{A Year Ago} on Not The Last to Know

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!

This day in {my} history, plus pictures that I may not have ever posted.

2013

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2012

• OhLife entry: Got to Jess's around 4:30 and the rest arrived by 5. We enjoyed a yummy steak, salad, green beans, garlic bread and mashed potato dinner. Finished it off with blueberry cupcakes made by Jen and Ethan. Mom opened presents before we had the cupcakes. Tomorrow while dad and I are at Deo rehearsal Jen and Jess are taking mom shopping to spend her birthday money.

2011

• Happy 60th Birthday, Mom
• What Happened in February 1951?

Deflated Dome - February 2011

2010

• FB post: Happy birthday to MJ & of course my mom!! ;o)

What did you do last year on this day?

{Happy Birthday!} Meg, the Marathon Runner

What a way to start a birthday week! My sister-in-law, Meg, ran her first marathon this past Sunday at Walt Disney World. If you want, you can read about her WDW Marathon Weekend experience here and here.

Happy Birthday, Meg!

...just another sister =)

Indiana Thanksgiving 2007

Jake & Meg's Wedding Week 2008

Downtown Minneapolis Christmas 2010

{ERIK! the Bike Man!} Happy Birthday, Eric

If you, dear reader, thought we had a lot of birthdays in May... June is stacking up to be just as popular!! My sister, my niece, now my first brother-in-law...

Happy Birthday, Eric E. Markgraf!

I won't say how old you are, but we did celebrate your 40th birthday a couple of years ago... :0)

Here's a pic from a few days after I first met you!

 

 

And now for your viewing pleasure...something that always makes me smile and think of you, Eric, when I hear it! :))

 

(you only need to listen to the first 3 seconds - you're welcome!)

 

 

 

{Happy Birthday} Lily Bug

Happy Birthday, Lily Anne Flaming!

 

 

 

 

You're 3! Say, what?!

 

I remember the day you were born - Sunday, June 13, 2010. Most of your Minnesota family was standing around talking after the morning church service. We were chatting about maybe you would be born that coming week when we got a text saying you had arrived! Definitely a pleasant surprise for us all!!

 

 Love you bunches, Lily Bug!!

 

 



{Happy Birthday}

- To My Sister & Friend -
 

 

I love you, Anna Grace!


Happiest of Birthdays to You!



{Happy Birthday, Ella!} Hey, Hey!

Happy 1st Birthday, Ella!

  

You've got the cutest little baby face!

 

 

 

 

 

My Facebook posts from 5/31/2012:

• another reason to visit Wilmington! (yikes - I better get there soon!!)
• no internet at home for now, but I'm excited about my Sprint bill I just got!
• Text message at 1:55 am Central time: "She's here! Ella Taylor, 2:24am, 7lbs 13oz., 19 in."  Congrats to Jake, Meg, & big sister Lily!!!!!

Happy Birthday, Jake!

Continuing this past year's tradition...

31 Reasons I love you, Jacob Taylor!

1. You're my brother. My one. And only. Brother.
2. You're a tease.
3. You're smart.
4. You're good lookin'! 
5. Your Jake-of-all-trades: teacher, coach, artist, mechanic, technician, handyman...
6. You married Meg.
7. You gave me my second niece, Lily Bug (who got your locks of curls!! Will my third niece have curls too?).
8. You're a great dad to Lily .
9. Michael Jordan was your first hero.
10. You were a cute, chubby baby!
11. You were a cute, nerdy little boy.
12. You were always our "fish" whenever we were near water.
13. You're the only one of us with a Masters degree - go Jake!
14. You like to try new things.
15. You're creative and crafty.
16. You're an artist like dad.
17. You know how to live on a budget.
18. You're a homeowner.
19. You can play the piano something fierce.
20. You never shot me in the neck with your BB gun.
21. You're tall.
22. You take great videos of Lily Bug and post them on facebook regularly. (yes, that's a hint too ;)
23. You're an awesome website designer. wanna fixed my blog?
24. Even though you went to PCC, yep, I still love ya!
25. I'm guessing you were the Sega champ of our house growing up - "It's on!"
26. You're athletic and fit.
27. You're always up for an adventure.
28. You live near the beach!
29. You're a willing helper - always ready to get your hand dirty.
30. You're a faithful leader.
31. You've got skills!

