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!

Christmas Memories 2011

Here is Elijah about to build a Gingerbread House.  He looks pretty confident, and why shouldn't he...?  This is NOT his first Gingerbread construction...!

Here is Elijah Building and decorating a Gingerbread house.  This is getting to be a family tradition, too...!

Hey, what's going on here...?   I was wondering whose teeth marks were on the roof...  Elijah explained that he was just performing a little 'quality control', making sure that his work was satisfactory for the rest of the family.  We have always tried to teach Elijah to do his best, pay attention to detail, and tirelessly put others before himself.  Here he is doing what he was trained to do.  I am very proud of that boy that he would sacrifice and risk his own body and personal safety in an effort to make sure the Gingerbread house was safe and fit for his family to consume it.  Honestly, it brings tears to my eyes.  Thank you, Elijah...!

Christmas Day 2011 has many fond memories...  All in all it was a fun, peaceful, relaxing day...!   Daddy was up first and made some coffee and also prepared our 'family tradition' rice crispy treats...  Rice Crispy Treats are a VERY GOOD family tradition if you ask me...!   You should try it...!

Elijah awakened about 8:30 AM, came into the kitchen and exclaimed:  '...IT'S CHRISTMAS...!'   Mommy came in shortly after that.  We all had a group a hug and said a little prayer together wishing Jesus a Happy Birthday, and praying blessings over our family and friends.  The next thing we knew, Elijah was directing the  present opening ceremony with great enthusiasm...!

 Elijah looks on while Mommy opens a gift he got for her.  Elijah spent a lot of time and effort organizing,  making, and wrapping gifts for Daddy, Mommy, and all the kitties...

Here's a sweet photo of Daddy and Elijah with presents Elijah prepared for Daddy.

 

These Lego's were presents from one of my tennis students.  Rob wanted to get something really special for  Elijah. I think you can tell by the smile on Elijah's face that the Lego Star Wars selection was a VERY good choice...!   THANK YOU, Rob Mullins...!

Watching Elijah open presents is a real treat...!

We bought his little elf ear hat on Christmas Eve..

.

Elijah inspects a gift closely...

 The Lego Bat Man DS Nintendo Game...  A much anticipated gift...!

Elijah helps daddy open another present.   Elijah did a good job directing the present opening ceremony.

Cars 2 Movie...  This is a VERY good present for Elijah because daddy hasn't seen this one yet...!

Here is Mommy with some of the presents Elijah wrapped and gave to her.  Sweet.

Our Christmas Tree ~ Elijah really enjoyed decorating it.  Our family tradition is to decorate the tree on Thanksgiving evening...!

Elijah gave me one of his old light sabres as a gift.  In this photo he is showing me how to use it.

After all the presents were unwrapped, Elijah  wasted no time building a Lego'

Elijah also got some Master Yoda  slippers.  Mommy and Daddy think they go well with his elf hat.

Elijah also found this cool camouflage hat in his stocking...!

____________________________________________

Praise God for another Christmas.  Our family recognizes that the true meaning of Christmas is a celebration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ coming to earth as a precious little baby born of the Virgin Mary.   We believe Jesus lived and died for our sins.  We also believe that HE will one day return to this world to Judge the quick and the dead.  To all our family and friends who may view this post, we love you with the love of Jesus and wish you a very Merry Christmas, and an even happier New Year...!

To Elijah:  Mommy and Daddy love you very much.  We are very proud of you.  We hope as you look back on these posts over the years that these photos and commentary will keep today's Christmas Spirit alive in your heart and perhaps one day you will go through these photos with your own family recalling these precious moments.   This sweet  family memory is our legacy to you.

God Bless You, Son.  Merry Christmas, Elijah.

Love,

Daddy and Mommy, December 25, 2011

Elijah ~October 2011

October was a good month... And it was made even better by the fact that our family started a daily bible reading plan to read through the bible together in six months. We are a little over two weeks into the plan now and it is going great. Elijah Loves our Bible time and he is learning how to read by reading the bible. Oh it is the sweetest sound my ears have ever heard: to hear Elijah's sweet voice proclaiming the Word of God...!   Here are a few photos from October...

These photos were taken back on Oct 20 during a home school group field trip to Dewberry Farm.  At six 'and a half' years old Elijah sure has grown up this year...!  

Wow...  This sure looks like fun...  If I would have known they had go carts there I would have made plans to attend...  ~ 'Daddy'

Scary Face

Summer 2011  ~ Random Photos with Connor

Here's a random photo from this summer.  I asked Elijah to tell me something about this photo and he said he and Connor were taking pictures of each other.   I like this photo...~Daddy

Spring Training

Oh this sweet little boy is growing up...!  The photo properties say this photo was taken March 20, 2011. The date of this blog post is nearly seven months since the photo above was taken, but  I remember the day disctinctly.  It was a Sunday afternoon and I had just bought you a Big Plastic Baseball Bat from Wal Mart  and we were conducting batting practice with wiffel balls and tennis balls.  The weather was gorgeous.  It was a really nice spring day.

