Lots of STUFF!!!

Here is a glimpse of our life right now.  This week, we had deliveries from UPS, FedEx, and shippers almost every day.  We bought a new piano, patio furniture, and a net to drive golf balls.  Yesterday I bought a 2 year supply of shampoo, soap, and toothbrushes and paste.  Today Mike and I went on a date to Costco.  We each filled a flat cart with stuff, paid for it, loaded it in the car, then went back in for more.  The next trip we filled 2 shopping carts.  I wish I would have taken a picture of the car packed to the gills.  I'm so thankful Aubree is willing to babysit, and that the seats all fold down.  If I hadn't just spent so much money, I would think our apartment was growing things overnight!  We go back tomorrow for the stuff we couldn't fit in the car today.  I'm tired, and I think my debit card had a heart attack earlier.

Here is a pile of stuff.

Here is the pile from a different angle.

Here is the pile behind the couch.  I didn't think to take the picture while the couch was pulled out.

All of this will be packed up on July 27th, so we don't have to live with it for too much longer!

Pictures from the wedding

I told you that I am a terrible blogger! For those of you that have been holding your breath, I'll finally get back to the wedding. It was beautiful! We set up in the morning, took pictures before the ceremony, then celbrated with a crowd! The chapel was so full, the family had to sit on the stand! When it was Arlene's turn to answer, she said, "Yes! Yes! YES!!!" The reception was fun with good food and good friends. Allie and Cami did an exceptional job on the flowers. Here are pictures so you can get a good idea.

The Beautiful Happy Couple!!!

All the Shaffer Family, and a portion of the Lines Family

The first dance!

The cake - not only beautiful, but SUPER tasty!

The centerpieces on each table.

Pictures!!!

My sister posted some pictures on her blog, so I STOLE them!!! We made E let us take his picture before he left for graduation. It was a good thing, too, since we were in the nosebleeds at the ceremony. E-man is so fun! Also, he was awarded the Maverick Award from his school. It is given to one boy and one girl from every grade for each sport, and he won it for Track and Field! This picture is actually a poster that they made and gave to him. He also placed 10th in State! Did I tell you how awesome my little brother is? Last but not least is all of us sisters with our baby brother. He was such a cute little boy, and now he's all grown up!
Graduating with honors!!!

Where's E-man? There he is!!!

My brother ROCKS!

Allie, me, E, Cami, Meridee

My Baby is Growing Up!!!

12 years ago (it was a Sunday), Mike and I spent my birthday in the hospital watching the NBA finals, visiting with his parents, and waiting for the birth of our first child. Aubree is such a blessing to us as parents, and to our whole extended family. She constantly amazes me with her generous spirit, and her ability to overcome the challenges of diabetes. I know the Lord has a great plan for her, and I am so awed that I have been given the privilege of teaching her and watching her grow. I love you, Aubs! Happy Birthday!!!

The "lazy" day

Friday was all about getting ready for E-man's graduation party. We made lots of cookies, and got the house clean, and decorated it all cool in graduation banners. It looked awesome. Of course, we didn't think many people would come, but we didn't think we had enough food, so of course we had WAY too much! Everything was yummy, though. Before the party could start, we had to have a pre-party. Arlene's family came over for a barbecue, so I finally got to meet everyone. My mom's sister Margaret and her husband Darwin were able to come for the weekend, too. It was fun getting to know everyone and their children, then we did a quick change into public party mode. It was awesome to see so many people come to support E. (Plus he got lots of fun presents - a graduation bonus.) About halfway through the party, Uncle John and Aunt Claudia showed up with Grandpa Lines!!! Apparently everyone knew they were coming except those of us there. I didn't think I would get to see Grandpa again before we left this summer, so it was a fabulous surprise! All in all, it wasn't quite the lazy day I led you to believe in the title - we were all exhausted at the end with much more to come, but it was a VERY GOOD DAY!!!