Jesus Loves me

Absolute first video footage using my new camera. :-)

Ring bearer and flower girl

The kids had the honor of being the ring bearer and flower girl at our friend's Kurt and Karissa's wedding. As you can see...they did great. Callie was completely in her element. She loved every aspect. Noah did great wearing a monkey suit the entire day without much complaint. I was so proud of both of them!

What a week

This has been a most eventful week:

There have been 3 new babies born to friends this week.
I celebrated my 28th birthday
Friends of ours are getting married today
And a great man has passed from this world.

Dave's grandpa passed away last night. Although it was very much expected for quite awhile, the fact that it has actually happened feels hard. Grandpa Yenerich was 89 and has lived an incredible life. He would have been married to his wife (who passed two years ago) for 66 years this past Thursday. I remember looking at them and thinking...this is what it looks like to be commited. It was so clear that he loved her and that she loved him. They were married a LIFETIME. Grandpa, although having health problems for some time and a serious heart surgery, was water skiing the next year...and every year since, even attempting last year. I have a great respect for that, since I, have yet to successfully water ski.

He was a really good man. He was always laid back when I knew him. Going with the flow and always seemed to be pretty content. He will surely be missed.

Goodbye Grandpa. We love you.

Callie dancing

We were driving and listening to random stations when this song came on. Dave started doing the swing move where you put your finger in the air and twirl it around. Callie got really into doing it too.

A Very Happy Birthday, Indeed

Yesterday marked my 28th year of life. Dave let me sleep in, which was wonderful. I woke up to two very excited children yelling, "Surprise! Happy Birthday!" and a wonderful husband making pancakes. Noah was pretty insistant that I open my presents right away. Besides the beautiful pink gerbera daisies and the cookie cake, there were two presents wrapped in princess paper. The first one was from the kiddos. They had wrapped one of Noah's beanie baby bears and had given it me as a "gift". Incredibly sweet, although I think Noah has already re-acquired it. The second present was "the" present that Dave and Noah had been scouting for on their "boy trips" recently. Dave got me the video camera that I had been eyeing for some time now! I LOVE it! We've already taken some fun video of the kids and I can't wait to record more memories! Being the smart man that he is, he had it already charged up and in a carrying case for me...ready to go.

For lunch, Dave watched SIX children while my friend Sarah and I went out for our very first lunch without children (we've known each other for well over 4 years). We had a great time enjoying adult conversation with minimal disturbances. Dave actually had a great time too. He raked leaves and the kids jumped in them. He was a great sport for taking them all on so Sarah and I could have a nice lunch out.

After the kids were in bed for nap, we cuddled and watched the House that we DVR'd. I got many wonderful phone calls yesterday and well, you've gotta love the facebook love. Seriously, it's social networking at it's finest. :-)

Kristin P. stopped by on her way home from teaching and said hi. It was really nice to see her, even for a few minutes.

We had lifegroup last night. Our group surprised me with a birthday cake. It was incredibly sweet and mildly embarassing since the bulk of the group have children my age...but they were great sports and made me feel very loved.

The best part of the day is that I now get to share my birthday with Kyle Conrad Moore, who was born to my longtime, dear friend Brooke, and her husband Conrad, last night. Congratulations you two! I want to see pictures very soon!

It was all-in-all, a WONDERFUL birthday. Thanks to all who called and wrote to help make my birthday very special.