Friendship

This morning Elyse and I had the opportunity to go hang out with two of my good friends from college, Kelly and Kiley, and their daughters. It's kind of crazy how in just five years, we go from studying together in coffee shops to discussing parenting stuff. It was great to see them as well as their precious, beautiful little girls. Hopefully we all can get together soon. Love ya ladies and thank you for your friendship.

The Girls: Elyse (19 months), Lillia (6 months), and Avery (1 month)

Fun and Busy Tuesday

Today was one fun, but one very busy day! Elyse and I attended our last Storytime at the library until August. Super sad, especially for Elyse, she LOVES Storytime. We then played at the park, took at great nap, had Aiden over so his Mama could work a few hours and then ended the day by visiting our good friends for dinner. We went and saw Matt and Kiley Waite who were blessed one month ago with a precious baby girl named Avery. All I know is that Elyse is asleep and I plan to soon follow. Sure did have fun today though, no complaints.

Aiden and Elyse sitting just long enough to take a quick picture.


Proud Dada's with their beauties! Nate with Elyse & Matt with Avery
Congrats again to Matt and Kiley. We are so excited for you both!

27th Birthday

This past Friday, I happily celebrated my 27th birthday. In fact, I stress 27th because I was reminded many times by people I was not turning 26, but 27. That's only because I swore for months I was really turning 26 and sadly lost a year. Well thanks to my loves, family and friends I had a wonderful birthday. I spent the morning hanging out with my girls and their children. Followed by hitting a few garage sales, going out to eat and shopping at DSW :)

Like I said, I had a wonderful day and thank everyone who helped me celebrate it.

Below are a few videos of us at the restaurant. It's of me getting my free ice cream dessert and Elyse CHOWING down on it. However, before you watch the video, I have to share this story; because if you know me, deals make me the happiest ever. So Nate said I could go anywhere I wanted to eat, so I chose Famous Dave's since I love it and plus I had a coupon for a free dessert. Right away, I asked the waitress what I had to get in order to get my free dessert, she looked at it and said, "I don't know of this code, let me punch it in and I'll let you know." To my surprise she came back to say I not only got a free dessert but got the Family Feast ($60 meal) for free. It feeds 4-5, we'd say 6-8. It was delicious and Nate, Elyse and I left with three big carry out boxes packed full and two big circular tubs. Not only did I get a free meal for my birthday, I had enough leftovers to keep me from cooking for the week. I was SUPER excited!!! I think 27 is going to throw me lots of fun surprises ;)

Toot

Two things before the story, first, Elyse HATES getting her diaper changed. I don't know why, she just tends to fight it every time. Secondly, she recently has been saying, "Toot" and has learned that they sometimes are stinky.

This morning Elyse had just finished doing a #2, as I can tell by her disappearing act to her hiding place, the grunting sounds and the smell. Well once she was finished, that smart little girl came up to me, gave me a kiss, pointed to her diaper and said, "Mama, Elyse toot" and instantly turned around and ran. As if I would think she just tooted and that's why it smelled and so she wouldn't need a diaper change. Oh funny girl. She just cracks me up so much lately. It's stories like this that make being a mother so wonderful and entertaining.

Family Visit

As I previously mentioned, my dad, stepmother, brother, sister-in-law and stepbrother were in town this past weekend visiting. We had such a wonderful time, playing out in the beautiful weather, going to the zoo, playing cards and catching up. I couldn't have asked for a better time. The only sad thing is that time just went by way too fast!!! Well I have added just a few pictures of my stepmother's and sister-in-law's four hundred and some that they took to show you how much fun we really had.

Miss you all already and hope to do it again soon. Love you lots.

5 Years!

Today marks Nate and my five year anniversary! (Happy Anniversary, my love!)

I can't believe five years has already come and gone. I had the opportunity to marry my best friend and everyday grow to love him more and more. God has not made our path the last five years always easy, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. I am so blessed to have such a magnificent husband, and wonderful marriage. I just look forward to the many more blessed years I have with my man.

There are so many reasons I am thankful for Nate being my husband, but since it's our five year, I thought I would try to condense it down to the top five things I love most about my husband (in no particular order).
1. His love and servant hood for Christ
2. He's an amazing father with such a heart to instantly and joyfully parent adopted children
3. His honesty, patience and compassion with me
4. He's such an incredible protector and provider
5. His dedication to constantly fill or try to fill my cup daily
I know my list could keep going and going, but I guess you'll have to wait another five years to see five more :)

Update

The past week has just flown by. We have spent almost every minute outside. We have gone to a park pretty much every day (yet I have never remembered the camera), been hanging out with family or friends, and just relaxing before my family comes. That's right, my dad, stepmother, brother and sister-in-law are all visiting Thursday through Monday. Therefore, I have been getting things done and patiently awaiting their arrival. So I apologize for the lack of blogging. I also want to give a heads up that unless I catch something big on camera or have something that really needs to be said, I probably will not be posting again for over a week.

Random video of Elyse doing one of her favorite things, coloring.
She won this large size coloring book at her Easter egg hunt raffle.