What a day!

We had a fun and eventful day for Carter's birthday. His birthday celebrations began Tuesday night with a date with Gma June. They went out to Subway (Carter's pick) then to walmart to buy a birthday gift. He picked a tin "Cars" lunchbox and little dirtbikes with guys to play with. He had a blast! (no pics...bummer!)

On his actual birthday we got him all ready for preschool and he was super excited to take the snack. He chose donuts and chocolate milk! On our way, we discovered that school was cancelled, so we quick made plans to hang out at Gma F's. There we ate his snack and played a while.

In the evening we had birthday party here at our house. He had chosen a donut cake for this year.

Here are Mason and my dad checking out Carter's gifts. Too sweet!

Mason got to open one of his gifts early since it goes along with Carter's gift (from Aunt Joni & U. Jason)

Can you see the excitement resonating from them both? Later in the night Carter said, "That was the bestest gift I ever did get!"

My lil nephew, Parker & Adalynn. Such cuties!

Happy Birthday, Carter-Man!

I can't believe my little boy is FIVE years old! Carter is SUCH a JOY to our family. He is so loving, caring, careful, obedient, smart and joyful! Never is there a boring day with Carter around. He loves to read, play Sorry!, play ANYthing with Mario Bros., jump on the trampoline, to learn, and best of all he loves to play with his little brother, Mason. :) He is an amazing help with his baby sister too!

Carter,

Daddy and I love you more than we can explain in words. Thank you for being the sweet, obedient child that you are! You are every parent's dream child! :) We thank God and praise Him each day for the blessing he gave us in YOU!

Have such a fun day today! I am looking forward to celebrating YOU all day long.

Hugs & Kisses,

Mommy

Another Hurdle Cleared!

I'm so excited to announce that Nick passed exam #8!!!!!!! He has one more to go and then he will be an official "Fellow in the Society of Actuaries" (FSA)

After we found out on Friday, I decided it was time to celebrate! After working out details for babysitters and hitching a ride to FW - I surprised him by showing up at work and took him out on a date! :)

Here he is in his office.

Congratulations, babe!

Fun, Fun, Fun!

We had such a great time with our friends at Kalahari this past weekend! I didn't get the best pics, but they did capture the memories, at least! :)

Carter, Mason, Kaden, Haleigh (holding Easton), and Gage

Kaden, Madalynn, Carter, Madison, Haleigh (holding Easton), Crew, Gage, Mason, Ridge

Gage, Kaden, Haleigh, Carter, Mason, Madalynn

5 Point Harness, anyone?

Why don't they make high chairs with 5 point harnesses?

(see how proud she is? stinker!)

Feeding time would go sooooo much smoother...and cleaner! :)

Merry Christmas From Heaven

I still hear the songs,

I still see the lights

I still feel you love on cold wintery nights

I still share your hopes and all of your cares

I'll even remind you to please say your prayers

I just want to tell you, you still make me proud

You stand head and shoulders above all the crowd

Keep trying each moment, to stay in His grace

I came here before you to help set your place

You don't have to be perfect all of the time

He forgives you the slip, if you continue the climb

To my family and friends,

Please be thankful today

I'm still close beside you,

In a new special way

I love you all dearly

Now don't shed a tear

Cause I'm spending my

Christmas with Jesus this year

This poem accompanied a gift I received from my dad on my first christmas with out my mom. It meant so much to me. I know it was written by some random man but the words really struck me. It truly felt like a letter that my mom could have sent down to us.

Maybe it was.

Each year as this time approaches (this is year 3) people so kindly ask me how I am doing. I'm okay. Not good. Not bad. Just okay. I typically have a break down (as I am right now) and cry when it hits me that I'm about to celebrate another Christmas without her.

Although this season brings with it some pain, I do feel immense joy.

It is a joy that I cannot explain - I've had people comment that "you seem to be doing so well with this whole thing". It is amazing. I really do cope well. I can't explain it other than that it is simply and purely by God's Grace alone.

I was so blessed with the 23 years I had with her.

Year by year I feel like God is helping us heal. I'm thankful for that.

Enough of this sad stuff. Enjoy your Christmas season! I know I will!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas 2010

Confection Dazzle Christmas

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View the entire collection of cards.

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms."Psalm 95:2

Have a wonderful day! :)

Surprise....#2

On my actual birthday, Nick wanted to take just our small family out for supper. Little did I know - it was because when we returned home, several of our friends and their children would be awaiting our arrival for a surprise party planned by Nick. How sweet! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks so much, honey! Also a huge thanks to all of our friends that came ~ thanks for the sweet gifts and for helping Nick out. Amy - the cupcakes were FABULOUS! My absolute favorite!

Surprise!

Wow. Was I ever surprised Monday night! Shocked is more like it! Jenna called me a week ago and asked me to babysit her kids Monday night for a photoshoot - and I said yes. So - about an hour before she was to arrive she called and asked if she could take a few pictures of Adalynn and I before her photoshoot for something on her website. So - quickly I got dressed up for pictures, and got Addi dressed.

Surprisingly - Nick came home 45 minutes early. I was glad because then - I wouldn't have 5 children to take care of by myself...Then it seemed that Jenna was running later than I thought she should ESPECIALLY if she thought she'd take some pictures of Addi and I before the photoshoot.

Finally, we hear a door shut... So I said, honey - lets go help her with the boys! So we jump up and run to the front door. I peek out at the van and got VERY confused. It was Jane's van. Before I could put any more thought into it, 5 girls come running into my house shouting, "SURPRISE!"

Yep, I sure was surprised! Delightfully so! :)

They kidnapped me and took me to the Flat Top Grill for supper.

Then we were on to our Mission.

Red

vs. Blue

Just look at those faces! Makes me laugh so hard! :)

Gotta love her!:)

Lazer tagging was sooooo fun! I couldn't believe it. I thought I'd feel out of place but I had a blast! OF COURSE, after that we HAD to hit up Target and some dessert! But then we headed home!

THANKS SO MUCH GIRLS! I am so thankful to all of you for your sweet friendship. When I count my blessings, I'm sure to remember each one of you. I love you all so much! Thanks for being a part of my life and for making my birthday a memorable one. (But watch out for your next b-day! ;o ) hehe...

Stay tuned for more special birthday fun AND surprises!