The BIG 3-0!

I have to be honest. I was a little bit worried about my birthday this year. Having a new baby, and turning 30 a month later put me into a pre-mid-life crisis. (I handle this sort of crisis by chopping 8 inches off my hair!) Luckily I have lots of people who care about me and made sure my birthday wasn't crappy! I woke up Sunday morning to a surprise breakfast on the porch that my friend Aubrey had left. Then Joe made me cry when he came home early from all of his Sunday morning meetings. Then Evelyn brought me a new plant for our house, and an awesome new homemade nursing cover! My parents made a big deal out of my birthday and sent me an awesome package, and Michael and Anne sent me this book to show their support of my weird eating lifestyle. By mid-morning, I was not longer worried about having a crappy birthday. I just thought I would cry all day long because my family and friends were so thoughtful and sweet!

Luckily my cute husband knows that I think birthdays are supposed to be a big deal, so he went all out and planned a SSSSSURPRISE party! (Which really would have been a surprise if Parker hadn't whispered to me at least 10 times how much I was going to love the cake they got me!) All of my friends and family who were in on the secret probably laughed all week when they talked to me because I complained about how crappy my birthday was going to be. Little did I know, this little invite that Devon made for Joe was floating around the internet... We showed up at Joe's parent's house for "cake and ice cream" on the evening of my birthday, and I felt so loved when I saw this...(Happy Birt-day to me!)Joe knows I want to go to Hawaii, so he did the NEXT best thing...he threw me a Hawaiian Luau party with a peanut butter and chocolate ice cream cake from Leatherby's. (And a strawberry ice cream cake, and a Costco cake...just in case there wasn't enough!)I had such a great time seeing so many familiar faces. There were Avery faces...And Lily faces... (and somewhere Parker faces...)

There were awesome-in-law faces...and college faces...
There were singing group faces...And friendly neighbor faces...There were pregnant-and-due-any-second faces...And Finnish faces...There were California faces...

and one happy, loved 30-year old face! (Yes...mine!) Thanks everyone for making turning "old" not feel so bad! (And thanks to Kandis for taking all of the pictures! You forgot to take one of yourself! She fit into the "pregnant-and-due-any-second" category! Welcome to Kandis' Baby Will, and Heidi's Baby Addison! Now Lily has friends!)

Parker turns 4!

When Parker turned ONE, I unknowingly started the tradition of making "cool" cakes for birthdays. Here's a quick re-cap...

Parker's 1st cake: The choo-choo train. Not bad, eh? The next year, Parker turned TWO with a sandcastle cake. No disasters.
Avery turned ONE with a princess crown cake.

Parker turned THREE with a race track cake. (His third birthday also marked the beginning of his annual birthday race).
Avery turned TWO with a piggy cake!


When Parker and I looked online for cake-spiration this year, we found this Motocross Mountain Climb Cake. He loved it, it fit the race theme, didn't look too hard, so I decided to make it. Last Friday, I baked 4 round cakes, got them stacked in mountain form, was talking on the phone, and watched in horror as the beautiful layers crumbled. I cried as I tried to salvage the mess. Then I ate a few handfuls of cake to make myself feel better before taking a picture.
Joe got home from work, and I informed him that we were going to buy a dang cake. He couldn't believe I was going to break tradition, and encouraged me to start again. Not wanting to disappoint my 4-year old (and apparently husband who I didn't realize was so attached to my homemade cakes), I started again. I baked the layers, sliced off the tops so they would be perfectly flat and therefore wouldn't crumble, froze the layers for easier frosting, and went to bed.

I woke up early to finish the mess before Parker's soccer game. We got home, and I hoped my eyes were deceiving me...the cake seemed to be sliding. I hurried and took a picture of the cake with Parker just in case, and wished we'd planned the event for just a few hours sooner.

As we drove to the park, I tried to keep the cake from crumbling, but it just wasn't meant to be. Here's the version our guests saw...

