're my Mom!
~Aliisa~

p.s. for some reason our computer isn't letting me post pictures - otherwise there would be plenty!