Cute, smart kids...

Pretty soon he'll be walking me through the features on my cell phone...

Hanging it Up

Today I'm wrapping up my last week of school and I thought I'd take a break to write about it.

As I was working, I found myself contemplating what it might be like to have more free time at night and on weekends. I hope it won't be too intrusive for Carson, who has never known me to have much time for him. Not to mention Michelle, who now feels guilty when she's able to spend a night watching TV.

The thought made me really think about the fact that I'm not the only one in this family who's had so little free time. Michelle has put so much into supporting me with this. She must really love me.

She has never complained about it. Not one time.

I can't recall her ever being upset about events I couldn't attend, or all of the times I couldn't rescue her from a burnout. But when I'm stressed or complain about my life, she talks me through it.

I don't quite know how to thank you babe, other than to tell everyone what a good person you are.

I guess I owe you one, huh?

Carson at the Office

Michelle and the kids came out to Frito Lay today to drop some things off and Carson really wanted to come into Dad's office. For some reason he didn't put his shoes on when he got ready and I told him that he couldn't come in. I told him that instead, I would come outside and bring him a snack. He didn't like the idea and when I came out with some doritos, he was ticked. He cried and said "I wanted cracker tracks" Eventually, I caved and carried him in.... and boy am I glad I did. He got so much work done for me that I didn't know what to do with myslef. :) What can I say, the kid loves the computer.

Happy Halloween!

I love Halloween! For a long time it was my favorite holiday. Fall, in general, is my favorite time of year, but the candy, the throwing together a last minute costume, going to haunted houses and getting chased by chainsaw guy, the candy...it's just so much fun. Now that the kids are here it's a totally different experience! It's not so much the chainsaws and haunted houses that scare me, but the sudden onslaught of sweets that doesn't stop until January! First, I can't even control MYSELF when it comes to sugary snacks...but now I also have to listen to the "I wanna piece of candy"...and "I don't want grilled cheese, I just want some candy". Really, how can I say no when I feel the same way?! I remember when Devin and Cody used to "share" their Halloween candy (everything but the Reeces Peanutbutter Cups...those were for their mom). They'd offer one piece and I'd sneak two! What a terrible aunt! My poor kids are going to think they only got 3 pieces of candy for Halloween... Good luck to all of you during the upcoming festivities. Be strong and just say "NO" (or at least "maybe just one").

My Favorite 3 Year Old

We celebrated Carson's third birthday tonight. I am totally bumbed because somehow ALL of the pictures we took were deleted. You've gotta love technology! Suzanne took this picture of the cake with her phone. I was so glad...it took forever! Carson had SO much fun...I couldn't get him to settle down afterwards!

Before the party, I asked Carson a few questions to help us remember what he was in to at this age. This is how it went:

Favorite TV Show: Spongebob
Favorite Movie: I don't know, just Spongebob
Favorite Candy: Dots
Favorite Color: Yellow and Green
Favorite Letter: U, S & T
Best Friends: Mom, Sawyer, Ethan & Ashley, Dad, Mom and Carson
Favorite Place to Go: I wanna go to Boondocks, Can I go to Boondocks...
Favorite Game: Starwars
Favorite Food: Mac & Cheese
Favorite Nut: Nutty
Favorite Drink: Juice, just juice, I wanna drink juice
Favorite Number: 9

He was pretty funny. I have no idea what Starwars game he was referring to, but when I asked him if he was sure he repeted "Starwars". He has become such a little boy! I love him and am so happy and honored to have him as my very own. Hugs and kisses, Carson!

Look Who's Walkin...

Well, almost...

Mr & Mrs Steve Lacey

Congratulations to the happy couple!! Steve and Amber were married on Saturday, October 4th. It was a gorgeous day, despite the rain the day before. They moved the ceremony inside since Amber's heels sunk in the wet grass! Not a HUGE surprise, but Carson got a little too nervous to go through with the ring delivery. He took 2 steps out and turned around to find safety. At least he tried and didn't make a scene or take away from the bride's entry (and he looked awful handsome in his tux).

The setting was beautiful, the bride was gorgeous, the groom made me tear up he was so handsome and happy, the toasts were PERFECT. Scott started out saying that "Steve and Amber are proof positive that you can get ANYTHING at Bel Aire" (the grocery store where they both worked)...very funny!


I didn't get nearly as many pictures as I had hoped, but I'll post what I have. Their photographers were awesome though. EVERY picture I was going to take, they already took! The girl was crazy about Grace :) I can't wait to see them!

Maddie and Sweden...almost twins!
Grace is almost as happy as Amber
Carson is almost as handsome as Steve
Carson took a little nap before the wedding (after about 2 seconds in the car!)
Grandma loves Sweden

Steve trying on his tux


This is the ONLY close up picture I got of Amber (boo). Her dress was beautiful and the cake...mmmmmm...the cake....

FIVE years in November...and still smiling (most of the time) ;)
We took one of the centerpieces out to Shawn's headstone. He was terribly missed that day. I kept remembering how grown up and handsome he looked on his wedding day and know that he would have loved Amber. She has been the silver lining on the dark cloud.


We love you Steve and Amber and wish you all the happiness in the world!!!