Luebbert/McKinney Baby Shower

On Sunday, I had my first baby shower, thrown by Ryan's sister, Roxanne, and his cousin, Kelly. It was very nice. The food was wonderful. I was very excited that Aunt Sis made some puke dip! It was my very favorite. There was lots of fruits, including watermelon :), dips, veggies, and a cupcake cake shaped like an umbrella. It was delicious. After we ate, we played 2 games. The first one was the little plastic babies in icecubes and the first one to get the baby out won. Of course, mom popped the thing in her mouth and crunched down with her teeth and was done in about 20 seconds! The second game was a bit more gross and I got to play that one. They had 5 diapers with melted candy bars in them and we had to guess what kind of candy bar it was. I got 3 out of 5 correct. I missed the Milky Way and Whatchamacallit. Who eats Whatchamacallits anyway? We don't even know their real name! :) The other 3 were Kit Kat, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and Almond Joy. Then, we moved on to presents. Cash received lots of wonderful goodies. Ryan's aunt Kathy and cousin Tina embroidered a quilt with the ABC's on it. Ryan said it looked a lot like his when he was little. A friend of Ryan's mom's quilted a blue blanket, just big enough to lay over the car seat on windy or cold days. He got his walker, booster chair, umbrella stroller, diaper bag, car seat, and monitor as well. Of course he also got diapers, wipes, lotions, washes, blankets, and clothes. You can never have enough of those things! There were other items as well that will definately be needed that we appreciate greatly. Ryan and I both feel very lucky to be so loved and to have great family and friends that showered us with such wonderful things for our son. Thanks again to Kelly and Roxanne!

P.S. When I get some pictures, I will upload a few. My photographer (mom) needs to keep her day job. :) Still love her though!

Howie

I have a feeling that Howie is not going to see much Blogger time here in a few weeks, so I thought I should upload some pics of him having fun and doing his daily ritual. I must say, it has been nice spending the days with him this summer. Before too long, he may not get all the attention he wants or deserves. But I will try my best, because he still is my baby.

Every morning when I get up, I let Howie outside. He does what he needs to, then takes up a piece of concrete and sunbathes for awhile. When he is finished, he comes in. Now, this isn't to say that he is done for the morning, but he's too hot to stay out any longer at the moment. So, he comes in, lays in the cool shade, and when he is ready, decides it's time to go back out. This only happens about 3-4 times, then he is done for the day. Of course, when he is outside, I like to be able to keep an eye on him and since Ryan won't get us a storm door, I have to keep the front door open. I can see him laying there from the couch. Well, the other day, I was in for a treat, because a bird flew into the house and I about had a heart attack. Not because I was scared, but, because I had no idea how to get the stupid thing out! Luckily, he found his own way out and I didn't have to worry. Now, I don't have the door open all the way. It is open enough to see Howie and to keep a bird from being able to fly straight in!

On Sunday, Ryan and Brice got home from their float trip. They were outside, putting up the tents again to dry out and washing all the grass off of the tarps and such. Howie was rolling around in the water, so Ryan got out the hose to play with Howie for awhile. I wish I would have had my camera then! Howie was running all over the yard and having a great time. I think he just about wiped out twice! Once going down the hill, I think his feet weren't going as fast as his body that time, and once across the tarp on the driveway! He cracks me up that he likes to eat the water. When I did finally go get my camera, he was still playing, but not as hard as he was in the beginning. I have attached a couple videos as well.

In Memory

I just wanted to take a minute and remember my beloved grandma who passed away 7 years ago today. She will forever be missed.

Remembrance
Remembrance is a golden chain
Death tries to break,but all in vain.
To have, to love, and then to part
Is the greatest sorrow of one's heart.
The years may wipe out many things
But some they wipe out never.
Like memories of those happy times
When we were all together.
~ Author Unknown

Til we meet again. I love you!

