Sam's Birthday "Not-a-Party"

We had Sam's birthday "not-a-party" today. What's a "not-a-party" you ask? That's a birthday party that is planned in less than a week. No theme. No decorations. Just food, friends and fun. We had a great time and hope everyone else did, too. The weather was perfect! Daddy did a great job cooking!

You can click below to see pictures in the album:



Sam says "thanks" to all the 'rents for bringing his buds out to play! He sends a special shout out to Nathan, Carson, Bradley and Samuel. Thanks for the fun toys!

Now I can start planning the big party I owe him next year!

Already?

Today was Sam's 2nd birthday. Last night, Scott and I worked for a few minutes on preparing Sam to answer the question "How old are you?" He got really good at saying "Two!" and holding up (kinda) two fingers. This morning, I went in to get Sam out of bed and the first thing I said was "Good morning, birthday boy! Sam, how old are you today?" His immediate reply? "Six." My son has impeccable comedic timing! All morning, he would tease us by saying 6 and then 2 because it would make us laugh. Once, he even said 8! So, at 2 years old, does he already want to be older or does he just like to keep us laughing?

The day before his birthday, we went to the zoo with Carson and hung out in the backyard. For his birthday, Daddy came home for a brief break (he has a concert tonight) and we had cupcakes and opened a few gifts.

Sam turns 2

Click the link above to see a few birthday pictures. (Let me know if this doesn't work for you. I'm trying this out to see how it works.)

The Perfect Shirt

I'm just going to let Sam's shirt speak for me today.





These pictures were taken last week when our best friends stopped by to spend the night on their way back to Ohio. We were so glad to see them if only for such a short time. We'll take anything we can get!

Done!

After the longest, most emotionally agonizing week I've ever had, I finally made a decision about next year. I decided to take the new job. After three days of thinking I was going to stay at my school, I made the decision to change schools without even realizing it and once I spoke it, a wonderful sense of peace fell over me. It really came down to the unknowns. I decided that the unknowns of staying were scarier than the unknowns of going to a new school. Plus, the large salary increase didn't hurt!

So, there it is! I have a few friends who have a lot more significant things going on in their lives this week, so I truly, truly appreciate all the love and support they have offered me. All who have listened to me cry and probably over-analyzed the situation, I thank you. And of course my family who have helped me survive the week. Scott wanted me to be happy, even knowing what the money would mean for us. It turns out I have wonderful people surrounding me and lifting me up everyday and I thank God.

"Hot Coa Coa"

If you do not have a job in which you receive love letters at least three times a week, then I feel very sorry for you. Today, the kids in one of my 2nd grade small groups handed me this letter. Sarah wrote it and the rest of them signed their names.

Dear Mrs. H------,
Your the nicest person in the world. Your as sweet as honey. Your as pretty as the sun. Your voice sounds so sweet that it's better than the birds. You smell like hot coa coa.
Love, Sarah Logan Peyton Ashlen Katelyn Tyawna

I am not kidding. If your job doesn't make you feel as good as my job makes me feel, then you should consider changing careers.