Happy Birthday Kent

Dear Kent,

Of all the family that I hold near and dear, you may just be the nearest and dearest (but don't tell anyone).

I remember the first time I met you. I was giving you and your friends a ride home from school. I was mooooooorrrrreeeee than happy to give you a ride since I had a secret, mad crush on your older brother. (That was before I met Alan). Just kidding! It was Alan I had the crush on.

Anyway, back to YOU, since YOU are the birthday boy and the object of our affection today.

I know you've heard this a million times from everyone you know, but you were so nice and kind. You were actually the nicest, kindest person I had ever met. Even my gigi and papa thought you were the nicest and kindest person they had ever met.

I've adored you from the start and we have more than a million memories together. I'll never forget your mission homecoming, how you sat on the stand just smiling. I thought you were going to be translated right then and there. And then there was Hawaii and all the hours at the beach together and at TVA together arguing about whether or not time and space existed. And remember our trip to D.C. and Niagra falls, and camping in Palmyra, and how we almost died together at Gettysburg, and Cooperstown, how we couldn't decide who would get the better room at the bed and breakfast so we decided to camp instead. And then there were our New York years together. Les Mis, Miss Saigon . . . I'm getting verclempt. Remember when you and Stacey were on David Letterman? And remember Thanksgiving and the Macy's day parade with Tatum tucked up in Alan's coat, and how Stacey threw the Turkey in your face because you're so selfish. (ha ha) That was so funny.

And remember your hallway from hell at Columbia? And all of our trips crammed in the car to Maryland with Tatum screaming at the top of her lungs the whole way. And how we used to feed her lemons and laugh. And how we loved to scare her with that shark pop out book until she'd cry. And remember the Zoo at Central Park when we couldn't get Tatum to look at the seals and we laughed until you peed your pants? (Or was that me?) And remember Carnegie Deli when you ate way tooooooo many pickles and almost didn't make it home.

And remember our camping trip to Rhode Island and that enormous lightening storm and our tent got flooded and you were holding an umbrella over the fires and you got struck by lightening and spent 3 weeks in the hospital . . . Okay, that never happened, but you did throw your back out an Alan got stung by a bee and I was 8 months pregnant. And remember how we crammed the car full of our stuff and we had to tie you to the roof in horizontal position as we drove around Rhode Island in the middle of the night looking for a hotel, but there were none because there was a Dunkin Doughnuts convention. And we discovered all 932 Dunkin freakin Doughnuts in that state. And we also discovered that every person in Rhode Island looks exactly alike. Remember how sure we were that we were being punked, or in the Twilight Zone. (note: I sat by a guy from Rhode Island on my way to D.C. last summer and, surprise, his son worked at Dunkin Doughnuts). And remember how I could kick your bootie at tennis, even when I was 13 months pregnant? That was awesome!

And remember Chris Farley . . . I miss that guy!

My kids adore you too. You are their favorite uncle, (but, again, keep that on the down low). They always talk about Uncle Kent. You always make it a point to make them feel special and you go out of your way to have fun with them. They still talk about the Penny Arcade and the Purple Turtle and how you told Garrett he had an elephant in his butt. And now they talk about Ash and Rock Band and Taylor.

You've been a great friend for years. I know I can tell you anything and everything (and I have) and you'll understand. I love that about you. But then there is so much to love about you. You're talented, insightful, artistic, funny, smart, generous . . . should I go on? Cause my eyes are sweating again. (It's hot over here.)

Happy Birthday, bud!
LOVE YOU MUCH!
Deb

Happy Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen!

ShElbY! Happy Birthday.

This post is from Tatum and Auntie Debbie.

Tatum says, "Shelby is Amazing!"

Debbie says, "Shelby can finally smooch Christian!"

Tatum says, "My mom is mean!"

Debbie says, "Sorry Shelby. I'll behave now."

Tatum says, "Shelby is funny and she's doesn't let anyone stop her from being herself."

Debbie says, "Hence the Pokemon dance!"

Tatum says, "Face Paint Rocks! You're never too old to dress up."

Debbie says, "Old? She's only 16 for goodness sake!!!"

Tatum says, "I LOVE SHELBY!"

Debbie says, "I LOVE SHELBY MORE!"

Shelby, it's still your birthday here in Hawaii. I hope you stayed up super late watching for our birthday post. You have been in our thoughts today. We can't believe you are 16 and now you can date AND drive (AND smooch! shhhhh don't tell Tatum I said that).

I loved having you here with us last summer. You are so smart and wise and talented and beautiful!

Hope you hade a wonderful day!
Love,
TaTuM and DeBbiE

Paul Poo bringing up the birthday rear!

Okay, I'm seriously suffering from Birthday fatigue here, but I can't pass up the anniversary of Perfect Paul's 34th birthday. (I'm dyslexic, btw).

Paul, of all the years we've been legally bound together by marital super glue, the one regret I have is not buying a set of Cutco knives from you. You were goooooood and I was this close. I now know there are three things worth spending too much on: mattresses, mascara and Cutco knives. If only, if only . . .

Even though we're seperated by the largest body of water and a couple of states, we'll always have "The Office." I'll never forget all the good times, including the loud clunking remote control chugging over head into the wee hours of morning.

