Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Edit: Derek came across this picture and I had to post it since I was just writing about my dad. This picture is priceless to me...

Matching curly hair. I love it!

I want to wish a very happy birthday to my Daddy! My dad is a very talented musician. He has always had his own band and has his own entertainment company. He can play just about any instrument, but is especially gifted on the violin (we call it a fiddle) and the saxophone. He can play anything from a classical string quartet, to a mariachi, to a hoedown!

I have memories as a child listening to him play. He often would have some of his friends come over to our house and they would play music and my sisters and I would watch and dance around. It was a lot of fun. I was always proud to go hear my dad play. He has been a part of some pretty exciting local events, playing for Bill Clinton and other dignitaries of our state . I'm really proud of his talent. I guess a lot of my dad's talent came to him from his father, my Papaw, who was a world champion fiddle player and even played with Elvis at one time. I, unfortunately, didn't inherit any of that gene (I got the curly hair, long legged gene from him instead...ha!). My dad also has a crazy sense of humor, and I have yet to go anywhere with him where he didn't know someone. People are just always saying hi to him or coming up to visit with him. He has friends everywhere! :) He loves to go hunting and fishing and can grow a mean garden. He's just a great guy!

Happy Birthday, Daddy! I hope you have a FANTASTIC day!

Easter Sunday 1976. I was 3 1/2 years old. My mom always put us in white gloves for Easter. I'm the last one on the right. :)

Special Delivery

EDIT: Ella Grace wanted to say something to Megan, Lauren, and Meagan. No surprise, she is wearing a hat! It's the hat she received at the hospital when she was born. It's one of her new favorites! :)

Saturday afternoon the doorbell rang. Derek went to the door and there was a package addressed to Ella Grace. How exciting and how special! EG's very first package!

Ella Grace helped me open it. She was so excited (so was I)!

There was a sweet card from Megan, Meagan, and Lauren, my best Tennessee friends! I'm REALLY excited now!


EG watched intently as I unwrapped her surprise.



And there it was. Her very own picture of our girls in Tennessee paying tribute to EG's fashion sense inspired by this picture I posted of my "anything can be a hat including shorts" wearing EG...



Girls after her own heart...

A closeup! I don't know that I have laughed quite so hard in a long time. I love how Megan is peeking around a door, Lauren appears to be doing the "robot," and Meagan is blowing kisses all in their "hats" (shorts on their heads)! It was the cutest thing!

Megan told me they laughed a lot while getting this surprise together. I laughed and laughed myself, and EG was so proud pointing to each of their beautiful faces, saying, "hats." She also blew kisses back to them. She carried it around all afternoon. I have the perfect place in her room for it already so she (and I...hee hee) can look at it all the time. She loved it, and so did I (maybe even more)! Thank you, Megan, Lauren and Meagan for making me smile and LAUGH today and for sending EG something she would enjoy SO MUCH! It absolutely made my/our weekend!

I wanted you girls to be able to see EG's (and my) expressions as we opened Ella's surprise. We both LOVED it! Here are the pictures...

This was the highlight of our weekend, M, M & L! Thank you for loving on my children (and me) so much! You guys are the best!

MWAH!

Fabulous Friday

There was no time for blogging on Friday. The Horton's were BUSY!

That morning I made lunch for a friend. She was having a medical procedure, so I sent Derek over with spaghetti, garlic sticks, and brownies. I made my mother-in-law's spaghetti sauce. I have always loved her spaghetti. It was actually the first meal I had at their home when Derek and I first started dating. I make her sauce all the time, but for some reason, it still doesn't taste as good as hers. I wonder if she "forgot" to tell me a step or something. Surely not. Ha!

Then, Derek and I picked Evan up from school early and headed over to my sister's house for a swim. My nephew stays with my grandmother during the day since he is out of school, and we spent the afternoon swimming with Evan and Stone. Ella Grace stayed inside with "GiGi" reading books and playing. Derek looked like this for about two hours...two boys hanging off of his neck.

