Number 18

Balloon Time II
Originally uploaded by blountman.

It is way too mind-boggling to think that Ian is now 18 years old. As I think back on the many fond memories; on the triumphs over adversity; over the laughter and tears that Ian has produced in his Mother and me, I am overwhelmed with a sense of pride and joy. When I see the man of God that Ian is developing into, I am blown away by his faith and his trust in our Lord Jesus. His sweet spirit and his giving heart are just two of Ian's numerous wonderful traits. Ian is the quintessential Middle Child, and we have had our fair share of struggles in areas I won't go into on this blog. The bottom line is this: Ian can do all things through Christ Who strengthens him. My prayer for Ian continues to be that he will allow Jesus to mold him into the man Jesus wants him to be. My prayer for Peggy and me is that we can be the best parents possible given our human frailties. I just don't want to mess my kids up too badly.

Thanks to Amber and Jonathan for sharing in the evening's festivities with us as we celebrated number 18 for Ian. He is a special dude to us, and our lives are so much better because he is a big part of those lives.

Thank you, Ian for being "my man." My love for you grows stronger each day, and I am so proud to be called your Dad. Keep those big eyes focused on Christ, and on His plan for your life.