A Fireman's Birthday

 A week ago tomorrow was my baby boy's 27th birthday!  No, I can't believe it, it seems like yesterday we were building Legos and reading storybooks.  I never tire of telling anyone who asks how very proud I am of him. At the risk of getting teary-eyed, that's all I'm going to say about that right now.  He is simply an amazing young man  . . . and so good to his mother. 

Kyle joined the fire department in June 2010.  He loves the department.  It has become a huge part of his life.  Once a year, in the spring, at the Retired Firemen's dinner, the new members are initiated.  I took pictures on that evening and compiled this mini-album for his birthday.

This was my first mini-album, I'd been wanting to try this for a long time.        The cover is made from a cake mix box, covered with cardstock and a couple coats of Mod Podge. Embellished with some aluminum from a soda can (embossed with the CuddleBug) and a bit of machine stitching.  The bookplates are cut from aluminum and painted with black fingernail polish.  

Some photo corners  and various titles were made glossy with Crystal Effects (a.k.a. Glossy Accents, depending on what brand you use).

The twine holds tags for journaling that are encased between the pages.  I left the journaling blank so he can choose his own words.

The back cover with his number.  Oh yes, and it was wire bound courtesy of my Bind-it-All. 

I loved making this.

So I thought I was going to have the very most special-est birthday gift until my dear husband came up with this --

For those of you who don't know (which would include me had I not been told!), the base of this lamp is a fire hose nozzle.  Randy put this together himself.  I think it turned out pretty spectacular!

It was a good birthday and he was very pleased.  It's great to see him smile.

Our special prayers today especially for the family of our dear friend Larry.  Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.

Prayers for Dave, Jack, Brenda, Mark, John, Karen and Leslie. 

I wish you all a blessed day - With love & prayers, Janis