Can you do this?!?:
That's my goofy son from last week when it was nice enough to go to the park...sigh.
Funny story my mom was telling me:
I guess my mom emailed that picture I took of Emily with the easter egg to a lady who she works with (same company but from a different area). The lady called my mom and was going on and on about how Emily was the cutest baby ever and how great the picture was. Turns out she had printed out an 8x10 and has it framed and at work and is showing her fellow co-workers. Ha! She's never even met my mom or any of us. Anyhow I got a kick out of that. You know this isn't the first time someone my mom works with has printed off pictures of Emily but it is the first time someone has had one framed.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Still cold and icky
The weather has been annoying lately, sigh it's going to be a high of like 43 today, five days ago it was 80. Thats the hard thing about this time of year, I'm so ready for nice weather and it's always a big tease. It will be lovely for a few days and then icky then nice then cold. Silly spring. I went grocery shopping last night and the rain was so cold it was almost ice. Everyone is starting to go a little stir crazy I think. We were spoiled with a beautiful week of nice weather last week we got to get outside a lot and now it's very cold and rainy and we're stuck doing inside things again. I think even Emily misses our outside walks. I'm bummed so I'll put up some cute Emily video's, they always make me smile.
Here's an adorable video of Emily getting down with her mirror self:
Playing the guitar with daddy:
Here's an adorable video of Emily getting down with her mirror self:
Playing the guitar with daddy:
Monday, April 28, 2008
Catching up.
Ok let's play catch up here:
Video clip of Emily at the park from a few days ago.
This was Emily's first trip ever to the park and she liked it!
Here's some pictures from the park:
Going through the tunnel:
Silly face:
Down the slide with mommy:
bottom of the slide, I think she was concentrating, she had her tongue out:
Swinging with mommy:
Balancing with Daddy:
Nice pose Emily:
Let's do this, one handed:
Going to slide with Daddy:
Climbing on tires:
Oh we do have other children, my plans were to take some Emily pictures and then some of them... well we ran out of batteries so I'll have to take the camera to the park next time to get some of them. Poor kids, but we got lots of video of them.
Then the next day I took some Emily pictures, she's seven months old now. Anyhow those are on her page. Emily update: She's now pulling herself up on everything all the time. She pulls herself up in her crib during nap time and then she can't figure out how to fall gracefully (usually ends up knocking her head on the bars) so she gets "stuck" and yells. It's making nap time difficult. This weekend was suppose to start up my busy time but the weather turned to crap and I bumped the shoots I had for this weekend back a bit. Figured they'd rather do that then have winter jackets on. So I had another lazy weekend, got some stuff done around the house, went out with my mom on Saturday then again with my husband. Sunday I took the best nap ever, it was eveything I ever wanted in a nap. Ha! I booked another wedding even though I told myself I was done booking weddings for this year. Sigh... this is the last of course now I'm at an odd number so perhaps I'll book one more just to even it up. But thats it! I'm putting my foot down!
Video clip of Emily at the park from a few days ago.
This was Emily's first trip ever to the park and she liked it!
Here's some pictures from the park:
Going through the tunnel:
Silly face:
Down the slide with mommy:
bottom of the slide, I think she was concentrating, she had her tongue out:
Swinging with mommy:
Balancing with Daddy:
Nice pose Emily:
Let's do this, one handed:
Going to slide with Daddy:
Climbing on tires:
Oh we do have other children, my plans were to take some Emily pictures and then some of them... well we ran out of batteries so I'll have to take the camera to the park next time to get some of them. Poor kids, but we got lots of video of them.
Then the next day I took some Emily pictures, she's seven months old now. Anyhow those are on her page. Emily update: She's now pulling herself up on everything all the time. She pulls herself up in her crib during nap time and then she can't figure out how to fall gracefully (usually ends up knocking her head on the bars) so she gets "stuck" and yells. It's making nap time difficult. This weekend was suppose to start up my busy time but the weather turned to crap and I bumped the shoots I had for this weekend back a bit. Figured they'd rather do that then have winter jackets on. So I had another lazy weekend, got some stuff done around the house, went out with my mom on Saturday then again with my husband. Sunday I took the best nap ever, it was eveything I ever wanted in a nap. Ha! I booked another wedding even though I told myself I was done booking weddings for this year. Sigh... this is the last of course now I'm at an odd number so perhaps I'll book one more just to even it up. But thats it! I'm putting my foot down!
Friday, April 25, 2008
It's coming to an end.
I think our lovely weather will be coming to an end soon, sniff. It's sad but true, Mr. Weather Man says it's so. I've been trying to get out and enjoy this weather as much as possible with my little pumpkin. I had a lovely visit with my friend Nikki yesterday!! It was really nice to spend some time with her. I took some pictures of Emily, her seventh month pictures. That was fun, didn't take a ton because it was near her afternoon nap so she was ready to crash. But I got a few and thats all you need. I love the dress she was wearing. I got it at Kohl's and I think the polka dots look so cute and the hat was adorable. Aw... Anyhow I'm trying to edit those and will be posting them on Emily's blog at some point. Jimmy and I took the kids to the park the other day, they had a great time playing "monster" with daddy. We took some pictures and video and I'll be posting some of that today and probably tomorrow. Well Emily's asking to go outside and I really want to enjoy it while we have it!
Here's video from the park, monster cam:
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Did I ever mention I have the best husband EVER?
Video of the Day:
This video is from a few weeks ago when Emily gets tired she calls out for me:
I have the sweetest husband ever! Have I mentioned that enough lately?!?! He worked late the other night so yesterday he got to take a half day, so he surprised me by taking me to South Bend for lunch which was wonderful to get out and go on a little road trip. On our ride down he suddenly pulls over on the side of the road and I asked him what was wrong and he said something about forgetting something. So I'm thinking he forgot something at home and is about to pull a U floppy. But he gets out of the car and runs off on the side of the road in the grass and then picked me a bunch of daffodils . Aww.. he saw this big patch of them growing on the side when he was driving and he knows they're my favorite spring flower and he thought I would like some so he pulled over for them. I just think that's so sweet, I couldn't stop grinning. He was thinking about me when he saw them. Aw. How sweet is that?! So I had a really nice time, Emily was a peach (mmm.. peaches) and slept the whole time we were there so it felt like it was just the two of us carrying around a car seat. Ha!