Trent's Wedding

Yesterday, our house was pretty lazy. Ryan was up around 8:30, then I woke up around 11:00. Ryan went back to bed around 1:00 and Brice got up around 1:30. Howie was sleeping with Brice most of the morning, but would get up and walk around a little here and there, and then return to bed with Brice. You would think we had nothing to do. I don't know what all of our deals were. A little before 3, we all started getting ready and dolled up. Trent was getting married in 2 hours in Booneville, so we had to leave by 3:50. Well, I think we ended up leaving about 4:05-4:10! Which was not my fault. The whole time we were driving on 87, I kept looking at the clock thinking, mom is going to kill us! We are soooo late! Then we would get behind a Highway Patrolman, then some yahoos on some sort of vehicle, then a horse and carriage. We were cursed to be late! We ended up gettin to the church at 4:58. Just in the knick of time. Of course it had started raining and I didn't have an umbrella and people were still standing outside of the church waiting to get in. I had to stand under a tree and wait. We finally got in and mom wasn't too happy, but dealt with it. The church was packed! People were standing in the back and our seats had just been given away, so we had to cram in with the grandparents and parents. Cassandra looked beautiful in her gown. The wedding began and ended! It was the quickest wedding I had ever been to! Even quicker than my beach wedding! I didn't think it was possible. The seated the grandparents and parents, had a prayer, did a reading, listened to a song, exchanged rings, and that was it! 15 minutes tops!

Then we headed over to the reception. They had a great meal. Too bad I can't really enjoy big meals these days. After a few bites, I am so full! Then, it was time to cut the cake. I must say, we were all in for quite a surprise. Trent and Cassandra and the entire wedding party went behing the cake table. Then they ever so nicely cut the cake and got their pieces, then all of a sudden, they both turned around and smashed cake into the best man's and matron of honor's faces. It was hilarious, because Trent got his best man good! Then they finished the job of feeding cake to one another and it was on with the toasting and on with the party.

We had a good time and we wish Trent and Cassandra all the best!

Happy 40th

This past weekend was the the 4th of July, and I did absolutely nothing! I wasn't feeling good, so I stayed home and laid around the house trying to get comfortable. Ryan on the other hand spent the day in Bonnots Mill with his family. Sunday morning, we both got up and got ready to head to Monroe City. My mom's brother and his wife were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. Mom and Randy picked us up around noon and we headed out. Boy, was it a ride to remember. Let's see, the cabbage that Ryan ate on the 4th wasn't setting well with him, or the other 3 of us in the car! And Ryan decided to ask if there were complications during my delivery if he should save me or the baby. (And he was serious!) I thought mom was gonna kill him. She told him he could have another baby and his smart mouth response, he could have another wife too. So mom asked if he wanted to raise a baby all by himself and he said, well, there is adoption. I had to interject here! I believe my words were, "Wait, you are going to let me die and give our son up for adoption? Then why let me die?" He could only laugh. Mom said to make sure she was at the hospital and Ryan finally said, "Ok, so I save you. Got it." Don't you just love him! Anyway, we got to Monroe and sat with family and visited. We met the newest addition to the family, missed a few people that weren't able to make it, had some laughs, and enjoyed the company. It's never dull with the O'Bryans. Before we left, my cousin's wife Angie was talking to me about labor, what fun. Lance came over and asked what we were talking about, then went on to say that when they have another one, it won't be in a military hospital. He started sharing their experience and needless to say, it wasn't the best. I think they only got to stay 7 hours. At 4:30 in the morning, they woke Angie up and told them it was time to leave. Keeli stayed in the room after delivery, because they don't get a choice to have the babies taken to a nursery. Boy am I thankful Ryan is civilian and not military. Then we headed back home. Mom and Randy took us out to dinner for Ryan's birthday and then we relaxed the rest of the evening. I have attached a couple of pics.

Uncle Kent and Aunt Sara

Kirk, Lance, Uncle Kent, Aunt Sara, Heather, and Kale (them with their kids). We couldn't get one with the spouses and grandkids too because some were not able to make it due to prior committments.