I told you a story about how my brother John and I used to play tennis baseball for hours in our back yard when we were kids.  Ahhh...  That brought back fond memories for me, too.   That's the cool thing about getting married and having children, Elijah.  ~We parents get a chance to re live our childhood all over again...!

I want to start playing baseball with you more...  Especially to work on your throwing.  There's nothing more fun than a father and son playing catch.  Well, except playing tennis, of course...!

Sunday Morning Breakfast

Elijah, one family tradition I am sure you will always look back on with fond memories is our Sunday morning family breakfasts.   Most Sunday mornings Daddy will get up early before the rest of the family and make fresh coffee and prepare some delicious nutrition to get our day off to a good start.  

This morning I made mommy and myself a delicious spinach and tomato omelet and I made you a BIG breakfast taco.   Your taco consisted of scrambled egg whites, baked tator tots, a little grated cheese, and of course: Ketchup...!    You said it was delicious.   ~Mommy and I enjoyed our omelets, too...!

Of course, the reason it tastes so good is because of the 'secret' ingredient I put into every recipe... (love)

As I close this latest post I am looking out the window at a gorgeous morning...!  What a beautiful day the Lord has made...!  I am rejoicing at how blessed this family is to have each other, and to have Jesus as our Lord and Savior...!   God is Good.

Love,

Daddy

MASTER YODA SAYS...

Regretfully, I haven't posted on this blog since April, 2011, and I was quite infrequent in my postings prior to that, as well.  Hoping to get caught up going forward and will try to be more diligent in my efforts to chronicle significant moments from Elijah's childhood.

Where should I begin?  Well, everyone is sure to be remarking about the 2011 weather patterns for some time.  So far this has been the warmest, driest year I have seen in my entire life! 

One of the big events of the summer was transitioning Elijah's brother Connor from high school to college.  Much of the family's focus this summer was on Connor and getting him settled in to Texas A & M by the end of August.    Life at home is very different without Connor.  Elijah misses him.  Now we eagerly anticipate Connor's occasional visits home from College Station.

Elijah's summer consisted of lots of tennis, and lots of Star Wars activities.  We watched Star Wars movies and Clone Wars videos.  We played with Star Wars Legos and Star Wars Action Figures,  We also enjoyed some Star Wars Video Games, and colored in Star Wars coloring books.  Daddy's personal  favorite activity was re enacting famous Star Wars Light Saber Battles.

This fall Monica is Elijah's first grade teacher at the 'Chadwell Home School'. She is also teaching a lite schedule of art classes.  Daddy is busy with coaching tennis and trying to get fit enough to play some tournaments by the spring of 2012.  Daddy is also looking forward to the day when he and Elijah can begin playing 'Father~Son' Doubles Tournaments together...!

Over all, It was a good summer.  Going forward, I will toggle between recalling a summer memory or reporting a current event.  Hope this blog is a blessing to all Elijah's family and friends as I chronicle the Life and Times of the Days of Elijah...!

Note to Elijah:    Mommy and Daddy love you very much.  We consider you to be one of God's biggest blessings in our lives.  I hope when you are grown up you will remember all the times we talked about the importance of  'family',  and how a family sticks together, loves each other, and helps each other.  I hope that you remember Mommy and Daddy always talking about how much we love Jesus and how we want our family and our lives to honor Him. 

Elijah, you are a shining star that brightens everyone's day...!  It is an awesome pleasure and privilege to be your Daddy...!  And as Master Yoda says:  May the Force be with YOU...!

Love, Daddy

Elijah's 'Creation'

Elijah has several passions and one of them is building LEGO sets. This particular model is from a 'creator' series and can actually be made into three different creations...

I love how creative Elijah is with toys like these. He can work on these things for hours...!

Elijah at Thanksgiving Tennis Camp

Elijah passed the time during the Thanksgiving holiday by playing tennis every day. Here he is hitting a one handed forehand because he did not want to put his trail mix down.

Here is another photo of 'Smiley Boy' still holding his trail mix. Elijah plays tennis about three or four times a week in various home school classes. He has many friends that play tennis including his best friend: Eli Lintleman. Tennis is more of a social thing and father - son activity for him at the moment. But at five years old he is 'pretty good' for his age...!

I am very proud of him...! ~(Daddy)

Elijah absolutely loves this scripture verse and video... We listened to it for hours yesterday... It was a good Thanksgiving.

This was our first Thanksgiving as a Vegan family. We went to FBC West Columbia for their first annual Community Thanksgiving dinner. It was all delicious. It was difficult for me to pass up the Turkey and gravy but I was 'good'... except when it came to desserts... I'm sure the small piece of pecan pie I consumed had real egg in it but Monica and I decided it's ok to splurge on dessert once in a while...!

The rest of the day we just hung out home and enjoyed each other's company.

I'm sure this will be a fond memory for Elijah...!