My family has a few family traditions during the holidays that I just love. Matt and I have embraced most of these traditions ourselves when we celebrate the holidays at our home. Some of my favorites include:

• On Christmas eve, we leave the tree lights on all night long. It is the only night we leave the lights on throughout the night.

• We always attend Christmas eve service and then come home and have dinner/snacks before bed. When we were little, we were always given one present on Christmas eve to open. (see Katie in the picture at church holding her candle and red tassel and Marcus in his car seat- he fell asleep on the way home)
  

• For breakfast Christmas morning, we have Apple Puff Pancakes (Matt and Katie's favorite!) fruit salad, and sausage links.

This year, only the kids received presents and I loved it. It was so refreshing to not have to buy gifts for everyone. With Matt gone, the holidays have felt so different. While I do enjoy giving and receiving, it was nice to have time just to reflect on the true meanings of the holiday. Despite not having daddy around, we were able to enjoy ourselves. I pray next year he'll be home to celebrate the holidays with us.

Marcus finds the Christmas tree

I bought a lighted multi-colored Christmas tree for our house here in Florida. Katie has always wanted lights that were colored (I always have white lights on our trees at home). So, I picked one up at Walmart and put it up. She was thrilled. It was very simple, just the tree and a few ornaments Katie had made at school. So cute! Well, Marcus found the tree the other day and boy did he have fun. He kept trying to get the lights, and to pull on the branches. Here are a few pictures of the little guy having fun. Merry Christmas!

Katie goes ice skating

So, we decided it might be fun to take Katie ice skating. Funny thing about ice skating... it always looks easier then it really is! Especially, if you haven't skated in years. First, we decided my sister would be the best choice to go out on the ice with Katie. Well, she stepped on the ice, took Katie's hand, and then informed us that she could not do it! I decided I'd take a try at it, and it was difficult to manage Katie on the ice and myself. However, we made it around the rink 3 times and Katie said she liked it. She actually said it was harder then it looked. I agree! Towards the end, she wanted to hold on to the side and do it "by herself." However, we captured a memory or two on the camera and it was worth the effort!

Marcus has his 6 month check up

Marcus went to the doctor today for his 6 month checkup. He weighs 19lbs 3oz and is 29 inches long. His weight is in the 75th percentile and his height is off the charts! Looks like we have a tall one on our hands. With the way he moves around all the time I think this one will be in sports for sure! Marc did great for the shots he had to have today, and overall he is in good health! I love my little boy. Check out this recent picture of him in a shirt I bought for him that I know his daddy is going to love! The shirt says"2nd in command after dad"... too cute!

Grammy's Visit

I haven't blogged in so long and so much has happened the last few weeks. However, I don't have enough time to blog about everything that has happened in the last month! So, I'll post a few pictures from some fun times. Grammy Pam came to visit us in Connecticut. We had a nice time together. Here are a few pictures from her visit. We were able to go to the aquarium and see the Sea Loin show, go to Chuck-e-cheese, and have the kid's Christmas pictures taken. We kept ourselves busy! Katie had a great time, and Marcus enjoyed having Grammy around also... see the sweet picture of Katie wearing Grammy's reading glasses.

Snowman Cake

My friend Ali celebrated her birthday on Sunday and I invited her over for cake. I was excited to make something delicious... and was hoping Ali loved chocolate cake. No, she requested plain old white cake! Well, I wanted to please the birthday girl but just because it was white cake didn't mean it couldn't be a cool cake! I had this recipe from the Pampered Chef's Festive Desserts cookbook and Katie was so excited when I made it. Needless to say it was adorable, although I don't think I'd make it again. I am much more of an ooey gooey chocolate girl myself. Happy Birthday, Ali!

