Turning 39

I turned 39 yesterday and it was a good day! My family was so sweet to me and we had a lot of fun. I think I like getting older... it means I've had more time to know the Lord and learn His ways.

Shepard kept telling me he had a surprise for me and then he would sing "Happy Birthday" each time as my surprise. It always made me smile.

Yesterday afternoon, John and Josiah were working upstairs (barcoding for the Growing Kids Sale - boy, are we ever busy with that right now!) and Will was taking a nap, so I thought I'd like to lay down for a little bit myself. Shepard was going to watch a video and I suggested that he could go upstairs with the other guys, but he said, "Mom can you just stay in here with me because I like to be with 'the' mom." Trying to find a good way to still lay down, I asked him why he wanted to be with me and he said, "Because you're my best one". The way he describes things is cute, but his little comment was so heartwarming to me. Of course, this is the same boy who cried at dinner because he had to sit beside me instead of getting to sit by John. :)

Here's some pictures we got of my birthday... the boys gave me a gift parade - John got us started with the gift parade idea and it's one of my favorite traditions we have as a family. No wrapping gifts! Yes, I'm sure it came out of his desperation in getting gifts ready for me, but it's the best thing in the world. No wrapping paper... no trash... yeah! But, these sweet children come in marching like a parade and carrying gifts. It's fun! After the parade, we tried to get a picture of me with the boys... these three little wiggle worms are HARD to get a good picture with.


Josiah is definitely our budding photographer. He would have taken pictures all night if we had let him. He loved doing this close up of me and John. :)


Here's me with my birthday cake while the boys sing...


Speaking of getting older... yesterday my oldest son came over to me and put his arm around my shoulders... like a MAN would do. That was the first time I can remember that he has ever done that. He's growing up and I love watching him do it.