Conner had a great birthday. We decided the Sunday before his birthday that we would let him have a friend party this year. Conner was so excited. We decided on seven friends for him to invite. I was a little nervous about how it was going to work out. He had decided on two friends from the neighborhood, one friend that has been his best friend for forever, and then four friends from school. I worried that where all of his friends didn't know each other if it would be a problem. They all got along wonderfully! I had been working out at the school that week and so I was unable to put as much time as I would like to have put into planning the party. On Thursday, I still didn't have any real great ideas for a party. Thanks so much to my friend Gina, she suggested a winter themed party. It was a great idea!
Conner's friends really were a cute group of boys. His good friends from school are: PortER, SpencER, CartER, and him (ConnER). It can be confusing at times!
Once the kids got here, we played Pin-The-Nose on the Snowman. It was a huge hit! Then we played a game where I put a package of cotton balls on a cookie sheet. I also had another cookie sheet. I blindfolded them one at a time and then they tried to move the "snowballs" from one cookie sheet to the other. The one with the most was the winner. We then opened presents, had cake, and broke the pinata.
That night once Grandpa Roskelley & Sam got home from skiing, we opened more presents and had more cake and ice cream. We gave him a Pocket V-Smile and two game cartridges for it. Grandpa & Grandma Roskelley gave him a gift certificate for McDonald's. They also gave him some money. I have him the choice if he wanted to buy more Magnetix or a new pair of snow boots. There was no hesitation. He wanted new snow boots. He has been wearing this pair of Pooh Bear snow boots. They are pretty juvenile. Conner hates them and has been begging for big boy boots all winter.
Saturday they went to Wal-Mart and picked out a pair of new snow boots. Saturday afternoon we drove down to Leo's in Idaho Falls. Leo's is a place that serves pizza, hamburgers, and salads. They also have a huge indoor climbing thing and an arcade. My kids love it there. Afterwards, we went to Grandpa & Grandma Kennedy's. They gave him a set of Tinker Toys. Conner was so excited. He loves to create things with his hands.
I will post pictures of his friend party.
Showing posts with label Birthday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Birthday. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Happy Birthday Conner
Dear Conner,
As I sit here at the computer tonight I find it so hard that tomorrow you will be turning six. Conner, you have brought more joy into our lives than you will ever know. I thank my Heavenly Father every day for blessing my life with you.
I cannot believe that just over six years ago your dad and I felt the urgency to put in our paperwork again to begin the adoption process a second time. We knew the wait would be short but we had no idea how short it would be. We found out in the middle of January that your birthmom was looking at files and was considering us. We found out that next week that she had selected us to be your parents. You weren't due be born for another ten days. You, however, had different plans. Once she selected us and we wrote back to her, she went into labor. Your birthmom and I both know that all you were waiting for was for her to decide on a family. Once she had done that, you didn't see the need to wait any longer and decided to make your grand appearance into the world.
The day you were placed in our arms was a day I will never forget. Your dad and I got up and got dressed in our Sunday best. We were so excited to finally see you. Aunt Michele watched Sam while we went and met you. Your birthmom, Brenda, brought you over from the hospital. One of your birthfather's sisters came along with her for moral support. Brenda walked into the room and immediately placed you in my arms. Michael McLean wrote a song that I think beautifully describes what everyone in that room felt that day.
There's an ache that's missing today
There's an emptiness that's been filled
There's a cloud that's lifting and drifting away
There's a raging storm that's been stilled
There's a joy that's real
There's a wound that's finally healed
There's a future replacing the past
This breath of new life in the cast
Something perfect is happening here
And this moment will bury the mountains of fears
And the countless tomorrows in a world disappears
Something that's perfect is happening here.
No one knows so no one can say
That tomorrow all will be well
Will the brightest promise that shines in today
shine tomorrow no one can tell
But one thing is sure and will be forever more
Such unselfish love has been giv'n
The world just made more room for Heaven
Something perfect is happening here
And this moment will bury the mountains of fears
And the countless tomorrows in a world disappears
Something that's perfect is happening here.
The Spirit was so strong in that room that day. There is not a doubt in my mind or Brenda's mind that this was all part of our Heavenly Father's great plan for you.
