Congratulations Dad!!

My dad is retiring after an astonishing 48 years with Case, Lowe and Heart as a Mechanical Engineer. What an amazing accomplishment to work in the same place for that many years! My dad has taught me the true value of hard work and determination. He and my mom have always been such an example to me and my siblings to work hard for what you want. They  have taught us all the values of hard work, loyalty, responsibility and above all Honesty. They are truly people to be admired. 

My dad's work put on a nice open house so people could come and see my dad off into the beautiful sunset of retirement and for me it was quite a treat. I got to hear of all the various contributions my dad has made to the company over the years including working for free to help keep the company a float. They also mentioned some of the things that happened in 1964 when my dad started. The Beetles had just come out, the average take home salary was $6000 and the price of gas was $.30 a gallon. Don't we wish thing cost that these days! It made me think back to some of the times I visited my dad at work. One of my fondest memories was just the simple smell of a pipe burning. My dads boss Ed Case smoked a pipe in the office (can you believe it??) and when I could smell that at home I knew then Dad was home from work. 

My dad with one of the original owners, Bob Hart

Kevin Lewis, the current President, gave a great speech about the many contributions my dad has made to the company. He also mentioned the various things that were going on in 1964 when my dad started. I can't believe he was only making $.90 an hour to start! WOW have times changed!

When his work asked what he wanted for a retirement party he said nothing, I just want a stack of $100 bills. Well he got that but it was in the form of a cake.

Here are all the various codes, laws, and guidelines my dad has had to deal with for the past 48 years!

Although most of his work is done on the computer now days for many years This was the desk my dad worked at. Deep down I think he still prefers to work on instead of the computer.

Dad, 48 years is to put it simply AMAZING! I love you dearly and hope for nothing but the best retirement you can have. I know this is a hard adjustment as you have been doing this longer than any of your kids have been a live but I know you will find plenty of things to do and if I have to I will find things around my house for you too! You have taught me so much through the years and I am blessed to have you as my father. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is always the time of year I sit back and think about the year's fun and excitement and ponder what I am thankful for. I should really be thinking about all I do have throughout the year but I realized I am truly thankful for Thanksgiving to help remind me of what I'm thankful for. I have been blessed to have a beautiful family who is healthy. Often times I lose sight of how lucky I am until I hear of someone who is less fortunate. My children have their health and are for the most part happy what more could a mother want. I look forward to watching them continue to grow and learn. To see what kind of person they become. Everyday one of them amazes me with what they have learned from school or in everyday life. As an adult I forget how difficult it can be to be a child.
I am so blessed and thankful for the amazing Husband I have been so lucky to find. He is such a strength to me. Through a sometimes rough year he has been my rock. He has been there every step of the way and without him I wouldn't have made it through. He has such a patient and caring way about him. There aren't enough words to express my appreciation for him.
And last but not least I am so thankful for my parents. They have set such an amazing example of how I want to live my life. They have taught me so much that I hope I can pass that on to my kids. They both have the such an amazing work ethic. They have taught me to work hard for what I want and it will pay off in the end. I love you both and thank you for everything you do for me and my family.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Boo!

WOW....I can't believe you are already three. Time just flies by when your having fun! You are such a funny and sweet little girl. It seems like you always know just how to get me to smile. It seems like you always know when we need a hug or have had a bad day.  You have such a loving and caring personality yet you know how to stand your ground and I hope that is something that carries with you the rest of your life. You are such a blessing to our home. I can't imagine life before you joined our family. I am looking forward to many more years of laughs and smiles from you! Happy Birthday Boo! We love you more than words can say! I hope you have a wonderful birthday!!

Striking a pose!

Here she is with her birthday hot chocolate.

This cake was so amazing I couldn't cut into it. I just wanted to look at it!

Always wanting to be a princess but here is a princess with attitude.

Grandma and Papa came to join in the Barbie Celebration.

Enjoying a fancy PB&J.

Time for pass the Barbie. All the kids had a great time playing the game. I loved hearing all the laughs and excitement from all the kids. It really was a great time!

Even the boys participated in dressing for the occasion.

Present time and I would say the present were opened in record time!

How cute is that!!

Happy Birthday Sweet girl! Keep on smilin'!

Londyn's a thinker

Londyn was talking with Abbie about an upcoming trip Abbie was taking. Abbie mentioned she was going to Minnesota to visit her Grandma. So Londyn the thinker that she is said..."If you see a Grandma named Grandma Rose, That's my Grandma!" I thought that was so cute because if Abbie is seeing her Grandma then she will probably see Londyn's Grandma. I just love the innocence of a child!