Bri's Birthday!

With this post - I should be caught up! (Hopefully!)

We had Bri's birthday at the park again this year - at her instance. We loaded up the grill Karl and I affectionately call the "first community property" - which is a seriously huge bear - and headed to the park, water balloons, kites, badminton sets, and enough food to feed a small army in tow.



When all our guests arrived (which were many more then we expected - which was great!) the madness began. Karl and my dad grilled while the kids flew kites and played at the park. After we all ate, presents were opened. I was definitely impressed at how patient all the munchkins were!





After presents - the games began. Water balloons were hurled, water guns juiced, massive amounts of screams let out, adults and kids alike went at it....







and finally - the paramedics and E.M.T's arrive. My dad went to jump a gate - and not so gracefully reverse belly flopped onto the ground. He was taken to the E.R.






In an effort to keep the kids out of the way - cake was served and everyone played some more. Despite the minor drama - it was a great party and I think everyone (except perhaps my dad) had a blast!

Catch Up Numero Dos?

Okay - I just wanted to share this picture. Noah was not impressed by daddy's hair cutting skills, or device...or perhaps just have to sit still. But Noah - finally - at 15 months - finally had enough hair to get his first hair cut!

Catch Up Bloggo Numero Uno

Well, farthest back on the list would be....

drum roll please..........

GRADUATION!

It was on May 15th - and I was really hesitant to walk...but am so glad I did. I somehow managed to make the President's Honor Roll for the entirety of my Associate's degree and am pretty proud of that (considering I had almost given up on this particular dream). I was blessed by having My kids, Karl, My parents, Jordan and Jesse (cousins), 2 Grandmas and my Grandpa Bill there to celebrate this day with me! Pictures in the events center didn't turn out great - but here are my professional pic (even though I don't love it) and my degree!

Thinking...

You know...I was just thinking about something - and felt like telling my blog-o-sphere. And that is...

Life really is so incredibly beautiful. And God really is so good.

As I am laying on my stomach, watching a stupid movie with the most amazing future husband one could ask for, listening to one of my incredible babies snoring away on the monitor, thinking about a conversation I had on the phone this afternoon with my irreplaceable mom, I realized - everything in my life feels exactly how I want it.

and here are a few of the reasons why

- My children are the most amazing one could ever be blessed with. I am privileged just to be a part of their life.

- Karl, the man I will spend the rest of my life with - got out of bed, just to buy me tylenol last night - at midnight. He ruined my favorite pair of pants this morn (dont worry - I saved them) - and promised to pick up cans on the side of the road to replace them...in a love note. He loves my children - they are no longer my children - they are ours. And - my parents approve. Karl giving me a dirty look at the children's muesum
- My mom and I are getting along like I always imagined. She is becoming more then a mother - but a best friend. Mom is pictured here - She came to the hospital without me even having to ask just the be there for us.

- My dad...is my dad - blood or not, last names are not. A man that could have just been a step dad...but choose to be my dad.

- I graduated college. Yes - me - I did it! I have a degree - and am 2 student teaching semesters away from graduating college AGAIN. To follow my dream and make a difference - and I am succeeding.

- I am surrounded by amazing friends, that I never have to be anything but me around.

And most importantly -

- I serve a God that loves me unconditionally, in my highest highs and lowest lows.

Birthday and Denver

Well, once again my lovely mother has pointed that it has been forever since I blogged. We did end up having, not just a birthday party, but a huge birthday party for Bri. It was also quite eventful, as my dad, who is still a kid at heart, found out he's not quite a kid in body anymore. He tried to hurdle a gate and ended up in the E.R. He is okay though. However, in all the fun, I (and by I, I probably mean Noah) seem to have miss placed my camera - so pictures will have to wait.

Then this last weekend we decided we needed a road trip, so we went to Denver. And, after 2 and a half hours, I think I have accomplished making a slide show of the trip with some of my favorite pictures - because there were just wayyy to many to upload (though in retrospect, it might have been easier).

Enjoy!