Happy 7th Birthday Hayden!

Our adventure into parenthood started on December 19th, 2006.  On that day, we welcomed a healthy baby boy and promptly called him Hayden Stanley Bickmore.

Hayden had been the name we picked out during that "when we have kids" phase of our relationship and it stuck until we actually did.  Stanley was after Brian's late grandfather.  While there was not a super close relationship between Brian and him while we had been together, there was a connection between my pregnancy/child birth and him.  I found out I was pregnant with Hayden on the weekend we went to help pack up his house and Hayden was born a year + 1 day to his passing.

I must say,  I love this kid!  It amazes me to this day how much I love him.  We have our struggles and are facing some major hurdles with him, but those struggles make him my boy!

This year, we took a slightly different approach to his birthday.  We told him no party, but he could invite 1 friend to do an activity of his choosing and a nice meal out.   He chose Laser Tag.  So, we played 2 rounds of laser tag and then went for an early supper at East Side Mario's.   It was pretty perfect.  The kids all had a blast and I didn't have to deal with 8 screaming kids in my house!  On the Sunday, we had my parents over for cake.

Here is a look at my boy over the past 7 years.  Again, I don't have pictures from every birthday, but something from every year at least.

 

 

2014 Pinterest Challenge

Is everyone out there as Pinterest addicted as I am?   I mean, seriously, I am on that website E-V-E-R-Y-D-A-Y!!!

This little picture sums up my Pinterest existence

Back in 2012, I joined my girlfriend Diana and her sister in a Pinterest challenge.  The idea was you needed to complete 1 thing you saw on Pinterest each month.  It went strong until the end of the year and then it sort of fizzled out.

I decided this year I was bringing it back!  Even if it was just for myself.  The thing with Pinterest is, you pin about a million things you want to do, buy or make and ACTUALLY do about 3!

2013 was pretty much a bust this year and I am going to make 2014 a little bit more about myself.  My kids are a bit older and more independent and I can do this.

So, here's the deal and I would love for you to join me.  Each month, you need to complete 1 of your pins.  It can be a craft, a recipe, a book or anything else.  Take pictures along the way to document what you did.  At the end of the month, do up a blog post with your pin, show your finished work, even if it was a complete fail!  Also, make sure you give credit where credit is due and link back to the original pin.

Don't have a blog and you refuse to create one? (Which btw, is really silly!   It's free and super easy to do!  I'll walk you through it if you like)  You can share with me on Facebook!

Here is to a Pinteresting 2014 everyone!!

Happy 4th Birthday Abigail!

Last weekend, we celebrated yet another milestone in our home.

Miss Abigail Marjorie Lynne Bickmore turned the big 0-4!

It was an exciting time for sure.  The thing is, she "got it" this year.  She knew what a birthday was really about.  She has been to a couple of birthday parties and for about 2 weeks before the big day, she asked almost every minute when her birthday was. 

When she woke up that Saturday (Nov 30th) she awoke to some simple birthday decorations in both the kitchen and the living room.  She was tickled pink and practically floated with excitement the whole day.  She and I had to go and pick up the cake and she had to tell everyone it was her birthday.  The cake she picked out was a hockey cake.  I had them girl it up with pinks and purples.  Why she wanted a hockey cake is a bit beyond me.  I tried to get her a girly princess one, but no luck.

It was hard to not give in to the temptation of letting her have a small party, but I made a rule when the kids were little, no friend party until the age of 5.  Until then (and even after) it's a simple family party.  It consists of my parents and us.

For some reason, this year it felt perfect!  We had them over for lunch and cake.  Abby opened presents and just beamed when we sang to her.  The rest of the afternoon, the kids played with her gifts and got along....damn near Hallmark I tell ya!

So, in what is now ordinary yearly fashion, it's time to overload you with pictures!  Starting with the "remember when" ones.

Here she is on her "birth" day.

First Birthday

Second Birthday

This is the point of the blog where I win Mother of the Year.....for some reason, I am unable to find ANY pictures from her 3rd birthday.  I am positive I would have taken at least one and I am also pretty sure I had written a really nice blog post last year, with a heart-felt letter to my little girl, but I can't find it either...so I will just include a picture of her at age 3 until I can do better!

I just love this year's pictures....you can see the pure joy and excitement in her expression.

Now, what would I say to my little girl this year?  I would probably tell her this:

Dearest Abigail,

I love you even more this year then I did last.  You see, as each year passes, my love for you will grow more and more.  As you grow and learn new things, there are more things to love.  I love that you can chat up a storm or look after your babies for hours.  I love that you are the only one that can turn our crazy kitten into mush and have her give you kisses.  I love that you are now going to school and come home to share your new knowledge with us.

You are all I could have asked for in a little girl.  You are kind and generous and willing to share with others.  You have so many little friends and are well liked.

You are willing to help out and do what you can around the house.

As you become just this little bit older, you are seeking your independence.  It's hard to watch you do things for yourself, but also a moment of pride, knowing just how capable you are.

You are full of spunk and attitude.  Don't dare tell you "no", for if we do, a full-on pout will show itself and there is a good chance you won't talk or look at us until we trick you into thinking we have a cookie for you.

You are full of smiles and giggles and they both light up a room. 

If there is one thing you can grow up being confident in, let that be our love for you!  Your whole family loves you and would do anything for you.

You are turning into a fantastic little lady and I can't wait to see what the next year brings for you.

Love Mom