Happy Day!

First of all, Happy Birthday, Chel!!! it's Michelle's very special day today as she is entering the wonderful 30's! :) Hope it's a really spectacular day, Chel!

What a better picture to put up than the one of she and I when we were both preggie back in 2005. Chel, I want that cute shirt. I forgot how HARD it is to find cute maternity clothes!

Most of you know my very dear friend, Alexis. She and her family are living in Japan now for the next 2-1/2 years. They've been there since the first of the year. I'm thankful that throughout the miles (she's halfway around the world, 14 hours ahead), she's still so close. We keep in touch in every way imaginable. You can follow her amazing journey as a stranger in a new world (with a huge language barrier) here----> You don't want to miss it.

So yesterday the kids got a package in the mail from none other than Alexis in Japan. They were beyond excited! Usually they get packages from Oklahoma, not Japan! :) Of course Maia doesn't understand the actual distance and that it's coming from a different far-away country, but Noah does (but monkey-see, monkey-do). But they both do realize when I say it's from Japan, that it's something probably from Sami. That means a celebration in our house! As you can see, they were thrilled!

And what was it? It looked like Japanese candy and, to Noah's excitement . . .

. . .his very own pair of chopsticks!! (He loves to use chopsticks. We get sushi quite regularly in our house, whether we go out or get take out. Noah has learned quite well how to use them - I think he's a little better than his mommy, actually! He loves using them, so he was SO excited to have his own very cool Japanese pair. Sami would be proud of his chopstick usage! )

So the kids weren't the only ones excited about the goodies, Neil was all into it as well. (Last night we all dug into them. My favorite is the green - slight apple taste. All very "light" in taste. I like it a lot.)
Neil got a kick out of these candies and you can only imagine what he called them. He told me I needed to put on Alexis's Facebook page, "Thanks for the nipples!". Yeah, that's my husband! I spared Alexis the harassment :)

And Alexis didn't leave her favorite Val out. For my birthday in March, she sent me the best little surprise. My own Bento Box and chopsticks! I looooove it. Thanks again, dear friend. The kids thank you, too!! It's all been so very special.

Trail Mix & Spilled Coffee

Sorry no posts from me this week! I don't have any really good excuse except that I haven't felt motivated to blog because I've been busy with so many other things.

Sunday was my great friend, Corie's, baby shower!! It was so fun. I got to see my other dearies, Beth and Tracy and Beth's mom, "mommy Pat" and Tracy's new beautiful little girl, Abby, among other familiar faces. It was fun and Corie looked flawless and beautiful! I am so excited because she is coming back up from St. Louis next week just so I can shoot her maternity pictures! (Woot!)

While Tracy and her family were here visiting from North Carolina, I was going to shoot their family on Monday afternoon, but it ended up raining, so we postponed the shoot until they are back home again in June and July. Which actually works out better because there will be green grass, trees with leaves and flowers. Plus, Abby should be sitting up well on her own then. (Speaking of Trace, darling, you NEED a blog!)

So, I have to drive 35-40 minutes each way to the town where my chiropractor is 2-3 times a week. While I loooove him and love going because I feel so good afterwards and because I get to see my friend, Beth, each time I go, I am so tired of the driving already. I think mostly because it's so expensive for me to get there and back with gas prices the way they are. That's a lot of driving for me each week in the van. I'm not really sure what to do because I know it's really benefiting me. Anyway, that's just something on my mind.

So while in town this week for my chiro, during the time of my son's preschool, on both Monday and Wednesday, Maia and I ran errands. I bought some organizational things for my very un-functional closet (it's tiny tiny), we got a baby pressie for our friends Danielle & Dan (my roomie in college whom I've talked about who had a girl March 20th!) and we went to the cat vet and made an appointment for my cat, Heinz (yes, he's named after ketchup and if you didn't realize how much I like ketchup, welp, -----> now you do!) for his hair problem that he STILL HAS. (It's driving me completely batty.) I also dropped off some pictures at a client's home. Aren't they the cutest "clients"?