I was so proud of Evan because he was going under water all by himself. This child LOVES to swim!

Stopping for a hug...

Check out Evan's swim trunks. Hee hee hee...

Then, all three kiddos cooled off with a pop cycle...

Friday night I had the best time with some of my oldest friends. They aren't really old, I've just been friends with them for a long time. Ha! We went to a local restaurant downtown. We had a great time (as always).

Abby, Kim, Tina

Abby brought us genuine coffee from Costa Rica from her recent trip there. It smells amazing. I haven't tasted it yet, but I HAD to open it. I love the smell of coffee...

Abby, Me, Michelle

For the record, I DO NOT like this picture of me (it's horrible), but Abby and Michelle look cute as always, so I went ahead and included it. ;)

Then, four of us were able to go to a late movie. Abby and I had already seen the movie, but Kim and Michelle had not, so we went along, too. I'm so glad I did. I laughed and laughed so much. I had more fun watching Kim laugh at the funny parts of the movie than watching the scenes! I laughed until I cried. So fun. And, then I sat by this girl, and she ALWAYS cracks me up.

Michelle and I are both SO sunburned! Michelle had spent the day at a local water park with her kids and didn't put any sunscreen on herself. Well, I decided while swimming with Stone and Evan that I would try to get some sun and not wear sunscreen. I only wore it on my face. That's why my face is white as a sheet and my chest is as red as a lobster. To make it better, I only got sunburned on the front of my body. I was a sight! Ha! You would think I would know better!

Today (Saturday) was filled with a super fun surprise. I'll share about that tomorrow! :) I hope all my sweet blogging buddies are off to a good weekend! I look forward to reading all about it!

Use it Again!

In the back of my mind for several months, I've had the nagging, "You really need to start recycling." I was embarrassed I hadn't started yet but kept putting it off and putting it off.

I was inspired by a post on Meredith's blog and a comment left by Betsy. I called the city last week, and they delivered the bin the same day. It doesn't cost a thing and only took a second to call. Our city's recycling program only takes aluminum cans and newspaper, but just doing that little bit has made me feel better. Now, I just need to find out how to recycle water bottles or maybe even invest in a water filtration system. Does anyone out there have a water filtration system? What brand do you use?

My need to recycle comes along with all the research I have done on autism. Studies show that children with autism aren't able to rid themselves of toxins like those of us without autism. Often times, their methylation pathway that aids in helping us get rid of the toxins we breathe, ingest, etc. is "broken." We give Evan methyl B-12 shots and work with a physician who is helping him to methylate properly. Also, this is why some believe vaccinations could be the culprit of causing autism because there have been preservatives in vaccines and there is also a lot of other "junk" in them as well. If you think about it, if your body can't get rid of toxins correctly, it makes sense as to why one might have trouble paying attention and learning. I think Evan's autism was caused by a combination of factors, and I think the trigger for each child is different. We live in a toxic world (I can't think about it too much because it can really freak me out), and I wonder if the increase of children with autism could be directly linked to the increase in toxins in our environment.

That's my two cents for the day. Thanks Meredith and Betsy for encouraging me (whether you knew you did or not). I feel better! Maybe they will encourage you, too!

In this recycle bin, there are way too many Diet Coke cans. I had no idea I was drinking that many. :)

And speaking of recycling. I have been blessed because my friend, Kim, gave me six boxes of girl baby clothes when I had EG, and my sister and her neighbor have been sending me their little girls' clothes they have outgrown. They have given me so many adorable little outfits for Ella Grace. Do you like "hand me downs"?

First Happy Meal

Well, I knew it would happen one day. Derek got off work early today and brought home lunch...a Happy Meal from McDonalds for Ella Grace.

She was excited to see the little box with Kung Fu Panda on the side...



I showed her this first. She simply said, "No." I don't really blame her...



She did enjoy her juice box...



This was her first and only bite of her cheeseburger...


