Happy Birthday, Papa!

Ben is 13!

I am really having a tough time with this day. I know that all of my children must grow up, but turning 13, means that they are closer to going to college, becoming adults. I know that exciting things await, but I am just not ready for any of my kids to leave.

Ben, you are a super kid. We have had some struggles a long the way, but I have never been more proud of you than I am now. You are taking on all of the characteristics of the young, respectful man that I know your father was as a boy. Your body is changing, your thinking is changing, you are changing. 

Let's see ...

• You are 5'6".
• You wear a size 10 shoe.
• You are going into 8th grade at WMS.
• Your voice has officially deepened. You have all the aspects of a young boy in puberty.
• You play on your computer everyday. A computer that you picked out parts for and built yourself.
• You aren't real affectionate. I have to bribe and beg for hugs :(
• Your brothers look up to you, but you haven't quite figured out how awesome you are and how important your influence is to them. I hope that comes soon.
• You have decided in the last year, that you don't mind friends over for a short time, but you aren't interested in having friends sleep-over or going to friends houses to sleep-over. 
• You are VERY much like your daddy. Not social. Not materialistic. You are satisfied with very little. Easy to get along with.
• You are an excellent cook, and cook lots of things from scratch. You enjoy it. That's from your daddy too.

 

Happy 13th Birthday, my dear sweet boy! I love you & I am so very proud of you!

Happy 2nd Birthday Teddy!

Today, our sweet boy, Teddy, turned 2! We are so blessed to have found him and adopted him from A Different Breed Pet Rescue. Although in the beginning he was crazy puppy nuts, he has been the greatest addition to our family.

We hung up a pirate banner, got Frosty Paws for Teddy, Ralf & Kuma and then ice-cream for the boys. It was big, big fun!

David feeding Teddy his birthday Frosty Paws.

We always give the birthday boy/girl their ice-cream first. Kuma's looking on wondering where her's is : ) 

David making Teddy jump for his Frosty Paws. He's such an active dog. Loves, loves to jump. He can almost clear a 6 ft fence.

Kuma's thinking, "C'mon dad. I can't jump. Just give it to me."

Will was unhappy b/c he got Mint Chocolate Chip Ice-cream, and he didn't realize it was going to taste like Mint. Really?? Andy loved his ice-cream.

Ralf, Teddy & Kuma enjoying their Frosty Paws. Andy & Benjamin loved their birthday ice-cream too : )

Happy Birthday to our sweet boy! We are so thankful you adopted us! We love, love you!!

5!

This morning, Andy opened his eyes, rolled over, touched my face and said "mommy I am 5 today!" That's right, he is. Today at 12:28 p.m. my sweet boy is officially 5 years old!

I love this boy with every part of my being. He is my son, my love - but mostly, he's my Pal! He loves me and I love him! I am profoundly blessed beyond belief.

• I love how overly affectionate he is. He loves to hug, kiss, cuddle, sing about being hugged, kissed and cuddled and sing about how much we love each other all day long.
• I love that William is his bestfriend and that he literally thinks William is a superhero!
• I love how magical everything is to him. Seeing things through his eyes gives me so much joy.
• I love that he still needs 'blankey' after all of these years. I think it keeps him little.
• I love that whatever his brothers do, he must do the same. He doesn't care that he's younger. He wants to be just like them.

At his party this past weekend, I hung a banner of pictures of him through each year of his life. I can't believe how fast time goes by. I wish I could stop time so that I could enjoy him at this age, just a little while longer. Here are the photos that hung on that banner.

Happy Birthday, my dear sweet boy!

David's birthday celebration

We celebrated David's birthday with our traditional Birthday sign, presents, home-made cards and lots of family time.

David, Ben, Will & Andy

Happy Birthday, David! We love you SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much!

Happy Birthday DAVID!

David,

Today as we celebrate your birthday - I want you to know how truly thankful I am to be by your side on this special day. You deserve a day of pampering, a day of rest, a day of love, kindness, and pure joy! You are an extraordinary man, husband and father and I am truly blessed - I know!

I hope that today is fantastic for you and that you feel surrounded in love. The boys and I are so excited to celebrate your 47th birthday with you and can't wait for you to see the goodies we have made/bought for you.

Happy Birthday my dear sweet husband!

All our love is for you!

Happy Birthday to ME!

Today, a package came for ME, and what do you think it was? The greatest birthday (early, but still birthday) present EVER! 

