Christmas 2010 Captain Rex

Looking back on some Christmas memories, I found this photo from December 25, 2010 on my blackberry.  Elijah's favorite theme was Star Wars and he received numerous Star Wars puzzles, Lego kits, videos, and his favorite: Captain Rex helmet.  Pillow Pets were kinda cool back then, too.  ~Dad

Texas A and M

Elijah, May 2012, Jasmine Park, Lake Jackson

At this point I would be very surprised if Elijah attended any college other than Texas A and M University when he grows up.  He sure loves that school.  His older brother attended ATM and Elijah wants to play tennis for the Aggies and major in engineering so he can become a Lego designer.   Sounds good to me...  What ever Elijah wants to do I will encourage and support him.

At eight years of age Elijah is also cultivating a love of music and is taking piano lessons so who knows what the future will bring?    I am delighted that Elijah loves tennis and music which were also two of my own passions as a young person.

~Proud Daddy

Christmas 2013

Elijah and Connor Christmas 2013

December 25, 2013

Today was an AMAZING day.  We celebrated the birth of our Lord and Savior this morning with a reading of Luke 2, an Oswald Chambers devotional, and a gift exchange.   We had a lovely fire going in the background, and we were further blessed by being able to share the experience with my Sis, (Elijah's Aunt, Becky).

In this photo Elijah is holding an Archery set that was a present to he and Connor.  His Aggie shirt and camo pants were also a gift from his Aunt Becky.  Today was a wonderful milestone in our family's history.

CLICK HERE to view Mommy's Facebook photo album.

Love You, Elijah.

Connor, Mommy, and Daddy.

Practice Session

We try to have family tennis workouts whenever possible.  Elijah always plays his hardest when he is on the court with his brother Connor.

I sure love these guys...  Photo taken May 19, 2013 at the Columbia Lakes Tennis Center

Master Chef In Training

Monica and I have been teaching Elijah how to cook.  He is also learning from one of our dear friends, 'Miss Tami', who definitely knows her way around the kitchen...!  Here is a pic from March 2013 of Elijah helping to make rice crispie treats. Elijah has a true passion for cooking.  He especially likes to prepare desserts.

 Usually on the weekends Elijah helps daddy with 'taco night', and Sunday morning breakfast, too.   I want Elijah to know his way around the kitchen so he can be a blessing to his future wife and family.  Let me add that Elijah is an excellent student...!  The only thing we still need a little extra practice on is clean-up after the cooking...!   ~ Daddy

The Rocking Horse

Ride em, Cowboy,  Yee-Haaah...!

It has been suggested by more than one person that this is one of their favorite photos of Elijah.  I have to admit: I love this one myself.  I love the look of joy on Elijah's face.   

We all like to watch old tv westerns like 'The Virginian'.  And Elijah sometimes enjoys to dress up western style and ride his horse while we watch one of those vintage shows from the 1960's.   The horse in this photo is actually a cherished family heirloom. This VERY SPECIAL rocking horse was hand made by 'Grandpa Kieth', for Elijah's brother Connor when Connor was little.  It is very well made because it was built 'with love.  We hope to pass this horse on to Connor's children one day.

Elijah loves to play 'cowboy', just like I did when I was his age.  But I did not have access to a cool rocking horse like Elijah does.  And I am hoping to find a pic of Connor playing on the horse when he was a boy, too. 

Connor and Elijah November 2012

Here's a nice photo of Elijah and Connor from 2012.  They are proudly displaying a Lego Creation Elijah constructed.  Legos are definitely a passion of Elijah's   At eight years old: Elijah's ambition is to be a 'Lego Master Designer' and make a living developing new Lego concepts for the world to enjoy!  That sounds good to me.   

Art Camp 2011

Such a sweet boy.  And he loves his art.  Elijah is very creative.  He definitely takes after his mom in that regard.  ~dad

Dear Elijah, 

As I go through photographs and post them on your blog I want you to know that your mom and I treasure these precious memories of you so dearly.  I especially love when your mom hosts an art camp in our home and we can show hospitality to our friends and neighbors.  You are always a good host.  Thanks for being such a sweet young man.

I sure love you!

~ Daddy

USS Lexington July 2012

Here's a fond memory from 2012.  We took a family road trip to Corpus Christi so I could play in a tennis tournament.  After tennis we visited the USS Lexington.  It was a great tour but there was so much to see we barely saw half of the exhibits.   I hope we can take more trips like this one again soon...!  ~Daddy

Elijah Training

This is a great action photo of Elijah of Elijah in training during one of our family tennis workout sessions.  Elijah's brother Conner looks on in the background.    The is a 'classic' photo of Elijah.

Elijah is engaged in one of his favorite activities:  Tennis.

He is wearing his favorite workout attire:  Camo shorts and a Texas Aggie t shirt.

He is spending time with his Big Brother:  Another favorite past time.

By the way, I'd like to comment that Elijah sure is showing great focus on the ball in this photo.   His game is really blossoming at the tender age of eight years old,   Yesterday he participated in four different group practices for a total of five and a half hours of practice between my Nassau Bay and League City programs.   We don't train that hard at tennis every day, but Tuesdays definitely keep us busy.