She basically used a french fry as a utensil to eat ketchup instead of eating the french fry itself...



I don't think she was all that impressed with her Happy Meal, which is okay with me. Besides Chik-fil-a, I really am not crazy about fast food. Ella Grace was happier wearing these instead of eating...


That makes me smile!

All About Ella Grace

I wish I could stop time. Evan is turning into a big boy right before my eyes and Ella Grace is already 20 months old! It's hard to believe how fast they are growing and how fast time is flying by. They are both at such fun ages. I just wish I could stop the clock.

On Saturday, Ella Grace turned 20 months old. We spent the day at my sister's house. She and her husband live next door to their best friends who have a swimming pool. They invited us over to swim. My mom and dad also came over, and we had a fish fry. Most of the fish my dad had caught himself. He makes really good fried fish. We had a wonderful meal. Evan and EG both ate very well. EG especially loved hush puppies. I think she could have eaten her little body weight in them! I so wish I would have taken my camera to have pictures of the great time we had, but sometimes I'm lucky to just get everything packed, everyone dressed, out the door, and making it to our destination somewhat on time. With all that, I just forgot the camera.

Every month I like to make a little list of the new things Ella Grace is saying and doing:

She LOVES cats and dogs. She points them out everywhere. She usually points and says, "Cat. Awwww! Cute!" It is very sweet. I'm sorry that she loves them so much because we will never have one of our own. Derek and I are neither fond of cats. I guess I should never say never. I really think she could get anything she wanted out of her Daddy.

She is on the "mess" patrol. She points out a "mess" anywhere and everywhere. She is especially on top of any mess Evan makes and is quick to come find me to let me know. She is such a little mother.

She is starting to put 2-3 words together.

It melts my heart when she asks for a "hug" with arms outstretched or a "tiss."

When she wants me to pick her up, she says, "Hold you."

She says, "Now beddor (better)," after getting her diaper changed or after anything has been fixed.

She is starting to say, "wet," when she needs a diaper change. Potty training is right around the corner!

She tries on every pair of shoes in her closet EVERY DAY, multiple times a day. She also wants to try on clothes all day. She wants them on top of what she already has on. She reminds of that little girl in the children's book, "Heidi."

I snapped this yesterday afternoon while playing in the backyard. Of course, she is still crazy about accessories, and with all there was to play with in the backyard, she wanted to try on shoes! You can see her holding one.

She loves to play in my makeup. She is a definite girly girl.

She loves to pretend to vacuum with her play vacuum. I have every intention on letting her push around the real vacuum when she is big enough. :)

She is sweet, sweet, sweet.

One of her favorite activities is reading books.

She is quite shy around others she doesn't know well.

She is funny and loves it when you say something is funny. She puts her little hand over her mouth and laughs.

She LOVES her babies. "Baby" and "Bunnit" are her favorites.

She can sing her ABC's.

I took this picture this morning. This is EG with "Baby" and "Bunnit" (she combined bunny rabbit to get "Bunnit" which I thought was pretty cleaver). She is also holding a picture of a cat! All the things she loves!

Aren't I one blessed Mommy!?

For the Love of Evan

Many of you probably already read the blogs of my sweet friends, Megan, Lauren, and Meagan. I wanted to post an e-mail I recently received from Megan. I just could NOT let this wonderful opportunity pass that could help so many children one day not have to live with autism.

You may have already received this e-mail directly from Megan or an e-mail from me that I forwarded. However, I wanted to post this because I do not have everyone's e-mail address, and what these girls are doing is AMAZING! This is what Megan wrote:

Good Morning Blogging Beauties! I hope this e-mail finds you all doing well ;)!

Many of you read Leigh Ann Horton's Blog that is sweetly titled Horton Happenings! I know. like me that you have come to love and adore Leigh Ann and her family! I also know that many of you have a family of your own, have a deep love for children, and are givers by nature.

When I read Leigh Ann's post about Evan and his daily struggle with Autism, my heart stopped! It took a great deal of courage for Leigh Ann to share her story!!!

