Wedding Bells

Welcome to the family Alex Corder!  

So, when Alex posted on FaceBook or Instagram "Jamaica with my beautiful wife." or something along those lines, it kind of threw me for a loop!  Oh wow, he is married too!  (Weddings are mostly about the brides, right?)

Then, the other day my mom sent a group text "How is your husband?"  I automatically thought about mine.  Then I realized "Hey, we BOTH have husbands now."  It has been great thinking about it all!

The pictures are in no particular order because I have copied them from others who have taken the pictures! I have a bunch more that I need to go through and will post more soon.  Hopefully.

It was a rainy day and it was an outdoor wedding.  But, very wisely, my sister made the decision to have the reception inside.  But, still wanted to get married outside.  We braved the drizzle and it was beautiful and so special. I actually felt it made it more intimate.

The preacher did an awesome job in reminding me that marriage isn't about ourselves but about our spouses. And most importantly about Jesus.  It was a really great reminder for me.  And an awesome beginning to marriage.

The photographer was phenomenal.  Hubby was wondering if she would hang off a tree just to be able to get the picture exactly right!

I think this First Look is kind of new.  And, of course, it takes me awhile to get with change.  But, after watching them, although I am not sure we were suppose to, I get it.  So sweet to enjoy each others company before the ceremony.  Who said the groom can't see the bride before the wedding anyway??

Birthday girl!  Nature Girl is fourteen and so, so sweet to share her day with her favorite aunt!  Sissy did a great job in making sure she wasn't over looked.  She was sang to twice.  Once in the dressing room and then once at the reception.  A great birthday cupcake.

I loved getting all dressed up.  Hubby had the option to wear a suit instead of a tux but I insisted on the tux. He hasn't worn one since our wedding! We had a great time!

Mr. and Mrs. Corder!  Such a handsome couple! Love them to pieces.

Yay!!  Love their smiles!

My hubby had the honor of walking her down the aisle and giving her away.  Two of my favorite peeps!

Had to have a family photo with us all looking so good.  Hubby gave Sissy away, I was a bridesmaid, big girls Junior Bridesmaids, EG flower girl and Boop ring bearer.  I loved that we could all be a part of her big day.

Rehearsal dinner the night before.  

Crazy that it was too weeks ago. . . 

Happy Mother's Day

Our church had a Mother's Day banquet and it was really, really nice.  It was great to see the JoyDome filled with women of all ages.  Some new moms, some expectant moms, moms who had been around awhile, grandmothers and even some who weren't moms but just wanted to celebrate being a woman.

We had a great speaker and good food.  And we got to have our pictures taken.  It isn't normally something I like to do.  I don't know why.  But, I was really glad we were all able to go and spend some time together . . . 

Teen Pact

One of the events we have in our capitol city is called TeenPact where kids from around the state come to the Capitol and learn about God and government.  A bunch of years ago we stumbled upon it and have enjoyed it ever since.

It sort of sneaks up on us and so by the time we got around to registering this year, Little Mama was the only one able to go.  No siblings.  No friends.  Just her and a bunch of other kids she didn't know.  One of the things I love about her is that doesn't bother her in the least.  She was adamant about going!  And I loved the time with just her.

The kids learn how a bill becomes a law.  And how, even though we may not agree with the government in place, the people in authority, in our government, are still deserving of respect and prayer and that we are commanded by God to obey those in authority over us.  (Unless the law is contrary to God's law - whole other blog post!)  Romans 13:1; 1 Timothy 2:2

They take a tour of the Capitol and pray over the offices.  They have a scavenger hunt and sing songs.  One of the best parts is, each kid gets to create and propose his/her own bill.  They go to committee and some get selected to present their bills to the "legislature."  It is neat to watch the kids handle the questions and learn the lingo.  Then the "legislature" gets to vote on the bill.  Little Mama got picked the year before (or maybe it was the year before that) but she didn't this year.  This year her bill was about recycling and she was ready if necessary!