But then while at home this week, I spent a good number of hours sorting through winter clothes and adding them to the "winter clothes" boxes for storage and picking out all the items that the kids can no longer wear. Then I put out the new spring and summer things (note to file, still need to do mine) and then I piled up about 10 piles of Noah and Maia's clothes to send off to friends who can use them. We got all the stacks of clothes but 1 mailed off. So I also spent a lot of time in the United States Post Office this week. But I'm so happy to have done that because the clothes are being put to good use and they're out of my house -- the most important thing, right?! :c)

Speaking of clothes, I went through a lot of my own as well, and I have a lot to give to whomever speaks for them first. And they are a lot of very very nice things. Anyone interested?

So don't dis me for this because I cannot help my size. I'm blessed to have great metabolism because yes, I do like to eat, and yes, I eat a lot! Believe me, there are a lot of things I don't like about my body, however I am very thankful that my size is one thing I don't have to worry about ---- yet.

Before I got pregnant with Noah, I was a size 0-2. After pregnancy I was told by some people that I'd never be back into a size 0. And they were right, I wasn't right away. I began as an 8, then went down to a 4 for about 6 months, but then suddenly I could wear my 2's again. (Never say never!) They didn't fit exactly as they had before, you know how our bodies change, but the point is, they did fit! Well, since I am not having anymore babies, I have no need to hold onto these 4's. So if anyone is interested, I have probably 15 pairs of brand new J Crew jeans and dress pants and I will sell them super cheap just so I don't have to spend the time listing them on ebay! Some were worn once or twice. I also have some Gap in the pile.

It's also been a busy or exciting week for some people I know. My brother-in-law, Brad, had his birthday yesterday. Happy Birthday, Bradley. Hope you liked Ella's "pink cake"! And then Neil and Brad's cousin, Kara, had her baby boy, Spencer, on the 1st. She was 3-4 weeks early and he was close to 8 lbs and Kara is a tiny size 0 girl! I can't believe he was so big. I saw her a few days before and she didn't look that large! (Spencer must have been hiding well.) I am still waiting to see some pictures. Anyone, anyone?? Congratulations to Kara and Josh! It's their first child.

On the flip side, my friend, Jennifer, is dealing with her grandmother's body beginning to shut down (bless Jenn's mom for taking care of her dear mother), and then my dear friend, Kristin, lost her grandfather yesterday. She had a relationship with her grandpa like I did with my own. He was a fantastic person and I am so touched that I had a chance over our long years of knowing each other to have met him. Again, I'm sorry, K. It's never ever easy. And a really hard thing is, Kristin's birthday is Sunday on the day of visitation. If you know Kristin, please send her a card. I know that would be extra special for her during such a rough time in her life.

And please think of my very dear friend, Alexis, as she is on an airplane RIGHT NOW flying to Thailand for her and Matt's 10th anniversary! She is nervous and upset to be leaving her kids as they didn't make it easy on her to leave. And if you know her, you know her anxieties are already way up there. So think of her and say some extra prayers for her that they make it safely and that they have an amazing time.

Finally, know how my week has ended?? I got home from picking up Noah from preschool and I brought the kids upstairs to the kitchen for lunch. Maia got up on the island area where my laptop was open and where my old cold coffee was sitting next to it. And I'm sure you can guess what happened.

I was doing something in the sink and I kept hearing "I'm sorry, mommy, I'm sorry, mommy, I'm sorry, mommy . . . " and I turn around to the sight of spilled coffee all over my keyboard. Oh.My.Lord. And that's exactly what I said, too. I quickly turn it over and let the coffee drain out on the floor and wipe it up with a towel. I figured I'd look at the screen and see it black and dead, but it was still on!! Praise the Lord! So I'm praying still that it doesn't eventually die on me, but so far so good. Cross your fingers for me! This is a scary situation on my hands! I swear my computer luck is not good. I am usually in dire mac situations at least once a year for whatever reason.

I just hope to never ever mention spilled coffee on my computer again. Lesson learned: don't put your coffee cup near the computer and don't leave the computer open. Ever.

