MORE birthdays...

Also, today my chicks have a new baby brother, courtesy of their daddy and stepmom, Ashley. SO...here's a big welcome to new baby brother ETHAN PARKER!

And, happy birthday to the chicks' stepmom Ashley, as well. I don't know a better gift than to be blessed with a new baby!

Holy cowzers--SEVEN!

"Jenna, Jenna, Jenna-J...how old do you turn today?" Yep, I mixed it up a bit from the standard, "...what did you learn at school today?" I'm crazy like that because i'm your mommy. And you drive me crazy.

Oh, Jen...Jenna, Jenna, Jenna. Where to start? You, my precious girl, are amazing. You are absolutely brilliant in every way. You can outsmart a rocket scientist and outshine the brightest of stars. You are a gorgeous girl, and have the most wonderful heart. At school, you are best friends with EVERYONE. Because of your sensitive hearing, your teacher sits you at the table with your deaf classmates. You have a special place in your heart for these friends, and you make an effort every day to learn as much sign language as you can, just so you can talk to them like you talk to your hearing friends. You are kind to all of your classmates, and for that, baby, you are rewarded with friendship and respect. You have such a good heart; it makes me smile.


You are such a fun big sister, but let's get this straight--you ARE a big sister. When Clairey annoys you, you let her know; however, you love her so very much, and often hug her and tell her, "Clairey-bear, I love you SO much!" You always want her to sleep with you, and are so disappointed when I tell you, "Nope, it's a school night." Every morning, you snuggle with her before you have to get out of MY bed (yes, MY bed---you end up in there, too) for school.


You, my sweet baby, are the other half of the light that brings me joy every day. It took me so long to get pregnant with you, and every single day, I thank God that I was finally given the chance to be your mommy. Everytime I look at you, my life brightens just that much more, and I often get a lump in my throat, because I am just so blessed to have you.

You are such a shining star, Jen. The world is a better place because you're in it. You are going to do such amazing and wonderful things in your lifetime. I am SO proud to be your mommy and I SO love you!

Borrowed...again

Song you love: "In My Daughter's Eyes" --always a weepy fave
Word you love: alliteration (it just sounds like music)
Academic subject you love: Art History
Hobby you love: taking pictures
Type of baked good you love: 7-layer cookies, cold, with coffee
Type of sky you love: sunset, when the sky is purple
Beverage you love: Diet Coke
Vacation you love: the types where i can hear my girls laughing
Restaurant you love: The Black Lab
Way of getting around that you love: Mini-mini!
Person you love: So many...
Room in your home (or ideal home) you love: my office (i love what i want it to look like; not how it is NOW)
Movie you love: Pride and Prejudice
Book you love: A Fine Balance
City you love: Salzburg
Future plan you love: Italian countryside vacation
Form of communication you love: blowing kisses
Junk food you love: Nutty Bars

Happy 5th birthday!

Clairey,
I can't believe you are already 5. It really seems like you were just born yesterday. I remember sitting on the couch, with your sister next to me--you were lying on my legs, and we were just staring at you--touching your perfect little hands, and looking into your wide eyes. Now, you are such an amazing part of our lives, and we couldn't imagine our world without you.

Not a single day goes by, where I am not thanking God that I have you. Before you were born, I prayed fervently to be pregnant with another little girl. God must have heard my prayers, and graciously answered them. You, my little one, are the twin part of the light that makes me get up each morning; the light that marks my days and keeps me alive. You keep a smile on my face, and prove to me that there is a God. Every. Single. Day.

You have a ferocious sense of humor. I have never in all my life, seen another 5-year old that has the same maturity as you possess. You can bring a smile to any face, and your presence just lights up the room. You have a way about you that draws people in; they just love to watch and look at you. You are such a gift to the world!

There are no words that can tell you how much i love you. You are my sweetpea, my baby girl, my little bit, and my JOY. I just adore you, my baby. Thank you so much for being in my life. Thank you so much for being my little girl.

I am so blessed to have you!

Contemplating suicide?

Go work for Build-a-Bear tech support. I would shoot myself. And NOT leave a note.

One of my chicks was having technical difficulties registering one her bazillion Build-a-Bears, so I had to email them. This is the response i received:

Hi there Steph!

Thanks fur the information you provided us.

Your Animal ID and Keycode is now valid. You may try to register your furry friend again.

To bring your furry friend to life online, you need to enter the Animal ID/Keycode. Just go to the virtual Build-A-Bear Workshop store at the Town Square and follow these steps:

1. Click on the Bear Builder associate standing at the Take-Me-Home station.
2. Choose "Would you like to bring your furry friend to life online?"
3. Choose "My furry friend was made AFTER October 2007 and I have its birth certificate."
4. Enter your Animal ID and Keycode.

After you have added a furry friend to your "My Stuff", your furry friend will jump into the cool virtual backpack you receive and you are ready to explore the world and play all of the mini games together.

Please feel free to write us back if you have other questions or concerns.

Have a Bearrific day!

Bear Hugs,
From your CyBear Pal

Is this a little bit of overkill? Is it? Methinks so.

Birthday video

Every year in September, I create a video montage for the girls. Here's this year's:


Happy Birthday! 2007-2008