We got to see Sissy for breakfast and lunch.  So that was an added bonus.  

I was proud of my sweet LM.  And a little bit surprised she was willing to go by herself.  She is growing in to such a confident, beautiful young woman . . . 

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

One of the really great things about living in a college town is being able to watch some great college sports, live, every once in awhile.  Our baseball team made it to the regionals on the road to the College World Series.  It happened to be played in town.

I got a wild idea to go.  In fact, the whole family went including grandma and Sissy.  It was beautiful night.  One of the really great things for the kids was Jameis Winston, the Heisman Trophy, winner plays on the team.  And before the game he spent at least 10 minutes signing the kids balls.  (The two pictures in the middle.)  So we have two in the house now!

Also, Boop left our seats in the bleachers to hang out with the kids under the seats to catch foul balls.  And he caught one!  I am pretty sure that was icing on the cake for him.

Unfortunately we lost two games and didn't advance to the CWS.  But, we had a great time at the game anyway . . . 

Christmas, Finally!

We had a wonderful Christmas.  I feel it was laid back and full of family and food.  Little by little each year we are trying to do away with the trappings of the holidays.  Really trying to focus on the birth of Christ and all that it means for us as we celebrate.

Hubby had to work Christmas Day so we had our big meal with all the family at about 3 o'clock on Christmas Eve.  It was buffet style because we just can't fit everyone around a table anymore.  What a great problem to have!!  We ate early enough so the dishes were done and the kitchen cleaned so when we got home from church we could just relax and eat dessert.

Our church has a very simple service.  We sing hymns and families place ornaments on a Chrismon Tree.  So we participated in that.

We came home, built a fire, ate dessert, opened some presents (the traditional PJs, popcorn, hot chocolate and new movie).  And just hung out and visited and eventually turned on A Christmas Story.

The kids had a tough time sleeping.  Of course.  Hubby had to be in bed early so Sissy and I hung out on the couch waiting to be Santa's elves.  I think we were asleep by 1ish.  And morning came early.  Hubby was able to get home by 7:30AM in order to open presents.  And the kids had a blast.  It went by so quick though.

All the family was over and we hung out and played games and watched movies and ate when hubby got home around 5.  All in all, it was a successful Christmas Day.  Although, have I mentioned how fast it went by. . . .

Sissy and Fisher

On our way home yesterday from visiting family for Thanksgiving, my sister sent me a text asking if the kids could spend the night with her.  I said yes (except for EG) and so after we got home they repacked and she came to pick them up.

She took them to Chick-fil-A and they were going to hang out and watch Home Alone.  About 9 o'clock last night, she sent me these pictures.  Priceless.

The girls have spent the night before.  But, this was Boop's first time.

Boop and Fisher, the chow/lab mix watching the movie.

Boop comforting Fisher during a scary part.

The boys relaxing together.

Fisher is a chow/lab mix.  Just like our Angel was.  The chow/lab make them so loyal and protective I believe.  Makes me seriously consider one for my boy . . . 

Memory Lane

It will be 5 years ago tomorrow that EG joined our family.  My 40th year was awesome!  In January, I went to New York City with my mom and sister.  About 6 weeks later I found out I was pregnant and in November my fourth baby, third baby girl was born.

I remember a day or two before I found out I was pregnant.  We had friends over and were sitting around eating pizza out by the firepit (it was February.)  I had horrible indigestion.  Pains in my tummy that were unreal.  I still, to this day, think it was because I was pregnant.

Anyway, a couple of days later, I called my sister to bring me a pregnancy test.  She hung around to find out the results but opted to leave when it came time for me to tell hubby.  He loves his kids but he felt our quiver was full.  And this was a little unexpected!  And to make matters more interesting, my due date was at the same time hubby took his annual hunting trip.

