Happy Memorial Day!

We had a packed Memorial Day weekend!

Thursday night started our weekend off with dinner at Mimi and Gumpy's so we could meet this little face:

Avery is Clay's first cousin and Jack and Madeline's second cousin.
She was born 2 1/2 months before Madeline, and this was their first time meeting.
It was so cute to watch the two girls together.

Saturday night we had some excitement when Jack-man came running downstairs to tell us his tooth was  "wiggly".

Daddy had to give it a shake....

It's still there....wigglin away....but any day now....

I'm sure we'll have a tooth-less grin.

Sunday Morning we headed up to Camp Run-a-muk
And had more time with cousins

The girls learned to share

They danced and sang

And did the Hokey Pokey
(with guidance from Elmo)

Watching the two of them together was so adorable.  They are the same size, at pretty much the same stage, and are very similar but at the same time so different.

I hope the two of them get to grow up seeing a lot of each other.

Camp Run-a-muk is on Tomales Bay and near Point Reyes.

so....

Of course that meant

Oysters!

We shucked them ourselves!

and washed them down with some bubbly.

Does it get any better than an afternoon of ocean, oysters, good company and Champagne???

So spoiled.

The boys BBQ'd a delicious dinner to follow our appetizers from the sea.

Jack couldn't resist the hot tub

Maddie had to test the waters too....

There was Foosball

And Badminton

And lots of fun with (almost) the whole gang.

The kids had so much fun.  Mr. Kirbyface had to work for most the weekend, but was still able to make it.  We can't wait for the next get-together.  It's been tooooo long.

However...some of us may have had too much fun....

it was a long ride home for poor Mads.

Happy Memorial Day!

Toasty, Toast, Toast.

In February of this year I joined Toastmasters.

That's right.

Toastmasters.

For those of you who don't know what that is, it's a group that meets weekly to improve public speaking, and Leadership skills.  And it's Everywhere.

I had no idea how big of a thing it was until I joined. There are huge competitions all over the United States. And there are districts everywhere that meet weekly, just like our group does.

It's extremely organized and very intimidating. 

I've been observing for weeks now.....

But today..

I spoke.

For the first time.

for 4-6 minutes.

I was SOOOOOO nervous.

But I killed it.

:)

(If I do say so myself....)

And 

I even got a Ribbon!

(for those of you who can't see-it says Best Speaker!)

I haven't felt this proud of myself since I gave birth!

:)

Make fun if you want.  This may lead to something big.....

Or....

 just improve my lectures to Jack as he gets older....

;)

Either way..... 

It's good stuff, and I'm glad I joined. 

Happy Birthday Topher!

Happy Birthday Chris!!

Soooooo.....

As most of you know, I am the oldest of four children.

It is also well known, I was an only child for 7 years.

And then came Christopher.

I was so excited to finally have a sibling.  I remember the day he was born.  I was at school and came home to Grandma Robertson at the house, I knew what that meant.....

The new baby would soon be home!

I remember being so excited to hold him.

He was so adorable.

Christoper learned my name very quickly....I remember my name being one of his first words....Mostly to rat me out.  :)  I can still here him shout it.  Hiiiiiiii Deeeeeee!

I was also the only one that could understand him.  My Mom would look at me and say "What did he say?"

"He said he wants some Milk."

I laugh now, because Jack has become Madeline's translator...

Ahhhhh the circle of life.

;)

I wish I could have found pictures of me dressing him up in every item in my closet.
Or reading him my Dr. Seuss books.
Or sharing bunk beds together.

****Please prepare yourself for the next photo.....if anyone ever doubted that I lost 100+lbs....here is your proof below****

Christopher was diagnosed with Diabetes at a very young age.  He got very, very sick, very, very quickly.   We were so frightened when he was first diagnosed.  I'm so impressed with how well he has done over the years maintaining his health.  He's doesn't mind talking about it, or answering questions.
He is so patient with my kids.

Jack loves his Uncle Chris so much.  He loves to do bike tricks with him, and play outside, and of course-Party at Chuck E Cheeses.  His whole face lights up when he sees Chris walk through our front door.