On a serious note, you da man! I respect you mucho. It's very cool how you're always cleaning up after yourself and everyone else. (Where did that come from? Probably from reading all that Women are from Venus, Men are from Mars.)

And it's cool you're taking voice lessons. Follow your dreams! Find your grail! I'm all over that.

I feel lucky to be related, even if it's only through super glue.

LOVE YOU! Have a wonderful day!

Deb

Happy Birthday Jer Bear

Jer Bear . . . that's kinda cute, don't you think?

Man, I'm getting a little birthday fatigue here. These memory lanes stretch back foreva. Jer, I've known you even longer than I've known Jen.

Good grief, I used to change your diapers when you were just a li'l tike.

Okay, I haven't known you that long. But I babysat you plenty of times back in the day when you had that pinball machine in your bedroom, them bunnies in your backyard and those lyin eyes at the poker table.

Speaking of tables, remember that time Alan and I were having that super romantic Valentines dinner all by our selves? Even the candles were swooning when we got all sugary sweet and then I slipped off my pumps to play a little Flashdance footsie with my Valentine, but something was in the way . . . oh, yes, it was YOU! You were hiding under the table trying to get some pointers on how to wine and dine your future wife. (Bobbi, I hope we taught him well) And Jer I hope we didn't give you any cavities that night.

You must have been about ten. And now look at you! Are you 30 yet? I'm thinking close. (That was a major mid-life crisis year for me! Good luck, dude).

We've gone through all the stages with you, haven't we? Everything from welcoming you on the other side of your wedding threshold, to pushing Emy out for you during Bobbi's labor. (You're welcome, btw). And come to think of it, YOU WERE HERE with us the day 9-11 became more than just your birthday, but an American anniversary, am I right?

Hawaii with you guys was DA BOMB! Even if you did only get a B+ in my class, you were still my favorite (besides Bobbi). I'm feeling a bit verclempt all the sudden. I miss you guys. Those were the days. Life if just boring now. Thanks for all you do to keep the family together. Nobody does it better. You are so awesome.

LOVE YOU! Have a great birthday!

Deb

The Birthday Girl

Happy Birthday Jennifer!!

I've been taking a walk down memory lane this morning. And it's a really loooooong lane. (I'm actually a little bit out-of-breath). Girlfriend, we've known each other half our lives!

Rember that time when you knocked Bruce out because he fed Taylor ice cream. That was so funny. Almost as funny as the time you beat the snot out of Ned for changing the channel while you were watching Miss America. You really know to put up your dukes. I always liked that about you.

And remember that time you were pregnant with Jenessa and you called me up and said "Can I pencil you in to babysit Taylor Friday @ 3:00 so I can have this baby? I have an hour between my dentist appointment and my stamping-it-up party." And how I laughed and said,"Whatever Jen, surprise me, why don't you! Be spontaneous for once in your life!" That was amazing how you didn't even crack a smile. Your calm certainty has always evoked my admiration. (And Luckily I was home at 3:00 when you dropped Taylor off.)

Sponteniety is way over-rated anyway.

But seriously, Jen, you da bomb! What you see is what you get! Straight up! Up-front! In-yo-face! I love it. Soooo glad you're my sista-in-law!

Have a great day, girl. Love you
XoxOx
Deb

All the girls are in school

I dont know what to do with myself??? Im used to having all three girls with me but now Emyly and Averi are at school. I get to be with only Bri and to hang out with her during the afternoon. It has been fun so far and fun for Bri to hang out with just me. (I think)

MUCH MAHALO to JER and BOBBI

Jer and Bobbi,

We got the beautiful reunion book today! Wow!! It's amazing. That was a lot of work and effort for you guys. Thank you for all of your time and effort and energy. Loved the photos you picked and the way you organized and arranged them.

And did you write the poem at the end? So sweet!

I don't know why those reunion pics make my eyes sweat so much. It's crazy.

Hey, do you take paypal? Cause we owe you like 65 or 70 bucks. Please let us know ASAP so we don't leave you hanging.

YOU DA BOMB, guys--fo' real. So buck! (My hand in on my shoulder right now!)

Love you guys.

Deb

Paul is not lost

Asia and Emyly at Asia's 6 year old birthday party- Averi came too- fun!

So excited to ride the bus- cute

One of bailey's posters

This is Jennifer and under much duress I am writing this blog and hoping that I can figure it out- I do not know how to do this, hence it hasn't happened yet. I want to add pictures but we will see if I can figure that one out too. A brief update on the Paul Frampton family:

Paul- is getting more excema since the weather is changing and thinking of moving to hawaii :-) just a dream- doing fine.

Jennifer- started preschool and is thinking this years classes are going to be good ones- yeah!

Taylor- Senior companion and tranier now. Has a Japanese companion so the language is progressing quickly. Has the chioce to come home June 12 or Aug. 5- tough decision.

Jenessa- Freshman at the U- loves her dnace classes. Is getting into the social life. Her "friend/ boyfriend" Sam, goes into the MTC tomorrow.

Shelby- countdown to 16- so excited to date and drive. Busy with band stuff.

Devin- soccer and basketball always- working on Duty to God

Bailey- made "Mayor" for the 5th grade with some pretty sweet posters and a speech- excited and has ideas.

Asia- loves Kindergarten and so does Mom.

Life is moving right along.

Love you all- Debbie- you are an amazing writer. Love it.

Jennifer