January/February Birthday Celebration

 

Last night I hosted a birthday dinner for Jay, Rylan and Luke (more on what each of them are up to at the bottom of this post).  One of my favorite things to do is host family and friends for dinner - truly.  As we inched closer to the date Rylan asked if she could bring a friend and so did Jay.  So many times when the boys were growing up I couldn't always say Yes to things but I always say Yes to having more people in my home.  The more the merrier.  Mike always makes plenty of food and filling my house with people I love is such a blessing.    

Jay's crew.  I love all these kids. From left right, Aaron, Nicholle, Reece and sweet Hannah.  

Nick has moved into his house now.  I'll post on that in a separate post.  I am so happy for him.  Rylan is too.  She has helped him with decorating and is so proud of him.  They are such a sweet couple.  Mary isn't in any of these photos (boo) but Mary and John came last night and so did my mom.  I thanked Mary for always being my Yes friend.  I ask her to do things or I invite her to things and she simply says Yes.  She and John are family to us.  

Jay - He turned 24 on Jan. 16.  He and Hannah are so good together.  Their home is so cozy and warm.  Jay is into his 3rd year as an electrical apprentice and enjoys the job.  Work has been a little slow for him but hopefully it will pick up soon.  Jay is a foodie.  One of his first big purchases for his home was a nice grill.  Last night he brought pork belly that was delicious and gone by the end of the night.  Ha!  One of the best things about Jay is his kind heart, his sweet nature and his love of animals.  

Rylan - She will be 19 on Jan. 27.  I couldn't have known when I met her for the first time in my driveway (with Mary by the way) in June 2024 what a blessing she would be to Nick and our family.  She is patient as the day is long.  She is talented at everything she does (no joke) and she is incredibly thoughtful and kind.  She just started nursing school, in addition to working at the place where my mom lives and running her own photography business which she's so good at.  

Luke - He will be 15 on Feb. 9.  How my mom's youngest grandchild is going to be 15 is beyond me.    He loves to grill now (maybe he'll be a foodie too) and try anything new Mike makes that is meat related.  Luke loves the Lord and is truly interested in people's lives.  Kim has been leading in the youth ministry at church and Luke has invited several friends to go with him.  He proudly wears whatever he wants to school - sometimes even pajama pants (ha) and is currently in driver's ed.  Most Sundays he goes to church with his grandma and poppy.