She turned 8.

Our sweet, baby girl keeps growing up.....8. Less than two years to double digits.

Where has the time gone?

She was a princess for the entire day, crown and all! She requested french toast, sausage, potatoes and eggs for breakfast. Then it was shopping at Justice with Grandma where she picked up a sundress, a new doggie, and a few tops. Next on the list, Cheesecake Factory with Daddy for lunch. After her splendid piece of chocolate raspberry truffle cake, she headed home to play dress-up. Randy was king, I was queen and the boys were our loyal subjects. Ashlynn was, ofcourse, the princess.

The princess made a special request for her birthday dinner: tacos. And lots of them. We invited over the other loyal subjects of our kingdom (uncles, grandma & grandpa) and had a feast. Dessert was no exception to her longings. Homemade brownies with frosting and nuts, but the real challenge was the request for homemade lemon ice cream. The internet was scoured and recipe was found, let's just say it was DELICIOUS! Before the food had a chance to settle it was off to the pool with our princess. Daddy, uncles and brothers accompanied her highness to the royal pool where they splashed the evening away.

The final event of the evening was watching a movie with the girls, though the king indulged with us and quite enjoyed it too! He carried the sleepy princess to bed and tucked her in with a kiss and promptly told her to stop growing up so fast, to which she quickly agreed.

A mostly happy birthday.

This:

+

This:

=

This:

Addie decided to give the skateboard a try and Gage decided he wanted to ride it. One little push and her sweet face hit the patio causing her front teeth to go all the way through her lip. The girl cried for a few minutes and then spent two hours in my lap letting me ice it while she watched tv. She kept looking up at me, like "why am I getting all of this lovely attention"? She soaked in every moment and ended up falling asleep on my lap.

My baby turned two today and made my day by taking a nap while I held her. It's going by waaaay too fast!

Monkey boy turns 6!

Happy birthday to Ryder!!! Our boy who has more energy and enthusiasm for life than anyone we know! And, dude, you can find Waldo in two seconds flat, you ARE amazing!!

Have fun fishing with dad, playing put-put golf, eating lots of bbq ribs and cake, opening presents (hey, when your 6 it's sort of all you care about), and being spoiled rotten for one day a year!

Love you big guy!!

Lettin' it fly.

Last year, Randy bought Ryde his own bow so they could practice together. The kid loves to shoot and begs daddy to take him every chance he gets. His arrows are real so we are careful to stand behind him as he aims...I just couldn't resist snapping a few shots!

The aim:

The release:

The shots:

Retrieving the arrows:

Daddy and Gage helping to put them back in the quiver for another go:

A big shout out to the Main Man, it's his Birthday today!!! Happy Birthday babe, have a great day!!

Freezing cold, birthdays, sunshine.

We finally broke our subzero temps and spiked to 32 degrees with sunshine! I was out running errands and was actually getting stuffy with my scarf, gloves and heavy jacket on.

Frightening, isn't it? Feeling downright balmy at just above freezing? Last time I checked, my postal abbreviation was not AK. Which could be why I spent last Friday drooling over Tucson real estate. I even looked up the fire department....just for kicks. Randy quietly chuckled when I assured him he could hunt elk in neighboring New Mexico and mule deer in northern Arizona. Who needs these monster Kansas whitetails (scary I know this sort of lingo), they have probably all frozen or migrated south anyway.

Thankfully, he knows me better and can still chuckle.

In warmer, sunnier, cozier, brighter news....today is mom's birthday! This fall I took a knitting class and she was wanting scarves, so I knit one up for her.

It's 80 degrees today in San Diego. I'm still trying to figure out her want of scarves....

Apparently, she will need to visit me to actually put it to use.


Happy Birthday, mom! Please come and visit....you have a scarf now :-).

I want to be Tallon.

