Long Last Time

Celebrating Years 1 and 34...

For the last 2 years, my husband David has spent his birthdays in the hospital. This year was different! About a week before his 34th birthday, we celebrated the 1 year anniversary of his liver transplant. What a year it has been, too. On May 26, 2012, in San Francisco, California, we got the call that saved his life. Early in the morning on May 27, 2012...his life was saved! The next few weeks after that are still vivid in my mind. From the scary images of him being rolled down the ICU halls, to the night I prayed so hard for his life. He hasn't been the easiest person to be around...but I sure do love him.

I decided to throw him a celebration of his 1st year. Our house is not even 1000 square feet, but I decided to have everyone over anyways. My family and good friend Maria all came over. We had garlic chicken pasta, garlic bread and salad for dinner and fluffy peanut butter bars for dessert. I pulled it off...and I think everyone had a nice time. Here are some pictures I took from the day.

Brady helped his Uncle Beans (David) send balloons to the sky....

My precious nephew Brysen showing some love to the hostess! :)

About a week later on June 6th, David turned 34. We had a really fun night at my parent's house. We did a burrito bar and it was really good! After dinner and ice cream cake, we played cards all night. Family game nights are the best! Here are a few pics of my handsome husband on his special day. :)

Brady and mommy baked Uncle Beans his favorite cookies!

A handsome 34. :)

My Family.

It's been almost 20 years since my family and I have gotten a real family photo taken. My mom has been conveying to us for years now about her desire to have an updated one. The last family photo we had was in 1995 or 1996 I believe. My mom instructed us all to wear polo shirts and jeans. It didn't make for a very attractive picture...I'm sorry. The colors looked awful together and although we were a loving family and still are...some of the expressions on our faces looked a little..forced. Some would argue it was still a good picture though...even though my brother didn't want to be there (teenage attitude), I was worried that I looked fat, my sister, Ginger, was worried that her hair would move and uncover her ears, my mom was upset because of my brother's frowny face and my dad just wanted them to snap the damn picture already. The bright, little shiny penny in the middle of the picture was my little sister, Bri. She was probably 5 or 6 and her red hair and big smile was so infectious...I mean how can you not love that little face?? (you'll see what I mean below!) It sure makes me smile every time I see it. Well, now 18 years later...my mom got her wish. A new family picture has been taken. There's a couple of husbands and some grandkids added and the wardrobes were discussed in length before the big day.....so overall...I think it came out great. The backdrop was my parent's gorgeous backyard and everyone cooperated!! Since the last picture in 95, Ginger has since embraced her most endearing feature, my mom and dad were all smiles holding their adorable grandsons, my brother had a nice smile and was happy to do this for my mom and I decided to accept the fact that I'm not, and never will be able to hide my true self. That free spirited red-head (little sis, Bri) still shines though...nothing has changed there. :)

The pictures came out beautiful and we owe a huge thanks to our amazing, talented photographer and dear family friend, Robin. Her mom, Peggy, also assisted in the photo shoot and we could not have asked for a better photography team. Check out their amazing photos of my wonderful family. And yes...the last photo below is the infamous "polo shirt" picture from 95. :)

Those boys did so good! Cutest family ever!! :)

I had to throw this one in, too. This is Bri with Robin's daughter...the adorable Emma!

Baby Brysen was such a good sport!

We are suck jokesters...

I swore I wouldn't post this...hahahahahaha!!

Brady wanted to be in the middle of the girls picture...he's so cute!!

Here's Ginger and her best friend Robin, our absolutely incredible photographer!

The Lee Family 2013

The Lee Family 1995

60 Years Young.

My mom's birthday was a lot of fun this year. Although she may not want me publishing this on the World Wide Web...I'm going to anyways. This year, she turned 60! We wanted to make it special for her...on a budget of course. My dad also turned 60 this year and my brother and sisters and I had big plans in mind....but it looks like those plans might have to be executed on their 61st or 62nd instead.

I think my mom had a nice 60th though. She loves girls days out...so that's what we did! My mom, sisters, Aunt Terri, my mother-in-law and I all headed to Tucson for some crafty shopping and lunch! It was the Saturday before my mom's actual birthday and it was a blast! We hit all the hot spots...Michael's, Joann's, Hancock Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, Anna's Linens and of course....Beyond Bread for lunch! Later in the week, we celebrated with the whole family at my mom's favorite Mexican restaurant, Ricardo's. It was so delicious. I made her favorite cake; chocolate topped with vanilla buttercream and crushed walnuts. I also surprised her with a big box full of handmade cards and craft projects that over 30 of my YouTube crafty friends made for her. Here's the video where I showcase all of their beautiful creations. Happy 60th year momma...I love you!!