eleven

It was her birthday and we were talking about how many years until she was an adult. (That traumatic conversation was NOT my idea!) When I said "7 years" out loud I almost had an anxiety attack!  7 years...that is NOTHING!  We have lived in this home for 10 years...and that moves seems like yesterday.  I am not sure if it was the panic in my eyes (I was trying to disguise the horror) she quickly reminded me...that she is moving in the basement when she is 18 and has elaborate plans for a remodel!  Phew!  Happy 11 year old birthday!

then by all means...

"If you hear a voice with you say you cannot paint, then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced." -Vincent VanGogh

I am 44 years old today.
Sometimes we believe that what is going on today---is what is possible.
Not this year...
Turning 44 I choose to seek out dreams...
dreams of not only what I want to do but more importantly
who I want to BE.
It will be the best year yet.

70 years

It is not every day that you turn 70!

We decided to make this a special occasion for Mom (known to her grandchildren as Nana).  Annie flew in Saturday morning to help with the festivities and SURPRISE Mom.   She cried tears of joy at the restaurant Saturday night when Annie walked in.  Then she would cry again any time she talked about Annie being here throughout the weekend.  To top that off...Alex flew in Sunday morning.  Mom could hardly believe it when we pulled up with Alex for her family party.

We considered buying her jewelry for her birthday.  Then Annie suggested we resize and repair some of her favorite jewelry that she hasn't been able to wear for years!  We were able to resize two different wedding rings Dad had given her and an antique hand carved gold bracelet she received from her grandmother.  It meant so much more than a new piece of jewelry and we were so happy we could do that for her.

We also collaborated to compile a photo book of pictures throughout her life.  I finished it Wednesday or Thursday SO she couldn't open the real thing.  BUT I was able to create an e-book through Blurb and she LOVED it!

Happy 70th Mom!

We LOVE you!

turning TEN

Kate turns TEN!

10 things we love about you-

you love to be silly

you are a human fish

you are happiest when you are outside in the sunshine

you love to read

you are the first to comfort

your sisters are your best friends

you love milk+cookies

summer is your favorite season

you love to pick flowers

we love your laugh

Happy 12th birthday

I can't believe you are twelve years old. 

Time is flying by---yet you are wise beyond your years.

We are grateful to be by your side as you as you conquer the life before you.

nine

the last day of school
the yard back in bloom
family and friends gathered for dinner and a backyard movie

lots of reasons to celebrate...
but you turning nine years old tops the list

happy birthday sweet Kate~

40 years....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR VERY FAVORITE GUY!!!

to celebrate 40 years

italian sausage + mushroom lasagna

grilled asparagus

banana cake with salted caramel butter cream

(this recipe is amazing!)

salted caramel gelato

snowshoeing

If you know me at all...

you would know that winter is not my favorite.

I am tired of despising this cold season---

and I am making an effort to get to know it a little better.

So, when Danny and the girls asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday, I chose snowshoeing!

We bought snowshoes for the whole family (and I bought some more serious snow boots!) and we headed out!  We had received SOOOO much snow this week- we decided not to head out to the mountain spot we planned---and instead trek the golf course by our house.

We LOVED it!!!!!

We were warm outside as snow was falling!

The exercise was invigorating!!! 

(we kept it at a comfortable pace for the girls)

The fresh clean air made us sooooo happy!

happy birthday love...

i adore you

xoxo

happy birthday Sophie

Dear Sophie,

You turned FIVE YEARS OLD today!  I can hardly believe it!!!!  On Monday you commented as we ate lunch together at the counter, like we do most days--  "isn't this nice just you and me Mom..."  With a big smile I agreed.  It is so nice.  I can hardly believe that you aren't a toddler anymore...that you will start school next year.  You are older than Ellie was when I had you.  You have taught me to smile all day, have fun (even if we are doing chores), and to love life (even if it is snowing...you remind me "at least we can make a snowman").  You work hard...and you say the sweetest prayers.