Dora Edible Fruit Arrangement

The day after Matt left he made Katie and I very happy with a delivery of an Edible Fruit arrangement. Katie loves fruit, and we snacked on this thing all day (and had plenty of leftovers). I thought this was a really cool gift that we could all enjoy. I do love getting flowers, but sometimes I feel like I'd have rather had the money spent on something else. Well, here's a great idea! Here's a picture of Katie with her fruit and the video she made for daddy. In the video, she takes a bit of the fruit- I didn't even ask her to do that-cute. Hopefully, we'll be able to get it to him in a mail drop sometime. Delicious!

I'm thankful for...

Okay, now that it is December 1st this post is coming a bit late. However, I have a sweet picture of Marcus that says what he is thankful for. Since I wanted to post it, I thought I'd mention a few things I am thankful for:

My husband and beautiful children
My wonderful friends and family
For my home, warm and comforting
For my freedom
My own vehicle
For enough food to eat and share with others
For my kid's pediatricians
The neighborhood I live in
The internet- being able to connect with others online and e-mail to talk to my hubby

These are just a few of the many things I am grateful for. Hope it made you think of a few things you are thankful for!

How are you?

So, I called another wife on the boat today asked how she was. She said "fine" and asked back... I said I was "fine" too. Then, she asks if we are supposed to say that we are fabulous when people ask us or can they handle the truth? In reality, at the moment you ask how one of the wives are they may be "fine" but the bigger picture is not. Right now, for all of us with deployed husbands things really aren't at their finest for us. Especially with the recent holiday making things that more real to us that we are alone for the next 6 months. Alone with our children, this one is a tough one to swallow. I have concluded that unless you have or are experiencing the exact same thing that you really don't know how to react to the way we feel. On the day Matt left a non-military friend asked if military life was difficult. Seriously. Of course this is difficult! I don't care how you put a take on it, 6 months without your spouse is not fun no matter how many projects you think you can accomplish, how nice you think it might be to have a break from your husband, how much money you think you'll save, etc. All of things do not and will not make up for the fact that the one you love, the other half of you, is going to be living life for half of a year apart from you and your children. The time we spend apart will be lost forever, and this saddens me. Now, don't get all worried: I haven't fallen off the deep end. I am merely making note of some of my feelings. I am sure I'll have more to say later. And when you ask me how I am and I say "fine" just know that I am okay but that things are not that fine.

Marcus is on the move...

One great thing about babies is they are always starting something new. Not only is it exciting, but it keeps us on our toes! Marcus has finally figured out how to coordinate his movements enough to scoot towards what he wants. It was great because he did this a bit before Matt left so daddy could see his little man in action. I keep trying to get a video of him on the move, but he likes to be sneaky. Like when I lay him down on his toy mat in the rug and walk off to do a few things... when I look back over I see no baby on the rug! Where is the little man? Half way across the hardwood floor in heavy pursuit of something he more then likely can't have! His new favorite: finding pieces of paper to eat! He had some in Katie's room before his bath (she was disappointed he ate her handiwork!) and he loved it. Now, he is grabbing for books, crafts, napkins... anything for a quick taste. In the few days since he has started scooting, he is really learning how to get around. I know it won't be long before he'll be crawling and I won't know what to do!

Daddy Deploys

Well, there hasn't been much time to blog lately as lots of things have been going on here! On Tuesday, we said goodbye to daddy. Of course, this was so difficult. The weather went along with how I was feeling- gloomy and rainy. Driving Matt to the base was not fun, knowing that we had to say goodbye in a few minutes made it a rough drive. However, we got through the day and it was a bit of a relief that we were able to start the countdown. I was surprised how well Tuesday went, but it is apparently starting to hit home now. On Wednesday, Katie asked if her daddy was coming home that night. I gently explained again that this was the long trip, and she burst into tears. After much loving, we got through the day. I thought with the holidays approaching that I'd be distracted enough... but the day only proves not to be the same without Matt here. Today, I am sad to think that we have so many months of this to get through. It's almost as if I am staring at this giant mountain and I am not prepared to climb it. Guess I am in the thick of it now, and can only pray to get through it all. More on this topic later... Here's a few pictures of Katie and Daddy toasting OJ at his goodbye breakfast. Bittersweet!