When we got home we walked down together to get the kids from the bus stop and then I took Emily on a walk while he stayed home with Kaylee and Nate. Then a friend of mine came over so we could work out together. I just couldn't stay indoors so we went on a long bike ride and then worked out to the half hour jiggle free arms (funny name but still the best workout videos ever). Then Jimmy cooked dinner and it was so yummy, he made up something we've never tried before. Let's see, he took Chicken seasoned it with taco seasonings and grilled it in strips. Then he got a flour tortilla put the chicken in that with some spanish rice, lettuce, little shredded cheese, a small amount of salsa and a dab of sour cream and folded it all up. It was so very yummy I almost died eating it. But I didn't, whew that was a close one. So yesterday was a wonderful perfect day and today is suppose to be nice and warm again. AHhh.. I love spring. I think I'll take Emily on a walk after lunch and this morning I believe I'll finish that closet, it's still a nightmare, getting there though.
This video is from a few weeks ago when Emily gets tired she calls out for me:
I have the sweetest husband ever! Have I mentioned that enough lately?!?! He worked late the other night so yesterday he got to take a half day, so he surprised me by taking me to South Bend for lunch which was wonderful to get out and go on a little road trip. On our ride down he suddenly pulls over on the side of the road and I asked him what was wrong and he said something about forgetting something. So I'm thinking he forgot something at home and is about to pull a U floppy. But he gets out of the car and runs off on the side of the road in the grass and then picked me a bunch of daffodils . Aww.. he saw this big patch of them growing on the side when he was driving and he knows they're my favorite spring flower and he thought I would like some so he pulled over for them. I just think that's so sweet, I couldn't stop grinning. He was thinking about me when he saw them. Aw. How sweet is that?! So I had a really nice time, Emily was a peach (mmm.. peaches) and slept the whole time we were there so it felt like it was just the two of us carrying around a car seat. Ha!
When we got home we walked down together to get the kids from the bus stop and then I took Emily on a walk while he stayed home with Kaylee and Nate. Then a friend of mine came over so we could work out together. I just couldn't stay indoors so we went on a long bike ride and then worked out to the half hour jiggle free arms (funny name but still the best workout videos ever). Then Jimmy cooked dinner and it was so yummy, he made up something we've never tried before. Let's see, he took Chicken seasoned it with taco seasonings and grilled it in strips. Then he got a flour tortilla put the chicken in that with some spanish rice, lettuce, little shredded cheese, a small amount of salsa and a dab of sour cream and folded it all up. It was so very yummy I almost died eating it. But I didn't, whew that was a close one. So yesterday was a wonderful perfect day and today is suppose to be nice and warm again. AHhh.. I love spring. I think I'll take Emily on a walk after lunch and this morning I believe I'll finish that closet, it's still a nightmare, getting there though.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Beautiful weather!
Video of the day.
Going on a walk:
Isn't she cute?! She just loves going on walks, she gets so excited.
Ok, seriously loving this is beautiful weather!! Emily and I went on a 2 mile walk yesterday and I'm planning on going on another one again today. I also took Kaylee on a bike ride after dinner. I love warm weather, I missed warm weather, I wish I could kiss the warm weather but I'd look awfully silly running around kissing the air and I'd probably be sent to the happy home. Emily's taking a nap, I've got about three loads of laundry done already plus I'm just about done going through my closet. Man oh man did my closet need a good sorting I have clothes in there from high school, how sad is that?!?! Shoot, I think Jimmy had clothes in there from high school or at least from before I met him. Out with the old! I can't wait to have extra closet space... ahhh... space. I did learn a lesson yesterday, always take the time to put on socks when going for a long walk. I have blisters on the backs of my heels...ouch. Well I hope everyone is taking some time to get out and enjoy this weather!! Go on a walk, grill some chicken, stand outside and sniff, something!
Here's some pictures of Emily on our walk and there are more on Emily's blog page:
Eating her tray:
Ok mom, get to walking.
(notice her teeth):
Going on a walk:
Isn't she cute?! She just loves going on walks, she gets so excited.
Ok, seriously loving this is beautiful weather!! Emily and I went on a 2 mile walk yesterday and I'm planning on going on another one again today. I also took Kaylee on a bike ride after dinner. I love warm weather, I missed warm weather, I wish I could kiss the warm weather but I'd look awfully silly running around kissing the air and I'd probably be sent to the happy home. Emily's taking a nap, I've got about three loads of laundry done already plus I'm just about done going through my closet. Man oh man did my closet need a good sorting I have clothes in there from high school, how sad is that?!?! Shoot, I think Jimmy had clothes in there from high school or at least from before I met him. Out with the old! I can't wait to have extra closet space... ahhh... space. I did learn a lesson yesterday, always take the time to put on socks when going for a long walk. I have blisters on the backs of my heels...ouch. Well I hope everyone is taking some time to get out and enjoy this weather!! Go on a walk, grill some chicken, stand outside and sniff, something!
Here's some pictures of Emily on our walk and there are more on Emily's blog page:
Eating her tray:
Ok mom, get to walking.
(notice her teeth):
Lazy days ending.
Friday night we had Nathan's variety show to go to. His class preformed a song together, he was a cloud. Jimmy made it back from Chicago in enough time to go also. Cory's brother watched Emily and Jimmy's mom and my mom went along too. We had to sit through a hour and a half of pretty much torture before Nathan's song. Remember this is a Variety show not a talent show. Ugh... thats about all I have to say about it, oh and my life started flashing before my eyes towards the end of it all. But we made it through, whew.
Poor Emily started getting a cold on Thursday and had a rough night Saturday night, she woke up stuffy every two hours or so. So Sunday was a very lazy day. We didn't do very much, mostly laid around the house. I had to lay with her to get her to sleep for both of her naps on Sunday she was so plugged. Thankfully last night things were so much better, she got up at 1:30 to eat and then slept through until 7:30. So a big improvement.
