Phone Photo Friday - Little Girls

A few phone photos to share today. 

I think this is the 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun' edition. :) 

Enjoy! 

Must love dogs ~ Super Shayne!

Cousins ~ Who's that baby?

Fun with Granny's shades ~ Her private ocean

Back to the Hodgepodge

Time for the Wednesday Hodgepodge. I am thankful for our hostess, Joyce, and I appreciate her keeping us on our toes with her thought-provoking questions. Of course, I always try to tie my answers to a photo or two (or ten), which makes it lots of fun. Be sure to click on the Hodgepodge button to pay Joyce a visit!

1. What's something you miss about the 1980's? If you're too young to miss the 80's how about the 90's?

I miss these babies...

and even these messes...

and rub-a-dub-dub...

 and poolside celebrations...

 and matching outfits...

ahhhhh... the 80s...sweet memories.

2. Do you have a library card? If so, how often do you visit?

I do have a library card, the kind that slides onto my keyring. I am in contact with the library to reserve books for my book club, but I usually purchase the books on my Kindle. I love the convenience of ordering books and receiving them instantly. I like reading from my Kindle even more than I thought I would, and find it a bit cumbersome to hold a real live book.

While we are remembering the 80s, back then summer meant participating in the summer reading program, weekly trips to the library, and checking out a whole bag of books. We always checked out the same number of books each week, so we would know how many we needed to return. We also had a 'library bag' to hold the books so they would be ready to go back on library day (without too much searching). I do remember one time when I received a notice that we had failed to return a book. I called to let them know that I was pretty sure we had returned it (due to the 'same number each week' policy). The next thing I knew, I received a letter from the prosecutor saying that I would be put in jail for not returning a book to the library. Well, I don't think it actually mentioned jail, but it was a wee bit worrisome for a rule-follower like me. When I went to the library and asked if it was possible that the book had been put back on the shelf without being recorded, the librarian took a look, and, lo and behold, there it was! So glad I didn't have to serve time in library jail!

3. What's the secret to success?

Hard work, humility, determination, learning from mistakes, having a positive attitude, and being honest and dependable.

I also believe the quote, attributed to John Wooden, that says,  “It is amazing how much can be accomplished if no one cares who gets the credit.”

4. This is National Backyard Games week...what's your favorite backyard game?

For us, it is a tailgate game that can also be played in the backyard - cornhole. Is cornhole only an Indiana game, or do they play it in all parts of the country? If you aren't familiar with it, there are two boards, with a round hole in each. Two teams or compete to toss beanbags into the hole. I think I read once that the name cornhole came about because filling the beanbags with corn (does that make them 'cornbags?') makes them slide better on the boards. The boards are often painted with a team logo, and played at tailgates, family reunions, and other gatherings. There  are even cornhole tournaments.

Here are a couple of photos of Matthew and Haleigh enjoying a little cornhole before a Purdue game.
Boiler Up!

5. If I dropped by today what would I find on your coffee table?
Well, here's a photo of my coffee table to show what you would find. My coffee table is not elegant or fancy, and sometimes also holds the remote, magazines, or a newspaper, but very rarely does it hold coffee. Today you will find favorite books, coasters, a music box, and the Perplexus maze game that everyone enjoys.

6. Do you own a bicycle? When was the last time you rode a bicycle? Is that something you enjoy?

I do not own a bicycle. I can't remember the last time I rode one.

The newlyweds are the bikers in the family. Here they are last weekend on a little 10 mile ride. Aren't they cute in their matching jerseys? A wedding gift.

7. What's your favorite cheese?

I'm not sure I have a favorite cheese. I like blue cheese in my slaw, American cheese on my burger, goat cheese queso at the Mexican restaurant, and shredded parmesan in my salad. I'm a pretty cheap date. :)

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Here is a photo of our crew, a couple weeks ago at the wedding of Darci's sister. I love them.

There is, however, something missing from the picture. Do you see? In the middle there. Jonathan's date. Missing. Nonexistent, actually. Anybody know a fun-loving single girl, around 25 years old?

I Do Phone Photos

Just a few more photos of our daughter's wedding weekend. Jennifer and Bryan will celebrate 3 weeks of marriage this Saturday, and I am just now getting the photos from my phone posted for your enjoyment. 

It was a great time leading up to the big weekend. I was excited, nervous, stressed, blessed, tired, and happy for all that was to come. And I was only the mother of the bride. I know the emotions of the bride and groom were much more intense. It was truly a blessing to plan the wedding with my daughter. We laughed and talked and discussed and rehashed all the details leading up to the big day. And we even managed to love each other through all of it.

