Day Three Hundred Three 2013

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JANE!

My baby sister, Jane [an almost-Halloween baby] celebrates her 52nd birthday today. She’s a blessing to me and everyone who knows her and I’m so glad to have her in my life, not only as my sister, but also as my friend. Happy Birthday, Jane!! Love and hugs from me to you on your day of days.

Day Two Hundred Thirty 2013

ELIJAH’S 7TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

Grandson Elijah turned 7 years old on August 17 (Saturday). He celebrated today with his family and friends at his house.

His mom and dad help make his day really special each year with a giant water slide ~ one of the joys of having a summertime birthday.

Granddaughter Shelby, grandson Knox, grandson Elijah and daughter Holly had a blast on the slide.

A close family friend, Tammy, made Elijah’s awesome camo cake. Elijah and his dad love to hunt, so the cake was decorated with deer, turkeys and a hunter with a cross bow.

The happy birthday boy

Blowing out the candles

Elijah enjoyed his ‘Tammy cake’ and yummy ice cream and homemade punch.

We all enjoyed it! There were 20 people at Elijah’s party today.

Of course, the best part is opening all those great presents.

He received lots of cards, too, and read them all.

Elijah had a monstrously good time at his party. Happy Birthday, Little Man, who is quickly getting to be not-so-little any more. Granny loves you!!

Day One Hundred Ninety Three 2013

HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY, SARAH!



My sweet niece Sarah celebrated her 18th birthday this evening with family and friends and a yummy chocolate cake. [Her official birth date is tomorrow] These past 18 years have rushed by, crazy fast. I’ve watched her grow up into this unique, smart, talented, gorgeous, funny and fun to be with young woman who is one of my favorite people on the planet. But then she’s always been all those things. Her future is shiny bright. Can’t wait to see where she goes and how she gets there. Wishing you all the best of everything life has to offer, Sarah. Love you to pieces.

Day Two Hundred Thirty One 2012

Elijah Celebrates Being SIX!








Grandson Elijah turned 6 years old yesterday, and today his family and friends helped him celebrate this happy milestone with an Angry Birds themed party and a huge Slip and Slide in his back yard. Cake, ice cream, punch, balloons, birthday hat, slippin’ and slidin’ on that giant water slide, and taking a shot at the Angry Birds pig piñata then gathering up a bag full of candy all added up to a very happy birthday for one of the best kids on the planet. I’m glad I got to watch you having so much fun on your special day. Happy Birthday (again) !! Granny and Grandpa love you very much.

Day Two Hundred Three 2012

Granddaughter Shelby celebrated her 11th birthday this afternoon, partying with family and friends. The kids, big and small, enjoyed a huge water slide in the back yard. We all enjoyed that delicious cake. And Shelby really enjoyed the cash gifts inside all those birthday cards. What a totally fun way to turn eleven. As her birthday balloon says, Another Year Of Fabulous! Happy Birthday, Shelby!

Day One Hundred Ninety Six 2012

My niece Sarah celebrated her 17th birthday this afternoon. She is one of my favorite people on the planet, and I am blessed by her presence in my life. God has blessed her abundantly in every aspect of her life, and it is my prayer that He continues to bless her throughout the coming year as she heads into her senior year in high school. Happy birthday, Sarah! Love you bunches!!

Day Three Hundred Fifty 2011

HAPPY 33RD BIRTHDAY, HOLLY!




Daughter Holly celebrated her 33rd birthday today. We enjoyed Thai food at Ocha Deli for her birthday dinner. Her birthday cake was her traditional favorite, a Baskin Robbins ice cream cake—chocolate chip ice cream with chocolate cake. She received lots of cool presents and cards. Can’t believe our almost-Christmas baby is 33. Happy Birthday, Holly! You are one of my sweetest blessings. I love you more than you can ever know.

Day Three Hundred Sixteen 2011

HAPPY 35TH BIRTHDAY, KELLY!




















My daughter, Kelly, celebrated her 35th birthday today. She’s a mom-to-be and her due date is near, so we traveled to her house this year to party instead of her having to drive here. Her dad Neil, hubby Kerry, sister Holly, niece Shelby, nephew Elijah and her mom (that would be moi), enjoyed her yummy pizza birthday lunch at the Mellow Mushroom. On the way back to her house, we stopped at Julia’s Bakery and picked up an array of most awesome cakes and cupcakes for the occasion. Elijah lead the Happy Birthday Song. Kelly enjoyed all her presents, both flat and not-so-flat (sister Holly always makes sure she’s got an actual package to open—and that Teddy bear for Knox was precious!). We got to see the baby’s room (so beautiful and sweet) and meet Kelly’s kitty cats, Smoky and Frankie. It was a fun afternoon. Happy Birthday, Kelly! Your dad and I love you more than you’ll ever know. You’ve been a blessing to us ever since you arrived on that snowy November night!