I am very proud of both Connor and Elijah...!  

~ Dad

Oh how the years go by...

This photo was taken in April, 2006.  A lot can change in seven and a half years.   My precious little boy is growing up so quickly.  And much is changed with me in that time, too.  Wow.  I don't know where to start.

I will just say this:  PRAISE GOD...!   The Lord has done and continues to work miracles in my life and the life of the Chadwell family.    I thank and praise God every day for my precious sons.   The photo below of Connor and I striking a karate kid pose was taken in May, 2006.

It's truly amazing how seven years ago Elijah was a baby, I weighed in the 240's, and was taller than Connor.   Now Elijah is a big boy, I am a trim 165 lbs, and Connor has blossomed into a fine young man. 

This photo is from Oct 2013.  God is Good and has blessed us greatly.

The Best Father's Day Ever...!

This is one of my favorite photos of my two junior tennis stars.  It is a great blessing that Connor and Elijah both enjoy to play tennis so much.  One of my greatest joys as a dad is to just go out and hit tennis balls with my family.    Of course, coming from a dad's perspective there is an obvious 'bias', but I see no reason why both of these young men could not play on the men's professional tennis tour one day.

Connor is the most gifted athlete I have ever coached in my 20+ year coaching career.  And Elijah is EXTREMELY good for his age, too...!  Of course, they both enjoy winning.  But I love the fact that losing, makes them practice harder.   These boys don't back down, they rise to the occasion and meet the challenges set before them.   The most important thing is that they both understand the significance of giving 100% effort and they dedicate themselves to giving their personal best at all times.

We give our best effort first and foremost to honor our Lord and Savior who created us and gifted us with the abilities, skills, and passions we have.  To give any less than our best effort would be to dishonor our creator.  There is no disgrace in losing if one has given their all.  But there is every disgrace when one has  God given ability and talent and does not utilize their talents for God's Glory. 

As a coach, it is a very good feeling to know that those under your watch have learned and understand the importance of establishing standards and setting goals of personal excellence for themselves. As a daddy, there is no greater joy than to see your children love something and apply themselves to becoming the best they can be at that particular activity, and doing it all for God's glory.

June 16, 2013 will be my greatest Father's Day, ever.  I can see that my boys are really starting to 'get' it.

This morning I am praising God for all he has done for me and for the precious gifts of  my sweet precious sons.

Looking forward to a great church service, lunch, then good times on the tennis court with my precious boys and their Mommy...!

God is Good.

July 2012

Here is a photo of Elijah in July 2012 after a strenuous family tennis workout.  The weather is just now getting warmer and we are looking forward to some more family workouts.   This year, Elijah's mom Monica and older brother Connor are taking a serious interest in tennis.   Daddy is looking forward to the best family tennis season yet!

Silly Pose

Here is a photo of Elijah just being goofy.  He is wearing some pajamas that were a present from his grandma and grandpa in California.  I have no idea what is up with his silly pose. 

I will say this:  Elijah has a very funny sense of humor. He is always making us laugh at home.  He is a joy and a blessing.    I lust love this little boy!  ~Daddy

Cool Kid on the Court

Elijah is looking very cool as he prepares to hit a few balls to his fellow home school tennis buddies.  He is very proficient at starting rallies and feeding drills so I quite frequently let him have his own court and deliver  balls to his friends during our weekly tennis class at Lake Jackson's Jasmine Park.

This photo was taken in March, 2013.

Valentines Day 2013

Today is Feb 14, 2013...  Valentines Day.  Elijah is posing here in his 'uniform'.  Today is 'crazy hat' day at our home school enrichment program: the Master's Academy of Fine Art in Lake Jackson.   Elijah chose to wear his 'Steak n Shake' commemorative crew hat he was given at our recent visit to the Grand Opening of the Steak n Shake restaurant in Webster, Texas.  He didn't want to smile big because he has some missing teeth and he didn't want to look at the camera either because he said the sun light was hurting his eyes...  Oh well, he's that way for any picture...  sigh...


Dear Elijah:

Happy Valentines Day!   I am sure today will be an extra special day.  When you come back years from now and are reading these posts I would like you to remember that you were so excited the night before Valentines Day that you were very hyper and we had trouble getting you to sleep.   I want you to remember that Mommy stayed up until after 2 AM the night before making cup cakes and other treats for our family and friends at MAFA.  She even got up super early to finish the decorating just to make it an extra special day for everyone.  You have an AMAZING mommy, Elijah!

You set your alarm extra early so you could give everyone special Valentine gifts you had made for them.  I  did not enjoy getting up at 5:45 AM but your special card was so sweet I was quickly put in a good mood. Mommy was already up getting ready for the day and she loved your card, too.  You even taped Connor's Valentine card  to the front door so he would be sure to not miss it before he went to work.