Marcus.... laughing

The sound of a baby laughing is one of my favorites. I love their little giggles, and I love how they get tickled over the slightest thing. Marc was on the bed and I kept saying "go,go,go" and he thought it was so funny. By the time we started the movie, he had been chuckling for a few minutes so the funny was wearing off! But I think the movie is still sweet enough to be posted... smile, and enjoy the baby's laugh!

Girl's Night "Out"

Last night was a girl's night out, but we all met at my place and stayed in. Matt was supposed to have left on deployment Thursday, and this was to be my "pity" party... nothing like drowning your sorrows with good girlfriends, great food, and a fruity drink. Well, Matt's boat ended up not leaving as scheduled (No surprise to all of us Navy wives by any means). I thought about canceling the evening, but he had duty so I decided to go ahead. Boy am I glad I did... girl's nights should occur more often. It is so refreshing to get together with your girlfriends (without having to watch the kids) and talk. It is like the best therapy on earth! I love talking with other wives sharing stories, tossing around ideas, encouraging each other. It is such a blessing to talk to women who have been or are going through the same things you are going through. I feel this is especially important being a mother, because it is easy to doubt if you are doing things right. It helps to hear from someone else, that you are a good mom and that things are okay. Day to day, we have our appearance we keep up... but it's those once a month nights when we all get together and the nitty gritty of our lives comes clean. And in the end, we realize... the appearances don't matter-we are all human making mistakes, yet accomplishing great things.

Football, Baseball, and Soccer

Well, since daddy has been home Katie has been thrilled to have her share of outside play time with Matt. She is so funny... she wants to go play sports: football, baseball, and soccer. They go outside and do a little of each until she wants to move on to the next thing. Katie always has something different she wants to be when she grows up. The other day she informs us she wants to be a football player when she grows up. She is so funny. She also asked us what we want to be when we grow up...kids are so cute. Here's a picture of Matt and Katie trying to stay warm in the cold weather.

21 Questions

Here is a fun tag, it's a great way to get to know more about people!

Jessi tagged me in her blog... so here goes....

1.What is your husband's name? Robert Matson Geren
2. Who eats more? Him, unless I am pregnant!
3. Who said, "I love you" first? He did.
4. Who is taller? Matt
5. Who is smarter? He is very smart.
6. Who is more sensitive? Me
7. Who does the laundry? Me
8. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? He does
9. Who pays the bills? He makes the money, I pay the bills.
10. Who cooks more? Me, I love to cook for him.
11. Who is more stubborn? Both of us.
12. Who is the first to admit they are wrong? Because we are both stubborn, this one is difficult!
13. Who has more siblings? I do.
14. Who wears the pants in the relationship? We both do, I have to wear my share because he is gone so much.
15. What do you like to do together? Travel, be outside, play with our kids, we enjoy watching movies/special TV shows together.
16. Who eats more sweets? Me
17. How did you meet?In high school, we knew each other but didn't really "meet" until a trip to China with AP English class. Then, we fell in love and the rest is history!
18. Who asked whom out first? I know we were destined to be together because we both were drawn to each other. It all started with a New Year's Eve kiss at midnight 2000. He gave me a quick peck and that started all of this!
19. Who kissed who first?He kissed me on New Year's and I was not expecting it. It was a quick kiss but enough to start something that has lasted.
20. Who proposed? He did.
21. His best features and qualities? He is so helpful, he adores our kids and is an excellent daddy, he's hardworking, and he is very smart.
I'd love to see Heather, Crystal, and Jill's responses!

