wild and crazy

Somewhere in my mind, I vaguely remember spending my weekends going out. Not that I was ever a big party girl, but still, weekends were for dressing up and going somewhere. Kind of like this recent bachelorette party.

Beautiful girls, a wonderful dinner (where I only paid for one person, versus five), and lots of laughs at a piano bar. My sister had a great time and it was fun to have a rare night out with no kids around.

But truthfully, my favorite weekend nights are nights spent like these. A balmy, almost summer night with a fun movie, pajamas, pillows, and popcorn.

Call me crazy, but I'll take a family Friday night at home over a wild and crazy night out any day.

Oh yeah - and check out the new expression the little man is sporting when he sees the camera pointed in his direction. Ummm, we're going to have to work on that a little!

One tough boy

Is it wrong to love the skinned knees that inevitably occur when a toddler gets passionate about exploring the wide world of the outdoors?




Because if loving these dirty little knees is wrong, I don't want to be right. :)

2 bouquets

2 bouquets of beautiful flowers graced my table this week. Both were from 2 very different celebrations of life: My sister's bridal bouquet from her wedding and flowers from my grandmother's funeral. We had a rip roaring time at Kellie's wedding - dancing, eating, laughing, and sharing in her joy that she found someone so wonderful with whom to share her life. But just as high as we were up that night, we were down when 2 hours later, my grandmother joined her Lord and Savior face to face. I am so proud of the fight she gave to hold on until after my sister's wedding, but we are all so sad that we are separated for a while from such a loving, giving person. I will probably share more thoughts on her life later, but I am so thankful for this post and for my mom who shared it with her before she got sick. That trip was the last time we would get to share with her and I am so thankful that she got to meet Nathan and that my girls have such wonderful memories of the time they shared.

The flowers have been a reminder that God is always good. His plan and timing is always perfect and always best. So many times we think we are making choices and decisions for our lives, but God is the one always in control, always working for good for those who love Him. From the smallest details of our lives to the monumental occasions, His hand is leading, guiding, loving. I am thankful for a God that gives and I am thankful for a God who takes away. Just like she always sang, "Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before" my grandmother has been given a new body and spends every day face to face with Jesus.

And heaven just got a little bit sweeter.

It's about time!!

After a looong blogging break, I am jumping back in with both feet! Of all times to pick this back up, it is now the week of my sister's wedding and it is all kinds of crazy busy around our house. We are so excited and looking forward to an amazing party and celebration Saturday night. I'll be posting pictures next week and can't wait to see my girls in their beautiful dresses. In the meantime, a little recap on the past two months is in order.

Avery got her ears pierced with a few tears, but a lot of smiles after the soreness went away! Such a brave girl!




Mackenzie got to try her first frozen mocha for a Valentine's treat. She decided she was not a fan and I was beyond excited about that. Those things are expensive!


We spent yucky, cold, snow days having fun at Chuck E. Cheese.



We had fun showering my sister with gifts at her bridal shower.



We learned how to make homemade pizza. They were yummy, but I'm not replacing our local favorite any time soon!



We planted our summer garden.


We decorated for Easter and made some cute Easter basket cupcakes.




Finally, we spent last Sunday celebrating our risen Lord and Savior. It was a wonderful Easter Sunday with the most beautiful weather we have seen around here in a long time. Check out the little man's play cell phone. I think he looks like he's ready for Wall Street!

I have a lot more great pics, but I will wrap it up for now. We are happy that spring is finally here and have been spending lots of time outdoors on slides, bikes, and four wheelers. Personally, I am thrilled to be past my "blogger's block" and looking forward to sharing some fun posts in the near future!