Sweet Maddie

We had a fantastic trip to Yellowstone for our family reunion- it was so wonderful to be with those we love... I will post pictures of that in a day or two- HOWEVER, I feel the need to write a little post about my sweet little "niece" Maddie:

My mom's sister, Judy has 4 boys in their family. They are all married to AMAZING women and have all started their own families. Jordan is the youngest of the 4 boys and has always been another brother to me. (Heck, I had 4, why not add another?!) He is such a great guy and he and his wife Marlo live in Austin. They are our only TX relatives right now... (hurry up Wendy!) They spent Thanksgiving of '06 with us as Marlo was too pregnant to fly home, it was a great holiday. Just recently, when we blessed Bauer, Jordan, Marlo, and darling Maddie came up from Austin for his blessing. It was so great to see them and spend time with them. During that trip to our home, we all fell instantly in love with Madison Marie Walburger. You just can't help but love this cute girl!!

With more sorrow than I can express with words, Maddie passed away this last Sunday. She accidentally drowned in a pool and they were not able to bring her back. We are heartbroken, we are completely shocked and devastated, we are extremely sorrowful for Jordan, Marlo, and their immediate families. This loss is so huge, so hard, and will be felt forever. Maddie lived such a full life-- I mean, what 18 month old do you know that has gone tubing with her dad?

How about skateboarding?

And isn't she just darling here on Valentine's day? She is definitely the most stylish

toddler I've met!

She looks so much like her dad did at that age, and she acted like him too! Full of life, love, laughter, and mischief!! Jordan and Marlo, we love you, we grieve for you, and we will be there to support you forever. We are so sorry!! It's just not fair, and someday we will all understand it, but right now it's so hard. Maddie, you keep watching over us sweet girl!! Send your mama and daddy bits and pieces of remembrances of you so that they can hold tight to your memories. We love you Maddie, you're the most perfect little angel girl ever!

We will miss you so much!

9 to 5

Sing with me now:

"Sleepin' 9 to 5,

what a way to get some sleep!

9 to 5... it's so very very sweeeeet!"

SO would that be considered sleeping "through the night?" It would if this mama got in bed before 1 am. Here's to another night like last night!! :)

The Royal Treatments...

So, I told you I was going to be making some fun curtains with that fabric right? Guess what I've been working on for 3 days straight?!?!? You guessed it! Cornise Boards!! And I am done, they're hung and I'm so excited!! (Even Barrett noticed the change! He came

downstairs this morning, points to the kitchen window and goes,

"WOW!! MOM LOOK!!!" Pretty observant, I'd say!)

So here is the beginning:

Midway:

And finished product:

I made one for the kitchen, one for the living room (w/ matching pillows!),

and one for the family room... so fun!

Kitchen:

Living room:

Family room... my fav! :

Then I continued the craziness and made 3 more for my bedroom windows. I made these out of table runners I bought 2 years ago and sheers from IKEA.

Master Bedroom

Next Project: Re-covering those two chairs... check back in Aug.

Needless-to-say, Bauer's spent a lot of time like this:

Exersaucer!!!

And Barrett's been busy finding other things to do:

sorry dad... I know that just makes you cringe!!! Don't worry, it's not your baby grand!

Getting ready for the family reunion... watch out brothers!

After his 3rd fudgesicle of the day... mmmmm!

So how much would you guess it cost me to make all 6 cornise boards and 4 pillows? Put in your bets and I'll tell you in a few days. Hint: I am a BARGAIN shopper and DIY-er!

I am so happy with the finished product, it's been 3 days of hard work and my house is a MESS... but the windows look fantastic!! Thanks to my friends Anne & Becky for the helping hands- and to my muscle man, BILLY for being so handy and tough! Love you!!

What I've been doing...

So- I'm supposed to have a mini-vacation too whild my kids are gone, right? Well, that's kind of what I'm doing. I haven't been doing much around the house- I've been playing with Barrett, sewing (see posts below), and just relaxing. All the while my DEAR HARDWORKING HUSBAND is spending lots of time at work... sorry babe, you deserve a break too! **Golf for you everyday for a week in yellowstone!** SMOOCHES!

Barrett's been missing his brother's and sister- so we made a wall mural for them and I think it's pretty fun! Took these B&W pics of each kid the week before they left for California with my NEW CAMERA!! I found these frames at Hobby Lobby (my new fav craft store! LOOOOVE IT!) for $8.00 each @ 50% off. And the 8x10's I had printed at Sam's Club- lovin' their digital photo center online! They were only $1.46 each!! I figure at that price I can rotate the photos every few months or so with my new fav pic of each kid. Total cost of this project: $47. Remembering my long lost kids: PRICELESS!!

Every night when we put Barrett to bed, he goes up the stairs and says goodnight to each kid: "Goodnight Hunter, Goodnight Brocky, Goodnight Hannah, Nigh Night Barrett, Nigh Night cute baby Bauer." So cute!

And look at this fabric-- does it just SCREAM "Julie" or what? Got it for $4.05 a yard at JoAnn's yesterday... it was originally $19.95 a yard. I can see some fun drapes coming my way soon...

Gotta get back to my sewing room!

My latest obsession...

Applique-ing... LOVE IT!!! I'm no pro, but I'm getting better. Last night before we left for our 4th of July festivities, I realized that Bauer didn't have a burpcloth to match his new blanket-- so I whipped one up for him!

Bauer's burpcloth line of "B's" Too bad I didn't make it all for Barrett and re-use for Bauer!

Some gifts for friend's kids:

I've made more today for my neices, but didn't get a pic taken-- I'll share later, but I'm having lots of fun!! (and not getting a whole lot of housework done!) :)

Happy 4th of July!! (on the 5th!)

Our "little" family at Pizza Hut Park

We had a fantastic fourth of July. It was a HOT ONE!! We were missing a few kids, and they would have had a blast with us, but they sounded like they had a pretty fun day with Grammy and Papa themselves! We sure missed them though, it just wasn't completely the same!

The morning was quiet and we just hung out for a while as Bill had to work. I took the "killer B's" (Bill's nickname for Barrett & Bauer) to the mall and on a few errands. They were really good and we got lots of shopping in! Then we came home and took naps! All of us! Bill got home just before 4 pm and we got ready to go to our city's Freedom Fest.

Barrett & Bauer in their patriotic gear ready to go!

There was a soccer game at the stadium first, then a concert by a new up and coming artist named "freddy," then the awesome fireworks- and then another concert by the "Temptations!" It was a blast! We had a great time with great friends!

Copelands

Tanners

Barker's- minus kids (not pictured!)

There were a few other family's there, but somehow they escaped my camera!!

Hope everyone else's 4th was just as fun and you were with people you love!!

Here's a few more pics from our night:

Before the fireworks

Dad holding Barrett doing "seat"

Barrett laughing at "seat"

Bauer just hanging out and taking it all in!

Mom & Bauer

Not so thrilled w/ the fireworks... a little shaken!

Everyone watching the fireworks!

Dad's & Sons

I'm glad to be an AMERICAN!!!