At least it still tasted good, and I didn't feel guilty dumping all of the remnants in the garbage before going home!

Parker got a "big boy bike" for his birthday.

He couldn't wait to try it out for the race...

Of course Parker was mad that he didn't win...Jacob won on foot! But all the kids loved their medals, juice boxes, and bananas at the end. Overall, the last-minute thrown together party was a success! I think we'll stick with the race tradition, but maybe I should re-think the cake one!?!?

Happy birthday, Parkercito! I can't believe you're FOUR! Here are some fun facts about my favorite little boy...who has really grown up this year! I love you, buddy!

NAME: Parker

AGE: 4

FAVORITE COLORS: Blue and Green

FAVORITE SONG: Break Your Heart (Taio Cruz), Hallelujah (Rufus Wainwright)--from Shrek, Take Your Hat Off When the Flag Goes By (Brite Music), Scripture Scouts

FAVORITE MOVIES: Up, Spiderman, Star Wars

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: Word World, Dora

FAVORITE FOOD: Pizza, smoothies, grilled cheese

BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Learning to write his name, being FINALLY potty trained (after 1 1/2 years of trying...), learning to call ELMO on the phone

FAVORITE TOY: Spiderman toys

FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Riding his bike, playing with Avery, playing games on the computer, running, playing soccer, going to preschool, coloring, wrestling

TALENTS: Singing, being friends with EVERYONE, lego creations, making us laugh every day

MOST ENDEARING QUALITY: enthusiasm for life

GOALS FOR NEXT YEAR: Be a good big brother to his two little sisters, and help mommy accept the fact that kindergarten is just around the corner!

Ode To My In-Laws!

I've been married to my husband for almost 5 years. Before we started dating, a girl we both knew called Joe "the best kept secret in the ward." She had NO idea how right she was. She'd never met his parents. Honestly, if I'd met thousands of people who could possibly be my future in-law's, I would have chosen Cathy and Larry, hands down.

I often hear horror in-law stories, and sometimes wish I could add my $.02 (just because I like having something juicy to talk about), but I can't think of a single negative thing to say. My contribution to the horrible in-law conversation would be this: "My mother-in-law is awful, because when she watches my kids, she also cleans the stains out of all their clothes. Can you believe that?" Or about my father-in-law: "He provided the best living example to Joe of how to live within your means. I sure wish he'd encouraged debt a little more."

I can honestly attribute every good quality that Joe possesses to his parents--his parents that I am so thankful my kids get to call grandparents.

My father-in-law's birthday is today, and my mother-in-law's tomorrow. All they wanted for their joint birthdays was a day in the temple with the whole family. And while we all should have been responsible to make sure it happened, they were the ones arranging babysitters (or paying the babysitters we'd found), feeding all 18 of their grandchildren, and all 6 of their own children and spouses so that our pre-temple evening wouldn't be hectic. We should have been the ones feeding them!

I don't think a day in my MIL's life goes by that she doesn't happily give multiple acts of service. In addition to caring for her own elderly mother (which should really give her the right to say "no" to anything else requested of her), it's a rare day when she's not also tending multiple grandchildren, sewing blankets for premature babies, making dinner for someone who's sick, inviting someone else to dinner, etc. She's Wonder Woman multiplied by 10 million. She really does it all.

She has the amazing ability to see the good in all people, and all situations. But she's also really good at making those of us who sometimes like to complain--like me--feel validated. If she were normal, as in not-the-model-of-perfection that she is, she'd probably be thinking, "Girl, you have no idea what hard is...you only have two kids...I had six." But she sits and listens, and I guarantee that thought doesn't even cross her mind. Because of her ability to listen with love, my mother-in-law has become one of my closest confidants. I'm a lucky girl.

