Lydia's First Slumber Party and Her Birthday Letter

Lydia learned about Out of the Garden's ministry to underfed students through her Brownies troop. Our family joined her in running a 5K race on the morning of her birthday. Russell rode along in his stroller. The event was part of the Human Race that raises money for charity. (Lydia is pictured on the far right above and J.T. is behind her)

Lydia's Slumber Party at Home

Clockwise: Lydia T., Tatum C., Samantha P., Caroline C., Kinsleigh N., Kayla R., Nina H., Margot C., and Leah R.

Anna B., Elisabeth B., Bethany B., Lydia T., and Jen T.

Dear Lydia,

Happy 9th birthday! As I’ve watched you develop this past year, I can clearly see you being like your
sweet father in your love of running. As a 3rd grader, you were finally able to join the running club at your school. We ran a 5K race this Fall and you would do it again every week if we had the time!

When you look back, years from now, you may wonder what was going on in
my life aside from the joy I experienced raising you. So, I’d like you to know
that, apart from the fun I’ve had with you, something I’ve particularly enjoyed
about my life is traveling within N.C. and to Wisconsin this year to share the healing message of my book, The Five Languages of Apology.

There have been hard times this year, too. One of the toughest things you bravely faced was getting 5 rabies shots over 3 weeks after we found a bat in our house.

And even though you have lots of other friends, you seem to really particularly
enjoy Tatum Church because of your many weeks spent together as we have exercised with her family at the park, the track, and the gym. You two have become the sisters that each of you needs.

One of your qualities that I especially admire is how you give gifts to others. You frequently make crafts and pictures to give to family and friends. We're blessed to have my sister and her family nearby. She keeps you kids for me while I work on Wednesdays. She says that you so often bless her with gifts.

This last year of knowing you and watching you develop has meant so much to
me.
I love you, and that’s why I’ve written you this letter. It’s my Legacy of Love
for your Lifetime.

Mom

Speaking in Wisconsin

Susan (left) and Jennifer (right). Susan Freund is the founder and director of Think Marriage, based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I had a great time speaking for their Valentine's Day Weekend Marriage retreat.

New friends: Co-presenter Kelly (left) and his wonderful wife, Dorie (right).

I flew into Milwaukee. Fortunately, the weather was chilly (not above freezing) but dry.

2011 Myrtle Beach Marathon

J.T. (above) is on the front row on the left in a blue tank top

J.T. finished this marathon with a new personal record 3 hours, 9 minutes, 12 seconds. The happy details: he finished well among the crowd of 1500 runners and he was 4th out of 200 in his age group. This time qualifies him to run in the New York City Marathon and to repeat his 2006 running of the Boston Marathon (in April 2012).

This trip with friends has become an annual tradition. We have warm memories of these trips, as well as our Fall 2010 trip to Greece with both of the ladies in yellow below (and their spouses). Notice that Steve (below) who has white hair and a beard looks quite a bit like the fisherman in the painting behind him. Mr. Gorton?

Russell's "Portrait Studio" and Email to Thomas (Grandparents) About Ross's Tonsillectomy

Hi-

How are our world travelers doing??? We hope you're enjoying your big
adventure in South America.

Anne Elise, what do you think of the revolution in Egypt? I imagine
the news coverage includes many places you know well.

Ross has been at home all week with the fever and sore throat illness
that had Lydia at home for 3 days last week. He looks to be all
better today and is enjoying the DVD Secretariat at the moment. John
is having a very busy week at work. He went to their planned new
office in the Triangle yesterday and today he's in Charlotte. He
finds this leaves little time to prepare for his client meetings- also
heavily sprinkled throughout this week. His boss will be away next
week which provides for fewer meetings. Whew!

I'm prepping for my 4 talks in Wisconsin on 2/11 and 2/12. Hope the
weather will be manageable up there! We only saw rain here this week,
of course.

I'm attaching some photos from Christmas, one shot of John and Ross
waiting for Ross's tonsillectomy surgery, and a photo of Russell with
his toy dog. In that photo, Russell had set up the cardboard to be a
backdrop (like our McCain family photo in December). The yellow car
is the chair in the portrait studio and his dog is, of course, the
subject of his portrait. Pa, you might have another photographer
there!

Love to all-
Jen

Lydia Sings the Months of The Year- Age 3.wmv

December 2010 at Home

Ross's Tonsillectomy

We had Ross's tonsils removed due to repeated cases of strep throat. None of our kids seem to snore but I've heard that the surgery would also help that and sleeping or behavioral problems.

Pre-Op Ross played on his 1st electronic gadget- an Ipod he saved up and bought from Noah L. Mom and Dad (behind the camera) waited somewhat nervously.

Post-Op visit with the Bishops. Thank you for the ice cream!

Ross and Dr. Kraus (above). Ross stayed in the Day Surgery Center overnight with J.T. They watched sports on TV.

Dr. Kraus gave ear tubes to Lydia when she was 2 so this is our second procedure with him. He reported after the surgery that Ross's adenoids had been blocking 90% of his airway. Writing this 5 months later, Ross has remarked to me that it is now easier for him to breathe while swimming.

Scotty Humphries kindly delivered a milkshake for Ross.

Ross's pitiful look here was typical of his recovery period. He returned to school 11 days post-surgery.