Josh turns 31 today.
And now, for the next 3 1/2 months, I'll only be seven years older than him (Although when I turn 39 in January, I'll be eight years older than him again.) which makes me feel slightly less cougar-ish.
Picked all the kiddos up from school on their lunch-breaks and we celebrated with German chocolate cake. (Josh's favorite.)
And thankfully, "Happy Birthday" upside-down, still means "Happy Birthday."
And if you're reading this Josh Downs...I hope we never spend another birthday apart.
Happy birthday to Josh! Hope you guys can Skype or chat today.
Posted by: Elizabeth C, | September 19, 2011 at 08:20 AM
Happy Birthday to Josh and many heartfelt thanks for your service and sacrifice.
Posted by: Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita | September 19, 2011 at 08:23 AM
Happy Birthday Josh Downs!!! Thanks for your service and sacrifice!!
Posted by: Nancy Wyatt | September 19, 2011 at 08:56 AM
Happy Birthday Josh Downs!! Thanks for your service to keep our country safe!
Posted by: Annabet | September 19, 2011 at 09:11 AM
Happy Birthday Josh Downs... You are my hero Karen Cougar!
Posted by: Robin healy | September 19, 2011 at 09:15 AM
Happy Birthday Josh Downs..I hope you both never have to spend a birthday apart again! Josh Thank you for your service and sacrfice! Karen, Thank you for all that you do too! :) Best wishes!
Posted by: Shannon Laux | September 19, 2011 at 09:38 AM
Embrace your inner Cougar Karen - You're rockin it girlfriend!
Happy 31st Birthday Josh Downs!! Thank you so very much for your service and sacrifice!
Posted by: Alaina | September 19, 2011 at 09:41 AM
Happy birthday, Josh Downs!! Thank you for your service & sacrifice. You (and yor brood at home) are prayed for by complete strangers! :)
Posted by: april | September 19, 2011 at 09:58 AM
Happy Birthday from me down here in Oz too Josh. Karen...I'm 2 years older than my life's love, and I know it sounds silly but 'back in the day' I always felt a littler more at ease when his b/day slightly caught up with mine for a bit...is silly isnt it. These days I'm just grateful we can share them...just grateful he's there when I wake up...
Posted by: Julie in Aust. | September 19, 2011 at 10:04 AM
Happy Birthday Josh! I want to give you and your family a heartfelt thank you for your service. I appreciate you and all our brave service men and women!
Posted by: Cori Barney | September 19, 2011 at 10:19 AM
awwww Happy Birthday Josh Downs! Thank you for ALL you do. Karen I hope you guys have a great day/night celebrating and next year YES, he will be home! :)
Posted by: Desiree Chandler | September 19, 2011 at 10:22 AM
Happy, HAPPY Birthday Josh Downs!! :)
Posted by: Kathy C. | September 19, 2011 at 10:26 AM
Happy *Happy* Birthday Josh Downs!!! *
Posted by: Denise Medeiros | September 19, 2011 at 10:27 AM
Happy Birthday, Josh!
(stay safe w crews!)
Posted by: jennifer Camplin | September 19, 2011 at 11:00 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Josh Downs! thanks doesn't seem like enough for all that ALL of you are doing for our freedom!
Posted by: Kim S. | September 19, 2011 at 11:39 AM
Happy Birthday Josh! Hope you find some way to celebrate your day and hope this is the last you ever spend away from your beautiful family!
Posted by: Tanya | September 19, 2011 at 12:25 PM
Happy Birthday, Josh Downs! I hope it's the last birthday you and your family spend apart!
Posted by: Kelli | September 19, 2011 at 12:35 PM
Happy Birthday Mr. Josh Downs. You're the Man! Hope you are celebrating with a cold beer and good company! :)
Posted by: Tammy Mellish | September 19, 2011 at 01:01 PM
Happy Birthday Josh Downs!!!!
I'm 8 years older than my boyfriend...and at first it was REALLY hard for me! I'm over it now, and I'm going to be 42 in November. Turning 40 WAS hard though, and him still being in his EARLY 30's! ohwell. you don't pick love, it finds you! And you have such a wonderful LOVE!!!! I really enjoying reading your blog and seeing your love for each other and your family!!!!!
Posted by: Nicole Ellisn | September 19, 2011 at 01:13 PM
Happy Birthday Josh Downs!!! Thanks for all that you do to keep all of us safe!
Posted by: Kim | September 19, 2011 at 01:31 PM
Happy Birthday Josh Downs. May this birthday find you safe. Thank you for all you do for the rest of this nation.
May God protect you and guide you home to your wonderful family earlier than expected!
God Bless.
Posted by: Martha - EP | September 19, 2011 at 01:45 PM
happy birthday Josh! i turn 31 in december;) blessings for your safety and God's peace.
