a new kind of excitement

While I made this announcement on FB, I realized that I had yet to share the news on my blog.  Kaelee is engaged to be married!!!  Bryan, bless his heart, followed all the proper protocol in asking for our blessing, and we couldn't be more happy for these two!

Kaelee is the epitome of a planner, so there is no rushing this wedding.  She knows herself well, so she has allowed plenty of time for planning so that she can enjoy it and not get stressed over having to make rushed decisions.  The official date is June 17, 2016.

A few weeks ago, we ventured into the world of wedding dresses.  I guess I should have known when we walked into the boutique & were required to put these huge, very pink shower cap-type things over our shoes by a rather abrupt older woman that it might not be a storybook experience.  Let's just say we ended up having more fun shopping together at Target and going out for lunch. :)

Take Two on Bridal Dresses...I had a good feeling when we were escorted to our own private try-on area, and *these* were on the table.

What a difference!! We had a wonderful person helping us, no rushing, no pressure...just fun!  And guess what?  I cried.  I did!  Kaelee had found three dresses that were "maybe's", so she went through trying them on again.  Up to this point, I had been very objective trying to give practical opinions, but something happened when she put that third dress back on.  Suddenly I just saw my sweet girl beaming, & it all just hit me.  Those precious moments of seeing joy in the face of your child....ahhh, the tears just came!  She decided that was her dress, and by golly, then I knew we had picked the right place to shop because they busted out glasses of champagne!

What a special day with my girl.  I can't wait to go back to this place with the whole entourage when Kearsten comes home in June.  The plan is for her sisters to help her decide on a veil, and we'll begin the shopping for bridesmaids dresses.  It makes me smile just thinking about it.

surprises & snuggles

We had our first lost tooth! No, really, this was a first.  Kendi literally lost her tooth.  We don't know exactly when; we definitely don't know where.  I was doing her hair & very matter of fact-like she said, "My tooth is lost."  Sure enough, it's gone. It's been loose since she took a tumble a few weeks ago, but it was just not loose enough to pluck out.  Kendi calmly suggested that the tooth fairy must have cast a spell & took it away.  I didn't argue.  

And just because one cutie picture is not enough, I give you a second.  Kemeri loves Kam's doggie, Daisy.  We find them snuggling a lot. I honestly think Daisy is a therapy dog wannabe when it comes to Kemeri. Generally she's kinda spoiled, but with Kemeri, it's a real thing.

"yet" has arrived

Back in 2011, I wrote this post about no futbol for our guy (yet) as his choice was football.  Well, "yet" has arrived!  As I mentioned in this post, K'Tyo decided this past Fall he wanted to give soccer a try.  He had a great season of learning & was invited by a coach to join an indoor team for the winter.  What a great experience it has been!  He has thoroughly enjoyed getting to know his teammates, & his coaches were my kind of people...teaching skills AND sportsmanship.  Anyway, K'Tyo liked football, but I think he has found much joy in futbol!

This past Saturday was a very exciting day as his indoor team made it to the championship game of the tournament.  What an impressive showing from 9 & 10 year olds in that game!  At the end of regulation time, the score was tied 3-3, so the game went into a 5-minute overtime.  Still tied, so it went into a shoot out with 3 players representing each team, & K'Tyo was one of our 3.  Deep breath.  They scored, we scored, they scored, we missed.  The shoot out was 2-1, but their final player's shot went wide, so we had one shot left to tie it up, & K'Tyo was the final shot.  Oh my heart.

He stepped up & put it in *just* between the left side of the goal & the goalie, so the game went to a sudden death shoot out.  (At this point I should mention that when we were getting out of the van, I kissed him on the head & told him to play hard and have fun.  I then teased him about leaving pink lipstick on his head for good luck.  Well, that may have to be part of the pregame from now on! Ha!) My goodness, this was a lot of intensity I did not anticipate for this age bracket!  The other team's first shot went wide, & our next player got up & placed a beautiful shot into the upper right corner to seal the win!  

We are so proud of K'Tyo & his team for a great showing of teamwork & sportsmanship.  Bless him, afterward he said, "Mom, I was so nervous."  It was very sweet.  Even sweeter was seeing him tell kids from the other team nice job as we were leaving the facility & even patting one guy on the shoulder that had obviously shed a few tears.  He played a great game & scored a couple goals, but I am most impressed by & proud of his developing character.  Great job, K'Tyo!  

Kemeri is 5!

Kemeri Abigail turned 5 on March 18th!  We opted to wait until Saturday for cake & presents.  For some kiddos this would be an issue, but Kemeri decided it was great fun to count down & declare herself the Birthday Girl on every day in between!  March 18th was also the third anniversary of Kemeri becoming part of our family :)

Several months back, I found a woman that has a heart for making dollies that look just like their person.  Kemeri ADORES her new doll...she has a special hand just like Kemeri's, right down to the zigzag scar above her wrist!

5 Candles...Can you believe it!?

She & her new doll have been inseparable since meeting.

Kemeri Abigail, you are growing up so fast!  You have the most beautiful smile, & I love the way you always find complimentary things to say to people in such a sincere way.  You are a precious girl, sweet one...we love you!!