How is it possible??

My little sis is getting married next Saturday! It doesn't seem possible. I remember thinking I would never have a sister after getting three brothers in a row. I was so excited the night Kyli was born. She was like my real live doll and I would dress her up in different outfits and take pictures of her. Our age difference seems to be narrowing especially now that she's going to be a wife. Just think we can shop for apartment decor, plan menus, and clip coupons together-all the things she makes fun of me for right Kyli ;) Love you sis and we're so excited to celebrate with you and Rex next week!



A sister finally! Too bad you have a nerd for an older sister.



Matching bibs. We were styling back in the 90s!

Almost ten years later, it's your turn to be the bride!!

Keeping me on my toes...

A video of our ballerina and pictures of our mess maker.

Noah found my pots and pans

Almost made it inside the cupboard

Caught in the act

Bridal shower and birthday

Enjoyed a girls weekend Friday and Saturday. We all headed to Peotone for Kyli's shower. It was a quick trip but a memorable one. Rex's family hosted us Friday night and then we enjoyed a very nice shower luncheon on Saturday. Beautiful decorations, delicious food, and so many great gifts! The van ride home was a tight one with Mom, Kyli, Rachel, Laura, Noah, Aunt Konni, myself, all of our stuff, and piles of shower gifts. We stopped to eat with Ben and Mandy on the way there and the way back. It was fun to see them and their cute place. Ended the weekend by celebrating Mom's birthday with lunch on Sunday at Bret and Amy's. Another packed weekend and we have several more coming up with the wedding quickly approaching!!

Bride and mother of the bride

Our table

Opening gifts

The yummy dessert buffet



The presents kept coming



The Crim girls



The ride home in the overstuffed van



Birthday cheesecake



Everyone wants to help blow out the candles



Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolation he has brought on the earth.

He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.

He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

I memorized this Psalm last summer and have meditated on it since then. It displays the fearless trust that we can have in the Lord. How comforting to know that everything around us can be falling apart, but we can be secure because God is our refuge. I love the last verse. I have trouble being still, yet there is nothing I can do to help Him, He is GOD! Such a great reminder for me to focus on resting in Him and knowing Him better. Just be still and let Him work...


Highlights of the week: a new haircut for Emma, a new phone for me (I can actually text now), shoes to go with my bridesmaid dress on sale for $12, Noah's nine month check-up, and starting a new healthy living program through work. The next few weekends are filled with bridal showers for Kyli and I'm excited!!



Long hair with tangles



The new cut

Noah loves his bath

Riding in Emma's "car"

A bad day, lots of tears, and PJs by 5:00