Just in case you forget....for your birthday you got to sleep in!  You had a quick bite for breakfast (Halloween candy) and then took a long bath.  We got ready.  You picked your outfit.  We did a little shopping.  Went to lunch, your choice, Chipotle.  Your ordered a bean burrito yourself (I did lift you up to the counter) with black beans, white rice, cheese and sour cream.  We picked up cupcakes from the Sweet Tooth Fairy (raspberry lemonade for you and Chase, peanut butter chocolate for Kate, grasshopper for Ellie, sweet potato for dad, and salted caramel with chocolate for me.)  Then we met Chase and brought him home to play.  We took everybody for frozen yogurt in your honor and rented movies at the video store.  You came home and played and played.  After your dinner of bean burritos/celery sticks/carrots (your choice again) we sang Happy Birthday and ate the cupcakes!  You loved the gifts you opened~ a horse for your American Girl doll from Dad and I, Sleeping Beauty with her bed and fairies from Kate and Ellie & Pet Shop treasures from Chase.

Not only did you thank all of us for your new treasures...you remembered them in your prayers too <3 

We love you forever...happy birthday!

Love,

Mom

you say it's yo' birthdays

left: Nana, Great-grandma & Uncle Mike (dying to know who you are sticking your tongue at Uncle Mike)  right: Dede, "brother" Mike & me

There are two special birthdays today!

"Mom."  She became my mother on the day I married her son.  The day before we were married we were talking and she invited me to call her "mom."  It has been an honor to be one of "her kids."  One of my favorite memories of her just happened a few years ago.  She told Danny that she would take the girls...and that Danny and I should spend the day out and together.  We had a wonderful day.  When we pulled up to the house Nana and the girls were coming up the hill.  Nana was pulling the wagon and the girls were riding.  I live on a steep hill---and I don't think I could pull them up that incline!  As they got closer we realized that all of them were in pjs...even Nana.  They had been given baths but begged her for one more trip to the park.  She of course told them "yes," she always does.  We love you Nana.

My brother, Mike.  Dede and I were so excited to have a brother!!!!  My favorite Mike memory was when we lived in Boise, ID near the canal.  Mike was sent to find me.  I rode my bike to a friend's house who lived on the other side of the canal.  As Mike started walking that direction he saw my bike close to the water and I was nowhere to be seen.  He assumed what most 6 year olds would...I drowned.  He gathered some flowers from around the waters edge and threw them in as his final gesture.  (I don't remember why I left my bike there...when I went to Kathy's house...but I am glad I did.)  No one makes me laugh harder than Mike does.  Now he shares his birthday week with his dear wife Annie!  I love that your birthdays are just a day apart!  Love you both.

Happy birthday to two special people...born on the same day...a few years apart :)

happy 80th birthday

It isn't everyday that a person turns 80 years old!

Annie asked me at the beginning of the summer what I thought we should do for dad's special day.

We thought about a large party---but he likes to be at home.

Annie said, "What about his history?  We could have it printed."

It was the perfect idea!

Everyone was on board.

We printed his life-history that my dad had created in a digital/web form.

To mark the occasion---the out of towners (Annie + Mike and family) decided to fly in and surprise him.  We planned a regular Sunday dinner.  All of his kids and their families gathered at the corner of the street and drove up together.  Dede and I walked in with our families (as expected).  Right behind us was cute Braden, Mike's son.  He walked in casually and said, "Hi Papa!"  My dad nearly jumped out of his chair.  The remainder of the "surprise" guests walked in...and his evening was already made!

One of my favorite quotes from the book regarding his childhood:

"Mama was able to get a job at the local sewing room and I think she was paid about 20 to  30 dollars a month.  She had to work long hours and she was always tired and her fingers were sore.  Mildred worked at a new business model called a 'drive-in' restaurant and the money she brought home helped out some.  Harry worked at a bakery at night and made a little money.  Joyce watched the younger kids and did some babysitting.  I stayed busy being incorrigible."

On the back of the book we printed our own "book reviews" of his history.

"A life filled with fun, adventures, loving, caring and sharing.  There's not much he hasn't experienced and it's been my great joy to be a part of 'his wonderful life'...then, now and forever.  I'm so thankful he has written this memoir for our posterity to enjoy all the years to come."

