Celebrating "Tess"

Today is Jeff's 40th birthday!

I asked him today if he felt old.  He's reply, "No, not yet." 

I found this picture the other day of he and our nephew Jacob back in October.  We had borrowed Jacob for the day and took him on an adventure to the Stockyards.  It may not look like it in the picture but Jacob LOVES his Uncle and the two had a great time together exploring.  Jacob has nicknamed Jeff, "Tess."  Not sure where that one came from but it is one of Jeff's favorite things to hear the little man say.  In fact, my sister in law was telling me that "Tess" even has his own chair at their house.  Jacob will point to one chair and say "Daddy's chair" and then point to another chair and say "Tess's chair."  Mere, I am sorry there is no "Mommy's chair." 

I may have mentioned before (or maybe it was on Facebook) that Jeff and I are now communicating via email when he is at work.  Since I am so close to my due date this will help him know that when he sees my number pop up on the cell phone that I mean business.  Anyway, the point is that I sent him an email last night at midnight telling him the 40 reasons why I love him.  I thought I would share it with you today but decided against it because really, it means more to Jeff  than I know it will mean to you. 

But here are 10 of my favorite things from that list.  (the not so mushy stuff, to keep you all from gagging)

1.  Your love for Van Halen
2.  Your raunchy one liners that you say to shock me and then follow up with "Post that on Facebook." You know there is no way I could repeat what you just said in public.
3.  You have only called in sick 3 times to work in the 11 years I have known you. Amazing!!
4.  You taught me to live in the moment and enjoy every day to the fullest.
5.  Your love for travel.  We have great road trips.
6.  You already have Andrew's first road trip planned. I can't wait to travel as a family of 3.
7.  Your willing heart to serve at church. I love watching you serve in Children's church---you are their Pied Piper
8.  You are a loyal Charger fan!
9.  You love family traditions. (see above)
10. You asked me to marry you (what a smart man you are!)

I am so thankful God brought this man into my life.  He is a wonderful husband, brother, son, friend and soon to be father.

I love you, Jeff!

This Time Last Year

I have been reflecting today on where I was this time last year. On this day, 365 days ago, my heart was heavy awaiting the news of Brooklyn Beaver's birth, a baby who had been diagnosed with Spina-Bifida just months before.


I wrote this verse down:

"Do not be anxious about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done." Phil 4:6


I prayed endurance for her parents wherever this journey takes them.
I prayed for the Lord to continuing blessing sweet Brooklyn with a miracle.

Over the past year, I have had many conversations with Brooklyn's mom that have left me crying tears of joy. I know God is alive and active because of what He has done in Brooklyn's life. Many things that the doctors said would not ever happen, Brooklyn has done. She is a hard worker and it I believe a large part of her success is due to the fact that Brooklyn will not give up until she has mastered whatever task is at hand.

Today on her first birthday, I am thankful for this little girl. I am thankful that God has answered many of our prayers over the past year. One of my favorite things in recent days is watching her crawl, standing ovations were happening on my side of the screen that day. I can't wait to continue to watch God's miracles happen in this girl.


And I end this special birthday post with Brooklyn's biggest fan, her mom. Oh how I love this MJ lovin mama. ( "I'm singing a Mich*el J*ck*s*n song!")


Thank you Lord for all that you have done & all that you are going to do!

Celebrating God's Goodness

The other night I joined my mom and brother at a praise and worship night for small group leaders at their church. It was my mom's birthday and she wanted her kids with her so we could worship together.

Throughout the night, I was reminded of God's faithfulness to our little family of three. Who would have thought that 20 years after my parent's divorce that all 3 of us would be serving in some capacity at our churches. It gives me great joy to realize that God could us warts and all to further His kingdom.

We have been blessed throughout these years to see God's mighty hand at work in our lives. In recent years we have been blessed to see God turn the bad into good. And I want to take a moment to publicly applaud my mom.

This past two years she has been ministering to a group of ladies she calls Lemonade Ladies. Each one of these ladies are choosing to take the lemons that have been thrown at them and turn them into something sweet. My mom is pouring out her life experiences into each one of their lives and pointing them back to the only one who can fix the mess, Jesus Christ. I am proud of her and enjoy hearing how each Lemonade Ladies life has touched my mom.

