SURPRISE!

As if last weekend wasn't enough...
My family showed up to surprise me for my birthday. My Mom & Dad, Uncle Fred/Aunt Sarah, Cousins; Mike, Anna, Cyndi, Natalie & Ana. We had ordered pizza and when the doorbell rang, Deon told me that the pizza guy needed to see my credit card and ID. So I thought nothing of it...HAD NO CLUE...and opened the door...only to see my family out there yelling, "SURPRISE". They rented this big van and drove 13 hours to see me. Wow, did I feel the love! I was in shock and so happy at the same time. It was such a wonderful surprise. We had originally planned to meet in Vegas...but that fell through, so they all decided to bring the party to me. And party...we did. My Dad made some tasty barbecue with all the fixings. After a yummy meal and some drinks...we had to move the kitchen table to make room for the dance floor. We even had a dance off...it was so much fun! I haven't laughed that hard in a really long time. I loved it. I just have to say that I am related to Fred/Sarah, Mike/Anna/Nat and Cyndi by marriage. But, they have always treated me like their own. And, not only do they love me, but they really love my Mom & Dad too and that makes me so happy. It's a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by so much love. Thank you to my family, from Cali and New Mexico for making my 40th Birthday the best ever. I was so worried about leaving my 30's...if I would have known the celebration I was going to have I wouldn't have given it a second thought...First, my husband plans the best weekend getaway for me. Complete, with a wonderful dinner, good friends, lots of laughs and a massage. Then another weekend of fun. With the people I love the most. My husband, children, in-laws, parents and  wonderful extended family members and friends. I must say, God just keeps pouring blessings on me...and I love it. Thank you Lord! I am blessed, loved and so grateful for the people in my life who make me feel so special. So, Happy Birthday to me. 40's here I am...and I'm ready for this new phase of my life. 

Pre-Surprise...hanging out in the backyard. I had no clue what was about to happen 

My handsome handsome boy!  

Nana made Jake a John Deere hat and matching scarf...he loved it, of course! 

And Sophie had to try it on too

Love this picture...Sophie and her Nina having a moment. Nina brought her the cutest apron and cookie set. 

Still in shock...look at me...surrounded by all this love

I love my Mom

Hey Ladies! 

Sophie's feelin' the love

Mickey Mouse pancakes for Jake

Happy Birthday to Uncle Fred and I. We went to breakfast and they sang to us. They made both of us a sopapilla stuffed with ice cream and covered with chocolate syrup and whip cream. Mmmm, so good! 

Nana & Sophie putting on some lipstick

Let's get this party started...right...

Nana brought some of her beautiful scarves & hats

Cheers...Bob & Mike! 

Nana Pat, Sarah, Anna & Cynthia. They said hold the camera up and take the picture so everyone's eyes are open looking up at the camera...so perdy. 

Me & Jamie...

Go ahead ladies...SING IT! 

We moved the kitchen table to make room for the dance floor...here are the bystanders. 

Pa, you so crazy homie! 

Too cute...Sophie & Mikayla hanging out

Pa & Crazy Mike

Just had to document this; BOB on the dance floor. Cousin Ana workin' it. 

Happy Birthday to Fred & Roberta

The party was so much fun! For a last minute thing, it turned out great and everyone was able to join us. And to top it all off, Nana Pat stayed the whole week with us. 
Thank you to EVERYONE who joined us to celebrate my 40th.
I have so much to be thankful for. I feel like the luckiest woman on earth right now. I think I've had a smile on my face since my surprise showed up on Friday night. 
And, now we look forward to Valentine's Day...our 7th Wedding Anniversary. So much to be happy for this year. 

Pajama Party

 

PAJAMA JAMMY JAM! 

Jake was a little confused...he got to stay in his pajamas for school. They had a pajama party and they got to take their favorite stuffed animal...so Teddy went to school too. They had a camp out and learned about all the things that happen at nighttime. Jake is funny...he wears a t-shirt and shorts to bed (just like Dad). He actually does not like to wear jammies...so when I told him that it was pajama day he said, "so, am I wearing my shorts and t-shirt to school?". He wore his fireman jammies w/ his fireman boots. And, before he left for school I had to take some pictures. Of course, my Jake posed for the photos. 

Mom, let me lay down on the floor...

Jake & Teddy

On one knee...he's such a cool guy

I was online looking for some clip art for pajama parties. Jake saw this semi truck and said he wanted this on the blog...so here's the semi. Jake had a good time during pajama day. I love all the fun things they do at school. 

I will survive!

