Happy Birthday Katelyn

I was hoping to have a few of Katelyn's baby pictures to add to this post but I am computer challenged and have surpassed my swearing quota today, so just one will be fine.
Katelyn turned 13 today, she seems like she is a lot older to me. She is wise beyond her years but has such a fun personality that we can just be really silly together. Katelyn was almost 6 weeks premature but still weighed 5 lbs 11 oz. In the nursery they called her "peanut" because all bundled up she looked like a little peanut. She was a very content baby who was patient with all the bows, hair gel, fluffy dresses and anything else I inflicted on her. Jared always adored her. He would hold her and rock her and say "hi sweaty sweaty" instead of sweetie sweetie. For so many years we just had the two of them and they were the best of friends. In fact they hardly ever played with other friends because they just preferred each other. Katelyn has always been talkative (not sure where that comes from..lol). She is also always been very kind. She rarely criticizes others, instead she finds something nice to say about almost anyone. I took her shopping today for her birthday and I had a hard time getting her to buy anything for herself. She is content with what she has and will say,"I don't need anything, I already have everything I want." (I know that doesn't come from me!) Finally, she got in the shopping spirit and we found a bunch of great things for her and she is so grateful that she thanked my a hundred times and was so smiley and happy. I thank the Lord every day for a daughter like Katelyn. If I didn't have her in our family, I would have a huge hole in my heart. She truly is the joy of my life. Happy birthday Katelyn, thanks for all the blessing you bring into my life....we love you!

I do stuff...I can prove it!

High School is a fun time for kids. Most days I feel like I do stuff, I just can't prove it.....so I took pictures. We are so proud of Jared and how hard he works at developing his talents and skills. He went out of town for a week to Omaha Nebraska for a tournament that fell during the College world Series. He was able to watch the College championship game which was a lot of fun for him. They also visited the zoo which is amazing. I can honestly say that I saw more personal growth from him during these last few weeks than I have seen for a while. Brent and I are both so proud. When he is warmed up pitching he can throw in the 80's. (that's mph!) But more important, he's a good boy.
Next week, Katelyn is officially a teenager. (sigh) Stay turned to my next post which will be "Katelyn through the years". Unless I cry too much while writing. : l

seriously, it's how I wake up

Every morning I am woke up from my nice sleep by the sound of Tyler coming into my bathroom, going potty while simultaneously singing the Star Spangle Banner.
Every....Morning. (I decided that no picture was appropriate for this post)