I was reminded the night of my mom's birthday that God does hear our cries and answers our prayers. I have learned over the years one simple truth about God: if you seek Him, you will find Him.

MOM, you are doing a great job and I am proud of you for taking your lemons and turning them into lemonade. Continue the path that God has laid out for you and be still and know that He is God. XOXOX Love you to pieces!!!

- your blue-eyed Susan

P.S We may look a little rough in the picture because all three of us were a puddle of tears at one point in the night. Just keeping it real, peeps! Just keeping it real

Happy Birthday Faithers!

Today my niece Faith turns 10! She makes being an aunt so much fun. I love our friendship and the special bond that we have simply because she was the first to call me Aunt Sue Sue.

But I was reminded the other night how fast she is growing up....

This picture was taken after she made a very funny comment to me. Well funny to me but not so funny to her mom and dad. In the middle of telling me about how she will be next year's school Treasurer she let a little confession slip from her mouth.

"And the boy in my life is the President!"

Right at that moment, Missy (her mom) walks by to refill her drink.

"What?!?! The boy in your life! Who is this?!?!?"

And her Dad pipes in and says, "There will be no boys in your life just yet. I am the man in your life and Elijah (her little brother) is the boy in your life."

Faith just laughs.

It's funny to me but also very sad at the same time. These kids sure do grow up fast and it makes me want to cherish every moment with them.

Notice in the picture below her dad's protective hand.


God help him the day she has her first date or maybe I should say God help the boy who is brave enough to knock on the door. :)

I love you Faith Gwen! You are a precious young lady from the inside out and God has great plans for you!

P.S. Mom's birthday celebration was yesterday and I promise you Mom you will get a special post all of your own in the next few days

My Birthday Surprise

It's no surprise that my favorite song is Jessie's Girl by Rick Springfield. It also should be no surprise that I have a little bit of a crush on Rick.

He's hot and plays the guitar and sings Jessie's Girl.

Jeff has known that I am a huge fan for quite sometime. Last year I begged Jeff to fly us to LA to hear Rick in concert. I had it all planned out and thought it would be a fun way to get Jeff back to his hometown for the weekend. He said no. I was bummed but took it like a big girl because Rick was coming to Billy Bob's on our anniversary weekend. Again he said no. I did not pout but I thought to myself somehow, someway I am going to see Rick if it's the last thing I do.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago...

Jeff told me he had a surprise for the weekend of February 28Th. He cleared my schedule and gave me strict orders to not add anything else to our calendar. I was fine with that and very proud that I allowed myself to be surprised.

The only hint that he gave me is that we had to be there at 10:30 p.m Saturday and that I would probably want to dress hip.

Hip? What?!?

Saturday afternoon we were running errands when the curiosity got the better of me.

Me-Dallas or Fort Worth?

Jeff- Fort Worth.

Me-Cowtown or Downtown

Jeff-Cowtown.

Me- Billy Bob's?!?!?!

Jeff- Yes, how did you know?

Me- I was born and raised in Fort Worth and there is only one place that starts a concert at 10:30 p.m.

Jeff- Do you want to know who it is we are seeing?

Me- Sure. Is it Rick Springfield?

Jeff- How the heck did you guess that?

Me- Just lucky I guess.

Then I gave him a big hug and proceeded to tell him why he was the greatest.

Poor Guy was surrounded by a bunch of 40 plus year old women and one 31 year old screaming our heads off. When we left the concert he said, "That is the gayest thing I have done in a long time." He's right it was but it was worth hearing Jessie's Girl played live by Rick Springfield.

I told him don't worry I will never make you do that again.

He then gave me a hug and proceeded to tell me why I was the greatest.

P.S. Why yes, I did dance my tail off during Jessie's Girl. Sadly that is really the only song that I knew word for word...I guess I am not the biggest fan after all. The girl next to me knew all the words and his life history including but not limited to, his birthday and birthplace.

Keeping It Simple This Birthday

On Friday my co-worker called and while were talking she asked what my plans were for the weekend. "Well, tomorrow is my birthday...."