Read about more family birthdays here.

ahh...another year older

My sister was the first to post this on her Facebook page and the rest of the family followed suit. I'm copying it here because I really enjoyed it!

Happy 36th Birthday to my sister, Bekah

Posted on Facebook on Sunday, December 18, 2011 at 7:23am

36 reasons why we all love you…

From Dad…
1. You have a tender heart.
2. You were not adopted...it was Jen:)
3. You send me Deo CDs.
4. You sing soprano.
5. You get the most out of a car
6. You like to read.

From Mom…
7. You have always like to sing in church (I remember when you were little, you put a lot of expression in when you sang in church).
8. You answer my computer questions while I'm at work & you are at work.
9. You sometimes like to sew (pillow cases at least).
10. You enjoy a good challenge for learning.
11. You enjoy cooking & baking.
12. You supply me with good books. (after you've read them - mostly)

From Jen…
13. You take our kids "off our hands" often.
14. You appreciate organization.
15. You are a techie.
16. You make yummy pumpkin bread.
17. You plan ahead.
18. You make our kids feel special and loved.

From Jess…
19. You are a giver.
20. You are hospitable.
21. You like a good game of football.
22. You cooked for me for 2 years.
23. You like inside jokes.
24. You never stop learning new things.

From Jake…
25. You are very creative with pictures.

26. You always could sing more beautifully than me.
27. You make the best BabyRuth Bars.
28. You are the only one I have ever known to have the nickname "Rosco".
29. You forgave me when I put a rock through your car window with the weed eater.
30. You inspire me to want to read books (someday).

From Anna…
31. You helped me learn how to read... At 19.
32. You're the only one I allow to call me Ann
33. Your Kraft Mac & Cheese was always the best after King's Kids!
34. You are a maker of lists!
35. You are our world traveler.
36. You make great snoothies.

Happy Birthday, Jen!

It's Jen's birthday today!! She's my #1 sister and continuing this year's tradition of birthday celebrations, here's...

38 Reasons I Love You, Jen!

1. You're my #2 mom!
2. You made me an auntie when you gave me my first beautiful niece!
3. Oh, and you gave me two handsome nephews!
4. You've succeeded in your career goals: wife, mom, piano teacher.
5. You daily demonstrate your faithfulness to God. 
6. You're the shopper among us!
7. You found a great partner for life in Eric.
8. You're not afraid to try new things: 5k, crockpot meals, crocheting, etc., etc., etc.
9. You'll always be early - not "on time", not late, but early...just like dad!
10. You might not be the best joke teller, but you let us get excited for you when you do crack a funny!
11. Through the years you've encourage me to do things I wouldn't have done on my own (ear piercing, leg shaving, fashion trends, moving...)
12. S-U-P-E-R, Super-dup, that's what you are!
13. You're one of the main reasons I could listen to/watch piano playing for hours.
14. You used to be my travel buddy - trains, planes, and automobiles!
15. Speaking of travel...you helped me survive my first year overseas when you came to Guam to visit.
16. You're known as J'f-nerd, but that's just your name - you can't help it! ;)
17. I like to think that sometimes you copy me, but really I'm just copying you!
18. You're an excellent party planner!
19. You're an inspirational home decorator.
20. You inherited a green thumb from mom...how come I didn't get one?
21. We can always count on you to have your camera. It might not have charged batteries, but you have your camera!
22. You're generous.
23. You're not an animal lover...poor Snickers!
24. You look like mom.
25. You always have a plan.
26. Did I mention you are quite the shopper?!
27. You are a smart dresser and a great date (i.e. work dinner at Fogo and work anniversary gala).
28. You're a leader among your peers and your friends.
29. You're taller than me. (What?! I need tall people around me to reach the stuff on the top shelf!)
30. You're a good cook!
31. We got to go the same college.
32. You're a world traveler: Mexico, New Zealand, Guam.
33. You're a fierce competitor when it comes to Racko...dare I say, champion?!
34. You have common sense and an excellent sense of direction.
35. You like Princess Di.
36. You're newly conscientious about dangerous toxins.
37. You're kind, loving, caring, helpful.
38. You're my sister!

