Survival Mode

I am officially in post-wedding survival mode tonight!  We got home around 5 tonight from the longest day of setting up and delivering a million flowers for one of my weddings.  Everything went great and it was beautiful when it was all set up and done, but to say I am EXHAUSTED is a major, major understatement.  I am merely surviving at this point.  SOOO, we decided on the way home that we needed a night out for dinner, as there was NO WAY I was in the mood to fix any kind of food myself, let alone anyone else!  It was a good choice and we were all very happy to get out for a little bit! 

We could not be more thankful that Texie has been here for the last few days, helping us take care of Ava while both of us have been largely out of the picture.  They've been having lots of adventures together!

I love this picture of Trav and his Mom...I think they look a lot alike here. 

Ava was also happy to get out of the house and be with Mommy and Daddy again.  

She was pretty good at the restaurant, but we are rapidly approaching a stage that just may keep us from going out with her for a looooong time.  Let's just say that much of her food ended up on the floor...

To celebrate the end of a busy day we split the world's largest dessert.  

Let me give you a better view and tell you that I very happily drowned my back ache sorrows with bite after bite of this amazing mile high ice-cream pie.  It was sinfully good and oh so worth it.  And I more than made up for sad, survival state by energizing myself with more sugar than should be allowed. 

It was basically heaven on a plate.  

Or something non-heretical like that :) 

Ava got a few bites too, but she kept turning her head after every one because the ice-cream was so cold.

It did not deter her from begging for more however :) 

I will post some wedding pictures soon, after I have time to look through them and find a few more on facebook!  Gotta love that :)  It's the best way for me to get wedding photos from other guests and relatives!  I'm so thankful this wedding is behind me and so is the stress I've been carrying around for the last few days.  I just have one more to conquer in 2 weeks and then I'm home free for awhile...

Which is a good thing considering I am only getting more pregnant by the day!  There is a very good reason (named Carter) that I am only surviving right now...If you'll excuse me, I have a date with my pjs, my heating pad and our bed.  It's the only place I want to be and luckily for me, it's the only place I'm have to be for the rest of the night!  

Life on the Fly

I am in the midst of one of those weeks, where I am B-U-S-Y and see no relief in sight!  It's a wedding week, which means I am consumed right now with paperwork, errands, phone calls and emails until I start the actual physical work tomorrow and Friday.  This wedding is on Saturday, and thankfully my wonderful mother in law is coming tomorrow to visit and help us with Ava.  I'm so thankful, on several levels, but mostly because I know Ava will have tons of attention and care while I am completely pre-occupied.  That eases the guilt a little bit :)  

As much as I love doing these weddings, and I really do love it, I am wondering how on earth I will be able to continue after Carter comes along??  I've already got a couple of brides asking about next winter and summer and I'm trying to be very discerning about what I should do.  It's such a blessing to have some extra $ for things we wouldn't normally be able to do or fix or purchase, but it comes at the cost of stress and busyness away from my family.  If Travis wasn't as supportive as he is, I would never do this, but he is very good about picking up the slack and helping me in any way that he can.  He likes that I have this little side business I think!  I like it too.  It feeds my creative needs and it constantly challenges me, but as soon as I sign on to do a wedding, it looms in the back of my mind until the day it's over :) In some cases, that's a year of thinking/worrying/planning for it.  Worth it??  Hmmm, I don't know...

For now, I just need to finish this season well, which means a wedding this weekend and another in 2 weeks.  I love both of them, very fun colors and LOTS of flowers, and 2 brides that I think are as sweet as can be.  That makes it easier!  I will put up some pictures after the weekend is over so you can see.  That is IF I am still alive when this is over :) You should see my desk right now...I have lists and proposals and work orders and more lists, trying to keep everything straight and organized for my work crew that will be helping me.  That's another thing this little business has fed, my OCD organizational skills!  I LOVE having everything spelled out in front of me and ready to "check off" as I finish it!  Travis laughs at me because I am a little over the top about it, but having those lists made is what allows me to sleep at night.  Sometimes you've got to take the good with the bad....

Anyway, we're doing well over here.  Ava is currently in a climbing phase and is all over everything!!  She is keeping me on my toes and testing her boundaries all day long.  I am loving her independence though, it's fun to see her learn to do so much and yet to realize how much she is watching us!  I can't believe the things she copies us doing.  It's also a little easier to let her play on her own and explore her world.  She is such a source of joy for both of us every day!  I just keep thinking, this 

season is really, really great!  Although exhausting...

I need to wrap this up because we're off to run some errands, but I'll leave you with some pictures of my monkey, performing her latest trick.  

These are her new favorites, her little baby dolls.  She carries them everywhere, kissing them and holding one under each arm.  

However, for some reason unbeknownst to me, she decided this shopping cart that we've had for awhile, would make a better "ride" for her than for her babies. 

She's figured out how to climb into it and sprawl out, sometimes sitting on top of her babies and sometimes holding them too.  I find her in here constantly.  

Because of the way it's made, it's pretty sturdy, but still not meant for a little girl :) She hasn't fallen out yet, but I'm sure that moment is coming.  For now, I have to watch her like a hawk and remind her that while I don't love her sitting in it, I CERTAINLY don't love her STANDING in it!  