To which she replied, "Oh s&*t! I totally forgot!"


I died laughing because she did not try to cover up the fact that she forgot but came right out with a whoops, we forgot. For the record, I did get flowers and this is the first time in 3 years that they have not gone all out. I don't think most jobs treat their employees as good as they treat me on my birthday so I can't complain.

On Saturday, my actual birthday my mom and I spent the day shopping. We hit up Home Goods for the first time and fell in love rather quickly with this store. I bought a few plates to use in our new home. Seriously, this place is a part of TJ Maxx so it's nice stuff for a great price. Check it out, you will be happy you did.

Later that night Jeff took me to my favorite restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory.

The next night we headed over to my in-laws house for Chocolate Cake and a game of Phase 10. Jacob was my partner but he didn't last through first round. Notice the death grip he has on my shirt.

This next weekend is the BIG SURPRISE and dinner at my mom's. And nope, I still don't know what we are doing.

This year has been a great year because it was a very simple and very low key birthday.

Here is one last picture of the littlest nephew. Isn't he adorable?

Almost a Year Later

This picture is so funny to me! Check out my cake...

It was a joke between Jeff and I. He wanted the cake to be tacky, I just wanted the cake to be tasty.

So I wasn't surprised when we were in Sam's and he told me to hang out here (here being the magazine ailse) and off he went. A few minutes went by and I got curious and my little warning light went on alerting me that Jeff was up to something. I found him at the bakery laughing to himself as he filled out the card. When he said, "I got your cake!" I asked to see what he picked out. I knew before I even saw what he chose that it was going to be good.

A bass pro fish with a pink icing is every girl's dream cake, right? Well it really wasn't mine but I embraced it for a good laugh.

Tomorrow is my birthday, another year-another cake and Jeff has something up his sleeve.

I was told the other night that Jeff was clearing my schedule for next weekend. He said that I would not be singing at church because we would not be getting home in time.

I thought about doing a Sydney Bristow mission to find out where we were going but decided that would spoil the fun. Instead I am sitting back and enjoying my time until he spills the beans. And if I know Jeff like I do, he can't keep a secret either so I will know in a day or two.

Pics From Granny's Party

A typical birthday at Granny's house includes cake with a corner cut out from my big brother who was hungry and couldn't wait.

A sixteen year old texting all night long and not wanting her picture taken. Oh and you will also see her typical sandwich that she makes every time she comes over. Mustard, Ketchup, Tabasco and cheese...yes, GROSS!

Bonner snapping a picture with his disposable Kodak camera. I know what I am getting him for Christmas...a bulk package of these things.

Every one's attention turned on Bonner when he talks politics although what he said can not be repeated on the blog or anywhere for that matter. Lord, help him.

Granny on the phone with her big sister Ruby.
Granny laughing at her card from Cousin Nancye. We tried to take the tassels off to put on her shirt but they were stuck like white on rice. I told Granny to swing 'em around and she did....like a pro. :)

Elijah found his way to the candy tin. When I went over on Monday this thing was almost empty. I know that Bonner filled it up for this little guy.

Granny set up a drawer just for this E. I love how he knows exactly where to go when he wants to start playing.

A sweet picture of Granny with the great grandchildren and Rollie the dog that was named Rollie because he rolls over when you clap.

And no party is complete without a grandfather and great grandson tickle fest.
Isn't this a sweet picture...they love each other. Makes Aunt Sue Sue proud to watch.


Thank you Cagle cousins for your cards and phone calls. You made Granny's day a special one!

Granny B is 75 today

Today Granny turns 75. I chose this picture of her b/c she looked so pretty at my wedding. Plus I threw away that purse she is carrying the other day not realizing that she carried the blasted thing in my wedding! Whoops!

In honor of her 75Th birthday here is 75 things I love about Granny.

