Made to be a Mommy

Yes, I believe from a very early age this was exactly what I was meant to do.  I have memories of going through the Sunday paper and cutting out of the ads everything you would need for a baby like a stroller, car seat, crib, cute sheets and of course I would find and cut out a cute baby.  I was crushed when I went to my first baby shower and realized that there was no baby as of yet!  I was utterly excited at the chance or even prospect of holding a baby and continued to babysit until I was nearly 20 because I simple love kids and figured that would hold me over til' later.

Riley has been dreamed about, imagined and loved for many, many years and as I celebrated my 2nd Mother's Day with my family I was so content, peaceful and relaxed and truly happy that this is exactly what my life should be like.

We had a wonderful day that started out at church where Riley sat the best that he has EVER sat in the pew with us.  He is now a certified little pray-er...(he folds his hands when Pastor announces "lets pray", bows his cute little head and even clenches his eyes shut!)  It was a wonderful service filled with lots of encouragement and great music.  Perfect way to start the day! (that and a Mother's day mocha from my favorite little Anoka coffee shop!)  Afterwards Riley was exhausted from his day trip up to Garrison and he napped for 3 hours.  So I got 4 loads of laundry washed-dried-and nearly folded, dishes washed, dusting, vacuuming, bathroom chores and window cleaning done and I get a sick pleasure from accomplishing house cleaning so I was one happy Momma!  Riley did lend a hand with his little vacuum and Daddy finished up the dishes so it was more of a team effort!

We went to my parent's for a BBQ and enjoyed a special yummy treat of ice cream and brownies, nothing was sweeter than my victory over Derrick in ping pong though.  It was an intense game and one that I have been training to win for years and finally on my day everything was in my favor.  Riley was cheering for Daddy but Mommy was making sick shots and hardly touching the whites of the table before Daddy was whiffing at the balls.

Riley-without you I am not a Mommy.  You have changed my life, priorities and my future.  You are my breath of life and I thank God every time I get to say goodnight to you.  I love to kiss your owies and hold you when you are sleepy.  I love making sandwiches for you and getting you to dressed.  I have never been more proud of anything I have ever done-YOU make everyday special and I am so lucky to be YOUR Mommy.  Thank you for the beautiful flowers and card-You and Daddy make a good team!  I am looking forward to our special opener's weekend together because we also make a good team!

I love you Mom for teaching how to be a wife and mother and for the wonderful example you continue set.  I love you Kathy for raising a son that loves me beyond my wildest dreams and is an even better Father than I realized he could be.   I love you Derrick for believing that I could be a great mother and giving me that chance.  I love you Riley for being my Son and amazing me around every corner we have taken together.

My Mother's Day high ended in a quiet movie with Derrick on the couch and I was so giddy from the whole day I even flossed my teeth which despite my dentist's recommendations never happens for pure lack of energy by that time so I would say it was a GREAT DAY!

Bath boy loves his Daddy

Biker boy

Riley is a bit too un-coordinated for his bike but he sure looks good on it!  You just have to learn how to pedal little man!

Katie-does the size of his helmet still make you laugh?

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!)