halloween

wedding week

Two weeks ago our family of four traveled to Missouri to see my best friend Debs get hitched. It was an unforgettable weekend in more way than one. The wedding was a family affair- Chica was a flower girl, Danny sang and played the guitar during the ceremony and I got to be Debs' matron of honor. Among the wedding festivities, my mom and I hosted a luncheon for the bridal party. On top of that, it was Baby Sister's first trip back so tons of extended family members were itching to meet her.

Thursday night Debs' sister Lisa hosted the bachelorette party. She went above and beyond to make it a fun night that Debs would love. We met up at the hotel, boarded a party bus and went to dinner at a Tapas restaurant.

Moment of truth: I took Sissy with me. My daughter went on a party bus at two months old. (I hope no one from child services finds my blog.)

(I can hear the therapy session now, "You see doctor, it all began when my mother took me to abachelorette party on a party bus before I could support my own head...")

To make a long story short, we had planned for her to stay home with her father but due to the timing of events she would have needed two bottles in a row before bedtime and I wasn't that prepared. So she came to dinner with us on the bus.

Dinner was sooooo good. I've never eaten tapas before. We each ordered a plate and then passed them around so we could to try everything. I sat with the groom's family and loved getting to know them better. At one point Sissy spit up all over my shirt. Mrs. Ebert was so sweet, she held the baby while I went to the bathroom to hose off. And then I ate all her leftovers. I am the Queen of first impressions.

After dinner it was time for salsa lessons! My mom met us there to take the baby and she snapped this picture of the bride-to-be (in the orange.) Do you think she had a good time? :)
After salsa lessons Mom and I headed home to load up the cars with stuff for the luncheon. Friday morning we arrived bright and early to set up. Both my mom and Danny worked sohard. It was important to all of us that the Bride was blessed.

As we arranged the room and the flowers and the food I was surprised with how emotional I became. A little weepy, but there wasn't a hint of sadness in it. More of just being overwhelmed with God's goodness. Debs and I have been friends a long time and with that I've witnessed her seasons of dating and singleness. Danny and I have prayed often for her future husband even before we knew who he would be. As she held fast to her standards, God ushered in a man who was beyond what she had hoped for or imagined. The courtship was a whirlwind but I know when he got down on one knee it was the easiest decision she's ever made. I think I was crying that morning over God's faithfulness to bless her beyond her wildest dreams.

Jenna sang during the ceremony. It was sooo much fun catching up with her. She even came to the luncheon early to help us with last minute preparations. I love her.

Funny story- Friday night of the rehearsal both Danny and I had to be on stage before Reese came down the aisle. The plan was for her to sit with my mom after she made it down. My mom wasn't at the rehearsal so Chica was unattended in the first pew. As Jen started to sing, Big Girl, overcome by the music sprang up out of her seat and proceeded to perform a lyrical dance. Lost in a movement, she toppled over and face planted on the carpet. The bridesmaids all gasped, waiting to see what would happen next. She jumped up and raised both hands over her head in victory. Jen, unable to hold it together for the last note burst out laughing. Thank goodness it was just a run through. I assured everyone that the Flower Girl would be supervised the next day.

Here she is welcoming our guests. She wanted to turn off the lights and yell, "Surprise!" when Debs came through the door. I had to break it to her that Debs already knew about the party.



I love this picture of Debs with her mama.

Big Girl got a dress up outfit for being in the wedding. She LOVED it!

Can you believe it, I didn't get a single picture with the bride? It was a bit of an unusual day. The groom was in the E.R. the morning of the wedding. By the time we got word he was going to make it to the ceremony on time there just wasn't a good moment. When I had my camera I didn't have the bride, when I had the bride I didn't have my camera, etc. Hopefully the professional photographer's turns out.

Here we are setting up of a quick family picture. Fingers crossed for a Christmas card candidate. :)

Dan fed Sissy a bottle during the professional pictures and she looked so funny with her chunky leg hanging out I had to take a picture.
The rest of the night we ate, danced, toasted, posed in the photo booth and all around celebrated the happy couple. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Ebert, we love you! Thanks for letting us be a part of your big day!!

three and a half

Today Chica is officially three and a half years old. For the past couple of months when people have asked her age we've rounded up but today it's officially official. Tomorrow she'll be closer to four and in just a year and a half she'll be heading to kindergarten. Sweet mercy I have some praying to do. :)

She insisted on a purple sign for the lamb to hold. I'm not sure if you knew this but something happens as girls get older. They start to develop opinions. Not only that they learn how to express their opinions. Quite well actually. In conclusion: women have opinions and it starts early on. So glad I could enlighten you on this monumental day in my baby's life.

Here she is one year ago.

And here she is when she was her sister's age. I could have sworn I took this picture yesterday.

We love you Big Girl. You rocked our whole world when you entered it three and a half years ago. Have a great day at school. How about when Sissy and I pick you up you we'll drive straight to Sonic for Happy Hour to celebrate? There's a purple slushy there with your name on it.

sabbath

Main Entry:	sabbath
Part of Speech:	noun
Definition:	day for resting
Synonyms:	Lord's day, Sabbath, Sabbath Day, Saturday,Sunday, day off, rest day

This morning I woke up two hours and forty-five minutes before church started. We had two hours to get out the door if I hoped to make it to worship on time.

