Kelsey's Wedding

I am the oldest grandchild on my dad's side.  When I was 8 & 10 my little cousins Abbey and Kelsey were born.  I remember when they were so little they were in a play pen (back then that's what we now call a Pack N Play) and I was reaching over the side to touch them.  

In 2005 they were both in my wedding.

I watched Abbey get married three years ago.

Then last Saturday, I witnessed Kelsey get married too.  It was like my life was flashing before my eyes.  Between thinking of them as little girls I was also thinking how close Victoria is so getting married.  (I understand we're about 20 years away but time flies!)

Here's Abbey with the Best Man.

I love the Bridesmaid's dresses. 

The Bride and her Daddy.

He is my Godfather and truly one of the best fathers I know.

He is amazing and would do anything for his girls.  

Hugging her Daddy 'good - bye'.

First kiss.

 I don't think Kelsey could have a better suited dress for herself.

It was gorgeous!!!

Auntie Kathy, Me, Abbey & Kelsey all got our wedding dresses at the same spot.

The wedding and reception were both held at a Country Club.

I am SO glad I asked for this picture right after the reception.

She is so beautiful and happy!

We had a great time during dinner.

I kept saying we were at the "Fun Table."

That means we were sat with Brian and Tammey:-)

Uncle Dave and Grandpa

Brian and Tammey

They are so cute and funny!

This picture sums up my family.

Not sure who photo bombed but it's still cute.  

My grandpa and his five children.

My dad was a senior in high school when Uncle Scott was in kindergarten.

Isn't that so cute?

Wayne and me with all of them.

My brother (and his clip on tie) and me

Pretty sure this was late into the night.....

 This is my favorite picture of the night.

I don't have many pictures of just my grandpa and me.

I will treasure this forever and I am going to frame it for him.

Here's her 'Guest Book'

It was so beautiful. I wish more people would have done it.

It was a very fun night that went on until 4am.

Still hard to believe my little cousins are married women!

My Side

Last Saturday, before we dropped the kids off before we went out to lunch at Chili's.  We all enjoy some Chili's.  However, on this day I'm pretty sure nobody actually wanted to be there.

It started out with Mark and Brecken in the carseat on one side of the booth and the "Big Kids"with me on the other side of the booth.  

Next thing you know this was the way it was:

One fussy baby and two kids who had no interest in eating.

I just laughed.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

Just Cute

Just Cute

MidSummer Bowling

On Tuesday, I took my three kids and my two nieces bowling.  

I didn't know what to expect taking 5 children 7 and under bowling by myself.

But, we had the greatest time ever!!!

Somewhere decided to wear a disguise for some reason.

But I won't tell you who she is.....

Then she got a spare!

First game.

The crew -Brecken.

He chose to root the team on instead.

We had two rules while bowling.

1. Stay seated when someone is bowling - that's about 99% of the time.

2. Say something positive every time someone bowls.

I started getting nervous Ashley was going to beat me.

I don't especially like getting my picture taken these days...

But V offered to take one of me and my lil' man.

I'm glad she did:-)

I should have been a lot more nervous.

Look who pulled out the win on the second game!

In my defense I'm pretty sure if you googled 

Things NOT to do while you wait for a cracked pelvis to heal

#1 is bowling.

Yowzers.  Ouch!

Then we met Papa for lunch.

Turns out I brought every single one of his grandchildren right to him.

Can't you feel the love?

It was a great day and we're already looking forward to it again this summer!

Laura's Birthday

Today one of my best friends is celebrating a birthday.  There's something about being her friend.  She's so good to me, not only does it make me want to be a better friend to her, but to my other friends as well.  She is the definition of a good friend.  When I told her we were trying to get pregnant she said,   "If you do, I'll be right here to support you in any way I can."  Not only did she say those words that brought tears to my eyes then and now, she followed through.  

She's a good listener.

She's funny.

She's realistic.

She's a great mommy.

She's loves to have fun.

She's a great dancer:-).

She's always up for anything.

She puts up with everything I bring.

She's generous.

She's thoughtful.

(She bought me the cutest diaper bag. Nursing cover up. Hosted a shower for my THIRD child.  She takes pictures at all our functions.)  

She was the one person I called from the NICU and she pulled over and listened that early Monday morning and understood that we needed privacy.

She's my teammate at school and in life.

I don't know what I'd do with her.

We celebrated last week and had the world's fastest pedicure.  Look for us in the 2014 World Book.

But there was talking and laughing.

Just what we were going for.

We all picked the same color so we have "Yogi Toes!"

Then we went out for drinks at 2:30 in the afternoon!

That's pretty special to us Mommies!

I could celebrate you every day, Laura.

I can't thank you enough for being the friend you are and helping me strive to be the Mommy and teacher that I am because of you.

You're not just a friend.

You're the sister I always dreamed of.

You're my mentor not just at school, but in life.

I wish you your best year yet.

Looking forward celebrating again this weekend!

Love you!!

Choices

Victoria began asking when she can earn and spend real money in the last year.  So this summer she's been doing chores for quarters here and there.  I gave her one of my old wallets and she's been saving.  We went to the Toys 'r' Us a couple weeks ago when she had under $10 to spend and she looked and looked and looked and looked.  Man, I tried to be patient, be come on......  

In the end she decided to save for something she REALLY wanted.  I was proud of her.

She's been into her Victoria doll lately and decided she wanted to buy her a new outfit.  I mean, she reads to it each night and sings it a good morning song.  

Poor thing wears the same outfit day in and day out.  

Off we went.  But not before I taught her a lesson on clipping coupons.  She scored some Joann coupons from Mama Jeanne and off we went.  

How is a girl to decide???

After we went to the bank and cashed in all her change she had $16.30.

She had two 50% off coupons.

She looked and looked and looked.

She spent $8.  Good thing she had those coupons or she'd be broke!

She decided on a visor because, "It's going to be sunny at Yogi" and a new pair of pj's because, "she likes to be comfortable."

She's got her eye on sunglasses and a dress that comes with shoes.

The joys of being seven!

A New Smile

Victoria had her bottom two teeth pulled on June 29th.  I dreaded watching them do it and I dreaded the  first loss of baby teeth in our house.  I dreaded it.

She, clearly, had no problem.

Here she is in the waiting room.

See that adult tooth coming in already?

It missed the root completely so they would never fall out on their own.

I can't say enough about the way Dr. Mielke treated her.

I could not have picture it any better than it went.

After the nurse set up and everything the dentist came in and said pretty much:

Hi Victoria.  We're going to pull two teeth out today.  You have nothing to worry about because you're in charge here.  There won't be any hurts.  If you get nervous or have a questions just raise your hand like this.  Then I'll stop and I won't do anything until you tell me you're ready.

That's the way it's done people!

I could see her whole body relax.  

I think mine did too.

The entire thing only last 45 min included the gas time at the beginning and end.  

They were amazing.

Here are the results:

I guess if every kid you know your age and many younger than you have already lost teeth you have a lot of time to plan.

I wanted to get a good look at what was happening under her pillow before she went to sleep.

She lifted her pillow for me to find a battery powered candle (so the Tooth Fairy could find her way), an adorable letter to her, the tooth necklace the dentist gave her and a pouch for each tooth.

The one of the left Mama Deb made her. 

A. Dor. Able!

The effort was worth it!

She received a $5 bill for each tooth.

PLUS they are totally sparkly -

so "who would even spend such special money?!" 

The whole thing just makes me smile.

And I LOVE to see her smile each and every time!