the BIG 40!

My husband turned 40 yesterday. He's been pouting about it all month. But his spirits were cheered up when his birthday adventure started yesterday morning. (Excuse the beard. He's growing it for a musical play our church is doing for Easter. I think it makes him look much older. Under the pile of hair is a baby face.)

It was really Colin's idea. His little 7 year old head came up with a scavenger hunt...hiding all the presents and then making up clues to find them. He helped me write about half of the scavenger poem. I couldn't believe the rhymes he came up with.

Mike got to look for one present in the morning, because I thought he could use it throughout the day...an Otterbox for his smart phone. His other phone cover literally disintegrated into pieces this last month and he had just gotten it for Christmas. If you have never heard of Otterbox, you have to get one for your smart phone. Worth every penny.

After Mike came home from work, the hunt continued. I know he had a good time searching for everything and the expressions on the kids' faces were reward enough. Of course he got Lego set (Star Wars) and a new Kurt Elling CD.

I made a chocolate cake that everyone devoured, but still have leftovers. We sang happy birthday and had cake and Mike built Legos with the kids. A quiet birthday at home, but it was super fun. Looks like he survived turning 40, after all!

so excited to build Legos he couldn't even finish his dinner.

Colin loves Legos...

...and so does Katie!

My Little Irish Beauties

These are my kids. One boy. One girl. He's a blondie. She's a red-head. He has green eyes. She has blue eyes. Their last name tells of their Irish ancestry. Her physical traits speak for themselves.

Did I mention she's a red-head? With the personality to match. Just look at that face. Could you ever imagine that her nickname is "the red-headed dragon?"

My kids are my heart. At times they make me crazy, want to rip my hair out. At times they are angels. With every hug, kiss, smile I know they are children of God sent to me to tend on this earth and everyday I am thankful for that. I marvel at their intelligence, bravery, and innocence. They are what get me through each one of these days.