Read about more family birthdays here.

Happy 32nd Birthday, Jess!

It's Jess's birthday today!! She's my #2 sister and continuing this year's tradition of birthday celebrations, here's...

32 Reasons I Love You, Jess!

1. You're the middle child. ...If you weren't, Jake and I would have to duke it out! ;)
2. You had the reddest hair in the family until Lily came a long!
3. You're courageous.
4. You love participating in athletics.
5. You work hard and know how to get the job done.
6. You're strong willed.
7. You're our very own Joanne Liebler - so glad you found your Dean Johnson ;-)
8. You're a licensed foster parent - can't wait to be a foster aunt!
9. You're a class act. 
10. You're a wise counselor to your friends and family.
11. You don't give fashion advise.
12. You're an expert Flaming Tea maker. (But I don't mind if you practice more on me.)
13. You know God's Word and you share it.
14. You're low maintenance.
15. You do impersonations well.
16. You're not embarrassed easily...unless you wake up in the emergency room...
17. You're a loving aunt to our shared nieces and nephews.
18. You have a servants heart.
19. You listen well.
20. You're a good coach.
21. You're respected by many.
22. You were a great condo mate.
23. You love Jet's pizza - any pizza, really! You'd eat pizza for any meal.
24. You know how to pick 'em! ...Thanks for giving me a cool B-I-L!
25. You're determined to do what's right.
26. You taught me the one basketball play I know.
27. You're not afraid to make a mistake.
28. You talk in your sleep. Whaaah-t?! it's cute!
29. You've kept your first real job for a long time.
30. You're good with them numbers and figures and such.
31. You look like our mom.
32. You're my sister and friend!

Read about more family birthdays here.

Happy 29th Birthday, Anna Grace!

This is a special day for my li'l cop sis', Anna. Today she turns 29. She's the last of us 5 kids to be in our 20s...hope she's enjoying it!!

29 Reasons Why I Love You, Anna Grace:

1. You're my baby sister.
2. You love God.
3. You're brave, bold, and beautiful.
4. You cut your hair short once but grew it out again (I'm trying to do that!).
5. You finished 2 years of college, then 2 more.
6. You love to read :)
7. You're loyal.
8. You're my friend.
9. You tell it like it is and make no apologies for it.
10. You take long road trips by yourself to see your family.
11. You like guns and you know how to use them - yeah, you're a real-live, Annie-Get-Your-Gun-Oakley!
12. You have good ideas.
13. You drink coffee.
14. You're our runway model (uhh...that's code for something else ;)
15. You like Sarah Palin.
16. You're our nieces' and nephews' 2nd favorite :P
17. You're passionate about your police work.
18. You love Notre Dame football.
19. You let me call you Ann...at least, I think you do :)
20. You taught yourself how to play the guitar - and you're good at it!
21. You're the Boss.
22. You, Jess, and Jake used to count the days until Jen and I came home from college.
23. You've made tough decisions and help me make some of mine. 
24. You're not afraid to try new things.
25. You save money.
26. You used to play dress up...but the end result did not mean you were completely dressed!
27. Someday you'll be Mayor of Carmel!
28. You kick butt and then take names!
29. You've got Bridgewater eyes.

Happy Birthday, Anna!!!!

Read about more family birthdays here.

birthday week cont.

