Happy Birthday, Jay!

Yesterday was Jay's birthday. He didn't want to have it but it came anyway. We had a good time with the kids.  First, we went to Bonsai for dinner (always good food and entertainment) then we came home and had his favorite ice cream cake roll from Baskin Robbins. Then Jay opened his presents. He got two new sports coats and a pink tie (I'm not sure if he will really wear it).

Jay and I have been married almost 18 years, we met on a blind date and got married five months later. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me. He always supports everything I do and is a great example of someone who works hard. His personal ethics and morals are high and he can be trusted in all situations. He is incredibly smart and talented. He always puts his family first and supports us generously. If you don't know Jay very well you wouldn't know that he is very sensitive (especially for a trained killer):) He is the first and usually only one between the two of us with a tear in his eye over a touching moment. 

Jay, I love you a lot and I'm glad we found each other and have all of eternity to continue to be together. Happy birthday and many more to come.

Introducing...William Andrew Athens

Yesterday I had one of the top two experiences of my life. I got to help Katie and Andy with the delivery of their new baby. After about 20 hours of labor including two hours of pushing Wills (that's what I'm calling him) arrived into this world. Weighing in at a whopping 9 pounds and measuring 22.5 inches long, he was here at last. Katie did an amazing job, even though by the end she was exhausted, I was hoarse from counting and Andy had new muscles in his forearms he made it. There is nothing better than holding a new baby especially when it is your own or the child of your child. I hope he is ready because today is the day he meets his uncles and aunt. I hope the hospital is also ready for the onslaught of the McNeil hurricane. Sometimes we aren't ready for the new phases in our lives (like being grandparents) but all you have to do is see those cute baby eyes and alien shaped head and know that it is the right thing.

Beware There Could Be Ice

A beautiful snowy night, below freezing temps, a dog with a bad eye, who can't walk because he has on one of those vet collars, early morning when the dog has to go outside, what does all of this equal up to? A slip off the front porch and a *****broken ankle, the week before Christmas. Yes, this is what happened to me on December 16th. I knew right away that it was broken only to have Jay take me to the ER to have it confirmed. It was finally my time to go to the emergency room. I didn't want a turn. It took the insurance company until the 23rd to let me have surgery approved and on Christmas day I went in and had a plate and eight screws put into my ankle. I came home the same night and there really hasn't been too much pain. Yesterday I went into the Dr. for the first time after surgery and he put me into a walking boot but the staples don't come out until next Thursday so I can only put about 25 lbs. on it. This is stupid accident for a mom with five kids at home and a job to have but I'm doing great and going back to work on Tuesday, so I don't lose my mind. 

The dog? He had surgery on the 16th and is doing pretty well. At least he can run around and isn't worried about slipping. Dumb dog.

Happy Birthday, Maggie

Maggie has turned 8! It seems like just yesterday I was bringing home another Christmas baby. It was so fun to have a girl again after those four boys. She is fun and energetic. She loves to sing and dance and may be my last shot at having a child who loves the theater like I do. She loves to play dolls and loves to keep up with her brothers. She's always up for a little football game. We have so much fun watching movies together and shopping together. Maggie began sleeping with me when Jay left when she was ten days old and more nights than not she is still in bed with us. She brings so much joy to me and so much frustration to her brothers. She delights her father, most of the time. I'm afraid that she may be a bit spoiled and not as easy to continue raising as her sister was but whose fault is that. She has a kind heart and loves animals. I love you, Mags.

Keep up the good work and congratulations on deciding to be baptized.

Happy Birthday, Nick

While we were in California, Nick had his tenth birthday. He got to celebrate with Pooh, Tiger, Eyeore, Minnie, and Captain Hook. Unfortunately, my camera broke on the trip so I have to wait to get my disposable developed.

Nick had a rough start in life but has made up for it ever since. He is perhaps the most fun loving, adventuresome, loving child we have. He can play all day with friends or by himself. He talks too much and too fast but he's always just Nick. He has to put up with three older brothers, which most of the time isn't fun but he makes the best of it. He loves all sports. He is full of compassion for everyone and is always ready with a hug. He loves to put his arms around me and squeeze and I love it, too. Happy Birthday, Nick. Your mom loves you.

And now we are home..

We are home after a fun, exhausting, packed week of California. The kids and I left on Saturday and Jay followed on Sunday. We got off the plane at 8 am and were on the road by 9 am. I let them talk me into Knotts Berry Farm and away we went. It was Toys for Tots day so we got in for $60.00 worth of toys, a pretty good deal.

The boys got through the gate and Maggie and I didn't see them until 3. We went on the rides we like and they hit all the huge roller coasters. They have a new coaster called The Pony Express, where you actually sit on a horse, like a carousel horse to ride the ride. It was fun and really different. After getting soaked on the rapid ride we headed to our condo. Maggie and I went to the grocery store  and the boys began their week long pool tournament.

On Sunday without Jay there I was finally able to introduce the kids to the fine art of swap meet shopping. They had a blast. They begged to leave so they wouldn't spend all their money. We then hit the beach. The kids make it look like it was warm but it wasn't. 

I stood in the sand with my sweater wrapped tightly around me. Jay got in about 8 and we headed to the world famous Crab Cooker that everyone has been telling me about. It was great.

Monday hit fast and early and we were off for the marathon adventure of Disneyland.

On Tuesdays our friends, the Zengers, met us there and stayed until Thursday. We have never traveled with friends and we had a really great time. They could even put up with the boys. I think we could do it again.

All in all it was a great vacation but now its time to think Christmas. Every year I think to myself why do we do this so close to Christmas.

California, here we come!

We are off to California and the wonderful, magical Disneyland tomorrow. It is a much needed break for all of us, besides it being the annual trek. We'll ride Pirates first, of course. Eat a little Bengal BBQ. Get lots of popcorn to remind us of my dad. Buy fun treats and just overdose(if possible) on the happiest place on earth. See you in a week.