My father-in-law is just as incredible. He often claims that he's going to make it into heaven hanging on for dear life to his wife. But we all know that they will march together, side by side, equally worthy. I will forever be grateful to Joe's dad for the things he taught his children. He taught them self-reliance. He taught them hard work. He taught them service. He's one of the most talented men you'll ever meet, but unless you see him in action, you'd never know, because he's also one of the most humble. He won't boast of the homes he's built, the websites he's created, the cars he's fixed, the organ he plays, the Monopoly games he's won, or the service he's rendered. You just have to see it. If Joe has a project he's working on, his dad volunteers to help. If Joe needs advice, his dad has the right kind to offer. If we have a new game needing playing, he joins right in. Teenage-me would never have believed that my favorite people to hang out with are...parents!

So for your birthdays, Mom and Dad G, I hope you know how much we love you. I hope you know that I am watching everything you do, praying that just a little smidgen of goodness will rub off! When I married Joe, I had no idea I was landing myself on such an incredible goldmine. You were Joe's best kept secret! I love you! Happy Birthday!

P.S. I know Joe's parents will be horrified when they read this. They hate this kind of attention. But too bad. Some people are just too good to go un-recognized!

Parker's B-day!

Dearest Parkercito,

Three years ago yesterday, I entered the hospital. Twenty hours later, you finally made your grand entrance into the world. Getting you here was a long, slow process. But your birth was the last time I remember wishing you would hurry up.

I was completely overwhelmed with the newness of motherhood. Your Daddy and I were terrified to put your tiny little 8 lbs. 8 oz. body into a big scary car. We were even more terrified to get you out of the car and into our little apartment, because that meant that we were really in charge.

I remember crying a lot in those first few days and weeks. Motherhood was hard! And I felt so responsible! Responsible to feed you, to get you to sleep, and especially to make sure you were comfortable, and happy in this new, scary world. I loved you something fierce...even when your projectile poops reached 9 feet across the room.

Three years ago, I never dreamed that you would grow up to be a walking-talking-running-laughing-memorizing-brilliantly-talented little boy. I only saw the tightly swaddled, feisty little baby.

And my how you've grown! By your first birthday, you could say over 10 words. By your second, you could speak in 10 word sentences. Now, on your third, you're "reading" books. Your favorite to recite is Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. I squeal with delight everytime I hear your cute little voice saying, "They ROARED their terrible roars, and gnashed their terrible teeth, and rolled their terrible eyes, and showed their terrible CLAWS!" You remember everything.

Parkercito, you have the ability to think and reason beyond your years. I give you two options and you choose the unspoken third. You're a master negotiator, with frequent bouts of defiance.

Yes, you are a stinker, and have yet to accomplish some of the goals I set for you for your third year. Yes, you've learned to poop and pee on the potty...but only on your own terms. You still growl. You also still sleep in a crib. (Daddy and I aren't ready for the independence you'll gain from a big-boy-bed.) But you're an amazing big brother, you have your colors straight, you say your own prayers, and you've given us daily hugs and kisses all year long. Four out of seven ain't bad. I've learned that some things just can't be forced...especially with an independently stubborn little boy.

You have an amazing zest for life. You love people, and people love you. You have a sense of humor, and work to make me laugh every day. You also have a tender heart, and hate to see anyone hurt or sad. When Daddy and I left you for eight glorious days last week, you were the one telling me not to cry.

I love having a constant chatter-box with me all day. You are a master conversationalist, and can keep the conversation going for hours. "So mom, how's your day?"

I'm not going to lie, it's been a rough year with a defiant, tantrum-throwing two-year old. But now that you've stepped beyond the terrible two's (most likely into the terrible three's), I feel mostly grateful for the chance I've had to witness the development of your fun little personality. You're one of my best friends, little buddy. If I had to choose someone to spend my day with, you'd be at the top of the list.

Happy Birthday! Let's hope that by next year you're officially out of diapers!

We love you little guy!

Love,

Mom and Dad

Happy Birthday Month, Mom!