Chris has an amazing sense of humor.  The things that come out of his mouth are hilarious.  He'll pop by now and then, just to stop by and say Hi, hang with the kids and check in.  I love that.  Chris is super easy going.  Nothing really phases him, he just rolls with the punches.  He has been around for an occasional meltdown, and he is so good at calming my kids.  He's a natural!

I know I talk about wanting a sister a lot, but I have to admit.  I really like having three brothers.  They are all so unique and have their own personalities.  It's nice to have them around.  I know they have my back, no matter what.  And I know they will always be there. It's a nice feeling.  I know Mom and Dad won't be around forever (which is a topic I never like talking about or ever bring up) But sometimes I think about it.   I love that I know I have family.  And as much as they roll their eyes at me, they always show up when I ask them to be somewhere, and I know I'm important to them.

And they are important to me.

So Happy Birthday Christopher.

I'm so glad you are my Brother.

I love you!

We're ready for Kindergarten!

This weekend was a very exciting one for the Kirbyface Household.

Jack had his Pre-school Graduation.

Here's our Little Man excepting his certificate from his teacher.

(Please note-as Jack calls it-this was a Jumpy-House Party- *please excuse my child's bare feet- he does own shoes*)

We are so proud!!

Jack's teacher goes all out for this event.  It's her end of the year Thank You for all of her parents and students- present and past.

Needless to say it's a packed house!

Here are all the Graduates this year.

They did a performance for the parents.

Led by Ms. Benu

(most adorable performance ever)

Lemme tell ya.....

Ms. Benu knows how to throw a party!

The food....OH MY LORD the food.

The butter chicken.....I could bathe in the butter chicken.....

So so so good.

Jack's Grandparents joined us for the event.

We are so thankful for Benu and all she has done for Jack.  We are truly Blessed to have been introduced to her.  She is an amazing Teacher.  

And we are SO SO SO proud of you Jack-Man!

Look out Kindergarten!  Here comes Jack!

Happy Birthday Brit!!

Happy Birthday Girl!

Sooooo...

By now, most of you know who Brit is.

I know I tend to talk about her A LOT.


I have to admit I spend most of my time with her.  And I love every second of it.

Brittany and I met in 2003 when she was dating my Brother Ben, they were High School sweethearts and I would run into her at My Mom's house occasionally.

When I got pregnant in 2005 I was talking to My Mom about who was going to watch our Son once he was born.  I knew that I couldn't put him into daycare right away, and was hoping for an in home Nanny.  (You know, cause I'm loaded and all.....)
My Mom said... "You know...Brittany is one of 7 kids, and I heard that she was looking for a new job, I bet she'd be perfect!"

And she was.

The rest is History.  Brittany started watching Jack when I went back to work.  I knew she was the right candidate after we had a "trial" run and she had Jack for the first time one afternoon.  Let's just say Jack wasn't the easiest baby....He had colic and would scream cry every time someone other than Clay and I held him.  I walked up to the house expecting to hear tears.  Nothing.  The house was silent.  I walked up the stairs to find Brit in the rocker with a sound asleep baby on her chest.  I was amazed. And knew instantly I had made the right decision.

What I love most about Brit is that we can be doing absolutely nothing and still have a great time.  There are many a night that we just hang on my couch and just veg out, and I love that.

We also can be out on the town and have just as much fun.

The amount of help she has provided me over the years is infinite .

I don't know what I would do without her.

My children adore her, I adore her, she is the best.

Growing up, there was nothing I wanted more, than to have a sister.  Instead God blessed me with  3 brothers.  Which kinda worked out perfectly, because if Benjamin had been a girl, I never would have met Brit, and wouldn't have her in my life.  And God knows I need Brit.  (He's so smart-why mess with God's plan-he knows exactly what he's doing)

And now.....

I finally get my Sister.  And I couldn't have hand picked her better myself.

She is patient, and kind, and giving, and thoughtful, and sweet and absolutely the perfect match for my little Brother.  I could not have been more thrilled the day he proposed to her.  She is the perfect addition to our family.  We all love her so much.

So Happy Birthday Lady.

