Giddy-Up!

Last night the kids were gearing up for Maicee's cowgirl themed birthday. We laughed at how Josiah wanted to be just like the girls and have his own cowboy hat on. One of these pictures looks like you just caught him stealin' a horse. :)

Tractor Ride

Mike borrowed Papa Steve's bobcat to do some work in the yard and boy, was Josiah happy! He rode on that tractor all day. He was so pleased to be included.

I spent the day making Cameron's 18th birthday cake. It was a football theme so we had to decorate in his favorite team colors, the Denver Broncos. It's definately not one of my best cakes but it I thought I'd share it anyway. Happy Birthday Cameron!

Michael's Dream

Even when we were dating, Mike used to dream of the day when our children would go hunting with him. The idea of sharing his love for the outdoors, sitting still and quiet as the world wakes up, ready to 'surprise' with his swift arrow the unsuspecting wildgame who unfortunately happens to be in season at the time is thrilling to him. Surprisingly, it's exciting to our kids as well. Brianne has reached 'the age' where she is now going hunting with Mike. She isn't old enough to actually hunt herself, but she goes with him and has loved it. They have yet to bring home a turkey but the season isn't over yet. She especially loves the alone time with Dad. He even allowed her to skip school on Friday to give them 'more time in the woods'. Personal days never hurt anyone, did they?

Maicee has felt a bit left out. It's hard to be second in line and have these stages of life come later than wished for. I know how she feels. I appeased her lament of having time alone with Dad by offering to take just her to get coffee and a pedicure. :) This perked her right up and she was ready to go right then. It made me laugh and I personally was comforted a bit by knowing that I have a daughter after my own heart. Josiah, however, was desperately disappointed when Mike and Brianne left without him. Soon enough my son. Don't go running out of Mommy's arms yet!

I tease Mike about hunting but somehow my mind fast-forwards to 10ish years from now and I see myself...in camoflauge in a tree in Ohio...frozen, bow drawn back...seeking praise from my husband...thinking, how did I come this far???

We LOVE our Grandpa, Grammy, Ama and Papa!

Yum! Pizzookies for the birthday girl and boy.

Mother's Day Tea with all the sisters (Rose we missed you)

Sweet Sun Kissed Boy

Josiah loves his new found freedom - walking!

Mowing with Papa

One of the VERY best parts of living where we do is that we're close to both sets of grandparents. No matter the occasion, the kids and Mike and I are always so glad to see them. Grandpa Jr. and Grammy Sana were in Ohio for their birthdays in March so we celebrated later. They came over for Sunday lunch and I made 'Pizzookies' for dessert. (a pizza cookie like at BJ's - warm huge chocolate chip cookie with ice cream and hot fudge!) It was a yummy and relaxing time.

We decided to celebrate Mother's Day early with my side so we went up to Ama and Papa's house the last weekend in April. The Moms/Daughters had a fancy tea at the little tea house in Newcastle while the kids and dads played at the house. It was a beautiful day. Josiah enjoyed being OUTSIDE all day (his favorite thing) and Maicee and Xander got to 'help' Papa mow.

Lord, help me appreciate every moment spent with family. Thank you for parents and grandparents who love and serve You. They are such a blessing!