Wedding Cake

There is a funny tradition (or not funny, depending on your politics)  that has evolved from the sharing of the ceremonial first piece of wedding cake. Some couples have decided that mushing it into each other's face is good form. I say probably not. Somehow we didn't tell Kevin what was expected ....at all. Here they are slicing into the pretty cake....

And knowing that he gets a bite....he just throws it in!!!

  I love the look here on Abby's face. She's all, "Really Kevin?" Love it.

"What?? Why are you looking at me?? What?"

 "Oh!" I didn't know....let's try again!"

 I love his red tongue...that red velvet really packs a punch!

 They were so careful to not get any cake on their sweetheart....Kev knows how to feed cake to his new bride!! No red crumbs on her white dress!!! Well done guys!!

 Such a fun day for our family. There were little moments like this throughout. It was amazing. I am still a little giddy about the whole thing. It was truly magical.

Side Bar at the Wedding

My sisters and I have an awesome relationship. We are best my friends. And dang....we are FUNNY!! It's true. Stinkin' dang funny if you want to be exact. 

We are supportive of each other and love is not in short supply. These girls love on my kids in many of the same ways as I do. I never have to worry about Kevin and Abby, they live so close to these two....Sunday dinners and family cook-outs are in their future!

See, the thing is....we could have our own reality show. There is more than enough drama in our lives. We are beautiful. We are smart.  Did I mention that we are funny?

The only thing the Kardishians have that we don't is money....and really....that only makes them self-centered and obnoxious....and we do that on a Wal-Mart budget!

Do you ever see a family in the Wal-Mart screeching at their kids and laughing so loud at each other that they snort.....Probably us.

And don't even get me started on game night. You haven't lived until you have played "No Holds Barred" UNO with us. The rule is you are old enough to play if you can do so without crying. True. Our kids used to ask if they could play. But when we would let them they would cry because Auntie was mean....It's not called Dirty for nothing!!

So if you ever hear of any talent scouts looking for that next big reality show....The Boom Boom Sisters (that is what Jim calls us) would be a BIG hit (and NO, that wasn't a fat joke!!).

I love these girls more than more. They are the rock I stand on. I am working on moving closer so moments like these won't just be a yearly occurance......some day......

The Wedding - Part Two

So many people came to the wedding and the reception. The official photographer has the photos of us as a large group...still waiting on those...but this post will be a few of the candid shots my bestie, the fabulous Ms. Heather Hubert, was able to get. You'll notice that Mr. Cooper is in a few of them. He loved to cheese for the camera and hand out hugs....so we got a lot of this little love bug!!

Cylie found walking through the puddles was good fun....and since it POURED rain while we were in the temple there were a lot of puddles to be had.

Cylie was still a little hesitant at this point to look at Heather very much. She kept up with her "shy face" almost the whole weekend. But not Cooper!! No shy in him at all!!

This little man give the BEST hugs. He is just the biggest love!!

My Bridger stayed in the background this trip. We had a few conversations about baseball and his favorite video game and the rest were smiles. I love his tender heart.

Brook and Bridger hung out mostly together....mostly without any fighting....wow. Brook came to me one time (when she was about 5) and said, "We need to talk. It's been forever since we just sat down and talked." and then she proceeded to talk to me like she was 25. I love this girl!! 

This girl and me go way back. When she was born her Mama had to work so guess who got to be Lacey's babysitter? ME!! I treasure the time I got to spend with this little girl. She will always have a special place in my heart.

When it was time for the newly weds to be on their way, everyone gathered for the good-byes. It was one of those mixed emotions moments. No longer my little boy (not that he has been that for years) this man, now responsible for the welfare of another human being, was setting of for an adventure all his own.

This good-bye with Tyler was hard. Ty will be leaving (today actually, 6-6-12) for the MTC to begin his training for his two year church mission. He will be sorely missed.

My girl did shed a couple tears after saying good-bye to her big brother. She has missed having him around...I am so happy that they are friends.

Abby hugging her daddy....not much emotion there ;)

I tell you, this new family is a hoot!! This is the royal wave. The perfect send off for our kids who have linked our families for eternity. We love having a new daughter and the fact that we already love her family is just icing on the cake.

The Wedding - Part One

Kevin and Abby tied the knot on May 26, 2012 in the Bountiful UT (LDS) Temple. What a beautiful, remarkable, special day.

They were radiant with happiness. It was so very satisfying. He chose well and married for eternity the girl of his dreams. Actually, the girl of my dreams for him as well. He probably has no idea how many prayers were said on behalf of his future spouse. Looks like it worked. She is the perfect match for Kevin...and our family.

My heart squeezes looking at this picture. Perfect....It was a good day. Of course it was pouring rain when we got to the temple. By the time we came out it was just windy and a little cool.

Proud really doesn't even cover it. I cannot think of a better day.

Really, this was even better than the day he was born. Along with the absolute joy I felt at becoming a Mama there was also a huge responsibility placed on my young shoulders. How would I ever manage to teach him all he would need to know. 

But looking at him now, I can say he turned out pretty good. Somehow, the Lord always knows what to give us and when.

There were a lot of proud Mama's there. And rightfully so!

At one point (OK...maybe more than one) I got a little emotional. My Mom was very present....but I wished...just for a minute......

Kevin hates having his picture taken, he was almost done at this point.

Abby's sweet family. Her Dad, Jim and Mom, Connie have raised such an amazing daughter. And little James was a hoot. I can see why Kevin loves him so much.

The four of us. Funny, when I look at this picture...I really do feel like it is incomplete. Abby is such a big part of our family now. Jo finally has that sister she always wanted!!

Jim and Kevin always have to make sure they are the tallest. Too bad Kevin really is!! There was so much fun and happiness on this day. There was no way I could fit it all into one post. I'll get more pics out soon.

Wordless Wednesday

The Graduation

 We have had such a busy month! Getting ready for this girl to graduate has been a whirlwind of activity at our house. We are so proud of Jo. Our last move was rough for her...but she has bounced back beautifully!

I don't think her Dad or I could be more proud.

She wore my Mom's necklace to graduation. It really made my Mom feel so close. Jo felt it too.

Stephanie came to support Jo. It was SO good to see her.

Allyson and Jo looked stunning in their Titan Blues!

Can't tell we are about to burst....right?? Our baby...wow...

And then there is Ryan...we like this one. He is pretty funny and very respectful...something the last "one" wasn't.

The Civic was a huge venue....but when you have almost 400 graduates, I guess you need somewhere to put all the the people who love them. It was fun to have so many kids from church graduating. We got to cheer for them all!

Jo is never hard for me to find in a crowd. I love her vivid hair. It matches her unforgettable personality.

As far as graduations go, this one was pretty good. The speakers weren't too long, or very boring at all. 

This is Leanne and her dog Dasher. Jo was an aide in the SPED room for one of her classes her last semester. She was primarily responsible for helping Leanne. Jo loves this girl and she will always have a place in her heart.

I took this after Jo received her diploma. She is standing just to the left of the stage.

And there she is, our graduate. Look how tall!! She rocked those heels. I was so proud...she didn't even trip once!!

So now what? you ask...well....we aren't real sure just yet. Part of her wants to go to ISU (Idaho State University) and part of her (the part that likes her money) wants to stay here for a bit and go to Metro Community College (tuition is like 1/4 the price of ISU). So we will see which path she chooses. The world is hers right now to do with what she will. Good luck, my darling daughter. You will be fabulous no mater what you chose!!