August = birthdays galore!

I have so many family members with birthdays in August. (And Andee's birthday is in the first week of September.) So basically we have a birthday party almost every weekend until after Labor day. But its all good! I love celebrating the lives of my family. I thought I'd write a little blurb about each of them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

First, JESSICA!!! Her 18th birthday was August 11th.

I just love the crap out of this girl. I mean really, every time I see her I can't help but smile. She is the epitome of silly, dorky, pretty & fun. She can make me laugh when I'm in a bad mood, cheer me up when I'm sad and comfort me when I'm stressed. Most of you know her and you all know what I'm talking about. I hardly ever see this girl in a bad mood.

She is a dedicated dancer; which makes spending time with her VERY difficult. You almost need to check with her coach before talking to her. But she loves, eats and sleeps Jordan Drill. I have nothing but the utmost respect for her and her dedication. Long practices, competitions, tight outfits, sore muscles and the endless kicking. I get exhausted just thinking about what a drill practice is like. I love watching her doing watch she loves most. Its so inspiring.

Jessica, my sweet, I love you dearly. You are my baby sister and my happiness. Thank you for always being there to put a huge smile on my face. Happy birthday!! I can't believe you're 18!!! Seriously, it makes me feel so old. I hope your day was wonderful and I can't wait to celebrate with you tomorrow. (Thanks for making time to go to breakfast with me on Friday...or should I thank Chandra??) :P

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Second there is KELLY (KJ). My sister Andee's husband. His 30th birthday is on the 25th.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KJ!! You're 30....wow...you're old!! ;)

This guy is another reason I smile all the time. So sarcastic and witty. We've had many good jokes!! He is a very motivated landscaper. Not only does he mow our lawn twice a week, he deals with trimming, cutting, clipping, weeding, poop scooping, decorating and trapping rats!! (Or coaching my Simon on how to catch rats!) I can't thank this guy enough for all he has done for our house. It looks so much better on the outside and really gives this place a "home" feeling. Thank you for keeping this place looking nice. Oh and thank you for dealing with my sister. She's a handful that one!! You're a patient man....(just teasing Andee!!!) Plus you agreed to buy a house with me, Andee's twin. Again, you're a very patient man. And thanks for cleaning up after my dogs - that's the biggest thanks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now there is my Dad and my nephew Dallin. Both born on August 31st...but MANY years apart! ;)

I wish I had more pics of him

DALLIN! He is Joe's Luke Skywalker. His padawan, his pupil, his apprentice. They share some of the same "gamer" passions and dreams. He's a smart kid that will definitely be inspired by technology. He loves playing with other kids and enjoys hanging out with little Jesse. They're always getting into trouble together. Dallin has always been such a sweet boy and he always gives me goodbye hugs.

Happy birthday Dallin...I'm sorry you have to share your day with my Dad. Your birthday will never be as important.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Which brings me to my Dad. Although his birthday is on the 31st, we start celebrating it after Jessica's and all the way to Andee's. (He truly believes the month of August is all about him.) Ask him where we're going to dinner...its his birthday, he decides. What movie are we going to see? Well whatever he wants...its his birthday! Hee hee.

DAD will be 55 this year. (Sorry for outing your age) I've always been a huge daddy's girl and he really does mean the world to me. Whenever I have a mathematical, geological, technical, or any other type of question, I know he's just a phone call away. I am so lucky to have a dad that can be so understanding and accepting - okay well most of the time! I know he loves me unconditionally, even though sometimes I disappoint. He is proud of my career choice, husband choice and life choice. Whether it was the life he wanted for me or not, I know he's proud nonetheless.

You all know "Uncle Al the Kiddies Pal!" He's always been great with kids. Laughing, spoiling, teaching, frustrating and guiding! My dad has done SO MUCH for me over the years. I'm grateful to have such a supporting figure in my life. Even though he can be extremely ornery sometimes and constantly inquisitive..."What? What's going on?" "What's happening?" He still is a great role model. Luckily I married a man very similar to my dad. Both logical thinkers (lucky me!) Both dorky, nerdy and fascinated by anything sci-fi. They're big Trekkers too. I love it though. I get my time with Nancy and Joe gets his time with my dad. Its a perfect situation!!

Happy birthday Dad. Your month long birthday celebration has officially started. Although I celebrate you every day! NO TIME!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Okay, those are the 4 birthdays in August. (It doesn't seem like a lot, but considering its the only month we celebrate more than 2 people, it gets hectic trying to plan parties) But each of these people mean so much to me, in so many different ways. My sister, brother-in-law, nephew and dad. I appreciate each of you and really want you to know that I am celebrating you. Happy birthday guys!!! **** I also want to give a shout out to everyone else who has a birthday in August. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I have some friends and Joe has a niece who were also born this month - hope your birthdays were and will be great!!! ****

P.S. Sorry Andee, technically you're a September baby and will have to wait for that September post. Even though your birthday is thrown into the "August chaos of celebration," I'll dedicate a post just for you. Love you Smalls!!!