13 years

I don’t really do much by way of “I have such an awesome husband” or “my marriage rocks” type of posts. For one, Joe never reads my blog. Two, it just seems too oddly personal for me throw a bunch of stuff out there about us and our relationship. And really, I wonder, does anyone care? I mean, by nature I’m a pretty humble person, so rattling on about how awesome things are just seems weird. Plus I would probably feel compelled to post when it sucks too because I’m just honest that way, and who wants to read that? Let’s just say this is way out of my comfort zone.

However…13 years ago on 6/27 we got married. I do believe there’s some truth to being older and wiser. I’ve learned a lot about myself and my marriage these last 13 years (more in the last 5 than the first 8). I wouldn’t trade what I’ve got for anything. There are times I look back and cringe. We are both strong willed, I wear my emotions on my sleeve and I have spent a lot of time wanting to always be right (need I say more?). What I've learned though is recognizing your faults is more than half the battle. Then working on you and taking ownership of your emotions and feelings and recognizing that nobody can "make you feel" a certain way is the rest of the battle.

Even though it’s against my nature, I feel a little compelled to proclaim our success. We have worked super hard at our marriage. Now that we’re putting in the effort though, reaping the rewards is the best thing. Today I’m really happy. Not everyday is perfect, but I know I'm truly a better me, and I feel more secure and at peace with myself and my relationship with my husband than I ever have. I feel blessed to have such wonderful kids and family and awesome friends.

So, happy anniversary to my husband that will probably never read this, and if he does, he’ll think I’m a huge dork for posting it. I am lucky and love him so much because he encourages me, makes me laugh, builds me cool stuff, never thinks anything is impossible, dreams big, is an awesome dad, kicks my ass when I need it, takes care of me when I need it, thinks of others before himself…because he’s just genuinely a good person. And for that, and about 1000 other reasons, I am thankful.

family picture accomplished

I have a lot of pictures. Mostly pictures without me in them. Something Gina said on her website got me to finally quit making excuses and get our family picture taken: "I believe that moms are not in pictures enough and that babies grow up way too fast. " My kids are 9 & 7. Before long they will quit changing so dramatically from year to year, and they will roll their eyes rather than laugh a lot during a photo shoot. We finally found a sort of warm May day where we could carve out a couple hours in our busy schedules to just be together. To laugh at and enjoy each other while Gina snapped away. We had so much fun, and I'm even a little inspired to get my camera out again. Thank you Gina, I'm so happy with the results!

Family Picture Attempt

This year Joe and I took a majority of the week between Christmas and New Years off. Typically the kids split their break time between us and daycare, but this year we were with them everyday. It was a great combination of relaxing, playing hard and getting things done.

I had a pretty specific list of things I wanted to try to do while I was off. Set up my new computer (which arrived Christmas Eve!) was number one. I have wanted/needed this for so long, but the whole getting it set up part is about the furthest thing from fun for me. I work for a software company. When I get a new computer, someone else sets it up for me. Despite my dread, it was quick and painless. Of course I haven't actually transferred any files from my old PC yet...

Running a close 2nd on the to do list was to take a picture of the four of us. I was dreading this almost as much as setting up the computer. The thought of trying to get us all looking decent, finding good light and background, dealing with the tripod (which I hate) and actually locating the remote for my camera were just a few of the reasons I found for why this wouldn't work. And here's just one reason my husband is awesome; he knew I wanted to do this, and he encouraged and helped me make it happen. We were nearly late for Christmas Eve dinner because he insisted I continue to try to get 'the shot'. Which I never actually got. While I was hoping for something amazingly perfect, the light was challenging and cutting off my own head was a recurring theme (it's really hard to compose a picture with an imaginary person in it). But, it was fun. I love Joe for pushing me to do the things I love.

Ava's forever the helper. Here's my test shot. Probably my favorite picture out of all 61 that I took.

New #1 on my to do...get someone else to take our picture.

happy birthday baby

Gabe turned 9 on Friday. My sweet, good boy is growing up. I remember so many details of Gabe's birth and those first few, precious months that it's hard to believe it was that long ago. The days of elaborate birthday parties are all but gone now. We used to go over the top with hot air balloon rides, giant bouncers and extreme cakes. This year he just wanted a few friends to invite to the water park and dinner and cake with his family. That's exactly what he got. Sort of bittersweet really.

Gabe, you're my favorite boy, I love you so much you can't even imagine. I remember singing "You are My Sunshine" to you when you were a baby and it making my heart hurt. You may be almost as tall as I am, but you'll always be my baby. Happy Birthday my good boy, I love you.

progress

Remember the dirt pile that I told you was the addition? Progress has been made.

Plumbing has been put in.
Then concrete on the garage floor.
And concrete on the rest of the floor.
This week we have walls! I am in awe of the progress even though I've seen Joe do this so many times before. He works harder than anyone I know. He sets goals and pushes himself to meet them. He talks me through my freak outs over what color cabinets, how big to make the closet door, water in the island or no water in the island...he makes this fun. So tonight I am thankful. I am thankful for walls and a brilliantly talented husband that can build them. Thankful for friends and family that have come together and help put these walls up. I am thankful for 13 challenging years of marriage. Thankful that we've trudged through the hard stuff to build a family and a home. I'm really thankful for walls...

nieces

I have a lot of nieces and nephews. Two of them are going to be seniors this coming year. My sister-in-law asked me to take their senior pictures. I gave her the "I'm not a professional" disclaimer, and they showed up on my doorstep anyway. I am so happy they did. We had such a great time! This was a great opportunity for me to spend time with the girls. They are silly and sweet (yes, Jolie, they are sweet!) and a lot of fun. I don't think I've realized over the years how much they've grown up. Thank you Heidi and Haley for letting me part of this time in your lives.

summer

Grandma's Marathon weekend was F U N fun at our house. I even took a few random pictures. Looky here...

