My birthday/unbirthday and all that followed.

Sunday night at 10 it happened.  The eve of my most favorite day of the year, everyone got sick.  I will not elaborate, but just imagine the worst possible stomach virus you've ever had, and we all probably had it worse.  Rachel left Monday morning so her children wouldn't catch it, and we had to cancel Bekah and Israels visit. 

Monday is a blur.  We all pitched in as much as we could, but we were all so very sick.

Tuesday we started to feel a little better (imagine the second worst stomach virus you've ever had - that was tuesday for us).  We ran a few errands.  Picked up my cupcakes and at dinner even had an unbirthday celebration for me.  We wore party hats.  I ate toast.  And couldn't quite yet eat my cupcake (hopefully by the time you are reading this I will have eaten the most amazing looking chocolate/peanut/whipped/gnoche/extravaganza of a dessert). 

Tuesday night/Wednesday morning the virus tried to make a comeback.  Especially on my poor Luke.  Wednesday spent the day preparing for hopefully our return to Marion.  We really miss daddy.  And while this has been quite the adventure, we are ready to put it behind us and get back to our routine.

I am thankful to have my parents. And JohnMark.  If this had happened at home I wouldn't have had so many hands to help out and take care of me and the kiddos.  And if our country ever needs a special ops weapon, they should release this stomach virus on our enemy.

Noah, Ella, and Nana put on a birthday puppet show for me for my unbirthday!

The kids loved playing outside while they were feeling a little better

My birthday weekend

I love my birthday.  I get excited days (weeks) before in anticipation of my special day.  This year I was especially excited because I got to go to Alabama to celebrate with my family.  I had planned with Matt for him to be at home working on our bathroom renovation, and I would take the kids down last Friday for an extra long weekend at Nana's and Papas.

First of all, my kids did great in the car.  I am so thankful to have such good natured kids (80% of the time - and they maxed out that percent that day!).  There was minimal complaning and crying on the way down.  When we pulled into town Papa, Nana, us, and JohnMark got to go grab some yogurt at this spectacular build-your-own icecream place called Chill.  It was so amazing we went ahead and ordered some birthday cupcakes for me for Monday.

Saturday Daniel and Lindsey came down.  Rachel and her kids arrived.  I got to have a special lunch with Grandma while Papa took the older two to see Brave.  We ate a fabulous dinner.  And laughed.

Sunday church was awesome.  I miss hearing my dad preach in person.  We ate leftovers, Dan and Lindsey headed back home.  We hung out with my Aunt Melissa, Uncle Mark, and cousin Joshua.  And Grandma brought over two WARM poundcakes.    Oh... and I took a few pictures :)

The beach!

Last week we were able to spend a week with the Siak/Cannon gang. At one point we were all together and Joey was able to take this family picture. During the week we got to eat great food, laugh, played games, enjoyed the beach and pool, and made lots of memories along the way! I love that I am part of such an awesome family!

He's a Walker!

14.5 months.  That's how long it took him to take the plunge.  Before today Luke's maximum amount of steps had been two to three at a time, and even then they were more of a shuffle.  Today he summoned up some never before used confidence and took off!  At first it was 7 steps.  Then 14.  Then, forget about it.  He was walking.  This video is of him carrying around the swiffer duster stick.  He looks like he's using it as a cane.  I can't believe how fast he's growing up - but I'm excited about not having to carry him all the time! 

Noah and Ella

Last week we spent the entire week with a whole bunch in fact all of - the Siak/Cannon family.  We had a fantastic time and I have a ton of pictures to sort through.  So tonight, I will give you two of my three favorite people - Noah and Ella - on the beach.  More pictures will be up soon!

Noah

A boy and his brother

There's something adorable about a little boy yelling out the front door for his brother to come get him.

Daddy

I am his first. I remember the pictures of him carrying me sideways because that was what gave me comfort as a baby. He met my strong will head on and challenged me, disciplined me, loved me, but never held me back. I wanted to sing, and then have babies and stay at home with them just like mom. He supported me through it all. He has made me laugh so hard I've cried on so many occasions I couldn't count them. And if we are laughing side by side you will see just how much we are alike as our bellies both jiggle identically. If something big happens in life he is the first person I want to call. I covet his prayers for me and my family. He loves my mom they way all men should love their wives, and the way Christ commands in the Bible. There is little I remember from being sick 8 years ago. But I do remember before the bad turned into good the relief and tears that came when he walked into the hospital room. My dad was there, I was going to be ok. I'm almost 32 years old. And while I call him "dad," he will always be my daddy in my heart. Thanks for a lifetime of love dad. You mean the world to me - always.

The Graduate

Ella has spent two years in the McSmiles preschool program in McDowell county.  She has done so well and yesterday was the big day - graduation.  She was SO excited and and SO proud of herself.  Granny got to come and visit for the ceremony and I'm glad she had family there supporting her.  My Ella is such an amazing girl.  She is going to do so well as she transitions to kindergarten.  I just hate that it is time already.