'Twas a beautiful day for a wedding

Let me preface by saying that while we took engagement pictures for this fun couple, we did not shoot the wedding, thus, I left the big heavy cameras at home and took only the ol' iPhone.Taking beautiful photos just wasn't my priority that night. I even let the photographers do their job without interruption and kept my phone down during the ceremony! =) ha! Anyway, these are hardly excellent photos. Oh well!

This weekend, Dac and left Reid behind (much to my sadness) with Aunt Darla and Uncle Darin and headed to Kansas City for my longtime friend Jackie's wedding. =) I should clarify that I was sad to leave him behind but NOT sad to leave him with them. They're great and I had major peace of mind knowing he was there. =)

I first met Jackie while playing basketball in 6th grade. We continued to share classes and were both part of We Care - a volunteer/service club at our middle school. We were part of a great group of friends

I have many a funny story involving Jackie. She was the oldest and thus drove us all around... squished into her little blue VW bug... the one with the plywood seat in the back... windows down, blaring music and our loud voices, while wind blew on our painted faces as we quickly made our way to the Bulldog football game on Friday night. The post-game party at her family's house, and the often inappropriately funny lunch table conversation. The fun never stopped with Jackie but don't get me wrong, she wasn't just the fun friend. She is caring, hospitable, puts other's feelings above her own and yet, keeps it real. She's never been afraid to tell it like it is.  

The wedding was at Belvoir Winery in Liberty, MO. It was a beautiful place on a beautiful fall day. The ceremony was outside and you couldn't have asked for more perfect weather, especially in November. It was great. Jack kept the wedding pretty small but, much in her form, it was classy, fun, and well-hosted. There was no detail overlooked and yet it wasn't fussy. Know what I mean? It was very relaxed. Anyhow, she looked beautiful and oh so happy. Jackie and I are no longer friends that hang out regularly or that even talk or keep in touch all that well, to be honest, so I don't know Mike well. Still, after seeing her smile and hearing all the wonderful things said about him during the toasts, I have no doubt he is great for her. 

I had wine and it was good.

While at the wedding I got to see a few good old friends, including this gem. =) This is Kasie, another middle school/high school bestie - one of the funniest, most thoughtful people I've ever known.

The happy couple! =)

The beautiful bride and I with my always-glowing eyes.

And another high school bestie... Katie! Katie and I were inseparable through much of middle and high school. We practically lived at each other's houses on weekends and during summer breaks. We had a bit of a girl-drama-falling-out second semester of our senior year. I never saw it coming and never expected we would be where we are now but life happens. I honestly can't even recall many details about it. We are totally cool now but it certainly is an interesting experience going from like-sisters-besties to not speaking for a year (stupid) to where we are now. She is still so Katie and I know her and she knows me, because really, we haven't changed all that much in 11 years but at the same time, we've missed so much of each others lives. It's not bad or good necessarily, it's just interesting. That's all.

I sort of felt that way about seeing all of them. It felt like home and like I was an outsider all at the same time. Whoa... I've gone deep here folks. =) I had a really good time and so did Dac!!

=) These girls will always have a special place in my heart. End mushy sentiments. Promise.

We had a great time eating, drinking, and being merry. It was so much fun to be guests at a wedding (it's been YEARS). We danced and had one heck of a good time with great people. I'm happy to have been a part of it.

Meanwhile, Reid was having a good time too. =) Dac and I talk a lot about how thankful we are to have so many people who love Reid. It's really pretty amazing.

Saturday he played at Darin and Darla's before going to his cousin Ahri's first birthday party.

Kayla sent me this picture =)

 Sweet little birthday girl. =) (photo by Darla)

 Reid and Felicity. They are kinda buddies! =) (photo by Darla)

=) I sure did miss this face!!! (photo by Kayla)

He also took a stroll for some play time at the park. (photo by Darla)

He likes to swing. (photo by Darla)

He even got a bath! =) (photo by Darla)

Sunday, he went to church and then I got to squeeze him again when we went to baby shower. =) It was a great weekend but I'm glad to be home with him!

Extras

I forgot to post a few of these last week!

These first few are from when Darin and Darla watched Reid while we did photos. Reid apparently had a great time in their playroom. =) Thank you Darla for taking these pictures. =)

These were taken by Connie on Halloween. My little pumpkin' =)

Little goofballs.

A few of the kids at daycare (a couple were gone that day and of course the big kids had school). We are so glad Reid has such a fun and loving place to spend his weekdays. This is a great group of kids too!

Anyway, just wanted these for the scrapbook. =)

Midweek Randoms

I believe I left off talking about our fun Halloween and the fact that I ended up sick that night. The next day I stayed home from work. I was hoping it was going to be a quick thing but turns out, I'm still hacking away today.

We stayed home Saturday until a photo session that afternoon/evening. It was for my photographer friend Laura and her sweet family. We had a great time and they were adorable as usual. They even had a fun little campfire at the end. =) Y'all are just gonna die but I even turned down a s'more! I must be sick. ;)

This little guy was SUCH a sleepy head that day. He slept in plus took a 3-hour nap. 

Here he is all comfy in his long johns and enjoying his post-nap bottle on the couch. How did he get so long?

We were supposed to have two sessions in Wichita Sunday but one got cancelled due to a sick kiddo. =( SO - we got some work done then went up later. I was st-ressed that day for some reason. Nothing seemed to be going well. Before we left for Wichita, I just decided to have a do-over and feel better. After our session with one of our sweet repeat families, we ate at Freebirds World Burrito. It was tasty. I got the taco meal and Dac got the freebird burrito.

