Tripp 3
Saylor 1

What a wonderful weekend!

My family was very blessed to get to share a special birthday

with two cutie pies!

My sister threw the cutest bug party for my nephew and niece!

They were so sweet and funny.

I love to watch children at this age at a birthday party-

they are just not sure what to do or say with so much attention-

they are bound to do something funny!

Here's our Tripp!

Full of bounce and laughter!

Here's our Saylor!

Full of spirit & sweetness!

My sister did a fantastic job on all of the decorations!

They were so cute and full of vibrant colors.

Saylor loved the "Ants on a Log"!

Can't you tell?

Bug Toys, "Caterpillars on a Stick", "Bug Juice" &

"Ants on a Log"!

Oh My!!

Even Aunt YoLanda & Uncle Jon

had to get in on the bug fun!

Uncle Jon looks like he was having a little too much fun

playing photographer.

What's so funny?

Kyla, you did a great job!

A party that Tripp & Saylor will always

remember and love their Mommy for!

Thanks for making great memories for them!

11th Birthday

It was my baby's birthday!

I can't believe how fast they grow!

It makes me sad and want to hang on forever.

This has been a long year for Jackson, but it's getting better

so I wanted to have a great party for him.

He finally got excited about his birthday and we decided to

have a camp out- one like he used to share

with his best friend Thomas for his birthdays.

I think all of the little touches around the house got him excited about his birthday. I don't normally do it for that reason, but I'm glad it helped!

He loves looking at all of his old baseball pictures.

He was so stinking cute!

Now he's just my big boy with a big heart.

I wish I could make everything perfect for him. Both of my children!

Do you ever wish that for your kids?

I just always have to remember that God is in control and has great plans for my children, but sometimes I just want to know what they are and help them through those tough days.

If we could just take their pain away and make everyday a joyous one like birthdays!

This was his invitation for the camp out.

We had a lot of fun playing with the compasses!

So I headed out to the country to get all of the little details ready before the campers arrived. It was fun, but a lot of work.

I set-up some games to keep them occupied while we fixed meals.

I think they liked the games the best!

The first game sent them on a hunt to find numbered flags.

At the end they found their prizes.

Walking sticks, food for the trail, fishing lures, and more camping gadgets!

It was so nice and beautiful!

Until about 6:00 am and a storm blew-in!!

I know Jackson had lots of fun and made great, new memories, but I also know that he will never forget his camping or birthday memories with his buddy Thomas!

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!

My special girl...

One very special event that happened over the holidays-

my baby girl turned 18!

MY LIZZIE!

I just can't believe it.

Time flies by so fast.

I wish I could just reverse time.

I've been trying so hard to savor every moment of this last year at home.

This last year, the biggest lesson I learned is that we don't know how much time we have with one another so we need to cherish every moment.

It won't be long and we will be leaving her at college.

Ugh!

What am I going to do-

WHAT IS JACKSON GOING TO DO??

They still end up cuddling with each other every night!

I think I can say that after the tough 18 years that I hope every other parent goes through with their teenager, we did a pretty darn good job with her!

I absolutely love her heart.

It is shy, but caring.

It is simple, but so deep.

I love her talent!

Her eye!

I'm jealous.

Her photography is amazing for starting out so young.

Even though I don't always love her independent attitude,

it has made her strong and

puts me at ease when I think about her being out in the world on her own.

I just pray that she remembers who she is,

how to treat others with respect and

that God made her so wonderfully!

Thank you God for such a beautiful and perfect gift!

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. It has been super busy, but I am so excited to share all of my wonderful moments with you!

First, a Happy Birthday Blessing to Kathy!

Seems like forever ago that we had your 50th surprise party!

Oh, I mean 30th- Ha Ha!