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!