cooking up a birthday

sunday night we had the joy of celebrating our friend, e's first birthday. it is hard for me to believe that it has been a year since we went to visit her in the hospital when she was born last year. it was such a sweet moment for me to see our boys sit in the floor and play with her. we've been friends with her parents since before we had kids and we've shared a lot of memories with them.

happy 1st birthday e! we love you!

and today is also our neighbor k's 12th birthday. since today was noodle's cooking with mom day, we made her a chocolate birthday cake. noodle really thought it was awesome that i let him use the beater to mix up the cake. it was sweet for the boys to have an opportunity to literally love our neighbor. they hand delivered the cake this afternoon and k was so excited.

and i was able to talk to my sweet friend julie today who just gave birth to her fourth child, her first son, on sunday. you might remember that julie is the one who introduced john to me and is a dear sweet friend to both of us. congratulations julie, mark and girls on the new baby BOY!

all these babies and birthdays had me thinking a lot today about babies. and then i hear this on family life today on the radio. if you are still wondering if your family is complete, should you have more kids, should you have kids at all, please take 25 minutes to listen to this broadcast. it still has me thinking and in fact, i have it playing on the computer right now for john to listen to as he grades papers.

take a listen and let me know what you think. in the meantime, i am meditating on these words:

Psalm 127

A SONG OF ASCENTS. OF SOLOMON. Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Psalm 128

A SONG OF ASCENTS. Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways!
2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.
5 The LORD bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!
6 May you see your children's children! Peace be upon Israel!