My "GALZ" (Lauren and Meagan) and I were truly touched by her story!!! We went to our normal Junior League Meeting in April and the guest speaker was a lady who spoke to us about Autism. We signed up to help with the Tennessee Walk that will be on September 13th, but we wanted to do more!!!!

So, we have started a team affectionately titled FOR THE LOVE OF EVAN! We know that none of you will be able to join us at the TN Walk on September 13th, but we hope that you might still consider giving...

Please visit

www.walknowforautism.org/tennessee.

* Go to Search for a Team

* Scroll down to For the Love of Evan

* If you would like to make a small donation on-line, please do

I am also asking that you pass this e-mail onto any of your friends and/or family who might give =)!

Much Love & Many Thanks,

Megan, Meagan, & Lauren

***********

If you are new to my blog, I shared my little boy's story of his autism back in April for Autism Awareness Month (if you would like to read it, you can go here). The encouragement I received from friends stopping by my blog and reading his story was amazing! I was touched that so many showed their love toward Evan and our family as well as were eager to pray for us and other families dealing with autism every day.

My heart has been especially touched by Megan, Lauren, and Meagan. If you don't know them (I wish you did), I met them through blogging. They live in Tennessee. I have never "met" them in person. I just know we have connected through the heart and I now consider them my friends. These angels on earth have surprised us by participating in September in the Tennessee sponsored Autism Walk in honor of our Evan. They have even set up a team for him named "For the Love of Evan." Saying that we have been touched is an understatement. These three ladies have shown so much love to me and my family, a true example of Christ's love.

With this event comes the opportunity to donate to help with autism research. If you feel lead to do so, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You can click on the picture of Meagan, Megan and Lauren in the top right hand corner of my blog and it will take you to Evan's page. Our hope is that one day there will be a cure for and measures to prevent autism. Please know that every dollar you give will make a difference in Evan's life and those that come after him.

There has already been money raised for Evan's team. If you have given, I am truly grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have already been telling Evan how much he is loved by friends and family as I saw donations coming in. After I got Megan's e-mail, I got right down in his precious little face, with tears in my eyes, and said, "Evan you are loved all the way to Tennessee!" :)

To my sweet, sweet friends in Tennessee, on behalf of my family, I thank you for the love you have shown our family. This is amazing what you have taken upon yourselves to do, and we are truly grateful. I will be coming to TN to hug you all in person soon!!! I already have it planned. :)

Hugs and love to you all,
Leigh Ann

Congratulations, Friend!

I want to send out a huge CONGRATULATIONS to my sweet friend, Kelly. If you have not read her announcement, you can go here. Kelly has shared her journey with infertility on her blog. Through her story, she has encouraged me (and I'm certain countless others) with struggles in my own life through her attitude, trust, and extraordinary faith. God has answered her prayers in a miraculous way. You can also read "Grandma Judy's" post here. Such a wonderful family!

Congratulations, my sweet, precious friend. Derek and I are so happy for you! What a blessed baby to have you for a mommy!

New Blog Look

I apologize in advance for this boring, technical post. I changed my blog look a little bit today. The floral print in the background is actually a fabric swatch from Ella Grace's nursery. I learned this trick from Kelly (she has the directions posted somewhere on her blog). I love playing around with the look of my blog, but I must admit I get a bit nervous because last time I tried to change it, I lost all my links. :(

I think I have finally figured out the "language" in the HTML. Now, I can just go in and change out the picture I want to use for the background. I was a tad tired of my old look (I may go back to it sometime though) and had the idea that it would be sweet to have Ella's nursery fabric as my background. I was so excited it actually worked. I do wish there were more font colors to choose from though.

ANYWAY, I also came across this website I wanted to share that has some adorable "free" blog backgrounds. They are a little different than Pyzam. They have the 3-D look and offer anything you can think of including holiday themes. If you are interested, you can click here.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

EG at 8 1/2 months peeking over her crib bumper (the fabric I used for my background).