Today is my nephew Tallon's 9th birthday! He reminds me so much of Ryder, they have the exact same playful smile with that sparkle in their eye. Last night I was talking to Nicole and she began to tell me the list of food this kid was getting for his birthday. So, here in no particular order is why I want to be Tallon today:

• Pancakes for breakfast.
• In-N-Out Burger delivered to him at school for lunch.
• Chocolate Chip Cookies and Brownies for dessert at school.
• Tacos for dinner.
• Cheesecake for dessert.

Need I say more? Don't you want to be Tallon?

Gage-man turns three!!

Now we officially have a one, three, five and seven year old in the house! Here is our birthday boy with his requested "oatmeal for breakfast":



We love your expressions and how serious you can get-it just cracks us up!! "Are you ready momma, are you ready?", your crinkled brow and scrunched up nose with that intensity in your tone-can't resist it!!

Happy Birthday Gage-man! We pray you continue to display your amazing passion for life and totally unique character, you put a smile on our face every, single day!

My baby turns seven....

The following is what I wrote in my pregnancy journal on the morning of Ashlynn's birth day:

07-01-02: Hi Baby! Well we are still waiting!! You should hear how much the phone rings everyday with people wanting to know if you are here yet! I have finally told everyone I am not going to answer anymore until you are born! Your Grandma Debbie, Grandma Linda and I are going to Lawrence today. It's a cute town nearby with all kinds of shops and restaurants. It should be a fun day, but would be even better if I started labor. The doctor wants to induce labor on Wednesday, but we have decided against that. I want you to come in your own perfect time as God chooses-not what works for the doctor's schedule. Hope to see you soon though!

At 11:22 that evening Ashlynn Faith was born. My labor went better than I could have ever imagined or planned and Randy was the world's best coach, allowing me to squeeze his hand as tightly as possible and keeping up with me as we made laps through the hospital. He knew when each contraction was coming over me because I wanted him to rub my back but my pace would pick up so much he jokes he was at a "light jog". We joked they were going to need to replace the carpet when our stay was over and when we returned for Gage's birth we noticed the carpet had been replaced with linoleum floors!

And now, our baby girl is seven years old. The joy and blessing we felt welcoming her into the world was indescribable. All throughout my pregnancy I prayed that our baby would be filled with the joy of Jesus and it would be contagious to all of those around her. Ashlynn truly reflects that, she befriends those some might not, she sees people through such loving eyes and has so much compassion.

I love that within five minutes of meeting a new kid, she has made best friends and wants to include them in everything. She is who she is. She would rather have her hair put in a ponytail, wear her favorite pants (they are seriously the rattiest things you have ever seen) and just play with all the joy in her heart. This is who Ashlynn truly is.


I could have posted a picture of a perfectly coiffed little girl, but I chose this from yesterday instead. We made green smoothies and she begged me to take a snapshot of her with her green mustache. I love her!

Happy Birthday Ashlynnie!

We did celebrate, I promise!

My little boy is growing up fast.....five already!! He is my monkey boy, who loves to climb anything he can, especially if there are ropes involved. "Mom, mom, take my picture!" He says this as he's dangling from the swing set or the tree or rappelling down the stairs with his rope.


Here was his cake, though his gluten free version was in the fridge. Not that I'm trying to dupe him-he's way too smart for that, but how can one blow out candles on an unfrosted cake?
Happy Birthday, buddy, we love you!!!!

One, already!

From this:

To that:

To this:

Addie, how are you one already? Where did the year go by? What fun you have been, your personality has been evident from the start! I am so happy that you not only slept in our bed when you were a newborn, but literally across my abdomen. My rhythmic breathing and heart beat seemed to comfort you and lull you into sleeping just a little bit longer at night. I will always cherish every moment of that. I love that you have two speeds: high and low. You either love it or hate it, there is no middle ground with you. Somehow, I don't think we'll ever have to guess at how you feel about something. Moderate, medium, in the middle, in between, undecided, not sure, maybe, I'll think about it, let me look into that, ummmm, will never be a part of your vocabulary :-)! I love your spunk and determination; I love that you cry for me when I walk into the room; I love you gi-normous smile that could totally light up time square....and I promise you'll grow into to your teeth beautifully; I know I will look back and love that you still get up in the middle of the night with a cry that says "woman, get in here, bring me back into your bed, snuggle me in and nurse me back to sleep, then I'll go back to my crib peacefully"; I love that you can't talk yet, it's so easy to take you anywhere, especially since you don't ask for anything; I love that you love outside, it's mommy's favorite too; I love that you try to keep up with the "posse" around here; most of all, I love that God chose us and blessed us to be your family, we just couldn't imagine it any other way!