1. Her laugh, I love to hear her get tickled.
2. All the little dresses and camp shorts she used to make for me.
3. Her chocolate cream pie
4. The many hands of Old Maid that we used to play around her table late into the night.
5. When I was little, she would scratch my back softly to wake me up.
6. She used to let me set up my own little corner in her office at the antique shop. I would play for hours or read the old books from this ladies booth. It was in that office that I fell in love with Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew.
7. My love of antiques came from the many hours I would spend at their store.
8. As I got bigger, she let me handle the cash register or wrap up people's packages for them. I can still remember her teaching me how to close down the cash drawer. She was brave since math was not my speciality.
9. On my birthday she would take me for a day of fun, just the two of us. I cherished the one on one time.
10. Her letters she used to send to me at camp and college.
11. The Christmas that she taught Cousin Valerie and I how to make Peppermint Bark.
12. Her patience with us in the kitchen that day. I think that is the day we dubbed her kitchen a "one butt kitchen."
13. One time I had chicken pox and she came to sit with me all day.
14. Her love of Jeopardy. Don't you dare call her during the show, it could get ugly.
15. She was my first piano teacher.
16. The smell of eggs and bacon cooking in the mornings.
17. Her love for Christmas.
18. Her love for her family. I believe we cousins are close because of the love the Cagle siblings had for one another.
19. Her love for tradition.
20. I love the fact that I heard her say Damn for the first time this week. I am 30 years old and this was the first time I heard her cuss.
21. Her birthday is the same day as Willie Nelson's.
22. She was the first person I swapped books with as an adult. I love that she loves to read as much as me.
23. I love the fact that my friends also her call her Granny B. She is a grandmother to everyone-even the strays. :)
24. I love that she used to call me every six weeks to hear my grades.
25. I love that she still does that to my younger cousins.
26. I love that all of us cousins never want to disappoint her with bad grades.
27. I love that when she calls me now she says, "It's me."
28. I love that we used to set a day aside for us to Christmas shop together.
29. I love that once a month she wants me to read "the blogs" to her just in case she forgets something.
30. I love that the other day Granny told Bonner it was time to pass on the rocker to me.
31. I love that they told me that the rocker was for my baby nursery.
32. I love that she has been one of our biggest cheerleader with project plus sign.
33. I love that she still loves to do a crossword.
34. I love that she loves crosswords because her big sister Ruby still does them.
35. I love that she loves to watch sports with her husband.
36. I love that she is as big of a Maverick fan as me.
37. I love that she loved her mother-in-law like she was her own mother.
38. I love that she loves my husband like she was her own grandson.
39. I love that sometimes I feel like they love him more than me. :)
40. I love that loves her great grandchildren deeply.
41. I love that she has Bonner stock up on candy just for Elijah.
42. I love that she calls the Internet the "Internets"
43. I love that she will be watching Food Network and want a recipe and will call me to say, "Can you print that off the Internets for me?"
44. I love that she loves a good country tune.
45. I love that even though she loves country she has allowed the teen cousins to program the radio with rap music and Kiss FM.
46. I love that she listens to their music when they drive her around.
47. I love the way she holds the handle tightly like she is going to fall out of the car when I am driving 20 miles or slower.
48. I love the fire in her belly.
49. I love that she can still recite the preamble to the constitution.
50. I love how she is fast to solve the puzzle on Wheel of Fortune
51. I love that I am able to bring her comfort during these time when breathing is difficult and she is worn out.
52. I love that the other day she called to vent and after she got done getting the stuff off her chest I said, "I love you Granny." And she responded by saying "I know you do and I love you." Sometimes I think she just needs a listening ear and I am thankful that I can be that to her.
53. I love that we have been able to talk about God in a deeper way since the death of Miller (Her oldest son) and through my waiting period. I pray daily that she will see the hand of God in the big and small things.
54. I love that the other day after years of saying to her, "God blessed you today didn't He?" that she said God blessed her today and gave a reason without my prompting.
55. I love that she and my grandfather love each other deeply even to this day.
56. I love that they still get tickled with each other with their inside jokes that I will never understand.
57. I love that she is full of fun memories to share.
58. I love that when we were packing she and Bonner would tell me about the memories that were tied to this item or that.
59. I love that when I told them to go sit down and rest they listened so that I could get more work done.
60. I love her cornbread and she promised to make it for me in a week or two...when things get settled down.
61. I love that everywhere you go people know her name like the doctor's office or grocery store. They always say "Hello Mrs. ___"
62. I love watching old movies with her. She will call and say, "Did you know that this movie is on?" And I will turn it on to watch too.
63. I love that she lives less than 5 minutes from me so that I can stop by.
64. I love that she enjoys celebrating every one's birthday.
65. I love that she has worn the same style shoes for many, many years. I call them her Granny shoes.
66. I love that she lives on the edge-she told me she gave up "over the shoulder boulder holders" a year ago because "She is living on the edge now."
67. I love that every time you come by to see her no matter how little energy she has, she will get up to give you a hug.
68. I love that every time I leave her house she walks me to the door and says, "Be safe on the way home."
69. I love that she sometimes will call to say "Did you get home all right?" Although I have yet to have a phone call since they have moved close to me.
70. I love how on our road trips she looks forward to our postcards so she can keep track of us.
71. I love that when I was packing up a drawer I found all the postcards we have sent over the years.
72. I love that one of Granny's smells is Estee Lauder Pleasure's.
73. I love that she has a smell that I can distinguish as hers.
74. I love that no matter how old I get that I can still call her Granny.
75. I love that when I called to wish her happy birthday she started dying laughing. I later found out that Bonner had just run up and down the hall naked because the hot water went out during his shower. I told her it was a birthday jig and not to stifle his creativity. She answered with a "Gosh, Susan. Some kind of birthday present that was!"

