Life happens so fast. I can’t believe I am already approaching my 5 year wedding anniversary this May. It literally seems like we got married last month. My New Year’s Resolution this year is to take more photos of our life. I started doing a book last year, documenting our lives in pictures to show our children some day how life was before they came. This year, I will continue to do my book, but also want to do a blog post once a month with some kind of thing I do, whether just plain old life or somewhere we go It’s not the most exciting life in the world, but it’s mine. And I love it!
This month I chose to do the little birthday gathering at my parent’s house-my step mom turned the big 5-0! (errrr… 21 is what I actually meant!) She came into my life 10 years ago and I wouldn’t trade her for anything! I grew up without a mom, so she has become that and so much more to our family. It was a little gathering, just my parents, husband, and I as my other siblings were out of state or working. Enjoy!

This is the present I got her. I forgot to take the picture before she opened it so it looks a little messy. lol!

And this was what was inside of the bag. We got one just like it for our wedding, and I knew she’d love it since she has others. I love these statues!!

One thing you don’t know about the birthday girl is that she is an AMAZING cook! She grew up in the Dominican Republic, and her cooking is just out of this world! She is one of those people who never needs a recipe.

While we were waiting for the food we were relaxing. Is it sad to say these pillows bring back memories? I can remember them from high school. So soft and comfy, and a perfect fit for a nap on the couch

Here is the star. Literally, of every single gathering we have. It’s always about this dog! His name is Isaiah, and we’ve had him since I was in high school. Thankfully I live close by so I can see him whenever I want. I tried to get a shot of his nose here. He only posed once. Then….

I got this. I like to say he has “Photographer Dog Syndrome.” I always try to take pictures of him and I think he just got annoyed. He stuck his tongue out at me here. He is part lab, part chow, so that explains any questions you may have on his tongue! lol

This is Izzy’s (we pronounce it Eye-Zee) favorite toy. I think we got it from the dollar store back when I was in 11th grade. He still loves it! Even though the squeaker stopped working a long time ago.

Izzy actually knows lots of tricks. He can spin around, shake, play dead, lay down, jump, sit, and can even catch the treat if you put it on his nozzle-it’s so cute! I will always remember Izzy for his “shake”. He does it SO much. He thinks he will get a treat if he does it. If you sit down, he will come up to you and shake. He is so spoiled, lol. He is the best dog ever too

Dinner was done! My dad rocks at using his grill. This is pork shoulder. But we have a little joke about it. For some reason, I always call everything either chicken, or pork butt. So now I always ask if he will be serving pork butt-lol! I am on a detox and couldn’t eat this amazing food. Only another 9 days-I can’t wait!

I was told it was very tender and yummy. I will be making sure I get over there soon when I can have it-it looked SO good!

Here is a shot my hubby took of me and Izzy. I LOVE this dog. I don’t have any pictures with him but hope to get some this year. He is already 8 years old!

Izzy loves laying on his back and being scratched. He’s so cute…and he knows it too!

Here’s a shot I got of him last year. I gave him this frame for Christmas (cheesy I know) and now there’s a cute dog in the cute frame hanging up in my parents house

To anyone who made it this far, thanks for reading! I look forward to making another post for February!