Surprise!

I know, I know...this blog is way overdue! On September 11, the girls, Becky, and I headed south. We went to West Palm Beach to surprise Cara for her birthday. It was Izy's first time on a plane and Jac's first time since she went mobile! The plane rides (yes, plural!) were actually not to bad on the way there. Jac fell asleep on both plane rides...only to be woken up by mommy spilling diet coke on her and Izy pooping on gram, but you know, we made it with no melt downs.
We stayed out late the first night there...with dinner, the fountains, and dancing at the mall! Oh I love West Palm! Jac is the one with the unprepared mother...hence the diaper!
Cara's condo is so nice! Complete with a pool for our enjoyment!
Aunt Cara wrapped her towel around her, so Jac wanted to do the same...
Cara's friend April threw her an awesome party...with all of her favorite kids! This is Ayla, Ben, Jac, Izy, and Addy!
It was like the hottest day ever...which made some of the icing melt, but hey it was to celebrate Cara so it was totally worth it!
Go colts!
More time at the fountains...

And of course, what is a trip to Florida without the beach?! Jac is still a little unsure of the sand, but Izy was rolling around in it and trying to eat it!

The girls on the plane ride home...the very long plane ride home!
It was a great trip with lots of memories and good times! We hope that we made your birthday special Cara...thanks for everything! We love you!

Like a Kid in the Candy Aisle

So I have a million things to do tonight, but I really wanted to share this story! Friday night I took the girls out for pizza and then we hit up Kroger cause I wanted ice cream. Well, since we were just running in and Jacklynn currently hates all things baby (including riding in the shopping cart) I let her walk. When we made it to the ice cream aisle, I finally understood what the phrase "like a kid in the candy aisle" means. Jac was literally running up and down the aisle stopping at each glass door and pointing at different types of ice cream, while making the oh face, screaming, and looking at me like she was in heaven! It was precious and amazing and hilarious all mixed into one! We decided on a pint of Half Baked Ben and Jerry's ice cream...which she proudly carried all the way to the check out. After we got home, we sat on the front porch and split it. It was so fun! And truly helped me understand what Rob Bell once wrote, "I love that I get to live this life!" Moments like these make all the stressful whining, crying, and disciplining so worth it. My life is an occasion and I am learning daily how to rise to it!

1st Days of School

This weekend Jenni and Jason (my sister Steph's boyfriend) moved into the dorms at Indiana Wesleyan. So naturally, we assisted! It is so great to have some of my side of the family back in town! Jacklynn was somewhat helpful... Jenni's room was looking pretty good when we left it Sunday. We will see how long it stays that way! Hey, at least you have air conditioning unlike others of us who were less fortunate as freshman!
On Saturday night, we had both of my sets of grandparents out for a cookout. It was lot of fun showing off our house and hanging out with them. Jacklynn clocked some much needed sprinkler time as well!
And Izy showed off her two new teeth!
Why push the stroller across the grass when you can carry it?!
Sister's turn!
On Sunday, we had a family reunion with all of my dad's mom's side of the family. My great aunt wanted us to wear t-shirts, so we sported our new t's that we plan to wear when we run the mini-marathon together in October. Fairly accurate printing when it comes to Foley girls!
My dad's mom and dad with the girls...
On Tuesday, Jacklynn started her first day of MMO (Moms Morning Out) or preschool as I like to call it! Note: the carpet square I decorated...my first mom project for school! She seemed to enjoy her class and went right in without any tears. When I went to pick her up, she was not quite as excited...she was actually bawling and had been doing so since lunch. But hey, 4 hours away from mama is a long time for a little tyke! We are proud of you Jac!

A Few Family Pics

Last weekend, before Cara went back to school, we had Lisa come over and take a few family pictures. They turned out awesome...or at least I think so! It was a sad day though after these pics. Cara headed back to Florida for her last semester of college. It is such a blessing to have an amazing sister-in-law...and a best friend. We all miss her so much when she is out of town, but know she is right where God wants her!

It's my birthday...and Lisa's too!

Every year on my birthday I try to take at least a minute to reflect on what has happened throughout that year. This year it was overwhelming: got pregnant, fixed up house, 40 showings in 6 weeks, sold house, lived with in laws for 6 months, 8 ear infections in 6 weeks for 1 child, bought new house, 2 months of delays in closing, had a baby, fixed up another house, moved in, dealt with post partum anxiety...phew...throw in a few trips to Colorado and Florida as well as plenty of learning how to raise 1-2 children and you got yourself a crazy year! But one I would not trade for the world! I have re-learned how to FULLY rely on God as He has reminded me constantly to "consider it pure joy" and "this to shall pass." I can honestly say I do not know where I would be without my God. Thanks also to all of you for your prayers, friendship, and encouragement...Nic and I are blessed to have some of the greatest friends and family in the world!I turned 25 on August 17th. It was a great birthday! Some of my favorite people...all day long! Thank you to Cara for all of her planning efforts. You are the best!
This was my favorite present...
Here it is up close! Cara and Becky helped the girls make this frame. Jac actually picked out all the flowers and the rocks. Isn't it precious?
A few days later all the girls went out to celebrate my birthday, as well as Lisa's. She turned the big 3-0! Way to go Lisa! The night began at Stir Crazy and then we headed to Lulu's...good times, good times!
Birthday girls!
On Friday night, we went to the horse track with some family to celebrate Lisa's birthday. It was really fun! Oh and all the brothers showed up wearing the same color and style of shirt...weird!
Until next year...I guess I am 25. Although when everyone expects me to remember exactly how many MONTHS both of my children are, I hardly can remember how many YEARS I am! Oh well...does it really matter?!

Tea Party

TEA PARTY FOR ALL PRINCESS'S!

COME AND PLAY WITH ME!
I AM HAVING A FUN 'DRESS UP' TEA PARTY ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 19 FROM 9:30 AM-11:00. IT WILL BE AT MY 'MI MI'S HOUSE. YOU CAN COME IN YOUR FAVORITE DRESS UP OUTFIT, OR IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ONE, MY MI MI WILL MAKE SURE SHE HAS EXTRAS HERE FOR YOU.
bye, bye, ella

All the princesses at the party...Jillian, Jacklynn, Riley, Ella, Lauren, and Sophie...
Ella's mimi had fun snacks and drinks for everyone...
Then we made purses and had story time...even danced a bit! Aunt Cara came to get in on the action!

Girls and their love of babies...it is precious! Izy was a hit!
This was such a fun idea...the girls loved getting all dressed up and playing together! Thanks Linda! Have I mentioned I love little girls?! Esp. the two cutest...Jac and Izy!

Equal Opportunity Parenting