Friend's Annual Camping Trip

WHAT A WEEKEND!!! I always look forward to the Friend's Annual Camping Trip. We always got to Lake Pomme de Terre in Hermitage, MO on the 3rd weekend of June. This year, the Allee's, Stokes', Christian's, and Terri came. I do believe this was the first year though that everyone took off on Friday and were all down by 2:00. The waverunner was taken out, the guys and Amanda and I went down and enjoyed the water, washers and hillbilly golf were played, and good conversation was taking place. It felt like a Saturday. That evening, we grilled and ate. Later on, at dark, the most annoying siren started going off. It was a tornado warning. We packed up everything that could get wet or blow away. Then, I think almost the whole park headed up to the bathrooms, including the Stokes', but the rest of us sat on the picnic table waiting for the warning to pass. We sat there having the most enjoyable conversation. Are you a prong of a fork or a gap? The warning passed and the canopy went back up and the chairs came out. Of course, the rain started as well. The Stokes' and Christian's went into the Stokes' camper, and the remaining 5 of us sat at the picnic table under the canopy. We had a wonderful game of never-ending Slap Jack. Warning-don't ever play with Josh if you want to keep your hands. Stephanie, Lori's cousin came walking up in the rain, with a plastic table cloth over her head and a sun viser on to keep the table cloth on to serve as a rain coat. WHAT A SIGHT! We then used Stephanie's table cloth as a wind block on one end of the table because it was blowing in rain. Ryan and Josh kept lowering the canopy. At one time, it was only about 6-12 inches about our heads! Great fun!!! The rain stopped and everyone gathered around the picnic table and the canopy was back to full heighth. Then the game of Asshole started. They all had great fun. I played with my Gatorade, but didn't have near the fun as the rest. You just can't have as much fun sober as a bunch of loud drunks.
Saturday, we had biscuits and gravy around 10:30-thanks Lori! and then started on another day of fun. We spent most of the day on the water. Nick (Lori's cousin) had his boat out and took Ryan wakeboarding and others tubing. Of course, Ryan left me behind, so I wasn't able to watch, but later on we all went out and I got some video of Ryan. I will upload later. Nick went wakeboarding and he is awesome. Jumping 4-5 feet in the air, clearing the entire wake of the boat! Beth and Terri went tubing. Poor, poor Terri! Never been before and went on her bottom. She looks like someone beat the crap out of her! We headed in again for Nick and Tara to eat dinner. After they ate, everyone except Josh, Chris, Ryan, and myself went back out so Beth and Amanda could try wakeboarding. Team Luebbert played washers against Josh and Chris. We creamed them in 2 games! 21-4 and 22-7! AND Ryan didn't carry the team thank you! I was told that Beth and Amanda were able to get up on the wakeboard, but not for long. But they got up! and that is what matters. We ended the day with tacos for dinner and winding down. It wasn't as upbeat as Friday night. The Stokes' and Christian's turned in early. The rest of us visited Lori's mom and later made smores. I had the pleasure to hear Lori's mom tell me what a wonderful person my husband is. He's cute, personable, honest, etc. She just loves him. Boy does he put on a show for her! :) After our smores at 12:30, the rest of us headed to bed.
Sunday morning, we all packed up and headed home for our Father's Day celebrations. I am looking forward to next year, as I do every year. Nothing beats hanging out with friends and just enjoying the day!

Why don't men listen?

Why is it that men think they know it "all!" When obviously they don't and if they would just stop and listen, they might learn a thing or two. Let me tell you my story!


