lucky me

Somehow, I get to be one of the lucky ones.

One of the lucky ones in this world who gets a man like you.

A man who understands me like no one else.

A man who sees the good in people and makes the best of a situation.

A man who can make me laugh when I feel like crying.

Lucky me.

To dream with you about the future and God's plan for our family, I don't take it for granted.

I know how lucky I am that we share the same dreams.

I know how lucky I am to be married to a man with a heart for Christ.

A heart that aches to change things for the better.

Lucky me.

With everything in me, I know you will never turn away.

Never give less than all you have to protect your family.

To provide and be a rock for your wife and kids.

To show others kindness.

Lucky us.

And I think we both know that luck has nothing to do with it.

Thanking God for you.

Today and everyday.

Now let's go celebrate #35, big boy... whether you want to or not. :)

Love you long time.

happy birthday with a cherry on top!

Daddy finally made it home.

Now it's time for cake!

 

 

the day they turned five

what a difference five years make.

today was an interesting day.

because i knew daddy couldn't be with us, i hesitated to make a big deal of your birthday today.

but it's just hard not to celebrate two of the most amazing blessings a mama could ever ask for.

i hope you each felt special and celebrated all day long. 

and as soon as daddy gets home from malawi, we'll celebrate again!

love you so much,

mommy

party time!

We had our first birthday party outside of the house... and Mama liked it. :)

Hayes had a great time jumping, running and sweating with his buddies.

My Lego boy enjoyed his Lego party.

Happy 7th Birthday, Hayes!

seven

Hayes, what a year it has been! So many wonderful things are happening in your life... so much to be thankful for!

I was watching your first year video yesterday and I'm having a hard time believing that we've already advanced into the land of losing teeth and bikes with no training wheels.

Has it really been seven years?

Seven years since I first held you and you changed my life completely?

You are quite an amazing kid. Dad and I are so thankful that we get to be on this journey with you as learn, grow and discover what God has in store for you. If I had to guess now, I'd say you just might grow up to be an architect or a donut maker. Or maybe a paleontologist or a cartoonist. Or maybe you'll venture into medicine like your dad.  Whatever it is, it doesn't matter because I know you are capable of changing the world. My prayer for you is that you grow closer to God each day and listen as He guides you to His perfect plan for your life. I know He's got big plans for you and your big heart. 

Love you,

Mom

birthday weekend

It was probably one of the most memorable birthdays I've had, or ever will.
Hayes got baptized. He had a bunch of people who love him there to share in the celebration.
It was a pretty special day.

 

the boy turns 34 today.

It may be that I am still in the high school reunion mindset, but all I can think about after this past weekend is how lucky I am

that you are the one I ended up with. We've done nothing but grow closer and stronger in this life we have together.

When I think about what I love most about you lately, I think of...

you getting up each morning with lack of sleep and never complaining about it

your fascination with sushi and lunchmeat

you snuggling on that awful couch with me while we watch tv

you braiding Ellie's hair

you happily making waffles for the kids

you allowing me, more like encouraging me to take alone time

your ability to fix any problem or at least knowing where to start

you dealing with all of the crap you deal with... way better than i ever could 

you teaching Hayes to draw

you finding the humor in my cooking catastrophes

your fascination with those dang online 'deal' websites

you taking Embry on special jeep rides

you exploring your new passion of biking

your different voices that make us all laugh

you sitting down at the piano to unwind

your bedtime stories for the boys

your bedtime songs for the girl

you truly loving me for who i am

you dressing the kids on your own and bringing them to church to meet up with me

your fascination with drawing the perfect tattoo

you encouraging me to see past the things that get me down

I could go on and on, but you get the picture.

I like you. A lot.

Happy Birthday, birthday boy.

Love you.

once upon a time and a yo-ho-ho

The moment you came into my world.

I had planned for the challenges that come with two babies at once, the exhaustion, the getting from one day to the next. But I had no idea the blessings that come with two babies at once. It has been an unbelievable experience being your mommy, watching you grow and learn together. The two of you couldn't be more opposite... but yet, so close to each other.

As I have been preparing for your birthday and trying to wrap my head around the fact that four years have already flown by, I have made more of an effort to hold each of you. I know it won't be much longer before you're too big, just like your big brother. As much as that kills this mommy's heart, I have to remind myself that the time with the two of you only gets better. It's a complete joy watching you guys grow up and explore big kid things. I am so proud of the little people you are becoming.

Happy Birthday, my Embry Jack.

I love you.

Happy Birthday, my Ellie Kate.

I love you.

We had a fun party this weekend. Pirates and Princesses. I felt like the party was over just as soon as it started. And unfortunately, my camera wasn't in my hand most of the time so there aren't many pics. Thanks to everyone who came and celebrated with us!

weekend with the wolves

What a wonderful birthday weekend! We headed to Great Wolf Lodge and had the best time celebrating Hayes turning six. It was so good to have Daddy around for a few days and look forward to when his presence is more the norm than his absence.

Thanks to Auntie, Minnie, Papaw, Grandpa, Nana, Andrew, Lala and Jude for helping us celebrate our big boy.

Wondering how he reacted to his birthday surprise?

six

Hayes, this sixth year of your life has definitely been a year of growth. Physically, you are getting to be such a big boy. Nothing in your closet from last year fits.

But more than that, your little mind is growing with knowledge and creativity. You are learning to read, draw, tell time and have become quite the little swimmer.

You've got a way with legos. The creations you come up with continue to amaze me.

Your little quirks may just be my favorite thing about you.

You are determined to be a bachelor when you grow up. All things girl, marriage and kissing are gross. But just between you and me... I know you still like getting kisses from your mama. :)

If your shoes are not tied in the appropriate double knot, you. freak. out.

I hope I can take you to Rhode Island someday. For some reason, you fancy that little state.

Your jumping jacks are killer.

I feel like this past year of your life has also been quite the change for me, as your mom. It seems I've crossed over into the land of having a big kid. It's almost more than my heart can take. I look back at your baby pictures and my eyes fill up with tears. Where did the time go? Oh, to hold that precious baby again.

I'm so proud of you for the little guy you are becoming. And I'm so thankful that God chose me to be your mom.

I love you so much.

Happy Birthday, sweet boy.

Speaking of birthdays, we've had some pretty fun birthday parties in the past. Something tells me you're gonna like this one too. :)

wait for it...

wait for it...

wait for it...