birthday fun, cool cousins, and Easter shoes...OH MY!

“People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.” —Audrey Hepburn

“You will discover that you have two hands. One is for helping yourself and the other is for helping others.” -Audrey Hepburn

April is off to a roaring start.

Birthday fun. I would expand on the fun but it is probably better that I don't. Haha.

Easter with family. The ten-year gap cousins. Love these boys. (By the way Nick totally kicked at the egg hunt!)

New shoes for some sisters. I call them our Easter shoes, but really they're not. My flip flops were from Troy for my birthday and De just buys shoes whenever she possibly can.

So, April is off to a good start. It is Spring break and I'm taking a few days to slow down before picking back up again.

In other (birthday) news: I follow a blog, hula seventy, have you heard of it? Do you read? I love it. Every year she makes a list of things to do before her next birthday. Last year I contemplated this, however never made a list. Right around the end of February I decided that I was going to do it. So, early March I started my list. It took me a few weeks. But now I have a list of 36 things to do before I turn 37. I haven't decided yet if I'll publish the whole list or not. I might. I might not. We'll see. I will, most likely, share as I complete or work on items. Some things are silly, some abstract, some concrete, however all are meaningful, to me.

So, hears to another year. I'm ready. So far 36 has been pretty nice to me.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday George!
An awesome dad, a wonderful grandpa, the BEST father-in-law!
We are very lucky!

“Friendship is the greatest of worldly goods. Certainly to me it is the chief happiness of life. If I had to give a piece of advice to a young man about a place to live, I think I should say, 'Sacrifice almost everything to live where you can be near your friends.' I know I am very fortunate in that respect. ” - C.S. Lewis

She's my best friend. She's my cousin. I am so fortunate and thankful to have her in my life. Today is her birthday. While often her day is marked with sadness (our Grandpa died on her b'day, a beloved aunt was buried this day, and normally Rin seems to be sick, sick, sick) I look on this day as a day of celebrating life. She is so dear to me!

Looking forward to spending the day with her tomorrow...celebrating HER!
And here we are. Cousins on the couch. Me, Jen, Jeremy, and Lorinda, the birthday girl, with Snoopy!

Happy Birthday Lorinda, Rin, Rinna, Lorinder....
(there are a few more, however I will leave it at that. haha.)

Love ya my frousin!

*also off to the cemetery to say hi to Papa today. Love ya Papa!

Weekend fun. My parents are back from Europe, so a trip to their house was in order while Troy visited his parents and took in the gun show and the Renaissance Faire.

A bonus to going to visit my parents was seeing sweet Nicholas. He had a birthday this week - he just turned four. No longer our baby, he's grown into a little boy. I love this little guy...he is so sweet and makes me laugh.

WooHoo! Opening presents!

This may be my favorite picture. That look on his face...Probably wishing I would stop with the pictures already and help him and goofy auntie De open the boxes.

Summer fun on the slip 'n slide with his big cousin Archer.

I love seeing Archer and Nick together. They adore each other.
Ten years difference makes this cousin relationship fun and unique!

Good times!

"Sing a song of Birthdays
Full of fun and cheer
And may you keep on having them
For many a happy year." - Anonymous

Guess who's 14?

I can both believe it and am completely shocked. You know how that goes...My baby boy is practically grown up. He'll be starting high school in the fall (high school!!!), his feet are as big as his dad's, he's so close to being as tall as me, he is independent, his voice is changing...YET he still wants me to cut the crusts of his toast, cuddles on the couch, requests a warm towel from the dryer...He is still and will always be my baby!

Archer was born a few weeks after Alex's 8th birthday. This year Alex turned 22. They have always had a wonderful relationship. Alex is such a good uncle. When Archer was born Alex was a little unsure about what to do with a baby...however he soon learned that babies aren't breakable and given the right amount of love and attention they grow to adore you.

Alex & Archer - summer 1995

and NOW! Oh how they've grown!
Loving it!

Happy Birthday Archer!

photo from my birthday celebration with my cousin at Katie's Cupcakes yesterday.

