Happy (early) Birthday, Nana

Thanks to the kiddos starting school this week, we celebrated Nana's birthday a few days early.  We spent our day hanging out, played games, swam, ate a delicious dinner, opened a few goodies, and ate yummy birthday cake.  Hope she felt as special as she is.  Love her to pieces.  Happy Birthday, Nana!

Birthday Celebration

This past Friday, Caleb had his birthday party to celebrate turning 1. Even though the party was really low key, in my opinion, it turned out perfectly. Caleb LOVES balls, and so having a sport ball theme only seemed appropriate. Caleb was blessed with having his Nana G, Grandpa, Grandma and birth family (Mariah, Rande, Judy, Monica and Malachi) come celebrate with him. Oh yeah, his cardboard Uncle Steven, Aunt Kim and cousin Chloe also made an appearance. He got lots of great gifts and after slowly sampling his cake, he ended up devouring it quite nicely.
BEFORE: AFTER:
Special thank you for those who were able to attend as well as those who sent or gave gifts.

Love you big boy and hope you had a very Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday, Caleb!

One year ago this very day we got a phone call that brought so much joy into our lives. Caleb William Klauser entered the world and was gently placed into our arms forever. Therefore, today, our little boy turns 1, and I can't believe it. Happy Birthday Caleb, we love you so much!!! This entire year has flown by so incredibly fast. Words can't describe how encouraging and fun it has been recently to watch him change daily; whether it's in communicating, playing, learning or moving. Overall, we can't thank God and Caleb's birth mother enough for giving us such a beautiful gift.

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY CALEB! We love you so much and always will!

32!

Today, my best friend, husband and father to my children turns 32!

Happy Birthday, Nate! I feel so thankful to be able to celebrate another birthday with you and look forward to celebrating in at least 32 more. You are such a blessing to me and I love you with all my heart. Thank you for all you do and I hope you have a wonderful and memorable day.

photo taken by HeidiMcDowellPhotography

3 and 3 Celebrations

This past week, Elyse has had three different celebrations to celebrate turning three. I just hope this is not a trend to what's to come, because I can't imagine throwing four next year ;)

Celebration #1: September 3rd with Nebraska family
Elyse asked since January to have a princess party so that's exactly what we gave her. My mom surprised her with buying her a Cinderella dress and boy did she play the part. She looked adorable and would not take that dress off. The party was a great success and very memorable.
Celebration #2: September 8th with Dad, Mom and Caleb
Elyse spent her actual birthday doing exactly what she wanted all day. I took her to the Children's Museum all morning. Opened birthday presents, Dada made her Minnie Mouse pancakes for dinner and we went to Cold Stone Creamery and the park to end out her day. No complaints from her all day, only smiles.
Celebration #3: September 9th with friends
Elyse 3rd birthday celebration involved having her friends over for a pink and purple party. Her good friend, Mariana turned 3 last week and loves purple, Elyse loves pink, so it was perfect. The day was quick, fun and a great way to end her 3rd birthday celebrations!

Three years ago today....

...our eyes were filled with tears of joy, hearts filled with love and arms held tight for the first time around our precious baby girl. Elyse Irene entered the world today and we daily thank God and her birthmother for her.
Elyse, you changed our life dramatically, but only for the better. Your independence, intelligence and beauty never sees to amaze us.
More importantly, we are amazed at your love and passion you have in our Lord in Savior and your family. You are a wonderful daughter and great big sister. Thank you for being you. Happy 3rd birthday, Elyse!!! You mean the world to us and we love you more than words and pictures can express. We hope you have a great day.

Happy Birthday Nate

Today marks 31 years that my husband has been alive. I am so blessed to have him in my life and I love him for so many reasons; but here in no particular order are just a few (31 to be exact).
1. unconditional love he gives me
2. a devoted father
3. puts God first
4. his servant hood
5. patient
6. amazing leader
7. thrives to succeed
8. great listener
9. provider
10. sense of humor
11. exercise companion
12. lover
13. dependable
14. honest
15. good in the kitchen
16. faithful
17. builder and fixer of our home
18. dancer
19. handsome
20. heart for adoption
21. confident
22. intelligent
23. challenges me
24. outgoing
25. courageous
26. helpful
27. gentle
28. trustworthy
29. humble
30. protector
31. compassionate

Nate, I love you so much and hope you have a Happy 31st Birthday!

Side note: computer is still down, picture and post was uploaded while at my mom's last night in order to wish my husband, a Happy 31st Birthday today!

Birthday Bash

Tonight Nate and I threw Elyse her 2nd birthday party. It was suppose to be a pok-a-dot theme until she walked into the party store and saw the Minnie balloon and decorations. I then gave in since Minnie has pink pok-a-dots on her dress. Overall, it was a great and memorable night. I want to send out a special thanks to all you who gave Elyse a gift, card, etc., she got above and beyond what I could have imagined. Well since our birthday princess is fast asleep, I think I am going to follow. Happy Birthday Baby Girl!
Uncle Steven and Aunt Kim even made an appearance (you'd be right if you think they attended her party as life size cardboard people)

Two Years Ago Today...

God gave Nate and I the most beautiful, precious and perfect gift...
that we have treasured and loved more and more every day.

Happy 2nd Birthday Elyse! We love you so much and thank God daily for you. You really are a blessing not only to us, but many others.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today was my mom's birthday so Elyse and I spent the morning doing what us ladies do best, shop! We met at Mall of America (MOA) assuming that we would find lots to buy. Ironically, it was not a success, but the rest of the time was. The time went by so fast and I couldn't have asked for a better morning than spending it with my two favorite ladies in the world!
Us ladies (mostly Elyse) having some fun at Nickelodeon Universe. Elyse riding the escalator for the first time all on her own. Elyse shopping at the Disney Store, she LOVED the giant Mickey Elyse eating Nana's b-day dessert, wouldn't even stop for a picture

All in all, Happy Birthday Mom! I am so blessed to have you as my mom, Nana to Elyse and for being my friend. Thank you for all you do and I love you with all my heart!