Happy Birthday to you...and you...and you

It was our week for birthdays...Luke, Jane, and Jared all had birthdays this last week. Jane really enjoyed her birthday. Luke enjoyed his as much as a one year old can. And Jared, well he liked his apple pie and we were able to go to dinner without the kids (thanks Grandma Anne)!

Do those over the age of 30 really get excited about their birthdays? All a birthday means is that you are one year older, which was good when you were 15 waiting to be 16, 17 waiting to be 18, 20 waiting to be 21, anyway you get the idea. My mom is still 29....and for that matter so am I (still 29). Crazy, my mom and I are the same age. :-)

We had a combined birthday party with our families for Jane and Luke. Jane's big present was a bike and helmet from us. The look on her face when Jared brought in the bike was priceless. Of course, due to shutter delay I didn't get a picture. She was so surprised and excited and happy and thrilled to see the bike. She especially liked the basket on the front.

If the bikes Jared likes to ride only cost $30, he could have had a new bike for his birthday too!

Happy Birthday Jane!

Well, our little man Luke is now one year old. I can hardly believe it. It makes me a little sad really, they grow up too fast! At times it doesn't seem fast enough, but really it's always too fast. However, I am looking forward to the 18 month mark when I can send Luke to nursery at church!

New Baby Luke

Fast forward a mere 12 months and Luke has mastered walking (for the most part) and is a very busy little boy. For example, this is Luke trying to get the toothpaste out of the top bathroom drawer:

Happy Birthday Luke!

Happy Valentine's Day

REALLY GOOD SUGAR COOKIES....

3/4 c butter
1 c sugar
2 eggs
1/2 t vanilla
3 c flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Blend in eggs and vanilla. Add combined dry ingredients; mix well. Chill 4 hours or overnight. Roll out dough on floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 5-7 minutes. Enjoy!

My kids sure enjoyed decorating the cookies to give to their friends. If you look closely at the pictures, you might be able to find a cookie under all of the candy!

Janie and Jack

We really like Jack Johnson in the Willden home (kids included)! His music makes me long for the beach and sun, especially right now in this endless winter. His latest album came out earlier this week and in celebration here is a silly home video of little Janie rockin' out to Jack Johnson (circa oct 2005).