Bowling with Daddy and the end of the camera

Katie and Daddy went bowling tonight. Marcus and I sat this bowling adventure out. Although, Marcus is recovering from his infection and is on the mend. (Thank you all for your prayers for the little guy!) This was Matt's first time to go bowling with Kate and they had a great time. The bowling alley on the base has a cool ramp that the kids can put their bowling ball on to send it down the lane. Matt took a few pictures of Katie and then she wanted to take a picture of him. Remember how I mentioned how much she loves taking pictures? Well, I had just cut out a coupon for a kid's camera from Target and was planning to get it for Katie. So, tonight Katie takes our camera to take a picture of Matt. The sad part, is that she tripped and fell with the camera. She made it up okay with out even a scratch... the camera on the other hand.... it is broken beyond repair. So, now we must purchase a new camera! Until then, these are the most recent pictures... including the one of Matt which is the last picture from the camera.

Sweeties at bedtime

Well, daddy had duty on Friday night and the kids were being so adorable after their bath... I just had to make a little movie. It is so hard to capture how sweet they were! Before bath, they were both rolling around on the floor. I came to get Marcus and Katie says " No, mom I want to keep playing the rolling game with Marcus!" They were both giggling. After bath we had a nice story time together on Katie's bed. Marcus kept smiling and laughing at Katie and she just loved it. These two bring such joy to my life. I am so thankful for them. I just love watching the way they interact with each other. Marcus just adores Katie, and she thinks he is pretty wonderful!

Just a bunch of things...

No pictures tonight, just random thoughts. I really should be asleep but instead I am blogging. I really need to get my priorities straight. I am in bed though, and Matt is fast asleep beside me. You know, he only needs to begin to let his head touch the pillow and he is out cold. Plus, he never hears anything during the night. What did I mention in the last blog about having the best sleep last night because a man was in the house? Let me note now, if someone broke in Matt wouldn't be the one to hear it. In fact, I think I'd have to shake him awake. He was so sound asleep he didn't even hear his alarm clock this morning!
Marcus seems to be on the mend. His fever is gone, and he has started accepting a few bottles again. This makes me feel much better. It is so hard to see your baby in pain, especially when you can't do anything for him. His poor little tummy was cramping so bad he'd curl all up the straighten all out and cry. Let me say, that my arms, neck, and shoulders are aching all over from carrying him around so much these past few days. He is almost 17 pounds now, and that is not a light little boy to be hauling around all day. It is a blessing when both of my children are well.
Matt took Katie to Best Buy after work tonight to replace his broken cell phone. Turns out, they actually ended up at the mall too. I was beginning to wonder where they were because it was a little past 6:30 when they got home. We hadn't eaten dinner yet or anything, and usually Katie is in the bath by 6:45. Well, she was a bubble of energy when she came in. Complete with some purchases Daddy had made for her. (at least I am not the only one who can't resist buying fun little things for her) They had a new Dora movie (she forgot she wanted the Tinkerbell movie-she has been waiting for daddy to take her to get it), a toy submarine, and some cute magnets for the fridge. It was nice to see they had such a great time together.
Well, there's always more to talk about but suddenly I am exhausted and it would be wise of me to go to sleep. So until next time- have a great day!!

Daddy's home!!

Matt's arrival yesterday couldn't have come at a better time. It always seems like things are all starting to come undone and then "daddy's home!" Marcus has been sick with some sort of virus and he needed to go to the doctor yesterday. Thankfully, Matt made it home from the boat in time to watch Katie. She was so excited he was home. She made a picture for him, picked out the "perfect" outfit, and let me fix her hair before running downstairs to wait anxiously for him to get here. The only thing that never works out for me if that I always have such big plans to have the house all neat and orderly when Matt gets home. But it never fails that something big happens before he comes home preventing this plan to actually work. Marcus woke up Sunday morning and seemed a little warm, but after church I knew something was wrong with him. Anyway, I spent the whole day holding and caring for him and most of the night (I got 3 hours of straight sleep- after that not much!) Needless to say, my plan for cleaning anything went out the window when I had to go into "mommy overtime" mode trying to care for the kids and do the basics. Oh well. Matt was happy to be home and we had a great dinner last night. (I love cooking when he's home because there is someone here to eat my cooking!) I plan to make homemade BBQ boneless pork ribs for dinner tonight - yummy. We'll see how my plan works out though- lately it seems other things are taking priority. On another note, I slept so good last night. The best sleep in over a month. Why is it that knowing you have a man in the house makes you feel so secure? I went to bed at 10pm - the earliest I have gone to bed in a month! I feel so rested I must get some things accomplished today. And the best part of the whole day is that daddy will be home again tonight after work. I love it when the boat's in port!
(Katie took the picture of the 3 of us... she LOVES taking pictures. I am thinking we should get one of those kid's digital cameras that can be hers-she has dropped mine a few times and almost broke it, but she can take some great pictures for a 3 year old)