If you made it to the bottom of this list, bless you.

Happy Birthday Jeff!

This is a picture of Jeff (the birthday boy) trying out his skills of Karaoke for the first time.

J-

How proud I am to be your wife. You amaze me every single day with your witty remarks and your words of wisdom. My favorite one this week was when we were planning where we would stay the first night on our road trip and you said, "If we are just looking for a place to do the 3 S's then this place will work perfect." When I asked you what the 3 S's stood for I should have known not to ask b/c you said, "Shower, Shave and S----." And then there are those moments where you say something in regards to God and life in general and I am just stand there in awe of what God is doing through and in you.

When I was a little girl I prayed for my future husband often. Not too long ago, I came across the original list that I wrote and I was able to mark off everyone. Thank ya Jesus!

Here are a few from that list:

• someone to make me laugh
• someone who is good with kids
• someone who is my best friend
• someone who is good with money
• someone who loves traditions as much as me
• someone who doesn't smoke or get drunk
• someone who loves Jesus

Jeff you are a blessing to me! I am proud to be your wife and I am enjoying watching God transform you from the inside out. Here's to another year of you! May God continue to manifest His presence in your life.

I love you!

S

Phew! We Made It!

(Click on the collage to enlarge picture)

It's June 1st which means Birthday month is officially over.



We celebrated a total of 7 birthdays in two weeks. Do you realize how insane that is?



And then you add in an all day Scrapbook event, Mother's Day, CDR 50th reunion, a talent show and a few baby showers it gets to be a bit hectic around here.



Or should I say we got a bit cranky around here?



Let me just be honest for a second....neither Jeff nor myself deal well with non-stop schedules.



Today I had another engagement (Sorry Couz!) and as we were leaving church Jeff says, "You know what would make my day?"



"What's that?"



"A day with just my wife for us to do what we want, when we want without rushing around."



Let me ask you, would you pass up a request like that?



Let me also mention that this is the first Sunday in many, many months without church small group. At this point, we were ready for sometime to ourselves, to do what we love to do.



Anyone want to make a guess as to what we did today? Here is a hint: it is a summer tradition.



Sunday Matinee Movie Y'all.



Today's movie: Iron Man



If you haven't seen it-you must go. We really, really loved it.



The best $8 we ever spent!

It Seems Like Only Yesterday

Faith,

It seems like only yesterday that you were born. We were all waiting in the hospital lobby for the nurse to come and tell us you had arrived. I knew from day one that I was going to love being your Aunt. At the time you were born, I was in college at ACU. I had pictures of you posted all through out my room so I could see your sweet face anytime I wanted. This picture is one of my favorites because I am sitting next to my favorite Uncle, Uncle Miller. We had a great time talking about all your pretty little features that day. You were such a sweet baby.

