Great Vacation

We were shopping at Walmart here. They had fun hanging out in the cart together!

Another one taken with my phone... I hate that it's a bit blurry, but Kennedy and Grace were so cute hanging out in bed coloring together!

One of my MANY finished pages. This was a favorite of mine. Thanks Sheena, the flowers are adorable!!

Kennedy and I drove down to Missouri last week to visit the Searcys. I really did have a good time, but for some reason, had a hard time just relaxing. Don't get me wrong, I did a lot of sitting, but often times, wasn't 'relaxed'. I was homesick... all I wanted to do was clean and be back in my everyday routine. I fought Sheena to let me do the dishes a few times so I could feel at home again! I hereby deem myself the WORST vacationer EVER.

Other than that though, we had a blast! Kennedy, Ethan, Grace and Taylor played extremely well together. They had their share of fights, tattle tailing and fits, but that's all expected. We visited them last summer and I really felt like the kids picked up where they left off. It was so cute seeing them play together.

I, on the other hand, came for one reason and one reason only. Ok, two reasons. I wanted to spend time with the Searcys and I wanted to scrapbook all week long. I did both and we had a lot of fun together. It was Sheena's personal goal to get me completely caught up with Kennedy's albums so I could just focus on Presley when she is born. I didn't COMPLETELY catch up, but I got sooooo much done. And I owe it all to her. She motivated me the entire week by setting daily goals for me. I never met them, but I came close! I told her I really was thankful for her nagging, even if I didn't seem like it in the moment. :)

I very thankful for the friendship I have with Zack and Sheena... and glad they live within driving distance now! Eight hours wasn't as bad of a drive as I anticipated. Can't wait to see them again!

4 year pics of Kennedy

Sarah's Bridal Shower!

It was a low-key sort of shower... very intimate, no weird games, and a beautiful bride excited for her upcoming nuptials. There was family, friends, food and laughter. Nothing better than that! Plus a few gifts to top it off ;) And what a gorgeous day it was... perfect for a shower. Mom, Brit and I decided on the Cudahy Public Library for the venue. They have a beautiful room they rent and reading is Sarah's favorite thing to do. It just made sense. About half way through the shower, Sarah presented me with my 'maid-of-honor' gift early... a Coach purse! I jokingly said I wanted a purse a few months back so she and Brandon went out and bought it for me. It's ridiculous how generous they are! Although they did tell me this was payment for everything I'm going to be doing for their wedding... too funny.

All-in-all I'd say we threw a very successful bridal shower. Sarah really had a good time and that's all that matters. Now onto the FUN part... bachelorette party next month! We'll see how a 35 week preggo can handle THAT fun task ;)

Sarah and Brandon - Engagement Pictures!

Last Wednesday, we headed down to the lake and then to Grant park for Sarah and Brandon's engagement photo shoot. It was great spending time with both of them. Because he lives so far and works crazy hours, I don't get to really ever see him. We laughed a LOT. Kennedy also had a blast. It was her first time down by the lake, so she kept herself busy by throwing tons of rocks into the water. She was pretty cute. She and Brandon became best buds pretty quickly too. That was sweet to see :)

I'm so happy they wanted ME to capture these sweet moments of them together. I'm excited for the wedding!!! Who thought I'd EVER say that?! Yes, it's been a very difficult road letting my sister go, but I know she's in good hands. I love you both very much... July 15th is coming quickly!!!!

Meet Our New Neighbors!!

We've lived in our house for a year and a half now, renting the lower of a duplex and we absolutely love it here! It's a great area, spacious, very nice living space, and includes a HUGE backyard too! There's only one problem... our upstairs neighbors. They aren't HORRIBLE by any means, but let's just say we never clicked as well as I could've hoped. I got to the point of almost hating them when I realized I shouldn't harbor hate/bitterness for anyone. I prayed that I would love them and in the meantime they find another place they like better. Just when I thought the situation could become hopeless and we were stuck with them forever, I got the best piece of news EVER a few days ago. They announced that they were moving!!! Of course the first thing out of my mouth was, PRAISE THE LORD. It's been so hard for me to look past their faults and love them anyway, but because of my obedience I really feel like I'm being blessed in this situation. Makes me think of James 1:2-4. I'm glad I was able to persevere through this trial.

