January 2024- Maddie said YES to the DRESS!

 

I wish I could show you the entire dress, but I can't.  You'll have to wait for June 22, 2025.  But trust me, the dress it gorgeous and Madeline looks even more gorgeous!  It's the most perfect dress! I can't wait for everyone to see her on her magical day!  I'll try my best not to cry... Hahaha, who am I kidding. I better get some waterproof mascara! 

Merry Christmas 2024!

I know for a fact that I had more Christmas photos than the ones I posted here, but these are all that I can seem to find! It hasn't been blogged about yet, but in June 2024 we lost Pippi.  He just never came home one day.  It was incredibly sad.  Pippi always thought he was a big cat with a big attitude, but reality was that he was definitely not.  Anyway, fast forward to Christmas 2024 and Chris and the girls surprised me with a Devon Rex kitten.  This baby is by far the best kitty we have every had and fits every definition and characteristic of a Devon Rex! His name is Hooey! 

We enjoyed celebrating Christmas together as a family.  Yummy food, fun games, and enjoying each other's company.  I couldn't have asked for a better day.  Happy Birthday to Jesus! 

 

Maddie and Griffin got engaged!!!! December 2024

I think I need to do a better job of keeping photos organized...

Griffin came over to our house early in December to ask for Maddie's hand in marriage.  It was the sweetest, most polite, moment I could have ever imagined.  Maddie had no idea, so we all had to keep it a secret from her!  Boy, was that hard!  Griffin surprised Maddie with a trip to a resort in Oregon.  We surprised Maddie with a family dinner when they came home!  It was beautiful and we are all so happy for Madeline and Griffin!  

The wedding is 6/22/25! 

 

Annual Christmas tree hunt 2024!

Road block!  

We found the most PERFECT Christmas tree! 

 

Happy Thanksgiving 2024

 

November 2024! First time voters!!!

Lucy and Ava voted in the 2024 Presidential election!  

 

I left my heart in Keizer- September 2024

 Shortly after returning home from Maui, Chris and I dropped Lucy and Ava off at their new apartment in Keizer, Or.   They are attending cosmetology school at Tangled Ends Hair academy.  Everyone always tell you how hard it is having little kids at home, but I'm not sure I've ever been warned about how hard it is to let them go. It's truly a grieving process that I still have not fully accepted nearly 6 months later.  I often wish life were the way it was when all the girls were young and at home.  I sure do miss those days, but I know there is beauty in life as we go forward.  I'm slowly finding it... It took me 22 years to get to the point of having all adult children, and now I have to allow myself longer than 6 months to get used to this new normal. 

Our trip to Maui! September 2024!

We surprised Lucy and Ava with a 10 day trip to Maui!  This trip was to celebrate their high school graduation and their 18th birthday!  We had such a great time and I have zero regrets.  Get ready for picture overload!