Happy Birthday, Buster....#11

Well, we just can't believe that God has blessed us with another year with our beautiful boy, Buster. Tomorrow, he turns 11 years old and we never, ever thought we'd see the day, especially after his cancer diagnoses in June 2004. He is and has always been such a joy in our lives. We look to him daily for a reminder of how precious and fragile life can be and how beautiful and fulfilling, too. He is so patient and kind, humble and forgiving, unconditionally loving and caring, supportive thru it all and the warmest, softest, cuddliest bed-buddy you could ever wish for. We are so happy that God chose us for him - he has given a lifetime of happiness and love and has asked for nothing more than a good cuddle in return, something no human could ever do. What a teacher he is and has been - what a wise soul.

Buster is beginning to show us that he is slowing down. We had a little scare last week but he seems to be fine, now, thank God. Our hope and continued prayer is for his comfort and happiness. We know peace will come to him when God calls him home. It's hard to ask for more than what we've been given in Buster; we'd love another 11 years but we won't complain if we don't get them. We know that we have been given a truly, special gift in the time that we've had him in our lives. Please keep our little Buster in your prayers...we love him with all of our hearts!!!!!

One Year Later...

OK...maybe not as poignant as the first time around but still just as precious.....

My Super Heroes!!!

Jax was enhanced, thanks to daddy. Buster credits his enhancement to lots of treats!

A Scary Sight!

Baby with a Belleek Box!!!! AAAHHHHH! Please God, let it be empty! Indeed it was, lucky for Jax but I will say it gave me a scare! He was having a ball with it - it amazes me how easy to please he can be (stress on the "can"...). I just can't get enough of him - he's such a doll!

The Cheeto Incident

2 minutes....a few Cheetos.....and this..... How do they do it? I think he likes the feel of them, crunching between his short, chubby fingers. He must obviously like the LOOK of them, down on my floors, as well as on his head. Charming. I guess it could have been worse...no, I KNOW it could have been worse (and it has!!).

Broadway, Here He Comes!!!

Well, let's hope not, for Darren's sake! Jax LOVES to put on our shoes and stumble thru the house, especially anything with a heal on it (which basically means my shoes...my not-so-cheap shoes....my only-wear-'em-for-special occasions, shoes....). The sandals were cute and the boots were too.....however, the pumps demanded a photo-op, so here it is!

Mommy's LIttle Helper

The Morning After...

Bring on the coffee! The kids were ready for Round 2 - Auntie Shelly and I were not!

Auntie Shelly and Riley

When can we open Presents????

Do they look ready or what???

Mom and Dave at Christmas

And Here Come the Troops!!!

What a Christmas (again!)...we pigged out on a massive Prime Rib (I passed, thank you very much), drank incredible wine (Couvee Rouge from Thornton Winery, Temecula.....TO DIE FOR!!!!.....and a perfect Cab from Baily Winery - Temecula...it was darn good even without the beef), opened presents for what seemed like hours, laughed until we almost "had accidents", played with the kids and their new toys, listened to vintage Christmas music (White Christmas Soundtrack and Doris Day's Christmas Recordings....sorry Darren and Shelly...), gobbled down a delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake (I actually made this in my "spare" time...), sipped on coffee and unbuttoned our pants. It was grueling and perfect, tiring and wonderful, hilarious and sentimental....everything you'd ever wish for. Best part is, I only broke one of my crystal wine glasses - not bad, considering the wine "sipping" that went on! Buster was a trooper who got his own slice of beef for dinner. I don't recall ever seeing his food bowl so sparkling clean! Once again, we are blessed!!!

Mom's Presents!

New rims and tires for my Hummer and of course, my little pistol, Jax!

Christmas Morning, 2006

The big day was here and you would've thought that we hadn't had any celebrations yet! We were all so excited, especially Jax and Buster. They love watching and helping when others open gifts. They almost help a little too much; Buster is great at adding slobber for helping to tear paper off packages and Jax is great at opening gifts under the tree before you even get to them. They both would make wonderful elves! Darren and I soaked up the blessing that our life as a family has become. Just looking at our boys on this beautiful, blessed day made our hearts light and our eyes misty. We can't believe how far we've come and how truly, truly blessed we are. The Lord has given us more than we could have ever asked, wished or dreamt for and we are so grateful. This Christmas was a miracle for us! Thank you, Lord Jesus....

Santa Came! Santa Came!

Wow! What a treat it was for Darren and me to see our little man with his first stocking from Santa. He just couldn't get over the fact that there were actual "things" down in that long sock that had been hanging from the mantle for so darn long! He cracked us up when he would reach his little arm down in there and pull out another treasure. After the first few, he could've cared less about the others - he was fascinated with his new treats and having a ball with them! It was like pulling teeth to get him to open all the rest of his presents that didn't fit into the stocking. He was too busy playing with his new things to even care!

Big Brother Buster was a great help, as always, and Jax eventually made it through everything.....Eventually! Sheesh! It was so sweet to see Jax experience this wonderful tradition. Darren and I were so tired but seeing our baby having such a great time was better than the best cup of Starbuck's, ever! Well, maybe not better than the Pumpkin Spice Latte they have....oh what am I saying, of course it was better! Apparently my Starbuck's addiction classes aren't going so well......teehee! Anyway, Santa was good to Jax and I'd say he deserved every bit of it!!!!

Christmas Eve Bedtime Story

Pretty exciting night for us, it was! The house was all "a buzz" with Santa's pending visit. The question was, would it be candy or coal??? A little of both would have been fair, however we all know what a kind, wonderful, loving, forgiving and patient person Santa really is...(do I hear parents around the world cheering????) so, sweets for the sweet were no doubt in order. Anyway, Jax enjoyed his night-night story, knowing Santa was on his way.

3rd Christmas Celebration...

...was with Shawn's best friend Linda ("Lou") McLaughlin and her three children, Ryan, Caley and Riley. We had so much fun just hanging out in our p.j.'s and decorating Xmas Tree Sugar Cones with mini M&M's for the decorations. Jax loved it! He was a mess but had a ball. We finished off our evening with a Christmas program for the kids before they all (including Jax) went off to sleep, while Lou and I caught up on life and the blessings of motherhood, especially during such a special time of year. It was great and will no doubt be an annual tradition from now on!

Our Next Christmas Celebration...

...was with Grandma and Grandpa Dave, Auntie ("TeeTee") Shelly and cousins Riley & Colin, along with Dave's son and daughter in law, Mark and Julie and their 2 boys Jack and A.J. We had a feast of feasts at Parker's Lighthouse in Long Beach. Yummy! We spent about 3 hours together enjoying the wonderful cuisine, spirits and beautiful views of Shoreline Village and Long Beach Harbor. It was a perfect day!!

Jaxon's 1st Celebrated Christmas

Jaxon was very blessed to be able to spend his "first" Christmas with so many loved one's and friends. We started out with a celebration at Jax's Granny's house (Darren's mom) where he was spoiled absolutely rotten, of course. We had so much fun catching up with all of our "Wild" relatives. It was truly a dream come true for us to all be together for Christmas, FINALLY!!!