a lucky girl...

I am lucky enough to be surrounded by so many amazing women in my life...friends, aunts, grandmas, cousins, sister, mom, mother-in-law, (soon to be) sister-in-law.  I know how wonderful it is to have these  women in my life.  But there are three such women who have made such an impact on my life, they have helped me become who I am, and show me the kind of mom, sister, friend I want to be.  This past weekend I was lucky enough to get to spend a long weekend with these women...my mom, sister and cousin.  We took a little trip to Nashville over the weekend and I for one had an amazing time.  So much laughter and smiling (the drinks and fantastic music didn't hurt either!).  It was just what this girl needed.  I hope you are all as lucky as I am to have such incredible people in your life.  So, this Thankful Thursday I am thankful for all of the amazing women in my life, but especially for these 3.  Love you girls!

(mostly) wordless wednesday...

I know I have shared these pictures with pretty much everyone who reads here...but if by chance you have missed them, I'm sharing them here. These pictures are making me super happy this week!

short and sweet...

Today I am so thankful that as you are reading this I am on my way to Nashville for a long weekend with my mom and my 2 sisters (my actual sister and my cousin who might as well be my sister).  This trip could not have come at a better time...I'm in serious need of some downtime to rejuvenate and gear up for the rest of the summer.  I'm so thankful that I'm blessed with family that I love to spend time with and who put up with me when I'm complaining (which seems to be happening a lot lately).  I'm also extremely thankful for my in-laws who are taking care of the kiddos so that I can take this trip, I wouldn't be able to go without them! 
Have a great weekend everyone!!

Watch out Nashville...here we come!! 

oldie but goodie...

I just ran across this video and it cracked me up.  Can you believe these two are starting kindergarten soon?  They are such babies in this video!

i've been dreaming of cake...

A few months ago my cousin asked if I would want to make her cake for graduation.  Knowing I was completely over my head...I of course said yes! :)  After months of thinking about what to do, having a complete idea and then scrapping it and starting over, I was still a bit unsure as to what I was going to do.  Well, last weekend was the party, so after 10 cakes, around 14 pounds of powdered sugar and about 5 pounds of butter, (it was a large graduation party)here are the final results.  They are by far the biggest cakes I've done (and seen by the most people) but overall I'm fairly happy with how they turned out.  I didn't eat any cake, but I did hear that it tasted good, so I guess it was a win! 

Happy Monday everyone!!

thankful, thankful...

I know...I missed last Thursday.  I have no excuse other than I had a very rough day and I wasn't feeling very thankful.  Although thinking about that, writing this post was probably exactly what I needed.  Anyway, I didn't want you all to feel neglected so I'm going to write a quick thankful post and get back to my baking.  I am so so thankful these last couple of weeks for my family (both by blood and by marriage) for their love and support and for listening to me complain.  To Bob for all the little things he does, like bringing me ice cream when I had a bad day or putting an umbrella in my car when there is rain in the forecast.  For the kids who make me laugh and remind me to take some time to be carefree and have fun. Lastly, for my amazing friends who are always there for me,who can make me smile when I'm down and just listening and loving me for me (bad parts and all). 

We are in Iowa for the next few days so maybe (don't hold your breath though) I may have some new pictures for you after the weekend.  I'm looking forward to seeing a bunch of family this weekend, just what the doctor ordered! 

Have a great rest of the week/weekend all!  Hope you all find some time to be thankful for all of your blessings!

monday smiles...

I think this video will always make me smile!

sunday thoughts...

Today started out rough, the kids were crabby and didn't want to get ready for church and I lost my patience when they complained about the clothes or shoes I picked out.  We finally got out the door and I was still upset sitting in church (which makes it lose all meaning for me) but then Bryce fell asleep on me and looking at him so peaceful I felt the peace as well.  It is pretty well known that I don't sleep well and I worry A LOT...but today during church they sang one of my favorite songs.  The refrain is this "Be not afraid, I go before you always...come follow me, and I will give you rest."  When I first heard it today I thought of the sleeping boy in my arms and the smiling girl sitting beside me that I would always be there for them and I don't want them to be afraid and then it struck me.  This is exactly what I needed to hear.  I am doing everything in my power to do the best I can for my family, and now I just need to follow Him and have faith.  Suddenly when I realized this, this feeling of relief and peace washed over me.  I will continue to do the best I can for those I love, but I will also trust that He will lead me in the right direction, it is my job to follow where He leads.  Each day of our lives is such a gift and we need to treat it as such. Enjoy this beautiful day!

at least i show up once a week...

I've just been stuck in my blogging lately...things I want to write about but don't feel comfortable writing about because they are deeply personal and are not just about myself.  Things are stressful, selling a house is stressful, making back-up plans to separate your family (because of the house...even if it is good in the long run) for the short term is stressful, job hunting is hard.  Things are just...hard.  But today...TODAY is a good day.  Not that it hasn't had its bumps, I lost my temper, kids didn't listen, but overall it has been a good day.  The kids slept in a bit, we had 2 full hours outside this morning, riding bikes, swinging and hitting golf balls in the yard.  Everything just felt right.  I am trying to enjoy these days...the days I get to play in the yard with the kids while everyone is at work and school, where things are quiet and all I hear are birds chirping and kids laughing.  It fills up my soul and makes me believe in my heart things will be right and while they are hard and may be hard for a while...there is a purpose, and that purpose is worth all the hard times.
Today I am thankful for this

These two beautiful children who occasionally drive me to the brink of insanity, always bring me back and show me what happiness is truly about.

Thanks again to Jean for her Thankful Thursday contribution...
For little Elliott- taking some feeds from a bottle, growing, and getting closer and closer to coming to Dubuque.
For my children, who at the ages they are still surprise me.(in a good way)
For a sister that listens, but doesn't judge me.
A newly mowed lawn-even if it only lasts for a little while

If you'd like to let us know what you're thankful for...leave a comment!
Happy Thursday everyone!