So, yesterday, dear Mother, I looked at Michael's blog

My heart completely dropped.

I've lost my mind. Where, oh where did time go?

On your birthday, it forgot to stop!

An unwritten rule we have in our fam,

That on B-day's we must post

a tribute to the special one

To whom we'd like to toast.

But April 8th, it came and left.

And not one post you read.

"What's wrong with my family?" you surely thought.

When not a word was said.

So here's my "tribute apology"

To the one who gave me life.

To the one MOST deserving of all:

My mom, my friend, dad's wife.

When I was just a wee, wee babe,

I learned to count on you

To hold my hand, to kiss my cheek

To help me as I grew.

I'm pretty sure I was quite a brat,

Major attitude every day.

I am probably the #1 reason

Dad's hair has gone so gray!

But you loved me, you taught me,

You watched, and you knew

The things I needed the most.

You loved me and became my best-mommy-friend

Yes, the coolest mom, I'd boast.

Remember the time I broke my leg?

We really bonded back then.

Or after the birth of Parker, my boy?

When reality was sinking in?

You laughed as I cried. His "food" had come in.

I had turned into a milking cow!

"It's not funny," I sobbed, sitting topless with a pump.

Good thing we can laugh at it now.

Throughout my life, there have been ups and downs.

You've helped me turn "downs" into "ups."

Every experience I've had has taught me some thing.

Like when Duchess lost all her pups.

I think the number one thing I have learned,

From dear and sweet mama-you,

Is the importance of just coming together.

Instead of just coming un-glued.

In this life, a family is all,

yes all that we've really got.

We love and support no matter the weather.

And we talk to each other A LOT!

A family should be the bestest of friends.

The ones with whom we spend time.

You should love and support each other through life.

You travel, no matter the dime.

So mom, though it's late, I hope that you know

How indeed important you are.

I'm so thankful for a mom who continues to care

Although in a land somewhat far.

Way out there in Tennessee,

To you, I still call with all news.

The ups and the downs, you're the one I tell first.

When I'm happy, or singing the blues.

Happy Birthday, Mama-Nannu. We love you so much!

Like you, there isn't another.

I'm so very grateful that I have the privilege

of calling someone like you, my mother!

To The Girl Who Just Might Marry My Birthday-Boy Brother....

Happy Birthday, Uncle Michael!!!!

______________________________________________

TO THE GIRL WHO JUST MIGHT MARRY MY BROTHER...

I'll start at Michael's very beginning...

When I was nearly 5 years old, a cute little brown-haired, blue-eyed baby entered the world. I didn't realize it at the time, but this darn little boy was stealing from me the precious "youngest child" spot, and forcing me into the dreaded "middle child" seat. Good thing I didn't comprehend the certain doom that comes with being the middle child, cuz I sure loved that cute, smiley, crazy little brother. Yes...I adored the toddler who ate fertilizer, swung a shovel at the neighbor's cat, and transformed our house of dolls and barbies into a house of trains and trucks.

Michael was always a stubborn little stinker. He was the two-year old who refused to order anything off the kids' menu. And he hasn't changed much (although I'm pretty sure he doesn't torture animals anymore). He's still stubborn, still a stinker, still the spoiled youngest child, and still a cute little brown-haired, blue-eyed, loving, talented boy. So here are a few things you need to know...

