20 Years!!!!

Happy 20th Wedding Anniversary, to Todd, my Love!!

20 years??

Seriously, how can 20 years have already gone by?

(Almost 25 years since our first date even!)

Todd, you don't feel any older do you?
Not like 20 YEARS older , right?

What do they say, "Time flies when you are having fun?"

Well, at least when you are in love.

20 years has taught us a lot.
It has tested our resolve.
It has shown us opportunity.
Given us three of the most amazing KIDS EVER.
(Which helped us to learn patience, ha!)
Given us Indy.
Taken us on many great adventures,
and many more small adventures too.

I treasure our time together, whether it is exploring new worlds,  or even simply taking a walk together at sunset. I am so grateful that while you have had to travel a bunch over the years, that you have also been able to work from home.   I love having you near me.
You are truly my best friend, my love and my rock in life...

Thank you for always loving me, and for wanting to share this crazy adventure called life with me.

20 years down, a zillion to go... Bring it!

Love you lots,

Yours Forever....

TEDX

Krystin was asked to be a part of an elite group of student to participate in a conference called TEDx.

What is TEDX? I kept asking her, and I didn't get it until I went to the conference.

Krystin had to meet at least once a week for months to plan this event.  She also was in charge of writing a statement for TEDx.  See below:

"Innovation, like a water droplet it crashes into the surface of thought, rippling across, spreading its impact near and far. Innovation spreads, like a vaccine to a troubling disease, carrying the cure to the world's problems. Innovation is a new approach to an old situation, a new thought, a new method; originality. It is through innovation that the world can be bettered and that others can be uplifted as it is not one person who innovation affects, but many people. This is "where innovation begins..." - Krystin Haser

So, what is TEDx?

It is a conference to help students (and adults) see learning and life in an innovative way.  A way that goes against the norms that are taught, and encourages independent thinking and life choices.  

Todd and I really enjoyed the conference.  The speakers were awesome, and did leave you thinking....

Aside from sharing her writing abilities, and planning, she also worked the event with her fellow students.

Look we were excited!

 So cute to see my baby working!

 

Nice job done by all!

Boys Birthday Weekend Happenings!

First, let me say....  Hong Kong does NOT normally have colorful sunsets... 

In fact, I had resigned to the fact that I would just have to love Hong Kong for the other. many beauties it has to offer...  Apparently though, as the cosmos aligns just right, for a short period of time during the year, Hong Kong's skies fill with  a brilliant array of color!

You appreciate it so much more, when each day is usually gray!

These pictures don't do it justice, just a phone pic through the window.

I love the way the colors of the sky reflect off the sea...

Birthday Weekend gift from above for sure!

This is the favorite spot of EVERY human and creature in the house. 

 No joke.  Rarely is there not a creature (or human) sitting by this window.

Back to Birthday Weekend!

Friday Night, we met a friend of mine (from a Canto class I took), Jessica and her hubby Stuart, to see a performance downtown.

Borrowed this pic from her FB page.  Aren't they cute?  They are newlyweds.

The performance:

It was at the Hong Kong Performing Art's Center...

I did say Hong Kong makes up for the lack of colorful sunsets in other ways, right?

Seriously, everywhere you go, you look out the window to find a little magic waiting for you...

While the play wasn't QUITE what we had hoped, as in the script was SO awful, the acting was uhm... not great, but the sets and singing was amazing!  We had a fun time!

On Saturday, Krystin had a special event she has been working on for MONTHS that Todd and I were to attend, so we had a special lunch with Logan before hand.

I can't get this pic to stay flipped.  Just read the warning!

It was the American Restaurant downtown!  

Good food, and they aren't joking about portion sizes!

In Hong Kong you can drink at 18, so in honor of the occasion...

Logan got a VERY strong glass of Apple Juice on the Rocks.

He said it was delightful and refreshing. 

My sweet men.

Awwww...  Boy birthday love. 

Sunday morning, I made cinnamon rolls (no not from scratch), but out here finding ANY, even packages of cinnamon rolls is a challenge.

 We were up really late the night before, and were pretty exhausted in the morning...

We did have a guest appearance at church. 

Random shot from the road...

For dinner...  We went to a local Indian Place.

In the states, we always, ALWAYS go to Mexican for Birthdays.