A photography post coming soon!!!! Maybe even today!!

Special-day Day

Today is Neil's mom's birthday . . . a.k.a. "O'ma" to my kids :c) Happy Birthday, O'ma! We hope you have a super-duper-duper day! We love you tons! :c)



Today is also my very good friend, Rusty's, 32nd birthday!!

Rusty, I know you guys are making some huge huge changes in your life, but I have a feeling it's just a new big thing in your big book of life and adventures. I wish you the best times, which I know you will get as you tend to make the very most of every single moment in your life. Good luck with everything . We'll miss you. And Happy Birthday! Love to you, Andrea, A & A.

It's also, if I am remembering correctly, KP's daughter's birthday. Happy Birthday, Miss Ava!!
(Is she 3 already?!)

And finally, I just missed one of my dearest friends son's first birthday . . . Jackson. KDL, I hope you have a really great party on Saturday! I can't wait to see the pictures from your NEW CAMERA! Happy 1st Birthday, sweet Jackson!

Party Pictures!!!!!!

I know you are so anxious to see the pictures, so here they are. Follow this link to flickr . . . PICTURES!

(And I know how many look at my pictures at flickr so by golly, you better comment here!)

We had such a tremendously spectacular time . . . like, I don't think it could have been any better. We had about 50 guests . . . amazing costumes . . . super yummy food (and I say that not because I made much of it but because I had so much help making the other half of it) . . . everyone commented about how awesome it was (seriously, I'm not bragging, you could ask Erin who is sitting right next to me) and so many commented on our house which helped make me feel good and feel like what we've done on the house so far has paid off. Weather was perfect. We had straw bails outside, a fire pit, lots of string lights, pumpkins, and just lots of happy people. The costumes were amazing. If you check out the pictures you will see some of my favorites . . . Sgt Dangle, the floozy, the pregnant redneck, and the pregnant cheerleader. I haven't laughed so much in so long. You couldn't look at these people and not almost pee your pants. :c) There were some I didn't get caught on camera like Scooby-doo and the Harlem Globetrotter. When he walked in he said that the Rogain had worked a little too well (he had a 'fro). It was so so funny. I'm so mad I don't have a picture of that but they had to scadattle early. My friends who couldn't drink (Chel who was preggie, Lindsay who was preggie and Kristi who was nursing) even had a blast. Jamie had stayed after the birthday party to help us decorate and she did a kick-arse job. I thank her so much because she really did help me TONS. My other awesome helpers were Erin (why, of course!), Michelle, Heather, Leann, Nikki, and Leann's girls (oh, and Jamie's girls helped a bunch, too). I absolutely could not have done it without any of them. We decorated as spectacularly as it looks (not bragging, I swear) in less than 4 hours. Wow. I'm amazed.

Anyway, that is the gist of it. It was so great. And I wish even more had been here. You really did miss out, but I understand why those who couldn't come didn't. Maybe another year when little children aren't such a priority like boobies and diaper changes and bed times :) I was really lucky because O'ma took our kids for the night so it kinda sorta felt like college again. We even tried to stay up like we use to. 2:00 Erin and I were in bed, but I probably could have stayed up longer but man, I was worn out.

It rocked. Hope you can come in 5 years when we do it again ;)

Birthday Pictures!

You only get a few b-day pictures first because it takes me a lot of time to upload pics and I have limited time with my dear Erin, so here's just a handful from the kids' birthday . . . then we're off to have a girlie day without kids and tonight we'll post some Halloween bash pictures. So be patient ladies and gentlemen! They are coming!

We had a great birthday celebration. So many friends and family and even though my kids were sick, they really enjoyed the day and so did mommy and daddy (and our special guest, Erin). It's so hard to catch everything you want to as a mommy and as my kids' photographer, but, well, these will do. Happy 2nd and 4th birthdays to my beautiful babies!

Happy Birthday, Erin!

Happy Birthday to my friend, Erin, who turned 27 yesterday! (I'm a bit behind, Erin, as you know --- sorry!)