1. Michael is stubborn...never one to conform. Just because YOU want to play with barbies doesn't mean HE wants to.
2. Michael has expensive taste. So what if the kids' menu is only $2 and enough food for his little stomach. He wants the $20 meal anyway.
3. Michael is NOT afraid to try new things. Find the craziest, grossest sounding menu item. He'll order it, and love it!
4. Michael loves to tease! When I was an exhausted High School student (barely surviving early morning seminary), Michael didn't understand the beauty of naps, and would make as much noise as he could to ruin my blissful slumber...just to get a monster-me reaction!
5. Michael (now) loves to sleep! Don't interrupt HIM while he's napping! (Although being a wife will sort of grant you the privilege...especially when kids come into the picture...WAKE UP, da**it!)
6. Michael will, however, give up sleep for fun. He's always up for a late night dip in the hot tub..."for the memory."
7. Michael remembers E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G.
8. Michael is VERY supportive of his family.
9. Michael is a home-body. When his friends were out partying, he preferred staying home.
10. Michael is a crazy driver.
11. Michael is a good boy! I think I've only heard Michael swear ONCE in his life...it seriously sounded like a foreign language coming out of his mouth!
12. Michael loves music...and somehow finds the most random, crazy songs. And he knows all the words. And he'll sing them loudly in the bathroom when your kids are sleeping.
13. Michael has NEVER changed a diaper in his life.
14. Michael loves cooking. He learned to cook LOOOONG before I did.
15. Michael is very opinionated.
16. Michael is very honest.
17. Michael will always give you his (sometimes brutally) honest opinion. After listening to a performance of my singing group at Christmas-time, he said, "You guys blended really well. That says a lot, because Robyn is sometimes really good at NOT blending."
18. Michael is a friend of the friendless.
19. Michael only wrote me ONE letter my entire mission. (I'm still a bit bitter).
20. Luckily he's made up for it with lots of phone calls and visits in the two years he's been home. He's VERY thoughtful!
21. Michael will be a dog owner someday.
22. Kids love him.
23. Old ladies love him.
24. Michael will treat you like a princess!

There's more...much more...but I'll leave it at 24 (since it IS Michael's 24th B-day). Later I'll tell you about being chased down the hall, fighting, punching holes in the bedroom doors, turtle funerals, and stuffed animals named "Brownie." But I have to say...he's a pretty dang good catch. One that I've been happy to be the "middle child" because of! Can't wait to find out what happens next! Oh the suspense! Good luck! And Happy Birthday, Miguelito!

Love,

Robyn

Happy Birthday, Dad!

I'm the family rebel...I waited until the day AFTER my dad's birthday to post a special birthday shout out! Didn't want it to get lost in the mix with this one, this one, or this one. Not because I, ahem, forgot. I wouldn't do that! So now that I get my own spotlight to highlight my dad, I'll take it. Here are just a few reasons my 53-year-old dad really is my hero:

1. He's the most generous person I know. While touring London after my mission, I'll never forget him giving money to a homeless man on the street. He'd rather err on the side of giving. And he gives ... all. the. time.
2. He's a DOer. If you need something done, ask my dad. He won't sit and think about what he needs to do, he'll just do it!
3. He's extremely motivated. If he makes a decision to make something a habit, it's a habit (like his current working-out habit...I couldn't be prouder!)
4. He really does love everyone around him. There's not a fake bone in his body.
5. He loves shopping! (Probably more than I do...which doesn't say a lot...but I do love shopping with my dad!)
6. Once you're his friend, you're his friend for life. He's great at keeping in touch with old friends.
7. He loves his kids and grand kids...and he cries when he tells us!
8. He loves the Gospel, and lives it!
9. He's the reason Joe and I sometimes justify saying the "D" and "S" words. Since my dad sometimes says them, they must be OK to say, right? Ha ha!
10. He can fall asleep ANYWHERE.
11. He loves eating out.
12. PEPSI is his drug of choice. And he's trying to make it Parker's, too. Thanks, dad!
13. I have NEVER questioned whether my dad loves me. (Except maybe when he chased me down the hall.)
14. He adores my mom.
15. And I'm his favorite.

I love you, Dad! Happy Birthday!!!!

Avery's First Year In Review

My sister-in-law, Marci asked me if I was going to write 100 Things About Avery for her 1st birthday like I did for Parker on his. As much as I'm sure you'd all LOVE to read 100 things about a one-year old, I'll spare you. Instead, Avery's going to take you on a little sentimental journey through the fastest year in history...2008!