Ryan finally decided it was time to remove all furniture from Cash's room and paint this weekend! YAY! How is exciting right? You would think! Ryan and I went to Lowe's on Saturday morning to get the paint. Both Ryan and the guy behind the counter thought 1 gallon would be plenty. So, when we got home, I started getting ready to leave to go to a bridal shower for Trent's wedding and Ryan started emptying the room and taping. Mom and I were gone 4 hours. When I returned, Ryan was almost done trimming the ceiling and around the windows/doors, and baseboards. So, mom and I left again to go eat at Madison's. Upon my return home, I found my husband laying on the couch-so I knew that Cash's room was complete! I was excited and walked in to his room. IMMEDIATELY, I knew he was not done, but the room was clean and the tape was gone! It CLEARLY needed a second coat. There were spots all around that needed more paint on them and the back wall looked awful. Whole sections that needed to be repainted. I very nicely (seriously) went into the living room and said it needed a second coat. I realized he had spent all day on that room and was tired and his efforts were appreciated, but it wasn't complete. He argued with me about it for a while then got off the couch and went into Cash's room. he came out and said, he sees the wall that I am talking about and will fix it, but he is pretty much out of paint. I told him that the whole room needs it, not just the one wall. He said he would do it, but not today. Totally fine with that! It was 7:30-8:00 afterall!


Sunday, Ryan and I got up and watched a movie. Then, I started making a pot roast to through in the crock pot for dinner and Ryan came out of the bedroom dressed and ready to leave. He said he was going to get more paint! Hooray! Or so you would think! While Ryan was gone, Brice came home from his float trip. I told him that Cash's room was almost done and Ryan went to go get more paint, but I also told him that Ryan didn't think it needed a second coat, so we went in there. Brice asked, why doesn't he think it needs a second coat? Because clearly it did! About that time, Ryan came walking through the door. I cannot put into words the emotions I was feeling seeing what he was carrying with him! He had the nerve to go to Lowe's and buy 1 quart of paint! One Quart! Yes, you heard me correctly!!! I don't remember what my exact words were, but it was along the lines of not being able to paint the entire room with one quart! Brice just started laughing. He then told me that he wasn't painting the whole room over, only going over the spots that needed more coverage! I told him that when he goes over these places, they are going to dry and they will be noticeable because it's a new thing of paint and they aren't always the exact same color. I don't know how many times I told him, "You do a half-ass job, and you are going to make more work for yourself!" Well, he went to do the room after I complained and got nowhere. I went into Brice's room to complain and he just laughed and laughed!



About 20 minutes later, Ryan came in and asked me to look at the wall to see if he missed any spots. He had already used half of the quart for one wall-that was only half done! I still pointed out places along the trim and the ceiling. I asked him why he insisted on doing a half-ass job with this, because he never does half-ass jobs when it comes to electronics. I still wasn't winning. I went into Brice's room.



10 minutes later, Ryan came in and said, and I quote, "ok, so you are right. I need more paint!" Brice busts up laughing and I just sit there. He then preceeds to tell me that IIIII need to go to Lowe's and get a gallon of paint. Brice is in hysterics by now. I looked at him and said, "I told you-you do a half-ass job and you make more work for yourself! You go back to Lowe's." Well, he pretty much said he wasn't going back and if I wanted it done, I needed to go. The only thing Brice could do was laugh and tell me that Ryan had the leverage!

So, as I am heading out the door to Lowe's, Ryan tells me to get more tape too! I made my smart mouth comment about more work! He loves me! And I headed out the door. Ryan did tape the trim and everything again and painted the entire room-even the wall he just did with the quart of paint to make sure it all matched! I won!!!!

While he was putting the tape back on, I was in Brice's room typing this blog. Ryan came in and saw me and told me not to be writing about this on the baby blog. I told him, "I am not putting it on the baby blog." And I didn't! He then headed for me to close the computer, but I hit save quickly and exited myself. I love that this saves automatically. As he left, he said if I continue, he would just burn down Cash's room! RIIIGGHHHTT! So, I re-entered, again, he came in, but this time, tackled me, (but I closed before he could do anything) and his knee went right into my hip bone. I told him that I would just finish it today at work and that he was making things worse for himself because now, everyone will know he is tackling his pregnant wife.

So, that is my story! Cash's room is painted and ready for furniture and Ryan will probably not paint another room in that house again-and why would he-he only painted one room in our old house and had his mom help me from then on out because he hates it so much! I don't think I want him painting a room by himself again anyway! Sheesh!