The love of my life and sunshine of soul turned 35 this year. How could that be? Aren't we still teenagers? I have officially known Donald for more than half of his total birthdays. Would you believe that even after nearly 10 years of dating and almost 8 years of marriage, I am still learning quirky things about him? Here are some of my most recent and interesting revelations: he doesn't walk well when barefoot and doesn't know how to pose for the camera. Despite his perpetual need for shoes and his inability to flash that pretty smile for the camera, he is the most incredible husband and father in the world. Since Donald's company didn't get the memo that if your birthday is on a Saturday you shouldn't have to work, we had a half-day, low-key but very fun celebration: dinner by the sea, ice cream cake and 2 children who were so excited to see Daddy open a present.
Another diner saw me take a picture of the kids and asked if we would like him to take one of the whole family. Ever the shy guy, Donald was instinctively going to decline the offer. Luckily and to no surprise, the words "oh yes thank you!" poured out of my mouth before he had a chance to get his out. And just in time to see Donald flash me one of those infamous "looks." Not the greatest family photo but he'll thank me for it in another 35 years.
Oh, Daddy & his girl; she may be dangerously close to worshipping the ground he walks on. And he is dangerously close to loving every minute of it.
Donald's birthday serenade at church. He handled the spotlight very well.
I wish this photo had audio...the squeals over the ice cream cake were crazy loud!!! It's the simple things in life that bring the purest joy.
It's been a month since we made the big switch so I think it's safe to announce an official end of an era. The Simply Thick era, that is, for Sebastian. Our little guy was born absolutely perfect with one minor defect...he couldn't swallow efficiently. This swallowing deficiency was the root cause of his recurring (aspiration) pneumonias when he was a baby and, once diagnosed & treated, he has been healthy as a horse. Staying healthy meant making all of his liquids the consistency of honey. Milk, juice, water...all of it was as thick as honey. Yuck. Our pediatrician all but guaranteed us he would outgrow it by age 2. So, as he neared the 24 month mark, we started weaning him off it. The 30 day mark was important to reach because that was the cycle of sickness. Healthy - pneumonia - treatment - 30 days - pneumonia again. I am so happy to say goodbye to those obnoxious little packets! No more $100 a month expense; no more labels on all of his cups; no more weird looks from people at restaurants when I would put the gel in his drink. Hallelujah! After more than 30 days without it, he's doing great.
While our blog shows lots of pictures of sunshine and smiles, life has thrown us quite a few curve balls since we've moved to the Sunshine Sate. I won't elaborate on these curve balls because my children are healthy, my husband loves me and I know those things are what matter most. However, life goes on and challenges, trials and disappointments do flood in. I have to continue to claim our family scripture and hold tight to the promises Romans 8:28 give: that ALL things work together for good to those who love the Lord. This much I know - I love the Lord with all my heart and soul. He is all I need and He will NEVER leave me or forsake me.
I heard this song on the radio the other day when I was having one of my "moments." You know the kind of moment I'm talking about. The kind where I lose sight of who's really in control and was well on my way to a pity party. This song snapped me out of it and drew me right back to where I belong....safely in God's arms praising Him for being all I will ever need & asking Him to forgive me for ever doubting that. I wanted to share this song just in case someone else needs to hear it as badly as I did. Music is food for the soul and this song will fill you up! So, despite what seems like life's raindrops, tears or disappointments, thanks to my Jesus, I continue to be BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE!
Our newest Florida friends, Steve & Amanda Crump, invited us over for a mini Kentucky Derby soiree. Inspired by the recent royal wedding, I was excited to go shopping for a hat. What's a Derby party without pretty headpieces? Even Coco got excited about wearing her hat to the "horse party!" The Crumps are Kentucky natives and provided great entertainment (comic relief maybe?) with a serenade of My Old Kentucky Home. LOL! Once again, they shared their gift of hospitality with us and everyone had a great time.
Our princess watching the British one get married. Coco "ooo'd" and "aahh'd" the whole time. When Princess Kate stepped out of her car, she squealed with royal excitement.
Congratulations to the royal couple: Prince William and Princess Kate!
Our first family photo with a tripod & I can't believe how well they did!
Looks like if Mommy & Daddy stare at the camera they will too.
Coco couldn't wait to wake "brother" up and tell him the Easter Bunny came.
What a face!
Coco had seen "golden bunnies" in the grocery store for weeks and just knew E.B. would bring her one. She was so excited!
Oh my the patience it took to dye eggs with a 4 year old and 2 year old! Sebasitan kept thinking they were balls, which meant we had a few cracked shells.
Another family picture with a seasonal icon.
Sebastian was a surprisingly great egg finder!
Coco on the "hunt!"
BUSTED!
Big sister stealing eggs from her little brother. Now that's just mean!
Main Street here at Lakewood Ranch is a wonderful place with shops and restaurants and has a fountain in the center of all the action. The kids love it and the beautiful blue skies on this day called for an impromptu photo shoot.
Making faces at Daddy
Making wishes
deep in thought
I wasn't going to include this one because of the chocolate dripping down Sebastian's chin but Donald said that was why he loved it.
The love of my life and sunshine of soul turned 35 this year. How could that be? Aren't we still teenagers? I have officially known Donald for more than half of his total birthdays. Would you believe that even after nearly 10 years of dating and almost 8 years of marriage, I am still learning quirky things about him? Here are some of my most recent and interesting revelations: he doesn't walk well when barefoot and doesn't know how to pose for the camera. Despite his perpetual need for shoes and his inability to flash that pretty smile for the camera, he is the most incredible husband and father in the world. Since Donald's company didn't get the memo that if your birthday is on a Saturday you shouldn't have to work, we had a half-day, low-key but very fun celebration: dinner by the sea, ice cream cake and 2 children who were so excited to see Daddy open a present.
Another diner saw me take a picture of the kids and asked if we would like him to take one of the whole family. Ever the shy guy, Donald was instinctively going to decline the offer. Luckily and to no surprise, the words "oh yes thank you!" poured out of my mouth before he had a chance to get his out. And just in time to see Donald flash me one of those infamous "looks." Not the greatest family photo but he'll thank me for it in another 35 years.
Oh, Daddy & his girl; she may be dangerously close to worshipping the ground he walks on. And he is dangerously close to loving every minute of it.
Donald's birthday serenade at church. He handled the spotlight very well.
I wish this photo had audio...the squeals over the ice cream cake were crazy loud!!! It's the simple things in life that bring the purest joy. 
I wasn't going to include this one because of the chocolate dripping down Sebastian's chin but Donald said that was why he loved it.