Happy Birthday To Jack!

My little man is not-so-little anymore. He turned the big S.I.X. this weekend. Birthdays have always been a big celebration for my family. Growing up I can still remember having the whole family over. They stayed all day. We had lunch, cake and ice cream, opened presents and played with whatever new toys or games I got for my birthday. I LOVED my special day! I also love giving that same celebration to my kids. I love taking the time to just celebrate them. Our festivities started Friday as Jackson took his favorite birthday treat- pink squirrels, to his classroom. Saturday we celebrated with my side of the family and today he had his first friend birthday party at the Wellness Center pool. Some say it's a little much - we say it's a great way to celebrate the day God created YOU! Happy Birthday to my Jacker! On your happy number six, here are six things I adore about you...

1. Your sensitivity

2. The way you love the outdoors

3. That you are now an official READING MACHINE

4. The way you protect your little sister

5. That you cheerfully help with chores and responsibilities (Most of the time)

6. That you totally dig Jesus

Here are a few pics from our birthday boy's big weekend. I'm curious though, how do you make birthdays special at your house? Leave me a comment and let me know. :)

Pictures Above: Jack enjoying pink squirrels with his class, Opening the loot from the family, Swimming away with his buddies and blowing out the candles on his Mario Bros. cake.

SURPRISE!

Leroy Russel: The Big 8-0

I just love surprise birthdays! I love the look on the guest of honor's face when they realize everyone in the room is there for THEM! What a great feeling.

Today we attended a very dear friend's 80th surprise birthday party. This friend is especially dear because he and his wife babysat my brother and I all through childhood. They have become our adopted family. Leroy and Carol Sue are like our own grandparents. They even sat as my grandparents at my wedding. They have mentored me spiritually and supported me all through my life. It was so fun today to see everyone celebrate him. When I think about 80 years of life and how much living that actually is - it is a little overwhelming. What am impact his 80 years have been. Leroy and his wife are Christian pillars that have modeled the faithfulness and steadfast virtues of living a life for Christ daily to so many people. I can't even imagine the long list of lives they have touched and brought to the Lord. My life has been blessed because Leroy is a part of it. Happy Birthday Leroy! I love you bunches!

Carol Sue, Leroy and I...The Birthday Smooch!

The older the fiddler, the sweeter the tune - Unknown