Ten Years Ago

(I know this is a day late but I didn't want to impose on all the wedding photos and festivities.)

Ten years ago:

-I was a sophomore in high school.

-I was sitting in world history next to the window, next to last row, in front of my childhood best friend, Ashley Williams.

-I had no clue what was going on around me.

-I had never heard of the World Trade Centers before that day.

-I wondered what all the fuss was about. The teacher in the next class wouldn't let us watch TV. There was buzz about an act of terrorism but we couldn't find out anything more than that.

-America declared the war on terror.

-I was globally unaware.

Since that day:

-I got married.

-I had two kids.

-They have never known our country without war.

-I'm lucky they are too young to understand.

-I am still globally unaware because I can't stand to watch the news. It's depressing.

What's next:

-Dunno...

Wedding!!!

Like my sister-in-law said to me when I married my husband: I've never had a sister until now.  Well, I have added another sister to my growing family.  The wedding went off without a hitch.  (No trips to Oklahoma!)  Michelle was beautiful and I have never seen my brother look so grown up.  I only cried a few times.  The emotion of a wedding is just overwhelming at times.  I'm so happy to have Michelle join our family and we wish them all the best.  (I know, that is such a predictable think to say!  I can't help it.  It's true!)



Getting our nails done.  I am happy to report that my shellac nails are still intact.  No chips!  I am shocked.  I just knew that I would be the one person that would chip shellac polish.

Buster Brown at the rehersal.  He wanted down.  I said no.  He made this face.  There is something wrong with me for liking this face, right?

Off to decorate for the reception after dinner.  This is one of the center pieces on the tables.  It looked like a garden as you looked across the room when we had finished.

Michelle being laced up.

Waiting...and waiting...and waiting...and waiting...and waiting...oh sorry! There seemed to be alot of that.

August passed out in the car only about a mile from the church on our way to the reception.

The cake was beautiful and yummy!

Jennifer, Leslie, me, and Samantha

Twins!

We had a great time.  I wish the night could have lasted forever.  I got to reconnect with cousins and friends.  Being here around the people I love makes me want to be back in Olney even more.  I know I hugged a million people yesterday.  I can't help it and I'm sorry if I over hugged you.  I have come to realize that life is too short not to tell people that you love and care about them.  I guess I was making up for lost time.  And so one more time I will say: I love you all!

This Sweet Life

As my parents and friends return from a weeklong vacation of lounging on the beach (see pics at http://ruskfam.blogspot.com) I have found myself jealous. While I was stuck in my life of work and wiping poop off butts, they were enjoying the sun and surf.





Then today I remembered I took this picture the other day. We had been playing outside. Aug was pulling Buster Brown around in the wagon. They had been waving and talking to the students as they walked by. Then I looked over and saw this. I snapped the picture just in time. They quickly moved away from each other.

Had I been on vacation, I would have missed this sweet moment of life at our house, here on the farm.

This Weekend

Mom, Aug, and Gent reading "Cooper" on the iPad.  I love that they both are resting their heads in their hands!

At the Zoo!  I thought I would take a picture of the kids when we first got there while they were both contained and not grumpy...

...and then I took Gentry's juice out of his hand.  Hmph!

Feeding the giraffes!

Gent thought it was pretty awesome.  Aug wasn't too sure about their tongues.

Gentry watching the roofers at mom and dads.  He would have been out there if I would have let him!

Last Weekend

I finally got my new backdrops and lights.  I'm super eager to try them out!  Any takers?

Amy's baby shower!  We can't wait to meet the little girl.

Aug swimming on her own! Amy taught her.  What am I going to teach her little girl?

Buster Brown just hangin'!

Michelle's Bridal Shower!

Three generations...that look like strangers.  Could we be any different?

My Life in Instagram

Enjoyed looking at this. It's spoon butter. The best part is that is came with a hand written tag. Nobody does that anymore.



I'm squishing your head!



Giddy up, Pokey. Be careful. He bucks!



Cow.



Auggie and her first crush.



My dead plant. I seriously don't know what is wrong with me! The geraniums are fine... This one is having trouble.

Pickle Juice!

It started out, Gent grabbed my hand and started chomping on my pickle. He would make a funny face and then come back for more. The rest is here...