Good grief!  

Because the Lord has a sense of humor I think, she is exactly like I was when I was her age...a fearless  climber!!  

I'm sure the old saying applies here, "What goes around, comes around!"  

Needless to say, I have a new found sympathy for my Mother these days....

Lazy Weekend...

We are thoroughly enjoying the end of a very lazy and loooong weekend!  It's been so great to all be home again and we have really had a good chance to spend some quality time together.  I really don't want it to end!  Trav's mission's trip was a good one, he was very happy with how everything came together and with all of the opportunities they had on the reservation to serve the kids and love them with the love of Jesus.  It was a trip unlike any other he has been on, mostly due to the nature and culture of what they were doing, but it was an ordained one nonetheless.  Ava and I also had a wonderful time away at my parents, but we were more than ready to have Daddy home!  

I thought you would like to see a glimpse of one of the things we did while we were away...

I had Ava's 1 year photos taken, from a photographer that I LOVE!  She did both of my sister's weddings and we thought their pictures were amazing, so I couldn't wait to have her take Ava's too!

I tend to love un-posed, natural and artistic photos, so these were right up my alley!  

How about that crazy outfit??  I couldn't help myself when I saw it, those seersucker ruffles did me in :) 

I just love it!! 

Of course Ava was in "a mood" the morning we took them, so I had no idea what to expect.  She wasn't crying or whining, she was just wild and uncooperative!  She had a mind of her own and basically wanted to do the opposite of everything we tried to do :) You've got to love photos of a 14 month old!  Rose did a wonderful job of capturing her little independent spirit!

These are the 5 photos she posted on facebook, but believe me, there are so many more that are just darling!!  I am having the hardest time narrowing them down!  

This is Trav's favorite :) He loves her little half smile and that she's sitting like a big girl.  I'm very happy with all of them and for all of you Waterloo/Cedar Falls people, Rose is such a wonderful photographer!!  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND her for any occasion!  You can find her website here to see more of her work.  I hemmed and hawed about whether to pull the trigger and have these taken, but I am so glad that I did.  We will cherish her little 1 year old self for many years to come :) 

Yesterday, we celebrated the 4th in a very low key way.  We served in the nursery together at Church, which was good, we rarely get to do that, but so odd to be at Church and not in Church!  I really missed the worship and message and it's thrown my Monday off.  It didn't feel like a Sunday yesterday!  

Anyway, after some amazing naps for all 3 of us, Travis insisted we get some fireworks "for Ava" because we realized she was never going to make it until 10pm for the big show down the street.  We may have differed on the "need" for those or the safety of it, but there was no arguing with my pyromaniac husband.  He won.  

So we drug Ava outside after dinner for her own little show :) 

And like the good wife that I am, I did my best to generate some excitement!

Ok, that may have been a slight exaggeration...

No one was more excited than Travis!

It was amazing, spectacular, better than I ever dreamed of...or not :) 

It was however, age appropriate and cheap.  Which was at least one thing we agreed on!

Ava was not exactly sure what we were doing...

...But she played along to the delight of her Daddy.

And this is the look she had on her face, every time he lit another one "for her" :) 

It was just the low key, family friendly day that we've needed!  In my heart, I longed to be at some quaint small town festival, but these are not the days for that kind of stuff.  Ava never would have lasted and realistically, neither would I.  It was incredibly hot and muggy out all weekend.   We toyed with the idea of keeping her up for our neighborhood fireworks, but she quickly made that call easy and we got her in bed early.  We did watch the Macy's fireworks on TV, which were soooo good, but then to our surprise, after she fell fast asleep we got to sneak outside and watch our neighborhood fireworks live!  We have never been home on the 4th before, so we didn't realize that the city shoots them off, just 1/2 a block from us.  We had a great view of them right over our roof.  So, although it wasn't like I imagined, we did get that little slice of americana and we both loved it!  

AND the best part is that Ava slept through the whole thing :) 

Hope your week is off to a great start!  It's throwing me that so many things are closed today, but I guess it's a been a blessing in disguise to enjoy one more quiet day before this busy week really kicks off!  

Happy Birthday USA!!

Independence Day Parade!

This morning we went to a local parade that we always heard was a good one.  We decided it was our parental duty to take Ava and explain the reason we celebrate our nation's independence.  That lasted about 30 seconds when we realized we only had about 2 lines worth of information and she only had about 2 seconds of attention :) At least we tried!  

This I believe, is supposed to be General Custer, leading the way with his giant flag.  

Very patriotic, don't you think??

We weren't sure how Miss Ava would do at her first parade, with all the people and loud noises, not to mention the oppressive heat!

Although it appears she's covering her ears here, she was not.  She actually loved it and did great!

There was no shortage of horses and animals to keep her attention.

And of course a nostalgic slice of Americana to keep all of us interested!

She danced to the high school bands with Travis...

...and scored a freezie from someone's float!

She camped out for most of the parade, from her little chair.

