3 + 3; 5 + 1; 4 + 2

Anyway you look at it they all equal 6. That is a pretty imporant number for us today. It is Hunter's 6th birthday today!! I can remember all those special moments from the time I got the phone call to find out I was pregnant, to his delivery, the last five birthdays, his first day of preschool, and his first day of kindergarten. Gosh, where has all the time gone???? He keeps growing in wisdom and stature but some things never change....

• He still won't eat peanut butter



• Everything is still black and white in his world



• He consistently must have the last word



• He still whines (he is going to outgrow that, right?)

This last year has been amazing one of growth and knowledge for Hunter. He learned to read, write and addition. He tried karate and still can't decide if he likes it. He found that he loves mexican food. Moe's is his favorite restaurant. He learned to ride his bike without training wheels. We celebrate Hunter and all the amazing things that make him today!!

Here is the cake a made him last night!! Awwww yeah, I can't wait to cut it...

Here is the birthday boy right out of bed this morning...

Thanks to all of our family and friends for all of your love, support and encouragement for our boys. They wouldn't be where they are now without such amazing family. We love you all!

The Laneys have a lake in their backyard!

Yes, can you believe it. We have our own lake thanks to two little boys. It had been a crazy day and I had lost my patience in the day more then once. We came home and the boys slip and slide split down the side so there were tears and more drama then a mama could handle. I made the statement just turn on the hose for a bit. It is basically the same thing, right? No, its not - boys, water and dirt equal the above. They had a blast and that was that mattered.

Check out my Slide Show!

Dog Days of Summer

I worked on a photo album this morning of our summer adventures so far! I realize I sure do miss being a kid. I am once again in love with summer thru the eyes of two little boys. Check out the slide show. Enjoy!! Love, love, love - S

Ordinary?.?.

Things have been unusually ordinary at our home. That's not the rhythm of our home. I am not sure exactly when or how it happened or even what exactly caused it. I have tried to put my finger on it. When I started to have a little pity party about how ordinary is kinda boring...I came across the word extraordinary. I thought you have be ordinary first before you can be extraordinary. I began to realize some of the things that have gone on that may cause the ordinary, there blessings attached to each of them that make them extraordinary.

Here are a few things I could come up with:

I retired from directing the preschool. We are definitely not at church 24/7 anymore We have time to be at home and just hang out together.

We lost a major account with our lawn business. While the financial end of it hurts greatly, the benefit is that Rick is home with us a lot more.

We have come up with some really cost effective ways for meals and entertainment over the last few months and it has caused us to cut back on things that were extras. We have a greater appreciation for family and the things we do.

All this to say, when you start to have that little pity party go ahead and have it and then remind yourself when things seem ordinary and boring; extraordinary is probably right around the corner with some great things in store for you and your family. Happy 4th to everyone!!