~ Our(aka.,Gabby's) Maddy ~

Have I ever mentioned our babysitter Maddy?  Well she just so happens to be the 'coolest' teenage babysitter on Earth!!  We adore her!  She started babysitting for Gabby for Colts home games and has been her only sitter(besides grandparents, etc) ever since.  She is a lifesaver when we decide to have a last minute "date night"!  I actually babysat for she and her sister at church when I was younger.  Now I trust her with my baby just as much as her Mommy trusted me with her when she was little!  On St. Patty's night...Maddy babysat for Gabby.  She snapped some photos of her and edited them.  She has one heck of an editing program on her computer and I am in LOVE with what she did! 

She also edited the photo at the top of our blog page...brightened it up a bit.  Looks great huh!  Thanks Maddy! 

Oh and...are you available on April 28th?  
xoxo, Katie

Pictures of "Your Highness" and "I Was Just Thinking"?

Man, my little girl is "active".  Not to mention she knows just the right thing to say(over and over and over again)until she gets her way.  Kind of like this picture...
      

                                            

                                                        My little lovely, the paint eater!

Happy Girl!


Gabby has been asking to paint ever since we picked this paint up at the store this afternoon!  How many times did I have to tell her, "after dinner sweetie" before she understood it?!  After dinner came thank goodness...and away she went with those wacky paintbrushes.  So Fun!  I sort of think the stage of "over and over again" asking is developmental?  And then part of me thinks that it is genetic because according to my Mom and Aunt Di, I was Gabby to a "T" when I was little!  I just remember asking, "are we there yet" a million times on the way to Jasper, IN and Florida when I was little.  That's not too bad right?!  Ha! 

And this picture

Hey Heeeyyyy Mom! 

 What A Day!  I was on the phone with a friend for 10 minutes and walked around the corner to find Gabby having a "party" in the kitchen sink!  She was soaked!  Not sure still how she got up there when her "stool" she uses to brush her teeth, help with dishes, etc.,was no where in sight.  And the straw?  The straws are kept in the drawer on the other side of the kitchen.  Oh well...I guess this is just one of those things that I will never figure out. 

And on a, "I Was Just Thinking" note...has anyone ever thought about a "Bachelor and Bachelorette" show for people over 55?  Like,"The Grandparent Bachelor/Bachelorette"?  Totally not trying to offend any of my grandparent or over 55 readers, however, wouldn't that be SO PERFECT?  I told my dad about it tonight and he just laughed...hysterically...and said, "you get right on that one Katie".  Hmmm....I think it would be kind of cute seeing older people on national television telling their "sweetie" how much they love them and watching a network televised wedding or an "after the rose" ceremony with all of the contestants there in their pretty dresses.  Their hair done, long flowing dresses with Mary Jane shoes and big hairpieces(customed made by Gabri Ellie ;-)  Maybe they could invite their children and grandchildren/family members, best friends to escort them there and be in the audience?  FUN!!  Whatever...just something to think about I guess right?!  Really, I think I might email ABC about it tomorrow morning...

Lastly, who just LOVES Gabby's St. Patty's Day outfit for Thursday? 

I have found a lady that makes just about anything under the sun you may want...for super duper good prices!  Love her...and I love this outfit! 

Have A Great Week,
Katie

Mardi Gras!

Gabby decided to start the festivities with a "pre party" the night before...
I guess the "cool" place to party for a three year old is in an Ottoman!

This year we celebrated Mardi Gras with family!  It was so much fun!  Our cousins, Doreen and Heidi, were in town for the weekend as well as my Aunt Di.  Mom and I thought that a cute little place in our town, Zydeco's, would be perfect to party down for Mardi Gras!  I should have known the place was going to be a riot when I called to get a reservation!  It went a little something like this. 

Me:  Hi, I would like to place a reservation for Saturday night.
Owner:  What time?
Me:  Ummm, 6:30pm.
Owner:  Instant laughing without stopping...followed with "ok, how about 8:30pm
Me:  Great.
Owner:  Don't forget to come in costume, think Halloween! 
Me:  What if we don't think Halloween?
Owner:  Then masks and beads will do. 