 I did it...I survived my 40th birthday. It came and went and I'm still here. Thanks to my wonderful husband, it was a great day. He kept me in the dark about what we were going to do that night. The only detail he gave me was, "pack a bag". The day started out signing Jake up for his very first year of T-Ball. I think we were more excited than he was. So, I am going to be the Team Mom, Deon will be a coach and Pa is going to be the manager. It's a family thang. After sign-ups, we went to breakfast. The kids went to Coco & Pa's for the night and we went to.........Sandia Casino. Once we got on the road, Deon kept saying we were going to Santa Fe. Then we got closer to Sandia and he made the turn off and said, ok...we're going to Sandia. Which was fine with me...I love it there! When we got to the room, he had a bottle of champagne waiting and a gift card for a massage the next morning. He told me we had dinner reservations and when we got up to the restaurant our friends, Charlotte & Damien were there, ready to join us. That was a nice surprise. We had a delicious dinner, yummy wine (J.Lohr-Paso Robles, you should try it sometime...so good) and lots of laughs. We all met up with Deon's cousin, Nicole and her boyfriend in the casino and had some drinks and people watched and laughed some more. It was a great night. The next morning, Deon and I both got a massage...it was amazing. You know, it's so true about the whole age thing...it's just a number. And, with a life as completely blessed as mine...I have no reason to worry. My husband LOVES me and does EVERYTHING he can to make me happy. GOD must really love me. I get to stay home with my kids. I get to live in a nice house, drive a nice car and I always have lots of love from my family & friends. Now, that's blessed. Thank you Deon, I am so lucky that you're my husband & best friend forever. I love you. 

Gettin' ready to celebrate! 

Love Deon's smile in this picture...it's so rare that he smiles, poses or even wants to take a picture. Completely opposite of me and the kids. 

The view from our room. We had a suite on the 8th floor. 

And....this is what I got to come home to...these two sweet faces...both of whom, missed me a lot! On our way home, Jake said, "Mom, I love you". And Sophie wouldn't stop hugging me. 

Sophie is too much...she found this hat in Jake's room and tried it on. I tried to fix it for her...but she wanted to wear it her way. 


I must share this beautiful sentiment I received from one of my dearest friends & Comadre Clara. She is always filled with so much love and positivity, she's a perfect example of a good wife, mother and friend. And, when I need some advise, direction or just some good old girl talk...she knows EXACTLY what to say. Happy 40th to you Clara. Love you Comadre! 


"HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY!!!!! 

YOU ARE SO BLESSED THAT YOU ARE 40, FULL OF LOVE, YOU HAVE A HUSBAND AND CHILDREN.   HOW GRATEFUL YOU MUST BE TO GOD THAT HE HAS ALLOWED YOU TO LIVE A COMPLETE LIFE UP TO THIS DATE.  YOU COULD NEVER EVER ASK FOR ANYTHING ELSE.   HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ALONE AT HOME WITHOUT FAMILY THAT WE BOTH KNOW.  THAT WAS NOT THE LIFE WE WANTED AND SO GOD ANSWERED OUR PRAYERS.  HE HAS NEVER ABANDONED YOU AND HE NEVER WILL.  I AM SO PROUD TO SAY I AM GOING TO BE 40 BECAUSE LOOK AT MY LIFE AND LOOK AT YOURS.  YOU HAVE A HOUSE TO LIVE IN, YOU GET TO STAY HOME AND YOU ARE HAPPILY MARRIED.  WOW!!!!!!  HAVE A BLESSED DAY FILLED WITH LOVE AND THE HOLY SPIRIT."


Then there's Melissa, a very special friend/sister in my life...who's always there at the other end of the phone. She's a fellow Stay-at-Home Mom...so most of the time she knows exactly what I'm saying, feeling and going through. She also wrote the most beautiful words for my birthday and I would like to share them too. Love you Melissa


"Oh girl...number, number, number!! God has truly Blessed every part of who are and what you are a part of :) I love all your reflections and your inner ability to truly see what really matters. Yes, I would say you and God have a hand holding relationship because you took it there :) I love how you inspire all those around you, bring life with your smile and share your love. Your (#) of years have been and continue to be so beautiful...you are such an amazing wife, mom and sister...I cherish all the laughter, the tears, the memories and the dreams. Happy Birthday to one of THE finest women I have been honored to pray with. I love you girl...40 and beyond fab :)"

And, now we our looking forward to our 7th wedding anniversary on Valentine's Day! 

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone. 

Da Krew

Jake is too funny...towards the end of my pregnancy with Sophie, Jake got really attached to this bear. He decided to start calling his Teddy Bear, 'his baby'. Then he started calling him Teddy, then Teds and now he's just Teddy. He can't sleep without him, he has to watch TV with him. He's super attached to that thing. And, in recent months...he's added Casper and the Camo Bear to the group. He calls them 'his crew'. When he wakes up in the morning he brings all three down with him. So, today I had to document the whole thing to show him once he's older. And, as my sweet kids always do...he obliged me and posed for pictures with Da Krew. 

