Birthdays and Catching Up

I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I'm planning for my next birthday. It's going to be a doozy. I have 29 weeks or 203 days until the big day.  That means 153 days until....well, you will just have to check back and see.  I hope I don't disappoint myself.  I've been known to do that.

Speaking of birthdays, I've missed a few this year.  My lovely married-into-the-family daughter, Lauren, had her birthday recently. 

She is everything we ever hoped and dreamed of for our son.  Add to that she is the woman I prayed for, the little girl that I knew was out there waiting to become his lovely wife, his companion and partner for life.  We adore her.

Speaking of adorable, Ethan had his birthday in July.  I can't believe he is 9 years old.  He is all boy, loves baseball,

motor vehicles,

and working on things.

He also has a very tender, sweet side.

He found a baby doll the other day.

He was fascinated and kept repeating "baby?" 

Speaking of babies, my baby boy turned 27 in July.

In August, he and Lauren moved to New Orleans.  Christopher started law school last week.  He is smart, funny, thoughtful, responsible and fun.  (He takes after his dad.)

Speaking of dads, mine has begun writing down stories from his past.  It has been fascinating to hear about his early years.    I've added a link in my sidebar.  Dad's mother died before I was born and hearing stories makes me wish all the more that I could have met my grandmother.  I'm told I look a lot like her.  In fact, one day my dad was at my home and did a double-take.  He said it was as if he was a boy again watching his mother cooking in the kitchen. 

Speaking of kitchens...I have some cooking to do.