My relaxing days are coming to an end here, starting this weekend. I soon will be busy busy and hopefully Emily and I find a way to work through this change together. I will admit to some guilt. I know I'll have to spend time each day editing pictures to be able to get them done and I'm not sure how that will factor in with Emily. I'm use and she's use to me spending most of the day with her, all my time for her. I've got the family room where the computer is cleaned up, my dad came and cleaned the carpets in the house so they're nice and clean for her crawling pleasure. I plan on setting up this back room as a baby safe area for her to hang out in while I edit pictures. This will be very interesting figuring out how to split my time between her and editing while still doing things around the house I usually do like the mountains of laundry and cooking dinner and regular cleaning stuff. This will only get a little trickier in another month when the kids are done with school for the summer. At least Kaylee will be a good helper with Emily. I'm looking forward to a more serious start on my business. The past few years have been great as I focused on more of a part time feel, all outdoor work just a basic word of mouth, no weddings, etc. Now I've opened myself up to weddings (limited amount this first year, I'm not going crazy on that yet). Plus I'm prepared for indoor work now too and I'm putting myself out in the open with a few ads online and perhaps another form of advertisement. So well shall see how it goes.
I'm in the process of spring cleaning this week before I run into my busy days. First thing to tackle is our closet, messy messy, and full of clothes we never wear and haven't worn in years.
Video of the day:
Nathan's classes performance at the variety show:
Nathan is the 2nd child to come out carrying a cloud. He comes out again at the end for the hula dance.
Poor Emily started getting a cold on Thursday and had a rough night Saturday night, she woke up stuffy every two hours or so. So Sunday was a very lazy day. We didn't do very much, mostly laid around the house. I had to lay with her to get her to sleep for both of her naps on Sunday she was so plugged. Thankfully last night things were so much better, she got up at 1:30 to eat and then slept through until 7:30. So a big improvement.
My relaxing days are coming to an end here, starting this weekend. I soon will be busy busy and hopefully Emily and I find a way to work through this change together. I will admit to some guilt. I know I'll have to spend time each day editing pictures to be able to get them done and I'm not sure how that will factor in with Emily. I'm use and she's use to me spending most of the day with her, all my time for her. I've got the family room where the computer is cleaned up, my dad came and cleaned the carpets in the house so they're nice and clean for her crawling pleasure. I plan on setting up this back room as a baby safe area for her to hang out in while I edit pictures. This will be very interesting figuring out how to split my time between her and editing while still doing things around the house I usually do like the mountains of laundry and cooking dinner and regular cleaning stuff. This will only get a little trickier in another month when the kids are done with school for the summer. At least Kaylee will be a good helper with Emily. I'm looking forward to a more serious start on my business. The past few years have been great as I focused on more of a part time feel, all outdoor work just a basic word of mouth, no weddings, etc. Now I've opened myself up to weddings (limited amount this first year, I'm not going crazy on that yet). Plus I'm prepared for indoor work now too and I'm putting myself out in the open with a few ads online and perhaps another form of advertisement. So well shall see how it goes.
I'm in the process of spring cleaning this week before I run into my busy days. First thing to tackle is our closet, messy messy, and full of clothes we never wear and haven't worn in years.
Video of the day:
Nathan's classes performance at the variety show:
Nathan is the 2nd child to come out carrying a cloud. He comes out again at the end for the hula dance.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Guess What?!?!
Miss Emily Ila is now seven months old!! She's an old lady.
Video of the day:
So I'm off, well we're off to Michigan City today. Emily and I, we're going shopping. Shop shop shop. I need to get out of the house for awhile here and the weather is suppose to be lovely, beautiful. Jimmy is in Chicago for a couple days and if I am going to remain sane I need some time out and about. I get lonely when he's gone but we've been talking a lot on the phone. He's been to Chicago a couple times since Emily has been born and he was telling me the other day how he wishes I could go with him and that each time he's gone it just wasn't much fun without me, so at some point when Emily gets a little bigger I'll join him. I guess the last time he went he even thought about just leaving and driving home a few times. Aww... it just isn't the same when we do things with out each other, we truly are best friends as well as husband and wife. I took the kids on a mile walk yesterday. Kaylee wanted to walk back and see if she could spot her friends house. Nathan did surprisingly well, didn't complain until we were nearly home and even then all he said was "are we almost home". There are lots of roads behind our house so it's a nice area to walk. Well this is going to be short and sweet, today is to nice to stay in long.
Video of the day:
So I'm off, well we're off to Michigan City today. Emily and I, we're going shopping. Shop shop shop. I need to get out of the house for awhile here and the weather is suppose to be lovely, beautiful. Jimmy is in Chicago for a couple days and if I am going to remain sane I need some time out and about. I get lonely when he's gone but we've been talking a lot on the phone. He's been to Chicago a couple times since Emily has been born and he was telling me the other day how he wishes I could go with him and that each time he's gone it just wasn't much fun without me, so at some point when Emily gets a little bigger I'll join him. I guess the last time he went he even thought about just leaving and driving home a few times. Aww... it just isn't the same when we do things with out each other, we truly are best friends as well as husband and wife. I took the kids on a mile walk yesterday. Kaylee wanted to walk back and see if she could spot her friends house. Nathan did surprisingly well, didn't complain until we were nearly home and even then all he said was "are we almost home". There are lots of roads behind our house so it's a nice area to walk. Well this is going to be short and sweet, today is to nice to stay in long.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Nathan bakes a cake.
Nathan had mentioned a few times to his daddy that he wanted to make me a birthday cake. Jimmy spent the evening with him baking me a cake, he let Nathan do all the work. Here are some pictures:
Measuring water:
Spraying the pan:
Nice face Nathan:
Pouring the batter:
Setting the timer:
Mm.. looks yummy!
And of course here's a little video clip:
Nathan's cake ended up tasting very yummy... mmm... and I think that will be a nice little memory for him.
Can you believe we've been married eight years today?!?! Wow... eight years ago I was a nervous wreck.... at this time I was probably getting my hair done. Jimmy was probably still sleeping! HA! Actually having the surprise vow renewal was kinda nice. All I did was show up! I didn't have time to be nervous because I didn't know what was going on. Thats the way to do it. The weather is suppose to be warming up again here. If it's nice enough I'm taking Emily on a walk both today and tomorrow. I love the smell of spring!! Oh.. speaking of Emily I gave her a new food yesterday and she was really cracking me up. Here's a clip of her eating it:
Measuring water:
Spraying the pan:
Nice face Nathan:
Pouring the batter:
Setting the timer:
Mm.. looks yummy!
