Grampa's Retirement Party from St. John

Grampa & all his grand boys... poor Ella got sick.

Susie got Grampa this cake that looks like a tree stump. Grampa is always chainsawing down old broken-down trees on his land.  It looked pretty real!

You gotta love this--- Grampa being silly at he retires from preaching.  It was funny---He said, "I can do things like this now and not care!"  GOOD FOR YOU!!!

The church members chipped in and got Grampa a new chainsaw (as his was broken...again!)  It was the perfect gift!

We all gathered for a bittersweet day as Grampa retired after serving over 40 years in the ministry.  So many friends and family came out to not only share a nice meal, but to share their many memories of my dad and how he has touched their lives over the years.  When he spoke...it brought the house down. I don't think there was a dry eye...probably because he speaks so honestly from the heart.  He spoke of not having a great childhood, and how it was still a little odd to him to hear people say such good things about him...as his own parents were very critical.  What a vulnerable and powerful thing to share, though.  Of course he spoke highly of my mom...and his three girls.  I know I'm the luckiest girl in the world having him for my father.  I'm SO glad he's going to get some time to just do what he wants to do. You earned it, Dad. Love you.

Noah lost his 1st tooth

Noah lost his first tooth today! Age 6; kindergarten!















-Tonight was the first night the tooth fairy visited our home. Exciting stuff!







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Noah, Jackson, & I joined Grampa and many cousins at Grampa's house for pre-Easter egg decorating and to celebrate Andrew's birthday.  Grampa ended up doing a big project---knocking over the old tree house---while we were there...which was way cool for the boys to watch (and scary for his daughters to watch!) Grampa is a bit crazy with his outdoor projects.  That'll have a post of its own!

Easter preparations!

A day off from school means fun Easter preparations...and despite the chilly air...swimming?!? Yes, that's right. After Noah peeled potatoes and the boys helped me make stuffing (my mom's recipe...yum!) our crazy cousins Matthew and Nicholas came over and the boys ended up swimming! It was FREEZING cold water, but they didn't seem to mind.  They sure know how to have fun! Susie and I enjoyed having some time to visit while they were swimming like crazy people, anyway.

Easter Egg Hunt 2014

Mommy with her loves

Easter egg hunt party

I was glad to be able to make it for the boys' school Easter egg hunt.  Jackson was a little sad because he didn't push and fight the other kids for Easter eggs.  But Noah (who doesn't mind running through the maze of wild kids to get his eggs) generously shared his eggs with Jackson.  Way to go, big brother!  It sure made Mommy's heart proud.

Jackson Easter Pictures 2014

Jackson-Easter Pictures 2014- Age 3

In case you haven't heard...3 is the new 2.  In this case, Jackson was all excited to take his pictures. He even let me comb his hair...which he hates.  But when it was ACTUAL time to take pictures, he ran off and refused.  All the work it takes to get clothes and dressed and he refuses?!? YES. He sure did.  I forged on, though, and eventually got him to unknowingly get photographed as I showed him the bunny.  So, Jackson...when you one day look back and ask yourself, "Why didn't I have any Easter pictures of just me when I was 3?" The answer is, "You refused."  I'm thankful we got any at all!
LOVE YOU Jackson!!

Noah & Mommy~ Easter Pictures 2014

Here are a few Easter pictures that Noah & I took together for Easter 2014.  Noah was so cooperative and sweet for our Easter session.  I wasn't planning on being in the Easter pictures, but at the last minute, put on a dress and a hat.  My mom always wore hats.  As I get older, I find myself gravitating toward hats, as well.  I always wish I had more pictures with my mom IN the picture rather than taking  the picture.  I want my boys to always know how deeply loved and cherished they are.  Happy Easter, darling Noah. Mommy loves and adores you. Now. Always.

Noah's Easter Pictures 2014

Noah Michael McBride~ Easter 2014~ Age 6

Noah's Easter Pictures 2014~
What can I say? My oldest son is as photogenic and handsome as it gets!  Here are some of Noah's Easter pictures 2014.  I love, love, LOVE this boy! Just look at that face...those freckles...those copper locks.  Heart.

Noah T-Ball

Noah has a strong hit!

Run, Noah, run!

Always cheering him on...the hot dad.  

Getting round those bases feels so good!

Grammie came to watch the game.

And Paw Paw makes every game!