Happy 5th Birthday Greta!!

I can not believe my baby girl is 5 years old! Yes, she got an IPOD... I told her 5 year olds could not have them and she seemed to be ok with that answer.My grandparents bought it for her (with our permission) and when she opened it she screamed "Bravo!! Mommy said I could not have an IPOD and I got one!! OK, the word brat does come to mind, but she loves it and she is quiet while listening to it. Quiet... that is not something you hear a lot of when Greta is around! My mom made the dress she has on- so cute! Mom and dad also gave her the Hannah Montana guitar - HUGE hit! Her friend Lily gave her the wig, and she truly thinks she is SOOO cool with it on, and she can put on a good show!
It truly seems like only yesterday I was in the hospital having my long awaited baby girl! Wow, time flies when your having fun, and boy do we ever have fun together. She is a true joy in my life, I can not imagine what our family would be without her. Yes, she is a spitfire, and a bit challenging a times, but the joy she brings my heart is such a blessing! She is such a girl, yet she can hang with her brothers just like she is "one of the boys". We had her party Wednesday evening, and she had so much fun!She asked for a princess jumpy for the backyard, and she jumped and played all day!Greta girl mommy loves you,Jesus gave me a special blessing when He gave me you!!!
Happy Birthday sweet girl, I love you!

A Heavenly Mothers Day!

I sit here tonight on Mothers Day,I feel both blessed and saddened.
May 1st, was the three year anniversary of my best friends mothers death. The memories of that day are still so fresh in my mind... the 5:45am phone call with the news that would change the lives of so many people. As I layed there that morning I thought this must be a horrible nightmare?
The next hours proved to be a nightmare, but one that became all too real! As I stood later that day and watched Lori take her final breath, my heart was so full of sadness, but yet joy! Sadness because this should have never happened to someone who brought so many people so much happiness. Someone who was so loved, but just did not realize just how much! Joy, because Lori would never feel a sense of hopelessness again, never feel the need for someone to fullfill her...she was now being held in the arms of the only one that can truly fulfill her!
The next days proved to be some of the most difficult of my life. How would I comfort someone whose life as she knew it had just been changed forever. What do you do without your mother? How do you go on? This was an awakening moment for me! I found myself wanting my own mother to hold Amber like she would hold me, and tell her it was going to be ok. There is something about a mothers arms that allow you to somehow find peace..somehow!
My life will be forever changed by Lori... most importantly by the most perfect thing she ever did - Amber, one of my greatest joys in life!
I will never forget all the times the three of us spent together... talking about boys, girl stuff or just laughing together. I remeber at my wedding she took me aside and told me how proud she was of me, and shared some precious memories of Amber and I she would never forget. She was always a first to come to the hospital to see my babies, those are memories I will cherish always!
Oh, Lori... why did you have to go so soon? Three years removed, you are missed, and loved so much. The empty place in my heart will never be filled my any other, and I can not wait to see you again in heaven, Happy Mothers Day!

The 134th Kentucky Oaks!!

We started our day off with breakfast at
Lynn's Paradise Cafe, which could not have been more fun, and it was sooo delicious! Once we arrived at Churchill Downs we met Brent and Laura and found our wonderful seats. Timmy you are a rock star... thank you for insisting we needed to get covered seats!! We had only been there for a short time when the black clouds started rolling in and the rain began to fall, and fall and fall!!! I think our local weather people got paid really well for dodging that bullet!! The rain did not stop us, we all had a great time. Unfortunately nobody won big, but Brent did win $88.00 - yea for you Brent!! When it was time to leave we had to venture out into the rain for the first time, and it was NOT fun. We were all trying to stay together, but due to the large crowds leaving, and the rain this proved to be impossible! WE LOST BRENT AND LAURA!!!! Their cell phones were both dead, and we could not find them anywhere. Eventually we did find them and they were both drenched from the rain, and were ready to call it a night. Tim, Val, Matt, Buffie, Kin and myself went to dinner at a restaurant Kin has been dying to go to - 60 West Bistro and Martini Bar. The food was good, the martinis were yummy, but the service not so much. We waited for a very long time for our food, but the company was good, and we all enjoyed ourselves. Then... are you ready for this? Nick Lachey was hosting a party downtown at Club Felt, and I just couldn't go home without at least trying to get a glimpse of him so we went. When we got there I ran in to a friend who had purchased a VIP table and Walter McCartey (former UK player, played for the Celtics, and now coaches at UofL) was with them. Adriane Griener from Entourage walked in right next to us, and just as we were leaving Nick, and his brother Drew came in. I did get a small glimpse of him, but there were so many people it was hard to see, and impossible to get close to them! We all had a great time, we will have to make it an annual event...until next year, here are some of our pictures. Enjoy!!