And of course here's a little video clip:
Nathan's cake ended up tasting very yummy... mmm... and I think that will be a nice little memory for him.
Can you believe we've been married eight years today?!?! Wow... eight years ago I was a nervous wreck.... at this time I was probably getting my hair done. Jimmy was probably still sleeping! HA! Actually having the surprise vow renewal was kinda nice. All I did was show up! I didn't have time to be nervous because I didn't know what was going on. Thats the way to do it. The weather is suppose to be warming up again here. If it's nice enough I'm taking Emily on a walk both today and tomorrow. I love the smell of spring!! Oh.. speaking of Emily I gave her a new food yesterday and she was really cracking me up. Here's a clip of her eating it:
Monday, April 14, 2008
More from Saturday.
Video of the Day:
This video is from my surprise on Saturday. I already told the story on yesterday's blog so I won't go into detail again but the video is pretty funny. Notice Nathan hiding the ring box behind his back, my dad is in the back manning the window. Everyone thought I didn't want to come in because I saw all the cars and figured it was a surprise party. What was really happening was I was waiting for my friend who had pulled in right behind us to sneak in ahead of time. She was waiting for us to go in first. Ha! So finally I figured she was trying to be slick so I we went ahead and went in. Everyone thought I wasn't getting out of the car because of the surprise.
Ok and another little video clip:
In this one you can see Jimmy as he tells me what is really going on. If I remember correctly you'll see me unzipping my jacket and Jimmy starts to talk to me and help me pull off the jacket. He was telling me that there really was no surprise party, he wanted to renew his vows to show me how much he loves me...aww... even after all this many years. So I'm kinda looking at him like "what" trying to register what he's telling me with what I see. Of course I was happy so I'm grinning like a big fool and I had a couple tears sneaking out because all these emotions were flooding me at once. It really means a lot to know how much my husband loves me after eight years. Not many men would go through all this effort and work to have a surprise vow renewal ceremony, not many guys would research vows and write their own, and not many guys are even able to figure out and plan details. Now I give my mom and dad credit for helping too!! Thanks guys!!
So today is my actual birthday, birthday and I'm a little freaked out because I'm 27 and that seems so old to me. Ugh.. I think I'd like to pause myself at 27 because I'm not ready to hit 30 or to get any closer to 30. I feel horrible for Jimmy. He was dumped a large load of work last week and really needed the weekend to get it taken care of but he had other plans so last night he didn't sleep. He stayed up all night finishing his work and then went to sleep around 7:00 this morning until 9:00 this morning and had to get back up and go to meetings today. Ew... I hope he can function ok today. He wanted to bake me a birthday cake with Nathan today because Nathan kept talking about wanting to make me a cake. But I really think maybe he should get some rests. Besides, I think the past 12 days have been enough spoiling for me to last me awhile. Ha! Anymore of this and I'll think I'm a queen here. We did go out last night for dinner, I really enjoyed myself, we talked about his sneaky planning skills and everyday random things. We each got something different so we could share. We stopped over by Kohl's on the way back home and he found some good deals on some work shirts he really needed. He is going out of town for a few days at the end of the week. I've got plans to have some visitors so I won't be lonely and he won't be gone long but I'm going to really miss him. My heart is really filled with a lot of gratitude for everything he's done and I'm feeling super loved!! He's bring me my favorite lunch home today! Aw... lets all hug Jimmy!
Psst... drop by Emily's page to see her latest stuff.. she's almost seven months!!
This video is from my surprise on Saturday. I already told the story on yesterday's blog so I won't go into detail again but the video is pretty funny. Notice Nathan hiding the ring box behind his back, my dad is in the back manning the window. Everyone thought I didn't want to come in because I saw all the cars and figured it was a surprise party. What was really happening was I was waiting for my friend who had pulled in right behind us to sneak in ahead of time. She was waiting for us to go in first. Ha! So finally I figured she was trying to be slick so I we went ahead and went in. Everyone thought I wasn't getting out of the car because of the surprise.
Ok and another little video clip:
In this one you can see Jimmy as he tells me what is really going on. If I remember correctly you'll see me unzipping my jacket and Jimmy starts to talk to me and help me pull off the jacket. He was telling me that there really was no surprise party, he wanted to renew his vows to show me how much he loves me...aww... even after all this many years. So I'm kinda looking at him like "what" trying to register what he's telling me with what I see. Of course I was happy so I'm grinning like a big fool and I had a couple tears sneaking out because all these emotions were flooding me at once. It really means a lot to know how much my husband loves me after eight years. Not many men would go through all this effort and work to have a surprise vow renewal ceremony, not many guys would research vows and write their own, and not many guys are even able to figure out and plan details. Now I give my mom and dad credit for helping too!! Thanks guys!!
So today is my actual birthday, birthday and I'm a little freaked out because I'm 27 and that seems so old to me. Ugh.. I think I'd like to pause myself at 27 because I'm not ready to hit 30 or to get any closer to 30. I feel horrible for Jimmy. He was dumped a large load of work last week and really needed the weekend to get it taken care of but he had other plans so last night he didn't sleep. He stayed up all night finishing his work and then went to sleep around 7:00 this morning until 9:00 this morning and had to get back up and go to meetings today. Ew... I hope he can function ok today. He wanted to bake me a birthday cake with Nathan today because Nathan kept talking about wanting to make me a cake. But I really think maybe he should get some rests. Besides, I think the past 12 days have been enough spoiling for me to last me awhile. Ha! Anymore of this and I'll think I'm a queen here. We did go out last night for dinner, I really enjoyed myself, we talked about his sneaky planning skills and everyday random things. We each got something different so we could share. We stopped over by Kohl's on the way back home and he found some good deals on some work shirts he really needed. He is going out of town for a few days at the end of the week. I've got plans to have some visitors so I won't be lonely and he won't be gone long but I'm going to really miss him. My heart is really filled with a lot of gratitude for everything he's done and I'm feeling super loved!! He's bring me my favorite lunch home today! Aw... lets all hug Jimmy!
Psst... drop by Emily's page to see her latest stuff.. she's almost seven months!!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Day 11 and 12...shock of my life!!!
This will probably be a longer blog, just giving everyone a heads up.
