What i've missed...

Things i have missed while being sick:
taking care of my kids.
bedtime kisses, stories, and hugs.
cooking
having clean laundry
feeding my family
being able to truly eat
enjoying treats and being able to taste how good they really are.
my husband
exercise
yoga
my friends that i exercise with
feeling productive
being able to look my best
a good hard playing summer
freedom...I've been trapped in a sick world in a sick body that can't perform simple daily tasks.

THE GOOD NEWS IS...
I am FINALLY starting to feel better! I think I can now say, I am grateful for this experience yet again because this time it cemented something in my brain. I will never take for granted, bed time kisses, making my family dinner, clean laundry, playing hard with my kiddos, etc. I have realized that these simple and sometimes mundane tasks are a blessing in my life.

THE GREAT NEWS IS...We are going to have a new little baby at our house:)

It's Official!

Lexi turned 13 on July 6 while we were vacationing at my mom and dad's house. She had a great day celebrating.

Early in the morning heading out for her b-day breakfast with dad.
After breakfast my mom and I took Lexi on a shopping spree and a ear piercing event. It was a fun day.

Lexi, me and my mom at the perfect place for a birthday dinner...The Cheesecake Factory....oh yummy!

The birthday dinner

I don't know why Doug and I look so thrilled that she was blowing out a candle at the restaurant. I think we were just happy to spend the evening with our eldest daughter.

We also had dinner with my parents. This was a fun evening.

Now, I know we just had the cheesecake...but we have to have birthday cake on a birthday. So, here was the very yummy birthday cake.

The sisters were thrilled to share in the yummy cake.

Lexi with her sisters on her birthday.

This littlest sister was too tired to finish the festivities.

The longing for the Ripstik is over:)

Lexi trying out her new toy in the Mam's kitchen.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEXI! WE LOVE YOU!

July 4 ,2009

We started out the morning of the 4th with these very festive homemade cinnamon rolls. (There are definite perks with staying at Grandma's:)

We celebrated the 4th this year at my mom and dad's. The girls were all a tad disappointed that they had to miss the many festivities at home. I am glad to report they survived missing the parade:)

Nicolette LOVED her cinnamon roll.

Of course I could not let the day pass without some very festive Fourth of July cupcakes.

My "sparkler" cupcakes. (A big shout out to Mike and Karla for there cupcake help) I was running out of time and they were very quick learners and Karla's cupcakes looked better than mine.

Sparkler fun with Aunt Karla and Uncle Mike

Swimming, sparklers, cupcakes...yes, it's a party.

The fun, yet very illegal, slightly stressful fire work show. That's all I'm saying, I don't want to incriminate anyone.
BIG accomplishment for this girl! This is the first year that Lexi has been able to touch a firework. She has always had a pretty serious fear. Yay Lexi! Good job:)

Nicolette enjoying her treats.

Nicolette, Ava, and sparklers. I love sparklers.

A very swam out Vivi enjoying treats.

My festive Lilli. I know it's late but, had to document our festivities!