Have I ever told you...

Have I ever told ou how much I love you? It's a whole heck of a lot!

Celtic Festival '08...

Yesterday, we went to the annual Celtic Festival in Grass Valley. It's a family tradition that my dad started YEARS ago. There's Celtic music, Celtic games and craft sales, great food and our entire family (and friends we consider family) usually sets aside the whole day to spend time together. We spread blankets all over the ground, pack ice chests and lawn chairs and we chase each others kids all day. The fairgrounds are beautifully landscaped with pine trees and there is always stuff to do or see. What a great family reunion.

Zack having some lunch before we leave.

Cal, sporting his do-rag.

Zack being a good boy and reading his book.

Rich took this picture and I thought it was the funniest thing. Zack saw Dan taking a bite of food, so he was mimicking him...as if he thought Dan was going to give him a bite.

"What? So you're NOT going to give me a bite, Dan?"

Stacy and Baby Lily (our "friends that are family").

Me and my brother Clint taking a break from chasing the babies.

My sweet nephew Alex. Last year at the festival, he climbed up on my lap to cuddle, got all nice and toasty and decided it wasn't necessary to get up and go to the bathroom when he had to go - - I came home in wet jeans. Thanks, Alex! :)

A.J.

This year, Kaitlyn had a tournament to play in, so we brought Kyrie with us.

Eating Grandma's pastie.

I love this picture of Tara. She has the most beautiful eyes!

Clint, Cal and Alex enjoying the music.

Mohawk Cal, just woke up from his nap.

Cal giving Grandma lovin's.

Aria...with the red hair, she fit right in at the Celtic Festival!

Our nephew Greyson.

Missing my Papa...

Today marks the 6 year anniversary for when we lost my dad. For me, he was the epitome of strength and courage. He went above and beyond what fathers are called to do. He and my mom tired endlessly to provide for the incredible family that God brought together in their home and they instilled in us a true sense of what "family" is all about. He amazed me with his dedication to live, proved by his 15 year battle against cancer that he never let beat him. I was 20 when he left us. Although he was not here to see me get married, he taught me what I really desired in a partner...someone to love me unconditionally, respect and honor me as a spouse, and someone who was willing to work hard and sacrifice for his family...and so much more. Although he never saw me become a mother, he taught me how to love my child and to know that it's okay to admit when I am wrong...to let my son explore and to give him a place to feel safe. I miss my Papa, but I know that he is sitting at our Father's side and watching over us until we meet again. I'd like to believe that he'd be proud of the wife, the mother, the daughter and the person I have become.

Chocolate pudding, take 2...

Zack is going through some changes right now. Not quite sure what's going on, so we're just dealing with him the best way we know how. He hasn't been sleeping well at night, has been cranky during the day and he has not been wanting to nap. Possibly a growth spurt or his molars might be coming in (so the dentist says...although we haven't seen them yet). So, last night, he was so feisty that we decided to throw him in the tub and give him something to occupy his attention...and what's better to occupy his attention than chocolate pudding!?!? It was well-received :) Don't worry, Grandma...it was sugar-free.

"What's-a-matter, Mom? You look like you're about to have a heart attack."

Our most recent nightly routine - - throwing a fit. This is his "I'm going to throw a fit, but Mom knows I'm totally faking it" look.

Logan's 1st birthday...

This past Sunday, we celebrated Logan's first birthday! For those of you who don't know, Logan's mom Emily and I met in high school and reconnected a few months before our boys were born. Emily is a stay-at-home mom, so we spend quite a bit of time together and our boys have been friends since they were about a week old (they are 9 days apart). I can't believe it's been a year already! I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to watch Logan grow - - he is such a sweet little boy.

Logan and Zack get all excited when they see each other...it's super cute :)

Zack desperately trying to figure out how to get into Logan's presents.

The birthday prince.

Logan! Time for your cake!

After Logan had pretty much demolished his cake, Zack decided he'd help him finish it.

Not too happy that Logan pushed the cake out of his reach.

Happy Birthday, Logan!!!

Breaking the Silence...

Tonight was the Sacramento 5k run to support ovarian cancer research and awareness. It was called "Breaking The Silence". My sister Colleen and our friends April and Melissa joined in the festivities and we had a blast! Rich wanted so desperately to be there, but was still feeling somewhat under the weather, so he stayed home. I took Zack, however, and pushed him in the stroller - - he sang and clapped his hands for the teenage girls that were behind us cheering. He seemed to have a great time!

There was a great BBQ afterward. I was impressed with how organized the event was.

Unfortunately, it was a little dark, but here is the picture of all of the survivors that attended the 5k today. I think I was the youngest there...aside from possibly one other woman that looked like she was my age. The rest of the women seemed to be in their 50's, I'd say. There were over 900 people registered to run and support the cause (not sure how many were survivors).

Happy 1st Birthday, sweet boy!!!...

Zack's first birthday was on September 11th! We celebrated with a BBQ at our house yesterday. We got a jump house and a snow cone machine to keep the kids entertained (and let me tell you, with so many nieces and nephews, it was worth every penny!). We had a great time with our family and close friends and are completely worn out today! :)

It's so weird to think of how much things have changed in the last year. Our yesterdays were filled with late nights of colic, carrying him around in a sling to keep him calm and having our biggest worry be whether or not we had enough pacifiers packed for our outings. Our todays are filled with restful nights, toys/clothes/books scattered throughout the house and exhaustion from constantly chasing him and yelling, "Bailey is not a horse!" We feel incredibly blessed and in awe of how far we have come in just a year. Happy birthday, sweet boy.








Any of you who know me well, know that I am NOT a fan of "mess" -- therefore, the cake situation was a little out of my comfort zone.







Time to open presents!