He's a Definite Boston Fan!

My husband sure has had a great week. We just came off of our weekend getaway, which was wonderful. Then, the Boston Celtics (his favorite NBA team of all time) won the play-offs between them and the Lakers breaking a 22-year drought for the Celtics (can you tell I learned way more than I wanted to). To say he was excited was an understatement. He kept talking about it even the next day.

Then, as if that wasn't enough, his favorite band of all time, Boston (seeing a theme, here?), is back on tour and he (at the last minute) and his brother are going to two shows. Right now, he is probably on the front row singing his heart out to "Don't Look Back." As a matter of fact, I just checked my voice mail and he evidently is holding up his phone so I can hear the National Anthem (a rock-n-roll version via electric guitar). So funny!

I wish I could put into words how much Derek loves him some Boston. I tell him all the time he was born in the wrong era. Boston was at the height of their popularity in the 70's. They weren't popular when we were teenagers except for that song, "Amanda." I had no idea who they were when we started dating and he would rock it out in his car. His brother, David, is equally nuts over Boston.

I am happy Derek was able to go to a few shows with his brother. The last time Boston toured, Derek was scheduled to go, and then we got Evan's autism diagnosis. I was so distraught, that Derek couldn't/didn't leave me. Then, about a year ago, the lead singer passed away, so I was sad that he probably missed his last chance to see them live.

HOWEVER, they evidently found their new lead singer from a "My Space" page where a guy was singing the band's songs with a karaoke machine (I am not kidding). I'm not sure if this little guy still works at Home Depot or not (still not kidding). If you have a secret talent, get a "My Space" page, and you might get discovered. Derek informed me it also worked for another guy who is now the lead singer for "Journey." Remember them?

The "new" Boston.
The lucky little Home Depot guy is the third from the left. My brother-in-law has become friends with the bass player (who also happens to be a cute girl) in the band. And, Derek has the same gold "Les Paul" guitar, which has played many Boston tunes he has taught himself (and REALLY good I might add).

Rock on, Horton boys, rock on!

I Love/Hate These Curtains

Months ago, all you decorators out there gave me great advice about putting curtains on this window...

I took your advice and started looking for curtains to help block the afternoon sun that came through that eyebrow window as well as to add a little something to my dining room. I finally decided on a solid chocholate brown color. That was the easy part. Then, this is what happenend...

• First choice of fabric out of stock and wouldn't be in until the end of May
• Chose alternate fabric to get curtains in quicker
• The end of May rolls around, no curtains
• Girl at the shop tells me she didn't want to call me because there's something I would not want to hear. Me to myself: "Huh?" She says the company never sent in the fabric. Me to myself: "Uh, I kinda need to know that since I've already paid for the curtains. Plus, had I known, I could have gotten first choice fabric. Urgh."
• Company says will send fabric in three days. Girl at shop says 1-2 weeks tops until curtains are sewn and ready.
• Three weeks later, no curtains. Girl at shop has quit.
• I call again around four weeks and they say, "Oh, they've been here for a week. We just didn't know who they belonged to." Me to myself: "What???"
• Go to pick up curtains (35 minutes away) to find they have been sewn on the wrong side! Instead of chocolate they are gold. Me to myself: "You have got to be kidding me!"
• Owner calls and apologizes and offer my money back or they will make new ones from scratch on the correct side and I'll have them after the weekend.
• I decide I really need the curtains due to the sun issue and starting over will be at least four more weeks. I agree, and the seamstress actually comes to meet me to deliver them.

After all that, my husband (with the patience of Job) hangs the curtains. Well, I'm not happy with the rod...

I have no idea how Derek was doing this...tip top of the ladder, hammering, and lifting heavy curtains/rods to the top. He's my hero. :)

First try...Nope, this isn't it.

So, three rods later, I find one I like and decide to add rings. One of the rings break! These curtains just seem like they are never going to be hung and finished. Derek tries Super Glue. The tube busts all over his hands, and plus it doesn't even hold the ring together. Thank goodness for hot glue guns! The ring was fixed, and the curtains are now hung...