Connie

"Tom Sawyer meets John Wayne but neither hold a candle to the tales of Bobby Gene.  This memoir explains why he knew to be strict as a parent and why his kids know that they are lucky to have him as a dad."

Dede

"This is one of my greatest treasures.  I am so grateful to have in print, the stories I have loved to listen to my whole life.  It's beautifully written from a loving father."

Carin

"Pretty cool reading a life story that culminates with me, his pride and joy.  I consider his life a good start."

Mike (his legacy, buddy & pal, Mikey)

"This is a brilliant story that also serves as a guidebook that life should be lived with adventure, wit, tenacity, optimism, charity, spirited passion and love.  I will read it often and treasure him always."

Annie

Top (left to right): Danny, Carin, Annie, Dad, Cameron, Bill, Connie, Dede, Mike, Reagan, Annie Lee

Bottom (left to right): Chase, Sophie, Ellie, Wesley, Kate, Brade, Grace, Sara

Happy birthday Dad!  

We "LOVE you BIG much!"

happy...happy...birthday!

He flew in the night before.  He had been gone for nine days!!!!!!  We missed him and were so glad to have the day to celebrate his birthday.  All he wanted was to stay home THE ENTIRE DAY.  He wanted to work in our yard and in the house.  (Not many other people who genuinely want to work for their birthday!)  I bought plants for flower beds and our garden in preparation.  We also bought an ice cream cake!  We worked and worked and played.  We filled the tires on the bikes and hit the road again.  It was a delightful day...and I am really glad he just wanted to be here.

Happy birthday Love!!!!!!

xoxoxo

you say it's your birthday....

It was a birthday weekend!!!!!!

Friday (your actual birthday):

breakfast of your choice (blueberry muffins)

a carpool celebration...drive-thru frozen custard cones after school!

a little photoshoot!

the Lion House (your choice) for dinner

a tour of the Beehive House

go to Build-a-Bear with your sisters

Saturday:

sleep in :)

get ready

you helped prepare vegetable trays...and loved it

perform at your piano recital!

a family gathering with you as the birthday guest of honor!

My favorite memories:

doll your great grandma gave you that she made her self!

the smile and appreciation you showed to Sharon for the card and special words she gave you

cuddling with you at church and reading on the couch Sunday evening

watching you play in front of family, friends and strangers the songs you had practiced so well

just being together as a family the night of your birthday

We love you Ellie!

I CAN NOT believe you are already NINE years old!!!!!

I hope the next nine years will go by more slowly than the first nine :)

fancy and four

"What should I write about Sophie's birthday?"  I asked your dad.  

"That she couldn't be any cuter if she tried!" he replied (adoringly).

We had such a fun day with you!

It began with your birthday breakfast.  

You chose:  cinnamon rolls (I added scrambled eggs and fresh fruit)

We opened presents:  a Fancy Nancy doll with her dog Frenchy from your dad and I & a FurReal kitty from your sisters

We went to your violin lesson...and it was so much fun!

Your teacher said you were ready to buy your real violin!!!!  

(You have been using a little box!)

We drove straight to the music store.

It is SO cute and tiny!

We grabbed a quick lunch (you wanted Nielsen's).

Then doughnuts for a treat to share at preschool.

Miss Brittany (your sweet teacher) gave you a 4 beautiful balloons with a bag of gumballs.

It made your day!

You wanted homemade macaroni and cheese for your dinner.

You put on an apron and took all of our orders. :)

(blowing kisses - your idea)

You are precious in every way.

You make us SO HAPPY!

I am honestly a little bit crushed when I think of my baby being four years old...

and then I see your face and the delight you feel as you learn and grown....

and I feel joy.

Thank you Mike and Annie for the beautiful necklace~  she felt extra fancy!

happy birthday Sharon~

six

Her favorite things:  make up stories, macaroni and cheese, playing SORRY and GUESS WHO, recess, art projects, dancing, "Spot" her toy puppy, tag-a-long bike (behind Mom, Dad or Sharon), wearing dresses, swimming, reading Mercy Watson books and her Madeline doll.

Our favorite things about Kate:  how much she loves her family, creative imagination, her giggle, her love of celebrations and holidays, her thoughtfulness, and her kind heart~  We love you!