Going's On

Our good friends, Amber, Jeremy, and their sweet son, Ben, over for dinner, basketball, chit-chat/catching up, baby cuddling, and video-game playing :). Uncle Brad's Birthday party. Bryton and Caden "hanging out" with their principal, St. Patty's Day bow-ties and all.

Trip to Grandma and Grandpa's House

We made a quick yet fun trip to Grandma and Grandpa's house this past weekend! It consisted of fishing, playing basketball, dancing w/ Aunt Sarah, and shopping!

A Blessing for You...

...this St. Patrick's Day, and always :) May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand. May God be with you and bless you: May you see your children's children. May you be poor in misfortune, Rich in blessings. May you know nothing but happiness From this day forward. May the road rise up to meet you May the wind be always at your back May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home And may the hand of a friend always be near. May green be the grass you walk on, May blue be the skies above you, May pure be the joys that surround you, May true be the hearts that love you.

This Week's Favorites

Trader Joe's Sea Salt and Turbinado Sugar Dark Chocolate Almonds - These little suckers are accompanying me as I post this time of night - yum! An easy soup recipe, which was a hit w/ the adults and kiddo's in this household: http://crockpotladies.com/recipe-categories/soups-stews/crockpot-cheese-beer-bratwurst-soup/ Avon Skin So Soft Renew and Refresh Body Lotion - A very subtle scent, a great price, and it isn't too thick Cuddle Dud's - Obviously not needed with today's 60 degree temps, but perfect for comfy laying through the winter! Manny's is BACK - Yes, it is officially re-opened in its new location, as of this past weekend - and we visited on Sunday afternoon. We were there a year and a half ago, the night it burned to the ground - so of course we had to go opening weekend! It is a bit different from the old Manny's - its absolutely huge in comparison! Their pizza and taco's are exactly the same, though, thank goodness :)

Bryton Playing Basketball

We are very proud of how well Bryton is playing basketball this year...he has come a long way since the beginning of the season, and his team is undefeated!

Bryton's 9th Birthday Party: "Arriving in Style" and Bowling w/ Friends!!!

Bryton is 9 Years Old!

When he woke up yesterday morning, Bryton knew that by that time 9 years ago, he'd already been born. So, needless to say - he was excited about the day, from the moment he opened his eyes yesterday morning :) He took homemade donuts from "E-Town Coffee" in Elizabeth to school for his bday treat (and they were still warm when we picked them up...mmmm...chocolate and vanilla frosted, with lots of frosting...bday boy's order!); he was still hopping around when I picked him up from school, and then listed all of the people who had wished him a Happy Birthday during school!; he got to talk to his Cousins Isaac and Samuel and his Auntie Kristen in Alaska, via face time, and they wished him a Happy Birthday; he received quite a few phone calls from other family and friends, as well, wishing him a Happy Day!; for his Birthday Dinner he requested steak, spaghetti taco's (yes, this is odd - I will explain later :), broccoli....and we had apple crisp with LOTS of whip cream for bday dessert! And, last but not least, gifts: a football and a few clothing items from Mom, Dad, and Avery; turkey hunting pants and coat, and a science project "how-to" book from Grandma; an "Ice Road Truckers" shirt from the Alaskan Rife's; and a semi ride to his "kid's bday party" Sunday afternoon at the Bowling Alley in Stockton! Brian and Bryton are heading over to Brian's co-worker's husbands business in Freeport, checking out the semi's in the shop, and then Bryton will ride from Freeport to Stockton in a semi just like this one. (Brian's co-worker told Brian that her husband has been polishing his trucks for a few weeks now, so I think he might be as excited as Bryton :) When Bryton opened this part of his gift, he pretended to faint...it was pretty darned cute. Happy 9th Birthday, Buddy!!!!