Little did we know when we left the agency that day, that Brenda would come back into our lives. As you know, Brenda eventually married your birthfather, Steve. Through the years, Brenda has become a very good friend of mine. I love her for not only being your angel birthmom but I also love her for becoming my eternal friend. I have felt many times in talking with her that she was my sister long before we came to this earth life.
As I have watched you through the years Conner, I can't help but think of what a beautiful combination of nature and nurture you are. You are so laid back and easy going. We all know you didn't get that from definitely didn't come from me or your dad! I know your laid back easy going spirit is a trait of Brenda. I love that about you. When I look at you I see so much of your physical traits are directly linked to Steve. You look so much like him. But I also see a lot of Steve's wittiness in you. I haven't quite figured out what you have of mine. Other than you are my little cuddle bug! I love you for that. I also see you do alot of your dad's expressions. People always comment how much you look like him too. Teachers at the school often remind me that you are so your father's son!
I hope you always remember just how loved you truly are. You have a huge birthfamily that loves you so much. Your dad and I love you more than you know. You have great grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all who love you. The relationship I have loved watching through the years is that of you and Sam. Sam had prayed for a brother for years. You see Sam knew you were coming long before your dad and I knew you were coming. When we found out about you, we had just had a great Christmas. We had spent some of our adoption savings to have a huge Christmas. We figured we would have plenty of time to put it back in. So imagine my surprise when the agency called and said Brenda was considering us and one other family. I went to my room to pray that she would choose the other family. I wanted a baby so bad but didn't know how we would pay the adoption cost. I came downstairs from closing my prayer and Sam said, out of the blue, that he was getting a new baby brother. I hadn't said a word to him about there even being that possibility. I knew in that moment that you were coming. I went upstairs and offered a "please forgive me prayer" and vowed we would do whatever it took to get you here. I have to admit that it wasn't all roses. While Sam had prayed for a little brother, once he figured you were here to stay, he wasn't quite sure what he had prayed for! However, it didn't take you two long to become the best of friends. As I have watched you two play through the years, once again I have come to know that you two knew each other long ago. I love the way that you admire Sam. I thought it was so cute last week when you found out that Sam had ski school on Friday and wouldn't be home until after 8:00. You cried so hard that Sam wouldn't be home all day on Friday. It was cute how you waited all day long for him to get home. I hope you two always remain best friends.
Conner I love so much about you. I love your beautiful blue eyes. When you were born, Brenda was hoping that they would stay blue. They have and they are so pretty. I love looking into those pretty blue eyes. I love it that you are six and are still my little cuddle bug! Sam was such an active baby that I wanted the next baby to be more cuddly and that you were. There were days that I would curse that I couldn't put you down without you fussing. But I have come to love your hugs and kisses. I love it how you come and jump in my arms and cuddle with me. I know I already commented about how easy going you are. I love your easy going way. I often wish I could be more like that. I could talk to you all day. I love to hear your cute little voice. I love how witty you are. I always manage a good laugh when I talk to you. I know we joke about it but I think it is cute how your ears get red and glow whenever you are sick or tired. It is always a good indicator of when it's your bed time. You are so creative. I know I cuss the torn paper around the house and how my paper products are always disappearing but I love how you are always trying to create things. I love the sweet Spirit that you bring into our family. Our family would not be complete without you. I admire your desire to do what is right. I hope that will continue throughout your whole life. I as a mom, often think I learn more from my children than I will ever teach them. Most of all Conner, I consider myself most blessed for being chosen to be your mom.
My birthday letter to you wouldn't be complete without giving thanks to the one who gave you life. I think as an adoptive mom that is the hardest thing about birthdays for me. While they are always such an exciting day for us, it hurts me to know that somewhere out there someone is missing you a little more on your special day. I will forever be indebted to your birthmom, your birthfather, and our Heavenly Father for bringing you into our family. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank my Heavenly Father for the sacrifice that they made. I am often overwhelmed at the trust that they have placed in me to be your mother.
In a few short hours you will be six. We will awake to a day filled with festivities for your special day. We will celebrate with friends, family, cake, presents and balloons. I hope your day will be a great one!
Love,
Mom
As I sit here at the computer tonight I find it so hard that tomorrow you will be turning six. Conner, you have brought more joy into our lives than you will ever know. I thank my Heavenly Father every day for blessing my life with you.
