This is my wonderful nephew that is attending college in Dallas.  It’s SO nice to have him close by and we do our best to spend every Saturday together . . .when he doesn’t have other plans. ;)  However; it’s been tough since the beginning of this year because we have been sick so much.  Therefore, we *made* him stay away from us so he wouldn’t catch all the flying germs in our house!! LOL  Even though we’re still climbing out of the sickness, I gave him the option of whether he wanted to spend his Saturday with us or not.  And he was brave and said "YES!"  This time, we did keep one family member away from him though - my Mother (she’s visiting from Iowa).  She has been battling the flu and now an upper respiratory infection and we really didn’t want to chance having them in the same room together.  She was extremely disappointed, but Lucas did get to say hi to her and we’ll show her the pictures of our little birthday party so she won’t feel she missed out toooo much.

Even though we celebrated yesterday, Lucas’ birthday is actually today - he is now 19!!  Wow!!  I can’t believe it myself because I can vividly remember when he was born.  So, here is Lucas - the first one that made me an aunt, and absolutely and of course I am PROUD!!!  I have more to share later, but this is it for tonight.

Here’s a pic that I love!!  I took it this morning in between runny noses, coughing attacks and doses of  medication. :(   I can’t believe how old she looks here. YIKES!!!!

I’m still hoping to get a pic of her in her Valentine’s dress this
weekend.  I’ll be sure to share that too if I get a decent photo.

Here’s my Vintage Valentine ~

Unbelievable that we are not back on track yet.  Kasen is VERY sick and I have a nasty sinus infection.  Oh the fun we’ve been having.  Yes, if I could, I would be inserting my HUGE rolling eyes smiley here! LOL  And, if you’re wondering, the back is finally better.  It hurts more when I’m at the computer or driving, so both of those things are limited for the time being.  Oh, I DO miss the computer . . . . driving can wait, but I am definitely a computer junkie! LOL

It’s a tradition for me to take pictures of Kasen every year on Valentine’s Day - not a long standing tradition per say, since this is *only* her third Valentine’s Day.  However; I didn’t get any today because my sweet girl was cranky to the nines, runny nose, horribly croupy cough, hot as a firecracker and just plain miserable.

So, here’s my sweet, funny, lovely, beautiful, wonderful, cute,  can’t-catch-my-breath-because-I’m-so-in-love  Valentine! These were taken on  Valentine’s Day 2006.

Here’s my sweet Valentine this year - these were actually taken in January.  This is Kasen’s new best friend,  "Sophie."  She LOVES her and must go everywhere that she goes.  How cute that this is the very first stuffed animal that she has ever named.  They’ve always been puppy, kitty, lambie, bear, quack-quack . . you get the picture.  So, without further ado, meet "Sophie!"

I hope everyone had a VERY Happy Valentine’s Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whew!!!  Our family has really been through the wringer with sickness.  Our 2008 has not started out with a positive bang!!  Our little one is battling the yuckiness right now and I’ve thrown my back out!! Just great!! :(  I’m making this short since I’m in a great deal of pain just typing this, but I hope to be back soon.  I hope everyone else is doing well.  If so, just let me know so we can live vicariously through you!! LOL

See ya’ soon!!!