Happy Birthday, Gabe!

This is what Gabe considers to be a "self-portrait." I can barely see his face, but since he's the photographer, I guess I have to leave it up to him.

Gabriel turned 17 yesterday so we all went to the park to play football with some of the high schoolers in celebration. Gabe has made lots of friends here; all the kids like his personality and sense of humor. He has been a great help with the technological aspect of things, as well as a good teacher in the different co-op classes.

I think football tired them out...

Does anyone else see a resemblance to Dopy?

Gabe will be a senior next month and is considering a future in journalism/photography. He has done well with photography, and I am grateful for all the pictures he has supplied me with for the blog. He has grown patient with my incessant demands for "people" pictures.

Stephen surprised Gabe in the morning by hanging a sign outside our window from the 17th floor. The string was loaded with Snickers bars.

Life wouldn't be the same without Gabriel. He adds a lot to our family and helps to balance out the 5 girls over here. Not to mention, he keeps me from having to sort all the trash out... Gabe is a strong leader with a desire to change our culture for the Kingdom of Heaven's sake. By example, Gabe is teaching his friends to "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (II Timothy 2:22) Our society is in dire need of more leaders - we pray Gabriel will be a means of influencing many people.