9

Nine.  I have a kiddo who is nine.  Wow.  We had a fun day celebrating our oldest yesterday.  Started the morning off with a "donut cake."  (BTW--he's not so photogenic, as you will soon, no doubt witness....but he's quite handsome in real time!) ;)  We're having a party next Saturday with his friends.  We asked our considerate boy to have mercy on us and allow this weekend to be complicated enough with Ronnie's master's thesis due tonight at 9 pm.  He conceded.  We love him for it.

The little brother had his last soccer game of the season today, so we all loaded up and headed out to cheer T on.  They had a little end of season party afterward.  Read donuts followed by Rice Krispy treats and cupcakes.  Egad!  Spent some time at the playground afterward to run it all off.  Headed home to open presents.  

His favorite gift--Madden 2012.  I've made my peace with electronics (for now) and didn't have any reservation about getting this for him.  I liked how he thought it was all his dad's idea though.  

Dinner at Olive Garden per special request.  

The three "big" kids.  (Another captivating photo of Clay!)  

Clay, you truly are a great kid.  We're proud of you.  Most of the time, you make this growing up thing, pretty easy on us.  Thanks for being an incredible son and a most amazing big bro.  We all think you are pretty special.

Sidebar for those inquiring minds--the master's was finished at 6:30 this morning after a second all-nighter in three days.  Glad it's not me. :)  Glad we all made it.

My bookends and me.  Love them so.

Mother's Day 2012.

Dining Out

Saturday evening, Ronnie's squadron celebrated their 95th anniversary with a formal dinner.  We got all gussied up.  Too bad you can't really see my handsome hubby.  That first kid of ours is TALL!  The best part of my ensemble, you ask.....oh yes, I wore the same earrings I wore to PROM with Ronnie!!  Just happened to have saved those black sparkly suckers for another special occasion.  Ah....prom....just like five years ago....ha!

Great evening.  Ronnie was the "Vice" (read MC), so I had to sit without him most of the evening, but it was still enjoyable.  He's so good at MCing type gigs.  He's pretty much "it" any time there's an event. The dining out was held at the Club with all the usual military traditions of a flying squadron.  Yes, grog bowl and all.  Yuck!  

We took a photo with all the kiddos before we left.

There was a gal there taking professional photos of all the couples.  I hope those turn out well.  Ronnie's parents were also there with us.  The squadron needed a big wig for a guest speaker, so since we just happen to know (and love!) a certain lieutenant general, he was invited to speak.  I don't have any pictures with them.  We got some taken there of all of us.  Looking forward to seeing those too.  Anyway, Ronnie's dad was amazing.  His speech was truly inspiring and spoke to all of us, not just the military folk.  The room was silent while he spoke.  I don't think I've ever witnessed Ronnie's squadron do anything silently.  Rowdy bunch!  And a very diverse crowd with super young enlisted guys, all the way up to vets that were part of the squadron during the Korean War.  Pretty hard to engage all of them, but he sure did.  It was cool.  Very proud to be his daughter-in-law.

I'll try to post some of the other photos when we get them.  You know how that goes with me though!  May or may not happen. ;)  In the meantime, this is my fav.....at Clayton's request!

Lest Anyone Doubt

Lest anyone doubt that God is alive, I read these words this morning after a horrible and almost nonexistent night of sleep....

When some basic need is lacking--time, energy, money--consider yourself blessed.  Your very lack is an opportunity to latch onto Me in unashamed dependence.  When you begin a day with inadequate resources, you must concentrate your efforts on the present moment.  this is where you were meant to live--in the present; it is the place where I always await you.  Awareness of your inadequacy is a rich blessing, training you to rely wholeheartedly on Me.
The truth is that self-sufficiency is a myth perpetuated by pride and temporary success.  Health and wealth can disappear instantly, as can life itself.  Rejoice in your insufficiency, knowing that My Power is made perfect in weakness.


from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young


Yep, He was talking straight to me.  He is alive.  He cares so much about how we feel that He'll speak that word of truth and encouragement right when you need it.  It will sustain you.

I Am SO Blessed

I am one blessed mama.  This rocked my heart yesterday morning....

We're on our way to take Clay to school.  Only been in the truck about a minute or so, barely out of our neighborhood.  Thomas says, "Mommy...."

"Yes," I answered.

"You're the best mom ever!" (He's not my sensitive one, so comments like this from him really touch me.)

"Aww, thanks, honey.  That makes me feel so special."

Then Clay adds, "It's true, Mommy."  Oh.my.heart.

"Thanks, other honey," I say.

And Gaby from the backseat is saying over and over, "I'm so happy!  I'm so happy!"

Elena's along too, of course, and just having her with is special.

Sometimes, life is just that sweet.

Partied Out

I guess we partied too hard last night.

She didn't even make it home from driving Clay to school without falling asleep.  Sweet baby! :)

1

April 12, 2011. 

No words, just feelings.  Peace, love, and joy.  She, my beautiful second daughter, caused strong emotions in me.  My love for her was instant and intense.  I have treasured remembering the day of her birth today.  Vivid memories.

April 12, 2012.  Here she is today.

LOVE her smile!

Doesn't she look like she could almost float away?!

Her big gift.  It's hard to find something special for #4.  I mean, seriously, no more toys please!  Somehow, I came up with this.  I loved it and thought it would be perfect....in a few months.

So wrong!  Getting lots of use already!

The sister shot.  (One of my favorite photos from today.)  Love these girls!

Elena means light, and boy, does she bring it to our family.  Always a ray of sunshine (even this week as she's been fighting an ear infection.)  Had to make her a cake to reflect that.

She wasn't so sure about the cake, but wild about the sherbet!

We're wild about you, Lena Lou!  

You brighten our lives....all five of us.  Have never seen a little sister quite so adored as you.  Terribly grateful for you.  

Happy Birthday, sweet baby!

Tomorrow we'll talk about you not growing up anymore! :)