The Final Countdown...

I know...

I know...

You feel like this wedding has been coming for years...

And in a real sense, it has.

I have never known two people who were so suited for each other!

Shhhh...

Don't tell, but I called this one about 8 years ago.

They would never believe me, but it's true.

Today in just a few short hours my daughter will stand beside the young man I always said I wanted my own son to be like... if I had birthed a son back then... but now that I have, I surely say it!

Galen, you have a big responsibility...

That little boy will be looking up to you...

He already does!

Between you and his Daddy, you will be training a little boy to become a man.

That is something I can't do alone.

And someday he will stand beside his bride...

just like you are today.

I can only pray that his brides family will love him as much as we love you!

God bless you, Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt!

Ladies and Gentlemen...

I give you...

Galen and Cadi Schmidt!

Tomorrow...

Today is the rehearsal!

It seems like yesterday that I was at my own wedding rehearsal...

You remember...

super short shorts on guys and girls...

Big huge sunglasses...

Big frilly wedding dresses with long trains........

Yeah, I'm glad we aren't back there too!

This is soooooo excited, you guys!!!!

How is it possible that this girl... who thought she wanted her ashes scattered over the spice bus (spice girls, people... come on!)...

turned into this young lady...

And then found a best friend who... tee hee hee... was afraid to even give her a real hug the last time they were EVER going to see each other because we were moving away!

Look how far apart they were!

Growing up is hard tooooo do....

Yes, I'll admit it.

I am a little teary today.

The little girl has become a woman...

and she found her prince charming long ago...

This is it people!

Tomorrow my little girl becomes...

A Wife!

1 Day until the BIG wedding EVENT!

Leaving...

And.........

We're........

OFF!

Taking off today for a few days...

While we add a new son to the family.

If you think of us...

Say a prayer.

Thanks!

2 DAYS UNTIL THE BIG WEDDING EVENT

Yeah...

Busy days. 

I know.

I've been saying that for weeks.

However, the wedding is almost here.

We are taking off tomorrow and can't wait to see our oldest daughter.

We are trying to pack up this entire house.

We are trying to find some time to throw in a yard sale because we have furniture and beds and baby stuff and... well, you get it.

So, that is why there are no pictures in this post.

I had high hopes of uploading some recent photos...

yeah.........

didn't happen.

3 Days Until the Big Wedding Event

Meeting a Challenge...

Aubrey is really showing herself as a leader these days.

I am so proud of the way she jumps into a challenge and meets it head on.

Way to go, Aubs!

4 Days Until the Big Wedding Event

Saying Goodbye...

Yesterday, we said goodbye to our church family.
It was very difficult and emotional.
A few of our closest friends were very difficult to say good bye to.

Just now, literally moments ago, we had to say goodbye to Nate.
Our little sunshine guy.

Saying goodbye is never easy...

...even when you know that God has a great and amazing plan in store for your family.

Bike Accident...

Men Drivers!

5 Days Until the Big Wedding Event

Countdown...

My back is hurting so bad today.

We (Which translates to I)  have been packing like crazy and now I am feeling claustraphobic due to my husband not moving these boxes out to the garage yet.

My kitchen is done except for a few items I absolutely need to cook with while we are still here.  My living room is 90% done.  My family room is 90 % done.  We haven't touched the office area.  The girls are sllllooooowwwlllyy working on their bedrooms.  I have done Brysen's room.  The babies are all packed and ready to go on Monday or Tuesday.  I have begun in our bedroom, but that is a huge job.  Oh and the garage has been sorted.  We have a huge pile of some really nice stuff to sell... if I can find a day to have a yard sale. 

That may be a really big IF........

Don't forget... we leave in a couple of days for our oldest daughter's wedding.

Crazy... That is the only way to explain my life right now.

6 Days Until the Big Wedding Event

Miranda...

Miranda leading a group at vbs...

Miranda is one of those amazing people who is good at so many things.

She plays the guitar like a pro.

She loves Jesus with her whole heart.

She is great with kids.

She is one of those people who can think of a fun activity on the fly...

and the kids love her for it.