I hope I am her best birthday present ever. (I know, that sounds so egotistical!) But, you know why I say that?! Because she is flying HERE from CANADA to spend a weekend with ME one week from TODAY! Yippeeee! So she must like me a little bit?! I am so excited! We're going to have so much fun!

Have a great dinner tonight, Erin!! I know you like to extend your birthdays, so we'll celebrate all weekend long and we'll even sing to you at Noah and Maia's birthday party :):)

Happy Birthday, Friend!!

Happy Birthday Little Bro

Today is my little bros birthday. My only sibling he is. His name is Chris, and he is 29. I joke with him that I can almost actually say he is old, although he's been able to say it to me for over a year now.

Chris is in Kansas City, MO. He is a DJ there. He goes by the name DJ Smooth. I'm quite proud of him, actually, because he does really well at what he does. And it took him 28 years to figure out that this was something he was really good at, and was something he really enjoyed. But he needed to get away from home to find it. And he's doing so so well now. He's happy and that is the most important thing.

I'm very proud of him. He's been through a lot. And those of you who know him, know of the things he's struggled with (and past) his entire life. He's had so many huge hurdles to jump . . . most that you or I would never ever dream of having to get past. For myself, the things he has made it past are things that I think I'd still be struggling with or else I just wouldn't even be here because I wouldn't know how to keep on going. Somehow Chris has found that strength to get through it. He amazes me. And I am sure proud of him. He is so strong. Not just literally (he is a BIG boy) but mentally and emotionally too. I don't think he reads my blog, but if he does, more than anything I want him to know how proud I am of him.

Onto the pictures . . . the top one is Chris's hand with Maia's tiny little hand. This was the first time he got to see her. This picture right above are my kiddos with Chris's two girls. They are sweetie pies and I miss them so much also! I know their grandma misses them dearly. This next picture is one that I should be embarassed about, but I'm not. I love and adore it. All the best memories I have with Chris are those on the farm where we grew up. And this is one of those time. We loved being in our underoos! I'm glad mom caught it on camera!

This is Chris with Noah at his 1st birthday party. I think it's the only one I have on my laptop of Chris and Noah.


Happy 29th Birthday, Chris. Love you, and miss you TONS.

Happy Birthday to someone special!

My mom (on the right) with her Aunt Glenda (left) at Halloween (is that right, mom?) dressed as Dennis and Iodine from Dennis the Menace. Aren't they cute?!

Well, today is a pretty important day here. It's my mom's 55th birthday! And I can't hardly believe that. For me it seems like just yesterday that she was brushing my foot-long hair and putting it in pig tails.

I met my mom when she was 23 (I was zero . . . hehe). When our eyes met they must've said "I'm yours and you're mine" because that's how we've been for over 31 years. When I was younger I never wanted to leave her side. I see now how that was from a mother's perspective as Maia is that way with me right now. And I'm loving it. I see now why she loved it so much. That bond from the beginning as mother-daughter turned into a true and amazing friend relationship. Yeah, I didn't have a choice who my mother was, like with friends you have choices, but God knew who would be best for me just as He knew who would be best for her. And then we CHOSE to become friends. That's what I love.

As a toddler and especially as a teenager, you don't always appreciate your mother. I know there were times I didn't. I always knew she loved me, though. And I think that's what matters most in any relationship, knowing you are truly loved, especially a mother/father son/daughter relationship. Actually, to me, that's what matters most in any relationship. Love is what life is based around. It truly is what makes the world go round.

And yes, there have also been times I have not liked her, but I can say now (you know, you never see it then) that the times I got mad at her were only because she was looking out for my best interest.

I've always been her best interest. Those that love us do what they do for us because they think it's what's best for us. And my mom, she has never given up on me and has loved me through every step of my life. And I thank her for this. Not many daughters have mothers like mine. And I can say I really really do appreciate her now and what she's done for me. I look back on so many great memories and they are all planted in my head and heart because of her, and because of her love for me.