I cannot believe that just over six years ago your dad and I felt the urgency to put in our paperwork again to begin the adoption process a second time. We knew the wait would be short but we had no idea how short it would be. We found out in the middle of January that your birthmom was looking at files and was considering us. We found out that next week that she had selected us to be your parents. You weren't due be born for another ten days. You, however, had different plans. Once she selected us and we wrote back to her, she went into labor. Your birthmom and I both know that all you were waiting for was for her to decide on a family. Once she had done that, you didn't see the need to wait any longer and decided to make your grand appearance into the world.
The day you were placed in our arms was a day I will never forget. Your dad and I got up and got dressed in our Sunday best. We were so excited to finally see you. Aunt Michele watched Sam while we went and met you. Your birthmom, Brenda, brought you over from the hospital. One of your birthfather's sisters came along with her for moral support. Brenda walked into the room and immediately placed you in my arms. Michael McLean wrote a song that I think beautifully describes what everyone in that room felt that day.
There's an ache that's missing today
There's an emptiness that's been filled
There's a cloud that's lifting and drifting away
There's a raging storm that's been stilled
There's a joy that's real
There's a wound that's finally healed
There's a future replacing the past
This breath of new life in the cast
Something perfect is happening here
And this moment will bury the mountains of fears
And the countless tomorrows in a world disappears
Something that's perfect is happening here.
No one knows so no one can say
That tomorrow all will be well
Will the brightest promise that shines in today
shine tomorrow no one can tell
But one thing is sure and will be forever more
Such unselfish love has been giv'n
The world just made more room for Heaven
Something perfect is happening here
And this moment will bury the mountains of fears
And the countless tomorrows in a world disappears
Something that's perfect is happening here.
The Spirit was so strong in that room that day. There is not a doubt in my mind or Brenda's mind that this was all part of our Heavenly Father's great plan for you.
Little did we know when we left the agency that day, that Brenda would come back into our lives. As you know, Brenda eventually married your birthfather, Steve. Through the years, Brenda has become a very good friend of mine. I love her for not only being your angel birthmom but I also love her for becoming my eternal friend. I have felt many times in talking with her that she was my sister long before we came to this earth life.
As I have watched you through the years Conner, I can't help but think of what a beautiful combination of nature and nurture you are. You are so laid back and easy going. We all know you didn't get that from definitely didn't come from me or your dad! I know your laid back easy going spirit is a trait of Brenda. I love that about you. When I look at you I see so much of your physical traits are directly linked to Steve. You look so much like him. But I also see a lot of Steve's wittiness in you. I haven't quite figured out what you have of mine. Other than you are my little cuddle bug! I love you for that. I also see you do alot of your dad's expressions. People always comment how much you look like him too. Teachers at the school often remind me that you are so your father's son!
I hope you always remember just how loved you truly are. You have a huge birthfamily that loves you so much. Your dad and I love you more than you know. You have great grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all who love you. The relationship I have loved watching through the years is that of you and Sam. Sam had prayed for a brother for years. You see Sam knew you were coming long before your dad and I knew you were coming. When we found out about you, we had just had a great Christmas. We had spent some of our adoption savings to have a huge Christmas. We figured we would have plenty of time to put it back in. So imagine my surprise when the agency called and said Brenda was considering us and one other family. I went to my room to pray that she would choose the other family. I wanted a baby so bad but didn't know how we would pay the adoption cost. I came downstairs from closing my prayer and Sam said, out of the blue, that he was getting a new baby brother. I hadn't said a word to him about there even being that possibility. I knew in that moment that you were coming. I went upstairs and offered a "please forgive me prayer" and vowed we would do whatever it took to get you here. I have to admit that it wasn't all roses. While Sam had prayed for a little brother, once he figured you were here to stay, he wasn't quite sure what he had prayed for! However, it didn't take you two long to become the best of friends. As I have watched you two play through the years, once again I have come to know that you two knew each other long ago. I love the way that you admire Sam. I thought it was so cute last week when you found out that Sam had ski school on Friday and wouldn't be home until after 8:00. You cried so hard that Sam wouldn't be home all day on Friday. It was cute how you waited all day long for him to get home. I hope you two always remain best friends.
