Feeling Special

I think the Rogers family has been here 3 or 4 out of my last 5 birthdays. I love having them here. I love cousin time, I love the eating, laughing, playing games, shopping, running, being lazy. . . but they are not a birthday family. I spend a lot of the year throwing planning birthdays, shopping for events, planning parties. . . trying to make other people feel special. It was so much fun having the whole day to feel special this year. I loved waking up to my kids singing to me and giving me cards. I love all the treats people brought me, alone time with my husband, girl time with my girl friends, doing no housework. . . I know it's selfish, but I am so grateful I had *my* day this year.

And of course -- the BEST part of my day was this cake. Not only was it delicious, but it was the most thoughtful gift from the most thoughtful sister. I'm so lucky to have you. You always make me laugh, remember special things, come up with creative ideas, agree to anything I suggest, love my kids more than any Aunt ever could. . . SO LUCKY!!!

PS The cake was good, Sadie licked the ENTIRE thing. GRR

Old Friends

Since we grew up moving so much, we didn't have too many "old" friends (although the McGuire girls would definitely qualify -- I can't believe we're still friends). These are our old neighbors, the Arnetts. I love it whenever we can meet up, although Luke was a DISASTER chasing the ducks. Newest obsession: animals.

GIRLS!

I married a man from a family of 5 boys. There were also 3 grandchildren -- all boys. I knew there was a possibility I would never have a girl. But oh, how I wanted one. One to wedding dress shop with, and one who would call me with problems when she had her first baby. . . I'm so glad I got TWO of them. I love the hair, the frilly dresses, and the sass.

Fall

It may have finally cooled off around here. I'm so grateful we can turn the heat up and wear our sweaters. I have some cute winter clothes to wear!

This nook

I'm so grateful for our house. We built it when we only had Ellie and planned on moving out before too long. Instead we found that our neighbors, friends, Ward, schools, locations. . . all made us want to stay. I've brought 3 babies home to this house and they've all learned to walk here. When they first learn to walk they can fit into the tiny little cubby, but before too long, they have to bend down in there. They have all spent hours playing house, making a fort or hiding behind the big pillows.

"Say TRAINS"

Why do boys love trains so much? True story -- at my sister's wedding the photographer had everyone say TRAINS instead of cheese because it would make Nate laugh. I'm just happy when they find a toy they love.

Massages

My kids woke up to find the massage table up (Dustin was trying to help me get my hip feeling better), but of course they had to give each other massages. I'm so grateful for their funny little imaginations. They really make me laugh. Wish my hip was feeling better.