1. Angel or not, I will be right here.

2. You can want me any way you want me (I just may not be what you expected).

3. As my mother used to say, you're full of $#@&! (hey that was my mom not me! haha!).

4. I like a big glass of water and a banana after I'm done working out or doing something strenuous.

5. Even in the most crowded of rooms I can immediately find you.

6. A day filled with indecision and unknowing is a day fraught with peril.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to birthday dinner with my mom, dad, brother, aunt while my husband goes off to men's night, tomorrow my plans include meeting some out of town and long time friends for lunch (for the second time this week - different friends, different meal - still exciting!) and Sunday, I want to see a movie or meet a friend for cupcakes, maybe go for a walk...We'll see!


Have a great weekend friends!

Happy Birthday Cheryl!

So, today is Cheryl's birthday. She is 29 as well I think. All these people I know turning 29...Hmmm....

Anyway...Cheryl and I went out to celebrate her (uh-hem) 29th birthday with a fabulous lunch at Pad Thai, which happened to have the worst service ever. However, the food was good as to redeem itself. Is it really so hard for someone who is in the service industry to smile? Like just a little grin? And how about not make it seem like an inconvenience when you order? Hmmm...it is a restaurant, is it not? Some people are not meant for customer service.

Okay. Enough. Of. That.

We ate Thai food (yum), went to Barnes & Noble (see my new acquisitions on the book blog), went to Fred Meyer for a tour of their holiday decor, and to Baskin Robbins for what may possibly be the BEST not-ice cream ever, Daiquiri Ice (lower left hand corner).

Here we are! See? We are happily celebrating! Happy Day Cheryl!

Happy Troy-day!

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.” - Dr. Seuss


First, I would, on behalf of my whole family, like to thank everyone who sent well-wishes, had(have) us in their thoughts and who supported us through the past few days. Losing Horton has been one of the hardest things we have done as a family and knowing there are people out there who care so much really touches our hearts. Everyday is a new struggle, from not wanting to walk in the front door because he won't be there to washing his food bowls. Thank you all and thank you for the upcoming time that we know will continue to be hard.

(I felt like the quote above was very fitting for this time...Love me some Dr. Seuss)

OK. On to...dahdahdahdah! Happy (37th) Birthday Troy!

Is this not one of the cutest babies you have ever seen? I am sure my mother-in-law would say yes.

Look at that smile!

I love this picture of Troy and Horton. It is so true to their relationship. Horton was most definitely Troy's cat (he - Horton - was just kind enough to spread his love around). Horton was a snuggler and this picture was taken on one of those many times where Troy way laying down reading and Horton was probably trying to crawl on his chest, but settled for laying down next to Troy.

This birthday is going to be a hard one for Troy being without his furry friend. We will attempt to celebrate. Celebrate Troy and who he is and celebrate Horton and our memories.
I am not going to spend a lot of time gushing over how wonderful I think my husband is in this post (you are welcome) because I think that anyone who knows us knows how much I love Troy and how special he is to me. Troy is funny, serious, goofy as heck, opinionated, he can drive a person crazy (huh Tami?), and he can make you feel like the best thing that ever happened to the world.

So, today I am thankful for Troy. I am thankful for our speed dating/marrying/family making - we didn't waste any time and look...it turned out great! I am thankful for having a husband that knows me so well - sometimes better than I know myself. I am thankful that we can talk, about anything, and agree, disagree or just discuss...I love our discussions even though sometimes, after awhile, I have no idea what he is talking about (nod and uh-huh). I am thankful for his kind heart and his wise mind (please don't tell him I said he is wise...please!). I am thankful that he can talk me down off my crazy ledge and that he rarely goes on the crazy ledge. I am thankful that Troy is such a great dad and a wonderful husband. I am thankful for Troy.

today is your birthday...

Happy Birthday dear Callie! Have a happy 9th year! We love you!

Happy Birthday Judy!Y

this boy.

turns 3 today!We celebrated with him last weekend. I was happy to have a little Nick fix!

