A Peek For Mrs. Leonhardt!!

When Chelsey asked me to take pictures for her wedding I was terrified! I am nothing but an ameteur "mom with a camera". I do not own professional equipment or expensive editing software. And a wedding only happens once. I tried to talk her out of it - I did. Didn't I, Chelsey?? Anyways, I agreed to do it. I felt a little better when my awesome sister-in-law, Kristin, said she would help me out. I am sure you have all seen the beautiful work she does on her blog! She is really getting good at taking pictures. I am so grateful she came to back me up on this one! Two cameras are better than one!!

I am still editing pictures and being critical of myself, etc., etc. But I thought I would give Chelsey a sneek peek of what we ended up with! Enjoy!!

Growing Up...

Matty turned 5 on Thursday!! She had a wonderful day full of bubble blowing, playing outside with her sister, opening gifts, and celebrating with family! She was so lucky to have Great-Grandpa and Grandma Wardell, Great-Grandpa and Grandma Tippetts, Mommy and Daddy, Grandma and Grandpa Tippetts, Grandpa and Grandma Leithead, Anastyn, Aunt Chelsea, Tyler and Aunt Kari, and Uncle Bob come to her birthday party. We had a fun Luau with Hawaiian Haystacks and Lemonade. And Aunt Chelsea made the cutest "Beach" cupcakes!! There were too many presents to name, lots of clothes and toys and movies! She got so excited over every little card and gift she opened - it was delightful to watch!! Matty's happiness is contagious and she brings so much joy into our lives!!

At Five Years Old, Matty Is:

A music-loving Hannah Montana wanna-be; a crazy-dancing High School Musical finatic; a silly giggle-box that loves to tease; a master snuggler; a flexible contortionist that loves to perform; beautiful singer of primary songs; insufferable loser of glasses; Princess dress wearing girly-girl who loves fancy shoes and flip-flops; professional bath taker; exhausting night-owl who loves to turn on every light in the house in the middle of the night; baby loving, bag carrying, movie watching, meat-lover; Pre-school going, park playing escape artist; Happy Birthday singing, potty-training fan of Rihanna, Kanye West and Taylor Swift; a color-learning, heart-stealing lover of aunts and uncles; a precious angel who is loved more than words can say!

Matty, Happy Birthday! We love you so very, very much!!

My Sister

My sister is my best friend! We were so blessed to have her come visit for a week. Unfortunately the relaxing vacation she was counting on turned into Grandma's funeral. But we still had a wonderful time while she was here. We enjoyed spending time reminiscing, taking family pictures, having wonderful conversations, watching movies, eating, and celebrating birthdays. There wasn't much relaxing going on...but our time together was priceless. Chelsea is a beautiful young lady inside and out! My girls couldn't get enough of her and we were all so sad when we had to drop her off at the airport yesterday.

We miss you, Chelsea! Thanks for coming to visit!!!

Grandma Walker

My Grandma, Verna Benson Walker, passed away on Thursday, May 28th, 2009. She was 81 years old. This woman has been a very important part of my life. I was lucky enough to live in the same town as her and see her nearly every day as I was growing up.

I had a special relationship with my Grandma that I will always cherish. She was an amazing Grandmother and always went out of her way to make me feel special.

After being away from "home" for 8 years, I was fortunate enough to spend more time with her when Kyle and I moved back to Lovell. I would take one or both of my girls to see her every day or two. I feel so blessed that we were able to spend this time with her and that Matty and Anastyn were able to get to know her and enjoy her also.

My Grandma will be missed by many, many people, including myself and my girls. I had the opportunity to give her Life History at her funeral. She was an amazing woman and I will always remember her example.

Here are some words that remind me of Grandma:

Homemade Pie, Fried Chicken, Kiddie Parades, Dress Ups, Sleepovers, Hollyhocks, Raspberry Jam, Fried Potatoes, Fancy Jell-O Pudding Cups, Walker Bears, Country Bunnies, Bandana Skirts, Costumes, Asparagus Hunting, Trips to the Grocery Store with her Coin Purse, Birdhouses, Miniature Shoe Collections, The Picture Room, Books, Grandma Benson Cookies, French Braids, and Rocking Chairs.

I Love You, Grandma! God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again!