Brace Yourself!

Jen has been wanting braces for years. Well this past Friday she got her wish! I drove her to Richland for her 8:00 appointment. The orthodontist is starting with her top braces because she has some goofy stuff going on with the bottom teeth. One of her baby teeth doesn't have a permanent one underneath and is attaching to the bone. She will have to have it removed and a temporary tooth put in until she turns 17 and can have an implant. Needless to say...we will be funding some great vacations for the orthodontist.

The braces haven't bothered her too much. The Herbst Appliance - the "hydraulics" used to move her jaw- have been a bugger though. She really has to think about what she is eating and the size because her back teeth don't touch now.

Jen is such a trooper. She isn't in love with the whole experience so far(like she thought) but she doesn't complain.

Taylor Swift Rocks!

Months ago, it was rumored that Taylor Swift was coming to Yakima. I quickly added her concert tour page to my favorites...waiting for the day that the ticket sale date would change from "Coming Soon". Well one day I was shocked to go on and find that Yakima was replaced with Nampa, ID. I was just as excited as the girls and I was determined to take them to see her. I ended up getting tickets for the Spokane concert!!

We bought the girls glowsticks before the concert started. They had them in the air the entire time!!

After a costume change, Taylor (I say it like we're friends) came out and played in the section directly across from us. After the song she (along with about six large men) walked down the aisle to the floor. She hugged fans and signed autographs on the way down. She is just precious!

Taylor Swift played on a small stage directly in front of our seats. The girls were grins from ear to ear!

Here is the "fake" ending with Kellie Pickler and Gloriana.

Taylor came back out for an amazing finale! It was a very energetic ending. The "rain" had to feel sooo good because she worked her tail off.

The Hand-Me-Down Bed

Jenna has been patiently waiting for our new bed to arrive. We ordered it from an Amish Company and it was "supposed" to arrive in mid-June. Well...apparently the Amish have been hit by the down economy and had plenty of time to build our bed and nightstands because they were delivered yesterday. We are all tickled with our new bedrooms. I hope to order a dresser soon but am still recovering from this round.

Jen was tickled to get rid of the twin size bed and move up to the Queen!

Blake and I are absolutely thrilled with our purchase. The quality is phenominal...and made with no electricity. We are anxious to get some more pieces.

Easter Weekend!!

Easter weekend was full of family and food. We started the preparations Thursday afternoon and didn't stop until Sunday night. We had a memorial service in town for an aunt and uncle so were fortunate to spend time with a lot of our dear family.

The girls dyed eggs on Thursday night since we knew that Friday and Saturday were going to be busy with other family activities. It is so fun to watch them focus on their work.

Ta-da...some of the finished product!

Lauryn starting the hunt.

Every year the girls get a picture taken in front of this tree on Easter Sunday!

Jen in her cool "bunny" glasses! I think Largent has his eye on an egg. ;)

Jen doing her homework on Easter Sunday.

Every year my uncle is picked on by the Easter bunny. His egg can't be colored and hidden like everyone elses. It has been hung high in trees(with leaves glued on), had dog food glued all over it and placed in the dog dish, etc. This year it was covered in dryer lint (I know...gross) and set under the dryer vent outside.

Crafty Sunday at Grandma's!

Jen and Lauryn love to craft with my mom (a.k.a. grandma). She found this really cool idea for magnetic boards. The girls had a blast and are ready to make more!

Jenna and Lauryn painting the bases.

Jen made this zebra print board. Pretty sassy huh!?!

Jen made the polka-dot one to match her new bedding. Pretty fun!

Here are Lauryn's magnetic boards. So, so cute!

Grandma's masterpiece!

The finished products!

Hangin' Around

My dear friend Stacy had this "Essary" wall window made for me as a gift. I love-love-love it! I had been trying to decide what to do with the wall in our main room and her gift was the perfect choice. The wall has been a blank space since we moved in. I had purchased some hangers to use "somewhere" and they were perfect together. We have a couple more to hang but you can get the idea. I love the hangers because I can change the pictures in a snap and they are cheaper than frames. :)

Splishin' and a Splashin'

My parents were Largent-sitting this afternoon while Rich went to the girls game. Lauryn decided it was a great day for Largent's first bath. I ran over to Rich's and grabbed the puppy shampoo. As soon as I returned, it was bathtime.

Tear-free Puppy Shampoo.

We weren't sure what to expect but Largent was great in the tub! Other than a few unexpected shakes (which showered anyone in the room) the bath went off without a hitch.

He loved to try and drink the water.

Boy...was he thirsty!!

Ahhh...this feels good!

Lauryn taking over the hose.

All fresh and clean!

Chewing on the towel while Lauryn finishes drying him off.

See why we like this little fella?