Monday, Sky came over to hang out and eat supper with us. We always seen to go too long without seeing each other. On Halloween she had a heart procedure done. She seemed to be doing pretty well and was still the same ol' Sky. =) The whole family enjoys when she comes over. Even Peety! 

We had french toast. She said, and I quote, "This is like the best french toast of entire life." I assure you my french toast is nothing special but she apparently tasted the love in it. =)

I've still been downing lots of this:

Reid was a bear last night. Poor thing is teething up a storm and there's just not a whole lot I can do for him. The fact that I also don't feel good isn't helping matters.

I made this loaded baked potato soup for work today. Yummy, creamy, fatty, perfection.

Tonight, I fully plan to park it on the couch (once the babe's asleep of course) then go to bed early.

About Me: Five Passions

In case you missed it, I recently started a little "About Me" series. I'm working through a list of things I want my kids to know about me. I thought it was sort of a cool getting-to-know-you project and would also be nice for this scrapbook that Reid will eventually look through.

Here's what I've done so far:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears

3. Describe your relationship with your spouse

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could

5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

6. If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for?
7. What is your dream job and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have right now?


Sometimes I wonder if I'm truly passionate about anything... and yet, I get fired up a lot and I really do care about a lot of issues. I just don't know. Here goes anyway - in no particular order. =)

1) The treatment of people and animals
I can't stand to see someone (animals are someones too) being mistreated. It breaks my heart, makes me sick, and infuriates me. Everything from unkind words, to hunger and poverty, to physical abuse/crime I hate to see it. We all do it at times - to varying degrees - but I try hard to be kind and hate the thought of hurting someone's feelings.

2) Women's health issues
I'm not sure this is actual passion or whether it's more of an empathetic compassion. I've 
dealt with my share of lady part drama. I know a lot about it and I have a lot of experience with it. I know it can be hard to talk about but I think it's important to. I also think it's important to listen to your body and trust your instincts. I'm thankful for a doctor who trusted mine. Now go get that exam ma'am! =) My heart has also been softened about the infertility and infant loss that is too often associated with women's health issues.

3) Community
I don't just mean the town/city/county we live in. I mean the people with whom we live and share life with. I am NOT always good about this but I do think it's super important. The thought of more front porch-style livin' is appealing and yet always seems so hard to do. I like the idea of really knowing your neighbors and building a community in that way. I love the idea of small groups who are really supportive and encouraging. I think we should be better about helping each other out and not feeling like we have to do everything on our own. I just think the world would be a better place if we'd love on each other a little more. 

4) Our family
I am passionate about Reid. I love him and want nothing more than for him to have a full, happy life. I want hims to be a man of honor and a boy after God's own heart. I am passionate about being a good mom... a truly good mom not just society's beautiful picture of all the things a mom should be. I want to be a supporter of other moms and of those struggling to become moms. I want to be an encourager and not a judger. I'm learning it's not always as easy as just saying that's what you want. I want to be a good wife to Dac -   to always give 100% regardless of what I may be receiving on any given day. I want to be loving and kind - to speak encouragement instead in criticism. I want us to have a marriage that I can feel good about Reid striving for one day. (One day veeeerrrryyyy far off!) ;) 

5) Sleep!? I kid, I kid... Photography
There is something about capturing a moment, life that is pretty dang cool. We've gotten to meet so many awesome people and watch their love grow (as well as their families) and it's awesome. I enjoy the work, I enjoy the result, and I love being able to provide that gift to people. I also passionate about photography on the flip side. I think sometimes photographers can the world's worst at getting their own family pictures taken and even more so, remembering to take photos of their own families on a daily basis. It's important and we strive to remember that and make it happen.

Halloween 2013

So this was Reid's first Halloween. Dac and I have never been huge Halloween people but I was kind of excited to get Reid dressed up. I had the gnome idea for quite a while but even as of a couple weeks ago had nothing for it. Still, with some help (my mom picked up lipstick for his cheeks and sewed the too-big hat/beard to fit him and Terese picked up the boots for me) it came together and he was transformed into the cutest little yard gnome I ever did see. =)

He was even pretty good about keeping his hat on.

We started out at Terese's house. She made stew, so we ate then got little man dressed up. By that time Kayla's family and Cori's family were there to trick-or-treat so we were able to get a few pictures of the kiddos.

Felicity the ninja turtle and Reid.

Britton and Eden were big bad wolves. =)

I like this one because the two older girls are looking at them like "seriously!?" haha.

Adding in the big girls! =)

Love all these kids!!

Dac's parents

Aunt Val

Backtracking a bit... here's the extent of my fall decorations this year:

The night before Halloween Reid sported his monster PJs and "read" one of his spooky books.

Now then, back to trick-or-treating. We hit 7 stops and Reid made out like a bandit. He seemed to be a hit and I really think he enjoyed seeing everyone. I forgot to get a picture with everyone (fail), but here's a few:

Uncle Darin and Aunt Darla

Grandpa Ed

Grandma Millie - Reid was getting pretty tired by this point and not exactly cooperating.

Connie (Reid's wonderful daycare lady)

We also saw Aunt Debbie and Kevin, Grandma Jo, and Auntie Heather and Daniel. =)

Reid brought home yummy cookies and brownies (for mom and dad, ha!), candy, puffs, books, a glow stick, and other great stuff!

It was a fun night and Reid really did very well. Unfortunately, I started feeling bad by the end of the night and ended up with a fever of over 100, chills, and a bad cough. =( Glad I didn't miss the excitement though. Thanks to everyone who helped make his first Halloween a great one!

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