Your whole heart for your whole life!

Although Ben and Katie have now been married 40 some days we got the chance to really celebrate on Friday at the post Mexico reception.  I only worked from 5-9 and was able to help out with some set-up over at the hall, pick up flowers for Katie, get a pedi/mani and even enjoy an afternoon lunchdate with my hubby.  Working early has it's perks!  Grandma T came down to stay the night at our house so we could bring Riley for a short time and then he could still get a good nights sleep! 

First things first: To Jen my dear friend who had a heck of a day making the fabulous cake-You are AWESOME, the cake was gorgeous, tasted delicious and was perfect!  Your first wedding cake was a hit with everybody!

Secondly thank you so much to everyone who shared the night with us!  I was so proud to be watching my little sister happily enjoying the evening surrounded by family and friends as she walked around in her dress with a smile glued to her face. 

Thirdly-the night was perfecto!  The hall (The Fountains of Ramsey) was very nice and I can't believe that that was our fist wedding there!  The appetizer's were delish and everyone ate until they were plump full!  My cousin's brought along little Owen who ate up the crowd and prouldly proclaimed "hi" to everyone he looked up at and squealed with joy as he ran from one thing to the next.  Riley and Owen and eventually Evan (my other cousin's son) couldn't keep off the dance floor.  They loved the speakers, the big open space and peering out the windows at the choo choo's!  It was a riot and I am so glad they had a blast!  Riley wanted nothing to do eating with Mommy and Daddy and he weasled his way up to the head table and sat with the most gracious and loving Cassie who let him take over her plate since she was too nauseous to eat with the impending speech!  Riley reveled in the pretty dresses, the attention and the dancing!  He stayed until about 9:30 at which point Daddy insisted that it WAS time for bed and after some pouting from me I gave in and said my goodbye's to the sweet little boy that had saved a few dances just for Mommy!  The rest of the night was busied with numerous conversation's, lots of dancing and very little drinking on my part!  Between all of the excitement I only made it up to the bar twice!  Derrick and my Dad on the other hand were bombed along with Ben and Katie.  I danced my little legs right off (almost!) and Katie, Kyle and I closed out the night practically alone on the dance floor.  I traded in my camera for dancing shoes and had a blast ; )  My camera was neglected most of the night but here are a few pics I managed to take...(and a few Annie took also : )

Thanks for all the help setting up, taking down and celebrating everyone!  
(Anne and Chad you guys should have stayed later!)

Lost Mexico pictures

Okay, these weren't really lost but these are some of the pictures that I didn't take that I finally got ahold of! 

The guys all went out deep sea fishing-here's Ben's catch.

Here's my Dad's catch-kinda ugly!

They didn't catch this shark but still kinda cool to see!

Here's the whole group minus a few out at Senor Frogs.  We had so much fun and walked the beach back under the moon!  Kinda funny to see my Uncle getting his nipples twisted as he takes a shot but well worth the memories! 

My Dad carrying a purse like it's no big thing around the bar.  We all found this hilarious!

Especially Ryan (my cousin)

In honor of Ben and Katie's reception this Friday I will now share the professional images that the photographer took!  Beware-you will want to get married on the beach next time around ; )

Riley enjoying his first dance with the bride!

Early Mothers' Day weekend!

This last Saturday was National Scrapbooking Day and I had asked if Derrick would want to take Riley boy up north so that I could scrap my heart out from 9-8:30 and not feel guilty for not being at home and he readily agreed!  Riley let us sleep in until 8 on Saturday and I was very thankful since I had a long day ahead of me.  He cried when I left and I could hear him saying "mommy, mommy, mommy" as I got in the car but I had ALOT of scrapping to catch up with and I knew he would be in good hands.  Dawn my old boss and also my Creative Memories Consultant knows how to throw a good party!  She provided breakfast, snacks, lunch and pizza for dinner and free gifts all for $40 and I even won a new album so I got more than my monies worth and I had a BLAST!  I am so proud of myself for finishing one album and nearly finishing the next (Although I am only to month 4 of Riley's life!)  The day flew by and I am now very motivated to finish Riley's books before he is 2.  My big night alone included a movie "The Ugly Truth"-funny, predictable and romantic but a little crude, a bath and some reading.  I have to say that I don't tell Derrick enough how very meaningful it is to me that he takes our son whenever I need to get something done and that I am so proud of him for getting himself and Riley out of the door in the mornings.  I think this has created a very special bond between them and when I get up with Riley on Saturday's he is always looking for Daddy.  
Looking at the baby pictures of Riley made me fall in love with him all over again and I can't believe how fast nearly 2 years has gone.  He really looked like Derrick to start with but now he is pretty much a Mini-Me.  Here's some pictures of me as a child.  Derrick and I were stunned at how similar we are!  

Yes, I looked like a boy with my mullet hair cut.  I have no idea what my Mom was thinking?

Spitting image?!

Thank you Daddy and Riley for giving Mommy such a relaxing and fun filled weekend!  I missed you but got so much work done!  

Pretty blooms

How quickly it went from this to