Rawhide Birthday

"Rollin', rollin', rollin'"
Babe H turns 3 (3!) this Friday so we decided to celebrate her with a family party in Arizona at Rawhide. It's a ranch/ghost/shanty town with attractions and burro rides. It was hilarious. The girl LOVED it. She especially loved when a country duo sang Happy Birthday to her at dinner. I'm lucky she wasn't wearing the crown Andi got her in every shot. This literally had to be a separate post because the pictures were so good. Stay tuned for the 12th for more birthday fun!

Hot Spot

We've just returned from a sun-filled spring break to Gramma and Papa's house in Arizona. Boy, was it hot! And we had such a blast. As the years pass,these vacations with family become just that much more fun because we have so many memories built and building. I loved it all: Our double date to Pizza Bianco (absolutely amazing atmosphere; how's that for alliteration?), Ty's random dance party with Ky, Pea learning to REALLY swim for the first time, reading, my mom being able to join us, Harper's Rawhide Birthday party (separate post; the girl turns 3 on Friday!), and B.S. Thank you Steve & Carolyn for taking us, it's priceless! As always for legit pictures, go here!

Easter 2013

SUCH a beautiful day today. Last year's weather was amazing, but this year's topped the chart. It was absolutely sunny and nearly (gasp!) hot outside. The vintage hats were dusted off and our celebration of Him began. He is Risen. What an amazing gift. Easter is becoming one of my favorite Holidays as of the past couple years. I love it. Mostly I love that our two families celebrate this one together.
Two important Easter notes:
1. The Bell Dynasty was ALSO resurrected at the annual egg toss this year. Eggcellent! I think it was the cash prize.
2. Mom became the official and reigning, "Pie Ambassador" as per Joey who requested two apple, two pecan for our summer trip to Lake Roosevelt.

Without further ado, here are some pics! For more go here.

Spring has Sprung

Spring is here and I might have to curse myself for saying this, but it actually FEELS like it. Admittedly March has been a bad blogging month for me. It would seem we just weren't that busy, but nothing could be farther from the truth. We've had book club, baby showers (for one of my oldest couple friends kt&zane; such a good time with my friends...truly feels like home in my heart being with them), weddings, birthday parties, play dates, getting our hair did, volunteering at retirement homes: the list goes on. I tend to blog more when there isn't much going on because I have space and time to process. Next month is a big blogging month. We have Harp's 3rd birthday, a family vacation to Arizona, and t-ball. I'll be back with an Easter Post on Sunday. It's been a wonderful March; here are some highlights...

Guest Pass

I was asked to contribute a guest post on a dear friend's blog. A friend I've known since high school and I think she's special. She's walked with God along a sometimes uneven, sometimes hard, all times grace-filled and merciful path. Love her and so glad she asked...

Self Portrait

This is Pea's self portrait from her Kindergarten class. I love this: the way she writes her name, the hearts, eye lashes, all the details. I love seeing the way she sees herself. However, I'd have to say she's more beautiful than you could put down on paper. Love you, sweet girl.

Confessions

It's that time again...
Please, please calm down. Don't embarrass yourself. You're better than that...
I do literally admit to a diaper wipe/dry shampoo event which masqueraded as an actual shower below. If nothing else you can feel better about yourself for actually taking care of personal hygiene:
-Last week my husband said I looked cross-eyed in my new specs. In his defense: he did say I would look cute if they were not in combination with my braces. Wah wah. Who's picturing Debbie Downer right now?
-Try as I might: I do not understand the Harlem Shake. I've googled it. You tubed it. Etc. And i still do not understand. Help me.
-The above officially makes me feel like 30 IS really going to happen in August. Ay Crumba...
-I'm ecstatic beyond words about Justin Timberlake returning to the world as I know it. This señorita has been waiting...
-As mentioned above: I lied to myself and said I "took a shower" when really I wiped down with available diaper wipes and dry shampooed my hair and called it A DAY. I actually attended two public events.
-Ty abhors the dry shampoo. Hates. It.
-Remember when I fixed two cuties (one of whom happens to be my sister) up? I said I'd update: Yeah, that's REALLY working:) I think I may be the new Patty Stanger. Only with less _____ (fill in the blank).
-When I see someone crack open a Diet Coke before 9 AM I kind of throw up in my mouth a bit. Before you say, "wait a hot second...I do that!" I have many a close "can't live with you" friend and family member who also consider a DC in a word: coffee. Uhhh. No judgment, seriously. It's just way more of an immediate and visceral reaction than traditional judgement.
-Tonight Brutus basically assaulted/pillaged my childhood teddy bear. I was going to fight for it, but I can't really look him in the face now. "Jane, you ignorant slut!" Anyone laughing? Just me? Ok.
Until next time (when I promise to take a real shower)!
Xoxo.