ONE!

Ok, so I'm really a slacker here.  Nora turned 1 on April 5.  It is now June 17.  So I guess we can post about it.

I was really excited for Nora's first birthday.  I actually planned it ahead of time.  If you know me, you know that this is a great feat.  I'm not much of a "planner" but more of a "fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants" type of girl.  However, all the planning kind of went down the tubes when, about a week before her birthday, Nora got some kind of virus, much like RSV.  She had to take Albuterol and be put on oxygen.  No fun.

Long story short, the large party that was planned was cut down to a few family members.  We had already made the decorations, so we put them up.  I felt so bad, because she just wasn't her normal, happy self.  But she was a good girl and I think she still enjoyed seeing everyone.

Here are some pictures from the day:

Grandpa made a surprise visit!

Aunt Emily too!

Yum!

Nora and Aunt Kathy playing with decorations.

Playing with cousins

Not extremely impressed with the cupcake...

1 made with cupcake liners.  :)

She was a trooper!

We dragged her O2 line outside so she could play on her play land from Nana and Papa!

We have another update on our other blog, if you are interested...Trials of Trying

Happy Birthday, Michele!

I guess my blog is turning into a birthday card. Oh well...

Today is my sister's birthday. Unfortunately she has to share it with New Mexico (which usually eats all of the cake).

Michele is her name; funny is her game. My sister and I laugh together more than should be humanly possible. She is hilarious! She has a cynical and silly sense of humor.

She is also very smart. I've always been jealous of her brain power. She's always been a great writer and she can read big words. Nowadays she teaches high school students how to be smart. And I bet she does a great job. We always joke about her being like the teacher in "Freedom Writers". While I've never actually seen the movie, I do picture her as the type of teacher that pushes students to do more than what they imagine that they can.

This has just ended up being a lot of rambling. And I didn't even edit and re-write, which probably disappoints you, Michele. But I just wanted to tell you HAPPY BIRTHDAY and I can't wait to see you soon and really celebrate!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

I know it's a little late in the day, but
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!

The man who taught me how to make lists, help others, wake up early, clean my room, have fun, and most of all, how to be genuine. You are my favorite father...plus my only.

A quote I recently read in a book all about dads (from another person whose life you have touched) said, "Anyone can be a father, but it takes a special person to be a dad." That about sums it up for me. I feel so blessed that I have a dad that loves me. And that I have never had to question it. I have always known that I was loved and valued. I hope that you know that I love, value, and appreciate you as well. You are a hole in one!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my best friend.
To my hero.
To the calm voice of reason when I am "losing it".
To my surprise goofball.
My mad scientist.
Patience personified.
It can only be one person--my husband, Doug. My favorite everything.

Love you and sorry it's late!

Happy Birthday, Michele!

Some years ago, on January 6, something wonderful happened...my sister was born! I didn't know it, because I wasn't around yet, but that day would bring one of my favorite people of all time into my life. So in celebration of my favorite sister and dear, dear friend, here are a few photos of my sis.
Who is with me through tough times...

...and splendid times!

Always one of the sweeter parts of my life!
We can get eachother out of a tight spot...like a kayak!
She's a WONDERFUL mom!
And is willing to do lame poses with her lil' sis!
And she loves her husband, even when there are sexy snowmen around!
Knows how to fish!

She looks beautiful when she cries.
But even more so when she smiles! And she has the best laugh!
Here she is all knocked up last year!
Definitely my favorite sister, and my mom's second favorite daughter! (Tee-hee)

But seriously, Michele, I love you so much and even though I call you an ignory-face and a butt-fa-say, I am so glad you're my sister. I am glad that we've become so close, and I hope to grow closer through the years, now that the shoe-throwing and toe-slamming days are over.

Here's to my sis!

The pictures are out of order but...here's doug's birthday.

October 8th was Dougs 25th birthday! We celebrated with some green chile stew...yummy! Then on Saturday we went out to a fondue restaurant called the Melting Pot...It was DELICIOUS!