Sarah's Birthday!

Yesterday was Sarah Bear's birthday!  And we pretty much celebrated her all weekend!

On Saturday, we had our family over for a birthday brunch!

 

We had all of Sarah's favorites!

 

Stuffed French toast,

scones, banana bread,

yogurt parfaits,

 cherry danish,

fruit salad, fresh orange juice, apple juice,

pigs, chicken minis,

bacon, and sausage.  Well, this plate was more for Papa Bear than Sarah Bear, but she didn't mind!

 

After church on Sunday, we took her best friend, Brynna, out for lunch!

Sarah and J had yesterday off of school, so Bryan took the day off too!  We went to one of Sarah's favorite shopping centers, got coffee, and walked around.

Jackson had to make a wish in the fountain!  After throwing his penny in, he shouted, "Yes!  That was sick!"  Ha!

Then, we went to Barnes and Noble--Sarah's favorite store!

Jackson's a big fan of it too!

For her birthday dinner, Sarah chose chicken fajitas!

After dinner, it was time for cake!  Jackson wanted to sit in Sissy's lap, and because she's the best, she was happy to oblige!

Her cake had all of her favorite things--homemade brownies, cake batter, cookie dough, chocolate ganache, homemade chocolate frosting, and lots of sprinkles! 

Jackson was so excited to give Sarah his card!

Her favorite gift was a record player!

 

We can't believe our baby is 14 years old!  It seems like just yesterday that we got to hold her for the first time!  She is beautiful inside and out.  She is so smart and funny and has the best heart!  We have loved watching her grow, and we can't wait to continue seeing her shine!  We love her so!

 

Valentine's Day

 

At the beginning of February, I made heart sugar cookies and decorated them for Papa Bear, Sarah, and Jackson!

 

Then, last night, we celebrated Valentine's Day with breakfast for dinner!

When Jackson got home from school, he saw the table set for dinner, and he thanked me for it!  It was so sweet!

 

Everyone got chocolate covered strawberries and a little note from me.

Then, the rest of the food was red and pink--red velvet pancakes and bacon!

Yogurt parfaits, raspberries,

and strawberries.

After dinner, we give the kiddos their big boxes of chocolates--which they both dug in to!



Donuts with Dad

Yesterday morning, they had Donuts with Dad at Jackson's school.  Bryan just happened to have the day off of work because he had been summoned for jury duty, so he was able to spend the time with J!

 

Instead of going to the school, Bryan thought it would be better to go to the donut store themselves and pick out their own donuts...because Papa Bear really likes donuts!

They had a great time together!

Baby Girl

Sarah Bear's sick again, bless her heart.  This time, she has Jackson's tummy bug from last week.  Again, bless her heart.

 

She may be almost as tall as I am, but when she's sick and asks me to cover her up with a blankie and then proceeds to fall asleep on the couch, she goes right back to being baby Sarah.  Notmatter how big she gets, she'll always be my baby girl.

Anniversary Details

We had the sweetest anniversary.

 

The Saturday before our anniversary, we went to a fancy little restaurant that we've been wanting to try.  It was so nice to get dressed up and go out together.  We had a great meal and even greater conversation.

 

I love how he makes my nose scrunch.

The day before our anniversary, we went with the kids to Schlotzsky's for dinner--which is where we had our first date back in high school.  We've started doing this every year, and I love this tradition!

Wednesday morning, (our actual anniversary), started like every other morning.  Bryan got up and showered; I got up and made his coffee and put his medicine right beside it on the counter.  Then, I finished making the kids' lunches and woke Jackson up for school.  Before we got in our separate cars to go about our morning, Bryan and I just smiled and stared at each other in the kitchen...we love this little family and life we've created together.  And sometimes, just like that morning, we look at each other and can't believe we get to do this together.

Wednesday afternoon, I came home from picking the kids up from school, and Bryan had a bouquet of my favorite flowers and a bunch of bananas waiting for me.  At the end of the first week we'd been dating in high school, he brought me a bouquet of flowers and a bunch of bananas to help with toe cramps I'd been having.  Seeing this sweet gift 15 and a half years later, made me tear up.  He's the best.  Truly.

Wednesday evening was spent like any other Wednesday evening.  We dropped Sarah off at church, then we went to a burger place that Jackson requested.  We had burgers, way too many fries, and ice cream with our 6 year old, and we wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
We had the sweetest anniversary.

Anniversary

14 years ago today, I walked down the aisle to the boy who had my heart. I made a vow to him and to God that I would love, honor, and cherish him always. I truly love him more today than I did 14 years ago, and I loved him so stinkin' much then!

 

He's my best friend,

my better half,

my soulmate,

and the love of my life.

We were together, I forget the rest.

Walt Whitman

 

I thank God every day for him, our precious kids, and the sweet life we've created.

100 Year Old

Today is Jackson's 100th day of school...

 

...so they dressed up like a 100 year old to celebrate!

He's the cutest 100 year old I've ever seen!