Family

We’ve got big news!

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Mother’s Day has never been that easy since 2001 but today I can’t quite get the smile off of my face.  I’m so excited to tell the world that we’ve been blessed with the gift of becoming parents….in November!

It’s been difficult to “blog” since finding out because it’s hard to talk about anything without blabbing about our great news.

So, let’s start from the beginning.

Since July last year we’ve “tried” to join the parent’s club.  We shared in sadness almost every single month when things just hadn’t quite been in the timing we had hoped.  We heard of others getting pregnant and I shed a few tears because I’m extremely impatient and wanted my moment NOW.

I received gifts of encouragement from friends. Thanks Patti!

I tracked my temperature daily and just about ran out of ovulation tests.  I tried the electronic and cheapy ones.  (fyi….the cheap ones are the way to go)

I waited for those smiley faces.

 I used an app and told my husband exactly when the magic had to happen.  It almost became stressful.

Scratch that, I totally made it stressful.

We prayed.

We prayed a lot.

I cried.

I cried a lot.

And then one weekend we went on a long hike in Brown County and I though, “man I am really out of breath.”  I had taken a test that was negative but still had some early symptoms and kept pushing them aside.

Too many times had I felt like I had the right symptoms and had proven wrong.

Monday of Spring Break rolls around and Mike heads off to work.  I hopped out of bed and decided….what the heck.  May as well try.

Then I was in total bawling, freaking out shock when that little faint line appeared.

So I did what every single girl does.  I told the dog and then panicked that the line wasn’t dark enough so I facetimed my baby making expert friend, Melissa.  Her sweet little boys answered and I screamed, “get mommy!  I think I have something to show her!”  She ran to the screen with makeup all splotched on her face and said “show me now!”  I showed her and she confirmed it.  I was pregnant!   
I wanted to call my husband so bad but I also wanted to tell him in person.  So I told the dog some more.  She seemed to not care one bit. 
That day I ran some errands and picked up a few things.  I might have stopped at Barnes and Nobles to use up some gifts cards…
I also might have stopped at Babies R Us just to look around and buy something for my gift to daddy.  
I sat on the couch nervous and excited and waited for Mike to come home from work.  He sat down and told stories about his day as I listened patiently acting like nothing was up. 
Finally, I told him I had been crafting all day and asked if he wanted to see what I had made.  

It was quite fun to tell my husband he was going to be a daddy.  You can watch below.

His tears were exactly what I needed.  I had wanted to tell him all day long on the phone but I was so glad that I had waited.  
I had always saved the ring box he proposed to me with and used that to put in a pacifier.  

That night (March 16, 2015) we wanted to shout to the world our good news, but I already knew that wasn’t a great idea. 
We’ve waited as long as we can to tell everyone.  We’ve heard our little cherubs heartbeat twice and we continue to pray that this pregnancy is successful.  
The first time we heard the heartbeat we both cried.  It’s just the most incredible feeling to hear that heartbeat and see the little “bean” that is growing inside of you.  
Last week we were able to see the progress and growth of our little one.  I’m still in shock by the change!
My best friend was so kind and gracious to help us get some pictures done for our big announcement.  They turned out wonderful and we did the best we could with a crazy dog!

I promise to get back to regular blogging.  I have so much tell you about the joys of becoming a mother….the nausea, exhaustion, mood swings, and more!  I doubt I’ll hold back much though I’m sure my future children wish I would.  
It’s just too exciting not to tell you it ALL.  
You can thank me later! 
Two more pics I created with ideas from pinterest……  These are things I’ve already learned that I’ll do for baby #1 but probably not ever again, so why not, right? 

AND I received my first ever Mother’s Day present this morning.  I cried.  Maybe it was the hormones or maybe it was because I was so stoked my husband recognized that.  He’s a busy guy right now so it’s so nice to be thought of.  

So incredibly fortunate, 

Dear Birthday Twin

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 Dear Birthday Twin,

9 years ago when you came into this world I never knew how much I could love someone else who I had to share the same day with.  I know you totally understand that, because…..well…..we are basically one in the same.

Over the years I’ve become more accustomed to sharing our special day together, and quite frankly, I really can’t imagine it any other way now.

