Andrew: Two Months

Andrew turned two months on October 16th and I am still trying to figure out how I can slow the process down.  It seems like only yesterday I was writing his one month post.  I don't even want to think about how it will feel to write his 12 month post one day.  I know this year is going to fly by and so I choose to embrace every up & down this past month has brought to the table.  Thankfully more ups than downs but I would be lying if I told you it was all great, all the time.

Andrew loves to sleep with his hands close to his face.

Over the past month, I started back to work.  Thankfully I work at home otherwise I would have begged to stay home.  God was good providing this jobs many years ago. Adding work into our daily routine has thrown both Andrew and I for a loop the past few weeks.  Even though I am still home all day, it's almost like he knows I am not fully paying attention to him.  For example, the other day I needed to take care of a few emails in the office.  I carried him in to sit on my lap while I worked and the minute I sat down in the chair, he threw a fit.  This was the first time he had ever done this and I was perplexed for a few minutes until I realized that Andrew is not happy when I am working.  I have since brought in his play mat to sit next to the desk so that I can answer emails scream free.  Good news is that we are finally both starting to find our way again and the work days are getting to be much easier.



My Little Co-Worker



This past month Andrew attended his first birthday party.  My favorite set of twins turned double digits and there was no way we were going to miss their ice skating party.  I had high hopes of ice skating with the kids but my husband asked me nicely to rethink that plan.  I was bummed but knew he was right, taking care of Andrew would not have been as easy with my arm in a sling.  :) 


Happy 10th Birthday E & C!

Andrew hung with Dad--the warmest spot at the rink

 
 

Maybe next year Andrew will stay awake for the party!

 Another first this month is I left the boy with a babysitter.  Okay it was his grandmother but still it was the first time I had to call in advance and arrange a sitter.  The night I needed a sitter happened to fall on my S.I.L Missy's birthday so I dropped him off at their house.  I guess you can say he went to his first birthday party without his parents this month too!

Happy Birthday Aunt Missy!

 

Andrew loves hanging with Lynnie!



One thing I absolutely love about this month is that he is starting to smile and coo at us.  Jeff & I could sit for hours watching his different facial expressions.  I know I am his mother but he is one cute kid.  

playing in his pack & play

We have come to realize this month that Andrew loves hanging in his pack & play, being outside and going for walks around the neighborhood.  All of these things are great tools during his fussy times.  It really is a joy to watch the world through his eyes.

Andrew's 2 month doctor visit

Andrew's stats as of 10-19-10

Pounds: 13.12
Height: 24 inches

Longest stretch of sleep: 5 1/2 hours

His latest nicknames: Chunky Monkey, Tooter Rooter & Mr Jim's (his Dad's nickname-not sure where it came from but it's pretty cute to hear Jeff say "Mr. Jim's what's wrong with you?)

Happy Two Month Birthday, Baby Boy!

Happy Birthday Elijah!

I can't believe that today you are four! It seems like yesterday I was rushing to your house to keep your big sisters while your mom and dad drove in sleet and snow to get to the hospital before you came.

You, sweet E are such a joy to be around! I love your spunk as well as your sweet spirit.

You make being being an aunt super fun!

I can't wait to see the plans God has for you unfold!

I love you dearly,

Aunt Sue Sue

A Happy 4th of July

Jeff and I had so much fun this year celebrating 4th of July. We kicked off the weekend with fireworks at Jeff's cousin's house. Doug & Libby's backyard is the perfect viewing spot for the firework show.

(Click on the Picture to view the pictures bigger)

The next morning we celebrated Cousin Britt's first birthday which was duckie themed. Tim & Brandy filled the pool with rubber ducks, it turned out to be great fun for the little cousins to throw at each other. Baby Britt is such a honey with kissable cheeks, the best babies in my opinion are the ones with...kissable cheeks. At the end of the party, Brandy and I jumped in the pool with our clothes on, it was too hot not to.

We finished off the 4th with a cookout at the in-laws house. Every party has a pooper and this year's pooper was the little nephew. He is still the cutest littlest nephew yet.

