This Guy!

 

My wonderful husband turned 65 just this month.  Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!  (He's rockin' that bowtie, isn't he?)

We celebrated him the Sunday before his birthday because we already had a church dinner on the calendar.  Party, anyone?  We multitask every chance we get.

Then our family celebration took place at our house last night. His favorite meal was on docket - chicken and dumplings finished off with peach cobbler for dessert.  This is a picture of the beautiful table Kristin created for us. It's not easy to create such loveliness that will accommodate little hands, too.  Somehow, she and her sisters always do.

The tables have black tablecloths to represent Frank's classy side.  The table runner is of camouflage because he has battled faithfully for our family as spiritual head.  The silver candle holders speak of his wisdom.  And words describing him are scattered all around.  Words like: faithful, kind, strong, fun and so on.  This family loves their Papa! 

When our crew all get together it is a loud, loving, laughter-filled evening.  Our new neighbors are getting used to us, slowly but surely.  It's unusually cold right now in central FL so the grandchildren asked for a fire and smores to close out the party.  Of course, we had a lovely bonfire and smores as per their request.  

The little guys had a great time running and playing in our backyard while parents sat around the fire talking and teasing with one another.  After having prepared all the food, my only job was to sit and take in all the joy.  

 

I love the art piece a friend created for me several Christmases ago.  It says: "Noni and Papa's house. Where cousins go to become best friends."  This picture (which the boys asked me to take) seems to prove that adage. Are these not the cutest cousins you ever saw?

 

My gift to Frank this year (in addition to new walking shoes) was a compilation video which Cody helped put together.  I reached out to many of the younger ministers/couples we've had opportunity to work with since arriving here in FL.  Each of the ones I contacted, graciously responded and their messages to Frank were incredibly touching.  I think he was encouraged.  

This is the scripture I used to describe Frank earlier this year, "Have you seen a man diligent in his work?  He will stand before kings...." (Prov. 22:29 NLT)

And here's one more scripture that fits him perfectly, "God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him....God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes." (Psalm 18:20, 24 Message)

As my Grandma Miller often said, He's a Keeper!  

How about you?  Are birthday celebrations big in your family?  We'd love to hear about your traditions in the comment box.