What's Up?

I hope your summer is going well.  I keep telling myself after this or that things will slow down, but we'll see.  I have so many hopes for the summer, projects to finish, planning for the next school year, trips to take, and exciting happenings and dreams come true.  But there is also trials and growth going on as we approach job issues and medical challenges.  God is so good to see us through them all and I am so grateful to my Savior who watches over me and my family.

Several months ago we had taken Isabella to a geneticist.  They had wanted to do some blood tests, but we have been waiting to get the ok from the insurance company.  A long process and I didn't even know if I wanted the tests.  Last week Isabella had an appointment with one of her doctors who thought she was doing well and actually said the things I wanted to hear.  He was skeptical wether she had either of the diseases the geneticist wanted her tested for and said how we could go on and on doing costly testing that could just bring us back to where we are right now.  The next day, on the way to therapy, the geneticist office called and all the tests were now approved by the insurance.  I spoke to the therapists about my doubts with the tests and they really encouraged me to get the tests especially the one that scared me the most.  I tried to quickly get to my car, without my emotions showing, but when I got back to pick Isabella up they were ready for intervention.  I can generally do well with issues as long as I don't have to talk about it.  They felt differently,  I guess now they know how I feel.  Today I go in to get Isabella's blood test.  I am anxious both for the process of getting the blood tests (Isabella does not enjoy her blood drawn), and for the results of the test.  Inside I know that God is with me and will help us through but if you have time today to drop a prayer on Isabella's and my behalf I would appreciate it.   The Bible says "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication  with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Philippians 4:5-7

Well, on the brighter side, things have been exciting here and one party after another.  I will post in a couple days about the newly weds and there exciting adventures but for now, here are some fun pictures. Have a great day.
Alicia

Alex's family birthday party, The strawberry rhubarb crisp didn't support the candles so I held them.

my cute little boy loved all the parties and cake

Cassandra's party

Danika's Honor Star's graduation

Sierra's prayer at her Honor Friends graduation

Latisha finished with her honors Girls Only, Sierra Honors Friends,
Danika Honor Star, Cassie Honor Daisy and Isabella just happy to be there.
A big year for our girls.

We had a root beer party for Alex's 21st birthday party with friends, complete with
homemade root beer, root beer cookies, root beer candy, hot wings etc.

trifles that looked like little root beers.  Cute, Latisha helped a lot

here Cassandra and I are making her happy birthday sign

Turned out cute

Cassie with strawberry cupcake for friends party

Father's day outing up to the cross, where you can oversee the city and valley below.  First we had a picnic

Headed to the cross

at the huge cross.  at night it is lighted and the city can see it.

Aidric's new talent is climbing on chairs and anything else close to his height.  

Cassie Girl is Six

Happy Birthday to my sweet and fun Little Cassie Girl.  There was quite a break from Danika to Cassandra and everyone thought we were done.  But surprise, God knew better and blessed us with an amazing little girl so full of life and energy.  Cassie is a smart little girl and in her innocence causes everyone to erupt in laughter.  She loves to tell us jokes around the table… like…  "What did the pig say to the cow….  mmmm I want to eat you."  We all just look at each and then break up in laughter.  Not that it is funny but it is just so cute to watch her come up with her own jokes.  She is so happy with herself, and loves to see everyone laugh.  If you come to our house and don't know what one wall said to the other, Cassandra would love to tell you.  (Meet you at the corner)  We have heard the joke numerous times but she still waits for the laugh.  She definitely has a way of bringing life and light to our days.  What a joy she is.  We Love you Cassandra… have a Wonderful birthday and year.

Love Dad and Mom

She wanted her hair like Danika's

cake making time

Happy 21st Birthday to My Son!