Being in the delivery room on the day you were born kept e 
Celebrating at all your birthday parties has always been the best. 
When I’m 90 do you promise to drive me to Olive Garden for the must do birthday dinner?
You’ve always been so fun to dress and play with. 
A true princess no doubt. 
The day your parents left you with me and I decided to try on all your baby bikinis was definitely my favorite…..until you peed all over the chair and I knew I was in trouble.  
Your chubby self just smiled and drooled.  
My partner in crime.  

I’m very grateful your mom has always included me on special days. 
Things like venturing off to a princess tea party all dressed up. 
I’m a very lucky aunt to be a part of all that.  
And because we have the best BEST friends in the world I get to spoil your best friend too. 
She’s like a niece, but not technically, and I love that you’re okay with that.  wink wink 🙂

Then Brody came into your world to throw things out of alignment.  
I love this picture because you were so stinkin excited to have a sibling. 
Some days you might want to reflect back on this pic to remind you how truly adorable and funny he is.  🙂
 You’ve been trying new things like crazy lately, and that’s just another of the million reasons I love you. 
Throwing yourself out there to see what you like. 
Conquering this world one day at a time.  

Our 4-H fun is what makes the summer the best. 
That and those pool days at my house. 
You’re an amazing baker, crafter, and sewer. 
Always remember how incredibly talented you are! 
I haven’t made it out this year, but I will soon….promise. 
I always learn so much about life when it’s just me and you. 
Those are my best days. 
Lunch at your school. 
Lunch or shopping on a Saturday. 
Our best days together are just you and me and our sassy selves.  

My goodness you were cute, right?  

Your eyes just light up a room.
Big and beautiful eyes to sparkle and shine. 

And your attitude. 
Well, it’s like 99% awesome and 1% like me.  
Or, maybe a little more one way or another. 
Either way, your attitude is what makes you YOU. 
It’s what will make you an incredibly strong woman. 
Strong enough to conquer whatever you choose to do in life. 

Your beauty is incredible. 

And your love for Relay and helping the world. 
I know that by next year you will totally be capable of running Relay if you so choose. 
I’m fully ready to pass that down to you as soon as you want. 

Your passion for things that I love always excites me. 

Your goofiness. 
I ask you to pose for a picture. 
You do. 
Then, you ask if it’s going on social media. 
Most likely….yes. 
Because I totally want the world to know I have the most rockin’ niece around!
And lastly…the head flower girl of my dreams. 
You led the pack down that aisle (all but one) with fierceness and beauty. 
You knew your duties and never failed to amaze me. 
You stood by my side as I married my best friend and quickly asked to call him Unkie Mike….or Unkie Bert. 
We would be very blessed to bring a baby into this world with a cousin like you. 
No, we would be EXTREMELY blessed. 
I know you’ll take care of my own like they were your siblings. 
You see….we are just incredibly lucky that YOU were born 9 years ago.  

To end, I want you to know that I hope that 20 or 30 or 50 years from now you choose me to spend just a little of your day with.  Because quite frankly, there is no better gift than to spend time with you on this day.  
Love, 
Your Favorite Aunt Addie

Family

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Family is so important.  I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again.

Our wedding would have been totally IMPOSSIBLE without the love and support from our family.

His family.
My family.
Our families.

Probably the most prints I had done were of our family photos.  I love seeing the people I love so much surrounding our home each and every day.  

My dad and Sandy….and I love the color.

I’ve always loved his scratchy face kisses.

Siblings. 

Love them. 

My aunts who were behind me every step of the way asking what they could do to help plan as if I was one of their own.  

His parents, brother, and sister-in-law

All of us together

Muah

And my momma’s best friend who steps in as momma all the time.  

I knew it would be a challenge to try and gather everyone before the reception started.  I put 4 lovely ladies in charge of the people while we were in the receiving line to gather the troops up in the back.  I wanted 4 big ole pictures of all my cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandma….and the same for Mikey.  These people have watched the two of us grow from young love birds to totally meant for each other, head over heels in love.  
They’ve loved us. 
They’ve supported us.  
They’ve always told us we’re doing the right thing.  
The Snider side. 