Happy Birthday you adorable boy!

fence and food

Dear Friends,

I am well aware that yesterday my baby turned 13 and that he did so with little acknowledgment by his mother on this here blog. We went for dinner at Jake's (yumm-o), gave him his presents (money & Starbucks giftcard), had dessert. On Wednesday he and a few friends are going to a movie and lunch then Mayhem (Youth Group) and spending the night. Look for an "ode to Archer" post later this week. I did take a few birthday day pictures of the teenager...they will come I promise.

Please forgive me the absence of a well thought-out, preplanned birthday post.

Thank you,

Jerrie

In other news. The big, twig sculpture in the backyard is GONE. Troy trimmed back the lilacs and started creating a fence with the twigs. Here is the fence so far. I think it looks great...I will post when it is complete. And the dessert from Archer's birthday. Angel food cake, fresh, local strawberries, whipped cream. It was fantastic!

today.

This boy (man) is turning 21 TODAY! The day that every under-21-year-old dreams of. Yay him!

Dinner at Jalepenos. Then some barhopping I am sure. No tequila - that has been made perfectly clear.

I was 13 when Alex was born. What an exciting time for our family. He is, and will always be, our first baby. Our little boy. Ok, so his is a giant, but he will always be my little brother. He is funny, easy-going, and kind. I always have a good time with my brother. He laughs easily and is easy to just hangout with.

Happy Birthday Alex!

Be safe.

Happy Friday Friends

I just wanted to wish everyone a happy Friday and a glorious weekend. At least it looks like Saturday will be gorgeous! What a wonderful Pacific Northwest Day we had today. We (Archer & I) worked in the house a bit and spent the rest of the day doing nothing - just relaxing. I love the sun streaming through the windows and heating the house naturally. I see the heat being turned off for the season in the near future...I love it when that happens. I am thinking right now is a bit premature as the mornings tend to get chilly. Usually by early-mid May we are heat free! Yay!

Archer and I rearrange the living room. Every Spring the room gets moved a bit. It is a small house so the options are not great, but we do adjust a bit here and there. I love to rearrange - an inherited trait from my mother. I remember as a kid our living room changing frequently - don't try to walk through in the dark you could be in for a surprise.

Spring break was nice. Lots of boys for the first part of the week, Caleb's 13th birthday party @ the bowling alley, shopping with Lorinda, a little housework, and relaxing! Wonderful.

The birthday boy, Caleb. It's hard for me to believe he is 13! That means that Archer is just three months from becoming a teenager. Archer and Caleb have grown up together. They were each other's first friends. It is fun to see them growing up, becoming young men to be proud of...

Caleb is funny and smart and a lot of fun. I can always count on him for a hug, to say hello when I first see him, to say good bye before we part. He is so kind and full of life.

Happy 13th Birthday Caleb Shmalub! Love ya.

Luxury

I am not a luxurious girl. I don't need fancy things - I'm not a jewelry girl - or even really enjoy getting dressed up to the point of uncomfortable. When I think of luxury (for myself) I think of comfort. Comfortable and cozy - that is luxury to me.

So, when I opened my birthday gift from my parents and it was a bag from Macy's filled with towels I was thrilled. Big, fluffy bath sheets to be exact and a bath mat for my tootsies to greet after the shower. Last night I took my first shower with my new big, fluffy bath sheet waiting for me at the end. I was in love right there. I forgot what really nice towels could feel like. Granted the towels we have were nice once - 13 years ago when we got them for our wedding. It was a wonderful feeling - I think of it as pure luxury. I will never go with out big, fluffy bath sheets again! That is my promise to me.

Thanks mom & David!

Thankful

Once again I am very thankful for the people in my life. I have spent the last few days celebrating my birthday. Yesterday I went to Seattle with friends. (go here to see a detailed description from Cheryl). I was lucky to be able to spend the day with my good friend Cheryl and my cousin/bff Lorinda. We had a ton-o-fun

eating cupcakes....hanging out...

shopping...
and the grand finale...going to see author extraordinaire Jodi Picoult. Her new book Change of Heart is fantastic. Go here to read what we (Cheryl & I) thought of the book and to discuss with us .