I do love them, and I know they will help with the afternoon sun, but when I look at them, I can't help but think about how monkeyed up the whole process has been. Plus, they ended up costing about three times more than I initially thought. Things that seem like they are easy, usually get all crazy when I'm involved. I guess that's just the way I roll. Now, Ella Grace needs curtains. I think I'll take a little break first. The only thing that is even keeping me going on the thought of trying it again is that I will be able to get pre-made curtains. Yeah for that!

A Blog Award for ME???

My sweet, sweet friend in real life, Kelly, tagged me with a Blog Award. Me? I feel so honored. I adore Kelly and she has one of the best blogs. I just adore her (oh, I just said that), so a blog award from her made me feel so special! She said it was for blogs who bring you happiness and inspiration, so I wanted to pass on the love to some of the blogs that "Make my Day."

Jamie is on top of her blogging. I check her blog daily and she almost always has more than one new post. She has two adorable children. I can tell she is very organized and I hope to learn a thing or two from her in this area. Plus, I got to meet her in real life, and she is just as sweet in person as she seems on her blog.

Kelly's Mom, Judy, is so precious. She is full of love for her family, her dogs (The Boys), and her church. I always look forward to getting comments from her, which are always so sweet and they truly make my day. Plus, her blog makes me laugh.

Sarah just makes me laugh, laugh, laugh. She is my friend in real life. She holds a special place in my heart because she was also Evan's speech therapist at one time. She has the biggest heart and is so funny! She is expecting her first baby, and I am so happy for her!

The next three have a very, very special place in my heart because they have embraced my family, especially my Evan's stuggle with autism. They truly inspire me...

Lauren is hilarious. She cracks me up all the time when I read her blog! I do think we may have been separated at birth, as we have a lot in common. She has the cutest little boy, and I LOVE her decorating style. Such a sweet girl.

Meagan is a teacher and it's obvious she is a good one. Her love for life just comes through the screen when you read her blog. She is fun and every time I read her blog, I leave feeling better and smiling.

Megan is THE sweetest person I have never met. She has the cutest family which includes her baby boy who is the cutest thing on the earth and I think I'm making a trip to Tennessee just to see him! :) She has truly inspired me...the way she has shown love to me and my family is amazing. I'm so blessed I found her!

Oh, I think I could go on and on. If you are on my blogroll, I love you and check your blog every single day, maybe even twice a day. Reading your blogs does "make my day," and I thank you for sharing a little of yourself with me! I feel like I'm a better person for it!

Hugs!

"We Need to Get Out More"

This weekend, I left my children overnight for the very first time. Evan has spent the night with my mom about three times (and I didn't let that happen until he was about three), and Ella Grace has never been away from me overnight. A "getaway" always sounded like a great idea to me until I thought about leaving the kids. I guess I just like them and would rather be with them than go somewhere without them.

Well, since Evan is now six, I thought (well, really Derek thought and insisted he would put me in the car himself if he had to) it was time for he and I to have a getaway weekend. My mom offered (she is the BEST about offering) to come and stay with Evan and EG (remember those two are quite the home bodies) so Derek and I could go on a getaway. I actually was very excited at this offer and Derek jumped on in right away. You will probably laugh when I confess to this, but our getaway was actually 20 minutes away. We were going to visit a nearby city known for spas and massages, but for my first time to leave the kids, I wanted to make sure I could get to them in a hurry if need be.

It actually worked out great because we ended up staying in the same hotel we spent our wedding night. They have remodeled most of the rooms but left some of the historic character intact. It was just a beautiful as I remembered.

The beautiful lobby

They gave us these when we checked in and out.

We were greeted by a group of folks opening my car door, grabbing our luggage, opening the door to the hotel, offering us ice cold water on a silver tray, and escorting us to our beautiful room. Our room was so nice. Here is Derek in our room. Doesn't he look happy?

