Justin turns 16!

Today our first born turns 16 years old. Justin Ryan Ryken was born June 11, 1993 in Gorgas Army Community Hospital, Panama. For many years Justin was very proud of the fact that he was Panamanian. He was equally heart broken to finally realize he was an American just with Panamanian citizenship (long story).

We are so proud of the young man that Justin has and is becoming. Even though he is still learning and growing, he has a heart for others and a deep love for Christ. He works hard and is learning patience as he teaches skills to his brothers. The love and tenderness he shows towards his sister in protecting them is very evident.

Here are some brief snapshots of Justin through the years:

6 mos old

10 months old and walking

Virginia - He worked allweek trying to remove the stick from the pile of dirt.

Virginia - not feeling well

Brookfield Zoo - playing follow the leader with Jesica

Ages 6 and 8

Hunting squirrel

Taking his brother, sister and cousin for a tractor ride at Grandpa's

Virginia Reel at Presbytery 2008

David, Jeremy, Garrison, and Justin

Justin playing with Sara

As tall as his dad at age 15.

Happy Birthday, Justin!

Children and Husbands

Recently I discovered a wonderful new blog - "At the Well - In Pursuit of Titus 2". Here is an excerpt from yesterday's post:

"Sure, out in public or via our blogs/social networks we talk all about how are babes are blessings. Uh huh. But how many of you are sincerely experiencing your children as blessings in the day to day? How often does the thought pop in your mind that your kiddos are burdens (shhh...don't tell!)? You don't want to think that way, but some days it's just so...hard to be a mommy. Don't worry, I can't read your mind, your secret is safe with God. He knows. He knows that so often we are exhausted, exasperated, and sometimes even lost when it comes to truly experiencing our children as being blessings, not just "in theory" blessings. He also knows that there is joy to be had."

To read more, click here

Today's post is just as convicting. How often do we nag our husbands and come up with excuses to justify ourselves? Here is an excerpt of today's post:

"How many times do I have to say something before that man will get up and help with the kids!?"

"Doesn't he realize how stressful my day is?!"

"How hard is it to put the towels in the hamper?"

"It would be nice if he would just do one thing without me needing to ask him...."

Have you ever said something like this to your husband?

Or maybe more likely, have you thought them?

To read more, click here