The reading/book signing was at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park which is in Katrina's neck of the woods :)...So Katrina met us there and we had a quick visit (quick family catch-ups and lots of book talk! love it!). I don't get to see her often, so I was glad she came! Thanks Katrina! (hugs to the kids)
Lorinda, Cheryl, Katrina, Jerrie and Jodi!

Tonight we went to dinner with my mom, dad, Alex & DeAnne. We ate at the Nuthouse (how fitting) and enjoyed one another's company. We came home for cupcakes (yum) and I received some wonderful new bath towels! Just what I wanted! There are pictures, but I am too tired/lazy to load them right now, so maybe tomorrow!


Thanks to all that wished me a happy day...in person, via mail, email...or just in their thoughts. I feel blessed to know so many wonderful people who I can call friends! The best birthday present of all is the love and friendship from my friends and family. Thanks again!

It's only a day away

as in tomorrow, tomorrow.

Tomorrow morning I head to Seattle with "the girls", aka Cheryl and Lorinda, for a fun filled girls day! Our plan is shopping, eating (cupcakes...yay), and seeing Jodi! You may (or may not) recall last year's trip. Luckily at this point everyone is healthy (at least we can all taste which is good) unlike last year when Lorinda was feeling awful, but was a super-trooper!

Today kicked off my birthday season. I like to call it a season because I don't want anyone to feel left out if they don't get to see me on my special day! haha! How does that sound for self-importance?

I got a super-cute mug from Tami and a birthday package filled with Fiesta linens (place mats, napkins, and a table cloth) from my in-laws. I am envisioning a bright table, set with my dishes, with these new linens, and a yummy dinner or dessert of some sort!


Isn't this a cute mug? And the tag? Adorable!!!
I am a lucky girl. Thanks!

Happy Birthday Calob!

Today we celebrated Calob's 13th birthday with them and them at Pad Thai. So glad that Calob picked Pad Thai - such a smart teenager he is!

Katie. Calob. Archer.

Pad Thai w/ Chicken. 2 stars. Side of Peanut Sauce. Thai Iced Tea. (me)

Pad Se-Iew. 1 star. Lemonade. (Archer)

Good friends. Good food. Celebration. What a wonderful way to spend lunch-time!

Happy Birthday Cheryl!

Oh Happy Day! It isn't everyday that someone "your age" turns...you know..."your age." I wonder how that will feel? Do you feel any different?

All kidding aside - Have a very Happy Birthday! (Which you should b/c you get to hang w/ me & Sharon and we rock!)


*The picture from the NWWFair that I am allowed to show people!Museum open house w/ the beautiful Callie.
A Wii Bowler champion! Let me correct that to couch Wii Bowler champion!
Cheryl. devoted mom. loyal friend. candy lover. reader. blogger. crunchy. freaking awesome. wacky. loves food. loves Tim. tolerates Faith. Princess of the pile. QOD. Prompt (early). Picture taker. Cat lover. Super shopper.

That is about it for my brain today! We shall go out, eat, watch a movie, "hang" - We will rock!

DeAnne's an adult!

My {baby} sister turned 18 today! I really can't believe it, I can remember her as a baby so clearly. The baby girl is all grown up. She has lost her baby fat and turned into a gorgeous woman!

The family went out to Black Angus to celebrate. Here are a few pics to enjoy.

The birthday girl.

Crazy hair.

The food.

Ummm...okay.
The 'rents.

Crazy kids.

Alex

What is with the hair?

Blurry, yet slightly interesting.


Edited: The birthday song was not sung to DeAnne tonight. A few years ago after quite a traumatic birthday we promised no more birthdays (especially no more singing)...She seems willing to go out to eat if we pretend it is just another day! (Thanks Cheryl for reminding me to include this little bit of info).