Taking a time out of this busy week to stop and smell the roses...er, whatever these trees are! I actually took the picture because it looked like snow! We're very familiar with snow around here, but are enjoying the lack of snow this week! ;-)

While we haven't had snow for a while, it's actually LILAC time!! And you know when the lilacs bloom, it's time for my first niece's birthday! (These lilacs are courtesy of the side of the road. I wanted to pick more, but a car was coming!! My house sure does smell lovely!)

We celebrated Morgen's 7th birthday tonight with a small family affair including white sauce & chicken pizza and an ICE CREAM cake from DQ. Of course this was all at the birthday girl's request and it was delicious!!

Dinner was followed by presents and my parents were able to join us via Skype! The funniest part was that my parents video feed was frozen so they were talking to us but we were just looking at their picture. Ethan seemed intrigued and kept showing them the presents and chatting with them - giving his version of a play-by-play. Once the presents were opened we were able to get the video feed corrected and then Ethan was not so sure about talking to them...weird kid!

I remember the day this sweet girl was born - May 20, 2004. It seems just like yesterday! Her birth day was scheduled so it was not a surprise. I worked a half day and drove up from Watertown that afternoon. While she was born at 8:30 am, we did not learn her name until mid-afternoon because her parents were still deliberating. Morgen Rae: Morgen means morning in German and Rae means little lamb in Hebrew. I still remember Eric telling me, "Our little lamb was born in the morning."

Seven Reasons I Love You, Morgen Rae:

1. Your smile is infectious!
2. You're a girlie-girl and love to play dress up (and go shopping).
3. You know I want you to stop growing up but you don't listen to me!
4. You have so many characteristics of your mom and your aunts, but you're your own person too! 
5. You love horses and dolls and coloring.
6. You'll drop anything to do a PROJECT - you call yourself the Project Girl!
7. You watch movies that I like - Annie, Little Women, and more!

In case you missed it, click here to read about Ethan's 3rd birthday!

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birthday week

MAY is typically a BUSY month for anyone, but add two family birthdays in one week and busy is taken to a new level!

The two-birthdays-in-one-week started three years ago when my nephew Ethan joined us. We celebrated his 3rd birthday this Sunday.

Of course there was a crowd of people (two families of my sister's clique who have a few kids each, plus uncle Luke and the aunts-Jess & me), a big lunch (pork roast - his favorite meat, can-you-believe-it?!), lots of presents (race cars, race tracks, $, etc., etc.), and of course, cake -- a chocolate, dinosaur cake!

This picture captures the essence of the birthday boy on his special day - he was so well behaved! He even said "excuse me" multiple times while he politely (and excitedly) played with his new toys (that he gets to share with his older brother)!

Three of the Many Reasons I Love You, Ethan:

1. You're my one and only Bubba!
2. You love to play "a phone on your game" (game on my cell phone) and ask to play ALL. THE. TIME.
3. Your fun to hang out with so I do it a lot - I especially like reading books to you, especially We're Going on a Bear Hunt!

From the Archives: Enjoy a short stroll down memory lane with two old posts from MAY 2008 when Bubba joined the family. 

Blog Housekeeping: if you'd like to keep up-to-date on all my blog posts, please click on the "Follow" link on the left of the page or enter your email address to get notified whenever I post!

Happy 60th Birthday, Dad!

Here Are 60 Reasons Why I Love You, Dad:

1. You’re my dad!

2. You encourage me in my strengths and challenge my weaknesses.

3. You get me.

4. You’re practical.

5. You’re a teacher.

6. You’re faithful to your responsibilities.

7. You’re thoughtful.

8. You sacrificed much to put me through a Christian school.

9. You’re there for me whenever I need you.

10. You’re my moving van - one man & a truck.

11. Your wisdom has helped me with many decisions.

12. You’re creative.

13. You’re strong.

14. You’re quiet.

15. You are unchanging.

16. You’re not ashamed to say “I don’t know.”

17. You like driving.

18. Your hair looks good no matter what.

19. Deep down, I believe you are adventurous.

20. You are honest.

21. You love Mom.

22. You taught me that education matters.

23. You are patient.

24. You forget clothing items or shoes for big trips so you have to get new ones!

25. You listen to me.

26. You love me.

27. Your kind heart.

28. You made me believe I could do anything.

29. The values in which you instilled in me.

30. You don’t know much about fixing cars, but you love 'em!

31. You taught me to love to sing.

32. You like Cowboy music.

33. You’re other name is “Fred”.

34. You taught me right from wrong.

35. You are always there when I was ready to ask for help.

36. You supported my decisions, even when they were dumb.

37. Your strong work ethic.

38. Your willingness to help others, asking nothing in return.

39. You could always talk/relate to older people really well - and now you are one! :)

40. Any daughter would be lucky to call you Dad and I can.

41. You’re a gentleman.

42. I have fun memories of watching dad work

43. You love Jesus.

44. You taught me how to swing a bat, throw a baseball, and shoot a basketball.

45. You work hard on the job and at home.

46. You pray me and my siblings.

47. You’re very clean and organized, and you showed me how to be like that.

48. You want me to do what’s right.

49. You make a good Laurel or Hardy.

50. You continually seek the Lord for direction in his job and personal ministry.

51. You enjoy music (and musicals!).

52. You now own a gun (or two).

53. You got the best groceries when you went to the store fore mom.

54. You make me laugh.

55. You look out for me.

56. You listen to classical music.

57. You’re smile is sweet.

58. You like taking road trips.

59. You’re an artist.

60. And you’re the best dad for me!!

Read about more family birthdays here.

Happy 60th Birthday, Mom!

Here Are 60 Reasons Why I Love You, Mom:

1. You’re my mom!
2. You taught me the joy of cooking and baking.
3. Your sewing skills are unmatched.
4. You daily demonstrate your faithfulness in God through Bible reading.
5. You’re a prayer warrior who gets results, i.e. pretty [pink] van.
6. You’re beautiful inside and out.
7. You’re a horse lover.
8. You’ve got skinny legs and small lips.
9. You encourage me in my strengths and challenge my weaknesses.
10. You get me.
11. You’re Dr. Mom.
12. You’re practical.
13. You keep a journal.
14. You wrote us kids weekly letters for many, many weeks without one in return.
15. You’ve got smarts - completed your associates degree after age 50!
16. You’re faithful to your responsibilities.
17. You’re thoughtful.
18. You raised 5 kids without the help of nanny.
19. You sacrificed much to put me through a Christian school.
20. You do laundry more than the average person and passed that trait to me!
21. You’re there for me whenever I need you.
22. You were my taxi for 16+ years.
23. Your wisdom has helped me with many decisions.
24. You have great handwriting.
25. You have a green thumb.
26. You are determined.
27. You love me.
28. You give me a place to stay when no one else will.
29. You have a nice reading voice.
30. You make up words.
31. You love to find/read recipes.
32. You read lots of books.
33. You say what needs to be said.
34. You always stuck up for the teacher/authority.
35. You are unchanging.
36. You appreciate reading true stories.
37. You like country living.
38. You’re not ashamed to say “I don’t know.”
39. You don’t like shopping.
40. Your let us have a dog that you took care of.
41. I have your Christmas tree.
42. You think realistically.
43. You take care of practically everyone.
44. You have a pond.
45. You are motivated.
46. Deep down, I believe you are adventurous.
47. You are honest.
48. You like to laugh at your kids.
49. You love a clean house.
50. Your wants and needs are simplistic.
51. You love Dad.
52. You can cook for an entire church.
53. You are patient.
54. You’re a thrower not a keeper.
55. You’re hospitable. When I was young you always let me have my friends over.
56. You know where your scissors are.
57. The stairs always have to be cleared...you never know if someone will trip in the middle of the night.
58. You pack everything-but-the-kitchen-sink for road trips.
59. You listen.
60. And you’re the best mom for me!!