April 11th was day 11 and Jimmy "forgot" his computer at home so he came home from work around lunch time and surprised me with a beautiful journey necklace. This necklace is a popular anniversary present given to represent our journey through life as a married couple. The stones start off small and get larger at the end and are in the shape of an S or perhaps a wavey path. Anyhow I was sitting on the floor playing with Emily and he had me close my eyes then he slipped it around my neck. I was very touched and was surprised he'd spend so much on a necklace. Not that he doesn't love me but we're similar people and typically we don't spend so much on things but perhaps choose to buy something to fix up the house, that kind of thing. Of course I love the necklace so I'm happy. Heehee.... Ok so that was Day 11. He also told me ahead of time that my mom and dad were planning a surprise party for me and since the weather was icky we'd have it at the church. He knows I get nervous when I'm the center of attention. I'm happy to go to parties for people I've just never liked to be the focus of all the fuss. So he told me so I could mentally prepare myself and he figured I'd probably catch on because I'm a sharp cookies. He was right about that, seemed like everyone was calling me Saturday morning for one reason or another and then when I was on my way up I called my mom to let her know I was coming, she didn't answer her phones so I called my dad. My dad did answer and when asked where he was he told me Captain Nemos and that perhaps mom could be taking a bath. Well I knew he wouldn't be at Nemo's 10 minutes before we were suppose to be at my mom's for dinner and I highly doubt my mom would have taken a bath at 3:00 in that afternoon with company on the way. So anyhow, I probably would have figured out the surprise party from that and if not then for sure when I saw all the cars in the church parking lot.
So Day 12:
We get to the church Saturday April 12th a little after 3:00 in the afternoon. A van had pulled in right after us and since I knew at that point it was a surprise party I figured it was someone running late so we tried to take our time getting out of the car to let them slip in if they wanted too. It was Amy and she must have noticed us in the car so she tried to stay hidden and allow us to enter first although I could see her peaking her head around the van..HA. So we get in the church and to my surprise nobody jumps out yelling surprise... hmm.. where is everyone?!?! Then I noticed people are in the sanctuary sitting in the first few pews... a meeting perhaps? Hmm.. I noticed music and my Uncle standing at the front on stage...odd. Then Jimmy is pulling me out of my coat telling me that there is no surprise party, he wants to show me how much I mean to him and how much he loves me by renewing our vows in front of family and friends. At this point I slip comfortably into shock. He walks me up to the door where my cousin takes over Emily then he walks me down until we're in front of my Uncle. I notice Kaylee and Nathan standing in front, one on either side. So my Uncle tells me that the papers weren't filled correctly and we haven't been married all this time (he's joking). Then he said in all seriousness a lot of couples go through a seven year itch and Jimmy talked to him weeks ago about wanting to renew our vows now that we've been together for eight years. So I found out later that Jimmy spent lots of time researching vows and the meaning behind them. How sweet is that? Anyhow so Jimmy wrote his own vows and he begins to read them to me and then chokes up after the first line or two and at this point I'm hanging onto my emotions by a thread. I can feel that if I let them go it won't be a tear or two down my cheek, it'll be the loud sobbing, unstoppable crying. I managed to just barely hang on with just a tear or two escaping, I couldn't look Jimmy in the eyes or I would of lost it, I couldn't look at the kids or it would have been over and I certainly couldn't look at all my family and friends tearing up or I would have been done. I heard every word he said but snuck the paper from him later so I could reread and refocus on what he had wrote. Jimmy is not one to tear up and certainly not in front of people. I can count on one hand, on half a hand how many times I've even seen him tear up let alone cry and so I knew as I stood in front of him while he tried to get the words out that he meant everything he put on that paper and it came straight from his heart and I will cherish those words and the feeling they gave me forever. Here's what he wrote:
Pictures:
I'm surprised but it was a very nice surprise:
New vows and new rings:
Walking back with me a mess:
My brother and his Rachel:
My family and friends:
My beautiful new 3stone ring that cost an arm and half a leg:
April 11th was day 11 and Jimmy "forgot" his computer at home so he came home from work around lunch time and surprised me with a beautiful journey necklace. This necklace is a popular anniversary present given to represent our journey through life as a married couple. The stones start off small and get larger at the end and are in the shape of an S or perhaps a wavey path. Anyhow I was sitting on the floor playing with Emily and he had me close my eyes then he slipped it around my neck. I was very touched and was surprised he'd spend so much on a necklace. Not that he doesn't love me but we're similar people and typically we don't spend so much on things but perhaps choose to buy something to fix up the house, that kind of thing. Of course I love the necklace so I'm happy. Heehee.... Ok so that was Day 11. He also told me ahead of time that my mom and dad were planning a surprise party for me and since the weather was icky we'd have it at the church. He knows I get nervous when I'm the center of attention. I'm happy to go to parties for people I've just never liked to be the focus of all the fuss. So he told me so I could mentally prepare myself and he figured I'd probably catch on because I'm a sharp cookies. He was right about that, seemed like everyone was calling me Saturday morning for one reason or another and then when I was on my way up I called my mom to let her know I was coming, she didn't answer her phones so I called my dad. My dad did answer and when asked where he was he told me Captain Nemos and that perhaps mom could be taking a bath. Well I knew he wouldn't be at Nemo's 10 minutes before we were suppose to be at my mom's for dinner and I highly doubt my mom would have taken a bath at 3:00 in that afternoon with company on the way. So anyhow, I probably would have figured out the surprise party from that and if not then for sure when I saw all the cars in the church parking lot.