Conner I love so much about you. I love your beautiful blue eyes. When you were born, Brenda was hoping that they would stay blue. They have and they are so pretty. I love looking into those pretty blue eyes. I love it that you are six and are still my little cuddle bug! Sam was such an active baby that I wanted the next baby to be more cuddly and that you were. There were days that I would curse that I couldn't put you down without you fussing. But I have come to love your hugs and kisses. I love it how you come and jump in my arms and cuddle with me. I know I already commented about how easy going you are. I love your easy going way. I often wish I could be more like that. I could talk to you all day. I love to hear your cute little voice. I love how witty you are. I always manage a good laugh when I talk to you. I know we joke about it but I think it is cute how your ears get red and glow whenever you are sick or tired. It is always a good indicator of when it's your bed time. You are so creative. I know I cuss the torn paper around the house and how my paper products are always disappearing but I love how you are always trying to create things. I love the sweet Spirit that you bring into our family. Our family would not be complete without you. I admire your desire to do what is right. I hope that will continue throughout your whole life. I as a mom, often think I learn more from my children than I will ever teach them. Most of all Conner, I consider myself most blessed for being chosen to be your mom.
My birthday letter to you wouldn't be complete without giving thanks to the one who gave you life. I think as an adoptive mom that is the hardest thing about birthdays for me. While they are always such an exciting day for us, it hurts me to know that somewhere out there someone is missing you a little more on your special day. I will forever be indebted to your birthmom, your birthfather, and our Heavenly Father for bringing you into our family. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank my Heavenly Father for the sacrifice that they made. I am often overwhelmed at the trust that they have placed in me to be your mother.
In a few short hours you will be six. We will awake to a day filled with festivities for your special day. We will celebrate with friends, family, cake, presents and balloons. I hope your day will be a great one!
Love,
Mom
Monday, October 13, 2008
Logan's Birthday 9-15-08
I am so behind on my blogging. I was looking through my pictures and realized I didn't blog about Logan's fourth birthday.
It was a bit of an unusual birthday. Bryon was out of town on a business trip. I got up early and went to the grocery store before the kids even were out of bed. I am so glad Sam is getting at that age where I can leave him to babysit while I run these fast errands. I bought doughnuts for breakfast. I also bought cupcakes for him to take to school. Logan's birthfather and his wife had sent Logan a package in the mail. I let him open that before school. He got a pair of shorts, an Iron Man shirt, and a Texas Aggie hat.
I took him to school. After that it was a normal day. That night I took the kids out to McDonald's for dinner. We went in to eat and to play on the Playland which is always a special treat. We were just getting ready to leave and a friend from my old neighborhood showed up with her kids so my kids got to play extra long.
Bryon got home on the 17th. Logan opened presents that night. He got a pair of snowboots from his Grandpa & Grandma Kennedy. He can hardly wait for it to snow. He drags them out every day wanting to wear them! Sam, Conner, and Natalie gave him a Red cowboy hat and a Cars book. Bryon and I gave him a remote control Cars car.
My parents came up over Conference weekend and gave him a Spider-Man scooter and a new pair of pajamas for his birthday. He has enjoyed the few days of nice weather, before this cold snap we are experiencing, being able to ride his scooter up and down the block.
It was a bit of an unusual birthday. Bryon was out of town on a business trip. I got up early and went to the grocery store before the kids even were out of bed. I am so glad Sam is getting at that age where I can leave him to babysit while I run these fast errands. I bought doughnuts for breakfast. I also bought cupcakes for him to take to school. Logan's birthfather and his wife had sent Logan a package in the mail. I let him open that before school. He got a pair of shorts, an Iron Man shirt, and a Texas Aggie hat.
I took him to school. After that it was a normal day. That night I took the kids out to McDonald's for dinner. We went in to eat and to play on the Playland which is always a special treat. We were just getting ready to leave and a friend from my old neighborhood showed up with her kids so my kids got to play extra long.
Bryon got home on the 17th. Logan opened presents that night. He got a pair of snowboots from his Grandpa & Grandma Kennedy. He can hardly wait for it to snow. He drags them out every day wanting to wear them! Sam, Conner, and Natalie gave him a Red cowboy hat and a Cars book. Bryon and I gave him a remote control Cars car.
