Happy 50th Mom!

This past weekend we celebrated Mom's 5oth Birthday! I had sent out invitations to family and some close friends a couple weeks ago, but Mom just thought we were going to be eating dinner at Uncle Don and Aunt Carol's with some family.

On Saturday Nichole and I went grocery shopping and then to Aunt Carol's to start the preparations. We worked all afternoon making food and decorating the condo. Aunt Carol had gotten some old pictures of Mom and we put them in frames and set them around. Here are some pictures I took before everyone arrived...

Our menu was: chicken lips (from Martini's), little smokies, french onion soup, shrimp cocktail, mexicorn dip with chips, a veggie tree, and a chocolate fountain with fruit and pretzel sticks. For drink we had hot apple cider, sparkling grape juice, flavored sierra mist with a frozen fruit kabob, water, and coffee.

This was Andrew's spot for most of the afternoon; watching football while grading papers.

Around 6:30 most of our guests started arriving. We had Dad make Mom and him a little late so we could surprise her when she walked in, and she was surprised! Nichole bought her a crown and a necklace for the evening and many of the ladies dressed up as "old" ladies. It was hilarious!

After eating we watched her open gifts and played a game that she played growing up.

Before everyone left we sang Happy Birthday and ate dessert. It was such a fun evening and couldn't have done it with out so many people helping out!

Sunday was Mom's actual birthday. After church all of us kids went up to Dad and Mom's for lunch and hung out while they went to a funeral. When they got home we all went out to eat at Chop House 61 before Dad had to go to a meeting.
After dinner all of us kids went back to the house with Mom to hang out and open gifts.

It was so much fun spending time with family and most of all celebrating the birth of the best mom and most beautiful 50 year old I know! You are such a blessing to us Mom and we love you very much!

On the run...

We had another fun filled weekend! As you can tell almost everything eventful lately happens on the weekends:)

Friday night Andrew had a football game and I went to the Mediapolis game and sat in the rain with Dad and Mom. Mom came well prepared though so we didn't get too wet or cold, thanks Mom!

On Saturday we woke bright and early to get ready for the 2nd Annual Harmony Bible Church 12:1 Run! It was cloudy and cold but we were ready to race for a cause. All the profits were going to buy clean water filters to take to places around the world that don't have clean drinking water. They are taught how to use the filters and are taught about the Living Water.

Here is my brother Drew getting ready to run the boys 10 yr-12 yr race. (He has less than a week before he turns 13!) Uncle Don is telling them the route. Drew ended up winning the race! Good job Drew!

Andrew and I are ready to go! Andrew was running the 5k and had a goal of 21 min. I was just walking the 5k with the ladies. A little less nerve racking:)
Sarah and I walked fast the whole time. Mom and Marie caught up with us half-way and we all jogged at the end! Good job ladies!
Andrew ended up winning 1st place in his age group but didn't quite meet his goal. Soooo close Babe! You did a great job and I know you will meet it next year! He even got a medal and a really awesome water bottle:)
Here is Andrew and Uncle Don posing with their medals!
We had a great time! As soon as it was over we had to get home and get ready to leave for this couples wedding in Albia, Iowa. We made it with time to spare and enjoyed a beautiful God glorifying wedding. We are so excited for Zac and Cathy! Congratulations!

The reception was so fun because we got to hang out with friends that we hadn't seen in forever! Here is Andrew with Pat and Marcus.

Here are the girls at the table. It was fun hanging out with my old roomie Liz, and also good to see Melody and Michael to congratulate them on their engagement!

Andrew playing with the kids in the KID area:)

Andrew and I outside the reception. It was a beautiful evening!

Pumpkin Day!

After another crazy week... another fabulous weekend!

On Friday night Andrew had another away game so I went to the Mediapolis game at West Burlington. It was fun sitting by Mom and Marie but so sad to see my brother Brock on the side lines with crutches:( He had surgery on Monday and is doing well!

On Saturday, Andrew and I headed up to the Quad Cities to do a little shopping before we met up with Andrew's family. We got to eat at Red Robin which is always a treat and used our coupons for a free milk shake with a purchase of a burger! I ALWAYS stuff myself there! Yummm! After a little shopping we met Dad and Mom, Kevin and Melissa and their kids, and Dan and Anna at Harvest Bible Chapel for the evening service. Such a wonderful message and powerful worship! We all went back Dad and Mom's for dinner and a movie:)

Today was such a beautiful day! We woke up and had a wonderful breakfast. As soon as Annika and the girls got there we headed outside for our annual Pumpkin Day! We all helped pick gourds and pumpkins. There were so many and a big variety this year:) Then of course we had to take pictures! Here are some that we took...

The weather was perfect and everyone got to take home a pile of goodies. We missed having Zach, Ben and Sherry, and Abby and AJ there... We love you guys! Thanks Dad and Mom for a perfect day:)

We Love Weekends!

During football season Andrew and I especially love the weekends. Between coaching and lesson planning during the week, we get to spend one night together... maybe two if we are lucky! This is why we wish weekends were three days long instead of two. Oh well, I can handle it for 1 more month! This weekend was great! On Friday night, Andrew had an away football game so I went over to Aaron and Nichole's to hang out. Dustin and Leah came over too! I brought corn casserole and Aaron grilled. It was delicious! Then the girls and I had a little fun with my camera...

Thanks for letting us use your sunglasses Dust, you look the best in them. I love hanging out with my family! I had a fun evening... thanks so much Aaron and Nichole!

On Saturday, Andrew did lesson plans while I cleaned. That night we went to my good friend Anne's wedding reception. She looked so beautiful and I am so happy for her and Jonny! Here is a picture of the bridal party. Sorry it isn't very close up!

And here is a picture of Andrew and I at the reception.

I had fun talking with some old friends that I hadn't seen in a while and Andrew enjoyed walking around the old school where the reception was held. It was actually at the old school I used to go to for 4th-6th grade. It brought back many memories.

On Sunday after church we went out to eat at Diamond Dave's (we are never going to eat there again) and did a little shopping. We actually got to spend some quality time together in the evening and we were so thankful for it!