So Day 12:
We get to the church Saturday April 12th a little after 3:00 in the afternoon. A van had pulled in right after us and since I knew at that point it was a surprise party I figured it was someone running late so we tried to take our time getting out of the car to let them slip in if they wanted too. It was Amy and she must have noticed us in the car so she tried to stay hidden and allow us to enter first although I could see her peaking her head around the van..HA. So we get in the church and to my surprise nobody jumps out yelling surprise... hmm.. where is everyone?!?! Then I noticed people are in the sanctuary sitting in the first few pews... a meeting perhaps? Hmm.. I noticed music and my Uncle standing at the front on stage...odd. Then Jimmy is pulling me out of my coat telling me that there is no surprise party, he wants to show me how much I mean to him and how much he loves me by renewing our vows in front of family and friends. At this point I slip comfortably into shock. He walks me up to the door where my cousin takes over Emily then he walks me down until we're in front of my Uncle. I notice Kaylee and Nathan standing in front, one on either side. So my Uncle tells me that the papers weren't filled correctly and we haven't been married all this time (he's joking). Then he said in all seriousness a lot of couples go through a seven year itch and Jimmy talked to him weeks ago about wanting to renew our vows now that we've been together for eight years. So I found out later that Jimmy spent lots of time researching vows and the meaning behind them. How sweet is that? Anyhow so Jimmy wrote his own vows and he begins to read them to me and then chokes up after the first line or two and at this point I'm hanging onto my emotions by a thread. I can feel that if I let them go it won't be a tear or two down my cheek, it'll be the loud sobbing, unstoppable crying. I managed to just barely hang on with just a tear or two escaping, I couldn't look Jimmy in the eyes or I would of lost it, I couldn't look at the kids or it would have been over and I certainly couldn't look at all my family and friends tearing up or I would have been done. I heard every word he said but snuck the paper from him later so I could reread and refocus on what he had wrote. Jimmy is not one to tear up and certainly not in front of people. I can count on one hand, on half a hand how many times I've even seen him tear up let alone cry and so I knew as I stood in front of him while he tried to get the words out that he meant everything he put on that paper and it came straight from his heart and I will cherish those words and the feeling they gave me forever. Here's what he wrote:
The past
Though there were other women in this world, God wanted someone right for me. When I was baptized into his kingdom, I asked God to find me someone that can share my walk with the Lord. Hearing a faint voice telling me that I should be with you
As a check box on a list, I found marriage was complete
Years of kids always getting sick, financial hardship and even a loss of hope
You were still there to encourage and comfort me
You had always been faithful, honest and always there to pick me up
My eyes have opened at the end of seven years
Three children, one beautiful wife
A family to love and care for
The sweet caring heart of my daughter Kaylee
The compassion for justice with my son Nathan
The beauty and smiling eyes with my daughter Emily
Through your actions, I have seen what I must do
I promise to be faithful, honest and to pick you up when you are down
I will not allow the small things get in the way of our life
At the end of our 7th year, I see why he picked you.
You helped me find myself and for that I am blessed
With my family at my side and God as my guide
I will love & cherish you till death do us part
Jodi, will you continue your life me?
Of course I said yes!! And Nathan was holding a new ring for me to seal our new vows and I slipped further into shock when I saw it. I did have one moment where I thought to myself "shoot I hope I'm not expected to come up with some vows off the top of my head because I'm not even sure what my name is at this point". I wasn't, whew... my Uncle had me read basically the last line that Jimmy had read to me.
This ring symbolizes our past present and future...
Jimmy, will you continue your life with me?
Psst... he said yes too. Kaylee was holding a new ring for him. Then we watched a video that my Uncle had put together for us and that gave me a little time to start finding my way into reality. After the video I got a kiss and we headed back out followed by our family and friends. My family had set up a room for everyone to go in and have cake and ice cream and it was nice to go around and hug everyone and thank them for coming. My parents got us a pretty cake and it was very yummy, it was similar to the actual wedding cake we had. So I had no idea, I was surprised beyond any surprise I've ever had and I feel more loved then I can even express. Jimmy is the master of surprise. Everyone invited thought they were coming to a birthday party until they arrived so nobody could slip. Only our parents and my Uncle new the truth. So everyone had a surprise. HA! Jimmy had my dad bring out the white picket fence we had used in our Wedding. Jimmy had his mom pick up a bunch of daffodils because they are my favorite flower, one of the first to bloom in spring, fresh and pretty and usually they show up around my birthday. So there were potted Daffodils around the church that I get to keep and plant and enjoy each year. As a side note, even though it is my birthday, it is also our anniversary, we got married April 15th. So whew, I think I got everything in. These past 12 days have been the best in my life, my husband loves me 100 percent and is a million percent committed to me and I to him. I've got a smile on my face that won't fade for a long time. I have a video clip and a couple of pictures and then it's time to end this story of a post:
Jimmy reading the vows he wrote while I hang on by a thread:
Pictures:
I'm surprised but it was a very nice surprise:
New vows and new rings:
Walking back with me a mess:
My brother and his Rachel:
My family and friends:
My beautiful new 3stone ring that cost an arm and half a leg:
Friday, April 11, 2008
Day 9&10
Ok I'm trying to play catch up because I missed a few days here. Today is actually day 11 but I'm going to wait and combine today with tomorrow. Let's see... on my ninth day of Jimmy gifts my wonderful husband gave to me...... a very sweet, well thought out letter. This gift is up on the top of my favorites and really really means a lot to me. I love to get things that you know was from the heart and I know that he means every word in that letter and it all came from his heart. I'd share some with you but it's just for me!! Sorry...
Day ten, if you know me one of my favorite things to do is to relax in a hot bath with a book. Well Jimmy gave the bathroom a make over with new towels and shower curtain, and candle holders so I can make my baths extra relaxing. Aww... another well thought out gift. He's such a sharp cookie. He also filled my bay window with spring flowers...Mmmm... they smell so nice and fresh!! He forgot his computer at home today so he had to come home and get it and he actually just gave me day 11ths gift which is the best one yet and means a lot to me but I'm not saying anything until tomorrow...HA! I can keep a secret too!!
Day ten, if you know me one of my favorite things to do is to relax in a hot bath with a book. Well Jimmy gave the bathroom a make over with new towels and shower curtain, and candle holders so I can make my baths extra relaxing. Aww... another well thought out gift. He's such a sharp cookie. He also filled my bay window with spring flowers...Mmmm... they smell so nice and fresh!! He forgot his computer at home today so he had to come home and get it and he actually just gave me day 11ths gift which is the best one yet and means a lot to me but I'm not saying anything until tomorrow...HA! I can keep a secret too!!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Day 8
I got a new speed lights!! I love it. So now I have two speed lights (flash) and so I can use one as a master and one as a slave and use my new softboxes and umbrellas and my spider light and my reflectors and just go to town baby, town. I also got a new tripod it's another Jimmy research item. It's made by Manfrotto which for some reason reminds me of the lord of the rings. Ha! But it's super heavy duty and everyone loves them... everyone. Anyhow I'm really excited to test out the goods here. Don't have much planned as far as indoors, maybe something on Thursday depending on what the weather is up to. Now is the time where I get into outdoors more and more. At least I have my children to test things out on.. mwah ha ha ha....
