Happy 14th Birthday

I know it's been a long time since I've been on here...life has been extremely busy, but I had to take the time for this post!

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Happy 14th Birthday to my Bailey!

Beautiful Ambitious Intelligent Loving Enthusiastic Youthful

I can't believe that this precious child is now a young lady, and almost stands shoulder to shoulder with me. It only seems like yesterday that we were in the hospital awaiting the arrival of our 1st born, and now here we are 14 years later.

You have turned out to be an amazing young lady that we are very proud of! You are helpful, kind, caring, compassionate, spiritual and loving...I'm not sure many parents can say that about their teenagers but I'm proud to say that we can!

My advise to you for the remainder of your teen years is this:

Your teen years are very hard years, trying to find out who you are and what you want in life, with many new emotions getting in the way. I want you to always remember to hold strong to these qualities that you possess, let your conscience be your guide and you will always come out stronger and better for it. Never forget that your family will ALWAYS be here for you and never hesitate to come to us for anything. We will always love you no matter what and we wish the world for you!!

I am so blessed, grateful and thankful that God chose me to be your mother! I love you so much Bailey and I hope you have fantastic birthday!!

Bailey & I in Galveston, TX during the Texas Bowl Trip '09...

A car in the garage? Can it really be?

Don and I have been married for 16 years and I have never been able to park my car in the garage. With four kids worth of stuff and a hubby with too much crap there has never been room for a car. With Don only having to work a half a day today, he decided he'd tackle one project, and with my persuasion the garage obviously won!

Isn't it lovely? My car finally has a home:

The other bay still is housing children's toys and Don's toys, but at least one bay can house my toy! YAY!!! (I sure hope it lasts...please pray for me) :)

Mizzou Victory!!

Yesterday was our 1st game of the season as our Tigers took on the Fighting Illini in the Arch Rivalry Boarder War in St. Louis (hence the usage of 'Arch')....this being the 5th year. 

Our boys came out very strong and stayed strong the whole game giving us our 1st victory of the season with a score of 37-9! Our team had many coaching changes this year which included two new coordinators and a new coach to the staff all together, which had many people a little concerned for the fate of this years team, but I think the first game helped hush some of that!

Aimee, myself & Adriene in our bus to the game...tailgaiting rockstar style...

Aimee, Adriene, & Myself before kick-off, and Marching Mizzou in formation...

Next game is on Saturday, 9/12 at 6PM in The Zou where we will take on Bowling Green.

My Latest Project

Last week I found some adorable fabric to make new curtains for my laundry, and here is the outcome:

Aren't they adorable? I just love them!! I guess it's about time that I finally got curtains seeing as we have been in the house for 4 1/2 years now!

A big thank you goes out to Aimee for finishing the painting on the trim and doors for me as a birthday gift. She also, bought me the cute storage boxes that you see on the shelf! Love ya girl!

HELLO!!

I just wanted to let you know that I am still here! Life has been beyond crazy for us since we got back on August 2nd from our month long hiatus. As soon as we got back I jumped into a new part-time job and lots of prepping and sorting life to prepare the kids for the start of school on Aug. 19th, and when the started school I started yet another job. So I apologize for not posting, and when I have had time to do it I have just been exhausted and unsure of where to start. I have lots to share and will slowly start once I figure out where to start from, and I will elaborate on some of this things that I have mentioned in this post!

For now I'll leave you with this:

Family photo taken on 7/25/09 at my cousin's wedding in Northern Minnesota:

Hey All!!!

I just wanted to quick check in with you all and let you know all is good...I'm checking in from Grand Rapids, MN the birthplace of Judy Garland! The kids and I have been on vacation since June 30th, and Don was with us until July 10th and then rejoined us on the 23rd. We are still on vacation and having a great time! Unfortunately though, I haven't had Internet access until this weekend so I haven't been able to post....and yes it's been difficult for me not being able to surf the net like I normally would. I have had my iPhone to check email, Facebook and minimal Internet but I cannot post to my blog from it....trust me I've tried and just about launched my cell phone out of extreme frustration! :)

Sorry this is brief but just wanted to let you know all is good and I'll check back in when I can! Now I must sign off to get ready for my cousin's wedding today! Congratulations Angelo & Alyssa!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

to the two greatest father's in our lives! 

Thank you for being there for us, and we love you both very much!!!

My Hubby Don/Daddy...

My Dad Nick/Grandpa...

1st WIN!!

Hip Hip Hooray....Nico's team finally one a game today!! After a very LONG season of losses and rain-outs they finally won one!! It also helped that the other team only had 6 players show up and we had to play outfield for them! :) 

We are thinking the win is one of three things or a culmination of all:

1. We played at a different ball park
2. Our friend's the Catons came for the 1st time (thanks for coming!)
3. The fact that they only had 6 players

Regardless, we will take the W!!! He has two games left and hopefully we can pull off a couple more wins!