Happy Birthday to "Aunt Stephanie"

I just had to take a few lines and wish my best friend of 20 plus years ( can I or will I ever be able to remember) a very Happy Birthday!!! There are only a few people in life that you can call whenever, say whatever and do whatever and they still love you just the way you are. I thank you for that. You totally over look my shortcomings and love me for everything else. When you lived far away and we couldn't talk that often I knew where you were and I could just pick up the phone and we would pick up right where we left off last time. Yes, we are growing older and no we don't like it, but I am glad I have someone to do it with. Oh, yea you are older than me right now!!! HA HA I can truly call you my sister. You probably know more about me than anyone, well, ok maybe Jimmy. Heres to many more years to come and thanks so much for just being you.

The Big Party for Claire

This is the party. We had so much fun. Claire was so cute and wanted to walk all over. Shes taken up to 16 steps. She loved the cake and ice cream. She loved all the toys not to mention all those cute clothes. We are set for summer. Thanks for all those who helped and made it all such a special day for Claire.

Six Flaggs

We got Six Flaggs passes from Nana and Papa for all of our birthdays this year. Thanks. We have gone 2 times. Can you tell that we had a blast!!!! I rode the Texas Giant (wooden roller coaster) and have not been the same ever since. I just wanted to show Hannah that I was young again. Ha let me tell ya I"M NOT!!!!! I think I will stick with the smooth roller coasters from now on. The last picture says how much fun we had. zzzzzzzzzzz

2007 in the Texas Bluebonnets

Well, these are the best out of 60 pics. I would have liked to take 200 but, the sun was going down too fast and my great help (Nancy and Rachel) I think had had all the fun there is in taking pictures of three kids in some flowers (weeds). You know me "fuji mama" I could have stayed and taken pics all night if my props would have cooperated. Oh, well hope you enjoy my cute little Texas kids.

!st T-Ball Game

Saturday morning we left at 8:15 for Porter's 1st game. Boy, was he excited!!!!! The weather was freezing (44 degrees). Porter played pitcher and did an awsome job because that is where most of the balls go, he also played 1st base. Dad was at school and I had Hannah go to the van with Claire because it was so cold, so I went and stood behind 1st base to kind of coach Porter. He did so good. He got 2 outs and almost 3. His coach praised him over and over. It was one of those moments when you were so proud you could just CRY!!!!! I think he feels sorry for Porter because Jimmy has been at work and school hes never gone to any of his stuff. I think he thinks I'm a single mom. WIth Claire only being one what does that make me????? Dad is out of school now for a few weeks and he will take over his half. Thank goodness!!! Can't wait for another game. Way to go Porter !!!!!

Happy Easter-just a tad late

These are the beautiful eggs made by Hannah, Porter, and Mom. You would think I would see the tag on the egg holder- oh well. The next picture are what the Easter Bunny left. The cute one of all the kids after church. Then Claire enjoying her first easter eggs and basket. Easter if Porter's favorite holiday. He asked all year long, "Mom when is Easter?" The Easter bunny hid 53 eggs!!!! Happy Easter just a tad late.

ITS BEEN ONE YEAR- HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLAIRE "BEAR"

I can not believe one year has passed. I will never forget when I had you and the nurses said, Oh my gosh look at that red curly hair." I turned and looked and couldn't believe how beautiful you were. I have tried to hold on to every little thing you did. I think knowing you are my last baby made it harder to watch the time pass so quickly. You have been so fun. You are spunky little girl and will let us know when you want something by screaming. You love your brother and sister. You are now "almost" sleeping through the night. You are crawling everywhere and walk when you can. One step at a time. I love everything about you, from your red hair down to your little pudgy legs. Your two favorite songs that I sing to you are "You Are My Sunshine" and "If Your Happy and You Know it". Your are serious about your nap and bedtime (8:00 or 8:30). I am so glad you came to our family. We have enjoyed every moment. Happy Birthday my sweet Claire bear.
Love, Mommy

10 Things I Learned From My Kids

1. STOP AND SMELL THE FLOWERS
I love the smell of Spring.

2. OBSERVE RITUALS
Whether its going to the park
or playing games in the house,
shared traditions give meaning
to life.

3. FIND WORK YOU REALLY LOVE

4. GIVE YOURSELF A LITTLE TREAT
DAILY.


5. ALWAYS WEAR CLOTHES YOU FEEL
COMFORTABLE IN.

6. NAP OFTEN

7. DIG IN THE DIRT

8. TAKE LONG BATHS

9. SPEND TIME WITH ANIMALS

10. LIVE IN THE MOMENT

Thanks Hannah, Porter, and Claire for teaching me these things and to slow down and enjoy life. I love each one of you just the way you are.

Love, Mom