Mr. and Mrs. TeBeest

My dear friend Ashley got married at the end of July in Sheboygan, WI. She is worth the 5 hour drive :o) Ashley was a wonderful friend in college. We met when she joined my Sorority and then became much closer when she partnered up with me to get Relay For Life going on campus. I could not have done it without her positive attitude and support through the last 3 years of planning. Lets just say, it probably would never have happened had she not come along. Love you Ashley...and love your heart!

For those of you who don't know her, you are missing out. She is the sweetest person you will ever meet, with a heart of gold. She has a passion for helping others and does everything she can to help support organizations battling cancer. Quite possibly why we hit it off so quick! Ashley is also a special education teacher which probably tells you a little more about her amazing personality.

Her wedding was beautiful! Absolutely breathtaking, but with a beautiful bride what does anyone expect. Her bridesmaids wore knee length strapless black dresses and carried bouquetsof white hydrangeas. Her wedding was mostly black and white but she had purple accents to honor those who had passed from, are fighting, or have survived the horrors of cancer. She also spent the money most people use for favors to donate to American Cancer Society.

Mr. and Mrs. Joshua TeBeest

Love Them!

Love him but someone forgot to pack his belt and nice shoes....haha he is lucky I was not as up tight as I normally am. Laughed it off and went on with the evening.

My wonderful Date

My sweet Chi Omega Baby Krystal, finally back from living in Hawaii

My College Loves

All the Chi Omega's at the wedding

Our little Chi Omega Family

Thanks for letting us be a part of your special day!!!! We Love you both!

Confessions of a Facebook Addict

Step one. Admit you have a problem.

Step two. Embrace it!

Confession: This post really does have a point, but it doesn't really have much to do with Facebook. Actually other than the fact that Facebook brought me to this post, it has nothing to do with it at all.

Just a little plug while I am at it... One great thing about Facebook is the networking. I must say, I originally got a Facebook account in order to 'be a college student', but now I can say Facebook is a blessing. Yes it can be time consuming however, it helps people reconnect, stay connected, and enjoy messages here and there. So, as annoying as I find all of the apps, stalkers, constant changes, friend requests from people you don't know, and news feed...I still say "I love you Facebook".

One to the real Post:

When i was a young one I was a part of a group that formed my core friends as well as 99% of my childhood memories. This group was no ordinary group...it was put on by mothers who put their creativity to work to serve their children. And to all those mothers I am forever grateful.

The Sunshine Club.

You laugh but this was serious business. We had a theme song (that i can still sing parts of), scheduled activities, crafts, field trips, and activities galore. We even had nick names and t-shirts. I am telling you, this was not some 'play date' where the kids run around like mad and the mothers sit a watch with smiles on their faces and chat about life. This was a CLUB. With creativity at it's finest.

I remember random bits from our gatherings and the rest of the memories are fueled by photo books. One activity was held at the Paluska house where we used Ice cream containers to make astronaut helmets and went to space on their back deck. I am talking real deal activities here. (With real ice cream cartons like they have at ice cream parlors that they scoop the yummy goodness out of and place it nicely in the cone for the customers to enjoy...side note (i have cravings ok)) Any how. We would have massive Easter Egg hunts. Awards ceremonies. I think we still have the gardening gloves gone Old McDonald's Farm...Puff ball animals were made and then placed on the fingers of gloves. (creative mothers remember) There were many other fabulous activities but those will have to wait until I can scan pictures to put with the stories.

One group that grew off of this Club was our Secret Santa. Started out small but soon became a Germantown Hills Neighborhood Hit. I cannot remember how many family we had or how many years it lasted, but i sure remember the events. Each family would get put in a bucket and then everyone would draw a family to surprise over the holidays. I think we did this for a week with different gifts each night. I remember waiting anxiously for our Secret Santa to surprise us but we were always fooled by how they actually got the gift to us. Back deck, front porch, mailbox...however they got it to us we didn't care. Delivering gifts was also fun. I am surprised cops were not called more often as we would creep down streets in all black. Drive around without headlights. Wander around peoples property....oh the joys of SS. At the end of the week we would get together and have a huge potluck and talk about all the great stuff we got...and then guess who had our family. Too much fun. One year we KNEW who our family was because my brother actually snatched up one of their kids and brought him into our house. They were new to SS and I am not sure if they participated again after that event. I just remember mom saying "let him go...". Have i mentioned we were terror children growing up?

Anyhow....we had a great group of families and friends. These people would do anything for anyone else in our group. I am grateful for ALL of them and no matter how much time passes it is still a joy to hear about everyone growing up, getting married, having kids of their own...I am sure all of our parents are secretly hoping we start Sunshine clubs of our own.

We had a reunion a few years back...(am i repeating myself too much if i say yet again this was serious business?)

Anyhow, Facebook ties into this because it has brought most of our Sunshiners back together. And has given me something to blog about.

