The Gallagher Adventure

Here are a couple pictures and a video of Caleb’s second birthday. I know children grow up quick, but this one is too fast. Enjoy!

This morning I awoke the same way I do almost every morning now; the brisk nudge of my beautiful wife alerting me to the sound of a small voice from down the hall. This voice never asks for daddy this early in the morning, instead the hallway rings with, “Mommy!” and “Help!” The portable gate across his door keeps him from accidentally stepping out and turning the wrong way, falling down the stairs. As the small voice continues on, I bound out of bed to go grab my son. Caleb and I go downstairs to watch TV until everyone else rises from their slumber. After 30 minutes, the rest of the family is starting to stretch their eyelids and breathe the fresh air of a new day.

Alexis and Emma struggle to get out of bed because they know another day of school brings another day of work. Their lives are changing before my eyes. Their growth is progressing more rapidly every day and I feel helpless. I want to stop time for a moment or two and just hold, hug and talk to them - They are growing up too fast. Every day memories from not too many years ago flood my mind..the day we first brought Alexis home…the look on Alexis’s face when Emma was born…Emma’s constant quest to be like her older sister…and the way they both looked at their brother for the first time. These memories are the hope and grace found in my life.

As the girls make their way downstairs, Carrie is already in full-swing as bowls are being filled with cereal, plates are holding pancakes and waffles, cups are being filled with juice and even the smell of coffee fills the air. (I have no idea how she does it.) The hustle and bustle of breakfast is met with the sound of crashing Matchbox cars, Blue Clues and the miscellaneous sound of lunches being packed. Next is the sound of hairspray and water bottles adding to the already present sounds. Alexis is fixing her hair and Emma is close behind. My girls are growing up too fast!

After breakfast comes the trip…their backpacks are thrown around their shoulders and the sound of shoes heading toward the door can only mean it it time for school. Carrie will drive them in the car this morning because of the rainy day. As the walk towards the door, I lean over in my chair, my check in their direction, waiting for the kiss from my beautiful girls. After a kiss from them and a kiss from me, they ma

ke their way out the door…only to be followed by the little steps of Caleb. As Caleb chases them out the door, he waves bye and yells, “Bye Dad!” Carrie loads them in the car and then the car disappears down the street on the way to school. What an awesome day!

Dreams are something we want to come true and experience everyday. Dreams are those moments when we free ourselves from the reality of life and reach to the unburdened hope of the day…I am living my dreams today and I will live them tomorrow. An awesome wife, awesome children and serving the greatest, awesomest God a person could ever know. The blessings of His gracious hand are mine…with a humble heart, I pray…Thanks.

By the way, how was your morning?

The school year is finally back in full swing and so is the activities of the fall. We are a blessed family in more ways than we can count. Here are some pictures of the recent happenings of the family.