I especially want you to remember that we went on a prayer walk this morning and talked about love and that love is a gift from God.  We discussed how important it is to show love and kindness to everyone.  We talked about how the world makes today about spending money and giving material things but it's really about love.  We talked about how we shouldn't need a 'special' day to show our love:  We should show our love every day, every minute.  Some people don't like Valentines day.  We decided that it's not wrong to celebrate Valentine's Day, but we need to make sure that in our hearts we know we can love ONLY because of the Love of Jesus.  We discussed 1 John 4:8...  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Elijah:   God gave you a very large capacity to love.  Your love is a special gift from God.  Mommy and Daddy love you very much.  And Connor loves you, too.   I thank and praise God for you and our precious family.

Happy Valentines Day again,  my sweet precious son.   Today has been a good day, and its still morning as I am composing this message, so it could get even better!.

Love Always,

Daddy

Who is that Masked Man...?

Feb, 2013...   Elijah is dressed up as the Lone Ranger.  I love this photo!  I used to have a similar mask, hat, and cap gun revolver when I was a little boy.  Oh how this brings back fond memories of my childhood.  These are precious moments of Elijah's growing up years that I hope he will cherish forever, too.

Love you, son.

~Daddy

Wearing Daddy's Glasses

Here is a sweet photo of Elijah wearing my glasses.  I love how Elijah can be so silly at times.  And it's usually right when we need a moment of silliness, too.  I need to find some other photos where Elijah is wearing my shoes and trying to walk around in them.  That's a funny sight, too.

Dear Elijah,

Last night we spent time looking on this blog going back to every year reliving fond memories.  We found many places where I wrote you a special message like this one here.  Just want you to know that today, on your seven and a half year old birthday: You are getting to be such a BIG BOY.

Daddy and Mommy love you more than ever.  We consider that raising you up to know and love the Lord is our greatest responsibility and that You and Connor are both precious gifts from God..  We would not be a family and our lives are not complete without you guys.

On this 'milestone' of celebrating 7 and a half years of life, Daddy and Mommy wish you an extra special, wonderful day...!   We are praying God's blessings on you today and every day, but are praying for an EXTRA portion of God's blessings today.   You have been pretty sick with coughing and congestion for about a week now but as of yesterday you were finally starting to get better.  Praying for a complete recovery today so we can go do something fun for your half birthday.

Love You, Son,

Daddy

Home School Tennis Class

This photo was taken back in November, 2012.  We were in the middle a water break and I wondered out loud:  'How many home schoolers can fit in Elijah's chair? '  The answer is... SIX...!

I sure love this class.  These are some of the sweetest children in the world.  Elijah simply adores everyone in the group.   Home school tennis class is a fun time where we honor the Lord with our athletic skills, behavior, and concentration in the fellowship of friends and family.   I am greatly blessed to be their coach!

Christmas Memories 2012

Here is a photo of Elijah helping Daddy make some rice crispy treats on Christmas morning 2012.   Rice Crispy treats on the holidays are a Chadwell Family tradition.   Rice Crispy treats are fun to make and even more fun to eat.   Daddy loves to show Elijah how to cook.  So does Mommy.   Elijah is a good student...   Except when it comes to clean up!

Being Silly

Here is a great photo of Elijah doing one of the things he does best:  Just being silly.  This sweet little guy makes his mommy and daddy smile all the time.  The only sad thing is watching him grow up.  Well, watching him grow up is a happy occasion, too.  But I will forever treasure these wonderful childhood moments.

Today and everyday I thank and praise God for blessing us with this precious little package we call Elijah Chadwell.  God is Good and we are most definitely blessed!

Elijah at River Oaks, 2011

This is one of my favorite photos of Elijah.  It was taken back in April, 2011.  We went for an afternoon of tennis watching to catch some of the pros practicing for the US Men's Clay Court Championship.  As I recall, it was a very fun day with my precious son and a few of my favorite tennis students.

There's nothing more motivating than to watch some high quality tennis action live, up close, and personal.  We are greatly blessed to live in the Houston area and have access to opportunities like these...!

Fixing Up the Tennis Center

 Elijah's First Mission Project: The Columbia Lakes Tennis Center 

 
This photo is from June, 2012.  The Columbia Lakes Tennis Center had fallen into great disrepair with tall weeds and grass taking over the entire facility.  As we were walking by the tennis center one day Elijah said to me:  'Daddy, why do we have to wait for someone else to fix this place up, why don't we just do it...?'

We started a mission project to weed, trim, and mow the  tennis center that very week, and that sweet innocent question Elijah asked is what sparked the vision to go ahead and completely renovate the facility and make it a nice useable space for all the families in the community.

Elijah and Pastor Mike

Here's a precious photo of Elijah and Pastor Mike Hoggard during our August 2012 trip to Bethel Church for their annual Homecoming event.

 This was a phenomenal experience and we hope to make it to the 2013 home coming as well.

Elijah loves Pastor Mike and made many friends during his visit.   You can visit Pastor Mike's Ministry by exploring the links at:

http://visitbethelchurch.com

Sleeping Boy and Sleeping Kitty

Here is a cute photo of my favorite boy and favorite kitty.   Elijah and Luke cuddle up on a cold morning.  Luke is one of the cuddliest kitties I have ever seen.  Of course, Elijah is pretty cuddly, too!