I never go barefoot in a hotel (ewww), even a fancy shmancy one like we were staying in, so I was delighted to see they provided us each with a pair of slippers! Oh, I love this place!

We went downtown to eat at Sonny Williams Steakhouse, and it was delicious. It was the first time we had been there, and it did not disappoint. We had a delicious salad, and steak with a baked potato and scrumptious green beans. Here we are at the restaurant...

This tomato mozzarella salad was divine. The tomatoes were homegrown, so we didn't have to worry about the salmonella scare that is happening right now. I didn't get a picture of my steak, but I should have because it tasted as good as it looked. Yummy!

We walked from our hotel to the restaurant and back. It was a nice walk. However, there was a mime on the sidewalk. Mimes and clowns kind of creep me out. Would you believe right when we got up to him, he jumped out at me?! It scared me half to death and then I had a nightmare about him that night and it took me two hours to go back to sleep. Our main agenda was to sleep as much as we could, and I was so mad that dream interrupted my sleep. Plus, it was really storming and that woke me another time. Derek had no trouble sleeping. He told me he was going to sleep for 12 hours, and he did. At least one of us got a lot of rest. :)

The next morning, we ate at the hotel restaurant and had a delicious breakfast. It was appropriately called "The Razorback" and was gourmet biscuits and gravy with sausage links. After breakfast, we checked out of our room and did some shopping and then went to a movie. We returned home at about 4:00. We were gone almost an entire 24 hours and I was SO happy to see my Evan and Ella Grace. I think I missed them more than they missed me. They had a great time with "Granny" and my mom said they were "little angels."

I sure enjoyed my getaway. Thank you, Derek! As Derek said at dinner, "We need to get out more." Maybe next time I'll actually be able to stay the entire weekend! We'll see.

I Love Daddy!

Evan, Ella Grace, and I want to wish a very Happy Father's Day to Derek! Last year, Derek was in Iraq, so this Father's Day was very special, not that we did anything fantastic, but it was Ella Grace and Derek's first Father's Day celebrated together. We started the morning with Derek's favorite donuts from Shipley Donuts. They are SO good. We even prefer them over Krispy Kreme if you can imagine that!!!

The kids and I also gave him cards, which he really liked.

Ella's shirt she wore this morning in honor of Daddy.

We spent the morning just playing with Evan and Ella. Then, Derek wanted to take the kids to see "KungFu Panda." Evan and EG didn't last quite the entire movie, so we headed home for lunch. I made Mexican Chicken.

My Baby Daddy and Our First Born


Little and Big Hands


My Baby Daddy and Our Second Born

When Derek returned from summer camp a couple of weeks ago, he informed me he had already gotten his Father's Day gift. Wow! I didn't know I had gotten him something so nice! His old laptop puttered out, so he got a new one. Well, that solved my shopping dilemma, and he needed it, so I guess it worked out for both of us. I have actually enjoyed it myself and have been blogging from it some. I don't use it too often because I'm afraid I'll get spoiled and/or spend too much time on it. It's really easy to be on it a lot when you are cuddled up on the couch. I do borrow it from time-to-time though.


I think the best gift of all was that BOTH children took a nap (very uncommon for Evan to take a nap at all) and AT THE SAME TIME! Whoo Hoo! Derek and I enjoyed time together just the two of us for about three hours (THREE HOURS!). After E & EG woke up, Derek went over to his Dad's house to mow his lawn. His Dad hasn't been feeling well. Then, we settled in for take-out from Taco Bueno. Now, to top off what has seemed to be a perfect Father's Day, that Celtic/Laker contest thing is on AGAIN! Derek is SO happy, but I am wondering when in the world will that thing be over??!

Happy Father's Day, Daddy! You are such a wonderful daddy. You make us so happy, and we love you so much!

I also wanted to say Happy Father's Day to my dad...


and to Derek's dad...


I hope all of you had a special day today, too. Hugs!