I also know how special my mom is because people remind me. Especially my children. They remind me because that's all they talk about sometimes is "grandma". I see their eyes light up when they see her (especially when they go to her house because adventure lies there!), and I have this feeling that I will see their eyes light up like this for forever more. And what a great feeling that is. Mostly because now I know how mom felt when we looked so forward to seeing my grandma Libby (mom's mom).

Mom and grandma had the closest relationship. Grandma was the one who showed my mom what love was all about. What strength was all about. What giving was all about.

My mom's father died when she was 12 . . . at one of the weakest times in a girls life. My grandma took over raising mom and her toddler brother all by herself. She did it all with such strength and I know that strength and love just radiated from her.

Grandma loved no one more than her children. And that is why my mom is who she is today and why I'm who I am today. I am me, and everything that lies within me, because of them. I can honestly say that it's because of them that I am who I am today. Two of the most special women ever to walk into my life. And I won't stop looking to them to guide me.

Grandma died in 2000 after a long long battle with breast cancer. But I can tell you, that she still guides me. When I'm battling something inside me at times, I will ask myself what grandma would do. It is never hard for me to find the answer. She was that wise of a women. Oh how I miss her.

Mom, grandma & myself (and we can't forget Shelby!) just a few months before grandma passed away.

Happy Birthay, Mom. I love you. And I know grandma loves you so much and is so very proud of you like I am.

This is grandma and her sister, Katherine (a.k.a. Aunt Kack to me). Grandma stands on the right. She was the oldest of 5 siblings. Kack is next, then Carolyn (a.k.a. Aunt Sue to me), then Butch, and then Glenda (who is pictures above with my mom). Of course Glenda was not born yet . . . she and mom are just a year apart in age!

And now I'm back!

And I'm still alive!

I'll can't go into exact details as to why this wedding was so dreadful (going into it) for me, but God was looking after me, as it wasn't nearly as bad as anticipated. The bride & groom were great despite the laaaaarge wedding party, and both looked quite stunning! We even made great time on the photos and I just ignored some of the guys who complained about having to be there 3 hours prior to the wedding (you know, guys, they just don't get it!). Everyone was super and the thing that scared me a bit turned out to be okay afterall. I was quite anxious about it, but things worked out and all went very well. I know it's easy for me to say that since it's o-v-e-r now, but really, it did all go well and I'm just so relieved. First wedding of the year down with success! Yipppeeee!

On another note, now that I can let my hair down and RELAX, I can give some credit where credit is due.

It is my fabulous sis-in-law's birthday today. Michelle is 28 years old today! (Chel, I'm sorry I didn't post something earlier, but you, for one, know how stressed out I was prior to today!)

Michelle is the most wonderful sister I could ever hope for. She was sent from God above to be not just my sister-in-law, but my sister. We are share so many similarities from our love of cereal, to our years growing up as farmer's daughters to our deep sensitivity and compassion for others . . . for life. I could go on and on and on. I love her dearly . . . and she loves me. And I know I didn't choose her like people choose friends but if I had that opportunity to, I definitely would have asked her to be my friend and would have even asked her to share a BFF necklace with me. (*giggle*)

Hope you had a great birthday, Chel! Love you!

Happy Birthday, Vic!

Here's Vic with her family (and my daughter!)

I missed a birthday yesterday that I feel really bad about because it was her big special birthday! Vickie turned 40! Anyway, I thought it was Thursday, but it was really Tuesday, so bad bad Val! But I made up for it yesterday with her ;c)

I just wanted to say here . . . HAPPY BIRTHDAY, VIC!!!!!

Vickie's daughter, Chloe, with Maia (they both really adore each other!)

Happy Birthday, Sara!

Today is my friend, Sara's 31st birthday!