It doesn't matter if those kids are her younger siblings or kids at church...

They just love her.

So do I!

7 Days Until the Big Wedding Event

Full...

Full of mischief and adventure...

Full of laughter and jokes...

Full of hugs and kisses...

Sometimes he's just full of it!

8 Days Until the Big Wedding Event

Pure Fun...

That's Brysen.

Laying on top of a balloon.

Why?

He was trying to pop the balloon.

Effective?

Not really.

Fun?

Oh yeah!

With the help of a stick he finally managed to pop that balloon.

The reward?

Fun!

Pure fun.

9 Days Until the Big Wedding Event

Smiling...

Is there anything that warms a parents heart like a big old smile on your child's face?

I love the joy on Ari's face.  She is having so much fun... with a stick!

It reminds me to keep things simple.  They don't need (or really want)  all of those expensive toys and gadgets.  Now, don't get me wrong.  We have a lot of toys around this place.  However, they have more fun with buckets, shovels and dirt than anything else!

Keep smiling, sweetie...

It makes mama's heart sing!

10 Days Until the Big Wedding Event

To a Tee...

Yes...

That is my second born...

Playing the crazy river woman at vbs.

It is funny how many people told me that the part fit her perfectly!

Ha ha...

She did a great job.

...and the part really did fit her to a tee.

Also, I just wanted to say that someone commented recently that they hope they are as excited as I am about their daughters wedding when the time comes...

I hope so too!  I have heard so many horror stories about families that just can't stomach their childs intended.  We are so blessed that we have loved him as long as Cadi has... even longer really!

11 Days Until the Big Wedding Event!

Family Visit...

We had family stop in for a quick visit last night.

It was so nice to stop packing for a bit and just visit.

They left this morning on their way back to California.

..... now I think I don't have any excuses not to pack........

WAIT!  Does the lawn need to be mowed?!


12 Days Until The Big Wedding Event...

Countdown...

13 Days until the big wedding event...

Never Ending Hole...

 Aubrey and friends

... checking out the never ending hole in the tree trunk.

With all of the packing we are having to do... double time... it is nice to see the kids get to just hang out and be kids.  I am sure that when this move is over we will be so tired!  In fact, I am already tired... but it is a good tired.

13 days until the big wedding event...

No Pressure...

My beloveds...

Every single day that passes means we are a day closer to the BIG EVENT!!!

I am starting to bubble over with excitement and joy...

I know, I know...

I should be talking about these two...

but...

I am really excited for US!

We are the ones who are benefitting from this union...

Not only do we get to see our oldest daughter step into a new life...

but we get to officially call Galen our son!

(not that he isn't already, but it will be official... have I said all of this before?  Yes?  Well, I mean it!)

This is so exciting.

I was looking through pictures this morning and was pleasantly surprised at how much of our lives have entertwined with Galen and his family.

My other daughters are doomed...

When they bring home a young man for us to "check out"...

he will have a lot to live up to!

...... but, no pressure.....

14 Days Until the Big Event...

Moving...

Yes, it is true!

We are moving at the end of the month...

We are very excited to get back to the farm...

The kids are jumping for joy!

Now, we just have to pack and pack and pack and............

Summer Days...

Our church just finished up our yearly vacation Bible school (vbs).

The kids had a blast... the wind blew, it sprinkled... and fun was had by all.

They made crafts, sang songs, danced around, learned Bible stories, at yummy food, played games... and so much more!

I hope you are all enjoying your summer vacation as much as we are.

By the way...

15 days until the big event!

Yesterday..

So tired today.  We had a marathon garage cleaning session yesterday... as in, we were out there for 9 hours going through everything... we ended up taking 3 truck loads to the dump.

After that long day, I took 5 of the kids to vbs where they did their thing and I photographed the event.  When I got home, I could hardly see straight... I gladly fell into my bed where I once again couldn't fall asleep right away, but I did manage that within about an hour.

When Brysen woke my up this morning... I told you I was tired... I could hardly open my eyes.  Maybe I will get a nap later... Oh, who's kidding... I can't stand naps! 

Never gonna happen.........

16 days until the big event!