Day 9 - The Kiddos

Not ever knowing what it was like to have little babies around, I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I found out I was pregnant.  We became a family four rather quick.  This little guy came first:
 
 
He was such a cute little guy.  Less than two years later this little cutie arrived:


I quickly learned how to change diapers, and tend to a fever.  Then I blinked and this happened:

then this happened:

and this:

and this:

I turned around and they're going to school, reading, and pretty much taking care of themselves.



7 years has just flown by.  I love my little ones more than anything and I would do anything for them.  They are great kids and they are so much fun.  I love you Jeremy and Bailee.

Day 10 - Grandma Garrett

When I was growing up, my Grandma Garrett was one of my best friends.  We would have sleep overs and stay up late drinking Tab and watching the love boat.  Whenever we would play board games, she would always let me win.  She was a super Grandma:

I would sit on the top of the fridge and watch her cook dinner.  We would make modge podge crafts to take home and give to my mom.  She would let me play with all the stuff in her Japanese Jewelry box.  We would spend hours looking at pictures of her clogging all over the world with my Grandpa.  I would listen to her stories and picture myself over in Japan dancing with my future husband.  We would sit and watch Jeopardy while we ate dinner at 4:30 PM (hey they were grandparents).  She always had some kind of dessert whenever I would sleep over: ice cream, German chocolate cake (her favorite) or cookies.  For lunch, she would toast a "Grandma Sandwich" and we would plan our next sleep over. 

Those were the best times.  I miss my Grandma so much, but because of some extremely spiritual experiences I have had, I know that she is always there for me even on the other side.  I love you Grandma.

Day 11 - The Honeymoon

After Matt and I got married:

We had a dinner:

Then we left for our honeymoon:

We hopped on a cruise ship for the Mexican Riviera:

We stopped in Cabo San Lucas:
 
We had a little Mexican Cab Driver take us on a tour of Old Mazatlan:

and New Mazatlan:

Then we went on a Unimog Tour of Puerto Vallarta:

We played on the beach:

and watched the sun set:

It was a great honeymoon and the perfect start to our marriage.

Day 12 – Grandpa Bailey

My Grandpa Bailey died when I was relatively young, but when I think about Grandpa Bailey:

I always think about those summer nights when all the cousins would gather on my Grandparents porch and play night games. All the grown-ups would gather in the house except for my Grandpa. He would sit on the green chair and watch all of us play. Endless games, over the can, Cowboys and Indians, and even hide and seek. It was a blast and the best part was Grandpa would always tell me where everyone was hiding. It was great. He died when I was 12, but whenever I feel that warm summer night breeze I think of my Grandpa sitting on the porch laughing and smiling.

Day 13 – A First Impression

Growing up in my family (and my extended family) we were all really close in age.  I never had baby nieces or nephew or anything close to that.  So imagine my surprise when Matt took me to Richfield for Christmas Eve for the first time.  Let me just preface this.  I came from a family where we would all sit around the room and each take turns opening Christmas presents and comment on what each person received.  We would sit around the dinner table complete with center piece politely talking about current events, school, and church happenings.
Fast forward to Christmas Eve 2001.  I was wearing my nicest pants and a festive sweater.  Upon our first arrival, little Garrett came up to me and I picked him up and we started to play.  I don’t know how it happened, but within 10 minutes my clothes were filthy.  There was frosting, dirt, and some kind of white paste (I’m thinking diaper rash cream).  Oh well, those little guys were so cute and they really liked me.  After a while, it was getting time for dinner so I looked around for the table expecting Christmas China and flowers.  After the prayer was said, the kids filled their plates and headed downstairs.  So biggie, it was more fun to sit around and talk with all the adults.  Then Santa came.  As everyone was sitting on Santa’s lap, Cindy slowing began making separate piles of gifts.  After Santa left, the kids were all sitting in front of their gifts on the floor.  This was my favorite part.  I have always enjoyed little children’s reactions to the gifts they receive.  Picture little Connor and Garrett hovering over a pile of presents, a mania was filling their eyes, it was almost like an eagle about to strike on its poor unsuspecting prey.  I was standing in the the hall between the kitchen and the living when Cindy screamed, “GO!!”  Suddenly paper was flying everywhere and kids were screaming with delight.  I was shocked!  I was so shocked that I backed myself in a corner and almost took the fetal position for protection.  Matt was looking around and saw my reaction and he just started laughing.  I have never seen anything like it in my entire life.  After a few minutes, the madness was over and each grandchild went about their business of sorting, and playing with their toys.  My heart rate went back to normal and all was right in the world again.  But let me say, that was the most memorable first impression that I have ever had.  :)