Happy 1st Birthday Adysen! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Happy Birthday Ran!!!

As you've probably noticed, I decided not to blog birthdays this year for various reasons. First, my immediate family includes thirty-two people; this does not include grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. So as you can imagine, I would spend half my time on birthdays alone, and, not that I don't love every single one of you, it's just the time factor. Second, I'm afraid with that number I would miss someone and I definitely don't want any hurt feelings. Today however, I am making an exception for my dear, sweet husband.



I know, I know, the cake has pastel m&m's on it, but fortunately I know my guy is confident in his manhood. Plus, the guy was born on Easter Sunday, so it's sort of appropriate!

Randy's parents waited five years after they were married to have him and they still brag about what an awesome baby he was, I think they even use the word "perfect". They said every moment of waiting was worth it, especially for the nursery with the shag green carpet and orange walls. Wish I could have seen that.

They raised him and spent twenty birthdays celebrating with him before we met. Now fifteen birthdays later we are all still celebrating him and the amazing man he has become!

Son, Husband, Father, Best Friend in the whole, wide world.

Happy Birthday Mom!!!!

Happy, happy birthday Mom!! Hope your day is lots of fun and filled with love!

I love that 99.9% of the time you see the glass as "half-full". I love that you can make Randy laugh and think of you often when he sees me wearing only one sock. I love that you make everyone around you smile more. I love that we can "talk shop" all day long. I love that I can call you anytime and 99.9% of the time get an answer to my question. I love that the "fuzzy brain" I have sometimes can be blamed on genetics :-). Most of all, I love the time you took to raise us to be aware of our world, what was going on in it and what God has to say all about it!

I love you, mom! Happy Birthday!

The Weekend

Randy surprised me for my thirtieth birthday (that is so weird to write that number out!) and took me to Big Cedar Lodge for the weekend. We took Addie with us and the kids shared time with Auntie Paula and Grandma and Grandpa. We had a great time, even in the bitter cold, just lounging around doing a little shopping.

The front of The Falls lodge where we stayed.

The Christmas tree in our lodge.

The lodge next to ours at night.

The view of the cabins along the river from our room, lit up night.

The beautiful fireplace.

Our view of the lake.

Our room, feels like home :-).

The tub with a view of the room.

The bathroom with a tree in it.

Happy Birthday Grams!!!

(pictured here with her brother, my Uncle Jack)

Happy Birthday Grams!! Hope your day is filled with lots of goodies and many hugs and kisses from all of the family.

I love living so close to you and being able to spend such wonderful time visiting you. I love that you encourage me in all of my crazy sewing ideas and make me realize they are possible. I love when I get stumped, I can call or visit and you will help me figure it out. I love that you wake up early with my kids when we are at your house so I can sleep in (A treat indeed!). I love watching the kids curl up with you on the sofa to snuggle and read a book. I love that you can still spot good fashion from a mile away and can even sport your own cool jogging suit! I love the way you smell. I love the way you make my house smell when you visit-I never want to change the sheets when you go. I love that God has blessed me with you as a grandmother for almost thirty years, I treasure every moment with you! :-)Lizzie

xoxoxoxo Randy, Liz, Ashlynn, Ryder, Gage, and Addie

Happy Birthday Christopher!!!!

Happy Birthday to my fantastic brother-in-law Chris!!! I hope you know how happy we are to have you as part of our family, we all love you so much!!!!

