Happy birthday Heme!

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Another year has passed and it is hard to believe my youngest is now 15! This weekend we went to the lake where we have celebrated most of Heme’s birthdays for the past 9 years. There have been weddings, graduations and kids moving in and out of the family home and this special young man turning 15 put an emphasis on all that has transpired. We also decided to do some work to get the house opened up for the season.IMG_8123.JPG

Grama carefully pressed layers of ice cream one flavor on top of another and then topped it off with Chocolate chip mint, perfect for a lake dessert! The birthday boy requested Grampa’s spaghetti along with garlic bread and salad.

Spending time at the lake is relaxing! When the house was built some 25 years ago, Mom insisted that every room have a good view of the lake! Having a lake house means relaxation, fun in the water and family time.

But of course with that comes a great deal of work as well. Mom and Dad are very active but it is not prudent for them to be standing on unsteady ground, picking up rocks, logs and wood or pruning the many blackberry bushes that line the stairs! Mom loves to do her gardening but has agreed that it needs to be less upkeep. She has slowly given in and this year gave up her lilies replacing them with ground cover. We were the lucky recipients of these lake plants along with Osama, Yusuf and Fattima. IMG_8027

A few hours of pruning was needed along the stairs which is comprised of two separate sections. Everyone told me to sit and relax but this has been my job for the past few years. The idea is to get the bushes and plants trimmed back far enough that they do not get in the way until summer ends. I took several breaks and finally finished my portion of the stairs, but I was too tired to take photos of the end result! Let’s just say it was totally clear.

The boys brought the kayak down to the lawn. They mowed, weed wacked and picked up any trash or debri that had come in with the high water.

Then it was time to prune some bushes that grow wild and crazy often entering the porch.   IMG_8060 (1)

We took a break for some water fun until the kids were tired and wanted to head up to the house for sandwiches.

The kids played dominoes, we ate a light dinner and turned in early!

 

The next day Osama surprised us and showed up early in the morning with the three kids in tow and a box of Heme’s favorite donuts in hand. The little ones brought an extra ray of sunshine to our celebration. IMG_8130

 

After dinner the cake was served and one little cutie sat waiting for Daddy to feed her! As soon as he spooned up some cake she beamed with a huge smile!

It was a weekend full of family and fun times and we all worked hard!

 

 

Being at the lake brings back memories both good and bad but we move forward and try to reclaim our place in this world. Sounds of laughter, games being played at the dining room table and the feeling of freedom is a welcome reminder that we are truly home.

58 thoughts on “Happy birthday Heme!”

  2. Happy Birthday Heme! It is so good you can enjoy 4 generations enjoying the lake house, working together, celebrating and making good memories. A family that works and plays together is strong. xoxo

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  4. Happy Birthday Heme! What a wonderful family celebration – everyone looks so relaxed and joyful and the lakehouse stretches and comes to life to envelope you all in it’s ambient calm. Happy Birthday to you too, dear Lynn – it’s Mummy’s birthday too xoxoxo

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  13. You have no idea how much your post makes me smile. The love your family radiates, the joy of everyone to make and see the other family members happy, and simply the appreciation and gratitude of being together. This is so wonderful… and this all in this wonderful surrounding. Smiling all the way reading and writing this comment…💖

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  16. Oh Lynn!!!! So much love! Happy Birthday to your Heme! I feel so much love and joy in these photos! Embrace that! Hang on to it! You’ve done soooo sooo good Momma Bear!!!! ❤

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  17. Oh my I am so far behind in your post. Birthdays, summer, wedding dresses, the lake house and those babies just keep getting more and more adorable !! I enjoy all your pictures so much, you are truly blessed my dear friend. your yard is beautiful , so full of colors. Fingers’ crossed that this monster sells down here in California, and we can get our RV and we will be surprising you at some point !! I know, I know, I keep promising, but it is on the agenda!! I need one of your hugs!

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  20. Lynz, What a beautiful family, lovely summer home, great looking cake that I am sure did not last long. I am sure you all had a wonderful time together to open up the house for the season and to share in the beauty of your son’s birthday.

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  23. A magical location for your family gathering and celebration! Precious moments in life … it’s wonderful to see you all so happy and full of joy. Wishing you lots of times like this at your lake house!

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  24. Happy Birthday Heme! 15! It’s a golden age. Wonderful things are in store for you this year and if you can believe it even more so at 16 and beyond!!! You’re a very blessed young man to have your Mom, Grandparents and siblings to share this birthday with you in such a gorgeous place!

    Lynn, to have endured such pain, humiliation, and abuse and to end up there at the lake with your parents, and all your children is a miracle! The song Count Your Blessings comes to my mind. It’s been a journey. Thankfully, you and the children have hung together! xx

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