Ages and Ages and Ages...

So much time has passed since this neglected blog of mine got any attention. I blame it on facebook. It's so easy to post there that I forget how many wonderful readers I had here! Well, no more. This is it. I have to return to blogland. I WILL!

Long overdue Birthday Post for my Biggest Boy...

Dear Sam,
I can't believe my oldest baby - my oldest son - is nine years old. It sounds so cliche to talk about how it just seems like yesterday that you were born, but in reality, it's so true. The time I've had with you has been the best nine years of my life, in part because of your flair for the dramatic, your ability to become excited about ANYthing, and your passion for life itself. You don't do anything half-way - it's all or nothing with you, and although at time, the nothing does want to creep through, your exuberance for everything is contagious.

I love that you are so kind. I love that you think about even the little bugs we see and how they're just trying to make it like we are. I love that you take great care not to hurt anyone's feelings, and that when you do hurt them, you grieve and immediately take action to make up for it. Your baby brother Max adores you. He wants to do everything you do because you make it a point to include him. And, what a great role model you are. I love your crazy blond curls, and your deep chocolate eyes. I love that you hold doors for everyone, and that you never fail to give someone a wave if they let you cross in front of them. I love that you speak to all strangers in a kind voice and ask them how they are. I love that you're mine.

You have lived with us over half the time that you ultimately will. And while that thought brings me to tears - almost to my knees - at any given moment, it also gives me so much excitement and anticipation about what your future holds. Something big is in store for you, my boy - I know it in my bones.

I love you to the moon and back, more than you'll ever know, and I'm so grateful and proud to be your Mama.

A different kind of shoot...

I had the pleasure and privilege of capturing the canine officers who help to keep our county safe. AND, after watching them sprint AT me at full force, I think I'd rather the officer shoot me than let one of the dogs get ahold of me. Yikes. BUT, they're only mean when they have to be, and when they don't have to be, they're the most lovable, adorable, and beautiful dogs to hang with. Here are a few of my favorites. (edited to add: not sure why the second pic looks so pixelated; if you click on it, it will open it up and looks better. Hmmmm.....)

No better way to start the year...

...Than to have a post dedicated to one of my heathens. Cooper, my second in the line of Thorne kids, celebrated his SEVENTH birthday on January 8th. SEVEN. I can't believe it, nor can I believe what a wonderful guy he's turning into.

Coop - I can't tell you how proud I am of the kind, thoughtful, and considerate boy you are. You wear your heart on your sleeve, and you always, without fail, put others first. You would never think of getting your own shoes from the basement without bringing up your brothers' as well. Even though they often don't acknowledge the kindness, well, maybe they do in their own bodily noise sort of way, I do, and I appreciate it. I love that you are fiercely protective of your baby sister, and that no one can make her light up like you. I still can't believe that you held her so calmly and didn't even make a loud noise when she threw up on you. In Your Mouth. You were holding her above you and she splatted you in the face with baby puke, and you quietly said, "Mom - I need a towel. Fast." Not many adults could've handled that situation the way you did.

I love your goofy grin with your chicklet front teeth, and I love how your freckles stand out on your nose when you're hot and sweaty. From the moment you entered my life seven years ago, I knew you were my special boy, and I hope it stays that way forever. I hope that we have coffee together in the mornings and that you tell me your stories for always. Your very RANDOM stories. VERY RANDOM stories.

I love you to the moon and back to infinity, Coop de Loop, and I'm so very proud to be your Mama. Happy Seventh, Birthday.