11

My Birthday!

Celebrating began Saturday night with some of my favorite ladies at one of my favorite restaurants. I LOVE it when I can try something new, and yet sometimes I chicken out (what if it's not good then I've wasted my $?).  However that night I was adventurous and it was heavenly. Really, it was called the Heavenly Roll (sushi roll).

On Sunday we grabbed some Sonic with the kids and they put a candle in my milkshake. The kids also made and hung up a Happy Birthday sign (need to take a pic before we take it down) all on their own.  That night Dennis' mom generously took the kids home with her to stay overnight so Den and I could go out to dinner with some friends. This is my sweet friend Val. Her oldest son Wes is one of Jesse's best pals.

On Monday I got the gift I asked for. A whole day on my own to do whatever I wanted could  squeeze into a day and afford that didn't involve a six hour round trip (also know as the beach).  I slept in, had some breakfast and then.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Went and had my first pedi in 2 yrs
2. Starbucks with my birthday gift card
3. Found a place to go for a hike (this was the beginning. It eventually went downhill very steeply, and that meant I had to come back up...I nearly died....out of shape!)
4. Saw a spring
5. Loved the wooded path
6. Kept going
7. Made it to the tracks
8. Made it to the river
9. Hoped to settle here for some time with my Bible and journal but...
10. People had left their snack there as a hint they were climbing up the waterfall
11. Saw a tunnel
12. Went into the tunnel
13. I see I have 2 14's....I'm not fixing....so 14 on the right: Hiking is for people from all walks of life (as I was taking this the buggy owners showed up and if you live around here you know that taking a pic of the amish makes you look like an ignorant tourist. oops.)
14. From the top...I hike all the way down to the river and back up! I do enjoy this and I can't remember the last time I did.

Since I couldn't find the perfect reflective spot on the hike I went to Panera for an ice tea, a free cookie and some free wifi with my kindle fire.  Was able to reflect over the year, thank the Lord for all that he has done, recognize the hard things, look forward to the future.  This was probably the most refreshing part of my day. I started the day really missing den and the kids. Probably because I knew I was going to have a fun only day and I wanted to share it with them!  It took a while, but I eventually was able to embrace this time and savor the moments of peace. My goal was to relax and be able to listen to Jesus and He was faithful meet those needs.

 Thank you all for your birthday greetings and for the part you play in my life!

Beck is 2!

We started Wednesday with a birthday breakfast so we could include Grandma and Great Grandpa Jim in the festivities. Bacon and eggs and Cinnamon roll cake. (whoa...so good)

Then there was the day spent with sister (who was home w/ a bad case of poison ivy on her eye!) who wrapped up a book we already had as a present.  Also there was some swinging.

Mom Mom and Pop Pop came for an easy dinner of pizza and salad (we had care group at 7!) and there might have been a grumpy birthday boy at dinner. Then we broke out the Chocolate Chip cupcakes. He gently blew out his candles and got a little bummed out when his cupcake flipped and got frosting all over his arm. But as you can see above and below...he got over it.

1. Bubbles? 2. More bubbles! No I don't want your money, open my bubbles! 3.  I said open my bub...wait...is that a singing card? A singing dog card? YES!  4.  This Elmo guitar is top notch.  5. Tuning  6.  I play however I want, don't tell me to turn it around.  7. I'm giving guitar lessons now since I'm a natural.

Beck's favorite things at 2

• Eating
• His Binket (blanket)
• Books - There's a Bear in God's Woods, There's a Cat in God's Tree, First Words (or anything w/ flaps to open, Touch and Feel Puppy Book
• Singing (or being sung too) - Jonah, Jesus Loves Me, David, Pharoah, He Lives, and Beck's song
• Going outside! 
• Playing w/ siblings
• The tunnel
• Wearing shoes
• Bubbles
• banging the drum
• throwing things

Beck is...

• Saying words, and repeats words we ask (and animal sounds too!)
• Starting to count
• Shaking his finger at us when he's mad
• Waiting on the 2 year molars to come through
• Can go down slides by himself (often on his belly)
• Will sit on our low swings by himself
• Holds hands for prayer and says amen

You are a joy in our lives!

The Van man is 4!

Honestly....I'm tired. So the pictures are staying in the random order that they uploaded. Deal wit it.   Van's birthday was simple and chill. I love seeing him grasp the idea that the day is about him before he gets too greedy. He had one request; a puppy cake. We did have some errands to run that day so we went to burger  crap for lunch and the kid meal came with a crown. How fortuitous!  He loved it and preferred to wear it over the felt one I made for him last year. I was okay with it.  Happy Birthday buddy. You are so much fun, and sweet and I can't imagine our family without you. 

8

My daughter is now 8. Oh my. She's a joy and trip, and blessing and a challenge. I love her tons.

We had a kitty party with her cousins and two friends.  The cousins stayed the night.

On her actual birthday it was just our little fam. She requested Chinese food and there were celebratory beverages.  (In reference to my cake/cupcakes...Eden thought the cats looked sad...then I had the soft kitty song in my head but it was sad kitty instead.  Anyone know what I'm talking about?)

Why you don't see many group pics of the kids.

Jman is 10...what?

Seriously...what? How did these years fly by so quickly. Of course I know that every parent says this. But when I look at our one year old and then look at my 10 year old I'm blown away when I try to wrap my mind about one of them being the same size as the other was or is now. (Does that make sense anywhere else besides my mind?)

Jman requested a military themed birthday party and it's been a while since I went all out for him like I have for the girl. It's the big 10, we're talking double digits here people!

I tie dyed a sheet for a camouflage effect and I made the banner out of some jeans I've been saving for a project. Do not ask me how long I've been stock piling old jeans. Finally being able to use that which I saved is not good for the mini pack rat in me.

Burger & dog bar, watermelon, layer dip pasta salad

Water bottles (yes this is a way after shot, but I had to take a pic because I loved this detail :)

Lemonade

After eating the boys began their military training under the command of...

this guy. He did such an amazing job of "encouraging" the boys.

He lined them up.

Made them warm up (push ups were included).

Then they had to complete an obstacle course and E demonstrated.

When they completed their training they received these tags. (made by the sarge himself, aka my bro in law)

Next, if they chose to accept it was their mission. Armed with weapons of mass water destruction they hunted for these criminals.

and gave them a proper soaking. They loved that they had permission to attack their dads with super soakers and water balloons.

This was all followed up with sugar reinforcements. Mint chocolate cupcakes and ice cream. Presents and then playing until dark.

Vman especially enjoyed the card that played music, over and over again.

Back it up...

to the beginning of May,

Where we said goobye again to Mindy. It was a quick trip, but every moment we had was treasured! Love you Min!

And now we are fully in spring. Complete with showers and flowers.

Dennis pick away at the lot when he has time while V picks at...other things.

This spring we've been able to see all sorts of babies.

Last week we were blessed with a visit from both of my parents.

They were able to join us for J's last cello concert,

view E's displayed art at school,

help us cheer on J at a very cold baseball game,

and celebrate B's first birthday.

He was a very polite host and showed interest in all of his presents.

He enjoyed his first taste of sugar.

He also played pin the tail on the donkey. (J decided to make a political statement w/ the hat on the donkey)

A good day!