My personal favorite part of the parade was this limo, carrying residents from an assisted living facility.  So sweet!!  I'm sure most of those people were looking forward to this parade for weeks!  They were all smiles, waving their flags and throwing candy to the kids.  It was the first time I've ever seen that in a parade and I loved it.  How fun for them and us.  Maybe that will be me someday :) 

It's always a good day when Superman shows up!

Not to mention Spiderman.

And my personal favorites, Batman and Robin.  I could hardly keep from laughing when Batman strolled by however, apparently he's been "out of action" for awhile because he was sporting a bit of a "beer belly" if you know what I mean!  Not exactly the fit and trim Batman from the movie :) 

This is how Ava viewed most of the parade, snack and drink in hand!  She's one happy girl when she's got something to eat and something to drink! Ha Ha :) 

But eventually, this little girl grew tired of all the celebration :) 

And we decided it was time to head home for a nap!  

It's been a fun, hot weekend so far with 2 trips to the pool and the possibility of another parade tomorrow and fireworks tomorrow!  Most of all, we've thoroughly enjoyed some great family time after going in 2 different directions for so long.  Thankful to be together again....

Happy Independence Day!!  We love the USA!!

Little Girls Who Love to Swim!!

Today Ava and I went to a fun little water park in my hometown.  It was perfect for her, not too big but still lots to do.  The best part is that we went with Aunt Jennie and my best friend Amber, plus her two little girlies.  It was a beautiful summer day, perfect for a water park day!!

2 things I learned from this picture:

1. I am in desperate need of a hair cut.  Must schedule that ASAP when we get home! 

2.  I hate the color of my hair, i.e.-my natural color!  I have been letting it grow out, one less thing to maintain, but so far every picture I see of myself is confirming what I thought...I need some serious highlights!!!  With every pregnancy my hair keeps getting darker and more "dishwater" like.  That is a bummer. 

My friend Amber and I.  We've been friends for 30 years now, that's crazy to think!  We were born just a few weeks apart and have been the best of friends ever since.  So fun to hang with "our girls" now!

Aunt Jennie and Ava

Amber and her youngest, Brynn

Amber's oldest, Ella.  This was as close as she wanted to get for a picture :) 

Playing with Brynn, these 2 are just 1 month apart.

All the girls, plus a new friend Ella made!

Stopping to check out an airplane she heard, one of our new things we like listen for!

So glad to have Aunt Jennie with us!!  We had a really fun afternoon and great time catching up.  I love days like these in the summer.  Nothing like blue skies, sunshine and the pool!  

Over the River and Through the Woods....

...To Grandmother's (and Grandfather's) house we go!

We are having a delightful time at my parents house while Travis is working.  It has been such a nice break for me to have so many extra hands and of course Ava is in hog heaven with all the attention.  She only comes to me for her basic necessities right now because she clearly wants Grandma or Grandpa instead!  I love that and so do Grandma and Grandpa.  I'm pretty sure I've only changed her diaper once or twice since we've been here!  Not that I mind doing it, I don't, but a girl can appreciate an extra hand when she gets one!!  

After Ava woke up from her nap this morning, she snuggled in with my Dad and sat on his lap for at least 20 minutes.  Not only was it sweet, but so unlike her!  Our Ava is NOT a cuddle girl by nature, but apparently she can be when she wants to be :) 

After she perked up a little bit, we took her to a perfect little park at the preschool my sister runs.  The weather today was AMAZING and even a little cool, so great for being outside.  This little munchkin quickly found some things to keep her busy!

Grandma helped her remember her sliding skills, which have become second nature to her, and we all laughed while she showed off her stuff!

Big girl!

Chillin at the end of the slide because really, who doesn't???

 

Playing peek-a-boo through the bars with Grandpa.

Trying to sneak a kiss :) 

Love that little prisoner!

 

Grandpa showed her how to ride on the little airplane...While Mommy had nightmare flashbacks from our last airplane experience...

But once she figured her balance out, Ava was quite proud of herself!

If only a real airplane ride was this pleasant...

Grandpa's girl all the way!

Every night my Dad has been taking her for a walk with him around the neighborhoods.  She loves it, but whenever they turn the corner to come home on their street, she insists on getting out of the stroller and walking the rest of the way.  

My Mom and I were laughing tonight when they came back because my poor Dad was pushing the stroller with one hand and holding Ava's hand and her blankie with the other!  She would not walk without her blanket in one hand and her juice in the other, but she's so little, it was practically more than she could handle :) But of course, because she rules the roost here, she got what she wanted!  Totally funny :) 

After dinner we played some more in the back yard, because it was just too nice to be inside.  

What lucky ducks we are to be getting spoiled from Grandpa and Grandma!  I laughed last night because I hopped on facebook to discover that one of my girlfriends was also counting down the days until her youth Pastor husband was coming home!  I left her a comment and before I knew it, 3 more of us were in the exact same boat!  All of our husbands gone on ministry trips or at camps and all of us surviving/waiting with the kids back home :) The funniest part was that all of us had also gone to our parents houses to pass the time and get some help!!  

Hmmm....You might be a Youth Pastor's wife if your summer is spent at Grandma and Grandpa's, counting down the days while Daddy is working!!  

Good thing we all love our parents (and they love us)!!