For the love of boys

Back in February I was honored to co-host a baby shower for a dear friend and wonderful mom, Kelly. Kelly was pregnant with her 4th boy and it was such a joy to plan this shower for her. Thanks to Jolina for helping, doing so much planning, work and for letting us throw the party in your house. And to Kelly, thank you for letting us do this for you! You're such an amazing, God fearing woman. You're a great friend to me and are so loving and kind to my girls. You're doing a great job, Mama!

Jolina did an amazing job on her table

 Decorations by Jolina (fantastic!) and flowers by Kathy (beautiful!) 

The banner I made for Baby Boy #4 who didn't have a name at the shower; I recently (only 5 months later!) finished the banner for Isaiah and didn't take a picture before I gave it to him, dangit! 

More decorations by Jolina 

Mmm! Tasty treats made by the amazing Jolina of Zoe's Delights 

Yum!! So delicious! 

She's ready to pop! popcorn and mason jar drink cups

Baby rattle cake pops 

Nothing says baby shower like a diaper cake!

The beautiful lady of the hour

Upcycled music!

Back in February Ashley's school had a Go Green Night. In addition to demonstrations by the local garbage and recycling company, they also had a competition for the students to create musical instruments using recycled materials. 
The day Ash learned about it she came home from school all riled up and ready to get her weld on. She knew *exactly* what she wanted and just needed Daddy's mad welding skills to make her dreams a reality.
It's also interesting and important to note that she took FIRST PLACE by raising the most money during the Go Green Night ($.01 = 1 point). Wahoo!! Not only does she have the eye for upcycling, she also knows how to charm the money right out of peoples pockets.
That's my girl!

Was the giant clamp required for her creation? Nope. But she still insisted on using it.

Not sure what to even say about this?

Hard at work

Safety first!

Never seen that welding cap look cuter

Getting a lesson on welding

Tada! 

Smiley girl, cast and all

Love seeing them work as a team - carrying the creation to the house

A ducky Christmas

Since Sissie and Ray spent Christmas in Kentucky, we got together after New Years and had Christmas with the Drake's. 

Let it be known these are the only ducks we'll ever love.

Someones in the kitchen with Nana

Even casted, Ash still enjoys her dress-up clothes

All Sissie wanted was a nice pic with Natty. All Natty wanted was to watch her new movie. 

Cruising on her new whip

Loving my horseshoe wreath from Sissie and Ray

I think Natty's face says exactly how she's feeling about sharing her new unicorn toys

That's one classy apron, Sissie!

Pocket Person Piggers 

Always smiling when pink flamingos are involved 

Such a beautiful sunset from Mom and Dad's front deck

Lots of memories from this front porch

Good work tonight, God

Christmas continues!

Before I dive into Christmas pictures, let me just say HOLY COW COULD LIFE CRUISE AT A FASTER SPEED? It seems like we're on the go all.the.time, and yet I have a hard time figuring out how we spend our time? It seems getting The Greatest Thing caught-up has been on my 'To Do' list for nearly a year. Maybe one day it'll be up-to-date. Until that time comes, I'm just gonna keep on keeping on. Just gonna keep enjoying my girls. Just gonna keep doing what I do. 
Whatever that is.


After Christmas morning at our house, Christmas day was spent with Jake's family. There was wrapping. There were bows. There were presents galore.

7 months later and it still grips my heart to see pics of Ash in her sling

 A ball just about as big as Q-Tip

Pocket Person love

Who's got the best Christmas sweater? This guy!

Kathy's beautiful Christmas table, made even sweeter by Ash, who is obviously high on pain pills

Making small work of her dinner roll

Love my sweet Natty Kat

Where to put the tiny person when she's done with dinner, but nobody else is? The Pack n Play of course! Great thing is Keely LOVED it!

Ash and Pip playing princesses 

Pip was so loving and concerned and careful with Ashley and her injuries. That curly-haired cutie has a sweet and loving heart.

Entertainment provided by Ash and Natty Kat

Thumbs up! 

Stocking cap and mittens from Aunt Lindsay make Keely Q a smiley mini!

After Jake and Jack stuffed that box with all of the wrappings and bows, Keely figured it was a supreme place to sit

Getting some much wanted and anticipated snuggles from a 4 week old Vivienne 

Making music with JoJo

Plucking away with Aunt Katie

Snuggled in with her fave Aunt Jean

Christmas selflies!

Oh Keely! Keely! Keely!

'I got the no-more-Christmas-presents blues'

Sleepy much?

These girls LOVE their Grandma 

Battered, bruised and broken and yet her smile still shines bright. What a blessed Christmas we had!