1. I, Avery Diane, was born on February 1, 2008. I arrived much more quickly, and much less painfully than my older brother. Unfortunately, I had to learn patience right at birth...my mommy was dilated to a 10 for an hour and a half before the doctor finally came to deliver me! Although just a small package (weighing 7 lbs. 4 oz.), I held my parents' hearts in a BIG way.
2. With a dimple on the chin, a bow in the hair, and chubby, squishably-kissable cheeks, how could you not love me? (I'm pretty sure I've been kissed at least 1,000 times EVERY day thus far. And I love giving wet, mushy kisses, too!)
3. My mom has had probably TOO MUCH fun dressing me up. And I've had a lot of fun un-doing her hard work. I hate having bows in my hair...I rip 'em out the first chance I get. On my blessing day, however, I was a good girl and left the bow in place.
4. Thanks to me, our home is filled with talk of blow-outs, constipation, and Bumbo miracles!
5. I'd like to think I'm a well-traveled baby! I've been to Nashville (twice), Cedar City, California, camping, the zoo, Lagoon, baseball games, Cougar football games, and Wheeler farm (to name a few)! I've even had a snake wrapped over my body (unbeknown to me) during my blissful slumber!
6. I've spent a lot of time with the person who makes me laugh better than anyone can...my big brother, Parker! He's not very nice to me all of the time, but I know how to fight back! And I know that he really does adore me...these pictures prove it!
7. I've chosen a toothbrush as my object of attachment. Not a blanket. Not my stuffed animals. Not even a binkie. A toothbrush. (Any toothbrush will do, but I especially love my dad's...he just loves me sucking on it and dragging it around the house)!
8. I celebrated my birthday football-princess style. (Yep...my birthday was on Superbowl Sunday!) If having my birthday on this special day means pink football sugar cookies, chips and salsa, and a princess crown cake, I'll take it! I was dressed to impress, thanks to my tu-tu-onesie-making-aunt (who claims me as HER baby). And as much as my mom would love to take ALL the credit for the cute, delicious cake, she owes Family Fun for the brilliantly easy idea.
9. I'm anxiously awaiting spring, so I can really discover the joys of exploring. I've uncovered every mystery inside the house. Now I need to uncover the outside!
   Happy Birthday to ME! Maybe now that I'm ONE, I'll start sleeping through the night! I'm making progress...but not fast enough!

Happy Birthday, Kimberly!

I have a big sister,
Parker calls her Kimblee.
Could I live without her?
Don't think so. Not me.
Kimberly is so like me
As if twins, only not.
We talk alike, think the same,
Cry and laugh a whole lot.

Growing up with a 'sis
like Kimblee was the best.
My hair she made pretty
(Though it hurt, I'll attest).
Her beautifying skills are unlike any other's
Make-up, she enhances.
With her, I've two mothers.

Fun and games, was it always?
Prob'ly not, I'll admit.
Like the time she knelt on me,
and proceeded to spit.
Or the time on a brownie,
when landed a fly.
She gave that one to me.
Fly poop--how I cried!

We got a bit older.
Sure loved all her clothes.
Did she share? On occasion.
Mom threatened her so.
Well maybe "threat" isn't quite the right word.
Mom just helped us not act
quite so darn immature.
We'll just say Kim's posessions
were treated with care,
and with my sticky fingers,
would you want to share?

When Kimblee met Devon--her prince in disguise,
They'd hug and they'd kiss,
and I'd roll my eyes.
But really, I watched
ev'ry move with intent.
This is love, turned to marriage,
then three kids, so it went.
The love my 'sis shares
with her family of five,
Has shown me the course
for which I should strive.

In life, she came first.
I followed behind.
I still follow, and watch,
and try not to be blind.
The lessons she teaches
are many and often.
A mom, a true friend,
with a heart meant to soften.
All around her admit
cuz of her, life is better.
Now I'll end this small tribute
with just a few letters.

