Ethan is NINE!

Time is flying by faster than I am ready and willing to admit to.  This year we had the privilege of celebrating Ethan turning nine.  Since he is our only “summer” baby, we opted to have a bounce house and water slide for his party.  We rented it from Beefarooz here in Lake Wales.  Not only were their prices incredible, their service prompt, but we were able to rent the whole set up for the entire weekend.  My kiddos had a blast, it was the perfect addition to our birthday party weekend.

We had E-Man’s party a couple of weeks after his actual birthday. We did this hoping we would be able to have him open a box for a gender reveal for the newest Best.  Unfortunately, that didn't happen, our little one wouldn't cooperate during our ultrasound.  In spite of that, we didn't let that stop us from celebrating an amazing kiddo and his ninth birthday.  We had so much fun.  Of course my kiddos were there, but when our friends arrived, the real fun started.  We had 11 kiddos total, bouncing, sliding, splashing, playing, and in general having an incredible time.  Ethan made out like a bandit, making almost $60.00 in birthday cash and getting three new Lego sets.  All in all, it was an amazing birthday weekend.

We rented a bounce house and water slide combo.  It was tons of fun!

Setting up everything for the big birthday celebration.

Playing.....

Splashing......

And visiting with all the guests.

Happy 9^th Birthday Ethan!!  We can't wait to celebrate his birthday again next year.  

SAMUEL’S 3RD BIRTHDAY!

On this day, three years ago, our precious Samuel was due.  Unfortunately for us we lost Samuel in November and never got the chance to meet him.  I never got the chance to meet him and hold him.  I’ve never gotten the chance to kiss his cheeks or rock him to sleep.  I was never given the chance to be his mother.  I have mourned him and missed him more than I thought possible; I have cried over him and I have cried out to God to fill the void in my heart, but it is still there. 

Today, April 4^th was Samuel’s due date.  Now I know my pregnancies and my children and I know that he wouldn’t have been born on his due date.  I know that he would’ve been late.  I also think he would’ve grown up to look like his Daddy, just like his older brothers.  I imagine him with the blonde hair that would slowly be transitioning to brown, just like the other boys have done.  I imagine him being an adventures little boy with a love of trains, tractors, and horses, like his older brothers.  I imagine we would be having a birthday party filled with love and laughter as we celebrate a precious little boy turning three. 

I miss my son that I never had the chance to meet.  He holds a piece of my heart; he is forever in my heart.  I may not talk of him daily, but there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss him or imagine the little boy he would be.  This month I should’ve been planning my son’s third birthday.  I’m not doing this.  I am, however, remembering his life and the impact that he had on me the short time I was allowed to carry him under my heart.  Now he is forever in my heart, my sweet baby boy.

I AM A YEAR OLDER!

Tuesday was my birthday.  I am now another year older and only two years shy of the big 4-0, and yes I do realize that I just admitted that I am now 38!  What was funny to me is that this year I really did sound like my Mom when I asked my amazing husband: “How old am I again?”  Yep, I seriously had to ask, guess the old age is really creeping up on me now huh?  HA!

I didn’t want a lot for my birthday this year.  Robert worked the weekend before but he still took me to Olive Garden on Saturday night.  I adore our date nights and I loved that we were able to celebrate my birthday a few days early.  We had a great time, totally overate, and relaxed as soon as we got home.  It was wonderful to have those few hours to ourselves, and if that would’ve been my gift it was the perfect birthday.  However, when I woke up Tuesday morning (my real birthday), I was in for a treat.

I knew what I wanted but it took Robert longer to decide..

It was worth the wait, the food was so yummy!

Maggie had set everything up for me.  I had a big present waiting along with my favorite hot tea.  Then she proceeded to make me some French toast, a breakfast that I adore.  She was so funny; it’s not a breakfast she usually cooks so she hovered over me to see if I was really enjoying it!  Of course I was it was delicious.  Then I left for my first prenatal checkup which turned into an all day affair and as a sweet lady pointed out, made for a memorable birthday.  Needless to say when I got home, I was exhausted, but I still had presents to open.

My view when I woke up Tuesday morning!

I LOVED my french toast!

Yes, I'm rocking my Minion pajamas while my two favorite Little's help me open my birthday presents!

I’ve wanted to get a good quality black and brown leather purse for a while.  BUT, I was being super picky about the style of the bag because I now need to carry John Robert’s Epi Pens with me.  When we were shopping in February I was looking at TJ Maxx and Ross for some nice quality bags and trying to explain to Maggie what I wanted and why.  She told me I was being too picky and to give up.  BUT, Maggie and Robert listened to me.  For my birthday I got a beautiful black Michael Kors purse and a lovely brown Coach bag.  I was thrilled; they met all my requirements and are perfect for what I wanted.   

While my day wasn’t what I had hoped it would be, my birthday was perfect.  At the end of the day I was surrounded by my husband and my children.  There is no one else I’d rather grow another year older with than them!