Amy supervising giant marshmallow roasting. Clearly Steve does not know what he's doing (I just know that's what she's thinking - HA!)

Did I mention they were GIANT marshmallows???

How cute are little girls? Seriously cute.


You know you're a redneck when...you use the air compressor to get your fire started. Ok, this is probably not safe.


Ah summer....

grandma's weekend

A couple weekends ago Joe's cousin Jennifer and her friend Stefanie stayed with us for Grandma's Marathon. The silly girls ran the whole thing on the one day of the summer that temps reached 90! Stef's blisters were ridiculous, but she never complained. And get this, they offered to just take our kids for a drive to the beach and out for ice cream after they ran 26 miles! Needless to say, the kids adored the girls (even before the ice cream). That night (yes, after the 90 degree day that they ran 26 miles, took our kids to the beach and out for ice cream) we took out the hot air balloon. I was doubtful that with such little manpower (it was just Joe and us girls) we'd be able to manage the balloon, but it went up without a problem. It turned out to be a gorgeous night for ballooning. Apparently I was having too much fun to take any pictures. Thankfully Jen pulled through and sent me some of hers. Can't wait to see you guys again!!!


Ava & Jen with their medals (Ava's is her ski medal...)

catching up

I've been really bad about keeping current on posts. This cold, gloomy evening seems like a good time to get a start on catching up.

My niece Mariella was born. Tara and I went for the day to meet her. What a sweet baby. I got to catch up with Sophia too...looks like her dad is teaching her about beer at an early age.

I spent an awesome weekend with my girls! We all went to Carrie's. My first Kentucky Derby party! As always, we picked up right where we left off the last time. We had so much fun. Thanks, Car!

Ava hosted her first sleepover. Kasey and Ava slept in a tent (in Ava's room), played dress up, stayed up late giggling and were total goofballs the entire time. It is really frightening how much these two are like sisters. They are hugging one minute and not speaking the next. Many memories being made here.

Joe and Gabe went to Detroit for the Red Bull Air Races. They had an awesome time! It was a long trip, but Gabe was a trooper. I'm told that the races were fabulous.

Meanwhile, Ava and I headed to my parent's. It's always so relaxing, at least for me, at home. I enjoyed the downtime.

We moved a lot of dirt to plant new grass. Not really that exciting, but Ava's attire is quite hilarious. She has an outfit for all occasions. She's a free spirit, what can I say. Maybe it's good we don't have close neighbors...

what's been going on

Here' s what we've been up to!

Skiing! We all love to ski. All of us downhill ski. Gabe is in his 3rd year and Ava her 2nd. I still pause for a moment when I watch them go up the lift on their own...wow they've grown up. They really are great little skiers. We are lucky to have such an awesome program here for them to learn and so many ski hills close by. They've both completed two races. Ava took 3rd place on the last one. I think their favorite part of ski races is the hot dog lunch and hanging out with their friends. They're creating great memories.

Ava getting mentally prepped for the big race

Only about 3 ski lift mishaps this year

Ava and her classmate, Elena, having fun at lunch after they took 2nd and 3rd in their race

Gabe has a hard time getting excited for 7th place...it was a close race, Gabe!

The kids and I also partake in cross country skiing. They are really starting to get the hang of it. Joe grooms a half mile loop on our property, and I coax them out every now and then. Ava took her first trek to the Korkki Nordic with me a couple weeks ago. I fully intended to just do the 1K loop, but it was a gorgeous day...30+ degrees and sunny ( I should have had my camera!). I figured why not do 2, she's tough. Well, I somehow missed the 2K cutoff and we went 4. She totally stuck it out and was a trooper. She proudly announces to anyone who may care that she's skied the 4K at Korkki.

Super Bowl! We hung out at the Yesberger's for some great eats and good company on Super Bowl. I'm not a huge football fan, but it was fun to get together. The kids and guys did some pre-game snowmobiling. It was good to see everyone.

Sophia! We trekked to my brother's to give my mom and dad a hand with the kids while Trevor and Cathy were on vacation. I love all my nieces and nephews, but Sophia has a little piece of my heart right now. Even though I got the nastiest diapers of the weekend, I love spending time with her. I enjoy bath time and nap time and all her little particular ways of doing things. It was good to spend time with my sweet girl.

Say CHEESE!

Ava and Grandpa

Grandma and Ava

CCP Play! Ava's pre-school program was last weekend. She was Mary, in Mary Had a Little Lamb. She took center stage and patted lamb Zack's head, just as instructed. Future actress...? We all know she's got the drama part down.

The best dresses are the ones that twirl!

Mary and her little lamb

We got a lot of rain here last week. The snow got pretty crappy and now temperatures are hovering in the 10 degree range. It's hard to get motivated when winter sports are pulled out from under you. We'll use this time to try to catch up on the things we let go while playing the last month, and hopefully we don't kill each other with this shack happieness in the meantime.

Even on his bad hair days, Gabe gets my vote for most photogenic