Hello Noni

I'll just title this exactly what it is, a note to let Noni know we're thinking of her. So hello Noni!

Life has been going at it's new normal pace ever since baby Hope arrived; warp speed. School, cleaning, cooking, playing... we're just living life as it comes these days. Doing our best and recognizing it's nothing without the daily grace of God to cover our weaknesses. At my baby sisters wedding last Saturday Pastor Brad called living life together "a whirling dervish of grace". I whispered back to Kara (yes, from the stage), "I'm changing my blog title." :-)

Here is a snapshot of how you can catch our family at 730pm most nights when daddy is home, snuggled up watching Jeopardy. We lead a thrilling life and we like it. Oh that one glorious day last week when we could ditch our shoes and feel the wonderful grass and dirt between our toes. I walked in the garden just for the fun of it. Then I threatened them within an inch of their lives to keep them off the freshly mopped floor and we all hit the stationary tub. The above child at full speed as usual. Her daddy calls her Sweety Pie Crash for a reason.








Don't get too excited for wedding pictures. Here is the bride and groom on the practice night and that's about all I've got. I just couldn't tote around 4 kids (all in wedding get up that's supposed to stay clean) me in a bridesmaid dress with flowers and a camera. So, the photographer will make a little money off me for a few pictures. It was a beautiful evening. Here are the highlights:

• Kelly was the most stunning bride I think I've ever seen.
• It was completely beautiful weather.
• Most people with a pulse cried while she danced with my dad.
• I had the privilege of praying for her during the ceremony.
• All nine babies plus Woody the Rescuer made it down the isle in one piece.
• My escort was the most handsome man in the room. ;-)
• John was my escort.
• The wedding party spent an unexpected hour at my house just chillin' between pictures and the wedding. It was fun for me but poor Kel looked at the clock every 5 minutes.
• My pastor likes to dance to "Play that funky music white boy" a little too much. yikes.
• My wonderful husband took the kids home so I could stay and party.
• Sunday morning we all gathered again at my parents for brunch and to visit with the Indiana relatives. It was so much fun and I couldn't believe how awake and with it the kids and I were after such a long day.
• Monday was the longest day of my mothering life. I was sore, we were all tired, we were all cranky. I put the kids down at 7.
• All in all it was a wonderful weekend.
  

I can almost feel the sweetness of cuddling with this precious little girl just by looking at these pictures. She looked so squishy and warm I just couldn't resist documenting her waking up. I know the coloring is off but I couldn't bring myself to blast the flash in her face and ruin the moment. :-)

Why mom?

Oh! Yeah! Mommy! (I know... try not to die from the cuteness.)

Lastly, have you ever tried adding spinach to your smoothie? A friend of mine is having these regularly to help his blood sugar and energy stay regular throughout the day and I thought that sounded absolutely disgusting so we tried it. (I'm aware that is strange logic.) My kids call them Salad Smoothies. You truly can barely taste the spinach. This one was with frozen blackberries, strawberries, half a banana and about 2 cups of spinach. I don't have the time, money or desire to make them 4 times a day like him, but for a regular snack or even breakfast or lunch, you should try it. It's definitely the best way I've ever tried to get spinach.