Thanks, Jocelyn!

..for round two of the awesome hand-me-downs!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Yesterday was my birthday. I'm 35, and I can say that without tears - they've been a good 35 years. I love having my birthday on Sunday, since it's my favorite day of the week. We went to church, saw some great friends, had breakfast at Lite Bite, came home and worked on installing my gift, then went to my mom's house for a family party and great dinner.

Here's what we accomplished on my gift - new countertops! I love them! It updates my kitchen so much, and we've been thinking about doing it for years. Ryan and I found these pre-made, in-stock at Home Depot, so we can do the whole thing for a fraction of what we thought it would cost. I'm so excited! We should be able to finish and tile the backsplash this weekend. I'll post pictures when it's done.

Emma also picked out a new nightgown for me - all on her own (which means Ryan apparently let her go to a different department at Kohl's while he was looking at cards!) I also got a new saute pan, some great clothes, patio stuff, a book, a purse, and a new hand mixer. Thanks everybody for a great day!

Just to Embarrass Her

Look at how my good friend, Melynie, addressed my birthday card. Ha ha ha! I owe her a little pay back, since she brought me a cupcake cookbook and a gorgeous, huge cupcake. Did I never mention to her in all of our workouts at the gym together, that I struggle with my weight?!
Just kidding, thanks Melynie!

Florist at Heart

Our neighbor and dear friend just came home from the hospital after major surgery. Our neighborhood is providing dinners and wanted to send flowers, so I offered to help. I love to arrange flowers. It's very calming for me. I love the adventure of seeing what interesting things I can find at Produce Junction, and I love creating something beautiful. I made this huge arrangement from the neighborhood, and even had money left to buy gift cards from restaurants!
Luckily, it was Thursday and I had Jessica here to play with Lila for me.

The Park

Ryan was away all week. Single mom stuff is not fun! By 5:00 each day I'm losing my mind! The girls were really good all week, though. We ate simple dinners and they went to bed before 8 each night. We only had one soccer practice for me to suffer through with Lila. Thursday I treated them to an hour at the park followed by dinner with some friends (2 moms and their daughters whose Daddys' were also away) at Salad Works.

He's home now, and we're so glad!

Happy Mother's Day!

How could I not have a happy one with his crew?! Emma, Ryan, and Lila (sort of) served me breakfast in bed - very nice! After church, my mom, sister and I went shopping for the afternoon. It's my birthday next week, so I didn't even have to pay for anything! Ryan took the girls home, straightened the house, cut the grass, and met us at my dad's house where they had prepared dinner for us. Not that I don't love spending time with my girls, but this was a pretty nice alternative!

Oh and my new basket of red geraniums looks great hanging on the front porch!

Watering Can

Lila is such a big help in the garden. So is Trudy. Check out this sequence:



All of that yard work sure makes you thirsty!

The Rest of Gramma's VIsit

Gramma has been gone for over a week now, but I've finally gotten around to updating my blog. We had a wonderfully full visit. Ryan and I pride ourselves on not overscheduling our children, but we literally had something to do every night that she was here. Thanks for letting us drag you around, Gramma. We had so much fun!

Awana Awards Night

My raspberry farmers

Lila's Grandmothers

Emma's Art Show

Lovin' Gramma

Leaving for the airport

We also had the Awana Fun Fair, the Clothing Exchange, Soccer practices/games, several daytime shopping excursions (Gramma and I shop well together!), and a Chuck E. Cheese party!

I bet she was ready to get home to her quiet life with just Papa!