New country, new traditions.

Seriously though, authentic Indian food, YUM!

They even have a service to pick you up from your flat and drop you off (no charge). 

Even Miss Kay LOVES it!

Happy Birthday Logan and Todd!

Love you both!

Another phone pic.  Doesn't come close to how magnificent the color truly was, but you get an idea.

This is just outside our flat...  Love living on Lantau Island!

 

It was a fun weekend!

Happy 41st Birthday, Todd!

Happy 41st Birthday to YOU, Todd!

I was trying to figure out how many birthdays that was that I have celebrated with you, and it was too daunting a task. It is A LOT!

I am very excited to celebrate another year with you!  

I love you lots!

I hope this 41st year is awesome, 

and maybe filled with fun times with me!

Happy Birthday, my sweet!

Here is to at least 60 more, ok?

 

Love always, 

Tammy

Happy 18th Birthday, my Logan!

Dearest Logan Drew,

My baby boy....

   From your very first moment, I knew you were special.

Your heart is pure. You are sweet, compassionate, and kind.  You are truly a great person.

You are completely unselfish.  I know without hesitation you would give your most treasured possessions to any that asked.   This world is truly blessed to have you in it.  My hope is that you never, ever let the world dampen the love and kindness that is in your heart.   

I was so overwhelmed with love for you from your very first moment, that just looking at you made me cry.

Everyone was so excited about your arrival!  

Kayla couldn't contain herself!  

We know what she was thinking,

 "Yes, finally someone to gang up on those parentals with me!"... 

 What we didn't know when we first had you, was that we would have to fight to keep you. 

We weren't sure how long you would be with us and prayed a LOT, still do! 

I often have thought over the years, that you were perhaps too pure for this world...

I am SO GRATEFUL with every ounce of my soul that you stayed! 

I can't even imagine life without you in it.

 We have tried to teach you many things throughout your childhood.

Here are just a few...

First, that you are so very loved!

To have a sense of humor!  Life is too serious otherwise.

To always be adorable!

Ok, that just comes naturally for you.

Smile!

Eat healthy! 

The importance of family

And of course, how awesome Disneyland is ....

To always have fun, even if it seems weird! Who cares what anyone else thinks.

That's right.  Why wear a shirt the normal way? Be yourself, always!

You built a strong bond with Kayla right from the start,

and the two of you happily took over and showed us the way things were going to be!

You were loving and kind as you welcomed your baby sister, as well.

Before we knew it the three of you were a team, 

and Daddy and I were out numbered! 

We taught you to love nature... 

To stop and enjoy the beauty all around you...

We taught you to create and get messy, and it is OK!

We tried to instill a LOVE and passion for learning,

which you have always demonstrated.  So proud!!

Remember that sense of humor, really keep it!  

Please always stay close with your sisters.

You have always been such an excellent brother to them.

You always look out for them, and they cherish you for it.

Please know throughout your life you will always have each other. 

Enjoy! 

I love that you were born on your Daddy's birthday, 

and that special bond you have.

No greater present could be found!

Try and keep all the precious memories of your childhood close to your heart...

We tried to teach you the joy of animals, and the responsibility. 

 and how awesome a good hug/cuddle is!

Also, how much fun the journey can be. 

 Life is not just about the destination, but about having fun along the way... 

As you grow into your adult life and career, please remember...  

Money does not buy happiness, attitude does.

Work hard.  Love unconditionally.  See the beauty that is in every day...

Don't worry about what anyone else thinks you should do or be.

This is your life, my son.  

Your Daddy and I support you and love you in all that you do forever!

I can't believe that you are 18!

I am filled with a mix of emotions...

Gratitude - for the privilege of being your Mom, 

 and for the opportunity to watch your personality and mind develop and blossom...

Love - I have so much love for you my sweet boy.  

A bit of sadness too....at a chapter that is closing...

But mostly, I am excited that you are 18.

I am excited that you are about to embark upon life, and hope you live it to the fullest.

Please remember anything is possible, and never give up on your dreams.

I Know you are destined for greatness, and I can't wait to see what you will do!

I love you so much!!!

Thank you for being such an awesome son.

I am so proud of the man you are becoming!

Happy 18th Birthday, Logo!

Love you lots and forever,

Your Mommy