Wish we lived closer....though I think the Midwest would be a great place for you guys.....hope to see you in February!!!

xoxoxoxo Randy, Liz, Ashlynn, Ryder, Gage and Addie

Happy Birthday Piper!!!!

*****Disclaimer*****
My head is pounding, my nose is running and my entire body aches.
That being said, my mental capacity for clever, thoughtful, sweet or really anything that would make sense is limited.
*****Disclaimer*****

Happy birthday to my life long BFF, from the first meeting in the drinking fountain line at Alpine Christian to life changing events like kiddos and hubbys, we have managed to stay in contact through it all. So glad you are now my "blogging buddy" too, I look forward to enjoying your work as the amazing author that you are!

The big 3-0, woohoo!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Linda!!!!

Happy Birthday to the world's greatest Mother-in-Law!!!

Many people have told horror stories of their "in-laws", but Linda, you are the best! Whenever I am describing you to people I tell them: "She is always well intentioned, thoughtful, and kind. She is always looking out for the best interest of her family and the people she cares for."

It's true! You have done nothing but put others first and be one of the most selfless people I know. You love your family (especially loving me like I was one of your own) and are consistently dependable. I know at the drop of a hat you are there to help and it means THE WORLD to me.

Thanks for being such a great friend, mom and grandma. I am so incredibly blessed to have you in my life and I pray that my kids will be so blessed to one day have a mother-in-law as wonderful, beautiful, happy, kind and fun as you are!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Colie!!!!

Happy Birthday to my fantastic sister Nicole!

I love that I can call you any time of the day and just start right in on why I was calling. No need for ten minutes of "pleasantries" just dive right in: "Can you get me the number for Red Robin asap?". I love that you are not afraid to give your opinion, though sometimes it can tick me off :-). I love that I can talk to you about ANYTHING and you'll listen.....and give your opinion :-). I love that we are raising our kids at the same, but I wish we lived closer together. I love your passion for exercise and hope you continue to rub off on me. I love the way you just "roll with it", especially with three boys! I love that you can open any jar in the kitchen, take down John and Mike, and remove hinges from a closet door, but can still cry while watching Anne of Green Gables. I love that you put up with my hypochondria and remind me I am crazy :-). Most of all I love that God blessed me with such an awesome sister.

We love you and Happy Birthday!!!!!!

xoxoxoxoxoxo, Randy, Liz, Ashlynnie, Ryde, Gage Man, and Addie

Happy Birthday Dad!!!!

Happy Birthday Dad!!!!!

I know, I know, but I just had to use that picture. It jut goes to show that you are just the most awesome Grandpa in the world! Who else would wear Ashlynn's "Princess for the Day" tiara while playing baseball with Ryde?? Gotta love it!

Dad, thanks for always being available at the ring of your phone. Me and my silly home improvement questions still haven't stumped you, though you may wonder sometimes what I am thinking :-). All of my life I have been convinced that you could answer any question about anything and you know what, I still think you can. I love you so much and am so happy to see you celebrate another year with mom, us seven kids and TEN grandkids!

I hope your birthday is filled with fun and you better get to play a round of golf soon! I miss you and wish so much we all lived closer together.

We love you!!!!! Randy, Liz, Ashlynn, Ryde, Gage and Adysen
xoxoxoxoxoxo

Happy Birthday Lisa!!!!

Happy Birthday Lis!!! Thanks so much for all you do for our family! You are a dependable, organized, compassionate, thoughtful, helpful, loving, generous, let me call you and vent :-) (I suppose that translates to "good listener") and all around AWESOME cousin.

I'm glad we're only eight hours away from eachother, though you know we would like to be closer!!

Have a fantastic day and try not to work too hard (though I know you can't help yourself!). We LOVE you!!!!!!!!!!

Love, Randy, Liz, Ashlynnie, Ryde, Gage and Adysen
xoxoxoxoxoxo