I am sitting here watching a beautiful video of my son Alex, 21 years ago.  Such a handsome little guy. I remember those moments as I became a mom, something I had dreamed about since I was a little girl. I always wondered what my kids would look like, how they would act, and what it would feel like to hold my own baby.  It was amazing when it happened but so very surreal.  I just couldn't grasp what all this meant.  Holding the child I had longed for was really here.  What an awesome responsibility and such an amazing gift.  It didn't really seem like it was my baby.  Then in the middle of that first night the nurse brought him to me.  I remember looking at him and thinking, "He is so beautiful."  I can't express the warm maternal feelings that rushed over me as I held this precious gift.  The next morning I talked to my mom and just could find the words but just to say, "Mom, he is so beautiful."  I  remember coming home from the hospital.  David dropped us off at home and had to head back to work.  Here we were just Alex and I.  I was so sad to see David leave but so excited to be home with our baby.  I wanted to hold on to each moment.  We just laid on the couch and cuddled. I had no idea what all lay ahead but I knew at that moment all was wonderful.

Today that wonderful blessing turns 21 and I am so very thankful for this gift from God that is now a man.  I treasure our moments together.  Having him home from college is a treat.  He has one more year left and then who know what.  God has good things planned for Alex and David and I look forward to all that is in store.  Happy Birthday my Sonshine.

God Bless you All,
Alicia

Our Daughter is a Mrs.

God is so good.  The wedding came and went just like we knew it would, and it was almost perfect.  You plan and prepare, then it is here, and then it is gone.  I woke up the next morning thinking that was one of my favorite weddings ever.  We were so blessed as God answered our prayers.  The wedding day was beautiful and God graciously sent a lovely breeze to keep things from getting too hot.  There was more than enough food. The only thing we ran out of were the cake balls.  Latisha made her cake and it was beautiful and didn't fall.  We had so many people helping out and my most amazing 7 1/2 month pregnant friend, Amy, just took charge and oversaw so much that I can't express enough gratitude to her.  Not to mention Ivy, Latisha's made of honor did an amazing job.  Alli and Marissa have been there helping every step of the way and have been so wonderful.  Our parents and siblings also gave so much help, and our church family helped us pull every thing off wonderfully. I could go on and on, but the help we received was such a blessing and we are so grateful.

The week went wonderful.  Thursday was the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

 Then Saturday we continued with food preparations.  I was getting nervous about how much food we needed.  We had over 300 rsvp and I had never cooked for that many.  So I started to google how much food I would need.  Let me just say the sources I found must focus on the very hungry adult.  I think when you factor in kids and several sides you could almost half what you find on the internet.  We filled several gallon baggies with left over meatballs, pulled pork, fruit, and salads. The sad thing is most of that will not keep so I wish I would have handed it out to my helpers after the wedding, but everything just got loaded and is now sitting in my refrigerators.  I was soooo glad that it went that way and not the other.

Look at my happy helpers.  So blessed.  Here Latisha is starting to frost her four layer cake

Brent even jumped in and pealed many potatoes.

 Sunday evening we had a bbq for our helpers and family.

The girls acted out the proposal, Mad Lib style, replacing a few words with misc
word they got from the audience.  Like instead of Latisha driving to Brent's car
she drove to his airplane...

Here Brent and Latisha are watching the show

With most of the family present we couldn't pass up photo ops.
This is David's side of the family

Here is my side

 Then the work began bright and early Monday morning.  Latisha did not want to see Brent until the ceremony so he had the morning off, but all others were there and working hard.  We only had a few hours and much to do.

Here the groomsmen are decorating the gazebo

Bridesmaid and friends working on the aisle

Next the sound system

family decorating tables

Latisha finishing the cake

My dad helping me with food

 Then the ceremony was to start.  We had a lovely turn out.  I went to my place to be escorted by my son Alexander but the bridesmaids were not yet to their spot.  We waited and could hear my youngest son wailing.  So, unfortunately we didn't get to have him carry the rings down and he got to enjoy the wedding from inside the building.  I was escorted by Alex, the grooms parents joined me and the grooms mom and I lit the unity candles.  Then the gorgeous bridesmaids and groomsmen came down, the flower girls, and then my husband escorted our beautiful daughter to her husband soon to be.  There were smiles, laughs, and tears through the ceremony and is was wonderful.  One man, one woman united in holy matrimony.