By Sunday, Jeff and I were exhausted. After church we went to see Public Enemy...Sunday Movie matinee's are my favorite summer tradition. I ended the weekend falling asleep at 9 and slept until 7 that morning. Yep, I was tired but the weekend was chalk full of laughter and fond memories..

Happy Birthday America and Cousin Britt

Random...

Do you ever have a bunch of posts you want to write but really don't have the time to write them all? My blog is feeling a bit neglected so I thought I would write a bunch of random things happening in our world. Photos will come later since they are all still on my camera.


1. May is a busy month in the Young household. Birthday parties,(12 total) mother's day, end of the school year events makes May a very busy month
2. June looks like it will be more of the same...sigh
3. I have turned my office inside out this week reorganizing and decorating. I am exhausted from all the moving and shaking I have done but very happy with results (photos coming soon)
4. I decided to hang curtains in my living room Tuesday afternoon, drove to wal-mart at 7 then had them hung by 10 that night. Jeff did not know I was doing this so when I called him at work he said, "Seriously, you did that tonight?"
5. Thankfully he came home and said, "It looks very nice. Great job!"
6. Yesterday afternoon I decided to clean out my storage unit on our patio. I threw away 5 bags of junk between work and the past mementos. I did not throw away my Bald Girls Have More Fun t-shirt from when I was a baby. I still can't believe that I was bald until I was 2, my mom has pictures to back it up though.
7. I found a box of old love letters that Jeff wrote me when we were dating. I cried when I read them probably because the letters don't come as often as they used to, say like um, never :)
8. He does tell me he loves me every day so I can't complain
9. I also found an outfit my grandmother made with the tag "Made with love by Granny" sewed in. I will never throw this outfit out because of that little tag.
10. I took my grandfather to get a cataract removed. Afterwards we feasted on Sonic burgers and had a nice long chat about life in general. I pray that God uses these conversations to open doors for me to talk to him about God.
11. Work just called, got to go be a good, hardworking employee now.


Man that was a random post
Happy Friday!

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

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?

Elijah's 3rd Birthday

I finally got my cord for my camera and will now be playing catch up with the pictures. We had a family party at Chuckie Cheese for Elijah's 3rd birthday. He had a blast running around playing the games, eating the cake and opening his presents.

It's hard to believe that he is 3! Seems like yesterday we were welcoming the little one into the world. Time flies when you are having fun!

Happy Birthday Eli! May you grow in wisdom and stature and follow the plans that God has for you.

Aunt Sue Sue loves you to pieces!

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.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, October 27, 2008...

Outside my window... the trees are changing colors and the squirrels are running up, down and all around the trees.

I am thinking... that I need to make a to do list to keep me from getting sidetracked.

I am thankful for... the peace that passes all understanding and the joy that flows through me during this waiting period.

From the kitchen... I making cupcakes to celebrate Granny B's 75th birthday on Thursday.

Tonight - I am going to eat hamburgers and organize a few things left undone at my grandparents.

I am wearing... corduroy and a long sleeve thermal shirt.

I am creating... order around my house. This week I am cleaning the living room along with Flylady.

I am going... to take one day at a time and not worry about tomorrow, tomorrow will take care of itself.

I am reading...Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney. A very good book for every woman to read.

I am hoping... that we buy a house soon because I am inching to put my decorative stamp on something other than this humble little apartment. And yet, I am enjoying the contentment that comes from knowing God has the perfect house set aside just for us and one day soon we will find it.

I am hearing... The Eagles sing "Take It Easy" on the radio.

Around the house... I am going to buy new fall candles to put around my house. I love the Citrus and Sage scent that I bought during the summer but want a more fall scent for this new season.

One of my favorite things... is my crock pot. The smell of food cooking all day and knowing that dinner is already made makes me very happy.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

I have a few end of the month reports for work that need to be done on Friday. Jeff and I are having dinner with our pastor and his wife. I am celebrating Granny's birthday on Thursday and trick or treating on Friday.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...
A photo from my favorite pumpkin patch in town.

