It's Christmas Eve Eve Eve Everyone!!

This is a quick post.  No pictures.  Not today.

Because it's Christmas Eve Eve Eve.

And that means I need to be in high gear with not one minute to waste.

But while I'm finishing my shopping, and allowing CAA to finish his shopping (so I have something to open Christmas morning), baking, wrapping, exercising (so I can eat Christmas cookies) and cleaning, I'm trying to remember that this is all memory making.

This Christmas is important.  It's our first one in Nebraska.

And we will remember this one.



I love weddings

I love weddings. 

And I especially love weddings when I love the people in them.

This weekend, CAA and I went to our nephew Alex's wedding.

It was fun. We spent time with some of CAA's siblings. Chelsea, Alex's wife, looked beautiful.  It reminded me of my wedding to CAA, 16 years ago.  Back then, I was still getting to know the big Ames family.  Now, they are just people I love.

And that makes me happy.

Congratulations, Alex and Chelsea! 



Abby! Kind and True! We love you!!

The Ames family does not just sing one birthday song.  Oh, no.  We sing three.

First, the traditional Happy Birthday.

Then, "This is your birthday song, it isn't very long...HEY!".  We clap during this one.  

And finally, this little song.

"Abby (or insert name here) we love you!

Thanks for all the things you do!

Abby, kind and true!! 

We love you!"

It's nice to be loved. 

And for Abby's 13th Birthday, she and I really needed some girl time.  So I taught my daughter the best way to relax and spend some quality "me" time.

We got our nails done.

My friend, Jennie, from Kansas City would be so proud.  

Abby chose Pink Glitter with snowflakes painted on her thumbs.  She's getting Gel Polish so it will last longer.  That's my girl.  :)

Every girl needs a Christmas pedicure, and Abby's birthday comes at the perfect time to get one.

Happy Birthday, Abby!!

We love you more than you know.  

Today, I am reflective

Today is Abby's 13th Birthday.   She has opened her presents and has a pedicure scheduled for this afternoon.  I'm picking her up from school for her "appointment".  Shhhh.  Don't tell anyone.  :)  

And while I LOVE birthdays and celebrations, today I am reflective about them.

Not sad.  Just thoughtful.

I'm thinking of how 13 years ago, I was in labor for 15 hours, because Miss Abby just took her time.  Charlie took 6 hours, and I thought a second baby would come faster.   But, Miss Abby just showed me right then and there that she was in control.  Not bossy, she just knew what she wanted.  

She still has that quality.  And I love it about her.  It's a quality that will serve her well in life.  I'm so proud of the young woman she is becoming.

I know it is my job to prepare my children for the real world.  I know they need to make it out there on their own.  And they will. But for now, I'm going to hold on tight.  For now, they are mine.  Mine and CAA's.  :)

Thanks for letting me get my feelings out!  Tonight I will post pics of the birthday girl.  Tonight is a celebration of Abby.  And her cousin, Josh, who shares the same birthday.  Happy Birthday, Josh!!  I hope 14 is a great year for you!

But until tonight, here is a pic of my last "baby", Wally the dog.  He was just groomed and he looks great!  The groomer in Omaha lets the dogs play after their appointment.  When I went to pick him up, he was at the door with his tail wagging. 

Isn't he just adorable?  :)

Yesterday it rained in Kansas City

Yesterday it rained in Kansas City.

I know.  CAA and Abby were there.

But, in Omaha, this is what happened.

Now, only this week, I put this on my front door.

I just wasn't expecting that Nebraska was ready to take me seriously.

Welcome, Winter.  I hear you are now my friend.  :)

P.S.  Don't you love my front door?  And did you notice how our outdoor lights are different colors?  Our Gingerbread house is getting ready for it's first Ames Christmas!