**One member of this group is also getting a little advertisement from me due to her incredible talent. Miss Becky started her own business that any mother would LOVE...or anyone who loves bags :o) So, new moms, expectant moms, someday moms, or friends of moms....check these beauties out:

Custom Bags and her Blog is here

You can mix match, create, and ENJOY diaper bags or hand bags made by the wonderful Becky. The best part...her business is non-profit. So have a look and feel free to take part in her organization. I can promise i will be sporting a Better Life Bag when our family grows....or if I convince the hubby I'm in need of a new handbag.

Wedding Season seems to never end....

This summer was more mild than last, but we were still busy. In June I spent a weekend in Kenosha for Laura Fornetti's bridal shower. She was my roommate in college (would not have graduated without her by my side) and helped me though some of the toughest moment in the college years. I am very grateful for her friendship. She stood up with us in my wedding and then asked me to be a bridesmaid in hers as well.

Her shower was simple and lovely! Held at the Bull & Bear in Kenosha. All her bridesmaids were there except her sister Jamie...who is slaving away on her PhD and MD in Denver.

Bridesmaids: Kim, Me, Laura(bride), Ashley, Sami

Me and the very tan bride to be....or I'm just really pasty (thanks what working every day does to a girl)

Guest appearance of Mr. Will Waller (groomsman) to cheer on team USA in the World cup game that day....they lost

We got the groom to step in for a pic as well...he ran quickly after he was loved on by the bridesmaids.

Chi Omega's....I blame XO for our unplanned matching attire.

Had a wonderful time with the ladies....wish the weekend would have lasted longer!!!!

It's Baby Time

Most of my friends are due between October and December, but a few babies will be arriving earlier. And one of those little darlings just entered the world on June 5th. I was able to enjoy her for a few minutes on my lunch break.

Introducing Ella Faith Wiley...is she not the most beautiful little girl...

Sleeping and sporting her little hat I made her.

Not going to lie, I took a long lunch, I just couldn't get enough of her.

Just a little peanut

I cannot wait for all the other sweet little babies to get here. Baby Kaelyn arrived in February We have not met as she lives in Texas. And Baby Riley arrived a few weeks ago, but I don't have pictures with her for some odd reason. But she is beautiful and growing so fast!!!

We are still waiting on:

Baby Stein in September (not finding out the sex)

Baby Dunne in September (girl)

Baby Brazis in October (boy: Name is a secret)

Baby Heinold in November (girl: Mackenzie)

Baby Fleck in November (girl: Reese Josephine)

Baby Emlen in December (BOY: once mistaken for a girl, but it is definitely a boy)

Baby Knecht in February

It is going to be a BUSY BUSY year

Hobbies...

My job....stresses me out. Even though I thoroughly enjoy what I do, dealing with sick people, injuries, and death daily does not lend itself to relaxation. Much of the stress at work follows me home and really puts a damper on my evenings. More stress is usually waiting for me at home as our house is still full of projects....which seem to multiply.

On one of my days off I decided I needed to find something that would allow me to relax and escape some of the daily stresses. Thus came my new hobby....crocheting.

I have a lot of friends expecting sweet little babies this year, and wanted to make something for their little bundles of joy. Did a bit of research, bought some supplies, and taught myself to crochet. I am still experimenting with different stitches, styles, and designs. Hopefully I will be able to expand my projects over time. I am still wanting to find some baby blanket designs I like...

These are some of my little creations: (the flowers and details are not permanent but placed on the hats to give examples. All are interchangeable, and i am still experimenting with different designs)

Shell Stitch Beanie (soft green)

Single Crochet, Skip Stitch Beanie with Shell Border (Pink Rose)

Single Crochet, Skip Stitch Beanie with Straight Border (Pink Rose)

Loose Beanie, Muffin Top (Pink Rose)

Muffin Top, Half Double Crochet (White)

Waffle Stitch, Straight Border Beanie (soft Blue)

Mock Mary Jane Booties (Soft Yellow)

Headband (pink rose)

Headband (Autumn Brown)

Coffee Coozie with Button Accents (Maroon)

I will probably add some blogs matching patterns with pictures so I remember what I used for each item....but until then, pictures are it.

I hope to eventually be able to sell these items....but first I must figure up reasonable prices and details. If you are interested or have ideas let me know. I am always willing to try new items or styles people would like.

CAT Truck Birthday Cake

Micah Turned 27 today!!! We never make a huge deal out of birthday's...just kinda do as we feel when they come up. Last year Micah was wanting a cake and I just didn't feel like making one. I still bought the mix so he could make it himself, however this was not what he wanted to hear. For our wedding I was wanting to surprise him and get him a grooms cake that was made into a Cat Truck. Of course i could not find anyone who would make it for me. So that fell through. So this year I felt ambitious.

