Jodavid's 11th Birthday

Happy Birthday Jodavid!

We woke Jodavid singing "A Happy Birthday to you."

We told Jodavid memories of the time of his birth. Just days before his birth Mother kissed us good-night and said, "If it is a boy we will call him Jodavid." Our brothers were praying for a boy. They kissed mommy and they kissed her dress over her tummy saying "Good night, Jodavid!"

When mother had contractions in the night, we dressed quickly. Mother curled her hair before going to the hospital. Regina said we had no time because mother was walking very slowly and asked her to tie her shoes. We all got in our "tin can van" and headed toward our preferred Doctor Marconi about half an hour away. Lance (9 1/2 years) from the back of the van yelled "Mom don't push!" then said, "How come he's crying when he's not out yet?" Mother said "He's out yet."

We stopped at a closer hospital. About five nurses came out put baby and the placenta on a cart and took him into the elevator.

We gave Jodavid a new large print bible for his birthday,

then read the scripture together-all reading from the same translation.

Jodavid picked a big bowl of cherries for our breakfast.

Daddy stayed back to work on cum folders.

He had been working days-teaching

and nights-moving bees for the past week.

We visited the Wooten's church about 10 miles away and were blessed by the teaching of a young homeschooled seminary student named Reed (in the white tie below). His passion and ambition for knowing God's word is encouraging.

We thank God for the Wooten family. Mrs. Wooten made a delicious dinner for all those who came to church special for Reed's going away for nine months to India, the Philippines and Peru.

Reed, a ministerial student, will soon be leaving to India to help a missionary and preach the gospel. We pray the Lord will do great things through him.

And, through the word of Jesus Christ the Kingdom of God will grow:
"Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this." Isa 9:7

Mr.Wooten, in the center of the picture above,

mentored our brothers in beekeeping

and is now guiding me in queen bee rearing.

His kindness will not be forgotten.

A birthday party for Jodavid!

Jodavid wanted to go mow the orchard, but settled for more

Cherry Picking

Victor is the life of the party playing the "Inventors" game.