Daddy and Daughter

Husband and Wife

 The pastor did a wonderful job speaking on marriage and the duties of the husband and wife.  They exited with a choreographed routine to music that brought lots of laughs and cheers.  The reception was lovely and then off they went.  It was so wonderful to be surrounded by so many family and friends.  Truly we are blessed.  They are now on their honeymoon in California and ready to begin their life as husband and wife.   These picture are not the professional ones, so I hope to post some more soon.   God bless and keep these two that You have joined together.

Bride and Bridesmaids 

Have a lovely day.

Alicia

7 More Days

Quick wedding update.  We are getting so excited as we are in the final week of wedding preparations. Things are coming together and we delight in the upcoming marriage of our daughter.  "The Voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the Lord of Hosts: for the Lord is good; for his mercy endureth forever. " Jeremiah 33:11.  Blessed be the Lord.

We have made around 1,000 meat balls, 100 cake balls (for the groom's cake), and over 40 pounds of pulled pork.  I so appreciate all the help from friends.  Each day this week another project is planned and before we know it the happy couple  will be off on their honeymoon and a new marriage will have begun.  Here are a couple pictures to share of us making meat balls.  Tip of the day:  I couldn't find the low fat hamburger to make the first few batch of meatballs and they crinkled all up.  I found some low fat hamburger later, and those meatballs are beautifully rounded.  Hopefully no one will judge me based on the shape of my meatballs, he he he.  They truly started out beautiful.  Have a blessed day.
Alicia

Happy Mother's Day/Bridal Shower

Happy Mother's Day to all you lovely moms out there.  It is a day to celebrate, the gift of life and those who choose to bring others into this world and raise them with God's help. I have been blessed today with flowers from my son Alex, bubble bath and scrub from Latisha, and gardening supplies and cards from the rest.  I truly am been blessed with wonderful children.  It was a little sad to think this is probably the last time I will have all my kids together to serve me breakfast in bed on Mother's day morning.  The wedding is approaching and Latisha is getting ready to leave the nest.  Yikes. :)

Today I also celebrate having one of the greatest woman in the world as my mom.  My sister and I took her out to dinner last night and were terribly shocked when we left to see that we had just spent 3 1/2 hours talking and eating at the restaurant.  Good food, great company, good times.

Yesterday was also a big day as it was Latisha's bridal shower.  What an amazing job her Maid of Honor did planning it and her bridesmaids and others helping help. We have spent the last few days cooking for the shower and really, the last couple months preparing.  Then it came and was over, just like that.  It was very good.  My son had asked me a couple months ago how I was doing with Latisha leaving soon and I told him fine and quite excited for her.  Now though I find myself looking at the end of this season of having her here everyday and yes, I have started to get quite emotional, but I am truly so happy for her and am so blessed to have Brent joining our family. One of my favorite parts of the shower was having her future mother-in-law pray for her as we all gathered around.  I am so grateful that she prayed, because at that moment I'm not sure I could talk.  What a blessing. Here are some picture of the shower before and after that I took.  We had another lady taking pictures during the shower so I look forward to seeing those pictures soon.

this is the gift table the night before. The next day it was filled and overflowing.
We also put pictures in the heart stand of Latisha and Brent growing up

It had a Paris theme,

The next morning this table was filled with quiche and fruit

This table was filled with creme puffs, zucchini bread, lemon poppy seed bread, and
coffee cake.

and this table had beverages

unfortunately my picture of the centerpiece got lost but this was a nice corner.

The lovely sisters

Mom and the Bride to Be

She looked so lovely and was very blessed by friends and family 

Hopefully I can share more pictures later.  I hope you have all had a blessed day.

Alicia