So off we went, after church and appetizers at Mom's, to the restaurant.  Dressing in Halloween costumes was a HUGE understatement by the way! OMG!  King's, Jokers, men dressed up as women, women dressed up as men(not even kidding), an awesome band!  It was a blast!  I brought a King Cake from my friend, Emily, that owns "Sweets by Emily".  Delish!  To make a long story short.  Emily ended up being contacted by the owner of the restaurant about her fabulous King Cake.  She made two cakes and delivered them yesterday for Fat Tuesday.  I tell ya....we grazed on that cake for two days straight!  Yes, that good!

We had a great time!  I was the designated driver which was SO FUN because I love the opportunity to watch my Mom, Aunt Di and Doreen get "tipsy" anytime I can!  Hilarious!  Well, why don't we just let the pictures do the talking!

Mom, Doreen and Aunt Di

My Aunt Di!  Love You!!

Mom and "The King"

Mom with The King and ?(I have no clue what the other man was supposed to be(the devil)?)

Aunt Di
I dared her to tie a cherry string with her tongue
SHE DID IT! 

Our Delicious King Cake by Sweets by Emily
Check her out on Facebook!  Awesome! 

Mom Being Goofy! 

Well Lord...this guy cracked me up all night.
Some of these people were just down right freaky!  Creative...but freaky!   

Poor Aunt Di!  She was having a blast however! 

My Momma and I

The pictures definitely do not do justice.  What a wild time!  I have decided.  I think I want to hang out with my family ever year from now on...on Mardi Gras!  It was hilarious and a night I won't forget!  Cheers! 

xoxo, Katie
p.s. Each King Cake has a "tiny baby" somewhere inside of the cake. Well, one of Jeff's pieces had the "baby" in it!  As a result, he is now the proud owner of "Good Luck" for one year!  And rumor has it that he has to host the "Mardi Gras" party next year because he got the "baby".  Oh...and the Good Luck!

Hey Aunt Amy and Uncle Jason?

So, you two are going to have to remind me. 

Is this the shirt you guys got for her a couple of years ago?  I believe so and just so you know...Gabby ADORES it!  She even chose her "space needle" shirt(as she calls it) and funky brown pants trimmed with flowers complete with silver ballerina shoes to(drum roll please)......DRESS HERSELF FOR THE FIRST TIME! 

I know... I'm sure a lot of readers are thinking that a lot of other 3 1/2 year old's are already dressing themselves...but "shut it"!  LOL!  My child is obviously spoiled or something kind of like it.  Or maybe I am too impatient to stand around for what seems like 15 hours for her to put on a pair of pants.  If I had surveillance in my home you would catch me on it standing outside of her door, biting my nails, tapping my toes and probably pacing back and forth for her to "c'mon".  I have told myself for years to "slooooww dowwwnnn" but as you can see that is not working very well for me at the moment.  One day I will realize...or set my alarm earlier each day so that we are not in such a hurry to get out the door on certain mornings.  

Anyways, I am so very excited about Gabby dressing herself because on this particular day I did not even know she was in her bedroom doing it!  She just came out and said, "ok...I am ready to go to dinner" and this is what she looked like!  Aunt Amy and Uncle Jason should be so proud!  She worships everything you guys buy for her! 

(copyright Katie's cell phone...sorry for poor picture quality
re-creating is prohibited....ha ha!)

I couldn't help it....I had to let her go out this way!  Untouched....off she and her daddy went.  Most of the time when her daddy takes her out I put her in her, "daddy does my hair" t-shirt that has a pretty hot pink skull and cross bones on it! 

She absolutely LOVES this "space needle" shirt and always picks it out each time her momma gives her the opportunity to!

Gabby, you stylin' diva, you are so cute no matter what you wear!  You make me smile from ear to ear everyday and laugh until my stomach hurts!  I love you so much! 
                                  Love, Mommy.   

So for the record....this shirt did come from you Aunt Amy and Uncle Jason.  Right?   

xoxo, Katie

Ball State's Dance Marathon! We Remember Ellie!



Ellie's Banner For Everyone To Be Reminded What They Were Dancing For
-courtesy of BSDM team



In July, we were contacted by Kelli Martin(President of 2011 BSDM) to speak at this year's Dance Marathon at Ball State University. 