I took Chica to the bathroom. I fixed her breakfast. I checked on her shirt hanging in the laundry room. It was still damp. I threw it in the dryer. I pumped a bottle for the baby. I cleaned up Chica's breakfast, refilled her water and started a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episode on the computer. Baby Sister woke up. I fed her, burped her and changed her diaper. I also got her dressed. I started the bath water while Dan got Chica dressed and brushed her teeth. I bathed quickly and got dressed. I kissed Dan good-bye. I hunted unsuccessfully for some markers for Chica. I put on make up. I fixed Chica's hair. I dried and brushed my hair. I changed Baby Sister's diaper. I brushed my teeth and put on my shoes. I grabbed the diaper bag, the car keys and my phone and put them in the car. I took Chica to the bathroom. I strapped Baby into her car seat and strapped her car seat in the car. I strapped Chica in her car seat. I filled a cup of ice water and grabbed two packages of granola bars. I darted through the house turning off all the lights and locked the doors.

I pulled out of the driveway nineteen minutes after our goal.

I parked the car in the street and ran back inside to grab a binky. We drove thirty minutes to church. I ate breakfast in the car. We sang Kari Jobe songs and talked about how excited we were for the carnival that afternoon. I prayed for Baby Sister (it was her first morning in the nursery.) We pulled into a packed parking lot. I vowed to someday have a section of parking spots reserved for parents of young children at my make believe church. I scolded myself for ever being late to church back when I was only responsible for getting myself ready. I parked far away, unstrapped everybody, grabbed our stuff and trekked to the Children's building. I checked in Chica, dropped her off at her class and headed for the baby building. I got a pager, took Sissy to her class, filled out her form and handed her over. Too late for the worship service, I walked to the youth building to hear Dan teach Sunday School. I fell into a chair, took a deep breath and contemplated having a sabbath during nap time.

Or maybe in 18 years.

:)

sweet revenge

This post isn't going to win me any Mama awards. Dan couldn't believe I continued taking pictures as the following scene unfolded before my eyes. It was just a matter of days before Little Sis took justice into her own hands and well, the pictures speak louder. See for yourself. :)













Revenge is sweet.

Reconciliation is sweeter.

But I think those purple striped leggings Big Sis paired with her Tigers shirt is sweetest of all.

smile

At 7 weeks and 2 days Baby Sister reached my favorite milestone. She started smiling at us! First she smiled at her Daddy. Then she smiled at her Big Sister. Finally, finally she smiled at her Mama. I'm trying not to take it personally. :)

It's the greatest feeling to be talking to her and suddenly her eyes light up and her mouth opens wide in a crooked grin. It's still new enough that when it happens we start yelling for the rest of the family to come see. I thought you might want to see it too.

"Bloggers come quick! Hopie's smiling at me!!!"

two months old

Our sweet Hopie is two months old today. Last night she moved into her own room. I cried a little as I changed her into her pajamas. It feels like the first step towards independence. (Is that dramatic?) With Chica we inched the bassinet down the hall a little farther each night. I figured this time I'd just rip the band aid right off and help myself to some ice cream from the freezer. So far Little Sister is an easy baby. (I think God knows I'm a bit of a pansy so He went easy on me.) :) She loves to sleep, has big blue eyes and just last week started smiling at us.
I don't know if anyone loves our smallest family member more than this child does. If her baby sister is awake, she wants to be right there in the action- helping change diapers, wiping off her face, dancing a jig. She couldn't keep away from our two month photo shoot.
Two sweet sisters as of two months today.

we like to party

This past weekend was full of celebrating. Saturday morning Baby Sister and I went to a shower for my friend Whitney. Her baby boy is due at the end of the month and we can't wait for him to get here!

We were a little late to the party. Can somebody explain to me when on that rare morning you find yourself walking out the door on time, that is the moment when the baby majorly spits up or the older one looks like she got in a wrestling match with the tube of toothpaste? Is it the Law of Young Children? Pride commeth before a necessary wardrobe change?

Eventually we made it to the shower. Sissy was a happy camper. While the ladies passed her around, I took some pictures.

Here's the Mama to be opening our gift. It's an outfit for church.
After the shower we picked up the other half of our family and went to a birthday party for one of Reesie's friends from church. It was a princess party and everyone came dressed as royalty. Chica found this toy in the driveway and kept driving it into the bushes. I tried to help her back on to the pavement but she said she was mowing the lawn.


Cute party-goers.

Much to her delight, Chica got to take that pink sparkly crown home. She wore it to Sunday School the next day. And the day after that.
Partied out. :)
Yesterday the youth staff threw a party for Nathan.

Surprise!!

Someone was especially attentive once Mr. Nathan started opening his presents. :)

If this weekend was any indication, October is shaping up to be a really fun month!