Birthday Bliss

Happy Birthday, Lauren!

I wrote this post - intending to put it on this "family blog" - but accidently posted it on the public blog. Oh well - not both family AND everyone else will know how much I love you.

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY, LAUREN!!! Wow! Time flew! While the rest of the country/world is reflecting on the 2nd Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, I'm reflecting on the 2nd anniversary of the day you were born. What an absolutely wonderful and perfect gift God gave me in you! It is 7:23 a.m. on the day of your birthday and you are apparently sleeping in today - you're the birthday girl - why not?

I'm glad because your pregnant Mommy has a HORRIBLE migraine this morning...went to bed with it...woke up with it. I'm already feeling guilty about that, too. I want today to be exciting and special for you. The truth is - every day is exciting and special for you because you find the joy and beauty in everything. I know this, yet I'm wishing I could take you to Chuck E. Cheese for lunch, or to the zoo this morning... Instead, it will probably look much like many of your days so far. We need to run to the post office to pick up a package (probably a present from Aunt Marcia!), stop at the grocery store to pick up your Dora cake (be glad I didn't try to make you a character cake - see...THERE'S something special!) - and probably some Dora-watching or Backyardigans-watching on TV followed by a snack and maybe some coloring.

It might not be over-the-top special - your birthday - but you are over-the-top loved, Lauren. I can't wait to sing to you and wish you Happy Birthday when you wake up...and dress you in your "I'm the Birthday Girl" t-shirt. =-) I'll have my camera in-hand...so rest-assured...there will be photographic evidence today is your 2nd birthday. I love you - my favorite 2-yr-old!

Mom

Coloring Fun

7th Grader!

I have absolutely NO idea how it is possible that I have a daughter entering 7th grade! SEVENTH grade! TWELVE years old! I don't know if it is more depressing that I'm THAT old, or that time is going by so quickly and before I know it she'll be on her own. Ok - I know which thought is more depressing - nevermind.

She's a good sport for a 7th grader....she still let me take her 1st day of school picture this morning. I swear - she gets more beautiful each year - both inside and out.

Surprise, Bailey! Happy 12th Birthday!

Bailey didn't think she was going to have a birthday party this year. I told her that between trying to sell the house, a baby on the way, back-to-school...it was just too busy and too difficult to have a party this year. She handled it FAIRLY well, but you could definitely tell there was some "poor me" going on. Little did she know that I had planned a surprise b-day party for her at the mall. She thought we were going to pick out a new outfit for school, but when we arrived, out jumped her friends!

The girls had a blast running around the mall independently and Dad & I had a great time watching them have fun (from a distance of course). Here are pics from the party.

Will it be a Surprise?

Tonight is Bailey's "Surprise" 12th birthday party. So far I think she has NO clue. I have invited 7 of her friends to meet at Jordan Creek Mall for the surprise. I will arrive 15 minutes later with Bailey. I hope there are lots of squeals and screams and giggles. I have a scavenger hunt planned in the mall, disposable cameras for pictures, pizza and more. Oh I hope we can pull it off! Stay tuned for pictures!

Practicing

Practicing the "Big Sister" Thang...