My parents came up over Conference weekend and gave him a Spider-Man scooter and a new pair of pajamas for his birthday. He has enjoyed the few days of nice weather, before this cold snap we are experiencing, being able to ride his scooter up and down the block.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Surprise Party 4-19-08
So this weekend we held a surprise party for my mother-in-law, Dorothy Kennedy. She turned sixty on April 4. Because of trying to get schedules to work, we ended up having to wait until this past weekend to celebrate. We actually threw her a little party on Conference weekend (her actual birth date) just to try to throw her off. I really think by her reaction, we succeeded
in surprising her. Everyone but one son and one daughter-in-law were able to attend. Even her father who has struggled with health problems recently was able to make it to the event. My father-in-law talked her into going furniture shopping in order to get her out of the house. While she was gone, the rest of us were busy decorating the house, picking up food, and trying to keep 15 grandchildren from tearing up the house before they got back. My father-in-law was in charge of the food. We had plenty to eat. He had ordered Chinese food from her favorite restaurant, chicken and salads from Albertson's (in case someone didn't want Chinese), and two pizzas for the grandchildren. We had a great lunch together. Then we spent the afternoon just relaxing and visiting. We had put together a book for her of tribute letters from family and friends. What would a birthday be without cake and ice cream? My sister-in-law made one of Dorothy's favorite desserts, angel food cake. My father-in-law wanted to make sure that we put sixty candles on the cake. Yes, my mother-in-law was able to blow out all sixty candles in one breath. That night we finished out the days festivities with the adults attending an endowment session in the Rexburg temple.
Birthday Bowling 04-12-08
Sam's birthday was on April 13. We always let the kids choose their favorite place to go out to eat. It is usually Leo's in Idaho Falls. Since Sam's birthday fell on Sunday, we decided to go out Saturday night. We thought Sam h
ad chosen to go to Leo's. At the last minute, he decided he wanted to stay here in Rexburg and go bowling and then out to Craigo's (a pizza and pasta place). We had a great time. We all went bowling. We rented the lane for one hour. We were able to bowl a full game in that time. It was a pretty close game for Bryon, Sam and I. At the very end, Sam pulled ahead to beat us all. That's the way it should be! Logan and Natalie didn't bowl. They had a great time sitting at the table, playing, and eating snacks. Sam wanted to go to dinner at Craigo's because he loves their Monster Cookies. We all had the All-You-Can-Eat Pasta and Pizza bar. We were all to full to order dessert. We went home and Bryon went back later to pick up a monster cookie to bring home for a treat. 
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Happy Birthday Conner
This is a blog I have been thinking about and planning for the past several days. It's official! Conner turned five years old today. Birthdays bring on mixed emotions for me. I celebrate the day my childen were born and I revel in the memories of all their years to this point. Yet my heart aches for their amazing birthparents who not only gave them life but a loving family too. My heart aches a little more on each of my children's birthdays knowing that their birthparents are missing them just a little more that day than any normal day.
While I do enjoy writing poetry, I found this poem from a friend that I think conveys my feelings so much better than I ever could. However, I have tweaked it just a little to make it fit our situation. This poem goes out to my sweet birthday boy and his birthparents, Steve & Brenda.
I didn't even know you
the day we got the call.
We met five years ago,
inside the agency walls.
We did not know that day,
as we went our seperate ways
that our paths would cross again,
another time, another day.
Though time has passed
since we met again
you are no longer a stranger
but have become a dear friend.
And now today as we reflect
the day that we all met,
I can't help but contemplate
the gratitude -- the debt.
A loving Father let you leave
His loving, caring arms
to come down to this mortal world,
where I would be your mom.
But unlike others, your path here
would lead you to another.
One who would give birth to you;
she's your dear birthmother.
How I wish to tell her
the joy you bring each day.
How your family loves you
in all you do and say.
It doesn't matter how you came
though to some it may seem strange.
Both your mothers love you so
And that will never change!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Conner's Birthday Celebration with the Roskelley's
This past weekend my parents and my sister Alyson and her two children came up to attend the open house of the Rexburg Temple. While they were here, we celebrated Conner's fifth birthday. Since we did not celebrate it on Conner's official birthday, Conner said it was "his fake birthday." We went out to dinner at Bajio's. Then we came home for Spider-Man cake and ice cream. My parents gave him and a new outfit and two Nerf guns with balls. Alyson gave him a cute dinosaur. While the outfit fit him and is adorable, he has totally loved playing with his Nerf gun and dinosaur. There was no school yesterday because of Martin Luther King Day and no school again today because of the freezing temperatures, we have had three days of feeling like we are in a war zone because he is always chasing someone with his gun. For not being sure what toy to get him mom, you SCORED!
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