You Can't Be 14!

I can't believe that 14 years ago today, all Kacole and I could say was "Today, we're gonna be AUNTS!!!!"

Happy Birthday Nephew! You are a super kid and I sure hope my boys grow up to be like their very cool big cousin! Your brother may be "the LEADER" but God has big plans for your quiet, gentle nature and incredible intelligence. You stole our hearts all those years ago and you still have a very special place in mine.

Guitar Hero

Just the CD he wanted

Speed Demon

Happy Birthday JRR

Today is JRR's birthday! That's us back in the mid-70's (obviously) at our Mammaw's house. Yep, we're Southern, we had a couple of "Mammaws". (Reminds me of a Hannah Montana episode! That's so sad.) This picture cracks me up because it is just like JRR to have his shirt tucked into his belted pants. So neat and orderly. It's just like me to need to adjust my pants - so not neat and not orderly!

JRR is very creative (check here and here). He is also quite hilarious! If you don't know him and weren't reading my blog this time last year, you can read more about him here. It's a much more serious and moving tribute to the brother!

I wish we could spend time together today. It wouldn't be anything terribly exciting to most people. I might possibly bring some of this and some of these - just for fun! But most likely we would probably drink coffee and talk about politics. Well, I would ask questions and he would explain and give his comments about politics. We might also talk about how much fun we all had in Colorado last month or how we can make sure the sister ends up taking in the parents when they are old and feeble. That last part would be a sham, since I'm sure that's what they talk about when I'm not around!

In honor of this special occasion, I have a story he will think is funny. He thinks most things this kid does is funny.

The other day, G said "Daddy, put down that remote and play with me".

Needless to say, that's just what the daddy did!

It's My Birthday!

Today I am 39 years old. Wow. I don't really mind that number, but what I keep dwelling on is that this is the first day of my 40th year. That has a completely different feel to it. When I was a kid that sounded so old, but I don't feel old. For all of my adult life, I've been the youngest. My friends have always been a few years ahead of me. But since moving here 2 years ago, my girlfriends here are younger - like 5 to 10 years younger. Since our kids are the same ages, it feels like we're all the same age. Except when playing trivia games with them at game night. KD has a hard time answering questions from the 80's since she was only in elementary school!!

I'm not feeling all that reflective today, as I often am on my birthdays. Maybe that will come later, after my second cup of coffee.

But I do have one question. Why is it that on your birthday, your first priority after looking at your face in the mirror is hair removal? I'll just leave it at that.

***Update***

So far it's been a wonderful birthday! One friend brought me a homemade lasagna, 3-Layer Pie, a cookbook and a Willow Tree to add to my collection. Another friend brought me a gorgeous silver bracelet. And a woman in my church sent me beautiful flowers! Plus I've received lots of cards, phone calls and text messages! Oh, and hubby picked up DQ for lunch. (There ain't too many options in this town!). Later weevilwoman stopped by with some coffee goodies.

This afternoon I had to make my own birthday cake. Only because my boys really wanted cake! Anyway, we ate the delicious lasagna, had birthday cake, and opened a few more gifts. My older child had picked out a candle for me and was very proud of it! In fact, he kept trying to get me to say it was my favorite gift! But, it's hard to compete with a homemade lasagna!

This one-more-year-til-I-HAVE-to-have-a-mammogram girl feels very special and blessed!

White Rabbit Monkey Boy Chick Magnet Turns 4

Birthday Pancakes Make a Wish

He's Eight!!

Happy Birthday JRR!

I'm a terrible sister! It's not that I forgot his birthday, I just let life get in the way! I had every intention of writing a moving tribute before his birthday, but...

Most of you who read this blog know my brother personally. In fact, you've known him a long time. But some of you have never met him, so let me tell you about him.

JRR was born 13 months after me. Growing up, we were very close. By the time I left for college, we were the best of friends. We genuinely enjoyed being together! Soon after I got married, JRR got very sick. He was stricken with a debilitating disease that almost took his life. The next couple of years were difficult and strenuous, but he survived! In fact, at his wedding, he walked his high school sweetheart down the aisle - something very few people would have predicted he'd be able to do! He has an amazing amount of strength and faith in God.

He is a great husband. I don't know how his wife puts up with him sometimes, but those two really love each other! They have a beautiful marriage. JRR is also a wonderful dad to 2 hilarious boys and one very special girl. Parenting hasn't always been easy, but he and J desperately depend on the Lord and His plan for their family.

Besides politics, JRR loves history, music, Lord of the Rings, Braveheart, and Star Wars!

J and J had their kids a few years before I had mine. Kacole and I got to spend lots of time with L, H, and L when they were babies. So, when the time came for me to become a mom, we lived far from home. After the grandmothers had done their duty with me and headed back home, JRR took his vacation, stayed home with his preschool/toddler kids, and flew J up to Des Moines to be with me. He may think it was so we could catch up on girlfriend time. But it was so much more than that! She helped me figure out this new thing called motherhood. It was one of the greatest gifts I've ever received.

Now, I've made him sound like a saint! In everyday life, he's sarcastic, obnoxious, hilarious, and did I say OBNOXIOUS!? Spend anytime with JRR and there will be eye-rolling, hearty laughter, and thought-provoking discussion. I wouldn't change anything about him!!