My favorite time of year came at Thanksgiving because that was the time you and your family came to Texas to visit for a week. One Thanksgiving you stayed at my roommate and my apartment in Fort Worth. Oh how I loved having you stay with me. For weeks, we were finding traces of you in our kitchen from all the cabinets you cleared out. You always made me laugh with your funny antics. (Elijah reminds me of you at that age) One of my favorite memories was when I was living in the apartment next door to Lynnie (where I still live to this day) You would run from door to door saying, "Hello! I am here!" You stayed on the trundle bed in my room before Uncle Jeff and I were married and we would stay up late watching "Cinderelly." I thought this would help you sleep, how wrong my thinking was. I ended up having to turn it off but I would promise you we would finish in the morning. The first thing out of your mouth the next morning was, "Cinderelly please!"

One summer I came to visit you and your family in Florida. We had a great time playing house and dress up. The day that I was leaving to go to the airport you wheeled in your suitcase and said, "I go with Aunt Sue Sue!" I would have brought you home in a heartbeat if your parents would let me. I realized on this trip that you had a heart for prayer. When we tucked you in at night, you would mumble, mumble, mumble with your hands clasped and eyes closed and then at the very end would yell, "A-men!" and lift us your hands in celebration. You still have the same sweet spirit when it comes to praying and don't you ever lose it!

And then nine years later! Where has the time gone?!? I told Uncle Jeff yesterday that I can't believe it has been nine years since you came into my life. Time flies when you are having fun, I guess.

Faith, you amaze me daily! I love your heart for worship. I love the way that you look out for your little brother and even your sister, even though you don't want to admit that you do. I love your adventurous spirit and how you are willing to try new things. I love the fact that you love school. I still don't know where you get your math skills. I love the fact that you are not afraid of meeting new friends. These are all qualities that will take you far in life. I can't wait to see the plans God has for you. I pray that you never loose your love for Jesus and ministering to others in need.

As you get older, remember this...Uncle Jeff and I love you dearly. We are constantly praying for you that you will never doubt the Lord's presence in your life. We are also only a phone call away if you ever need us. We love you to pieces and I am so thankful that you are my niece.

Love

Aunt Sue-Sue

Happy #6 Katy Bug!

Isn't she sweet!


My sweet niece Katelyn turns 6 today.




She and her family are enjoying a family vacation this week so I went over early to get a few pictures of my favorite SIX YEAR OLD!



Katy Bug, where has the time gone?


5 years ago at my wedding, you were almost a year old and you slept through the whole thing. On our honeymoon Jeff and I talked about how we couldn't believe you were turning one in a few days. The other night, 5 years later, we talked about how we couldn't believe that you were about to turn 6. We can't believe how fast you are growing.


This year we have loved watching you come out of your shell. Sometimes I wonder if your parents wish you were still in that shell! :)





We have loved seeing your personality come out in you. Your sense of humor has left us talking for days. You are one funny chick-a-dee!

We loved helping you learn to Rollerblade that night and teaching what it means to have confidence. You later proudly showed your parents how you could skate and you said, "It's because I have confidence!" Sweet Katelyn, confidence is a huge element to success so don't ever forget that with a bit of confidence you can try or do anything new.

Uncle Jeff and I pray often for each one of the nieces and nephew. And our prayer is always that you will grow up in wisdom and stature and follow God all the days of your life. We enjoy watching you learn new things at school. We enjoy hearing you tell us of the new friends you are making at school. God has great plans for you little Katy Bug. And for some reason I feel it necessary to remind you that it's cool to stay in school! :)



We love you sweet girl and can't wait to spend the day with you at IHOP and buying your birthday gift at the place of your choice.

have fun in Colorado, we will see you when you get back.

Love, Uncle Jeff and Aunt Sue Sue

Happy Birthday To Me!

Can you believe that this is the face of a 30 year old?

Actually this was the face of a 29 year old.

Remember that night in January where I told you all that I was playing with my camera taking self portraits in the mirror...well here is what you didn't see.

