Office Assistant

My new office assistant started today. It is so nice to have someone help organize, scan, copy, and print for me. She even helps go through boxes. She is excellent on the computer and knows how to text on my phone. I am so glad I hired her!

15 years ago...

...is when it all started. September 23, 2004. I remember it so clearly. I was watching My So Called Life (great show) at my bff Kristin Wallace's house. I talked to my dad on the phone and he said a boy named Josh called the house. Whatever Dad. He knew I had a huge crush on this boy Josh Thie, but of course had never talked to him on the phone. So he was obviously giving me a hard time. I get home later that night and my dad asks, "So what did Josh want?" Oh my god, he was serious! Josh really called!! Freaked out I immediately called Kristin-screamed with her a bit, then nervously called Josh. Turns out he had a crush on me and he asked me out! Which for everyone my age this means we are boyfriend/girlfriend, hung out in groups, talk on the phone, you know "going out." The next night we went to St Tim's carnival with all our friends. We held hands and he went on a spinning ride, which I later found out he despises spinning rides and felt really sick. He also won me this ugly little (like can fit in the palm of my hand little) orange dog stuffed animal. It probably cost like $10 worth of carnival games, but I still have it. We talked on the phone for like 5 hours that night, then another 5 hours the next night. We could not get enough of each other. We have been through junior high, high school, college, weddings, and children together. Has not always been an easy road, but one I would not change for the world. I do have boxes of pictures from 15 years ago, but they are all in the garage and there is only so much I can get done at nap time. So you get some pictures from our wedding (5 1/2 years ago) which are already on my computer. Maybe one day I will scan all those old photos. Anyway, kind of a memory filled day.

Happy Birthday Grandma Mo

It was Grandma Mona's birthday on Sept 16 and we had a little Sunday dinner for her. Kayleigh's very favorite part of birthdays is getting to blow out the candles.

Uncle Mike and Taylor looking a pictures of cousins...

Kayleigh helped Gma open her gifts...

...so she could cuddle with Gia!

My babes was tired after a hard day of playing...

Gma Mona always gets chocolate cherries for her birthday. Kayleigh of course had to try them out and Gma was nice enough to share her treat...

Both of them loved 'em!

Happy birthday Grandma Mona! We love you (even more than chocolate cherries)!!!

Jena's 30!!

Happy birthday to my beautiful friend Jena! I had a much needed girls day celebrating. We spent the day at her parents house. It was the nicest house I have ever been in! We each got a massage. Then laid out by the pool. We had fresh Sangria, snacks, Oregano's, and more sangria. After the pool, we got all dolled up and went to The Melting Pot. Red wine, delicious food, and the greatest friends ever. It was so relaxing and I just love spending time with the girls. Happy birthday Jena, love you old lady!
Shannon, Nerissa, Kristi, Annie, and bday girl Jena...

Jena and me...

Yummy dessert...

Tuck and Riss...

Annie was really excited about the dessert :)

Jena not letting chocolate go to waste...

Annie really not letting chocolate go to waste...

Princess Tent Fun

I got home from work after a very long day. Tired and crabby, I just wanted to put the girls to bed and crash. Then I saw a package by the door addressed to Kayleigh. I so wanted to ignore it, but my motherly guilt said that she should get her bday gift. It was this beautiful Princess Tent from Sharon and Tom Wester. Kayleigh and Taylor fell in love immediately and insisted I put it together instantly. So we stayed up a bit past bedtime and had so much fun playing. I was so glad I decided to spend some fun time with my girls to really make my day. Thank you so much to the Wester Family because we love this gift!!!

Payback Papa

Kayleigh had me laughing so hard tonight. It all started with her being a crab to Papa Mike. Kayleigh took a break from crabbing and saw the hose was on dripping water to the tree. My nice father saw that Kayleigh was interested in the hose. So he told her to try to turn the top where the water comes out and look to see if the water comes out more. He knew full well that the water would come spraying out right in her face. So of course she turns the end and water flies in her face. This both scares her and really ticks her off. So I tell her to spray Papa for revenge. Oh she loved this idea! He had to hide behind the column and wait for her to turn, so he could grab the hose from behind. Kayleigh and I were laughing our butts off. The pictures are not too clear, but I think you get the idea. There was water all over the side of the house, the cushions, everywhere. Don't mess with this 3 year old!

Little Miss Taylor could care less about the drama around her. She was perfectly content to eat her ice cream sandwich and then play with the drippings. She created quite the work of art on the table and window behind her. Not to worry...Kaykay cleaned it with the hose!

Kayleigh's New Do

Kayleigh got a big girl haircut today. She has had a trim before, but this was her first time in the big chair. She likes to be prepared and is not a fan of surprises. So that morning we showed her pictures online of the salon and told her exactly what to expect. She was excited and looking at the pictures said, "It looks like the chairs are rides!" She was very well behaved and did great. I think the sucker may have helped! I was so proud of my big girl. It was only a trim and some layers, but she looks beautiful. It makes morning combing a bit easier.

When she was all done, she put her card into this machine and out popped a cool stamp!

I just love those beautiful curls!

Labor Day

These girls can not get enough of the pool! We relaxed at Gma and Gpa Jarecki's house with Jared, Carrie, and Addie this Labor Day. The girls enjoyed swimming. Kayleigh is such a dare devil and is a bit crazy in the water. I think she must have jumped off that rock 100 times. Then Papa Mike would throw her into the air and she loved it! I can remember swimming all the time when I was little and having the most fun when my dad would throw me in the air a zillion times.

Gia at 1 week

Little Miss Gia is one week old. She is such a sweet and beautiful baby. I absolutely love to watch Taylor with her. I was feeding her a bottle and Taylor has to crawl up on my lap too. She will lean over and give Gia kisses all over and just rub her cheek against her face. It is so dang sweet!

Cuddle time with Uncle Josh


Taylor checking out one of her new best friends