Duval - Van Lue Wedding

On Aug 21st, my amazing sister in law, Stacey declared her love to the man of her dreams, Dave. She looked gorgeous, as always and he was quite handsome all dressed up. Together they make and amazing team. The wedding ceremony was held at Grandma Deeds' church in the Memorial Garden, which has been Stacey's dream since she was a little girl. With it being an outdoor wedding AND outdoor reception we all crossed our fingers that the weekends predicted weather reports of a "washout" would hold out.

On Friday night it rained a TON, just as predicted. So, when the guys headed to the reception site on Saturday morning, the tent top had "at least 50 gallons of water on it", as my father in law said. The sky was gray, it was fairly cool, and the sun was not even trying to come out.
By noonish, the predicted rain still hadn't shown it's ugly face but neither had the sun. With the ceremony starting at 5:00pm we were still crossing our fingers.
Pictures started at 4:00pm and what was it we saw. . . finally, the sun peeking from behind the clouds. Before photos were done the sun was shining high and the temperature was rising - QUICK!!! Moments before the ceremony began, I felt a little something run down my back . . . gross yes, but it was a little dribble of sweat!! My comment to the guests that mentioned how hot it was, was "For Stacey, I'll take it over the washout that was being called for!" They agreed.

So, Guests were seated, the bride and groom did their thing, and we hit the reception for an amazing party that lasted well into the wee hours of Sunday morning . . . rain free!!!!

With that being said, here is the the beautiful couple. Mr. and Mrs. Van Lue. We love you guys!


Stacey, Jeff, and Grandma Deeds.




This is Jeff and I with his parents.

Out with the old. In with the new!

Well, as much as I hated to do it I traded in my Trailblazer. Gosh, I loved that car. It was great but I was racking up the miles on it and it was starting to need work. So . . . I did some research and looked all over the freak'n state and with that found a Honda Pilot which I LOVE!!!! Thompson's Honda in Terre Haute gave us such a great deal. (Doesn't help any that I know the used car sales manager) My new Pilot provides us with tons of room, an awesome stereo system, smooth ride, and amazing warranty. I have to say . . . I'm fall'n in love!

Happy Father's Day

To the amazing men in my life. Happy Father's Day. I love you.
~My Gramps (AKA Grandpa Ripple) - Thank you for all of your love. I cherish the memories I have of you. I keep them close to my heart.

~My Daddy (AKA "Pops") - You have given me so much, taught me so much in life, and showed me carry those things with me and use them in my adult life. Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do. I love you and wish we could spend Father's Day together. . . Although, I don't need a "special" day to spend the day with you. Miss you

~My Brother - Thank you for blessing me with such a special "title" such a Auntie Steph. Gavin is amazing and so are you. He's lucky to have such a wonderful man as his Dad. I miss you guys.

~My Father in Law - I couldn't have hand picked you better. You have accepted me into your family with open arms and a heart full of love. Thank you.

Happy Father's Day to you all. I hope it's a great one! I love you!

For My Daddy . . . .

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Flip Flop Mania

Flip flops are the craze for summer but how about buying 137 pairs in one shopping trip!!! Nuts, I know. It started when my mother in law called and asked "What 'cha do'in Saturday morning?" When I told her I was free she said, "Ok, great! Wanna go shopping with me?" I of course, agreed! Just moments later I learn that shopping consisted of being at Old Navy for their $1 Flip Flop sale at 6am to buy 100 pairs for my sister in laws outdoor wedding this summer. (Oh MY!!! That's early for a girl that lives the night shift!) So, I did my research, found out the details, and masterminded a plan or action. (There was a 5 pair per person per purchase limit. So, we had to buy 5 pairs at a time then go back to the end of the line to purchase 5 more.) We met at Old Navy at 5:45am, doors opened at 7am. As we waited in line the South Bend Tribune interviewed us, took pictures, and interview others as well. 7am rolls around and our plan of action begins. I grabbed five pairs of flops and made my way to the register. My mother in law loaded up a shopping cart with a variety of sizes and colors for men, women, and kids, Grandma manned the shopping cart, and my Aunt Pam was the "bag lady." She would take the purchased flops to the car. Once the cart was full of flip flops my mother in law joined me in the buying process. We were successful in our mission. We were able to get 100 pairs of flip flops for the wedding and we were each able to get a few pair for our selves. = ) It was a crazy way to start the morning but it was a lot of fun. Check out the article and photo of my mother in law in the South Bend Tribune at: http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/94654704.html

Happy Nurses Day

Being a NURSE means you carry immense responsibility & very little authority. You step into people's lives & make a difference. Some bless you, others curse you. You see people at their worst & best. You see life begin & end. You see people's capacity for love, courage, & endurance. To all the amazing nurses I know. And thank you to all the amazing, helpful, and loving nursing I work with everyday.

Sunday from 2-4 we are having an open house. Hopefully this will help generate some traffic so we can get this place sold!! Wish us luck!!!

Our home was build in 1921. It has many old, unique features. It's a two bedroom, one bath home with a two car garage and full basement. Many updates in 2008. New roof in April. New windows in September and the bathtub was reglazed in October. Fresh paint throughout. Original hardwood floors and fireplace that beautifully compliments the living room. Gorgeous green Zoysia grass covers the lawn. If you don't know about Zoysia, I'll tell you just a bit about. Jeff being a "turf man" for Notre Dame University, you would only expect us to have the most amazing lawn, right. So, his choice is Zoysia. Zoysia is a heat resistant grass. It will grow nicely even during a drought. It grows thick, about a medium texture, and crowds out troublesome weeds.

