Flower Girl

Olivia was asked to be a flower girl in the wedding of some very dear friends of ours. We were so touched that they thought to include us. It was such a special day. We've known the bride and groom for years. The groom is Olivia's Godfather. We couldn't be happier for the couple and are so honored they included us in their special day! On a day when most people tend to be consumed with their own preparations they went above and beyond to make sure that Olivia was enjoying her flower girl experience. Olivia loved her pretty dress and she giggled every time someone told her how "pretty" or "beautiful" she was. After some debate Olivia went down the aisle in her wheelchair. She sat with me in the front pew for most of the ceremony. She was very well behaved throughout the ceremony and even let out a happy and enthusiastic prayer right after the priest said "Amen". It was perfect timing. We were also lucky enough that my parents drove up to Dallas for the weekend. We all enjoyed spending some extra time with them and are so glad that they were able to watch the kids so Mike and I could enjoy the reception. And now for the part you really want to see.....

Ready for the fun to begin, Perkins Chapel at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.





Going down the aisle


Waiting for post-ceremony pictures. I'm pretty proud of Olivia's hair, I did it myself :)

The flower girls and the beautiful bride!


Mike and his "Compadre". I love seeing them have fun together.


Me and the handsome groom/the best Godfather a girl could ask for.


Loyola classmates at the wedding.


Special Grandma/Peter bonding time while we were waiting around to take post-ceremony pictures.


Peter and Grandma with his special baseball pancake and BACON.


Congrats Anni and Tyler we love you guys!

Go Wolfpack

I had to work an alumni reception at a basketball game over the weekend. We took the kids and all enjoyed cheering on the Wolfpack. We've decided that attending Loyola sporting events may be a new favorite family activity. The kids enjoyed the action and excitement of the game.



One of the cheerleaders recognized Olivia, she's a music therapy major and she completed an intership last semester at Olivia's school. She said that Olivia was one of her favorite students (of course she'd say that:)).

Birthday Surprise (and Restaurant Review)

Because Mike was in Kansas during his birthday we got to have a birthday "do-over." I surprised him by making arrangements for us to have a night out on the town. We began our evening with Cocktails at Commander's Palace. Commander's Palace is a New Orleans institution. We've shared many a delicious meal there and if you haven't ever been it's a definite MUST! We hadn't ever just been to the bar though. It was a great start to our evening. You actually walk through the kitchen to get to the bar and are able to watch the hustle and bustle of the kitchen as you sip your cocktail. We'd give this one 5/5, delicious drinks and great service! Yum!

For dinner we haded over to The Flaming Torch. There is an exhaustive list of restaurants we want to try in New Orleans. I heard mixed reviews about this one but the Crab meat Beignets were awesome! We had a great time but I don't think this one will be on my list of "can't wait to go back". I'd give it 2.5/5 stars.

Happy Birthday Babe!

New Wheels

We didn't go all out making new year's resolutions but one of our goals is to spend more time developing our hobbies. One of Mike's new hobbies involves this brand new set of wheels. Mike has been in Kansas for since right after Christmas but he's FINALLY home and was able to test out his new wheels. Welcome Home Mike! Enjoy the ride!

Table Manners

We've been working with Olivia for months to use silverware. She still cannot get the food onto the utensil by herself but she has mastered getting the food into her mouth. She's quite proud of herself :) Of course Peter had to display his table manners as well for the camera.

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back....

The husband is out of town for a bit and I spent the weekend determined to get a head start on a few things. I spent all weekend getting things organized, we went to the grocery store, we cleaned, we organized, I spent hours cooking and preping meals for the week. On Sunday I made a huge batch of chicken tortilla soup, I made BBQ chicken, I made mini-cheddar meatloaves, I pealed and boiled potatoes for mashed potatoes, I washed and cut fruit and veggies for snacks. Of course throughout this process I destroyed and cleaned the kitchen several times over. By Sunday evening I was exhausted. I happily went to bed feeling well organized and prepared for the week. One step forward, ahead of the game. So satisfied with a busy day's work!

On Monday morning I woke up and stumbled to the kitchen to make coffee only to discover I had left the fridge door cracked. The fridge smelled, it wasn't even cool, it was a giant room temp "hot-box." Yuck! Two giant steps back....

Pretty Little Peepers

Olivia and I met her new eye doctor today. I've spent the past 3 weeks convinced we were going to see the ENT, thank goodness I double checked the paperwork on the way to the appointment. Olivia's peepers checked out a-ok. Recommended a follow up appointment in 2 years (wow it was nice to hear that!).

"No"

I got the note below from Olivia's teacher today. What a way to start the new year! Olivia says mama on occasion but other than that I cannot remember the last time I heard her use an actual word appropriately.


In case you cannot read the note it says:
Today when Ms.Laurie was playing outside with Olivia during rest time, she asked if Olivia would like to get in the wagon, and Olivia answered back with a clear, "no." amazing! I feel like every kid made 'talking more' their new year's resolution!
-Ms. Emily

Just Because

Just because it's their first day back at school and I'm missing them....

I decided to share a few of the random photos from our vacation

Operation Organize 2012

The new year has me on a mission to become more organized and I've found a few tools I wanted to share......


I am so excited to join the 52 weeks to organize your home challenge....here's the link for more info:
http://www.home-storage-solutions-101.com/organized-home.html

I also snagged a mamapedia deal a few months ago for Relish! (a menu and meal planning service). I got a 6 month subscription for about $12 and I just activated it. It was super easy to use and so far the meals I've cooked so far have been big hits with Mike and the kids. Here's the link: http://www.relishrelish.com/

Finally I love a to do list! I love that this site has a ton of fun downloads that are just that. http://www.designfinch.com/2011/07/31/sunday-planning/

Happy Organizing!