The Plank side

The Thompson side

The Reed & Schenck side
And don’t worry everyone…I’ve made PLENTY of copies and you’ll each be getting your very own as a Christmas present.  Or before….if I see you before!
Truly Fortunate,

Littles we Love

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There are a million things I loved about our wedding day. 
One very important thing were the little people who make us smile each and every day.  
From the little ladies who I’ve watched from infants to sassy little women.  

To the young men who’ve had my heart from day one. 
It was tough for “Uncle Mike” to compete with Colton Wayne on this….and then Brody as well. 
Colton has been my boy for so long. 
Bryce, too. 
Brody not as long…but they all three have my heart!

The six little people who led me down the aisle were the cutest ring bearers and flower girls you will EVER see.  No doubt about it!
I’m not biased or anything…

Rehearsal

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I apologize for the delay in wedding blogs, but life has dealt us a different hand of cards I was not expecting….to say the least.  Life gets busy and you forget about how enjoyable and relaxing it can be before the craziness of back to school begins or the aftermath of a major life event…like our wedding.  
I hope to continue blogging for as long as I possibly can, but I’ll just have to be honest and admit that it may not be as regularly as I had hoped.  Just like the stack of books I have to read.  I may not get to read them as often as I would like.  End of the day approaches and most of the time I just want to lay down and close my eyes.  That book sits next to me wishing to be read…and I just don’t have the energy for it.  
One thing is for certain that I have learned in our first month of marriage.  Life isn’t easy, but as long as you have your family and close friends by your side….it’s manageable.  And through it all, I know that there are a million other people out there that have it way worse than me.  Sure I through a couple of pity parties for myself…who hasn’t?  In the end…I’ve got my husband who is working really hard to make this marriage the best it can be.  I’ve got my family who kicks ass at being by my side through it all.  I’ve got great friends who know just what to say at the right time.  
So….let’s take a look at our lovely rehearsal back on July 17, 2014.  The weather was perfect.  The people were perfect.   The littles did so well, which made me highly doubt they would be able to pull it off again in two days.  The moments of rehearsal made me nervous.  It was all becoming incredibly real.  Not like I was going to vomit, real.  Just shaky, real.  

Chatting things over with Bridesmaid Amanda

This would be the scenery behind us as we got married.
I paid attention at rehearsal because I knew I wouldn’t be able to on the real day!

Sassy Pants Willow

Flower girls getting ready for practice!

My best friend.  My girl.  My MOH….Meg

Love this boy and all his antics.  One of our handsome ring bearers…

Bridesmaids Jeffer and Krista Lee

Another cutey ring bearer…Brody Law

Practicing the giving away part.  I got a little emotional here.  

What hams!

Miss Mallory

Who knows what was being said at this point!

I know it’s hard not to criticize ourselves in photos….but MAN that butt is big.  

Loving Brody’s look here.  A few of our groomsmen, Cody and Joel and ring bearers Brody and Colton

A good looking group of men!

The parents

Chunky boy Walker

Brody waving!

This was incredibly uncomfortable!

Decorating crew +1!

He just loves having his picture taken!

The holding cell.  

One more round of practice!

If only they would have done this on the real day.
Cutest thing ever!

I really don’t know what Willow is doing.
Probably the queen wave we’ve always taught her. 

The ladies

Signing my life away…

Or the marriage certificate. 

Pastor Woody!

Shai and Walker!

What a great evening.  I’m so glad we have the pictures to remember all these special moments.  

Love to all,

Meet the Ushers!

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Time to meet the handsome devils who will walk the guests to their seats and get everyone situated.  Three of the main dudes in my life….
To my favorite Brother-In-Law, Brandon – Even though I make fun of your age and all your gray hair, please know I love you dearly.  You’ve always been protective of me and for that, I am thankful.  I’m so happy you will be a part of our special day and I thank you for everything you’ve done for me.  