The first group of pictures shows the turtle favors from the bridesmaids' luncheon from Ghyslain Chocolatier, grandson Matthew modeling his ring bearer tux, the dress hanging in our hotel room on wedding eve, cousin Caroline doing Jennifer's makeup on the morning of the big day, Stewart boys securing their shoelaces, and the nervous bride being fanned by her girls.

The reception was held at the Deer Zink Pavilion at the beautiful Indianapolis Museum of Art, and the flowers were done by David Strohmeyer and crew at The Empty Vase. They were lovely. The lanterns came from IKEA, and the awesome unity rock, designed by Jennifer and Bryan, was made by Ferree Studios in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania. One of Bryan's co-workers took the photo of the newlyweds leaving the church, and had it framed and displayed on the head table at the reception. The lower left photo is of the generation table, with photographs of the parents and grandparents, and the proposal painting that Bryan had made for Jennifer.

The last group of photos shows the couple and family at the church, Jennifer with her BFF and maid of honor Heather, cousin Harper enjoying the hand dryer in the bathroom, the delicious beef dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Davis on the bus, daddy daughter dance, Jennifer and our awesome wedding planner, Deborah, from A Touch of Elegance, when she delivered the wedding gifts on Sunday, Jennifer and Bryan opening gifts, and the happy couple at the airport heading for Grand Cayman for their honeymoon.

It was a special and memorable day, and I was a little sad when it was all over. Relieved that all had gone smoothly,  thankful for the family and friends that gathered to celebrate the day, and blessed beyond measure by the love that was shared by and for Jennifer and Bryan as they begin their lives together.

Share the Love!

Hot Hot Hodgepodge

It's Wednesday again, and time for a little Hodgepodge. It's a bit of a vacation theme today, which fits nicely since the honeymooners just returned from their week at the beach. The very beach appearing in my answer to #7 below. Sure wish I had spent the last week at the beach.

Be sure to click over to visit our hostess, Joyce, and the others who are linking up today.

1. What is a pet peeve you have when vacationing?

I'm not sure it's a pet peeve, but just let me hold the tickets, ok?

2. Would you describe yourself as a light packer or do you need everything in your closet plus the kitchen sink?

I actually think I'm a pretty good packer. I remember back when our children were little, and I could pack for all 7 of us for a week in two suitcases. I guess clothes (and shoes) were smaller back then.

3. What's the best lesson a child ever taught you?

Moms don't divide our love, we multiply it.

4. Share one piece of advice you'd give a recent graduate as they attempt to enter the job market?

Just get a job.

5. What's your favorite lemon something?

The yummy homemade lemonade at the county fair.

6. Flat sandal, wedge, heel...your favorite footwear? 

I'm not sure they're the most fashionable, but I am fond of my Chaco sandals. So comfortable, and great for everyday wear or hiking the mountains of Haiti. I have also found that I'm not really too fond of socks anymore.

7. What do you like best about a beach holiday? If you're not a beach lover (GASP!!) what do you dislike the least?

Sunbathing...

and spirits...

and sand turtles...

 and sunsets.

Really, is there anything not to like about a beach vacation??

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Many of you have seen these on Facebook, but for those of you who have not, here is our sneak peek from the photographers of photos from Bryan and Jennifer's wedding. Can't wait to see the rest!

Have a great Wednesday, everyone!

Ponies and Pinatas

Continuing with the Derby birthday fun, there were even two pinatas for the kids. I guess that's one way of beating a dead horse. Poor horsey.

Emerson took a turn first.

Her brother Harper decided it was his turn next. With 3 three-year-olds, Josh and Erica must facilitate a lot of turn-taking.

Even Baby Shayne got to take a turn, with help from Uncle Josh and Cousin Riley.

Carter didn't need any help.

I'm not sure Arden wanted to hit the pretty pony.

I don't blame her one bit. Nice horsey.

Haleigh thought about it for a minute...

then gave it a whack.

Matthew approached it like a baseball.

And Riley gave it a good one.

I think you got it, Riley.

Horse down!

Carter shook the insides out. Poor horsey.

And Riley and Matthew hurried to help.

Aunt Shylah helped Haleigh with some candy.

Just a little of the loot.

Emmy shared with Shayne.

Aunt Leigh showed Haleigh how to twirl.

Betsy and Reston were wearing their Derby best. They will trade in those duds for a wedding gown and tuxedo on Saturday! So exciting!

Several of the guests posed in their Derby attire.

The Robison women were looking especially fine... and missing sister Molly and her family.

It was a great day of celebrating, with cupcakes and cousins, ponies and pinatas, little girls and grandpas, and sweet special memories.