After he told me they were moving my immediate thought was, I need to call my mom. Her and I always joked that it would be so wonderful if her and Brit lived upstairs. I know she wants to be back in Cudahy, closer to work again, but I wasn't sure if she'd want to make another move so shortly after settling in Oak Creek. After all, she's only been there a little over a year and a half and is still in a lease. I called and told her the exciting news and then had her call Verna, our landlord who was more than happy and actually excited to rent to my mom. They chatted for a bit and really hit it off! My mom came and looked at the unit, they discussed a few changes before moving in, and WAH LA! Come August 1st, my mom and Brit will be living above us!!! It all happened so fast and I'm still in disbelief, but again, so thankful for these awesome changes about to take place!! My mom is nervous for another move so shortly after my sister's wedding and right before our little girl is born, but I'm certain things will work out just fine.

Yay for being obedient, moving neighbors and our new neighbors - my mom and sister! :) Love you guys!

What a WONDERFUL Weekend!

About twice a year, my friends and I get to go on a weekend getaway -- courtesy of our AMAZING HUSBANDS!! And what do we do on these awesome trips?? Scrapbook!! Yes, it's true, we're pretty dorky... but I LOVE IT! A woman owns a craft house in Madison that holds 24 people and boasts a HUGE workroom for everyone to enjoy their crafts. We eat, sleep and scrap for 48 hours and it is WONDERFUL. Because I don't scrap at home like I should be doing, I take this time to get myself caught up. (Sad, I know.) I'll scrap recent things in Kennedy's life, but I could also go back two years and see events that were untouched. YIKES! But truly the best part of the weekend is just being with my amazing friends. Last weekend Raven, Sarahbeth, Kim, Julie and Heidi joined me and we had a blast. I laughed so hard Saturday night, I nearly peed my pants. I mean the kind of laughing where your stomach hurts! Normally Sheena and a few others will join us too, but unfortunately didn't work out this time. BUT THERE'S ALWAYS NEXT TIME!

Since I've been home, I've actually continued to scrap! I left there inspired, motivated, and with the realization that if I don't catch up now, I'll NEVER get caught up when the baby comes! In a little less than 11 weeks, we're going to have a newborn in our home! You know what that means... no more 'me' time. I don't mean for that to sound selfish either, it'll just be an adjustment for all of us. We're used to things being quite easy around here with a four year old! Our life is going to dramatically change... for the better of course :)

Can't wait to see what God has in store for us on this awesome ride! Now back to scrapping...

Birthday Celebration!

Rather than go all out with a party theme, bounce house and 40-some people, we decided to keep her birthday low-key this year. After all, does a child really NEED a blow out bash every year?? Umm, no. But I had to convince myself that! After her big party last year and about $500 later, I promised myself there wouldn't be a big party for #4. Jon had to help me stick to my guns, as I was starting to crumble a few months prior to her birthday.

May is always an iffy month when it comes to the weather and since it hasn't been all that great every year for her birthday, we thought it would be better our 'party' commence inside. Sure enough, the weather was awful, but our 11 family members enjoyed our grilled food on their laps, on the inside of our cozy home. Sheena was actually in town to work for Dr. Brown, so it was great having her here too! One, because she's a wonderful friend of ours and a perfect little helper... and two, because she has some mad cake skills. Yes, I totally took advantage of my friend while she was here. ;) After hours of hard work, the cake was finished and it was everything Kennedy had requested. White cake with chocolate fudge (well, chocolate buttercream) on the inside and stripes on the outside. She LOVED it!! She even helped us at the end with some decorating!

Her birthday was just perfect. Both families together, enjoying our time with each other. Kennedy got some pretty special presents too... she is such a blessed little girl :)