Keep your finger crossed!!

Babies, babies, and more babies.

Thursday, January 28, 2010 was a very exciting day for Jeff and I, more so for our friends but . . . hey, who doesn't love babies???

Our friends John (Jeff's best man in our wedding) and Megan had their twin girls, Emma and Maci. Also, that same day my friend Lisa and her husband Jeff had their son, Bennett. So, with that being the birthday day of a few new babies, Friday was baby meeting day.

Bennett Joshua 8lbs. 13oz. 21" long. A very BIG and very healthy baby boy!!!

Emma and Maci were taken by c-section. Emma was 6lbs. 2 oz. 18" long. She was baby A. This was one of her first photos. She required C-PAP for the first 24 hrs. (Actually, they both did) I just love this photo.

This is day 2. She had just been changed to 4L nasal cannula .

This is day 3. She is off ALL oxygen and doing very well. As you can see, she has better color. She looks like her daddy in this one!

Maci, AKA baby B, was 5lbs. 4oz, 19" long. The smaller of the two but less critical of the two. This photo is from day 2. You can see she is only on nasal cannula, 4L as well.

And this is Maci on day 3. She was also taken off of all oxygen and her color is much better as well.

To add to all of our baby meeting excitement, another friend of mine found out the sex of her baby. . . IT'S A BOY!!!! Congrats!!!

To all the new mommy and daddy's we wish you all the best. Congrats on your sweet, little, blessings from God. Our prayers are with you all for health and happiness.
And to sweet little Emma and Maci . . . we wish you to both come home soon.

One step closer!

This time last year I decided to go back to school. I have now completed 5 of my 6 classes in my independent study program. I just completed yet another class and am scheduled to test on Feb 2nd. At first, I was slightly hesitant about doing and independent study program but it's actually gone very well. It does take a lot of dedication to take self study classes but I've managed to do so. It's been nice because I can continue to work full time without having to go to weekend option and besides being able to "go to class" at 2am or during down time at work, I was able to cut ties with classes between Thanksgiving and New Years. This gave me the freedom to enjoy the holiday with my family and friends and not have the hassle of school, tests, and studying on top of working, prepping for Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas shopping, wrapping gifts, decorating, baking, and ringing in the New Year.

After I complete my next class I will then have the transition class to complete followed by clinicals. I'm very excited and proud of my progress. I love working in critical care but the further along I get in my classes and the closer I get to graduating with my Associates degree the more excited I get about being able to have the opportunity to look into positions in Pediatrics ICU or Neonatal ICU. Something I have wanted to do for a VERY long time. Who knows. . .maybe I will follow in the foot steps of my colleagues and go on for my BSN or even NP. Hum??? Well, maybe I will look into having babies first. LOL!! ; )

Niles Ice Festival

Hunter Ice Festival - Niles Michigan January 2010

Just one more reason I enjoy winter is the annual Hunter Ice Festival. We attend every year with Jeff's parents. This year however; due to scheduling conflicts we had to go without
them. =(

We did however; get to meet up with the Kuhlmans. After enjoying the cool walk around down town Niles looking at the ice sculptures we decided to pass on the home made ice cream (yes, I did said ice cream) that is served every year out of the ice cream stand ice sculpture in fridge temperatures. Crazy, I know. It's actually very cool though and a big hit!!! We then headed down to The Nugget for dinner before finishing up our ice sculpture sight seeing. Other events that are held at the ice festival are the hot chocolate stands, warming stations, the carve off between two carvers, and the wine tasting tent. I've included a few photos for you all to enjoy!

One of my favorites was this Clydesdale horse.

They even showed some Notre Dame Support. Go Irish!!

And last but not least. . . Dawn and I with the Martini glass. Appropriate since our new found favorite drink is a martini. (French martini's and Gauvatinit's to be exact.)

Tubing and Sledding

With a record snow fall of 27.2 inches of total snow fall since January 1 there are plenty of outdoor winter activities to participate in here in The Bend. Skiing - both cross country and down hill, tubing/sledding, snow boarding, ice festivals, ice skating, and much more. I have been having a great time and it's a great workout. = )

On Saturday, my friend Dawn and I took her youngest two kids,Kenz and Klay, to Elm Road to go tubing. We had so much fun. Klayton we brave enough to try the hand made snow ramp. We started with the small one and worked our way up to the bigger ones. He did great, even after taking a hard tumble. Kenzie wouldn't get up the guts to try the ramp but we had fun running triples on the tube. FYI - the more the weight in the front, the faster and further you go. LOL!!!

Florida bound. . .

I am very excited!! Today we booked our flight and rental car for our trip to Florida. It's just for a long wkend but hey, anything to get away from all this cold and snow. We are leaving on Thursday, March 4th and will come home on Tuesday March 9th. Fun, sun, foo-foo drinks, and volleyball here we come!!!

Celebrating with friends.

Hope everyone had a happy and safe New Year's. Jeff and I brought in 2010 with the Kuhlman's, as we do every year. We invite our closest friends, everyone brings their kids, we have great food, play Wii, set off fireworks, and celebrate!!! We wish health, wealth, and happiness to all. Happy Twenty-ten!!!