Nothing profound about reaching a milestone. Just some photos from my day.
Early morning presents before John went to work. Some hot chocolate and a lid for my Pampered Chef frying pan I bought in April
[We got a new camera two months ago… that was a big purchase!]
[Some would argue I should have gotten a new couch… check out the tape holding it together.]
Some puff pastries for breakfast.
Then Nan came at lunch time with subs and stayed to play cards with Tab while the rest of us did fossil experiments. Yup, we did school. The boys were *shocked* that we didn’t take the day off. Nice try, guys! 
Then when John got home we went to Longhorne Steakhouse for dinner. We rarely ever eat out. That is one area that I will concede “larger” families have to make sacrifices on. My kids LOVE to go to restaurants. Love it. I love taking them. I love how much they love it. They were bouncing off the walls for an hour before we went.
Home for some mint chocolate torte. We didn’t sing Happy Birthday at first. I forgot. They sang sans candles. We’ll do that tomorrow. It was yummy.
On a side note, Johanna was a bit of work tonight. She turned 18 months on Tuesday and she is right on her developmental milestones of causing a ruckus at a restaurant. John and I realized how out of practice we are for toddlers. It didn’t help that she did NOT want to eat. She wanted to lick the salt and pepper shakers… and since she has learned the word, “Cheese,” which she means for, “Please,” she thinks that one little word will get her whatever she is pointing at. John got her to pretend the salt shaker was a telephone. And I impressed her by standing a crayon up on one end. Those tricks bought us at least 4½ minutes.
I love my family so much. I am so stinking blessed. Look at this group. They rock immensely. They LOVED dinner. LOVED it. I loved their smiles. And it was worth all $119. [*sigh*] Stewart asked, “What do you think this will cost, Mom?” about half way through the meal. I gave him my guesstimate, which was a bit higher and he was incredulous. “For ONE meal?” He was blown away. He also saved some of his steak. He wants it for breakfast. With eggs. He heard someone on Little House on the Prairie order it. I ♥ him!
OH! The kids each put together $3 and gave me a card with $12 in it. My mom orchestrated it. I need to think of something I can buy with that money and then use it so they see their present in use. I’m taking suggestions!
Dayspring Disciples 
What a great post. I love “visiting” you.PS. Happy Birthday!
What a great post. I love “visiting” you.PS. Happy Birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I didn't know…HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You look so beautiful, Stacy. Have a blessed weekend, too.Love,Linda
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I didn't know…HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You look so beautiful, Stacy. Have a blessed weekend, too.Love,Linda
I like your family so much. LOVED the part about Johanna. Totally and completely can relate. Even read it out loud to Isaac for he needs to know we are NOT alone. And again, A HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
I like your family so much. LOVED the part about Johanna. Totally and completely can relate. Even read it out loud to Isaac for he needs to know we are NOT alone. And again, A HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
Such a cute family! Happy birthday! Let's see… things that cost $12 that would be used… socks, stationary, a picture frame, a book… that's all I've got! 🙂
Such a cute family! Happy birthday! Let's see… things that cost $12 that would be used… socks, stationary, a picture frame, a book… that's all I've got! 🙂
HaPpY BiRtHdAy!! I wrote a long comment a moment ago, but it didn't work. I'm trying again!
HaPpY BiRtHdAy!! I wrote a long comment a moment ago, but it didn't work. I'm trying again!
Happy Birthday! 🙂 $12 would buy you a couple spare rolls of duct tape too! 😉
Happy Birthday! 🙂 $12 would buy you a couple spare rolls of duct tape too! 😉
Stacia – no one else needs to suggest; you stole the show on that one.[Sorry, Katie – I did think stationary was in 1st place until I read that one!]
Stacia – no one else needs to suggest; you stole the show on that one.[Sorry, Katie – I did think stationary was in 1st place until I read that one!]
Happy Birthday! Haha-Kendall turns 18 months Monday and she has definitely hit the not-so-fun stage at restaurants! We were like deer caught in the headlights-definitely out of practice as well!Have a Merry Christmas!
Happy Birthday! Haha-Kendall turns 18 months Monday and she has definitely hit the not-so-fun stage at restaurants! We were like deer caught in the headlights-definitely out of practice as well!Have a Merry Christmas!