Kelli Martin, BSDM 2011 President
and Angel In My Mind! 



Dance Marathon raises money for Riley Hospital for Children.  Schools and organizations host a marathon where students/people dance for either 12, 24 or 36 hours non-stop while raising money for Riley.  Kelli interned at the Ronald McDonald House over the summer and got a hold of our story while there.  We have spoken at events for the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana, however, this was our first time to speak at a Dance Marathon.  We were touched to say the least.  The fact that Ellie's story has traveled and been spoken of has always been my goal.  She had such an amazing journey and touched so many people in her short little life.  "Reaching Others To Help Others".  Out of tragedy always comes good.  Please always remember this.  It is something that has defined my life since 2006. 

So this past Saturday(2/19) we traveled to Muncie, IN to tell our story.   We were scheduled to speak at 10pm.  Our family, besides my mom, are a bunch of night owls!  I planned for Gabby to nap on the way to Muncie with hopes that she would be wide awake for our speech because she normally LOVES to stay up late.  Well, we all know as mothers that 9 times out of 10 when we plan things they usually don't turn out the way they are supposed to.  So why plan then right?  Just kidding!  Gabby did not nap on the way there to say the least.  She was the opposite and enjoyed Grammy's company in the backseat.  She swam in the hotel pool when we got to the hotel as the Dance Marathon Committee arranged for a hotel room.  Thanks So Much!  Gabby loved the pool with Daddy and I was 100% sure she would crash when we got back up to the room for a bit before we headed over to campus to speak.  Nope!  No nap again.  Yikes....  Dinner was a little stressful only because it was a sit down restaurant and we had a little bit of a wait.  What do you expect right?  She is three after all!  We got through that though....schwoo!  



Gabby, all dressed up, sporting her "little sister" shirt for her big sister, Ellie! 





The Chamness Family

Gabby went non-stop...all day and all night!  They had a "family room" for all of the family's that were speaking to hang out in.  Gabby watched movies, worked puzzles, colored pictures, strung beads to make a necklace and ate plenty of candy. 



Grammy and Gabby



They really catered to her and the rest of the family which was really nice!  They had a bounce house in the rec center which is where the dancers were.  Everyone was able to participate if they wanted to...Gabby sure did!   She "LOVED" this part! 



Gabby with Lori(her swim instructor)that also goes to Ball State! 



Gabby was so overheated from that bounce house by the time the evening was over!  I thought she was going to pass out.  She would not even stop for water and we had to practically hold her down to get water down her throat.  I am not exaggerating either!!!  This picture with Lori was the only time she would sit!  Look at how red her face was!  Aaaahhh!  People could also participate in corn hole which is what Jeff and Brandon liked! 

 And Aunt Jeanine and Molly

What a Great Idea! 



Inspiration Room



An Inspiration Room was developed that featured different "Riley Kids" and their stories.  Some of the families were speaking at the Marathon and others were there to participate in the event.  Ellie's story and board was amazing!  I loved every bit of what they did! 



Our Angel



The night was Spectacular!  My family, Aunt Jeanine, Molly and Brandon, came from Indianapolis to support us!  I am so thankful that they made the trip to be with us!  It was so comforting to look down from the stage, while we were speaking, and see your beautiful faces!  You are so important to us!  Thank You from the bottom of our hearts!  We Love You So Much! 



Katie, Jeff, Gabby(hiding), Molly and Brandon
Not sure where Aunt Jeanine was?



And Mom. My wonderful Mother that supports me always! She was with us the entire time. I love you Mom! Thank you for everything you do! I know that Ellie was your salvation and inspired you. But most importantly she made you SO HAPPY! You are beautiful in my eyes always and I love you so very much! Thank You!



When I looked out and saw this image of my Mom and Gabby I truly realized at that moment what is must feel like to have your heart walking outside of your chest.  You care so much for another it hurts.  I love you both so much!  

Mom, Gabby and Katie



Thank you to other family members that were with us in spirit.  Grandad and Mama sure wish they could have joined us.  We know they thought about us all day!  Grampy called first thing Sunday morning and wanted to know all about how it went!  We Love You All!   