So I've been talking about putting on a video of Emily crawling forever and a day. I've been out of the house a lot lately so I haven't had much time. But today I've got the video!! I'm uploading it off my camera right now. I can't believe how fast she's getting. Sometimes she crawls on her hands and knees but she mostly pull herself across the ground army style. I had to take her pants off or else they just get pulled off when she's moving. So check her out:
So I've been talking about putting on a video of Emily crawling forever and a day. I've been out of the house a lot lately so I haven't had much time. But today I've got the video!! I'm uploading it off my camera right now. I can't believe how fast she's getting. Sometimes she crawls on her hands and knees but she mostly pull herself across the ground army style. I had to take her pants off or else they just get pulled off when she's moving. So check her out:
Monday, April 7, 2008
Day 7 - Where is Jodi?
Jim here...
It is such a nice day outside. I'm very jealous of Jodi. She gets to hug and love on Emily while I'm stuck at work. She gets to enjoy this great weather. No fair!
So today Jodi will be getting two things in the mail. Hopefully it doesn't show what it is on the outside of the box. She is suppose to wait for the second box for tomorrow.
This has been a lot of fun getting stuff for Jodi. We have three kids and sometimes Christmas and all the other times of "getting stuff" go to the kids. She really deserves to have some things because she is a wonderful wife and my best friend.
These last few months have really meant a lot to me. Everytime I look at her I think about how awesome to have her all for me! Well I don't want to fill up the blog with stuff so she can tell everyone what she got on her 7th day.
Jodi is mine....my own...my precious!!!! (what movie is that from?)
It is such a nice day outside. I'm very jealous of Jodi. She gets to hug and love on Emily while I'm stuck at work. She gets to enjoy this great weather. No fair!
So today Jodi will be getting two things in the mail. Hopefully it doesn't show what it is on the outside of the box. She is suppose to wait for the second box for tomorrow.
This has been a lot of fun getting stuff for Jodi. We have three kids and sometimes Christmas and all the other times of "getting stuff" go to the kids. She really deserves to have some things because she is a wonderful wife and my best friend.
These last few months have really meant a lot to me. Everytime I look at her I think about how awesome to have her all for me! Well I don't want to fill up the blog with stuff so she can tell everyone what she got on her 7th day.
Jodi is mine....my own...my precious!!!! (what movie is that from?)
7th Day and it's off to South Haven
Today is day number Seven, wow April is going by fast. Probably because every day has been so exciting! Today I got a beautiful bracelet, it's very dainty I better not let Emily near it. Jimmy has great taste in jewelry, not a lot of guys do. It's silver with amethyst stones. I swear with the necklace and the bracelet I'm just going to be decked out! I went to South Haven today, had a nice lunch with my mom and took some pictures of a couple kids at the beach. First beach pictures of the year!! Boy was it chilly, certainly is colder on the beach. I'm sure the water temp is still low so the wind blowing off the water is very cold. I felt bad for the kids you could tell they were cold. I was going to kill two birds with one stone and take some of Emily sitting on the bluff but there was no way, poor baby would have froze. Anyhow I'm down loading pictures right now and Emily is taking a nap. So yesterday I said something about putting video on later but I didn't. I lied. Sorry. Actually the day flew by so fast I didn't know if I was coming or going and I just never found the time. I'm going to try to get some video of Emily crawling today, thats her newest trick!! What a big girl she is!! Now if I don't get it posted today I will tomorrow. Kaylee and Nathan are riding the bus for the first time this year. Now that the weather is warmer I feel comfortable letting them ride again. So Emily and I will walk down and pick them up at the stop around four.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Day 5&6, loving the weather!
Isn't this weather awesome!?!?! I love it! I had to stick my nose outside for a few minutes this morning and breathe the warmer air in...ahhh...
So let see... Saturday was day 5 and that day was reshop day. I took the clothes that didn't fit back and spent half the morning at Kohl's trying on just about anything and everything. I've pretty much got an entire spring/summer wardrobe I just need a few pairs of shorts. Jimmy even found me the cutest sandals, I love them!! I'm eager to start wearing me new stuff but it's not quite warm enough for short sleeves yet, maybe later today. He also got rid of an old chair he's had in the house forever for me!! Most people wouldn't think of that as much as a gift but to me, seeing it finally sitting on the curb was great! Out with the old!!
Today is day six and I got something I really needed, even more now that I'm doing weddings. He got me a Domke camera bag which is the bag of choice for most pro's. It's the Cadillac of camera bags. I got it in a nice chocolate color and it fits a lot of my camera goodies and I've very excited to test it out!!
Jimmy's spending the day outside taking care of the fall leaves. Stupid leaves didn't fall until December so it was too cold and wet to do anything with them. I was hoping they'd melt away with the snow, dang. I'm taking Emily to Old Navy and Target to look at a few things and then I'm hoping we all can take a walk this afternoon. It depends on the 50,000,000,000 leaves. I'm excited, tomorrow I'm getting something in the mail... heehee....
VIDEO OF THE DAY TO BE POSTED LATER
So let see... Saturday was day 5 and that day was reshop day. I took the clothes that didn't fit back and spent half the morning at Kohl's trying on just about anything and everything. I've pretty much got an entire spring/summer wardrobe I just need a few pairs of shorts. Jimmy even found me the cutest sandals, I love them!! I'm eager to start wearing me new stuff but it's not quite warm enough for short sleeves yet, maybe later today. He also got rid of an old chair he's had in the house forever for me!! Most people wouldn't think of that as much as a gift but to me, seeing it finally sitting on the curb was great! Out with the old!!
Today is day six and I got something I really needed, even more now that I'm doing weddings. He got me a Domke camera bag which is the bag of choice for most pro's. It's the Cadillac of camera bags. I got it in a nice chocolate color and it fits a lot of my camera goodies and I've very excited to test it out!!
Jimmy's spending the day outside taking care of the fall leaves. Stupid leaves didn't fall until December so it was too cold and wet to do anything with them. I was hoping they'd melt away with the snow, dang. I'm taking Emily to Old Navy and Target to look at a few things and then I'm hoping we all can take a walk this afternoon. It depends on the 50,000,000,000 leaves. I'm excited, tomorrow I'm getting something in the mail... heehee....
