Happy Birthday Mom!

 Today is my mom's 60th birthday. I really wish I was there to celebrate with her, but over the last 20 years I think I have missed all her birthdays. Some people get huge parties for their birthday or a great gift, my mom didn't get that and she would never ask for it, she's happy just to get time with her family whenever she can get it. So this is her birthday gift, the things I've learned from my mom.

1. I've learned her faith in God has carried her through and her prayers have carried me (and my siblings) through more times then we will ever know.

2. I've learned how to love unconditionally.

3. I've learned to forgive because I love.

4. I've learned it is possible for someone to love my kids as much as I do because she does.

5. I've learned she might not always say the right thing or do the right thing but she's always got my back.

6. I've learned in letting go she gave me the confidence I needed to create the life I have and I too will be able to let my kids go one day.

7. I've learned sometimes she has faked it til she made it, but nobody knew it because she's that good at faking.

8. I've learned in putting others first she finds happiness.

9. I've learned she's not perfect but her love for me is.

10. I've learned I'm incredibly thankful for the person she is and the role she played in making me the person I am and the role she has played in the lives of my children.

Michigan Artwork

Anna spent over an hour creating this masterpiece in the driveway at my parents house in Michigan. She is super proud of it. 

Fair Fun

Went to the county fair in the county I grew up in. The kids rode a camel, ate fair food and petted lots of farm animals.

It was a beautiful day in Michigan, the weather was perfect and we got to spend it with Nana and Aunt Brandy.

Watching a calf being born.

Michigan Entertainment

Paintball guns and PopPop as the moving target on the tractor. Doesn't get much better than homemade fun.

Owen is 5

Owen began this new year of his at 5 years old with a super double Poophead party in Connecticut. He's had a big year already, he started kindergarten, he is playing baseball and he lost his first tooth. Owen is all energy all the time, he is never at a loss for words which we feel is unfortunate at times. He has started to read and if he can't figure it out he won't leave you alone until you help him. He comes home from school begging to do a project or write a story. I can't keep up with him. His ability to make us laugh helps compensate for his ability to make us angry with his constant pestering. He's a rule follower at school but not so much at home. Owen loves life the most when all six of us our home together as a family whether eats eating dinner together, family movie night or just doing homework around the table he is happiest when we are all together.

Family Canoe Trip

Owen is finally old enough that we could take a family canoe trip. So 4th of July weekend we spent an afternoon on the river.

$100 for two canoes

$20 for water shoes 

$15 snacks

Mom, Beau and Luke flipping out of the canoe....priceless.

The kids were all smiles all day definitely more family outings will occur on the river.

Luke

Luke turned 10 last month, double digits already. Luke lives life with a passion, it's always full speed ahead with a huge grin on his face. Even though he's in fourth grade and starting to be the cool kid he still isn't too cool to hug. He hugs everybody, teachers in the hall can always count on him to brighten their day. He's been invited to so many birthday parties in the last month we haven't had time to have one for him. He is still learning which jokes are appropriate and when the timing is right to make it funny but he's definitely improving. He's a fantastic big brother to a very trying Owen. Luke and Anna are still good friends and play when the opportunity exists. Luke and Beau can talk Legos for hours and those few sets that are Luke's favorites live in Beau's room for safe keeping, that pesky little brother. Soccer is his favorite and he is really learning the game well, he scored three goals in his first game of the season. He's looking forward to joining the science Olympiad team and is enjoying being back in school with all his friends.