Everyone's getting OLDER!!

This is actually my "catch up" "jam everything in" post. It's pathetic, I know....but just wait until you see Derrick's b-day party. Then you'll really know the meaning of pathetic! I don't know, it's all about trying I guess. Why can't I be the "PERFECT" woman?

1. Derrick Turns the BIG 10.

Here's Derrick's BIG birthday party. I think Derrick's face says it all! His birthday got smooshed by that big fat flying pig that landed on me. Poor kid. But, he was still a good sport about it. I feel really bad though!! First year as a Tomlinson and this is what you get?

This is the last time he'll be able to show how old he is with his hands.

Bob made the cake and Amanda decorated it. I think everything looks GREAT! It's all about the blowing out the candles anyway, right?

2. Nathan turns the BIG 14.

So what's up with the scout picture you ask....well....Nathan had a goal to get his Eagle BEFORE he turned 14. The grueling 2 1/2 hour Board of Review was the LAST step. He scheduled it for the night before his birthday.....just barely squeezed it in. That's Nate! He says it's the best birthday present because now he doesn't have to listen to me nag him...hmmm :)

A picture of Nathan's favorite dinner....his choice. It's orange chicken, sticky rice and soy beans. Thank goodness he's graduated from Tuna Fish Sandwiches and Kentucky Fried Chicken! Oh, and do you notice the wrinkled shirt.... nice Nate.

Of course Nathan organized his own party this year again. I put my foot down though and said he had to say "NO gifts". Sure enough, the invites had "NO Gifts" on them...however...you needed a magnifying glass to see it!!! Talk about fine print! The age of his friends that he invited were from college age to 7th grade.

Here's the gang gathering for the candle blowing. Nate hates cake, so I have to make him an "ice cream" cake each year. This one was super easy....just ice cream sandwiches layered with Cool Whip and Hot Fudge topping....easy yet DELICIOUS!! Do you notice he still has on that wrinkled shirt? Just doesn't phase him one iota! And you know, I don't think anyone but his mom even noticed it.

One other bonus for turning 14....you get to go to the stake dances. Oh my, can I be a fly on the wall for that one. Amanda swears that she won't let him be a nerd. Ha! He's keeps asking us to teach him how to dance. I tried to show him some moves, but all he did was laugh...what??

#3. Amanda goes to the Homecoming dance

For some reason, it's really, really hard for me to let Amanda grow up!! I literally cry when I think that I only have 1 1/2 years with her....yep, I'm crying as I'm writing. She is so gorgeous on the inside and outside. This was her first time going to Homecoming with a DATE! The young man's name is Hayden. And, you know, I think he just might like soccer more than Amanda. He plays on the boys varsity soccer team as the goal keeper.

She looked so stunning in this dress. We bought it during spring break when we were in Utah. I remember being so sad when she outgrew her love of wearing "pretty" dresses. So, it is soooo much fun dressing her up in pretty dresses again.

I just love this picture of her!!

It didn't take long for them to get sick of the "formal" pictures. Amanda had a lot of fun with Hayden.

Just goofs.

One last "look" for her father. Hmmm....this "look" has a bit too much mischievous in it!