Sigh....

I realized today that, like most of my "I going to do this now" proclamations, my sentence-a-day journal lasted about two weeks. Two stinking weeks! Good grief! Well, just keep swimming, right? Here's to trying again...starting...now. Much love, J

Happy Birthday (baby) Boy!

Like most Americans, July 4th is an important holiday in this house; however, it's more than celebrating our country's independence that makes it such a special day. You see, on July 4, 2001, K and I graduated from man and wife to mommy and daddy.

Buckled up and ready to see Rose Towers crumble!

Fireworks and Yankee Doodle took on a whole new meaning for us. This year we celebrated our sweet boy's 11th birthday. This parenting thing has been quite a ride and it's not over yet!

The only bad thing about a holiday birthday is that it's nigh-on impossible to have friends over for a party on your actual birthday. Holdyn has enjoyed ten blow-out birthday extravaganzas complete with family, swimming, and fireworks, but he's never had (in his words) a "real birthday." This year we did things a little differently. As any normal, red-blooded American boy would wish, Holdyn's birthday began with a bang, literally, as we watched the implosion of an old dorm on the UA campus. That was a cool experience! I've never witnessed a building implosion in-person. I'll post the footage later as it's on K's phone, not mine. The implosion was over by 8:10a and it was already hotter than the seventh level of hell, so we headed home to nap in air-conditioned comfort. The rest of the day was filled with video games, movies, cookie cake, and laziness as requested by the birthday boy. He even asked for "birthday alone time" and stayed home while K, the girls, and I made a quick trip to the mall.

I hope this and all his wishes come true!

Twelve hours after the initial birthday bang, we loaded up and headed to the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater to hear patriotic tunes and see a fireworks spectacular. The TSO provided the music and the fireworks were amazing! Thanks to our dear friend, Diana, and her generous gift of tickets, we were able to sit in comfy seats at the amphitheater to watch the show. It was the first time in about three years that we'd been to a large fireworks show and we loved it! By the time we got home we were beat. It's surprising how draining a lazy day can be! ;)

All in all, I'd say the boy had a good birthday and it's not over yet. Saturday a few of his friends are coming over for a video game-a-thon. (His dream come true!)

So, happy birthday to my Holdy-boy! I hope your day was filled with family, friends, and fun, too.

Much Love, J

Summer goings-on

Whew! These past few weeks have been busy. First, we had a fun family get together for my nephew Isaak's baptism. All my sisters and their children came home, which doesn't usually happen. It was really nice to celebrate such a special day all together.

The birthday boy blows out his candles!

After Isaak's birthday I took a little trip to Boston. It was my first time in that beautiful city and the first time in years that I've traveled alone. It was exhilarating and nerve-wracking! I was there to meet with the great people at Bedford/St. Martin's publishing company. They honored me by choosing me as a member of their 2012 Teaching Assistant Advisory Board. Only ten TAs are chosen from across the country to be on the board. It was an amazing two days of meeting with some really smart folks to talk about teaching and publishing. I got just a little time to walk around downtown Boston. I visited the public library, the Christian Science plaza, and the Copley mall. It was a quick trip, but I was exhausted and bad weather left me stranded overnight in Washington DC. I was so happy to bet home!

The fountain at the Christian Science Plaza. I met the nicest people here!

 Last week, we welcomed a few cousins for a visit. The Archibalds came to stay for a few days while my sister  and her husband looked for a new home in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. It was quite an experience mothering seven kids ages 10-1. I gained a whole new respect for mom's of large families and I reaffirmed my belief that I am done having babies. Done, I tell you! We had a great time with Bliss, Zade, Isla, and Kipp. I'll miss them terribly when they move up North! I hope we can make their visit with us an annual event.

The Cousin Crew (l-r) Holdyn, Evie, Kipp, Isla, Kallie, Bliss, and Zade

We took the cousins to meet their parents at Mama Ford and Grandfather's house on Saturday. My sister Lacy and her husband David were there, too. Long-time friends Rachel and Jeni came by with their kids for a dip in the pool and lunch. It was quite the day with smiles and hugs all-round!

Today, after two weeks, we're back to a lazy summer schedule. I'm glad! Busy-ness is fun and exciting, but I like low-key hangout at the house days, too.

I hope you're having as much fun this summer as I am!

Much Love, J