To my cousins, the Skunk Brothers, Matt and Jared (Peanut) – Growing up next door helped us develop a special bond….greater than most cousins.  We are all so blessed to have parents close as siblings and a bond of cousins that others typically don’t get a chance at.  Morning cartoons of Transformers and Power Rangers at my house during the school year.  Playhouse and school out in the shed at your house.  Summers with your mom and school year with mine.  Summer trips to stay with Grandma and Grandpa picking up rocks and eating ice cream and popcorn every night.  Bath times before it got too awkward.  Tball teams to save our parents trips to the ballpark.  Working at Kroger together as one of our first jobs to, again, save our parents the gas money and extra trips.  Parties in college and running from the ……nevermind!  We all miss mom so much as each day passes, but I’m grateful you let me borrow yours to help fill those voids.  I’m lucky to have both of you in my life and I hope we can always be close.  Someday maybe we can recreate the bathtub pictures with our own little ones.  Thank you for being a part of our special day.  Love you both so much!  
A road trip likely to Grandma and Grandpa’s!
A paddleboat ride with Grandpa
Tball
Snow Whirl
My high school graduation

TriState football and a great college party afterwards! 🙂
Christmas after a long night at BSU

Meet the Greeter Gals!

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Four beautiful ladies will be greeting everyone as they come to our wedding and we are so grateful for all of them.

To my two beautiful cousins who are like little sisters, Cheyanne and Codi – I love you both dearly and can’t imagine my life without you.  From our days of the Barbie workout video to holding my hair back at a New Year’s Eve celebration and concerts.    Time has flown by and I’ve watched you both grow from the cutest little chunky babes to incredibly beautiful grown women.  I can’t wait to see all that life brings you and certainly can’t imagine my special day without you both in it.

To one of my dear best friends, Ashley – I believe fate has somehow brought us together.  Sure, we grew up in close communities just down the road from each other.  However, we’ve always had the same interests and some how our paths never crossed long enough to become so close. 
Then….they did!  I’ll forever be grateful for our friendship and so glad that fate finally brought us together to be forever friends.  We always have a good time together, despite the poison ivy.  You can always make me laugh.  I love everything about you and will always be there to help you through good times and bad….even for the tiniest things such as spelling.  🙂
I owe you big time for being such a huge part of making our wedding look beautiful.  Your ideas and talents are incredible and I’m lucky you wanted to help me make this special day so gorgeous.  

To the master of cakes and love of my brother – Thank you for being a part of our family and making him smile.  You have done so much for our boys and we love having you around.  You are special to us and I’m glad you will be a part of our special day!

11 days left!   #plankschenckwedding

Meet the Groomsmen

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Time to meet the groomsmen!  I’m so fortunate to be marrying my best friend.  Along with marrying my best friend I have gained more friendships with his best buds…and I have to admit…he has pretty great taste in friends.

Best Man – Dave

Best Man are perfect words to describe this guy for my guy.  He is always there for him and even there past the time I’d like for Mike to be out.  But, you’ll have that.  Those two typically know how to get in trouble and from what I’ve heard….it’s been a long life of getting in trouble together.

Dave always makes me laugh and I love watching him grow and lead Michael in the right direction of a wonderful family man.  🙂  Hopefully he doesn’t lead him astray too often.  I’ll try and forgive you for the night on the patio in Florida and the late night at the tavern.  I’ll also try and forgive you for the many nights you and Michael conveniently don’t answer your phone and I’ll try and forgive you ahead of time for the bachelor party weekend you’re about to adventure on.  Remember….he’s about to be my husband so soon you’ll have to answer me!

Joel

First, Joel was my cousin.  Then, he became my boyfriends good friend.  Now, he’s more like my fiances girlfriend because I swear those two talk and text more on the phone than any of my friends and I.

Sometimes I tease Michael that the only reason he is marrying me is so he can be related to Joel.  So he can be closer to Joel.  Hopefully, it’s not true!

Joel is a great friend to Mike and a wonderful part of our family.  We’re lucky to have Joel and Kelli in our lives.  We are SO lucky that Kelli decided to introduce Mike and I back in August 2010 at the tractor pull.  She was right on when she said she had found the phone for me!  Thank you Kelli!