Is the suspense killing you? 

It's the complete season of GILMORE GIRLS on DVD. It came packaged in this cute case that looks like it should contain a barbie doll and included all 7 seasons packaged so cutely; 

a book of Gilmore-isms (LOVE it!); and a Episode guide full of photos!

Here it is .... I am a HAPPY girl!

Here's a close up of the case ... It's so adorable!

 

Anyone who knows me, knows I have watched it from the day it started, and then recorded it afterwards. I watch the season over and over again. 

Yes, I love it THAT much!

I'm very excited to start watching and have a few Gilmore Girl Marathons!

Even though David didn't pick it out. I did, and ordered it on Amazon myself (love Amazon!) - it's still the perfect gift from him : ) Thank you sweet husband! Happy early Birthday to me!

Now, I must go .... I have Gilmore Girls to watch : )

Happy 4th Birthday Andy!

Today our baby turns 4. I can hardly believe it. I know everyone says that and feels it. But it's so true. Where does the time go?  Andy is the sweetest, coolest kid ever. And we love him to the moon and back.

We were fortunate since his birthday fell on a Saturday that we were able to have his party on his actual birthday. So fun! Our theme for the party is Toy Story, but mostly Buzz Lightyear - and a costume party. Andy LOVES Buzz. It's all things Buzz for him.

Our babysitter and friend, Jamie, was in town so she came by to help and wish Andy a Happy Birthday! So Thankful for Jamie. Love, love her!

Jenna (Jamie's sister) came also to help and hang out. Andy LOVES her! Their family lives down the street, so if Jenna is outside in the afternoon - then Andy is down there w/her. She's helping Will & Andy w/their sunscreen. Thanks Jenna : )

My great friend, Eric and his son, Eli came by for a visit. We missed Erica - she was w/a friend and couldn't make it. We always love a visit from Uncle Bubba : )

I armed Eli w/a squirt bottle b/c Teddy (our 6 month old Airedale) kept jumping on him. He pretty much stayed clear of him. Giving him the squirt bottle was a bonus b/c he watered the plants, the grass, the porch : ) Thanks Eli : )

More helping shots from Jamie (in the fort) and Jenna. I love this photo because Andy is helping Will w/his sunscreen. Those two truly are bestfriends. Will and Andy love each other so much. It's so great to see the bond between them. Will woke up and immediately started taking care of Andy. He told him Happy Birthday and that he was 4, and he loved him. He was really doting over him. It was the greatest thing to see. Took him outside to teach him how to ride a bike (in the back). It was soooooooo special. Love these boys : )

Ben w/the squirt bottle threatening Teddy away from Eli : ) and Uncle Bubba

We had the party in the backyard - so I left the gate open and put a cute little sign on it. I also made this photo banner of Andy that has photos from birth - age four. It was really great to see the progression of how much he's grown.

Andy and his AWESOME cake by our cake lady (and friend), Terri.

More decorating. Jenna and Jamie helped out so much. So thankful for them and their family. They have been the biggest blessing to us. 

We, of course, had a tattoo station w/Buzz, Woody, Alien, and Woody tattoos.
Here's David, Aunt Claudia, Ben, Uncle Ray and Andy .... getting some tattoos : )

Three Buzz's (Andy, Edison, and Zach). Our friends loaned us this bounce house for the party. It was the perfect addition. The kids loved it. Thank you Shauna and Dwayne : )

Party guests. Everyone had a great time.

Andy and Zach (one of his BFF's from his class). He's trying to get a drink - I think : )

Andy and his AWESOME cake again : ) You ROCK Terri : )

Andy actually saw a photo of this cake while we were searching through some online sites and he said "that's what I want." So I sent it to Terri and she made it better, of course :)

We decided to come inside for cake. Got a bit warm in the afternoon.

David caught the boys playing w/balloons. It's a blittle blurry - but so cute : )

Aunt Claudia (as Buzz : ) and Jay (he's another BFF of Andy's in his class) playing w/balloons

After the party was over, we got a visit from Ben VanMaanen (Uncle Ben) and his daughter Peyton. We always love a visit from them. And of course, Uncle Ben spoils the boys : ) He brought Andy and Ben and Will special nerf guns. We ordered pizza, and then they all had a little Nerf war in the backyard. Total fun! Thank you Uncle Ben!

