A funny thing happened on the way to get a haircut...

Yesterday was meant to be an ordinary average Saturday for Matthew and I. 

That morning I asked Matt if he wanted to go get his haircut. He said YESSSS...you see even though I love those cute curls, he was very sick of them. 

On the way there Matthew said to me out of the blue..."Mom, I really wish I would have known grandpa Clair better" Me too, Matt. 

When we got to the barbershop they told us we had a 30 minute wait. Matthew asked if we could go to Gander Mountain. Sure...

When we got there we noticed a bunch of men sitting in the "The Lodge" that they have. When Matthew noticed they were tying flies he was so excited, but shy. I told him I would go watch them with him. Oh, no! These men would have none of that. They pulled him in and took turns working with him. They were amazing, and quite funny I  might add. 

They told him stories about fishing in Montana.

I tried to tell them about how I thought Mike was the most amazing fly fisherman in the world but they didn't seem to believe me. Matthew later told me that he thought I was bragging. Yep, I probably was...but I still think my husband has the most beautiful cast that God has ever created.(No, I did not put it like that)

Matthew was such a good student.

Then he met this man...

He was so excited to get Matthew going. He shared his supplies, knowledge and even his candy with Matt!

and then he told us his name...

Clairon 

Odd, don't you think? 

Life is so full of little surprises, and this was one of them. 

He was so excited to work with Matt, and of course Matt was so excited to work with him.

 He was a really good teacher. 

Matthew may never really get to know Clair and all the amazing things he knew. My hope is that through others he can learn about all the things Clair loved. It is in knowing these loves that he can get to know his great grandfather. 

 Next week they are going to teach him how make Wooly Buggers!This will make Mike happy. I know it is a fly that he uses a lot. 

Bet I can guess what Matt wants for his birthday this year:-)

 So what is Matt doing today?

Yes, I totally miss the curls. 

Old Men

 Today Mike turns another year older. 

This will probably be one of the most exciting years of his life as he starts his new business venture.

Last night we hung out and laughed at so many of our memories we have had together.

Charlie is such a part of all that. 

He and Mike have a special bond.

I was lucky enough to have my camera close by so I could capture them.

 Mike joked with Charlie, that I was getting his bad side and that I would photoshop his beauty mark off. I left it because that is just how I want to remember Charlie someday. 

Happy Birthday Baby. 

The last few months have truly been some of the best in my life. I love nothing more than seeing you so happy. I am so excited to see what you can do on your new adventure. Troy is a very lucky man to have you on his side, not just in work but in life.

You are so easy to love~Moniker 

Hannah and Carter turn 9 and 10

Today Hannah and Carter both share a birthday!

As you know if you read this blog at all they both are super dear to me. 

I am so thankful for the blessing they both have in my life. 

Dear Hannah,

I am amazed by your love of books. I think that by the time you graduate from High School you will be the smartest girl on the planet! You read books like most people use air. I think you are the sweetest, nicest, kindest 10 year old girl that I know. You have always inspired me the way you take such good care of your brothers and sisters. I can still remember you sharing your left over snacks with Matthew before anyone else shared the car pool seats next to you. I have seen you do so many kind things over the years. I am so glad that Matthew has you in his life too. You are not only someone that he can look up to, but you two always seem to have each other's back. I am so very grateful for that! 

P.S. I love that you are so excited about being able to be unattended in the Library now that you are 10(even if it will never happen) 

Happy Birthday Hannah!

Dear Carter,

I can't believe what a wonderful helper you are. There have been so many days at school when I ask you to help get the little girls after school and you amaze me at how helpful you are without question. There have also been so many times at school where I see you helping out others and volunteering. What a wonderful gift to have. You too are always watching out for your sisters and they are so lucky to have a brother in their corner. I am always in awe of how kind you are to others no matter what the circumstance. 

Happy 9th Birthday Carter!

Jenny and Mark, thank you for letting me photograph your kids whenever I ask! 

I know you laugh but I am so thankful. 

I may need to borrow Grace and Nora next!

Hannah's birthday request

Dear Mom and Dad, this is what I want for my birthday(and not the book!)... Love Hannah

Hannah is turning 10

This means Matthew is turning 10 soon

Today I took her out for a photo shoot.

Hannah I am so glad you think of me as an aunt. 

I found this photo today as I was looking through for some other ones. I think it is from Kindergarten. I know it was in the McDonald's drive through after school. It was back when it was just Matt and Hannie. Now, they are both almost double digits! 

I have lots more from Hannah's shoot today but Jenny gets first dibs at posting them. I may have to post a few more on her actual birthday

Goodbye cute Valentines...

This was Matthew tubing at Winter Camp this past weekend.

He and I decided to use this picture for this years Valentine card.

He helped me figure out the design. 

The card features him tubing across the page on Lifesaver candy.

This will be the last year I get to make Valentines as next year he will be in middle school and he will not want or need them...sigh...unless some other mom out there would like me to create something!!!

Seriously! 

I think all the other mom's think I am crazy when they see my valentines every year:-)