April 3rd we celebrated Josh’s 40th birthday! We started the celebrating exactly 40 days before with a small party and presentation of 5 envelopes. Each envelope contained a statement signed by all saying that we would do certain chores of Josh’s for the next 40 days: 1.) Wash the supper dishes; 2.) Make the morning coffee; 3.)Crack the breakfast eggs; 4.) Fill the water filter; and 5.) Make the morning oatmeal. That was his big gift! We also watched Sargent York together the week of Josh’s birthday. It was the first time for the kids to watch a war movie and they handled it well. Of course, the fighting scene is a very small part of the whole movie.

The morning of Josh’s birthday we drove to Ban Lung to spend the day/evening with the Crowleys. In the evening we grilled hotdogs and chicken kabobs and had a picnic with bakes beans and veggies.

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After the meal we had a program for Josh. Each of the kids prepared a original gift for him. Clara wrote a poem called My Daddy’s Birthday Poem. Anna wrote and illustrated a story called My Daddy. Isaiah wrote, typed, and illustrated a story called Daddy’s Bike Adventure. Becca wrote a list called 40 Reasons Daddy is Great. Each of the kids read their gift aloud. Ezra didn’t want to be left out, so he sang Christ is Mine Forevermore.

Afterwards we ate dessert. It’s always a bit tricky making cake during hot season. This year there was the added excitement of transporting the cake to Ban Lung.

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We’re thankful for Josh and the 40 years God has given him. Thankful for all he means to us and to everyone else he comes in contact with him. Happy Birthday my Man!