Mother's Day 2013

Being a mom really has changed my life.  It has changed the way I teach, view parents of my students, look at kids throwing fits in the store, helped me to understand why parents choose to home school their kids and I have really learned to not judge any parent.  Most days it is survival of the fittest.  

I know what it feels like when your child gets hurt and all you want to do is take away the pain and make it better.  I also know what it feels like when "momma bear" starts to come out (it really isn't pretty, so please don't mess with my babies).  

I have learned that I can't do it all and my kids don't really care if I can or not.  I have learned to enjoy the small little moments I get with each girl(when Ruby wraps her arms around my neck for a hug, when Abby tells me how pretty I am).  Sometimes household chores need to wait, so I can have those little moments.  They will never be this age again.  

I am so blessed to have two beautiful, healthy little girls.  Yes, drama can be a huge part of my day, but they always put a smile on my face and amaze me in some way each day.  

 Both girl made me a plate.  My mom said that Abigail really thought hard before she created this master piece.  I can see the art gallery now!

 I love these precious little hands!

 Abby made me a three page card.  She loves to draw and write like a big girl.

 I really am sweet!

 Daniel and the girls treated me to a pair of Toms.  Not the cutest view of my feet, they really do look 10 times better in person!  :)  Daniel also cooked a delicious meal of chicken panni's(dont' think I spelled that right).  It was the meal he cooked when I first met his parents.  It's one of my favorite dinners he makes.  I am so lucky to have such a talented husband!

Uncle Matthew and Auntie Lauren's Wedding!

 The woman of the hour.  To begin our wedding adventure everyone got their hair done.  It was an amazing day with sun and warm weather....in MAY!  So spirits were high.

 Melissa and Becky

 Auntie Katie

 Abby and Ruby Mae were flower girls so Abby was able to get her hair done too!  She loved it!

 Ruby was a little bored but behaved really well.

 After Abby was done getting her hair done, Ruby immediately climbed up into the chair for her turn (I didn't have an appt for her....Of course she would want her hair done too!).  So I asked Abby's hair dresser to humor her.  She brushed Ruby's hair and we all said how pretty she looked.  She posed real quick in the mirror and was happy as a clam!

 Here are my beautiful girls.  They wore grey tutus and pink sparkly Toms!  So perfect for these two.  I got a little worried because Ruby Mae wanted to tutu off after these pics.  But I convinced her to show daddy how pretty she looked in it.  That works every time!

 Colin was the ring bearer.  He looked so handsome and cute in his tux.  It was so hot and I didn't hear any of the kids complain. As you can see they are at a "water feature" as Colin calls them.  Matthew and Lauren chose the Oregon Garden for their wedding.  It was beautiful!!

 My girls checking out the chickens!

 As the ceremony began the natives (kids) were getting restless.  Ruby was loosing interest really quick.  Abby and Colin made it down the aisle.  With one last resort effort, I gave Ruby a candy and had her take it to daddy to open.  It worked getting her down there.  She got a little distracted seeing Papa Lee and then a black lab.

 Handsome men!

 Ruby ended up going back to Papa Lee for the rest of the ceremony.  Hey...We at least go to show her off.

 The wedding was beautiful, full of emotion and great vows written by the bride and groom.

 Abby felt like such a big girl.

 This is my money shot!  I love this pic I got of Lauren!

After the ceremony family pictures started.  We were about to start the Brown Family pics, then Ruby Mae ended up in one of the "water features". I think Colin thought she needed to cool off :).  It was a bit scary, but what's a wedding without a little drama?  It will be a funny story to tell the kids later.
The reception was a lot of fun.  Everyone had a great time.  I guess I should have brought me camera.....

Congratulations Matthew and Lauren!