Vaca Pics

And yes, I could already use another vacation.

Some Patriotic Pics

I am soooo loving that I've been having a GREAT weekend ... and it is only SATURDAY! Whoo hooo! Here are some pics from the 4th ... it was hard to pick just a few...there's lots of good ones -- check out our slideshow on our family website TheGerdings.com. (Oh, you may be wondering who the cute little girl is ... that's our niece, Kate.)

As Long as We're Together

One year ago today, we were away from screaming kids, laundry, work, and all stress in general. One year ago today we celebrated our 10th anniversary in Jamaica. And it was wonderful.

One year ago today, we had a candlelight dinner on the beach. Doesn't that look fabulous?

ELEVEN years ago today I had the best night of my life -- saying I do -- and celebrating with family at the best wedding I have ever been to. So many people turned out ... and everyone let loose and had fun. I wish there was another event like that that would bring all those people together again. Eleven years ago we had no idea what the future would hold -- but knew as long as we were together, it wouldn't matter. And that is still very true. I've got it good.

I love Saturday

No makeup. Messy hair. Comfy clothes. If the house is messy, it's messy. If I want to tickle a boy -- I've got all three at my mercy. Smiling kids at sports. Not-too-healthy food. Coke. Often bra-free. Conversations with my husband in person. Occasional scrapping. Lots of just sitting. Sunshine! Homecooked dinner (on the same night it was made, not in tupperware the next day.) Puttering. Giving my flowers love. Freshly mowed lawn. And ... there's one more day like this ahead.
Aaaaaaah. Yeah, that's the stuff.

Random pic: the fam. this morning freezing at Kyle's baseball game.

HEY KARLYN! TWO PAGES DONE OF MY HANDWRITTEN LETTER TO YOU!!!

Heartbreak in Field 13

All the way to the championship ... then, the agony of defeat. What a season. Great kids, and great coaches.

Easter

Some of my fav shots from Easter ... including the boy in pink ... who did not protest, and darn it, he looked CUTE! All my kids looked like eggs!

Nick wanted to take some of his Easter goodies to church ... hence the arms loaded and tears. And yes, some of the goodies DID go to church...

More photos in the Gerding Photo Album....

Today.

Today has been nice.  Well, my husband waking me up at a gawd-awful hour to take Jack to his 8:30 am baseball camp and Nicks 9am basketball wasn't nice.  And Nick pooping out and whining at the end isn't ever fun ... but after that. 

We went to Target.  My mecca of happiness.  We always go in for one thing...and 100 bucks (or more) later leave happy.  There's ALWAYS something we need in Target.  We got a fancy new dual shower head -- with massagers etc.  And a new caddy thing so stuff would stop falling on us. Also got some cute Easter things ... and some V-Day things on sale. And Nick got a Spiderman shirt.  He's obsessed with Spider man. 

We came home and Ryan got a fire going, and I laid down for some peace and quiet and to read a book.   And this is what happens: 

Eh, I could still read.  They were like wiggly blankets.  

He Loves Me.

Look at what my Valentine got me! Isn't it great? Isn't it thoughtful? Aren't I a lucky gal???? I mean -- he bought the basket on his own. He hung the pretty heart from it -- on his own. Picked out all the cute scrappy stuff and chocolates and stamps and cute hand towels...all by himself. Isn't it put together so pretty?? I was so impressed and touched! Pretty darn awesome. Oh oh -- and he got a babysitter for Saturday for us to go out for dinner -- on his own, I didn't have to nag.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

The Five:

1. Loved

2. Happy

3. Spoiled

4. Special

5. Relieved: it's almost Friday, LOST is on tonight, my kids' V-Day party is over, and things are "letting up."

Blog Blessings - Tag

I received two "Blogging Blessings" one from Maricar and one from Lisa.

So I'm passing it on to a few wonderful blogging friends.

"The idea…it’s a game of tag with a difference, rather than looking inwardly, we look outside ourselves and bless, praise and pray for 3 blog friends. By participating in this endeavour we not only make the recipient of the blessing feel valued and appreciated, but we are having some fun too. We’re going to see how far the bloggin’ blessings can travel around the world and how many people can be blessed! Recipients of a bloggin’ blessing may upload the above image to their sidebar if they choose to."

First, thank you to Lisa and Maricar for thinking of me.

First, Lisa:
Lisa is my "clone" ... we often seem to have the same perspective on things ... and respond to it with appropriate sarcasm. She makes me laugh, offers me support, a place to vent and understands my propensity to be motivated by guilt. She's also incredibly creative and inspires me.... I admire her strength and motivation to just "do what you gotta do." She paid me the greatest compliment by calling me a 'kick ass mom & professional who does it without (seeming) to break a sweat.' Wow. That means a lot for someone to NOTICE and then post for the world to see. You don't know what you've done for me ... and I say: Backatcha.

And then there's Maricar. Maricar Maricar Maricar. The person I gravitated to during CKU .. and really the only person from that time I still want in my circle. Sadly as soon as I found this cherished friend, she ditched me for other states. Something about having to be with her husband and kids...blah blah. What a freak. I can still count on her to make me smile, keep me on my toes and reassure me that I'm not a horrible mother on a horrible mother feeling day. Glad you're in my corner, friend.

Now's part where I tag three people .... I know you're supposed to do 3 blogging friends, but I feel motivated to do three people who SHOULD have blogs ... or I miss and just want to reach out and touch.

1. DANA

Dana: Thank you for being a great example of a real mom. Devoted and harried. You really know how to "keep it real" ... and that helps keep me grounded. You've saved the day for us so many times by watching the kids...and they love it when they get to "play with Dana." You're the only non-family person who's ever watched them. You're a blessing to my family and to me as a friend. I love that you are silly and goofy and put children first. Pretty darn cool.

2. KARLYN

Ah, my long lost friend Karlyn. How sad that the picture of you I use is off your station website. I should've grabbed the great one you sent at Christmas of you and the big fluffy dog. But that's where we are now -- "hi" at Christmas and me occasionally checking your station bio just to make sure you're still there and to smile at the stuff you wrote. Karlyn was my maid of honor...and all around go to girl in college. I just want you to know I still think of you often, wish you the best, and miss you.

3. JENN

You can't tell from this picture, but that's me, Jack & Nick and Jenn and maybe Becca .. all riding an elephant. Yep, we're riding an elephant. And that's appropriate. We seem to have a lot of silly fun memories. And we can always just pick up where we left off if we haven't seen eachother for awhile. Hanging out with you is always relaxing -- even if we're chasing kids...or riding elephants. I'm glad we keep in touch, even if its just to say what the kids are up to and how we wish we could get together for another estrogen weekend.

I am blessed with these good friends. Thanks for tagging me and forcing me to take a moment to appreciate them.

Happy 35 Love of My Life!

Happy Birthday to the man who's been my best friend for 16 years ... a dedicated husband for 10... a patient (more than me) father for 8 ... and the person I like to hang out with most.  Even if you keep beating my Wii records.  I love you.

(Visitors:  hey, this is the Kelly site...so yeah, it could be more mushy/intimate than the family site.  Get over it.)