I knew one day I would find a use for these silly things.

As I was driving home from 27 Dresses (must see movie, by the way) a song came on my CD player.

My Next 30 Years by Tim McGraw.

let's just say I took a moment to celebrate my age.

Rock on!

I'm Thirty, Flirty and Thriving!

(oh and rach, thanks for the card, I laughed out loud)

P.S. I manipulated the post date and time. Since my mom has a standing tradition of calling me at the time I was born I thought I would post on that time. But since I am going to be sitting with Tee-Nah at 10:10 tomorrow morning I figured what the heck, my blog, my birthday, my rules.

24 Hours Away

In less than 24 hours I will be 30 and I am super excited about it.

A new decade, a new era, a new beginning.

The twenties have been good to me. I met many wonderful people while at ACU, came home at the perfect time to meet and fall in love with Jeff, married the man of my dreams, let go of past hurts and dissappointments, met some wonderful people in my married life, kept in touch with most of my friends from childhood, started pursuing a few of my dreams and have learned the art of living in the moment.

Life is good.

Life should be celebrated.

I swear this is the last year that I will go all out on my birthday. Next year will just be cake and ice cream with my family and a night out with my sweetie. But this year...well I am moving into a new decade and so therefore I want to celebrate my journey.

Tonight sister friend and I are heading to the movies to see 27 dresses. (just a good excuse to go see a movie at night since I ususally only see matinees since it is so much cheaper)

Tomorrow, my birthday, I am getting up early to head to the local garden park for a few hours with my LORD, praising Him for all that He has done and all that He is going to do in my life. Then I will head over to see one of my favorite people named TEE-NAH (I am getting a mani/pedi) Later that evening I am dressing up and heading to the City Club for dinner with Sam and my mom (Jeff is working). And Sam swooped in to save the day since I was truly, truly bummed that Jeff wasn't able to get off work. Thank you Sam!

Friday night I am scrapbooking with a few of my favorite scrappy chicks at "The Pad". What's funny is I have a few friends coming who have known me since I was a teenager and a few friends I met in my twenties. It will be a sweet time together-celebrating friendships that span the years.

Saturday Jeff is taken me out on the town and taking me to pick out my birthday present. Let's just say I will be watching March Madness in style.

Sunday night we are having the traditional family dinner at Macaroni Grill.

And that, my friends is my birthday in a nutshell.

Yes it is over the top. And yes I am a bit embarrassed about all of it.

But next year, I am scaling it way, way down.

But one thing I truly believe in...everyone's birthday from young to old deserves to be celebrated. Because your life is special and deserves to be honored. And so that is why I choose to celebrate all my friends and family on their day. And choose to celebrate my day, my life, my journey in style.


Have a great few days, I am obviously going to lay low from blogland. But I promise a full wrap up when I return.

4 Days and Counting

The birthday celebrating has begun. The other night I was organizing some old memorabila from high school to start a scrapbook of my life story. I thought this would be a fun week to look through this stuff and get it ready to one day assemble it into an album. While I was looking through this box I came across this banner picture above. If you look close, you will notice it is a Strawberry Shortcake banner.

On each of my birthdays growing up my mom would hang it over our fireplace. This poor thing hasn't been hung since my eighteenth birthday. I figure 30 is a good year for it to make a reunion in our house.

While sorting out the past (i.e letters, pictures, old birthday cards) Bravo was playing Grease 2. If you know me at all, then you know that this was my and still is one of my all time favorite movies. I watched it over and over again when I was a small girl. What I thought was funny is that Bravo played it two times in a row. It was like they knew I me or something. I had a blast!

Saturday afternoon we celebrated my cousin Lauren's new baby on the way.

I am posting a few pictures for the cousins who couldn't make it.

The Hostesses with Lauren. Doesn't Lauren look cute?

The Sisters, both pregnant with little boys...

A current picture of Cousin Paige and Me...my mom did very good. I am proud of you mom for taking this picture!!!


Sweet baby lovin'...