The speech went great!  The dancers made a tunnel for us to walk down as we prepared to speak!  I can honestly say that this really touched me!  I wanted to burst out in tears out of gratitude and thankfulness to all of these people that took time out of their lives to save lives!  It was a very special moment!  As we walked, I thought about my college experience.  We participated in Dance Marathon at Indiana State.  I had no clue what the families that spoke to us had experienced?  I really did not think that I would be on the other side of this situation and in the place of those that spoke to us a long time ago...well 11 years ago to be exact.  I also thought about our sweet Angel Ellie.  As we made the looong trek down the aisle I wished so much that she could have been on that walk with us, up on the stage to tell her "survival story", smiling at others as we spoke and wishing that she could have had the opportunity to say a few words herself.  But as I thought more...you know what...SHE WAS THERE!  I felt her!  She was there when we spoke, holding our hands.  She DID survive!  She survived a lot longer than planned.  She survived 6 surgeries that could have ended her life a lot earlier had she not had them.  That made me want to cry harder! 

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

When we were introduced and started to make our walk down the isle to the podium, Gabby heard everyone start to cheer as they pronounced our name.  She got a little freaked out and turned around to run away. Jeff picked her up and walked with her. So cute! I would have been scared too if I was three honestly! Ha!  I secretly think Ellie turned Gabby around and led her down the isle! :) 


I was super nervous to speak!  I thought before the night, "how hard can this be?  It's a bunch of college kids!  I am older than them"!  Ha!  It was harder than it seemed!  My papers were shaking as I spoke.  Jeff turned each one with hopes that I would not drop my microphone.  He was by my side the entire time as always!  I love you Jeff!  

Gabby was there with us too! She may have gotten a little bored, but she was a trooper and stuck with us! We love you "big" little sister, Gabby!

We met, "Sparkles!  She is a "Riley Kid" and captured my heart!  Her personality brought the biggest smile to many faces!  I saw them all!  She is very special to me and I only spent a few short hours with her!  She stood at the end of the stage and smiled at me the entire time we spoke.  She clapped so hard when we were done.  Awe...my heart melted!  Thank you "Sparkles" for making me happy and reminding me to always try SO hard to help others and most importantly, "be happy" with what we have because you never know who might have it harder!    

"Sparkles" sort of defined this day.  In a way, she along with the other children present

 made me stop, reminisce and continue to be grateful! 



We all came together with a purpose...to help children. For The Kids!  FTK, FTK!  How special is that! I, along with Jeff, am grateful for the many people that we met on this day! It showed me that people do care. Whether we dance, give charitable donations, pray, donate our time at the hospitals or provide service in other ways not mentioned....we all have ways of showing we care. How do you show others that you care? 

However You Do...We Thank You for Caring!!!

I thank you.  Jeff thank's you...even Ellie and Gabby!  

xoxo!   

Special Delivery

Gabby got ROSES!  Her first flower delivery...and they were RED ROSES!  She was very excited! 

Teddy(aka.,Uncle Teddy), Gabby's godfather, surprised her with flowers for Valentine's Day.  Thank you so much Uncle Teddy!  We Love You!  

Smelling the roses!  I hope she takes lots of time to do this in her lifetime.  So cute!  Gabby then proceeded to name six friends that she was going to deliver a rose to.  Little Miss Thoughtful!  I love this about her! 

Gabby on the phone with Uncle Teddy!  She had to place a special call to him and thank him for her special delivery.  Even though he was in the middle of a meeting I don't think he minded the special phone call at all! 

Hope everyone had a very special Valentine's Day!  Gabby sure did! 

xoxo, Katie

Congratulations! XOXO!

For Valentine's Day...Jeff Requested House Shoes!  Just So You Know...He Picked Them Out and They Were His Idea! Yessssss!    

UGG House Slippers!  They Are Pretty Sweet.  He Loves Them! I Love That He Loves Them!  However, He Probably Should Have Never Posted What He Got On Facebook!  

Congratulations Babe!  You Have Officially Lost Your Man Card!  Shhh...He Is Now Asking For UGG "Outdoor Shoes"!  Busted!  I'm Scared That Next He Will Want Skinny Men's Jeans To Tuck Into His "Outdoor UGG Shoes"(aka...UGG Boots).  He Says NEVER!!!  But, We'll See!  

xoxo, Your Wife