Sara and I go way back. We went to grade school/high school together but really didn't become good friends till we graduated, were both going to community college together (and having a blast!), then going on to work at the same flower shop for a couple of years. She was in my wedding, I was in hers as her MOH - such an honor that was! - but she'll never live down the fact that I didn't know I was to make a speech at her reception until about 5 minutes prior! (If you know me, you know that talking in front of people is something I do not do!) She is such a great friend, putting such sunshine in my life, especially the kind of sunshine that doesn't just make you feel warm and loved but the kind that also make you warm, loved and giggling. She knows how to make me laugh. So, here's to you, Sara, on your big day. Hope the Windy City treats you perfectly peachy today and every day.

HaPpY bIrThDaY, sArA!!

Happy 1st Birthday, Addison!!!

And happy 1/2-Birthday, Maia!! (she is 18 months today!)

Addison is ONE!

We went for a walk yesterday and walking past Jen's house made me excited at first because I thought I would run up to the door to see what she and Addy were doing, and then I remembered, they aren't there any longer. It made me want to cry.

It's so funny how this street that I live on represents so much still to me; how it all appears to be the same, but how each family's lives have changed and how even though the houses are the same and never change, the inside of these houses always are in one way or another. That's especially how it is at Jen's house. Totally changed.

It appears to be lived in by Ryan, Jen and Addy, but it's not. I see it as their house and always will, but I know that their bodies, their lives, their future memories now reside 10 hours away in another state . . . so far far away. Oh how I miss them, oh how I miss just walking down 6 houses to tell her something, see what she is doing, to share something and so on. I think what I miss the most is having the security of such a perfect friend just steps away whom I can count on at any given moment.

Anyway, tomorrow is Addy's 1st birthday. I can't hardly believe it! It seems like just yesterday that I was instructing with my doula-ish inner powers how Jen should get comfortable during labor, taking pictures of her on the birth ball, rubbing her feet, and then in the hospital seeing Addy for the first time, taking fresh pictures of the newborn baby girl and helping Jen with post-labor issues in the bathroom (no description necessary!).

I so wish I had been there for her party last weekend. Here's the invite that I got in the mail. So dang cute. I'd never expect anything otherwise from such a creative mommy! Can't wait to see pictures of how she demolished the cake, Jen! Big girl Addison . . . sigh . . . wow, I still cannot believe it . . .

Happy Birthday, K!

It was Kristin's birthday yesterday! Happy 31st birthday, K!!! I hope it was FABULOUSLY fabulous! :c)

Kristin is a grade school friend whom I first met in 7th grade. Her nickname was the "Ice Queen" because well, I think the title speaks volumes (she will even admit to being called this!). In 7th grade when she came to our little po-dunk school from South Carolina, she was the coolest kid in school. She and her brother had the neatest (very) southern accents and she got the cutest boy in our class, Paul. And, Paul's locker was right next to mine. Kristin was a bit snooty and rarely ever talked to me (she knows this now, too . . . I remind her of it quite often!), but, well, things just worked out and by our freshman year in high school we were the bestest of friends. I should dig up some old dorky photos of us, but, well, Val just doesn't have the time right now. But I do have some more recent ones that I will share below.

So, K . . . well, she is just another amazing friend. She knows absolutely everything there is to know about me and yet still loves me! She never gives up on me, is always one of the most supportive souls, loves to hand-write things (like I do!) and those things I just love that about her. She also is one of my two Indigo Girl loving friends (Jennifer Jayne is the other!). K and I can bolt out all the IG tunes, and even though we all know she is the best singer ever (she really is) and I am the worse (I really am), she is the only friend I feel comfortable singing with. (Awww . . . don't you feel special, k?) She knows how to turn my negative thoughts into positive ones and I really admire her for this. She looks at life in a way that I wish I could do better at. She has been through some crappy times, yet still looks to the future as just that . . . a great future. She has a wonderful hubby that takes care of her the way she deserves to be taken care of, and she now has a gorgeous little peach - Jackson - just born in January and is an extraordinary mommy to him. She's just one of those people you wish you had as a friend, and luckily, I DO.

Happy Birthday, Dearie!

I don't know if any of you remember me posting this picture (below left) of me drawing a heart in the sand or not (on my VWC blog), but someone asked to see the results of that prepping of a photo, so here it is below. Kristin and her hubby Chris in Florida on their wedding day!