The Crew: Camo Bear, Casper, Teddy & Jake 

A sweet sweet boy...when he wants to be

It's a GIRL thang...
Sophie loves going into my closet and trying on my shoes. I must tell a funny story. When I was little, my Aunt Denise's friend always wore Cherokee wedge heals (1980's of course). And, it always bugged me that her long toes hung over the front of her shoes. I would always say (when she left) "ewwww, hangover toes". And, now look at my daughters toes...hanging over. So funny. She's truly a girly girl. She loves makeup, shoes & jewelry. We are going to have so much fun! And, get in so much trouble shopping. 

Even though they drive me crazy sometimes...we do have lots of fun. 

Brother & Sister

Dear Jake & Sophie,

I was fixing your hair the other morning Sophie...I had you sitting on the bathroom sink and Jake jumped up there with you. You both looked so cute, that I had to go grab my camera (surprise, surprise). As usual, you posed for me and smiled and made funny faces too. Now that Sophie is more independent...you are really acting like brother & sister...playing together, getting mad at eachother and loving eachother (most of the time). It's really sweet to see your relationship grow. I hope and pray you both grow up to very close. Jake, you're such a proud big brother. Last weekend when we were at Chuck E. Cheese...your friend was telling Sophie, "get out of here, you're too little, we don't want you in here". And you said, "HEY, don't talk to her like that, that's not nice". So cute...protecting your little sis. And, Sophie...well you just adore your big brother. You want to do everything Jake does. Sometimes it bugs you, Jake...but, for the most part, you're nice about it. My babies...time is just going by too fast. Sophie, you will be 2 years old in March and Jake, you're  coming up on 5. I'm trying my best to cherish and document every single minute, day, first words, first actions, expressions, feelings, milestones. Because it will all be gone before we know it. Having kids and being a mom is an endless, selfless, tiring, heart-wrenching, crazy, emotional job...but I wouldn't change it for anything. The unconditional love you both give to me is the most perfect & precious blessing. 

With all my love forever and always, your Mom

LTD Baby...

LTD = LIVING THE DREAM...whenever I'm stressed and I complain about being home all day w/ my kids, Deon teases me and says, "LTD baby". But, it's days like this that make it all worth it....hanging out and being loved by Jake & Sophie.

Jake came to sit on my lap and Sophie got so jealous...she had to come over too. 

I have the most beautiful children! 

Out to lunch w/ Pa & Coco...Jake took a book with him (John Deere Tractors of course). So, he made Pa do a little reading. Jake & Sophie absolutely LOVE their Pa. When he's around...no one else matters. 

Jake had to help Pa paint. He worked hard all afternoon/evening. When they were done he told Pa he owed him $10 bucks for helping. He got $2 and was happy. Sophie got $1 just for being cute.

Sophie got  into Coco's makeup and helped herself to some lipstick. She's such a girlie girl

She wanted to give Pa a kiss with all that lipstick on

Me? 40?

So, my birthday is in 18 days...and all my life...well, as long as I can remember...and anyone who knows me will tell you...I counted down my birthday every year from January 5th. I loved to celebrate my birthday. Maybe because my Mom always made my birthday feel so special? Or maybe because I love the attention? Or maybe because I just love birthdays. Well, these days I really don't feel like making a big deal about my big day. This year, in particular...I'm turning 40. I know, age is just a number. It's how you feel. Embrace it. 40's the new 30. Yea, I know all that. But, I'm having such a hard time with it. I feel like the years are creeping up on me and I don't want to be 40. I still want to be in my 30's. To tell you the truth...I think it's the idea of aging and getting old. I know what you're thinking...I'm far from that...I look great...you are only as old as you feel...blah-blah-blah.  I know all of that...but it's easier said than done. 


Instead of dwelling on the NUMBER...I am going to focus on all the good things in my life. As I reflect on the past, I have so many great memories. I was very independent and adventurous. I lived in some of the most awesome cities in California; Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo & San Francisco. I attended a great school, Cal Poly. I met the love of my life and moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Then we conquered Los Angeles together. I had an amazing career in advertising, I learned a lot and had fun while doing it. I met some really great people along the way and established life long relationships. 


Now, I am a Mom to the most beautiful children and wife to the most amazing husband in the world. I am so fortunate to stay home with my kids and raise them myself. I have parents who love and support me, no matter what. I have a wonderful relationship with my in-laws...which is kind a of rare these days. I really do cherish that. 


All in all, I have everything I want and need. We are all healthy & happy. So, why am I complaining about turning 40 years old? I have done a lot with those 40 years and I'm very proud of my accomplishments. Most importantly, my family; Deon, Jake & Sophie. God has truly blessed my life. He continues to bless me and watch over my family and for that I am forever grateful. So, Happy Birthday to me!