Our Own Birthday Planner

Cassidy has such a good heart. He always takes charge of making Ray's and my birthdays! I remember once when he was six years old. I was feeling a little down cause it appeared that Ray had forgotten my birthday. Of course he hadn't. But as any girl knows they want their husband to acknowledge their birthday at the beginning of the day - not the end. So there was Cassidy running around the house and setting up the basement - complete with throne and balloons and presents and all kinds of good things.

At one point, he came past me and he asked me where the balloons were. Of course I didn't let on I knew what he was up to. * smile* At the end of the day he and his brothers led me downstairs to a wonderful party. I sat in my throne as each of them gave me his present.

Our oldest was a bit upset because I even had to help make my own present *grin*! Cassidy didn't know how to make a photo frame with wood and the gluegun, and he wanted help making it - so I did. Colt did not think that was right. I was okay with it! I loved their love!

Here are some recent pictures of birthdays this past year that Cassidy has taken on. For my birthday, the boys went shopping with me, and I had to keep my eyes averted as they loaded things in the shopping cart - it was a bit anxious for me because I had *no* idea what price tag they were carrying! Seriously!! At one point, I (through my peripheral vision) noticed that there was a nice doll (said funny things and was meant for a woman) on the bottom of the cart - this was $20. One child's gift. I had to very creatively figure a way to show that it wasn't the greatest idea. Oh, the stress of shopping for your own gifts!! LOL!! But our children are so thoughtful and want to do their shopping, by themselves, and in advance of our birthdays. They don't rely on their dad and therefore, I end up helping them. *smile*

At one point, as we are going through the store, Cooper (4) chooses something off the shelf and tells Cassidy (the organizer) that he wants it cause "I want it for my birthday," and off he walks. He kept insisting that it was 'for my birthday'. Cassidy knew it was not something I would want *smile*, and Cooper had to find something for me, so he had to diplomatically return it to the shelf. Cooper was not impressed as he figured he could shop for his birthday at the same time as they were shopping for mine.

On my birthday, Cooper insisted on opening the gift he gave me. He was pleased to see what he bought!

Opening Mum's Gift

Austin shopped independently and did not heed Cassidy's advice. So when I opened my gift I was surprised to find such an interesting gift!!! He is still waiting for his daddy to make it!

Thrilled With His Choice

Happy Little Gift Givers

Cassidy and His Cake

Proud Young Man

He was very creative with his candles. He used 3 candles and put a paper number 10 beside them - to signify 30. Then he put a flashing number 9. Then a paper number 1 with one candle. He thought I was 40 (not 41).

My Considerate Sons!

Colt made a beautiful table top mirror in his woodwork class and gave that to me.

The cutest thing was a card they gave me. The inside said: We thought we'd make you the designated driver. They had no idea what that meant. Cassidy just found a card in the computer program and liked the front of it, and so figured the inside went along with the outside! *grin*

How Blessed I Am to Have Such Wonderful Sons!!!

When Ray had his birthday, Cassidy was at work with him that week. One day, he shot in the door right after work and set into the kitchen immediatley. This is a ten year old boy! I love the fact that he is comfortable in the kitchen and can follow any recipe and does a fine job!

Wearing the Traditional Birthday Hat

We figured if we got him a big enough flashlight the kids couldn't make off with it!! They haven't - the rechargeable cord has gone missing! *laugh* You can't win!

It is time for us to buy Cassidy cake decorating tools and take him to the next level!