Visit Peggy at The Simple Woman for more Simple day books.

My Dumping Ground

Ah, welcome to the blog. The place I turn to when I can not sleep for all the thoughts running through my head.

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day. I should be sleeping but I can't.
Partially due to all the things on my to-do list, thinking over this and thinking over that. And the rest being that my husband beat me to the bed and is now laying diagonally and snoring. LOUDLY. And why do men turn into super fiery furnaces when they sleep? I am already having hot flashes as it is (side effect of the meds) and when you add in the fiery beast I call hubs it gets hot in the room.

But my super fiery furnace, is sweet, yes he is. He cleaned the kitchen this week and did all the laundry without me asking. I am grateful. Tomorrow he is venturing out with me to help move my grandparents and that has proven to be a love offering of gigantic proportions.

Note to self for when we move: THROW OUT THE CRAP BEFORE YOU PACK.

I love my g-parents very much but man, they will not get rid of ANYTHING because it is all worth something. Unfortunately it is all a junk and not worth a hill of beans.

Perfect example, they had a bunch of writing pens that they have collected over the years in a brass cup. You know the kind you get when you go to the bank, school function or store? None of the pens work and they are covered with 4 inches of dust because they haven't been used since Clinton was president. Granny told me to ask my grandfather what he wanted to do with them and not just throw them away. Seeing as how she said this as I had one hand on the garbage bag and was turning the cup in order to drop it in, I figured I better ask. God knows dried up writing pens with 4 inches of dust are great worth. Do you know what Bonner (g-daddy) said to me, "Do you think they are worth anything?"

"Uh no. Come on Bonner let's live dangerously and toss em in the trash."

He agreed but man it just gets better from there.

Sixteen year old cousin Martha and I have been throwing stuff away when no one is watching and between her texting her friends. She will hold something up and say, "Toss it quick, they will never know." And so when Granny and Bonner's attention has been turned elsewhere we secretly throw away the junk.

Now Cagle Cousins you keep your mouth closed. Don't you dare tell them our secret. Oh and be watching in the mail because Granny not only wanted me to send an email to you all with her contact information but she also wanted to send a letter, handwritten with the new info listed. I keep telling her "Granny you do not know the power that is behind a simple email." To which she replies, "Yes, yes I know but I don't want to loose contact with anyone, so send a letter too." Cagle's, I am begging you, call her new number starting Sunday so she knows that all is well and drop that girl a card in the mail (her 75th birthday is Thursday)

You know, I say all of this and it may sound like I am complaining but the truth is, I would move heaven and earth to help my grandparents. They have been so good to me over the years and I cherish every single moment with them. I realize that they won't be around for the rest of my life so I see things like driving to doctor appointments, grocery shopping, mailing and emailing contact information, packing, unpacking their stuff as a gift from God. It is one more memory I can log into the noggin and the memories I will cherish on the days that Granny isn't just a phone call away. I am so happy that they will be less than 5 minutes from me. I could run to their house if I chose to. But since I am not completely crazy about excercise I will drive, thank you. I pray that all my actions can show God's love to them, especially my grandfather who does not want you to mention God or church to him. All though, the past few weeks, we have had more talks about how God has blessed him over the years. Mainly due to the fact that I ask him every day, "Do you realize how blessed you are by God to have a granddaughter like me?" This always gets a sly smile and a toss of Reese's peanut butter cup (our favorite snack) But I pray, oh how I pray, that my actions and my unconditional love be the thing that soften Bonner's heart to God. I believe Bonner needs more than words about God but the actions to back it up. Plus, I made a promise to my great-grandmother, his mother, that I would never give up on him coming to know Jesus. So I choose not to give up on them, no matter how crazy tomorrow turns out. I will not give up on them.

And that dear friends, is all the dumping I have for the blog tonight.

Good night, sleep tight.

I Am A Woman Of My Word...ENJOY THE PICS!

Greetings from Epcot back in July


I love my Buddha man!

