Flashback

When you haven't blogged in a while, sometimes it's hard to know where to start. I guess I can't chronicle every little (yet sometimes significant) event that happens in our lives, but I try to get the bigger ones. Most recently, Ellie was Christened. I was thinking of labeling this post "Ellie's Christening," but then decided that no one would read it. So....that's the news. I am relieved that it's over because it had been one of those things weighing heavily on my mind that I wanted to have done. Fortunately, my parents and brother were able to come in town and we had ourselves a good 'ole time as usual.

Ellie with Mom and Dad before the bow came off. Selfishly, I look at this picture and think how badly my hair needed to be highlighted.

The Bucklew Fam. Eric was the Godfather and Celeste was the "stand-in" since Ellie's Godmother, Amanda, was unable to come in town from West Virginia.

Ellie with Gram and Grandad. Yes, she had shoes, but those came off as well.

Ellie and her Uncle Dane.

The Yummy Cake from Walnut Creek Baking Company that Ellie got a tiny taste of.

Other Happenings Big and small:

*The Hooks Family also made a trip up to Sonoma while everyone was in town. We were lucky that the weather decided to cooperate with our plans and it was a gorgeous day in the Wine Country.

A First taste of Dirt.

*Our Girl Scout Cookies have arrived! My favorites are Tagalongs, but they are sitting in the pantry unopened because I wonder if they're safe to eat with the whole peanut butter scare. I don't think I care enough and will probably dig into them anyways.

*Ellie is busy teething. She already has six teeth, but is getting in her seventh and eighth. GRRRRRR! This means there's not a whole lot of sleeping going on for anyone.

* I finally got my hair hightlighted. I will stop complaining about it and focus on more important things.

* I have spent the majority of today on the phone trying to straighten out health insurance issues. Major headache.

* My mom left today. She stayed a few days longer than everyone else. We were busy as usual doing really important things. I am always sad for a day or two after she leaves. The company is all gone and the house seems extremely quiet.

Love is all Around

Ellie received a Valentine in the mail today from a B-O-Y. I thought it was a bit premature too, but this little one is an absolute Heartthrob. His name is Owen. He is a Roly Poly, Cute and Cuddly, Lovey Dovey baby. Ellie is 'smitten! What's a girl to do?

The BOY
Answer: go out and buy an overpriced headband of course. Yes, I know we're in an economic crisis. Can we talk about something else? I have been really good lately, but my girl has got to look her best for her Tuesday rendezvous with Owen at Mom's group.

The GIRL

Love is in the air. I am bombarded with commercialized pink and red crap at every store I walk into. I LOVE it and I got caught up in the moment!

In honor of Valentine's Day I added a few favorite love songs to my play list. Yes, some of them are a little "old lady," but they are classic.

XOXO

The Happy Couple

Kelly and Christian are getting married! We decided to celebrate and celebrate and celebrate! You know it's a great party when there are jell-o shots, lots of dancing to Daft Punk's "one more time" song (not quite sure of the name), and a taco bell run at the end of the night. When Ellie was up and ready to play at 6:30 this morning, I was regretting those last couple glasses of wine. Now I remember why I don't celebrate like this too often anymore, but it was a lot of fun at the time. Congratulations to Kelly and Christian!

A Few Pictures of the event:

The Beautiful Bride-to-Be

The Happy Groom

Some crazy people I don't know

Cute girls

Cute girls

The pregnant lady I gave unsolicited advice to all night long. Sorry Heather!

More cute girls!

Last, but never least....the gorgeous smile that greeted me the morning after!

Special Friend Day

On Friday, I had the privilege of going to Assumption School, in San Leandro, as Joey's special friend. I felt extremely honored that she picked ME of all the important and wonderful role models she has in her life! This may be due to the fact that I am a stay-at-home mom, but still...

After arriving at the school, all the special guests were shuffled into the first grade classroom to sit in teeny tiny chairs. Joey showed me her cubby, special craft projects she made that were hung on the wall, the inside of her not-so-organized desk, etc. Even though I was in first grade 20 plus years ago, memories came flooding back to me. I almost wanted to cry from the nostalgia. Things really weren't all that different between her first grade classroom and mine. It still smelled like glue, the boys were extremely loud, and her teacher (like mine) spoke in a super warm and fuzzy voice that made me want to curl up on the floor for a nap. After a church service with a message about friendship, the school day was over. It was a shortened schedule and I was kind of disappointed that I wasn't invited to recess.

I took Joey to McDonald's for lunch afterwards where I too got a Chicken McNugget Happy Meal. It was extremely delicious. I'm pretty sure they put some kind of addictive chemical in those McNuggets because I've been really craving them since.

Anyway, I am so thankful to Joey for the opportunity to be her special friend. First graders are really quite interesting and it was fun to hang out with them for the day.