I love your blog...

I got a "I love your blog" award from Jill and I have to answer the following questions with a one word response, then I have to tag three friends who have a blog that I love.

1. Where is your phone? bed
2. Where is your significant other?: submarine
3 .Your hair color?: brown
4. Your Mother?: funny
5. Your Father?: hardworking
6. Your favorite thing?: babies
7. Your dream last night?: uneventful
8. Your dream/goal?: (is) possible
9. The room your in?: bedroom
10. Your hobby?: baking
11. Your fear?: dying
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years?: GA
13. Where were you last night?: home
14. What you're not?: perfect
15. One of your wish-list items?: Wii
16. Where you grew up?: Ohio
17. The last thing you ate?: ice cream
18. What are you wearing?: clothes
19. Your TV?: off
20. Your pet?: Lexi
21. Your computer?: Gateway
22. Your mood?: tired
23. Missing someone?: husband
24. Your car?: Jeep
25. Something you're not wearing?: socks
26. Favorite store?: Gap
27. Your Summer?: wonderful
28. Love someone?: Matt
29. Your favorite color?: brown
30. When was the last time you laughed?: today
31. Last time you cried?: yesterday

No it's my turn. I award Crystal, Heather, and Sabrina! Have fun!

Trick or Treat

Katie had a wonderful night tonight... we went with her friend Gabrielle throughout the neighborhood to "trick or treat." The girls were so cute and pretty brave for the most part. Occasionally, they'd both hesitate and Robert (Gabrielle's dad) would say "That's so funny... or he's so silly" about the costume or house and the girls would run up and get their candy. Katie wasn't so sure about this one particular "monster" who was playing the keyboard outside his house and making spooky noises every so often. There was also a man with a funny clown mask, he took it off so the girls could see his face. That made Katie squeal with delight... she was so happy to see it was just a "neighbor" underneath it all. Some of the neighbors really go all out for Halloween. It's crazy. Here are some pictures from the day.
They were so cute and had a great time!

If You Give a Cat a Cupcake

Today a box arrived for the kids from Grammy Pam. Inside was the book: If You Give a Cat a Cupcake by Laura Numeroff and a little stuffed cat just like the one in book. Because today was a busy day with a potluck lunch and trick or treating I saved the surprise until bedtime story time. Katie was so excited. I have attached some clips for everyone and a special one for Grammy...Thanks for thinking of us. I'd recommend this book... it's adorable!

Fall fun

Well, we are back in CT. On Sunday, we attended a boat function at Alice Acres farm. It was a beautiful day with temperatures reaching the high 60's! Everyone had a great time. We had great fall food: caramel apples, pumpkin cake, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, hot cider, caramel corn, and more! Katie spent most of her time at the craft table- she loves making things. She painted an entire pumpkin purple! She also made some other adorable little projects. It was a wonderful day and a nice way to ease back into our life here in CT. Since then, it has rained and the temperature has really dropped. Now I am thinking I may need my winter coat out! Already?!!? Doesn't seem possible. See the picture above of my little sweethearts in their costumes! Aren't they cute?