Jeff hates roller coasters, Hayley helped him conquer his fears...click on the second picture below to see what he looked like on the ride. Priceless! I was trying to not fall out of my seat b/c my lap bar was loose! Don't try that at home kids!

Missy's Somewhat Surprise 30th Birthday party last week. It would have been a surprise if Big Brother didn't send his wife the EVITE on accident. Missy is now nominated for an Oscar because of how well she played it up that she was surprised.
Sweet little Elijah!

This is the picture I was telling you all about last week, I wish I didn't squint every time I took a picture...oh well!

Mom and Daughter in Law (Or as my mom says Daughter in Love, but that sounds like she is calling Missy a love child. She does the same to Jeff and Jeff and I always get a good laugh. I know it is meant to be sweet, I am only teasing mom)
Cousin Brandy and Baby Britt. I love this kid. He is so cute but was super fussy the day we were there so I don't have a happy face picture. See what I mean by fussy! He still is as cute as a bug!

Hayley turned 11 this past weekend. ELEVEN! Where has the time gone? I think she liked our gift. It goes well with her new IPOD she got for her birthday. That poor girl is growing up so fast. She will be a teen before we know it. YIKES!


That's all folks!

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

Things I Am Looking Foward To This Summer

Andrea inspired me today but I will not join on the public TT13 because the last time I did this I received hate mail. No one we know, some freak of the week in blog land, but that took just sucked the joy right out of it for me. So familiar, non hate mail people in blog land, if Andrea and I inspire you to write your own then please leave a comment so we can all play together.

1. Matinee Movies on Sunday with my sweetie, new releases for 2 people only $8, SCORE!
2. The 50th Reunion at Camp Deer Run- catching up with old friends, seeing new friends (the babies)
3. New Cousins coming to earth, we have 4 coming between June and September, not to mention the other people in my life having babies in the Fall and Winter. I need to buy stock in baby gifts.
4. Scrapbook Retreat-a wonderful time of fellowship, cropping and relaxing
5. Hayley goes to Deer Run! She and I have already started to count down to the first day of camp. I can't wait to visit her on Sunday, send her letters in the mail and a big ole care package to enjoy when she gets back from out camping
6. Summer Reading-nothing says summer like reading a good book with a ice cold beverage in hand.
7. Faith turns 9! OMG! 9 people! NINE!!!!
8. Faith will also be going to camp but sadly not Deer Run and not as close so I will have to do an extra special care package for that sweet thing. (Missy, don't let me forget to get the address from you!)
9. Just hanging out-there is something about the summer months where everything just slows down a bit. I am looking forward to running at a much slower pace.
10. Jeff's birthday. He, unlike me, insists that his birthday be very low key. I don't mind that one bit since that is what makes him happy. One thing is for sure, his birthday is always an adventure.
11. Floating the River, swimming in the pool, playing in the sprinkler with the kids.
12. Flip-Flops-all day, everyday
13. Last but not least, a week at Disney World!

Putting Myself in Time Out

(The picture has nothing to do with this post, it's just a picture of what I wish I was doing)

Is it just me or has this week been nuts?

I was talking to one of my co-workers this week and he said he was ready to hit the eject button on this week because it has been nuts. I couldn't agree more.

This time of year is very busy for me in the furniture business. I guess it is because everyone is getting income tax checks and buying more furniture. But the extra does of busyness leaves me not being able to catch up on all the other things on my to-do list.

And it's not like I am trying to complain about my life. I realize I am blessed and enjoy what I do. And I praise God for all that He has given me. But then there are weeks like this were I just can't wait for it to end.

So this weekend, I am going to take a time out. To unwind. To catch up on all my work and to file all the catalog pages that are piled up on my living room floor. (Yes Jodi, I am going to my happy place)

And on Saturday I am going to breakfast with my husband and my favorite 6 year old then hitting the store of her choice for a bit of birthday shopping.

(Missy we will come by at 9:30-I will email you too. LOL!)

The plan is to R-E-L-A-X!

So have a great weekend, enjoy the nice weather and take a moment to chill with the rest of us.

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