I started out thinking i would just make a cake....Then I decided I had the day off so I was going to make a CAT cake. I hope to perfect this design as it would make a wonderful cake for some little boys birthday when kids come along (someday). Here is my low budget version:

Ingredients Needed for the Cake:

-2 boxes of cake mix (of your choice)

-3 eggs (per box of cake mix)

-1/2 cup vegetable oil (per box of cake mix)

-1 1/3 cup water (per box of cake mix)

Ingredients Needed for the Frosting: (Buttercream Frosting)

- 1/2 cup butter

- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening

- 3 cups confectioner's sugar

- 1 tsp Vanilla extract

- 1 Tbs milk

Directions:

Combine vegetable shortening and butter. Add vanilla and mix thoroughly. Slowly add confectioners sugar. Once mixed fully add milk and continue mixing. Use food coloring to obtain desired colors.

(creates a light airy frosting)
Choose baking pans according to the size of cake desired. For a cake about 1' x 1' x 1' use a 9x13 pan and an 8x8 pan. Wheels can be made with cupcakes or anything of your choice.

For the body of the truck use the 9x13 sheet and cut off about 2 inches from one end (this will be used for the hub of the truck) Cake can be layered for height of truck or a box wrapped in foil can be used as base under cake. * Next time i will use a small sheet of wood (plywood) wrapped in foil. Prop it up with small wooden blocks placed behind wheels. This will allow truck to be raised off the ground for a more realistic look.

The 8x8 sheet will be used for the bed of the truck. Cut out enough cake to form the bed as shown. Cake mix Box can be use to tip the bed of the truck. Smash one end of the box for the tilt effect.

Use 4 cupcakes as wheels. Attach to body of truck with toothpicks.

The section of cake cut off of the 9x13 sheet can be cut to desired size for the hub of the truck. Attach with toothpicks.
Begin Frosting....(take tires off for frosting time)

Detail truck as desired. I used brown frosting to highlight HUB and TIRES. Chocolate Chips for lettering and grill. White frosting was used for windows.

Use the cake cut out of the bed of the truck as dirt. Crumble cake pieces and place around truck. Oreo's were the crumbled and placed in the bed of the truck as more dirt.

With more time and more money these hints would improve quality of cake:

*More cake mix used and layered with frosting so entire cake is edible.

*Cake Frosting tools used rather than a spatula.

*Black frosting to detail Truck

Happy Birthday Micah :o) Love you

A puppy's life

Cooper is a bit spoiled...big surprise right? But I must say he is more spoiled by his "aunts", "uncles", and "grandparents" than he is by us. He always has people stopping by to visit him. We have lived in our house for almost a year now and my Dad has never visited....until Cooper came along. I guess it's just that puppy charm. He is a cutie but definitely tries our patience...

As we all know, I HATE clutter...everything has its place and should be there 99% of the time unless it is in use. Our agreement was to only get the dog a toy or two (no squeakers)...next thing we know he has 18 (5 with squeakers). SPOILED. And does he pick one and play with it, then put it away before getting out a new toy. Of course not. As soon as i pick them up he has them all out again afraid that clean up time means he has to get in his kennel. He is a true toddler. The positive is he usually likes to play with his toys rather than destroy our belongings. The only thing he is truly tempted by are cords (he pull on them) and any kid of knot or button. I can handle this as long as he is not destroying everything we have in the house.

Cooper also has treats galore, a Snuggie For Dogs, and All the attention in the world.

Waiting for Dad to come back out of the store...Manly

Enjoying his snuggie and 'tiger'...both from Uncle Bryce

Nap time, with dad of course

He is also happy to play with cardboard if he is given random objects. His favorites are toilet paper/paper towel rolls and toothpaste boxes.

We usually have a morning snooze on my days off....since he keeps me up all night. He gets cozy anywhere he chooses and is usually on his back with legs up in the air.

Coopers day is usually quite relaxed. He is potty training and HATE sleeping in his kennel. So we are down to waking up about twice a night to go outside. As much as I do not enjoy this, it is better than the every hour schedule we were on the first week he was with us. And now he stops crying in his kennel just a few minutes after we lock him in. I no longer have to wear earplugs to get any sleep :o) When we wake up in the morning he usually gets a little play time and then sits around watching us get ready for work. Then it is a battle to get him in his kennel when we leave. He sleeps all day and then plays all evening when we get home. We hope to not have to use his kennel much once he is potty trained. At the moment this is not an option since he has accidents every now and then. We are trying to figure out a way to train him to bark or somehow let us know he has to go outside. he is so quiet and usually just walks by the door, looks at us, and if we don't see him he pees on the floor. (suggestions?)

For a while he was peeing in his kennel but this has not been a problem lately so we hope that phase is over. He cries when we leave the room. And sleeps at our feet wherever we are sitting or standing. Needless to say, he gets stepped on quite a bit. But we love him and having him around has been such a joy. We originally wanted to get two, decided to stick with one for now and see how it goes....and now we are pretty sure we will NOT get another puppy. However if we do it will be a newborn that is easier to train and does not have bad habits from the previous owner, or we will adopt an adult puppy from a shelter. But that will be no time in the near future.