VIDEO OF THE DAY TO BE POSTED LATER
Friday, April 4, 2008
On the fourth Day of Jodi's Birthday my true love gave to meeeeeeeeeeee.......
So today's gift from my wonderfully awesome husband....... new clothes!! I'm smaller then I was before I got pregnant with Emily so nothing fits me, best husband in the world went to Kohl's and picked out a bunch of new clothes for me and had them laid out on the couch!! I tried them all on for him and Emily to check out and there are some I'll have to exchange for different sizes or the cut didn't suit me well, but he figured that I would need to do that. I might be smaller but I still have big melons, dang things didn't shrink as much as I hoped they would. He did buy me a size 3 jeans and I'm usually a size 5 and I thought for sure there would be no way I'd fit in those but they did fit! So I've been walking around the house singing my "I fit into a size 3" song. I'm going to wear one of my new shirts today when we go out to Paulies. Someone from his work is leaving so they're all meeting there for happy hour and Jimmy wanted me to go with so I am! Then tomorrow we'll probably run to Kohl's before lunch, depending on when we get up and about. He's going to hold the monster while I try on some things. After lunch I'm taking Emily on a long walk again. I hear Saturday is suppose to be almost 60 and sunny and by golly I'm walking for hours! I took her on a two mile walk yesterday right before Jimmy got home from work. It was so nice out and it was only 50 so I can't wait to spend some time outside on Saturday. Have I ever mentioned that I hate cold weather?!
Other news:
Emily ate Banana's for the first time today and didn't make her nasty face!! I'm increasing her menu with a new food every five days. So she's up to peaches, sweet potato's and now banana's and she's doing much much better eating baby food. Whew, I was starting to get nervous!! Kaylee and Nathan are on their way to Chicago with my parents for the day. What fun Grandparents, that will make some nice memories!!
Video of the Day:
Emily trying to say puppy:
Other news:
Emily ate Banana's for the first time today and didn't make her nasty face!! I'm increasing her menu with a new food every five days. So she's up to peaches, sweet potato's and now banana's and she's doing much much better eating baby food. Whew, I was starting to get nervous!! Kaylee and Nathan are on their way to Chicago with my parents for the day. What fun Grandparents, that will make some nice memories!!
Video of the Day:
Emily trying to say puppy:
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Day 3
Ok so I've finished up a few of the pictures I took of Nathan the other day:
Ok Ok, I admit I taught him the lip trick:
He's my little guy and I love him very much!! I have a couple with him and Emily that I haven't gone through yet. Kaylee and Nathan are going over to Nana and Papa's house for two nights!! My mom is on her way to pick them up right now!! I'll only have one child for a couple of days, that will be odd. I have a friend coming over to work out tonight and Jimmy is going to take Emily on a run back on the streets behind our house. He's going to get good use out of that stroller. I'm thinking it's best to work out right after he gets home from work so that way we won't get side aches by eating dinner first. Emily loves going on a run with her daddy, she squeals and looks up at him through the stroller window. The area behind our house is perfect to take walks or run, not a lot of traffic and a lot of winding roads. So today was day three of the 12 days of Jodi's Birthday. Heehee... I got a really pretty necklace and he had it hiding outside in a tree so I had to find it. Jimmy is so good to me! I love him lots and lots! What a great guy and so good with the kids, I'm glad I get to keep him forever!! I always wish I could join him when he goes running but what to do with three kids?! I just know I enjoy working out better when I'm not alone, but at least he has Emily and she really enjoys going. Maybe whoever moves in next door with be around his age and like to run, that would be wonderful! He's out of the office today, he had to run to Walmart in either South Bend or Niles to pick up something for work. Who knows how long that will take him and I hope he remembers to stop and grab himself something to eat because he forgot to grab lunch this morning. Now I have to get the kids ready for Nana's and then get Emily down for a nap!
Ok Ok, I admit I taught him the lip trick:
He's my little guy and I love him very much!! I have a couple with him and Emily that I haven't gone through yet. Kaylee and Nathan are going over to Nana and Papa's house for two nights!! My mom is on her way to pick them up right now!! I'll only have one child for a couple of days, that will be odd. I have a friend coming over to work out tonight and Jimmy is going to take Emily on a run back on the streets behind our house. He's going to get good use out of that stroller. I'm thinking it's best to work out right after he gets home from work so that way we won't get side aches by eating dinner first. Emily loves going on a run with her daddy, she squeals and looks up at him through the stroller window. The area behind our house is perfect to take walks or run, not a lot of traffic and a lot of winding roads. So today was day three of the 12 days of Jodi's Birthday. Heehee... I got a really pretty necklace and he had it hiding outside in a tree so I had to find it. Jimmy is so good to me! I love him lots and lots! What a great guy and so good with the kids, I'm glad I get to keep him forever!! I always wish I could join him when he goes running but what to do with three kids?! I just know I enjoy working out better when I'm not alone, but at least he has Emily and she really enjoys going. Maybe whoever moves in next door with be around his age and like to run, that would be wonderful! He's out of the office today, he had to run to Walmart in either South Bend or Niles to pick up something for work. Who knows how long that will take him and I hope he remembers to stop and grab himself something to eat because he forgot to grab lunch this morning. Now I have to get the kids ready for Nana's and then get Emily down for a nap!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Day 1&2
I just got done playing with my new toy!! Jimmy got me a really nice lighting kit and the TD5 spider, I'm excited!! I gave Nathan a hair cut this morning just so I could play with my new light and take pictures of him, he didn't seem too thrilled. Anyhow, that was for day one and today I found a bag full of bath and body works stuff, different scents that I like. I'm feeling a little spoiled here. Kaylee and Nathan are going to my mom's house Thursday and Friday night so I'll be minus two kids for a couple of days. I'll probably have to test out my light some more with Emily. I didn't have time to go through my Nathan pictures yet so I'll have to try to post some tomorrow. I plan on going on a nice walk, we all need some fresh air and it's not bitter cold out.
Emily got her first tooth in today!! What a big girl!
Video of the Day:
Working on getting a tooth in:
Emily got her first tooth in today!! What a big girl!
Video of the Day:
Working on getting a tooth in:
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