Missing

Today, my "lost and found" ad is looking like this:

Missing:
Tiny bundle of joy. Born on Earth Day, April 22, 2002. The towheaded, blue-eyed, drooling, cooing, baby is no where to be found! He answers to the name of Sam. If you see him, please send him my way; my arms feel empty. Here's a picture to help:



Found:
Big, seven year old boy. Loves baseball, legos and girls! (say what?!?!) He still answers to the name Sam and "Buddy". And most importantly, he still cuddles and loves to snuggle with his mom!



He's a keeper! Oh, how it amazes me to think of these past seven years! What a miracle a child is and what a job it is to raise them; but it could never be traded for anything!

Happy Birthday, Sam! You're one special boy!

One proud Mama~
Laurie

Spring Break Recap...

I know, I know, I haven't posted anything in a long time. It seems that I've been real busy, but I'm not sure exactly with what, so I can't even offer up an excuse. Anyway, here's an update on what we've been doing!

The kids had Spring break the second week of April and we went on a road trip to see as many family members as possible! First, we journeyed to Alabama and got to have all of the cousins together for the first time in a long time! My brother did an excellent job acting as entertainment coordinator and had the kids hiking, playing baseball and dodge ball. Believe me, these kiddos were pooped by the time Sat. evening came along. And what was amazing was watching seven kids ranging from ages 3 to 15 get along and enjoy each others company!

After the first trip, we came home and enjoyed one day with John before he had to go out of town for business. Then, while he was gone, we had our friends, the Schusters, join us for a slumber party! Again, the kids had a blast and it was nice to have a "girly night" with Cheri while was John was gone!


Next, we headed to Chattanooga to see John's parents. We had a super visit and got to take in the Aquarium and had a wonderful picnic in the park!



We came back on Friday and got ready for the big Easter weekend! We had the church egg hunt on Sat. and the kids got loaded down with lots of sugar and treats! It was a hunting frenzy!

Easter Sunday was beautiful and I just couldn't believe how cute the kids looked! (And John looked quite dapper, too, if I do say so myself!)







All in all, Spring Break was a busy, fun-filled week...family, friends and a holiday to celebrate rebirth! How perfectly wonderful!

Whew~
Laurie

P.S. And what does Easter also kick-off?!?! White shoe season, of course!!!! Could these feet be any more darling?

This day in history...

April 4, 1969 ...

Time Magazine Cover


Headline ...

Dr. Denton Cooley implants first temporary artificial heart. (Is there a hamster in that thing making it run?)


Hottest news of the day?!?!?

Laurie Michelle Givens was brought into the world in Mobile, AL! (Loud rumble of applause!)

Yes, today I turn 40. The big 4-0! And you know what...I'm fine with it. As a matter of fact, I think it's great! Lately, I've heard so many people say things like "Oh, to be 18 again" or "I can't believe I'm this old. Where did all of the years go?" Well, I'm looking at "all those years" and see the many different experiences that have made me ME!

Moving between 5 different states, going to college, making some wonderful friends and dating the man that I will eventually marry, getting married, traveling to so many exotic places, becoming a mother of two and living a settled life full of family and friends. That sums up my forty years! Yes, I've had bumps; yes, some experiences have given me bruises and yes, tears have been shed. But smiles, laughter and love have prevailed!

Turning 40 is just another day to me (except for all of the balloons, gifts, cakes, etc that people may want to lavish upon me!!!). But, I will soak it all in and feel fabulous.

My sister-in-law gave me this for my big day (It is just screaming for it's first fill of Folgers):


It's gonna go great with this t-shirt I already have!


“To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly.” ~ Henri Bergson

Forty and Fabulous~
Laurie