South Dakota Trip

It's been a busy summer for us. Most of our weekends have been filled with family visits. If we aren't traveling to North Dakota or South Dakota to visit Jason's family they are at our house. That is a big reason I haven't been as active on my blog this summer. 
This past weekend we traveled to South Dakota to celebrate Jason's Mom's birthday and Labor Day. Jason's sister and her kids were also there, so the weekend was filled with family, food, and lots of laughs. Of course if you know me you know that I always have my camera in hand to document every thing. 

Jake LOVES Jason's niece Kylie. Where ever she is he isn't far behind. Sometimes I have to remind him to give her her space. 

This weekend we discovered Jake's love for the sand box. It's not that he's never played in one but he's never shown a big interest in them until recently. He played in it for hours.  Jason was already googling how to build a sandbox as we drove home. :)

Sweet Dawson

 Jake and Wyatt playing. The reason Wyatt's always blurry is because he doesn't sit still long enough to get a good picture.

 Grandma and Kylie looking at Grandma's birthday gift from us. 

We took a field trip to The Children's Museum of South Dakota on Sunday. It was a beautiful day for it and only a 45 minute drive. 

The museum is set up in stations. This was the mechanic shop. They had pretend work orders the kids could follow. It was so cute to watch the kids fixing the cars.

Jake thought this station was so cool.

He's a big kid

I think out of every stations the restaurant was his favorite.  

What can I get for you, kind Sir?

Playing Grocery Store.

Water Station

Jason's sweet niece Sydney

 Sydney and Kylie. Beauties!

We heading back to town after a long day and had an early supper. Then the kids all got ice cream. 

Relaxing after a fun day!

We had such a great weekend. It is so important to me that Jake has a great childhood filled with fun, family and great memories. This weekend was definitely all of those things. 

Currently-August 2017

Current mood: Other than being tired a lot lately, my mood has been been pretty great. 

Current procrastination: Unpacking. Still. I know. Don't judge! 

Current need: A creative outlet. I'm just not sure what that is yet. 

Current craving: Spaghetti. I haven't had pasta in over 6 months. I was never a big pasta person until I cut it out of my life. You never know what you miss until it's gone. ☹

Current obsession: Counting the cars in the parking lot at the restaurant that I am scarred for life by because of my horrible customer service experience. I pray the asshole that owns it goes out of business. I know that sounds bad but he is not a good person. I get to pass this establishment 2 times a day. Lucky me. 

Current drink:  Loving my my morning coffee with heavy whipping cream and 1 truvia. It took me 10 years of drinking coffee and several different variations to find my perfect cup of coffee. 

Current food: I love my salads. That never changes. 

Current book: Just started The Barefoot Summer by Carolyn Brown. It was in my free book a month list on Amazon Prime. 

Currently looking forward to: The Minnesota State Fair. It is one of my favorite things to do. If for some reason I don't make it this year. I will be so sad. 

Currently watching: Real Housewives obsessed, Big Brother, wheel of fortune and cooking shows. 

Currently Listening to: MyTalk 107.1. Lately I've been into talk radio vs. music stations. If you like talk radio and want to laugh listen in online.

Currently Loving:  That tomorrow is Friday!! 

Me in 10 Memes!

I have tendency to say "I'm fine" when I'm not. 

I feel 28-30. Not 40! I am done adulting! 

To me it is easier to be nice than it is to be rude. I don't get it. 

Even after you place a note on the ice bucket at work that says, "if you use the ice please refill the trays". Jerks!

I can wait this out forever! Try me!

 This is something I just can't help! I can't sleep!

I see this so much of Facebook. Annoys the shit out of me!

I noticed I felt some road rage after experiencing this on our way to Fargo last weekend. Rude!

Am I the only one that can't stand it when someone is whistling?!

While making coffee in my work break room every Monday morning I ask myself, "self, weren't you just here a minute ago?"

What are your 10 Memes???

Jenna's Wedding

This past weekend my Sweet Cousin Jenna Mae got married to her best friend Johnny. She made a beautiful bride. One of my favorite thing to do is spend time with my family, and weddings are all about friends, family and love. With how heavy the world is today it's nice to take a break from the negativity and just be surrounded by love and family. 

A few weeks before the wedding Jenna Mae did a photo shoot in her Mothers wedding dress. This is a very special picture because her Mom is no longer with us. 

The happy couple

My Mom, Me, My Sister and Sister in Law

Of course I am always snapping pictures. I'm sure the family was getting sick of me saying "Hey guys, look over here and say cheese".

Silly Selfie with My Niece aka my Mini

My Handsome Man!!

Jason and I had a great time. Living so far away from your friends and your family is tough, so we cherish weekends like this. 

Weekend with the Fam!

This past weekend the family spent the weekend with us to help celebrate Camdin's 18th birthday. We had a great time and truly appreciate everyone driving so far to help us celebrate. I feel so blessed to become part of Jason's amazing family. It was a fun weekend with lots of laughs and memories made. Of course I took a ton of pictures. I may be annoying with my camera but I feel it's important to capture and document memories. 

We spent Friday night around the bonfire. 

Saturday we hung out all day in the yard playing games and enjoying each others company.

The boys had a great time playing together.

Jason is not a big fan of pictures but I was able to snap a couple of him with me, his Mom and his Sister. 

Lots of good food. 

More Smores

When you all live in different states it's quality vs. quantity.

Thank you for a fun weekend, Family. We love you all!!

Too Beautiful For Earth

One year ago our baby boy Jamie got his angel wings. Not a day goes by that we do not think of him. 

"Grief is like an ocean; it comes in waves, ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim."   Vicki Harrison

Instead of being sad today, I want to reflect on the blessing I was given to be chosen as your Mom. 

Heaven and Earth may separate us but you will always be in our hearts

Jamie Paul

8/3/2016

Annual Family Camping Trip-2017

Every year my family and I get together and go camping. This year my Brother and Sister In Law hosted at their new cabin. It was a fun trip. Lots of laughs, sun and memories. 

Here is a picture of us all at the sand bar. I've been coming to this lake my entire life and this was my first time here. 

My Siblings, my Dad and me at the sand bar

  Dad with the Grandkids

Cousins

 My Sister in Law really captured a beaut with this one. 

Jakey and Mommy on the boat

Hanging out around the bonfire.

 Game night with these nuts.

 Lots of laughs and stories around the fire.

 It was a beautiful weekend to spend on the lake with the family. The kids had a blast. 

 My first time tubing since I was a kid. And my last time!

The Reason I will never get on a tube again. 

Catching some rays

Kayaking with my Sister in Law. My first time and I loved it. We just went down to my Auntie Vickie's and back, which isn't far. Next time we are going on a longer journey. I was so proud of my SIL because she overcame her fears.

  

I made them stop playing for a quick shot!!They are growing up way too fast. 

Night Night to these two Best Buds!!

This was the first time Cooper has gone camping and she LOVED IT!!