Evan is 1!

It's hard to believe that on June 24 at 7:32pm Evan will officially be 1 year old. It has been one of the most amazing years of our lives! No matter how much you prepare or how many books you read, you can never be fully ready for the emotions and responsibility that begin the moment your child enters this world. We love being parents and hope God blesses us with a few more children. Since we are heading to PA tomorrow and will be there for a week I decided to post this a little early. We are then vacationing in the Outer Banks with Justin's parents on the way back to FL. All this to say that even though I have good intentions I probably won't blog while I'm gone.

("Safe and Sound" by Matthew West)
Evan,
We can't begin to tell you how much we love you! You have brought us so much joy and laughter! You have been a huge blessing, Sweet Boy. We love watching you discover the world and your little personality develop. Our prayer is that you'll have a personal relationship with Jesus and know the satisfaction of a life lived for Christ. We know that God has a very special plan for your life. We love you Baby Boy!

Daddy and Mommy

Reflections of Father's Day

Growing up in a Christian home I took for granted what it meant to have a Christian Dad. It has only been in the last few years that I have come to realize the impact a father has on his family. The legacy he leaves behind, good or bad. He has been given an incredibly big job. That of leadership of his family. My first memory involves my Dad. While some (including Dad and I when we talk about it) may think it's funny, but it has stuck in my mind all these years. When I was 15 months old David (my brother) was born. I guess I didn't handle switching to a big girl bed very well. I don't remember that part of it. The part I do remember is where Dad took me down to the kitchen every night and we sat in a wooden kitchen chair by the heat register and I would get a spanking for not staying in my bed. I don't remember the pain of the spanking. What I do remember is Dad crying and explaining to me that this hurt him more than it did me and he did it because he loved me. I didn't understand it then, but I do now. Boy do I get it now! The thing is he really meant it! There were so few (only once in fact and that has been apologized for and forgiven) times when I was punished unfairly or unlovingly. I can't begin to explain how grateful I am to have a Dad who loving disciplined me even if it wasn't the popular thing to do! Dad had a wonderful example in my Grandpa Slagenweit who went to his Eternal reward 11 years ago. Grandpa was one of those guys who didn't say a lot but when he did you would be wise to listen to what he said. He could correct you with on soft spoken "Now sir". Dad, thanks for your guidance and love over the years! I know I don't tell you nearly enough, but I love you!

Evan and I have been blessed beyond measure to have Justin as the leader of our home. I couldn't ask for a better husband and Evan couldn't ask for a better Daddy! Nothing melts my heart more than when I hear Justin and Evan giggling in the next room or watch them play together. Being first time parents we were both apprehensive . We wanted to be so careful that we always disciplined in love and never said anything harsh. Justin was very afraid of how he might react. Justin has grown so much spiritually over the past few years and I am so proud of who he has become. I know that he will be an awesome father. How, simply because he puts Christ first and seeks God's wisdom for everything he does. Justin, I just want you to know that today and always I love you. You are a great leader and I am blessed to be your wife. Evan and any other children God may bless us with will be privileged to have you as their Daddy! I love you Sweetheart!

The world today puts so little value in men as husbands and fathers. In TV shows they are degraded and made to look stupid. It's always bothered me that men are given such a bad rap. They have the greatest God given responsibility of all! It's hard enough to fulfill that responsibility without the world telling them they are nothing. God help us to pray for father's as they lead their families!

First Haircut!

While we were in Hobe Sound we asked Uncle Jonathan to cut Evan's hair. To say the least Evan does not like to have his hair cut! I would post the video, but it is very loud. Evan cried the entire time! He looked so much better once his hair was cut. It's needed it for some time now, but I really wanted Jonathan to be the one to cut it.

Visit to Hobe Sound

We were able to travel to Hobe Sound this past weekend to visit with everyone. Of course, I got to spend lots of time holding my newest nephew. What a sweetheart! Jay and Tonya are doing such a great job with him. He's a really good baby. Evan was very fascinated with Tyler as long as Mommy (me) wasn't holding him. We stayed with my Aunt Faye's family and had a fabulous time of food and fun. I mention food because anyone who knows my family knows that we like to eat and when we get together there is an abundance of food. Friday evening we had a mini party for Uncle John who turned 50 earlier in the week. It was also was for Janette who graduated from 8th grade. Janelle and Janette both gave up there rooms for Evan and us. Thank you girls for being so sweet and helping us keep an eye on Evan! Also, thanks to Aunt Faye and Uncle Tommy for opening your beautiful home to us! We really had a wonderful time. Unfortunately I didn't get to many pictures of the rest of the family. I always have good intentions and then forget to get the camera out!
Tyler Mark Slagenweit
Aunt Jennifer and Tyler
Uncle Justin and Tyler

Tyler
Brent and Evan. No orneriness there!:)
Janette and Evan watching Baby Einstein
Ready for church

Mommy, Daddy and Baby Tyler

Visit with Jan and April and Playdate

I thought I'd post a few pics of our visit with Jan and April as well as Evan's first "playdate". The first pic is of Evan and Jan. Jan is Cheryl's first cousin. The second pic is of April, Jan's daughter, and Evan. We had a great time visiting with them. They also brought Evan some very nice presents for his birthday. I'll post more pics of that later. Also, this past month Evan had his first playdate. Graham is the grandson of one of Cheryl's friends. They had a good time playing together. Graham is four months younger than Evan.

Quick Post

This is going to be a quick post as I have a million and one things that need to be done. We are leaving tomorrow for Hobe Sound to see the newest addition to the Slagenweit family. I can't wait to see Tyler! I love being an Aunt! Evan is doing wonderful! He is such a little ham. When we take him to the store he flirts and charms everyone who talks to him (which is pretty much everyone who passes us!). He laughs so much and keeps us laughing. The videos are one of him laughing at an AFV video. I had put him in his highchair for a snack and this clip caught his attention. Since we have DVR we rewinded it about 7 times. The video clip is from the 6th time and he wasn't cracking up as much as the first few times. The second clip is of his Daddy making "Donald Duck getting out of the shower" noises!:) Don't exactly know what that is but Evan thought it was hilarious! I will post more after we get back from the weekend. We had a great visit with some of Justin's family this past week so I will also post pictures from that.