Katie in her school uniform

Well, this is a long overdue picture of Katie wearing her cute little school uniform. We'll be heading back to CT on Saturday, so she only attends school one more time before heading home. I think she'll miss it for sure. She has learned so much in the past few weeks. It is just amazing... I just love the teachers at the school and she has made so many friends. We will miss school when we get back to CT, but I am sure we'll find something there to keep us busy! The picture below is just a sweet picture of my little angels... Katie is in her swimsuit while Marcus is still in his PJ's! Too cute!

Boating Day

On Sunday, we went out in the boat. It was a wonderful day. We went to eat at a restaurant across the bay, so it took about 15 minutes by boat to get there. This was Marcus first time on the boat, and I wasn't sure how he'd do. Let's just say, he loved it! As soon as we got on the boat, he went right to sleep. Katie sat with her Dora life vest on and enjoyed the ride. As we were getting closer to the restaurant, we saw dolphins! It was so amazing! The dolphins were feeding so they weren't as playful as they can be. I was able to snap a few pictures, and you can see a bit of the dolphin in them.. although not as much as I had hoped. After eating a wonderful lunch, we settled in for our ride back. Katie went down below deck and played the whole way home. She made herself a little bed and played with her Polly Pockets. Marcus went right back to sleep and I even put my head back and dozed off myself. On the way back, we took our time so we could get the most out of our nap! It was a really nice day. The nice day made up for the fact that Matt was in Port Canaveral for boat repair and we couldn't be with him, so we made the best of it here. I was able to talk to him on the phone this past week and he got to see his parents on Sunday so that was nice for him. I can't wait to see him again soon!


PS. We made Apple Puff Pancake also that day and I included a picture. My friend Crystal made one recently and got me thinking about it. We always make this on Christmas morning and it is so delicious! It's nice to have it throughout the year.

Marcus... my hungry little boy!

Well, last night Marcus tried sweet potatoes for dinner and boy did he love them! His first time trying them and he ate over half of the jar! Well, today, I gave him his rice cereal for breakfast and went about my normal routine with him. So far, I have been feeding him rice cereal for breakfast and just started with sweet potatoes for dinner. Well, this afternoon Marcus was not himself. He was so mad... I knew he was hungry but every time I tried to give him his bottle he flew into a fit of rage! Not something normal for my easygoing little guy. I couldn't figure out what was wrong. Finally, he gave in and drank the bottle and went to sleep. Well, this evening he was getting all fussy again and I got his bottle ready for him... just as I have been doing for the past 4 months! Oh no, that was not what the little man had in mind. Finally, the light bulb goes off and I realize that maybe he is ready for his little jar of baby food. You would think by the second child I would have this all figured out, but let me tell you, it is amazing how much you forget about the baby stage after a few years! Anyway, I got out his sweet potatoes and he was elated. He ate the whole jar. Then, he wanted more so we moved on to a new taste- apples. He was so pleased with this new found delight as well. Now, I realize this afternoon he really just wanted to eat some "real" food! I guess we have entered into a new stage with Marcus... he now needs breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We are going to have to introduce some more new foods before he turns orange from all the sweet potatoes! Here is a clip of him tonight... sorry it's sideways I will take another one soon.

Katie goes bowling

Katelyn has been bowling twice now. Both times she has loved it... and her top bowling score last time was 78! Pretty good for a 3 year old! She does have the bumpers on when she bowls and she usually needs someone to help her get the ball down the lane! She really enjoys the whole process though. She is so adorable when we play. Every time someone bowls, she yells and claps for them. Even if they miss! We had a great time watching her have fun. Watch the clip to see her reactions. By the end of the game, she was exhausted from all the running and jumping. She can't wait to go again!

What's a girl to do?