K is for KINDNESS, you'll never meet nicer.
I for INTELLIGENT. Than me, she's much wiser.
M stands for MERRY. She makes life so bright.
B is for BUSY. She works hard day and night.
E is for EAGER. So willing to please.
R is for RADIANT. A beauty with ease.
L is for LAUGHTER. Or LIGHT. Also LOVE.
Y is for YOU, are what life's made of.

A Birthday's a day to have fun.
Celebrate.
Halloween birthday? Better.
All around think it's great.
The party has started.
Dress up. Trick-or-Treat.
Just remember your YOU day.
Feeling old? Don't. Just sweet.

I adore you, big sister.
It's your day--go have fun!
Just remember, I love you!
My best friend...number ONE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KIMBERLY!!!!

Joe's Birthday!

Yesterday we celebrated my darling husband's birthday. He turned 29...yowza! The day was pretty much a success...unless you consider a few minor details. Here's what I learned...

1. If you plan on making your husband a special birthday breakfast, make sure you actually get out of bed before he leaves for work.
2. If you plan any surprises, such as taking cupcakes to work (to make up for the missed breakfast), don't tell your 2-year old. While calling the birthday boy to sing the birthday song, all will be revealed!
3. If the box says "24 cupcakes," don't try to squeeze all the batter into "12 cupcakes". Tasty? Yes. Pretty? No.
4. Huge, ugly cupcakes at work will, however, ensure that employees know it's the big day. Sorry, babe...I had to tell.
5. When you go shopping for presents, avoid the section of the store containing children's toys and books. It's hard to explain why daddy needs socks instead of a puzzle book.

6. When you drop the kids off at Grandma's house (so you can actually enjoy a dinner out), don't leave the birthday cake on the counter. A 2-year old that's been waiting ALL DAY to eat some won't be able to resist scooting the chair over to have a few little tastes of frosting.
7. Smooshed, finger-printy cream cheese frosting doesn't ruin a good cake.

8. I have the most easy-to-please husband in the world!
9. It's better to post a birthday blog on the actual birthday to remind friends and family of the occasion...oh well!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOE! We love you so much! One more year until the big 3-0!

I'm Feelin' Lucky

Here are some of the reasons I'm feeling lucky right now...

1. Parker has a new best friend. This is the only friend he actually loves sharing with. And share he does...they do EVERYTHING together. Parker insists on it! 2. I got an awesome package in the mail from my "Desperate Housewives Swap" partner, Leslie. I loved everything and have a new friend! Thanks, Leslie!

3. I got to run in this race. It was a really eye-opening, touching experience. I didn't cry at the finish line this time, but rather the entire time I was running as I read the backs of people's shirts and saw who they were running for.

4. Joe and I didn't get into this race, however. I can't say we didn't try...we weren't chosen out of the 10,500 people in the lottery for any of the 7,000 spots. Now I don't have to run 26.2 miles in October.

5. Parker turned 2!

6. I didn't ruin either birthday cake!

7. The mini party (hot-tub party) on Parker's actual birthday was a success!

8. So was the big "beach" party on Saturday!
9. My lifelong BFF Aly helped ensure that the sand castle cake turned out, and Parker threw minimal tantrums at each party. Hence the success!

10. My sister-in-law, Marci finally started a blog after months and months of prodding!

11. My ENTIRE family will be in town this weekend for my Grandpa's 80th Birthday party.

12. I WON TICKETS TO SEE THIS ON THE RADIO THIS MORNING!

(I was driving home from the gym at 6:45 this morning. The DJ said to call in and honk your horn...they would guess what kind of car you're driving. Last week I had tried to call in for another contest, and when the guy answered, I thought it was an answering machine, so I hung up on him! This time I was prepared...I honked my horn, and won tickets to the new Indiana Jones movie!)

So there you have it...I hope my luck doesn't run out anytime soon!