Jadon's almost One Year Old

As Jadon approaches one year of age, we would like to provide some guidance for family and friends who would like to bless Jadon. We would like to provide him with tools that build his imagination and allow him to regulate himself. Therefore, toys that enable this are non-descript, realistic props, general blocks, storybooks (board books) and toys that can be used in many ways. Please contact us with questions and we will be happy to guide you.

The following article from National Public Radio has renewed our interest in this approach. Some research suggests that imaginative play trains kids to manage themselves and have self control. This self regulation, as the article calls it, is supposed to be great indicator of long term success as well.
There is a proverb: "Train up a child in the way he should go,even when he is old he will not depart from it."
That's our goal!
Old Fashion Play Builds Serious Skills

A Day in the Park

The Lord blessed us with a beautiful "drop dead gorgeous" day here in Portland and we took advantage of it! We had so much fun, Will and Jadon are still napping! To view more photos of our beautiful day, click on the link to the right.

Happy Valentines Day

Standing - Talking - Walking - Scooting

Christmas 2007

So Christmas has come and Jadon had his work cut out for him. We enjoyed the company of Suzanne, a coworker of Deanna, on Christmas eve. Sorry the dinner was not more traditional Suzanne.
Suzanne brought some great goodies for Jadon. In the great green bag Jadon discovered a fluffy lamb, a top, pants and a hoodie sweatshirt! Thanks!


Jadon next set into the presents from Will's parents. Nice red packages tied up with ribbon were placed before him. But if the camera is on you have to stop for a good photo oppertunity. Besides, the camera makes a funny orange light before the flash so Jadon knows when to look.



Jadon soon discovered the Glow worm and books (Videos below). A great big thank you to all who blessed us with gifts this year. I will be taking Jadon out for little runs on nice days now that I have a jogging and bike carrier to take Jadon in.






And on Christmas day we were given a white Christmas. You can see our tree, Jadon, Deanna, and Rocky inside as the snow falls outside our condo.

On December 8th our family went out to cut down a perfectly good tree and bring it inside so we could decorate it. I'll have to see where this tradition comes from and it's "meaning"... Hey, give me a break, it's just the way I think.

Anyway, Jadon was slightly overdressed since it had to be the most beautiful day of the entire winter. Not a cloud in the sky, so no rain and plenty of sun. Even so the temperature was about 46.

Since we now live in the Northwest we thought perhaps the weather had killed off all the creepy-crawlies that live on trees, so I did not rinse the tree off. After bringing the tree in however, I was put to work catching a couple of six and eight legged hitch-hikers.

This year we decorated the tree with ornaments and glass bulbs that Neita had delivered to us. As long as Jadon and Rocky are not pulling them off the tree we'll be happy to use them! My parents contributed an ornament too. It shows Linus of Peanuts fame, reciting the Nativity story from the Gospel of Luke.

Now, all I have to do is continually water the tree each day to make sure to keep it healthy and alive. A year or two ago it was a hassle to take the tree down and retrim it after the base sealed over with sap and started to die.

A dried up Christmas tree could be a great illustration of how life with Jesus can be. When connected to the water or Spirit of God, we have life. We constantly need to fill up with God or we dry up. Life dries up!

Here's a prayer that all who read this remember the reason for the season and connect with the nurturing and sustaining life in Christ during this Christmas. Take a few moments to be still, pray, reread the real Christmas story or take an obedient step of faith in the Love of God. After all, as Linus says, "that's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown".

In His Grip,
Will

Jadon Giggling

Deanna placed Jadon on the floor and had a little fun with ribbon and making noises at him. Jadon giggled and we caught a bit of his fun on the camera. Gee when was the last time you just relaxed on the floor and laughed with those you love... or maybe he was laughing "at" us? Hey when your parents make silly noises and move the camera around maybe you just gotta laugh.