Cody

Our old neighbor and dear friend, Cody.  We spent many nights on your porch or ours.  We spent many nights at the shop hanging out.  We’ve even driven on a snowmobile in a blizzard to see you!  I love your little family, and especially your wife.  You two put smiles on everyone’s face and we were so blessed to be there for your special day.  I’m glad you can stand next to Mike for our special day.  Thank you for being a wonderful friend to him!

David

My soon to be brother.  Although we only get to see you once or twice a year, I always look forward to our time together.  Or, hearing updates from Mikey after you two get off of one of your super long phone calls on a Sunday afternoon.  You are excellent in the kitchen and some day I will visit the kitchen you master in Idaho!  Thank you for being a part of our special day.  We wouldn’t have it any other way!

Joshy my brother

From purchasing my first ever stuffed animal at the hospital, to helping me on the bus for my first day of school, a few parties together in college, a short stint of living together when I needed you the most, and today being a wonderful big brother and still tormenting me with your amazing abilities.

I love you dearly Joshua.  I still have the letter you wrote me when I went to college.  I’ve read it often.  You were so honest and I was so clueless.  I wish I had listened to you a little bit more.  We’ve been through hell and back as a family.  I admire you for being an amazing dad the minute you had to be.  You’re caring and hardworking and despite the fact you drive me nuts sometimes (because that’s what brothers do) I wouldn’t trade you for the world.  I know I can come to you for anything and not too many sisters can say that.  Thank you for being a part of our day.  I can’t imagine taking the next step in life without you by our side.

Teddy

I’m also fortunate that my best friend is allowing my other best friend to stand up with him.  I’ve been through a lot with this guy….birthday parties, graduation parties, dates with friends, secret parties from our parents, college nights, etc.  I can’t imagine my childhood and teenage years without Ted.  Although time and growing up have certainly spread us apart a little bit, I can pick right back up with him where we left off.  I adore his girlfriend.  I’m proud of his work ethic and time dedicated to his family.  He’s a true friend, one that would and will always be a part of our lives as we grow old.

I hope someday our babies can have parties together and sneak off and make crazy mistakes just like we did.  We had a lot of fun growing up and I’m sure they will too!  Thank you for being a part of our special day Ted.  I always said I’d ask you be on my side and wear a dress, but I’m really glad Mike said it was a better idea for you to stand up with him.  I’m also glad that the pact we made about getting married at 30 changed to 40.  My forever asked me a week later and I’m pretty sure you’ve found the one too.  As long as she can put up with you!  Thank you for being a part of our day.  Can’t wait until July 19th to celebrate!

We’re very blessed to have 6 girls 6 guys who love us enough to stand with us on July 19th and tell the world we should be together….and that they support us and our future.  Friends are important.  In our case, friends are family.  We love them all dearly!

Meet the Maids #6

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My Jeffer.  My favorite babysitter ever.  My friend.

She likes to spell things with breadsticks.
She’s always there giving great advice, reminding me of who I really need to turn to.
She makes every party fun….HER party, that is.
She’s been there for our family literally from the beginning….to the girl down the road who babysat to the friend of my mom, myself, and my sister.

I’m so glad you will be a part of our special day….I can’t imagine doing all this without you and the rest of my crew by my side!

Probably one of our first photos together.  Me singing…and you looking….annoyed?

The night of your first ever PARTY!
Oh….we had some good laughs!  Look at sweet little Cheyanne learning so much!
My 18th birthday!
Krista’s wedding!
And my favorite.  I’ve had this in my photo album/scrapbook I made as a young child for many many years.
I always idolized you!
Still do!

XOXO jeffer!

Meet the Maids #5

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My soon to be sister-in-law….Weezy.

I met this lovely lady about 3 years ago and instantly we clicked. We have so much fun together when they are home and I wish they lived right down the road instead of way out west!
She can make anyone laugh. She loves being outdoors and always teaches me something new when we’re together b

I’m so glad that in just under 2 months I will walk down the aisle and gain a sister. 
I can’t imagine getting married to her brother-in-law and not having her by my side. 
We’re all anxious to see her in a beautiful dress. At least she gets to wear boots with it!
Looking forward to officially making you my sister Miss Louise and spending holidays and family time together for the rest of our lives!
Xoxo,