Im alive...I am sure you were so worried...

Can you believe it?  A post!  Oh my.  When I logged into my reader the other day I saw that it had been over a month since I posted.  I dont 'write' for others, so Ive always just posted as I go.  With the last month and everything that has came with it, I just wasnt up to write.  Summer has brought so much fun, busy days and weekends.  We love it, but things just get shifted a bit...hence the lack of blogging :)  I'm sure you were so worried....

Anyways, I will attempt a sort of catch up posts maybe.  To start off, we had a wedding for one of my most favorite girls a couple weekends ago and it was SO much fun!  Read: mama had toooo much fun ;)

Ive know Kelsey forever.  At least since she was in Kindergarten, if not before.  She is such a sweet, caring, and just lovely person.  She was my personal attendant in my wedding and I got to return the favor for her's!  I had such a wonderful time and am so happy for her and her hubby!  If you follow me on twitter or instagram...I apologize these will pretty much be the same pictures :)

the beautiful bride and myself at the rehearsal dinner

 Fun fact: The rehearsal dinner was at the hotel we had our wedding reception 4.5 years ago!  It was fun to be there again!!  Old mems. 

Kelsey had so many creative, thoughtful, and memorable touches throughout her wedding!  She had this made for her mom, and had one for her dad as well.  SO sweet. 

The gorgeous flowers were sent to her by her hubby to be, and he had the vase inscribed with a personal note.  We were all crying!

In her dress!  Just beautiful!

The beautiful couple 

one of my most favorite families!! 

 watching the beautiful bride...

 Daddy and Kal at the reception

 Kallen did really well through dinner until nana picked her up!

 

Kal and Great Grandpa 

Kels with my exhausted daughter ;)

 My fabulous hubby and I.  He was basically on Kal duty all day and then took care of me the rest of the night.  His eyes look creepy because of the lights, but its the best one we have!  Thanks, babe!

 Me and my sissy

My sister, cousin {like a sister} Jess, and myself

 Kels and I.  I love her so much and so happy for her!  So wonderful to be with her on her special day!

Iowa weekend

This past weekend we loaded up and headed to Iowa to visit some of our very best friends!  Jon & Joshua lived together in college and we just dont see Jon, Katie and their 3 beautiful children enough! 

 

yes, all this for one weekend.  I am an over packer at heart, much to my husbands dismay....

girlfriend fell asleep about 20 minutes in and slept for about 2.5 hours!  Who knew I just have to drive around all day to get her to nap?

We're here!  Harper, Kal, Hallie & Bowen in the back! 

crazy girls

We enjoyed our first night out by the fire, it was the perfect night! 

Katie & I

they are the best!!

the boys reminiscing the college days :)

 On Saturday it was HOT so by 10 am we were outside in the pool! 

 

 We had to doubletime with the sprinkler too :)

 3 bff's.  These girls are crazy and oh so adorable!  Will be bff's like their parents!!

 She is a pistol.  Cannot turn my back for a second.

 Saturday evening we went to El Mariachi, our most favorite Mexican Dive that has become one of our most favorite traditions!  So good.  I dont even want to think about how many calories I consumed. 

 Harper and Kal scoping out the ice cream at the ice cream shop. 

 Then they were chatting and so excited - smart girls ;)

 

 

We had the most wonderful time and are so grateful for such amazing friends.  We love you all so much and cant wait for our next {already planned, wahoo!} get together!!!!

That time my new iphone went to Hawaii....without me

If you follow me on twitter, then I am sure you heard all about me losing my iphone on our way home from vacation.  You know, the iphone that was 2 weeks old and the one I took ALL of our vacation pictures with.  Every single one.  From our time by uncle dean & aunt wendy's pool, the santa barbara zoo, when we were at the beach(es), and every single other second of vacation.  Awesome huh?  I was in a state of depression from when I learned of my ahem, misplacing, of my phone.  I mean, obviously I was bummed (WAY bummed) about my new phone, but it was the pictures.  All the pictures, that had me so upset.

I cried. more than twice once.  Call me dramatic, really you can.  I knew I was being dramatic.  I know it is just a material item.  I knew I would have a few pictures that my husband took, even though they didnt pale to my 500+ pictures.  But I was so looking forward to updating our pictures around the house, and just so many great memories from our vacation.

I was convinced that I was not getting the phone back.  I mean, these days, who is going to turn in a brand new iphone?  I called the LAX, DFW and American Airlines lost & found lines like every 30 minutes on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday.

And then I got an email.  One that I almost deleted because I thought it might be spam...

I am really not the superstitious type.   But I was not going to let anything 'hinder' the fact that I might get that phone back.  So Although I had this written about 2 weeks or so ago, I wasnt going to post until I got my phone. And you know what?  I got it back!!!  Such a gem guy found it, looked up my email and contacted me.  We corresponded about the email and my address and upon my many requests to reimburse and provide a 'finder's fee', Mr Gem of a guy requested I donate the money.  You guys, my faith was seriously restored that there are still good people in this world.  Trust me, I realize I am SO so blessed.  I had so many family and friends praying when I had totally lost hope.  So grateful. 

There have been a few hiccups and issues once I got it back, but I am pretty much in business now so no complaints here!  Like I said, I am so blessed & relieved!!!  Although....I will not even mention the fact that my phone has been in Hawaii...and I have not. 

Happy Tuesday :) 

memorial weekend

We had a wonderful busy memorial weekend!

we filled it with tons of family and friends.  I ate way to much and worked out way to little.  I dont want to spend it any other way!   Okay, maybe I should have tamed down the eating.  Ill need to make up for that this week. 

reading with auntie nikki

our sweet girl in her Memorial/Fourth of July smocked dress.  I love it! 

 

trying to get a picture with four kids is no easy task.....

 

They sure are cute though :) 

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and most importantly remembered our fallen, active and retired servicemen & women that give us our freedom.  I know we are so unbelievably grateful for all they do, as well as their families that equally sacrifice.  You are not forgotten.  Today or any day in this house.  Thank you! 

where I want to be wednesday

I wish we were back in California!!

Weekly meals

Boy oh boy.  I am behind on the blog.  It has been so nice here and Kallen will actually nap (most days) if we get alot of outside time.  And mama's, you know how precious those naps are...

Here are a few overdue pictures...

 

 having fun on Mimi's playset on mother's day!

 

playing with Uncle Chrissy!

 

I am making a few new dishes and I cannot wait to try these babies out.  They all seem pretty easy and healthy.  Here is our menu for the week:

Monday: Peanut Sauce with Asian noodles, chicken & veggies.  SURELY I can come up with a better name...

Source: bhg.com via Angie on Pinterest

Tuesday: Grilled pork chops.  My hubby is awesome with the grill.  I love grilling...I prepare, he cooks, and we both clean.  Bonus!

Wednesday: Leftovers

Thursday: Molly's poppyseed chicken This looks so good, and is a healthier version.  And simple enough, too! 

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: I am looking forward to Memorial Day weekend!  We wont be going to South Dakota because of nursery and other plans, but I know we will have a great time regardless (and definitely be eating some good food)!  

Happy Monday, Friends!