This morning Jeff and I planned to go to RHCC to hear Cousin Andrew's group sing. Usually I never have to set the alarm because I wake up at 7 a.m with or without the alarm. When I woke up at 7 today I was going to shut my eyes for a few more minutes and sleep for a bit. I didn't wake up until 11:30! Yeah that's right, I slept way too late. Sorry Andrew, we really were going to come and see you.



Jeff and I had a wonderful day though doing nothing but hanging around the house. I don't remember the last time we just took time out for us. Hubby even made pancakes.



See...


And right now we are watching The Brave One. I am a little scared so I am blogging to keep me distracted from the scary plot line. This is why I lean towards TCM, those movies are not that scary.

(spell check where are yoU!? help a lazy writer and bad speller out will you?!?!)

It's A Simple Thing That Make Me Happy

My goal for today was quite simple.

Laundry and rest.

I finally shooed Jeff out the door so I could enjoy the solitude of cleaning my house without interupption. Don't get me wrong, I love Jeff but he likes to get in the way more than help. And the confindes of our little one bedroom apartment can become a bit unnerving at times.

Today I have done more than laundry and rest.

I have chatted with family members, dusted, vaccumed, cleaned out my closet, did our lesson for small group tomorrow and have relished every minute of my time to myself.

My closet brought me a wonderful surprise today too.

I have a shirt that I bought online from Harold's awhile back. When it arrived in the mail I couldn't zip it up on the side. I was so dissappointed and chastized myself for trying to buy clothes without trying it on. For the last few months, every once in a while I will see that darling little shirt hanging in my closet and just have to try it to see if it fits. Every time, I get closer and closer to closing up the trap so to speak. Today I decided I would try it on once again to see if I could get it to fit. Imagine my delight when I not only was able to zip it up but was able to breathe, move around and raise my arms without it being too tight on my arms. Jub-i-lation!

Couldn't life get more better than that for a woman? Not sure. Because today I am so happy I just my burst my shirt that I have spent many, many months trying to fit into.

When Jeff saw me wearing the shirt he asked me when I planned on wearing it? I said, I would wear it when he threw me the birthday party of the year to which he just shook his head and walked away muttering something along the lines of "Lord help me."

I tell you what loosing 30 pounds has been the best birthday present for this soon to be 30 year old. I just can't wait to see what gift is coming next.

I am off to clean and watch the Absent Minded Professor.


(spell check is down, forgive the mistakes yet again!)

Happy Birthday Emaline!

Happy Birthday Hayley Bayley!

Hayley is 10!

Uncle Jeff is walking around scratching his head wondering where did the time go? I am just so happy because she is now into double digits. Back in my day this was a BIG DAY!




I met Hayley when she was 3, just barely 3 actually. We bonded from our first big adventure around the ice skating rink when I knocked her down and she said, "Are you okay? I tank I hurt you!" Actually it was the other way around, I tank I hurt you! Just shows you what a sweet spirit she has, our little Hayley Bayley!

By the way, I knew Jeff was the one for me when he started to tell me about his niece Hayley. Feel in love, weak in the knees, I did. He loves Hayley to pieces and so do I. Maybe she is the real matchmaker between Jeff and I. :)

Hayley keeps me on my toes. I have long since stopped playing the "Animal Game" with her because to me, a bear is a bear and a turtle is a turtle. But to a girl who watches Animal Planet 24-7, a bear is a bunch of different types from different regions and words too big for Aunt Sue-Sue to contain in my small little head.

Hayley, God has blessed you with a great brain that can retain all types of information, don't ever stop learning and gaining more knowledge. Even if you do stump the adults!

"Merebear" and Hayley playing the animal game. Meredith is stumped in the picture too! LOL! (Called you out Meredith!)



Dancing to her song: "California Girls" by the Beach Boys

"I wish they all could be California Girls!"

And of course, one last picture of sweet Hayley at CDR this summer. Did I tell you that she got best camper? OH I did! Well I thought I would throw it in one more time. I am just so proud.


Hayley,

Uncle Jeff and I love you dearly and can't wait to take you to IHOP and shopping for your big day. You are a precious little girl inside and out and we know that God has great plans for you! Continue to seek Him and He will take you far.

We love you!

Uncle Jeff and Aunt Susan