a Toast to my Grandma!

This morning, my almost 91 year old Grandma died. She was ready to go - happy to go - she lived a long life, and what strikes me the most is that she never complained! She could have - I know that on my last few visits she didn't feel good, she could hardly move, she hated the way the nursing home staff did her hair, and she wanted more Christmas lights on her tree. Complaining just wasn't her nature - not now at 90years old, or when she was widowed with 4 kids early in her life. That might be the life lesson that has spoke the loudest to me growing up & living life - Be strong and don't be a victim - don't waste your time and energy throwing pity parties!

For anyone who has ever thought of me as being strong or tough - I thank my grandma!

My grandma was unique - she was tough, wore lots of perfume, big necklaces, and was always photogenic. She believed in "blowing the stink off", calling her grand kids -"fart blossoms", she enjoyed happy hour, & the rejuvenating powers of Vaseline!

This New Year's Eve, my dad & I drove over to the home to watch the ball drop with her as she requested. She didn't want to watch the ball go down alone since we all knew this would be her last year with us and she wanted to be tipsy when it did go down...Kind of funny, but easy to accomplish with a solo cup of some what warm champagne! I am so lucky to have that memory & I know each and every New Year's Eve I live through, I will think of my Grandma Essie & enjoy the new year & the new experiences to come with a toughness I can thank my grandma for!



My dad wanted me to toast to my grandma tonight at 7 - I just wanted to share with him & all of you what I loved & appreciated most about my grandma! I will miss her & I hope to carry on some of her toughness while I sport some really big beads!

-Love you Grandma Ogren!

Best Valentine EVER!

I had a great day of Valentine's Day parties at both Cody & Lindsey's classrooms, and Steve had beautiful roses waiting for me this afternoon when I got home, but the best valentine EVER was waiting on the counter for Lindsey! Steve got Linds flowers & she was so thrilled. Seeing your little girl so happy & knowing your husband did that without any suggestions or "hints"...AMAZING! I love you Steve for the husband & partner you are, and also for the man you are to our little girl! Happy Valentine's Day to you all!

xoxo

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A Baby Shower for little Addyson Rae

This past weekend, while I was staying at my in-laws' house (while Steve tiled the kitchen), I threw a baby shower for my cousin Ross & his wife, Melissa. Little Addyson Rae is due March 31st! In the midst of party prepping, I made it out with the Johnson girls for a girly movie & a little dessert at Chilis. So even though it was hectic living away from home, trying to get a shower put together & having a sick Charlie, we had a great weekend!






*** Skip seeing Dear John *** book = good Nicholas Sparks book, movie = horrible!!!

Covergirl

Covergirl - watch out! Lindsey is into trying on Gigi's make-up these past few weeks and as you can see she usually winds up looking abused! Maybe it's the fourth birthday that is looming just ahead, but she is all sorts of sassy lately!!! Last week, she told me she likes me better when I'm quiet!!!

Some days it cracks me up & other days it pushes my buttons in not such a cute way! I suppose that is the way of mothers and daughters!

That makes me think of a bumper sticker Kortney & I saw the other day in traffic - "If it's not one ting, it's your MOTHER!" How true!!!

Yeah for Charlie!

Happy birthday Charlie!!!

So our little man is two today! We had a little pre-party last week at Amber's house because the kids kept asking all about what kind of party was I throwing for Charlie....third kid, different kind of party! I showed up at Amber's with unwrapped presents, a bare rice krispie treat waiting to be turned into a train of some sort & pizza for lunch! We all had fun & tonight we'll be having an awesome train cake with dinner at the Soet's to celebrate with the family!

I always felt like things would get easier once Charlie was two - It still isn't that easy, but it is way more fun! Two years ago, Cody was 3.5 and Lindsey was a month shy of 2 - 3 kids in diapers - a naughty weiner dog - a new house - It was a lot to handle. It's nice to be at a place where we can have a little more fun instead of just getting through the day :) It is also nice not bring pregnant or having a newborn while we celebrate a second birthday!!!

Happy Birthday Charlie!