I have some great friends.

I am so blessed to have the friends I am because they know ME and know how to make my day.

I had a crappy birthday week, as you know, and every day since it's seemed to get better and better thanks to no more sick kids and thanks to friends who love me.

First, even though I didn't get to see my sis-in-law when she was home from Oklahoma with hubby, Brad, and my niece, Ella (thanks to 3 out of 4 of us being extremely sick), I still did receive a fun little surprise from her later in the week after she left it with my in-laws to deliver it to me. It was a fun little birthday giftie that spoke to her the moment she saw it. This is that fantastic little surprise:

That's right! Heinz potato chips!!! I have never seen such a thing till now, have you? I want to keep them, but that would mean not tasting them, and I'm really really tempted to try them, but still haven't broken into the cute little "cat"sup bag of chips that I am not sure I want to destroy. See, I really have a problem to hanging on to things. Anyhow, thank you, Chel!

Then last night, my dear friend, Heather, came over to visit. My hubby is away traveling for work in Tampa, FL and Kansas City, MO. She always hangs out with me when he is gone. She's my buffer. She is also one of my kids' favorite people. She's such a great friend to me and a great "auntie" to them.

Anyhow, she brought me my birthday gift . . . and I wasn't even expecting anything at all, but leave it to Heather . . . there she walked up with a giftie for me.

In the bag I pulled out first, a coupon which read:

One FREE night of babysitting!!
Includes:

• - one evening of babysitting for no more than 2 children (head count will be taken)
• - free diaper changes *
  
• - children will be fed if necessary
• - Fun!! (can include movies, puzzles, books, horsey rides, making a mess)

* there will be a small fee for brown/green soiled diapers :)

Then I pull out a gift card to one of my favorite restaurants, Texas Roadhouse. Then a 4-pack of margaritas, and then . . . well, I'll leave that to your imagination. What stay-at-home mommy could possibly ask for a better birthday gift than that?! I was ecstatic!! So we called hubby to tell him and well, he was also quite excited . . . of course. *rolling eyes* (Thank you, Heather!)

Then today I get a phone call from a florist asking for directions to my house. I thought, "who possibly would be sending me flowers??" 5 minutes later, up pulls a car and out walks a man with a beautiful lily just for me. It was from my dear friend, Jen, in Mississippi.

Jen had (unintentionally) missed my birthday and felt horribly bad. What's funny is, I never thought twice about it. To me friendship isn't keeping track of things between friends, but for just being there . . . for making you smile . . . for having a big heart . . . for having a shoulder to cry on . . . for allowing you to become a part of their life and family. That's just what Jen has done for me in the past and still continues to do, even while in OK far far away (oh how I miss her!).

It honestly did not phase me at all what she thought she had done, but she is just like me . . . always very concerned about others and never wanting to hurt feelings. So I thank her immensely for, yet again, making my day and helping to extend my birthday. It just reinforces to me how great my friends are and how truly blessed I am. My 31st ended up to be the best in a long time!

Here's the lily from Jen and the fun gifts from Heather.

Birthday!

From Noah and Maia:

Happy Birthday, Grandma Martha!!!!

Happy Birthday times 3!

Today is my mil's birthday, so....Happy Birthday, Pat!

And it's also Rusty's birthday, so....Happy Birthday, Rusty...wherever you are! See you soon....home safe and sound. I will see Audrie and Andrea tonight so I will give them slobbery kisses just for you!

I think it's also Ava's birthday, my sil's best friend's daughter's birthday - wow, that was a mouth full! Happy 2nd birthday to Ava!

Ella C & Maia Lizzy

Ella and Maia -- best friends and best cousins forever.

This was at Ella's 1st birthday party last weekend. Of course they had to dress alike all pretty in pink! Ella had a great 1st birthday bash even though she was pooped with all her traveling (!). It was a special day. We wish we could see Miss Ella C more often . . .

Is that your bell, or mine?