Karen, i have a little something for you. i'll give it to ross if i ever see the lad (it's been a while), otherwise i'll drop it on your front porch one of these days on a target run.
Posted by: mandy friend | September 19, 2011 at 02:57 PM
Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday Josh Downs...Happy Birthday to you! Hope you have a fabulous day and I thank you for your service!
Karen...you are doing an amazing job encouraging Josh!!
Stacey
Posted by: Stacey H | September 19, 2011 at 02:58 PM
Happy Birthday Josh! Stay safe!
And I too hope you never have to spend another birthday apart Karen! Big hugs to you!
Posted by: Pam | September 19, 2011 at 03:46 PM
Happy Birthday, Josh Downs! Stay safe and come home to your precious family very soon.
ps - thank you for your service to and sacrifice for our country.
Posted by: Stacy | September 19, 2011 at 04:24 PM
You always touch my heart, Karen Russell!
Happy Birthday, Josh Downs! Thank you for serving our country (do they have birthday cake in Afghanistan??? I sure hope so!!!)
Posted by: Stacey Staceyface1 Clinton | September 19, 2011 at 04:49 PM
How cute is this picture? So adorable.....Happy Birthday Josh Downs....
Posted by: julee0613@yahoo.com | September 19, 2011 at 05:12 PM
Happy Birthday Josh...You've got the best birthday present ever...a family who loves you with all of their hearts :) God bless you and keep you safe.
Posted by: Tracy | September 19, 2011 at 07:44 PM
Happy Birthday Josh Downs! Thanks for all you do to keep us safe! Karen ....You are amazing stay strong!
Posted by: Jennifer F | September 19, 2011 at 07:53 PM
If you're reading this Josh Downs....HAPPY HAPPY BDAY!!! Thank you so much for your sacrifice!
Posted by: Janna | September 19, 2011 at 07:53 PM
And I hope so too!! The kids are just the bEST...and the upside down is just symbolic that life is upside down without Josh Downs!!
Happy Birthday Josh Downs.
Posted by: janel | September 19, 2011 at 08:12 PM
Happy Birthday Josh! Thank you for your service. Stay safe!
Love the photo Karen!
Posted by: Terry D | September 19, 2011 at 08:33 PM
Happy Birthday to Josh Downs, and THANK YOU!
Posted by: erinaaaa | September 19, 2011 at 09:02 PM
Happy Birthday Josh Downs! Thank you for serving and stay safe!
Posted by: Addie | September 19, 2011 at 09:45 PM
yum......glad you still made the day special...it was just Josh Downs spoiling it for you all by not being there!!! I hope you never have to spend a birthday apart as well. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia
Posted by: Kathy | September 20, 2011 at 12:58 AM
Happy Birthday Josh! God bless.
Posted by: Young Nanny | September 20, 2011 at 01:24 AM
Happy Birthday Josh! Thank you times a million. I just can't say it enough.
Posted by: Monica | September 20, 2011 at 05:46 AM
Precious family. So much love. Beautiful picture.
Posted by: Tluu | September 20, 2011 at 06:17 AM
A little late here, but Happy Birthday Josh Downs!!! Karen, I am older than my husband too....but he has more gray hair (that he likes to blame on me and the kids!!) Wishing Josh safety in Afghanistan!
Posted by: Yvonne C | September 20, 2011 at 08:44 AM
Happy birthday Josh Downs! Wishing that your time away from home will fly quickly, and that you'll always be safe as you serve your country.
Karen, rawrrr!!! Love the upside down sign.
Posted by: Alby | September 20, 2011 at 08:58 AM
Happy Belated Birthday, Josh Downs! Sending safe and happy thoughts your way! Thank you for doing what you're doing!
Posted by: Tanya A | September 20, 2011 at 11:05 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH...
And again misty eyes....
Thank you for your service and for sharing your family with the world...
I really wanted to come over and chat with you at the dentist office before you left for over seas, but I caught myself...because I know you but you don't know me....
Karen you are wonderful !!!!
Love Laura (from No bare pages)
Posted by: laura | September 20, 2011 at 07:03 PM
Happy Birthday Josh Downs!! Hope your home soon with your beautiful family!!
Posted by: teresa b | September 21, 2011 at 11:16 AM
Such a cute shot! My hubby and I are about 7 years apart only I'm the young one and he is the old one. hahaha. I'll be 32 in Nov and he'll be 39 in Dec.
P.S.
alreay loving the class!
Posted by: valerie | September 21, 2011 at 08:45 PM
On mine the theme is rather interesting. I suggest all to take part in discussion more actively.
Posted by: randomimageurl icons | September 10, 2012 at 10:49 AM