Celebrating Jacob!

We helped Jacob celebrate his 28th birthday today! We went to Heise Hot Springs and finished with dinner at Big Judd's. I am so grateful to have Jacob in my life. He is kind and hard working. He gives so much to those around him. He's fun to be with. I am proud of the man he is and I'm so blessed to be his mom. Happy Birthday Jacob!!!

Another Year Older

Long day, but came home to this and cried. ❤️ My kids know how to keep me going.

Six already!

My beautiful, intelligent, funny, sweet granddaughter turned 6 today! She is such a light in my life! As are her mom and dad. Happy Birthday sweet Melanie! ❤️

Joseph, 17 Years and Counting

Happy Birthday Joseph!! 17 years ago I had my last child. He is an amazing guy and I'm proud of him every single day! Due to car problems and working late, I don't get to spend much time with him on his actual brithday, but Annalina took him to Kiwi Loco for a treat after school. I love being a mom. I'm struggling with my youngest getting closer to leaving the nest. But I'm so grateful to have him in my life. He's strong and funny and intelligent and talented and handsome. I look forward to … See more

Joseph's birthday dinner the following night!! Love these goofballs!

The Big 3-0

Happy Birthday Adrienne!! 30 years ago I began the biggest adventure of my life, motherhood!! Adrienne has been such a blessing to me and everyone blessed to know her. She is loving and compassionate and loves to serve others. She's stronger than she knows and she is a beautiful example to me each day. I love you sweet daughter! I'm so grateful you are mine!

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No Longer A Teen!

I Christmased!!! We took Annalina out for her birthday dinner. Then we went to see lights at the Friendship Gardens! This is huge, because I want so badly to enjoy the holidays, but it feels like such an inner battle, so I avoid it all together. I feel the big blessed days coming and there are a lot of emotions swirling through me. I am easily overwhelmed and stressed trying to get things done. And I feel guilt for what I let go. But I'm working on it. It felt good to be out with my kiddos enjoying something beautiful. I am grateful for their patience with me. Merry Christmas!

Birthday Dreams Come True

In my happy place, covered in Kittens for my birthday!!

Sweet Sixteen

Sixteen years ago my sweet Joseph was born! Sixteen!!!!! He makes me laugh. A lot. You can tell he loves to celebrate with Sushi. Annalina and I delivered some to the school for him today. Happy birthday to my favorite youngest son!!!

Birthdays are the BEST

My little sweetheart granddaughter is 4 today! How is that possible? I wish so much we were spending the day with her. But soon!! Very, very soon! Happy birthday Melanie!! <3 hr="">

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Birthday Tradition

We always go to Sushi Time for the All You Can Eat Sushi Feast on birthdays.  Thanks for being born Annalina, so we could go every December!   

17? How?

My little girl is 17!! Happy Birthday, my beautiful daughter!

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Jacob is 24!!!

24 years ago Jacob was born! Life with him has been an amazing adventure. I adore my son and am so proud of the man he is. Happy birthday!!!

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Happy Day Jacob

I am so blessed to be Jacob's mom. He is strong, independent, and is always willing to help out. He has braved so many challenges in his 23 years. He never makes excuses, he just tries harder. I am grateful he still lives with me. He eases my burdens. I love and admire Jacob so very much! Happy birthday Jacob! (Please enjoy tonight's picture at Big Judds.)

Joseph is 12

Happy birthday to my Joseph! Can't believe you are twelve!

How do a bunch of boys celebrate a 12th birthday? I don't know, I am just trying to stay out of their way!! But I can tell you, they celebrate loudly!

Joseph Is 11!

Happy birthday to my sweet not so little Joseph! 11 years old today! Love you so much!

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Happy Birthday Dad/Grandpa

Happy birthday Dad! We got dinner from Cold Stone in remembrance of you! Miss you!

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Happy 21st Birthday Jacob!

Today Jacob turned 21!  We celebrated at Big Judd's in Ashton.  Jacob ordered a HUGE burger with two pounds of meat, giant onion rings and probably a whole pound of bacon!  Did he finish it?  No, but he probably ate 1/3 of it.  Guess what he will be having for lunch tomorrow!!

The theme of the day was Zelda, one of Jacob's favorite games.

Joseph's Special Day

Joseph's 10th birthday fell on the 3 month anniversary of our loss of Richard. I did not mention it to the kids so I am not sure they were aware.  But I was.  I wanted to make it such a special day for Joseph. I am sure it is not easy at that age to celebrate a birthday without your father.  A few weeks earlier I had put out a request to friends to send him birthday cards so he would feel loved.  He got about 10 and really enjoyed opening them all on his special day. 

How did my baby get to be 9 years old???

My baby, my youngest, my sweet little guy is halfway to adulthood!  I am not sure how that happened, but on Tuesday we celebrated Joseph's ninth birthday!

We stopped and picked up Adrienne and Jon and went to a fun place near Rexburg called Big Judd's.  They serve huge burgers and desserts. We ordered a large side of fries to share and an ice cream dish called "The Hungry Heifer".  It had 15 scoops of ice cream and five toppings!  And yes, that is a huge dog food bowl they serve it in!  It was a fun way to celebrate such a momentous occasion with Joseph!  An interesting thing I feel the need to point out, there were six of us sharing this dessert, (they brought us extra cups and spoons), but we were still unable to finish all that ice cream!  It was THAT huge!!

Adrienne and Jon ordered one of Big Judd's huge one pound hamburgers!  It was big enough that they had to slice it up like a pie in order to be able to eat it!

The very next night we got to celebrate again as Joseph earned his Wolf Badge and is ready to be a Bear Cub Scout!!