Happy Fathers Day!

God has truly blessed our family with wonderful husbands and fathers! Starting with my Grandpa... words can not express what a hard working man he is. He would do anything and I do mean anything to help anyone, and not only would he help but he will be there early to do so! He is such a man of God and loves his family so much. It almost brings a tears to my eyes when I see how excited both he and Grandma get to see my kids. My Grayson is a carbon copy of him, he walks exactly like him, they both love being outside exploring they love to be in the dirt getting dirty. If I can raise my boys to be 1/2 the man Grandpa is then I will have succeeded in life!
Next, my dad... what to say about my sweet Daddy. He loves Timmy and I so much, and he is such an awesome Grandad to all of his grand kids! I can call my dad anytime I need something he will do whatever needs to be done to help me out. My kids adore him,Grandad can do no wrong in their eyes! We have always had a special bond, and it is one I will cherish always!
Timmy... he is a hard worker as well,whether it be working outside at his house, tending to the horses, or at his job, he is just so good at what he does!His family means the world to him, he loves Valerie and his sweet children so much!
My kids think he is so cool, especially Grayson because when he is at Timmy's house he is truly in his element! For instance on Father's day while we were at Timmy's house, we were riding horses, and Grayson found a DEAD baby snake, yes dead!
The snake now has a name - Slither, and is considered to be our newest family pet! He thanked Timmy and Val for letting him come over, this was truly a monumental day for Gray. Timmy,you are a blessing to our family, you are a wonderful brother to me and the coolest uncle to my kiddos - thank you!
My husband Kin... thank you for loving me even when you don't want to even like me! Thank you for taking such good care of our children, and me. Thank you for going to work everyday and dealing with all you have to deal with so that we can have and do all that we have! Thank you for the delicious meals you prepare for us, for all the times you let me have shopping therapy at Target or wherever without asking any questions! Thank you for the countless ballgames you coach, or wiffle ball games you have in the backyard with the kids after a long day at work! Most importantly, thank you for just being the man that you are! I love you!

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!!

Favorite Pictures

Happy 80th Birthday Grandma!!

From as far back as I can remember my Grandma has always been an important part of my life. She would take care of Timmy and I after school when we were little. I can remember every Friday night we would go to Blue Bore(?) Cafeteria and eat dinner. When we were finished eating Timmy and I got to go down to Woolworth's and buy something special! If we were really good we would go to Baskin Robbins and get an ice cream. I shared many a Maple Walnut sundae with Grandma, what fun memories! We were always welcomed at their house anytime.... night or day. I remember I loved to go to her house and play, just being there made me feel so special! Today, my own kids love to go to their house to see she and my Grandpa. Happy 80th Birthday Grandma, I am so blessed to have you in my life, I love you with all my heart!

The most precious Grandma EVER!

Mom and Grandma

"Great" Grandma!

Four generations!

Grandma with her three Great Grandaughters

Garrett and Grandma

* Harrison was outside playing

Ballgames, ballgames and more ballgames!

We had our opening day at the ballpark yesterday. Grant is playing machine pitch, Grayson is playing beginner machine pitch, and Greta is playing T-ball. Grayson's game was at 8:45 in the morning and it was sooo... cold! He was having so much fun I don't think he even noticed. He got a good hit, and enjoyed playing pitcher! Greta was next, and she had a ball! She was decked out with her pink glove, pink batting gloves, and a pink bat! She LOVES pink, granny and grandad even got her a pink bag to put it all in. She got several hits and thought she even hit a "home run"! Last but not least, Grant's game was at 1:00, he got several good hits, and his team won 24 to 2, it was awesome! He has an awesome coach, the kids really look up to him, and listen to his instruction well. They each have to learn a Bible verse every week, and if they know it they get a Ring pop after their game. Well...let me tell you Greta is all over that, she can't wait to learn her next verse!! Which leads me into the next fun topic... the concession stand! Grayson and Greta think they are at the ball field to eat their weight in snacks! They keep them hoppin' in the concession stand! We had a great time, and it turned out to be a very pretty day! If you ever need to find any of us on any given Saturday... we will be at the ballfield!