The Birthday Boy!

Wow, what a weekend!  Friday night, my two oldest children went to a 70's disco party at their school.  They had such a groovy time.  Saturday night, my husband and I went to an 80's fundraiser at our church.  Of course, we dressed up!  I'll spare you the pictures of my side ponytail and leggings and his pegged jeans and popped collar.  I'm sure you're getting a lovely mental picture of this right now.  Sunday was the big day, my middle child's 7th birthday.  I have a special place in my heart for this little boy since he is the middle child in our family.  I was the middle child in my family, and I lived to tell about it.  I even gave a speech in grade school about being the middle child and the harsh realities of it.  Okay, I'm exaggerating (a bit), the realities aren't that harsh,  but I try to make him feel extra special sometimes since he's not the first born or the baby.  He will thank me someday, I'm sure. 

Given all the other activities we had going on this weekend, we decided to have a simple brunch on Sunday with just the family.  He is having a skating party next weekend for a few of his friends at school.  Here are a few pictures of his special day.

Patiently waiting to tear open one of his presents.  

My mother-in-law always wraps the presents so creatively.  Once he saw the $10, he didn't even really care what was in the package.

My DIY project from last week was put to good use.

I bought these straws a few weeks ago and thought they were so fun.  The kids loved having their names on them and they thought it was way cool to drink out of a mason jar.

Can't have a party without food.  We had silhouettes of the kids done at Disney world and I sat his out for the party to make sure he was the center of attention.

Just a simple chocolate cake with a "7" sprinkled on top.

I love this sweet little face more than words can say!

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Happy, Happy Birthday to the Yankee!

Happy 59th, Sweetheart!



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In Praise of Mom

One of my goals—during my first year of blogging—is to introduce you to those whom I hold most dear to my heart. 

Thus far, you have been given a brief introduction to my incredibly talented Yankee husband, several glimpses of my precious granddaughter, Lana, and an in-depth intro to my lovely daughter, Asheley.

Since this is the time of year when everyone in the blogosphere seems to show off their moms, I thought I would join in on the celebration. 

And yes, I am aware that Mother's Day was yesterday.  But my mom's birthday is today, May 10th, so I decided to postpone my tribute by a day and combine the post for Mother's Day and Mom's birthday.

I am the eldest of five children—all girls. 

When my mom got pregnant with me, she was in Germany—thousands of miles from home and family,

for the very first time in her life.

I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for her to be in a foreign country, where she could not speak the language, where she knew few people, other than my dad—who was often gone on military maneuvers—and where she had to experience all the ups and downs of pregnancy without support from loved ones.

Yet, she made the best of her circumstances for my sake, as well as my dad's.

Throughout the years, as I have spent countless hours pouring over family photos and videos, I have gazed into the same sweet, loving face of a woman totally devoted to her husband and children.

I have learned so much from my mom about what it means to be self-sacrificing, totally giving of oneself to meet the needs of others—especially loved ones.

She has the most caring nature and generous spirit of anyone I have every known. 

And, the love she has for her family has been a beacon of light that has been a constant throughout the good times and the bad.

Though each of her children—myself included—have given her much cause for work and worry in raising us, she has always fulfilled her role of mother with patience, kindness, and an understanding heart. 

She has been the most wonderful role model of a loving, devoted wife and mother that I have ever witnessed. 

And her example has molded and shaped who I am as a wife and mother more than she will ever know.

My prayer for you Mom, this Mother's Day and birthday, is for...

health, happiness, and a long, long life...

and to be blessed beyond measure, as you have blessed me.

I LOVE YOU MOM, WITH ALL MY HEART!!!

"Her children rise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:  'Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.'"  Proverbs 31:28,29

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An Earth Day Birthday Giveaway!!!

I'm sure most of you are aware that today is Earth Day.  But, did you know that it happens to be the fortieth anniversary of that environmental movement?  

That's right!  Forty years ago, today, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson proposed a nationwide protest to heighten awareness of and appreciation for the earth's environment.  Over the past forty years that movement has gained such momentum that it is now observed in 184 countries around the world.

 But, April 22nd also happens to be a day of celebration for another reason...

It's my birthday!  ; )  

And...I have an awesome idea for how you can help me celebrate.  Rather than you give me presents, I'll give presents to you!  Sound exciting?

This will be another very special giveaway at the Brambleberry Cottage. 

I wasn't sure I could come up with the ideas for forty different presents–to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of Earth Day.  And, if I couldn't think of forty, I certainly couldn't think of 53–my age, as of today.

So...will 22 do?

But, instead of twenty-two different winners, there will be ONE VERY HAPPY WINNER!

I'm involved in yet another show–which I left for today–so you'll have to wait patiently to see the glorious goods for this giveaway. 

But, I will tell you this...

they involve some of the items I've shared with you in the past several posts–items from Cline's, the Big Classic Antique Show, and the Lexington Flea Market .  Does that pique your interest?

Good!

Here's the scoop:

• 
  
  Leave a comment on this post for one chance to enter the giveaway.
• 
  
  Grab the button for this event from my sidebar and place it on your sidebar (close to the top would be appreciated)–to invite others to participate–and you will get an additional entry.
• 
  
  Leave a comment on any of my additional posts, between April 22nd-May 22nd, and you will receive an entry for each comment left on those additional posts.
• 
  
  Join as a new follower, and you will receive two additional entries (Already a follower? You'll be given one additional entry).
• 
  
  Publish a post, on your own blog, about this giveaway, and you will receive three additional entries...each time you post about the giveaway during the month-long event.

The winner will be announced on May 23rd.

And, although I know the suspense is just about to get the best of you, you'll have to wait a day or so to see just what I have in store for this celebration giveaway. 

You'll love it...really!  ; )

EDIT:  For those just now entering the giveaway, click here to see the goodies in the giveaway.

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Wasn't It Just Yesterday

Wasn't it just yesterday...

 I was rocking you to sleep as a baby in my arms...

and swinging you at the playground after Sunday School?

Wasn't it just yesterday...

that you thought every character at Disney World was your very best friend?

 

Your zest for life and sweet spirit made the toddler and preschool years pure joy.

 

Remember when you dressed up as Laura Ingalls for one of our many homeschool events?  I cannot believe how fast those twelve years flew by!

What a precious little ballerina you made.  Wasn't it just yesterday you were taking lessons?

Then at the blink of an eye, the teen years we upon us...

and I found myself taking lots of deep breaths and praying—even more—

when you got your first car...

and went to your first dance alone with a guy—in his car.

Wasn't it just yesterday that you were sitting on your dad's lap as he read to you? 

By the time your prom came around, you were as tall as him.

The day of your graduation, I could not contain all the emotions welling up within me.  My baby was graduating!  Our homeschool days would be no more.

As I have watched you blossom into a beautiful young woman...

my heart has yearned for days of old, when I could hold you in my arms and sing silly, childish songs with you.

Those days will never be again.

But, you have given me a precious granddaughter...

who in many ways helps me to see you...

as you once were.

In my heart, you will always be my little girl,

and now you are also my special friend!

I love you Asheley Elizabeth!  Happy 23rd Birthday! 

I think I'll share how pretty both of my girls are in pink at Beverly's Pink Saturday event.

Be sure to visit Jeanette at Good Mornin' Beautiful and let her know you found her by way of the Brambleberry Cottage.

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