Wonderful Beary Birthday!!!

These are the flowers that Peter gave me. Thank you for the beautiful bouquet Peter.

My animal - Morgan the Elephant, Highschool Cheerleader!!!

Last month, I had joined Char with her granddaughters Sierra and Ocean to see the movie "The American Girl" at Chinook Mall. After the movie, they showed me the store Build a Bear. You can tell the two girls were pros on what types of animals and outfits they liked. Char had mentioned they do parties. Well, got my wheels going - David and Erin and their three kids Emma, Josiah and Hudson were coming back to Canada from Siberia for a visit. So within weeks after my first introduction to the store - I had Sept 14th all reserved for 13 people. I thought it would be great fun and then Emma, Josiah and Hudson would have a Build a Bear to take back with them to show their friends in Siberia.

The day is now here - it was everything I could have asked for and more for a birthday gift. It was so much fun to just watch the excitement on the kids faces (Sierra, Ethan, Emma, Josiah, Hudson, Journey and Casendra) and on the moms' faces too (Char, Amanda, Amy, Sara, and Erin) as they got to choose a type of animal, seeing what types of outfits to choose from and figuring out their names at a drop of a hat (the store prints off birth certificates with the animal's name on it). It was great to have family friend Margie sharing in all the excitement too - thanks for coming Margie. Of course once we got to Grandma Char and Grandpa Andy's place - it was time to show off their stuffed animals to Garron (son Solomon), Peter, David and Grandpa Andy waiting for our arrival. David and Andy prepared the BBQ for the hamburgers and hot dogs and of course the wonderful yummy chocolate cakes for dessert!! We missed having John P and Jon J in our celebration as they were out of town building bins - missed you guys - catch up at the next family gathering!!!

When I got home, I had enjoyed a great chat with my mom. We talked about family - how we do come from a small family (for me - it is just my parents and brother) but at the same time, how my mom and I are blessed to have surrounded ourselves with friends who are more than just friends - they make us feel a part of their family too. This afternoon while during dinner and even last Sunday up in Three Hills during supper time - we gathered together sharing stories, sharing laughs - Simply... enjoying being together. It is so cool for me over these years to be a part of the James Family - I have enjoyed the friendships I have made with all the family members as well as their children. I agree with Amanda's comment on her blog - being an "auntie" is a wonderful thing - it has been great spending time with all their children - precious memories and times for me.

Thank you everyone for making my birthday such a special day for me.