"Best, Birthday, EVER!"

(Birthday Boy)
What a great day. Jack woke up happy, excited for his birthday party that wasn't ALL THE WAY till 4 o'clock. We got some things done... spent most of the day together, having lunch at Chick-Fil-A and letting Jack play a bit. Then when 4 o'clock FINALLY rolled around we headed to Menchie's for his birthday party. He invited 5 friends: two from school, two life-long friends, and one from church. First, the kids got to color their very own Menchie's T-shirt, then get up to 10 oz of frozen yogurt. (No one exceeded 7 oz, and none of them finished.) Then after yogurt Jack opened his presents. He scored some building blocks, new Mario jammies, some Julius slippers and a Menchie Doll of his very own.. Then the kids got to go in the back of the shop and see where the yogurt is made, and have a tour. That turned out to be more interesting to them than I had expected. Then- as the grand finale, Menchie himself made an appearance. Jack was ECSTATIC. He run up and gave him a hug then the kids had a great time chasing Menchie around the shop. This was one of the greatest ideas ever. All the kids had a blast, the yogurt is mega-good, and who can complain about chasing a giant Menchie around. Jack had a terrific birthday. I'm SO glad he is here and amazed at where he is. Jack's last surgery was when he was three years old- which means in April, he will have lived as long with his surgeries completed as he had without-- so weird.

I love you with ALL of my heart, Jack. Happy 6th Birthday.

Picture-fest:

(The party scene)

(Coloring T-Shirts)

(A Willing Participant)

(Getting creative)

(Endless options..)

(Healthy Choices..)

(Wishing)

(Post-sugar intake)

(Almost getting locked in the deep freeze.)

(Josh chasing innocent children.)

(The crazies.)

(Gettin crazier.)

(Losing control.)

(Jack's hero.)

(Group hug!)

"What if my brain doesn't know it's my Birthday tomorrow?"

Last night I told Jack he needed to go to sleep so he could have "lots of Birthday fun tomorrow." He was worried about bad dreams and said

"What if the Zombies come to eat my brains when I'm asleep?"

and I told him,

"Zombies don't come when it's almost your birthday. It's a rule."

Then he said

"What if I have bad dreams about Zombies?"

and I told him,

"You have fun Birthday dreams the night before your birthday, EVERYONE does."

and he said,

"What if my brain doesn't know it's my birthday tomorrow?"

I think you're brain is the one telling YOU it's your birthday tomorrow....

Happy Birthday, Sweet Boy.

Thirty, Eighteen, Twenty-Five.. whatever.

I turned 30 on May 20th. I've had lots of great jokes- like Josh getting me "Over the Hill" balloons, lots of "Happy Birthday Granny" or "Have a great day, saggy mama.."

Super fun comments indicating that though 30 sounds old, it really isn't. Which I completely agree, and to tell the truth, I've felt 30 since I was 17. Many people have asked "so does it feel different to be 30" and I just think to myself.... not really.

In high school I was ITCHING to get out. I felt like I was around a bunch of crazy kids making stupid choices and causing unnecessary problems. Then college was nice, better; people actually following rules and making better decisions. When I met Josh and knew in my heart I was going to marry him I thought "wait, I'm only 22.." but again, FELT much older. So it seemed alright. Then that led to Jack. Childbirth, parenting. That was probably the time I felt my age the most, but fought through it to become a mature, role-model for my son.

Thirty isn't bad. Age doesn't matter. Things change, yes... eyes grow "feet" and legs grow "cottage cheese" but I honestly feel that the best is yet to come. I'm still learning and I have a lot of time to become a wonderful person.

Here's to THIRTY! Cheers.

Special thanks those truly thoughtful gifts.. you know who ya'll are.

It's a Mario World..

Today is Jack's 5th birthday. It was a WONDERFUL day, from start to finish. Jack and Josh went on a special outing to the Discovery Museum, where Josh tells me, Jack was on his best behavior. He also got calls from family and loved ones that are far away- thank you for your love! Meanwhile, I was whipping up a batch of birthday party back home.

Jack had a Mario birthday this year, though he was probably the only one who was familiar with phenomenon, but the other kids seemed to enjoy it nonetheless. First, all of Jack's friends played a game of Gigantic Mario Memory. Everyone did really well, taking turns and staying in tune with the game.

I made a the giant "Memory" game with foam paper, and printed out multiple characters from Mario World (2 of each, obviously) and the kids had to make matches.

(Jack, being Bowser..)

Afterwards, Jack opened his presents from the generous families that attended, and then we ate cake, Firepower cookies, and Star Power cookies. It was a great time. Jack had so much fun and it was so nice to have the adults be outnumbered by the children. (Barely..)

(It's hard to top the "Yo Gabba Gabba Cupcakes" of 2008..)

Each of the little ones got to take home their own Mario Star. Something Jack has a true love for..

Jack obviously has special place in this family, and on this earth. He is a living miracle and we are reminded every day. I love him more that anything and I'm so glad to be here, at this place, with a healthy five year old little boy.

Happy Birthday, Jack! Love.

Birthday Weekenders

I try to make birthdays special. I want to bring back that feeling you'd get when you were young, and wake up on the day of your birthday with a zing in your stomach, the anticipation of what surprises lay ahead of you.

I surprised Josh with a weekend up at the Westgate in Park City. It's a favorite of ours. So we lucked out with early check in and headed up to the hotel and went swimming. After that, we ate dinner at Bistro 412, a restaurant that features lovely french cuisine. Jack gave us some time to ourselves while he flirted with the hostess.

I made Josh a birthday cake, which happened to be the same cake I made Jack. It was such a hit, that I figured it couldn't fail. Even though Josh asked for his beloved 7 minute frosting- that I just plain wasn't fond of.

The next morning we had our complimentary breakfasts and then Josh was presented with a massage at Serenity Spa. (Thank you mom, and Laura.) He loves being pampered. He also loves hotel robes. So he wore his to the spa, even though it was 3 buildings away.

Jack and I kept ourselves busy till Josh came back. We all had lunch at Main Street Pizza and Noodle. They have excellent pizza and garlic bread. Then we went back to the hotel and had a nap. Then Jack and I ran off to outlets while Josh vegged out in his robe.

That night was a great episode of Celebrity Apprentice where I predicted that producers would never let Trump fire Sharon Osborne, so he chose to fire no one. Of course.

I gave Josh a buzzer for his birthday, he has never been one for presents, only necessities. So he was pleased.

Happy Birthday, Love. I hope you had a wonderful birthday.

December 17th

Jack's birthday was on a thursday. The most boring day of the week. So we spruced it up with some birthday breakfast eggs, a trip to Primary's to deliver gifts to those responsible for Jack's ongoing birthday's, lunch at the PlayPlace, a fun visit to the Pet Store and then Zoo Light's after we did presents. It was certainly a lovely day and Jack had fun and was a great participant in all of it. We love him so much, and feel blessed to have this fourth birthday.

THEN, on Saturday, we had his birthday party at the Barn. It was SO much fun and I'm so thrilled I thought of the idea.. :) Because otherwise, Jack's birthday would have just gotten lots amongst all the other get-together's everyone is having during this holiday season. So it was very special, and I think he'll remember it.

We all got to play with the bunnies, kiss the llama's, and pet the goat at the barn. Then we had presents and ice cream and it was a grand old time. Thanks to everyone who came, and thank you to the Flamm's for letting us use the barn.