Another Birthday to celebrate...

I know it is a cliche, but "where did all those years go?" It's very hard for me to realize that our oldest child will be 33 years old tomorrow. Jennifer was always our easy-going, wanting-to-please kind of child...didn't like messy hands, but loved animals. Jennifer made friends easily, and enjoyed the outdoors. She wanted any and all pets, from hamsters to iguanas...and Jennifer

still has a kindred spirit for God's furry creatures!

Birthdays are always a BIG DEAL for children, and I guess, as a mother, it's hard for me to let go of that "big deal" kind of feeling when it comes to celebrations for our children, and now our grandchildren.

The trouble is that we now had to celebrate Jen's birthday via webcam this afternoon.

She was a good sport listening to us sing our rendition of "Happy Birthday to you..." and we watched her open little presents from us. Then her niece Cailyn did the honors and blew out the candle on the tray of cupcakes I had made for our "virtual birthday party" in Jen's honor.

It just isn't the same as giving her a big hug in person though!

Jennifer, we hope celebrating your first birthday in Florida instead of Arizona is a special one...You are a beautiful woman, inside and out. Here's Jen on her 30th birthday, and I'm sure she hasn't changed a bit! (except maybe her hair style or color!) HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JENNIFER!! WE LOVE YOU LOTS!!!!

Landon's First Visit

Landon was 10 days old for his first visit to Mimi and Grandpa's house! We were thrilled to have their little family come over for lunch on February 13. Little Landon was greeted by his grandparents, his Aunt Alissa and Aunt Jennifer in Florida (via webcam). Cailyn seemed to enjoy "rocking" Landon in his car carrier.

Landon has his days and nights mixed up yet, so he slept quite a bit during their visit. One nap was in the "family bassinett" while we ate our lunch...

and one nap was on Grandpa's chest. Grandpa had a nap too!

Thanks for coming to see us! You are a special gift from God to our family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

First, we are celebrating the "birth"-day of our grandson~he was born on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 5:59 a.m. Named Landon John Michael Ruggiero, he weighed 7 lb. 14 oz and is a very special addition to our family. His parents will be sharing the "rest of the story" of his birth soon!

Secondly, TODAY is February 8, 2011, and it's time to wish our "sweetie pie" Cailyn a BIG "Happy Birthday"!! Today, she turns "two"...Oh my...what joy she has brought us in those two years! You are going to be one very special "big sister" to Landon, I'm sure! Happy Birthday from Mimi and Grandpa to Cailyn Grace!