Softball/Nertz

Tonight, we finished the summer softball season with a win and our overall record was 5-6. I always looked forward to our Sunday night games to connect with the youth and play some good ball.

Traeger and Ataly were our biggest fans :O)

First Baptist Church-Youth Team!

After the game, some of the team came over to play Nertz.

We had more players than last week so an extra table was brought in...

It's surprising we even figured out which pile to add to, it was crazy!

By the end of the night we were all standing up for optimal playing.

Backyard fun!

We are so thankful for our backyard and swing set! We can't seem to stay on top of keeping the grass mowed but it's not that important, right?! :O) We figured when Traeger says, "Daddy needs to mow the yard," it's well overdue. We have fun whether it's a hay field or freshly mowed.

Pretty in pink

Thanks Linda for your sweet gift to Miss Ataly. I think she felt like a princess in the dress and I thought she looked like one!

Sweet Corn

The boys chowing down on sweet corn...mmm, mmm, good!

Saying good-bye!

Taylor and Jimmy came over Friday afternoon so we could say good-bye before Jimmy headed off to college for the year. We hung out, chatted and had the opportunity to pray with and for him before he was on his way on a new and exciting adventure. It was sad to say good-bye but we know that God has great plans in store for Jimmy. He is such a patient, smart, loving and fun guy to hang out with and for the kids to play with. We were so thankful for the time we got to know him and were blessed by his love and care for our kids. It was always fun to see the excitement on the kids' faces when they knew Jimmy and Taylor were coming. Taylor is a favorite and Jimmy quickly snuck up in rankings.

Jimmy came with presents, matching Wisconsin jerseys and jeans for the kids.

Ataly's cute PINK Wisconsin jersey and jeans.

Traeger showing off his red, sporty WI jersey.

So thankful for these two and their love for our kids....

and for all the fun memories they have together.

Looking cute in Jimmy's shades.

"Cheeseburger"

Doing the happy dance in their new jerseys and jeans.

Celebrating 30 years!

On August 17, 2009, I celebrated turning the big 3-0, and I'm ok with it. I did do more reflecting than usual and decided I was going to celebrate turning 30 instead of dreading it. I'm so thankful that I've lived a full and blessed 30 years. God has been good and faithful. I have so much to be grateful for and am praising God for all those blessings....YOU included. YOU (if you're reading this) have been a part of making my 30 years blessed, thank you!

We drove home and went out with my parents, sister and Adam and my great Grandma Jo.

You can take the boy out but you can't count on him using his manners....

but you can count on having a good time :O) ...

and being amazed.

Great to be on the journey with this crazy, fun, loving, compassionate and patient man.

Thanks to everyone who called, sent cards or e-mails, gave presents and sent birthday wishes my way. I'm one blessed chica. Thanks for making me feel special and loved!

Nertz anyone?

Sunday night after church softball and our supper stop with the team at McDonalds, a few people came over to play a mean game of Nertz. We had a ton of fun but after 1:30 in the morning my brain starts to shut down, so we had to "kick" everyone out for the night.

Bounce house fun!

Last Sunday we were scheduled to have Worship in the Park, but due to the rain we had church service as usual, a pot luck following and then they broke out the bounce houses for children and adults alike. Ataly had a blast running with the big kids.

Hugs!

Life is good!

I love the joy and peace I see in my kids' faces when they're in their daddy's arms. It's a sweet reminder to me of how being with my Heavenly Father is such a safe place where He holds me up and desires for me to freely fall into His arms of love.

Roar!

Can you roar like a lion?

Traeger can!

(This is Traeger at about the same age as Ataly now)

Ataly can!

But here she wanted to show off her mane :O)

Date with Traeger

Traeger and I had a special date together. We went out for lunch, stopped at a few stores and went to visit a beautiful baby the Smith family welcomed into their family.

Lunch was delicious and our tummies were full, so we were off to Marshfield.

The proud daddy introducing his daughter, Tava Renee, to Traeger.

It wasn't long and he was back up there checking her out. Traeger LOVES babies.

Then it was mommy's turn to give her sweet hugs and kisses.

Big girl

Ataly has made her way up onto chairs. She loves to color, read books and just act like a big girl while standing on a big girl chair. I remember not really liking this transition with Traeger, but they have to spread their wings at some point. She does well for the most part and has the occasional fall.

Enjoying summer

We got to enjoy an evening out at Sackett's Lake, soaking in the sun, playing in the water and having a picnic supper. I just love summer days!

making waves

Traeger all geared up for heading out past the bouys just like the big boys.

Sweet playtime together!

taking a break for supper

mother/son bonding

Daddy's girl

I love little (and big) piggies

Getting in a little more swim time before we called it a night.

Family time

You can do it Daddy!

Hole in one...maybe next time :O)

Lining up a perfect shot.

Taking a break to stay hydrated.

Ataly trying her hand at it.

Calling it a night and heading home!