Emily's Wedding

My little sister, Emily, got married this past weekend.  How is it that my little side kick growing up is now old enough to be married?  I have been in wedding mode for months now, planning Emily's bachelorette party weekend, assisting the bride in a trip to Cinci to find her dream dress, attending bridal showers, ordering wedding attire, and preparing for my older sister (and family of 7) to arrive and stay with us for the week. 

After weeks of rain, the weather turned out beautiful for Emily and Cody's wedding.  All their planning and hard work paid off, and everything went off without a hitch.  The flower girls (Mackenzie and cousins Rachel and Anna) loved every moment of being dressed like a princess, and took great pride in throwing their rose petals.  The ring bearers (Caleb and cousin Jonathan) were ridiculously cute in their tuxedos, and although Caleb didn't go down the aisle, he did great during the wedding/reception.  We couldn't be happier for the happy couple, and wish them much health, love and happiness in their journey together! 

Here are some (and by some I mean a TON) of pictures from their special day.  Congratulations, Emily and Cody!  Thanks for letting us be a part of your special day!

Friday afternoon, Bridesmaid's Luncheon:

Friday night, Rehersal Dinner at River Club at Confluence Park:

the bride visiting the kids during dinner (clearly they were loving the menu selection:)

Me and brother-in-law David

My older sister Melissa and sweet son Samuel

Cousins Lauren and Ashley (I miss these girls)

Bridal Party and Spouses (my sweet hubby took the kids home early to bed, so I could enjoy

a fun night out)

Saturday morning:  Getting updo's:

Em getting ready for her groom

Enjoying a little pampering

Saturday afternoon:  getting ready at the church:

Me and my baby sister, and my baby girl Kenzie

Emily and her flower girls

Sisters and their kids

the boys getting dressed in their tuxedos

sweet and shy "J"

could these boys be any cuter in their tuxedos?

Cody and Caleb

and I had to add this pic of my nephew, Sam in his bow tie

Wedding Ceremony:

                             Mom being escourted by grandson and usher, Michael

big sister Melissa

Me, trying not to trip on my dress

My nephew Jonathan, who went down without his cousin Caleb

Flower girls:  Anna, Mackenzie and Rachel

beyond precious

Giving away his last daughter

How gorgeous is the back of this dress?

waiting on his bride (something he will have to get used to:)  Love ya, Em!

                                                           the Happy Mr. and Mrs. Coppel

After wedding pictures:

Barth Family Picture

Bridal Party

Family Pic

Me and my sweet son

My wonderful Mother-in-law who helped out before, during and after the wedding and reception!

Reception at The Athletic Club of Columbus:

eating appetizers at Cocktail Hour

The proud parents

Checking in with Jeremy and Kids at reception (thank you and your parents for all you did)!

Nana and Sam

Kenzie hanging with the happy couple

Melissa and sweet Sam

Bouqet Toss

Posing with the bride and her bouqet after the toss.  She was so excited. Sorry, Rachel! :)

Father/Daughter Dance

Can't believe one day these daddies will share in their own father/daughter dances!

Electric Slide

Kenz and Grandpa Buzzard gettin' down.  Thanks for all your help on and off the dance floor:)

The Groom and Flower Girls

The Bride and Flower Girls

Gettin' Jiggy

Kenz and Anna cuttin' a rug

These girls danced ALL NIGHT LONG!

Dancing with Grandpa Barth

Sunday afternoon, Cookout at the Coppels:

Samantha, Kenzie and Rachel

Rachel and Caleb

Sunday Night:  Pizza at Nana and Grandpa's with Barth Family:

Barth Family Grandkids (only about 1/2 of them)!

As you can see, it was an action packed couple of days, and I haven't even posted yet about hosting my big sister Melissa and her family of 7 (coming soon).  Congrats to the Happy Couple!  We love you!

Mother's Day 2011

I could have never imagined how much my life would change by becoming a mom!  My life before having children seems like a distant memory some days.  I have traded sleeping in late, for early mornings.  I have traded weekends out on the town, for birthday parties and playdates with preschool friends. I have completely changed my priorities, opinions, and perspective on life.  I have learned so much through the eyes of my children, and have learned to enjoy the small and simple things that I used to overlook.  Thank you, Mackenzie and Caleb for the many lessons you have taught me, for the unconditional way you love me, and for giving me the role of "mommy!"  I am so blessed!

*surprising Grandma Buzzard for an early Mother's Day dinner, Saturday evening

*4 Generations on Mother's Day

                                                 *me and my 2 biggest blessings

Happy Mother's Day to all!

Mother's Tea

Last week, Mackenzie was so excited to present me with an invitation to a Mother's Day Tea at her school.

 Since that day, we have been counting down the days, and she has been full of excitement in anticipation  of this special time together.  I was a little nervous considering I would have a 15 month old in tow, and that could make things a bit of a challenge, and not necessarily all about her.  But the wonderful staff at her preschool had the gymnasium filled with baby toys and had other staff members there to watch the younger siblings.  Caleb, to my surprise, did really well.  Which meant, 30 wonderful one-on-one minutes together to see my sweet girl in the school setting, and make a memory that I will not forget.

One by one, the children were sent out in the hall to greet their Mommy.  Then they presented us with a homemade gift bag which contained a  painted wooden necklace.  She was so proud, and made me wear it ALL day! 

The teachers took a quick photo of us, and then our little ones escourted us to our table where we enjoyed fruit salad, pretzels and cheese and pink lemonade.  The centerpieces were hand painted flower pots, with freshly planted flowers. 

After our snack, we were seranaded with some special songs, and then were presented with our final present.  It was my favorite gift of all....a cookbook made by the preschoolers.   Each child contributed a recipe that was a favorite that their Mommy made.  One of her teachers commented how excited she was about this (since she is my little assistant in the kitchen), and how she was the last to finish illustrating her picture because she wanted it to be "just right." 

(here is the recipe Mackenzie shared in the cookbook, that is her favorite recipe I make:  "she puts sugar in the bowl, then pepper, then salt and cherry juice in the bowl.  Then she cooks it in the over for 5 minutes.  Then, she puts on sugar icing that's pink, 4 candles and sprinkles.  Then Mommy, Daddy and Caleb and me eat it."    Love it!  :)

It was such a special day, and it didn't end there.  When we got home, I put Caleb down for a nap, and when I came down, she had my lunch ready.....crackers, cheese, a clemintine and a glass of water.  Oh, and it was waiting for me in the family room....on an end table...with the remote!  She said "Mommy, I made you this special lunch and you relax and watch a show."  Melt my heart!  Oh, and I forgot to add, halfway through my show, she called me over to the kitchen table for snack time: chocoalte chip cookies and a kiddie size cups of water. 

Thank you Kenz, for giving me the title of Mommy!  I am so proud and blessed to have that title! 
Thanks for making me feel so loved and special....and in case you were wondering, I could really get used to someone making my lunch and giving me a half hour of uninterrupted t.v. time in the middle of the day!  :)