eleven. eight. six. four. two. kindergarten.

the oldest 6 have been in school for a full week now. I'd like to tell you we've fallen into a seamless routine, but... we're getting there. kinda. sorta. although, the kids were running out to the bus this morning (for the second day in a row) :(  in a complete panic. hair was all done. but I'm certain 2 to 3 of them had not brushed their teeth. 

you win some, you lose some.

Drew started kindergarten this year. I'm blaming pregnancy hormones, but it's been rough for me. I have never sent one to school for the first time while also pregnant. Watching her confidently get on that bus, not a fear in the world, broke my heart and made it swell at the same time. She's beyond ready. I'm not. She comes home from school every day with a new friend, a new drawing for me, and a new story to tell. She'll definitely thrive, and that's what I love about this whole kindergarten nonsense ;)

up bright and early the first day of school with plenty of time to snuggle with dad

Peyton's first day was a day later than the rest, but we did an official 'first day' photo nonetheless.

Tayt's ridiculous smile... dang kid!

add in the littlest two

cue the tears

I can't. Just gonna run to the school quick and pick her back up.

off they go. notice Drew holding hands with Austyn. anddd not a one of 'em looking back for mom. probably for the best. mom may or may not have been starting to lose it.

and then she comes home and all is well again :)

2014 (top) and 2015 (bottom)

anddd 2016 (below... love a good comparison... or not, cause they're looking extra old... Peyton!)

the whole gang :)

then Tayt relieved himself. insert eye roll.

Will struggled as much as mom. He and Peyton are the best of buds.

excited about the bus :)

love when they get home!

5years.

post by casey.



well...I'd normally go on and on and onnnnnn about my love for Jacob. Cause there's a lot to be said on the subject of my love for that man.

BUT I got puked on a few times this morning by Theo. I managed to get locked out of the house with my 2 eldest children...while Rocky was IN the house. And then Jacob came home puking from work. We're all alive and well. It's been a day. And I'm tired. 

BUT I did find the most magical wedding video - my nephew, Peyton, captured this and I will FOREVER and EVER, AMEN...be grateful to have this:) I knew it existed but then I remembered it and now it's 1AM...but I FOUND IT!!!! And so I've watched it and cried to it more times than I can count. Cause it's really all my feelings in movie-form;) 

have I shared it before!? I feel like I may have...my apologies - nah;).

i definitely feel like every day...I'm starting over. Trying to be a better mom to my kids. Better human to other humans. And a better partner to my husband. And what makes me keep trying, is knowing that Jacob is always there...rooting me on, giving me shit, lifting me up:)

i'm married to a man who saves me every day. And I don't know if I'll ever understand how...but he insists that I save him right back.

happy anniversary, my heart.  

made by Jacob's amazing Aunt Becky:):)

we were married in La Crosse, WI. We walked from the hotel...past the restaurant - Piggy's - that we would later have dinner at...to our ceremony site - The Pump House.

if I have done my math correctly...there were only 25 people in attendance. 

All, except 5, were immediate family:)

my youngest sister, Mallory, was ordained online and married us!:)

jacob's friend, Logan, played guitar for the ceremony:)

Why Marriage by Mari Nichols-Haining - read by Courtney

Because to the depths of me, I long to love one person,

With all my heart, my soul, my mind, my body...

Because I need a forever friend to trust with the intimacies of me,

Who won't hold them against me,

Who loves me when I'm unlikable,

Who sees the small child in me, and

Who looks for the divine potential of me...

Because I need to cuddle in the warmth of the night

With someone who thanks God for me,

With someone I feel blessed to hold...

Because marriage means opportunity

To grow in love in friendship...

Because marriage is a discipline

To be added to a list of achievements...

Because marriages do not fail, people fail

When they enter into marriage

Expecting another to make them whole...

Because, knowing this,

I promise myself to take full responsibility

For my spiritual, mental and physical wholeness

I create me, I take half of the responsibility for my marriage

Together we create our marriage...

Because of this understanding

The possibilities are limitless.

the reception was at my parents land, in our hometown:)

this will never get old and I'm not sure why I haven't made this my screen saver!?;)