When I shared my joy with him, all went well.  We were scared but excited.  I was old so there were a few more health concerns but other than that it was a normal pregnancy.  We decided this time around we did not want to know gender.  And that part was really exciting!

November 14th, five years ago was a dreary, cold day.  But, it was the day!  I had been stressing all week because the 15th was my due date and hubby was leaving the following Thursday for his trip.  I called hubby home from work, arranged childcare and off to the hospital we went.  I was riding in his 4x4 pick up truck.  Not a comfortable ride, whatsoever, for a woman in labor.  And, to top it off, we had to get gas.  We had left the van at home because my family was going to follow us if they decided to keep me.

My fourth pregnancy and delivery was by the book.  Everything happened just as they always talked about.  (None of the others really had for various reasons.)  I was definitely in labor.  My room was like a revolving door.  The kids and my mom and mother-in-law and my sister coming in and out.  My water had broken so some of my labor was pretty hard.  But, given past experience, I had a ways to go.

Poor Boop was in the room with my mother-in-law when I finally asked hubby to have them leave.  The nurse had gone to get me an epidural.  I had previously decided I didn't want an epidural but caved in the end.  But, while she was gone, baby girl number 3 decided to come and the pressure and the overwhelming feeling to push was crazy.  For about 4 minutes, I was certain hubby was going to deliver the baby because there was no one else in the room!

Eventually the nurse came back, the midwife and my mom and sister.  I ended up pushing for about 45 minutes.  I was tired and in pain and a little bit frantic.  I finally was in the zone and a few minutes later baby was born.  I still to this day remember my reaction to having another girl.  At first I was shocked.  I was soooo convinced she was a he.  Shocked turned to love at first sight and we have been inseparable every since.

The girls were happy it was a girl.  Boop cried but soon got over it.  She was healthy and we loved her.

That first year was rough.  I did things with her, for her I did not do with the other kids.  I slept in the same room with her.  (Poor Boop had to sleep on the floor in the girls room for a long, long time.)  She slept in the bed with me.  We slept in chairs together knowing I would get to sleep from 12-5.  I knew she was the last and I just needed sleep.

Because the kids were pretty active in ballet and tumbling, we were always on the go.  But, she was a good baby.  We would all go the grocery store and doctors appointments.  Of course, the big kids were fabulous which made it easier.  I wore her in a Peanut.  I remember almost every night after dinner walking around the house so she would get her 20 minute cat nap.  Just enough so she would be happy while I took care of the other three.  At 7 1/2, 5 1/2 and 3, they were pretty independent but I still did a lot for them.  That changed pretty quick!

EG is sunshine and love and life and joy and giggles beyond measure.  She is tough and strong and determined and sassy.  She has kept us on our toes in more ways then one.  (She has been to the ER and urgent care more times than all the other 3 put together.)  She has kept us young and given us gray hair all at the same time.  She calls me her "snuggle bunny" and loves to hug and be near me.  Day and night.

She has helped to teach me what is really important in life.  And it is her, daddy and all the other children that make our family complete.

Happy, happy birthday to my special baby girl . . .

Easter Part Two

One of the cool things about Easter this year was the fact that we did not have to buy Easter outfits!  I know that sounds crazy but I was soooo excited not to have to worry about what the kids were going to wear.  Because the big girls were in the program, they wore their costumes and Boop wore a pair of khakis and a shirt and EG wore her flower girl dress from the wedding she was in in September.  And everyone looked lovely!

No pictures though.

We had the Lord Supper and a breakfast at church and then the second performance of our Easter Drama.  After church my mom, brother, sister, her boyfriend and all of us had our annual Easter basket and egg hunt. Always so much fun.

Me, my mom, my brother and sister.

Every year for Easter we have the same thing.  Ham, hashbrown casserole, asparagus and rolls.  This year I changed it up by doing the PW Green Bean Casserole.  It is a new family favorite for the holidays I think.  It was really, really good and easy enough to make.

I think we all had a really nice, relaxing day . . .