So, tonight I am thinking about how much I miss my sweetheart. Not that anyone wants to hear my sob story... however, this blog is kind of like a mini diary! I loved falling in love with Matt. It was exciting, wonderful, and one of the best times of my life. However, when the military first pulled him away this new feeling that I had never felt before came over me. This heart wrenching feeling of being away from the one you love. What makes it worse, most of the times he has been away we can't even communicate. Sometimes, just hearing his voice would help. (I have called his voice mail before!) I must check my e-mail over a dozen times a day just waiting to see if there is any word from him. But my newest dilemma is this: What's a girl to do when her love is gone? I feel like Matt is the other half of my heart, my true soul mate, the one who keeps my world in tact... How will this all work when we will be apart for deployment (the longest we have ever been apart from each other since we met!)? I know I'll get through the next 6 or 7 months (I will have to for my babies!) and someday look back on it all. However, this grip on my heart from loving someone is so strong and hurts so much when he is away. Sometimes, I would give anything when he is gone if I could just talk to him for 5 minutes... just to settle everything back into place so to speak. I know some of you other military wives will be able to relate and others may think I am plain crazy. But really, what's a girl to do?

Who needs sleep?

There is a BareNaked Ladies song "Who Needs Sleep" and the chorus goes:
Who needs sleep?
Well you're never gonna get it
Who needs sleep?
Tell me what's that for
Who needs sleep?
Be happy with what you're getting
There's a guy who's been awake
Since the Second World War

I have decided that as a mother you never get any sleep! First, you have the baby and hardly anyone gets to sleep the first month except the new baby. Then, they grow out of that stage and things start looking up... In my case, my daughter was an excellent little sleeper around age 2. My friends would be jealous because she'd sleep in so late in the mornings, and I could get some extra rest. However, she slowly grew out of that stage. She still slept good, but awoke earlier. Then, I went and had a second child! So, I started over... now, I would expect the baby needing to wake up in the night or early morning and eat. After all, he is a very good baby and goes to sleep around 8pm and usually sleeps until 5am. Not bad... However, I don't know what has happened to my 3 year old. She awakens in the night and calls out for me... she'll need a drink, have to potty, or just be plain grumpy. When I finally get her back off to sleep, the baby usually wakes up. Or, if Katie sleeps well the baby will have some crazy night and wake up a 2, 5, and 6!! So, I am in a continuous cycle of hopping back into my warm bed, getting all cozy, just about to drift off to dreamland when another round of crying from one of my children pulls me back to reality. If you have kids, I am sure you can relate. Thankfully, Katie heads off to bed around 7pm. However, she is usually bright eyed around 7:15am! Occasionally, it all works out into my favor and I get a good night's sleep. However, for now I am wondering if baby monitors are really helpful and if tonight could be one of those nights when everything works out and I could sleep. But then again, who needs sleep?

Family Time and Matt &Jessica times 2

My brother's wedding was the reason my family headed to Florida in the first place. Matt was able to come with us and spend a little time before he had to head back out to sea. We had a great time together, just the four of us doing some special things. We took the kids to Osaka (Our favorite hibachi Japanese restaurant here), we went to the beach, the swimming pool, and horseback riding at the farm. It was nice to spend some much needed time together. The only disappointing part is that our time together ended too soon!

The wedding was a nice highlight of the trip. My brother Matt married Jessica... so now there is a new Jessica Bowling! Now, we are all having a blast with Matt&Jessica (Bowling) and Matt&Jessica (Geren)! Everyone keeps trying to come up with nicknames for us. However, we Jessicas don't find it that difficult to know who is talking to us. And neither of us want to budge on being called anything other then Jessica. Personally, I don't like to be called Jess or Jessie. In fact, I really only like it if my siblings or mom call me by one of those names. It is like nails on a chalk board when someone else calls me Jessie!! Jessica (Bowling) also feels the same. We like to stick with our full name, and we'll let everyone else be confused about who they are talking about! So far, we are doing pretty good with the whole thing. And we figure if Jessica (Bowling) is talking about Matt she is talking about her husband and if I am talking about Matt I am talking about my husband... unless we specify otherwise!
On to another note, Katie was the flower girl for the wedding and she was adorable. I have added a few pictures from the wedding for everyone to see. We had a great time together!