The girls

There is absolutely nothing better than the unconditional love of your family...people you can depend on no matter what...people who love you always and people who make you feel special just by simply being in their presence. ♥ That's how I felt last week when 9 of my very special and loving family members showed up to surprise me for my birthday. And, if that wasn't enough my Mom stayed a week with us.  

The girls posing for the camera

Nana told Sophie to look at her fingers to get her to look up at the camera, but Sophie put up her 2 fingers because she's been practicing for her 2nd birthday next month.

Truly...THE WORLD'S GREATEST

The sunset was beautiful behind us...but I love this picture of me & Nana even more.

Looking forward to Nana & Bob's visit in March for Jake's T-Ball Opening Day and Sophie's 2nd Birthday Celebration.
Until then...

Happy Valentine's Day

HAPPY 

VALENTINE'S 

DAY! 

Happy Valentine's Day! 

My little Valentine's

WE LOVE NANA!



Basically...we had a 2 week celebration for my birthday. Then, topped it off with Valentine's Day. Deon &  I are celebrating our 7 year wedding anniversary. Lots of love surrounding us this year. Jokingly, Deon's been saying he's got the '7 year itch'. And, I respond by saying, "you better get some creme for that". But seriously, so much has happened in our lives in these past 7 years. We relocated to New Mexico, we've had 2 beautiful children, I became a stay-at-home Mom and Deon has continued to progress in his career. So many blessings, so much love. I am so blessed with the most amazing husband in the world. Deon truly loves me and I don't need Valentine's to see it. He constantly shows his love for me and the kids. We are his world and it shows. Deon, thank you for the life we have created, for the beautiful family we have grown into. Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Anniversary LOVER! I look forward to the next year and beyond. 
I love you with all my heart.

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.