(Will, Peyton, Uncle Ben, Ben, Andy and David)

Ben and Peyton : )

David holding his weapon

The party was fun and I think everyone enjoyed themselves.

Happy Birthday to you Andy! We are so proud of you and so thankful to be your parents.

Celebrating Andy!

Since Andy's birthday is on Saturday, April 23, and this week is busy at school (Wednesday is Easter Egg Hunt, and Friday is holiday for good friday) - I brought cupcakes for the kids to share today. Andy was pretty excited that he got to share cupcakes w/his friends : )

I brought cupcakes, Toy Story plates, napkins and goodie bags. The kids loved it ..... and so did Andy : )

Andy w/his special hat that his teachers made him. He was so proud of his hat : )

Andy and his school friends : )

He always has his tongue out like that. Pretty funny ... but he's still super cute.

Love my birthday boy!

Happy "Almost" Birthday Andy!

Andy's birthday invitation

Those of you who know Andy - knows he's OBSESSED w/Buzz Lightyear. So of course what kind of birthday party is he having .... Toy Story 3. He's pretty faithful to his obessions and each birthday it's been something different. His 1st birthday was more for me : ) But his 2nd birthday was World World, his 3rd birthday was Dora (I know .... but he really did love Dora), and now his 4th is Toy Story. I'm excited to see what it will be in the years ahead.

I took him to a park nearby and was able to snap a few pictures and found one I was able to put in his invite that I made. Here's his invite .... minus the personal stuff : )

Happy Birthday David!

Self-less:

• devoted to others' welfare or interests and not one's own; unselfish;
• Having, exhibiting or motivated by no concern for oneself.

This describes my husband exactly. He loves his family and he sacrifices everyday for us. He always puts us first. And truly gives himself to us fully.

Today, he turns 46 years old. It's hard to believe, by looking at him, that he is 46. I am so thankful to have him in my life and so happy he is healthy and well.

Happy Birthday to you, my dear husband. You are my best friend, my everything and I love you with all that I am!

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!



Happy Birthday Grandma!

Today, if my grandmother, Loretta "Charlotte" Degloria Hays, was with us - she would be celebrating her birthday. Sadly, she died a few months ago. I know she is in Heaven celebrating with her daughters (my wonderful aunts): Bonnie, Judy, and Eldred.  She and my Aunts will be forever missed!

Happy Birthday Grandma! I love you!

Happy Birthday Annemarie - Mutti - Oma!

We hope your day is as fantastic as you are! We love you dearly and wish we were together to celebrate your very special day! You mean the world to us! Please know that there's not a day that goes by that we don't think of you and wish to see you more.

Happy Birthday to you Annemarie - Mutti - Oma! We love you!

70!

Today is a big day! My daddy is celebrating his 70th birthday! I am so proud of him and truly so thankful to have him here to celebrate. He's had a tough year and he has fought and survived through it.

My daddy is an extraordinary man! I am honored that he is my daddy. He has loved my mother so completely for the past 51 years and has been the greatest daddy a girl could ask for.

I wish we could have a big celebration for him. Unfortunately - it can't happen b/c of things going in my life (upcoming gallbladder surgery).

Daddy - I hope you know how much you mean to me, David and your grandsons. We love you very much!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I pray for many, many, many.

My Pre-Birthday Dinner!

My birthday isn't actually until the 23rd - but my babysitter leaves for school early, so I usually have my get together the weekend before.

We went to Gloria's to eat (one of my fav's) and really had a great time!

Me and my guy.

I am the luckiest girl in the world! He's the greatest husband and bestfriend a girl could ask for.

Me and Misty.

She's one of my oldest and greatest friends. We've been friends since we were 7 years old.

I am so thankful for her and her friendship!

Doug and Grace (newlyweds : ).

I have known Grace since High School and really enjoy her.

So thankful she and her sweet hubby were able to come!

My Neighbors (Paula and Dave Guidry).

We are so lucky to have such great friends living right next door.

We see them often and really love spending time with them.

Me and Stephanie.

She was my boss (and friend) when I worked for CASA. So happy she was able to come.

I miss seeing her everyday.

Me and my sweets again : )

Misty and Nacho.

Nacho's gift to me was his handlbars. ha!

After Gloria's, we went to Weekends and had so much fun! I love LOVE these guys and am so thankful for each one of them.

Thank you guys for making my birthday so special! I love you!