Karlena's Birthday Bash

Or smash may be a better description! On Monday we celebrated Karlena's birthday with my family. I didn't want anything real big - but my mom went and got this little cake and a cupcake so she could have one of her own!

It didn't take her long to realize what she had in front of her...

She started out a little lady-like but I promise you that didn't last long!

Oh yeah - that's my girl! :)

So she started with the frosting first - of course, she is her mama's daughter!! 

I LOVE this picture because she almost looks "clownish" with her big red mouth!

Then it was time to tackle the cupcake...I didn't think she would eat much of that but again I was wrong!! 

She went right ahead and attacked that with the same fervor she did the frosting.

It was, if I must say, the cutest thing I have ever seen!

And when it was all said and done she ate the whole thing! I don't know where she puts it because she is our smallest child yet!

Happy Birthday again Karlena! It was so much fun celebrating with you and I can't wait to see what this next year brings you!

Happy 1st Birthday Karlena!

I almost can't believe that my girl turned 1 on Tuesday! How is it that this year has gone by so quickly?! I wrote about her birth here last year.

Karlena you are a delight to have in our family. I can't imagine not having you here and how we went so long without some girl sweetness in our midst!

You are loving the decorations all over and find many things that you like to get into and play with!

You learned how to walk earlier than your brothers did - probably because you have to keep up with them!! :) But you have been walking strong for almost a month now.

You have such a funny personality -you are sweet and loving but also have a twinkle in your eye when you are doing something you know is naughty! 

You weighed only 20.2lbs at your appointment this morning and were 30 inches long! You are in the 35% for weight and 79% for height. But you are perfectly healthy and we are so thankful for that! 

I found this child's rocker at a garage sale this summer for $2 and Karlena loves it. She is just starting to try and climb on it herself...such a brave girl!

It is so cute because you will rock yourself once you are on and just smile away! 

If you can reach it - it will go in your mouth!!

You have 8 teeth now - 4 tops and 4 bottoms. And you love to show off your smile! 

You LOVE to eat and especially love feeding yourself. You make quite a mess each day but it is fun watching you enjoy the new things you try! 

Veggies like carrots and beans are 2 of your favorites and of course you enjoy potatoes too!

Karlena girl you are such a blessing. I look back at some of the posts I wrote about you and you were so small. Now you are growing and changing and I almost wish I could keep you at this stage it is so much fun!

But I can't wait to see what this next year will bring for you. I am so honored to be your mom!

Happy Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Isaac!

I can hardly believe that my firstborn son is 15 already!! Where did the time go and how can he possibly be that old when I haven't aged a bit! ;)

Isaac is a great kid. He is kind and considerate.  

He studies hard and does great in school.

He has always been a great big brother. All of the kids adore him.

He is funny and inquisitive.

When we had Isaac we had no idea what being a parent would be like.  We weren't prepared for our roles. But in spite of the downfalls we have had as parents - Isaac has exceeded our expectations.

He has grown and matured so much these past few years and I love looking at these older photos of him.

Dominic jokes now about where this other man in the house has come from....he certainly doesn't look like this innocent young man anymore! :)

Isaac we have been blessed by the past 15 years. You are an amazing son and we consider it an honor to be your parents! I can't wait to see what this year will bring for you!

Happy Birthday!