I hope today is wonderful.

You deserve all the best life has to give.

Love you B!

Happy Birthday Casey!

Happy Birthday Miss Casey!

Casey started dating my Brother in Law when Jack was One.

She was away at school for a bit in Arizona, and then finished her degree here in Northern California last spring.

She was always so busy with school. She is such a good student!

I always enjoyed our time together when we had family get togethers, and always got along great.

It seems in the last year we have spent more time together and have really gotten to know each other.  Now we shop, and go to events, and have Happy Hour rendezvous.

And she has become one of my close friends.

I love our time together!

She is so great with my kids.

And she's always up for some fun.

I love her easy-goingness and how thoughtful she is.

Sometimes I'm amazed at how much we have in common.

I love that she loves fashion and shopping just as much as I do.

She is a great friend, and has many wonderful women in her life that she holds dear.

I love how perfect she is for my Brother in Law.  They really compliment each other well.

She is so positive and uplifting.

I love that about her too!

I pretty much love EVERYTHING about this lady!

She is always so good to me on my Birthday.

She understands the meaning of a Birthday Celebration, and agrees that a Birthday should be celebrated at minimum for one week.

:)

I hope your day is perfect today Case- You deserve it!

And I hope this week is full of fun just for you!

Happy, Happy Birthday!

Looking forward to spending many, many more together!

Happy Birthday Jaime!

Happy Birthday Bo!!!

Ahhhh Jaime.

How I love me some Jaime.

She is MY GIRL!

Jaime and I met on a cool September evening.

At a Party

At Grams...

When Gram was out of town...
(sorry Gram...)

Roseanne had invited Bo to come along that night ..and...if you know me...I'm a "The More the Merrier!" type of gal.

This is how our first conversation went.

"Hi!  I'm Jaime... Why is My boyfriend's Senior picture on your fridge? ...because...He didn't even have enough to give me one...."

I looked blankly at her....

"You mean Marty?  I've known him since he was born...INFACT...(and then I went into the story how Marty was even on this EARTH...but that's a story for another time....)

We saw each other here and there after that night....

Our Friendship, however.....blossomed on Valentines Day.

We had seen each other the day before the big Holiday, Jaime said..."What are you doing tomorrow?"

Me: "Nothing.... Want to go to Chili's with everyone and celebrate not being in love?"

And that's what we did.

Jaime will always be my Valentine.

:)

Jaime and I can laugh at nothing for HOURS.
and the Jokes never get old.
Never.

One word can send us into hysterics.

She is my Partner in Crime, My fellow Sheriff.

We always seem to be Nsync.

;)

There is more to Jaime and Heidi than a constant good time.
(although....isn't that enough?)

Jaime is one of the strongest women I know.

She is a wonderful Role Model, which made her the perfect woman to be Madeline's Godmother.

 I know she will guide Madeline with her faith and values, and of course her fashion sense.

Jaime was there by my side the day I had my Marriage blessed in the church.
(see that look- I have seen it many, many times-She's got my back-No matter what-I can count on her)

It probably should be known that the whole reason I went into labor 9 days early was due to Jaime.
(I'm just sayin....somebody pushed on my stomach....it may or may not have been Bo)

She is Up for anything.
I love that I can suggest any excursion

and she will be right by my side

whatever the ride may be.

If I could only have two pictures that perfectly describe Jaime and my 16 year friendship it would be these:

And

It's clear how much fun we have together.

She is such an amazing woman, a true friend and one of the best Moms I've ever seen.

We have been through a lot together over the years

Including....High speed chases, dramatic bathroom incidents, run in's with the law, bar fights, drive by's causing cardiac arrest, drug busts.....and much, much more.

We live on the edge.

;)

There is no one I rather have by my side.

She is the best friend a girl could hope for.

And I'm so glad she's one of mine.

Happy Birthday Jaime, J, Bo, Sexy, James, Bubbles!

Here's to many, many more....

(Currently I owe my piggy bank $1325......somehow, I'll be ready for Paris in 2018.....remember when 40 sounded HELLA old????  Where does the time go?.....)

Love you!!