Lizzi Fun!!

Last week, on one of Jake's days off, we thought it would be fun to take Lizzi to the park. Even though it was early in the morning, the heat started to get to us. We still had fun. this was the first time that got Lizzi to go into a grassy area without screaming. She acctually seemed to like it. She ran around Jake, while he tried to catch her.



We also tried out the slide. Lizzi was not to kean on it at first, but after a few rounds and going down with her she started smiling again.



Lizzi has been trying to get ahold of my glasses of water and finally found her chance. I had left the room to get something and I come back to see Lizzi actually drinking out of my glass. By the time I caught her she had finished half of the water. I just had to memorialize the moment.

Our room is coming along, slowly but surely. I started going through things to see what can go where, and I found some of Jake's hats. Not knowing what I wanted to do with them at the time, I tossed them to the "i'll get to it" pile. Lizzi, promtly went over and picked up one of them and decided that she wanted to wear it. This picture was taken after I had taken the hat away and gave it back...after she screamed at me. I got quite the scolding for taking away her hat. When she was done, she placed the hat on her head and laughed at me as if to say, "Silly Mommy!"

It's all about the baby...

So, Jake and I have finally decided on a name, Madison Ann Hollingsworth, for the baby. It just felt right.
I'm very excited that the wedding is over, because now I can focus on getting things ready for the baby. Jake and Mike are doing all they can to get Mike's office put together, so that we can get all of our boxes into the new storage area. Once that is done I'll be able to get the room setup for the crib and everything organized for when Madison is born. I've been going through some of the boxes of Lizzi's old clothes, and I had forgotten how many boxes we had filled. We have 3 huge totes full of clothes, blankets and toys. She will not be short of any style of clothing, Thanks to the generosity of the Grandma's Foundation (aka Denise and Winnie).

I've been getting really excited about having the baby. For a while it didn't register as really happening, because we have had so many other things going on that it was just pushed to the side. Now it's the next big thing happening in our family and it's at the front of everyone's minds (well at least the front of my mind). It will be nice to have a little baby around again. Don't get me wrong, I love that Lizzi is growing and learning and able to do things on her own, but she doesn't like to cuddle like she used too. I miss being able to hold her while she sleeps, and watch her smile and giggle for the first time. We have a hard time taking her picture, because she just moves to fast. She is definitely her own person, and is very opinionated. Oh well, they do say that they grow up faster than you imagined.

Just a note : We need a few things for Madison. We have put together registries at Wal-Mart, Target, and Babies-R-Us. We especially need bedding and bath stuff.

Wedding Pics!!

So, the ceremony was wonderful. I was little worried that Eleesha might become dehydrated after all of her tears of joy, but she seemed fine. Jake and I barely stayed for a couple of family shots, because we had all of the food for the luncheon in our car. Luckily, with the cooler temperature that day, the coolers were able to keep the food. By the way, Thank You again to all those that helped us get the food put together. We couldn't have done it without you. After the luncheon it was time to set up for the reception and get a few more pictures. Lizzi spent most of her time running around with the other little cousins. Although, Grandma and Mommy did their fair share of running after her.

The rest of us just stood around waiting for our turns in the spotlight with the bride and groom.


They wanted to be sure to get a shot of the next generation.

I don't think I have ever seen Mike so happy! I think Mike is dreaming about his new office, while Denise is trying to figure out how to get her sewing room.


The Twins!! For those that still don't know, both Jared and Eleesha are twins. The funny thing is that Eleesha's sister tried to set them up a few years ago, but neither of them would have it. If only they had known...

All of the sisters. Okay, I don't care what anybody says, but I do not look pregnant at all. I just look like I've put on about 30lbs.. There must be something wrong with my family, because neither my mom, my sister nor I have ever gotten the cute little "basketball" tummy. Sorry, I just had to vent.

One of the sweet angels that helped me keep Lizzi entertained. Lizzi just loved running around with Michaela. And Grace, even though Lizzi is just about her size, she carried her all over the place.

The greatest moment of the day...we;;, for me anyways. Just after the cutting of the cake, I caught Jake and Lizzi having their own "Daddy-Daughter" Dance.

Now contrary to the baker of the cake...the wedding cake looks absolutely beautiful. I'm normally the one that can pick out any flaws in details, and I couldn't see any of the flaws that Debbie was continually pointing out. Take a look for yourself, and you can be the judge. But, to me, the cake looked as wonderful and beautiful as it tasted!

Jake and I ended up heading out shortly after the cake. We were exhausted, esspecially Lizzi. I don't think I had ever been able to lay her down so easily. Jake and I ended up staying up until everyone else got home, mainly because my feet hurt to much to get ready for bed. Everyone, but Lizzi and I, slept in that Sunday. Lizzi just had to get up at the crack of dwn as always. Now, I mean no offense to anyone, but it was kind of funny that Mike and Jake cleaned out Jared's old room and started setting up Mike's office that afternoon. They almost got it done and probably would have if they didn't have to go back to work that Monday.

Picking up the pieces...

So, now that the wedding is all over, I've been able to catch up on other projects. One of which was uploading pics of Lizzi. About a month ago, Jake and I decided to go up to Salt Lake for a visit. We stopped off at Cove Fort, since I'd never been there.

We all had fun! Lizzi liked the common area the best because then she could run around. She also liked the holes in the walls for the shotguns, mainly because daddy played peek-a-boo with her.

the lady that did our tour was really nice. Lizzi got one of those wooden wheel-spinner games and Cove Fort information card.


In addition to all of the excitement, Lizzi is becoming an excellent duster.


She is a big fan of those swifer dusters.

The After Wedding Day

So, we lived through Jared and Eleesha's wedding. After weeks of trying to pull all the loose ends together, we finally can take a moment and breathe. Denise and I have spent the last few days trying to organize ourselves and all the salads for the luncheon, and I think that everything went better than planned. We didn't have as many leftovers as I thought we would and everyone seemed to like the variety.

Thank you to everyone that hepled get the food put together, served and cleaned up. It was wonderful how everyone worked together and got things done.

WEDDING DAY is approaching...

So, we are all running around like a pack of chickens with our heads cut off, trying to get things ready for Jared's wedding. We finally all agreed (aka Jared okayed) the salads for the luncheon. I think it's kind of funny how worked up Jared is getting about the luncheon. I remember when Jake and I were getting married, I was quite particular about what I wanted for everything, and was quite vocal about things not getting done the way I wanted them. Although, when it came to our luncheon, I didn't even care what was served, as long as there was enough. I don't remember Jake worring about anything, except keeping the Honeymoon a surprise for me. I guess that's just the way things go. Every couple is different and have their own ideas of what they need to be doing for their wedding day. Well, I hope to see you all there!! I can garantee that there will be more than enough salads for everyone and then some!

Happier News...

So, Mike got a call from his brother with the latest about their mom, and it's starting to look like she might pull through. Mark was in her room, talking with the nurses and doctor, when she responded to his voice by calling out "Mark". He said they just about passed out when they heard her. This is the first real sign that she may be able to recover from this stroke. Jake is so excited, he's already planning another trip for us to go visit her (after the baby comes, of course). So, needless to say we are getting pretty anxious to see what the next few days hold for us. They're getting her ready to be moved to a Hospice and we are all really hopeful for a full recovery.