Happy Birthday, William Robert

Happy 11th b-day, Will! Could you stop growing up so fast? We are blessed by your sweet heart. Thanks for always being "first" for your brother and sister. You are such a joy to us. We love you! Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Have a great day, Dad! Hope you have a great round of golf. We love the time we are able to spend with you....always lots of fun and laughter. WE LOVE YOU! Happy Birthday!!

TAGGED

Ok, I rather enjoy these things. They make me think. Ted's cousin tagged me, so here it goes:

THE EIGHT ITEM TAG (but note, not all of them have 8. I like to rebel every once in a while).

8 Favorite TV shows:
1. Bachelor (how embarassing)
2. Survivor
3. Ellen
4. The View
That's it! I've cut waaaay back on my TV viewing. I was close to addicted to LOST and Grey's, and when Will asked me why I watched those shows, I decided it was time to stop.

8 things I did yesterday:
1. Hosted a Moms In Touch prayer meeting
2. 5 loads of laundry
3. walked the nicest guy Baxter
4. took a nap
5. researched a trip to Greece
6. got involved in a "squabble" between my boys, which I shouldn't have, because it turned into a WAY bigger deal than it should have been.
7. visited and had dinner at a neighbors
8. talked to my Dad in FLA.

8 things I'm looking forward to:
1. warmer weather!!
2. a possible trip to Greece
3. summer vaca and everything that goes along with it!
4. my 40th b-day present--spa weekend with girlfriends that are also turning the big 4-0 this year!
5. visiting Elkhorn over spring break
6. my brother's family visit this summer

8 fav restaurants:
1. Delitalia--Madison (just closed it's door THIS WEEK. Waaaaaa!)
2. Hubbard St Diner--Middleton
3. Ginos Deli--Madison
4. Medusa--Lake Geneva
5. Whistling Swam--Door Co
6. Cody's--New Port Richey, FL

8 things on my wish list:
1. Health for family
2. Healing for Melissa
3. For my kids to know Jesus Christ as their savior
4. Trip to Greece with Ted!
5. a perfect, flexible, part time job that I can do out of our home
6. Less anxiety
7. a pick up in the construction industry
8. our brothers and fams to live closer

I tag whoever hasn't been tagged yet, and has a blog!

Ted was surprised...

We told each other we weren't going to do parties because we are trying to save for a trip to GREECE! But this was just too easy (and cheap!) We were at church anyhow, and they have this great youth space you can rent for practically nothing. So, I ordered a cake and got a few friends together.....his LOVED the memory book, so thanks to everyone for contributing!

Ted and "The Ya's"

Mt Horeb Friends

Cake time--very popular with the short folks.

The Elkhorn contingent

Me giving him "The Memory Book"

More guests....


The next night, we attended another surprise 40th. This was for my dear friend from high school, Sarah. She was completely surprised, and this is shortly after she arrived, still reacting! Here is Shelly, Kris, Sarah, Lisa and Chrissy from the grand class of '87!

Ted is 40!!

That's right! Happy Birthday to the love of my life. Hope your day is spectacular, JUST LIKE YOU!

Here he is in action, showing one of his best qualities--being a Dad!
And, one of my favorites of his endless list of fabulous qualities, his HUSBANDNESS!

HE ROCKS!!!!

WE LOVE YOU!

Family Vaca!

We took a trip to visit my Dad in Florida. As always, we had a GREAT time. First stop....DISNEY!

My kids have done Great America, Noah's Ark, Legoland, Disneyland, but not Disney World (well, Will did when he was two). So, I felt somehow that their childhood's wouldn't be complete without a trip to Magic Kingdom. Give me a break. So, we took the plunge. I have NO IDEA how people take entire vacations here. One day and one park was enough for me! We did have a great time....

Anna was transported much of the day on her Daddy's shoulders.

I LOVE this picture, and this memory. Anna was watching the Parade down Main Street, and was waving to Cinderella!

Grampy joined us, and here he and Kaleb could barely wait to get to the next ride! Grampy may have even knocked down that girl in his way!

The Mad Teacups were a fav

After a few days of recovery at my Dad's pool, we moved on to the beach.....

The kids had a blast playing in the sand on Siesta Key

One of my favorite places!

We had great weather and had lots of outdoor time! Here we are playing frisbee at my Dad's condo.

Now, it's back to reality. While we were gone, we missed 7 inches of snow and sub zero temps. Spring HAS to be on it's way.

Thanks, Dad for a great trip! We love you!

OUTSIDE biking

So it reached a balmy 37 here on Sat, so Ted thought that was good enough to take a ride, outside! I was a little concerned about the snow, ice, salt and sand on the roadways, but apparently it wasn't an issue. Spring MUST be just around the corner!

Other exciting things that I have NO pictures for:

Ted and Anna went to a Father-Daughter luau at our church. Towards the end of the night, they played "Cinderella" by Steven Curtis Chapman (my fav!) and they danced. (Anna has NO IDEA what a big deal that is. I think the last time Ted danced with me was at our wedding!) Anna started crying. Ted asked, "oh sweetie, what's wrong." Anna--"I want to go home!! I miss Mom!" Sentimental, that one.

My mom and I went to the Chris Tomlin concert. The opening band was Israel Houghton and New Breed. Both bands WERE AWESOME! Great time! Thanks Mom!

We had some friends over for the Superbowl. I always enjoy the commercials. Not so great this year. Oh well. At least the food and company were great!