Ball

This weekend is the Marine Corps Ball. I spent 4 hours in the mall yesterday trying to find a dress that didn't look like a high school prom dress... It was tough! I wore the wrong shoes for shopping and my feet were killing me by the time I found the dress. I'd actually seen this same dress at 2 other places (with very minimal difference) but I have such a hard time spending a ton of money on a dress that I'll be in for only a few hours... I did this with my wedding dress too. Gotta love off the rack bridal sales!
This however is not a wedding, it's the annual ball. I used to get really excited to get dressed up with Ben and go to the ball, but it's totally not his thing. He's usually a bit of a grump for these: It's mandatory! No if's, or and's - your 'but(t)' better be there - which if you've met my husband you know he surprisingly for his occupations doesn't love to be ordered around... Then he must be there by this time and no later and Dress Blues better be perfect, medals alligned properly and in the correct order... and blah, blah... It really takes the fun out of it!

Anyway, I got a dress... On SALE! My mission for the weekend was accomplished :)

This is him going to drill a few months ago... He really doesn't like his picture taken and he's being a total pain here, but it turned out much better in the photo - and I think he's pretty cute. (Even when he's being a punk... well sometimes!)

Because I miss him...

This is the last picture I have with my Papa. It was taken this July 4th at his home on the lake. Though he was sick and exhausted from his cancer and treatment, he managed to keep his great smile all day long!

A few years back my grandparents started hosting what became the largest, most incredible fireworks display ever by just normal people (without hiring it out)... I use this term 'normal' lightly, the amount of time and money into these fireworks would make any 'normal' person crazy and broke!

My Papa loved his family and loved his country, therefore the 4th of July was just the perfect holiday to combine and celebrate them both! Not to mention his (sometimes not so secret) love for taking a great fireworks display from the neighbors, and after praising them and making them feel really good about it... Walk over to the boys and say, "Show 'em what it's supposed to look like!" My Dad described this attitude in relation to the entire Baumgartner family as, "Anything worth doing, is worth over-doing"... Let's just say there isn't another motto out there that yet fits this group as perfectly.

Is there anything better than spending the day with family and friends, great fellowship and conversation with a beautiful lake to swim, canoe or paddle through... Reciting the flag salute, "under God", before dinner and then bundling up and enjoying the fireworks over the dock? Don't even waste your time trying to answer, there isn't. ;)

Papa went home a bit more than a month after this picture. It's often so much easier to still just think that our schedules don't allow visits or that he's away on an extended fishing trip... but I'm not that great at convincing myself of this anymore.

I just miss him.

Tiger Who??

My aunt Cindy sent me an email of this little boy... he is seriously the coolest kid ever! It's such a great story... you have to watch it!

(I tried to embed the video but it's not working so you have to click on the links below to watch... It's a few minutes long, but very worth it!)

Part One

Part Two

All Aboard!

Aubrey jumped on the blog boat and now has one of her very own... She just posted pictures of our painting project this weekend (and of her little cuties). You can click here to see!

No more tax returns!

Today was the deadline for personal income tax returns on extension... Thank goodness!
I know I'll still see them trickle on to my desk occasionally for those who don't mind filing late, but for now until February - I'm going to work & coming home on time! During the last April busy season it wasn't so bad working late because Ben was on second shift working 2pm-10pm, but with him walking in 10 minutes before I leave and me getting home 3 hours before he goes... doesn't give us as much time as we'd like. This upcoming tax season will, I'm sure, prove to be a bit more difficult.

This weekend I drove out to Moses Lake to visit with Aubrey. We had lots of fun! Brandon worked, the girls were in Idaho with Grandparents and Brady was a sweet boy for us as we walked the Farmer's market, shopped and PAINTED!! It was quite a productive Saturday! Now all Aubrey needs to do is post pictures on her new blog to show off her beautiful house!

Oh and another thing that happend this weekend: my sweet little brother turned ELEVEN!!! He's not so little anymore... So sad! At least I can still get some really good hugs (when his friends aren't around) and he doesn't think I'm totally lame yet, which is really quite nice! I remember the day a few years back that I walked out to say goodbye to the boy who had to sleep with "Sissy" every time I stayed the night ~ he was playing with his buddies outside and ran up to give me a hug and kiss, only to turn around and be heckled. "HA! You kissed you're sister..." Poor Nick! I've never wanter to ring the neck of a little kid before that moment, but Christian almost got a beaten... had I been able to catch the little booger!

The weekend rundown

Friday was kind of scary: Ben and Rich moving an 800 pound safe from our front porch into the utility room! (gotta love 'curb side delivery') They managed to move it without breaking it, themselves/eachother, AND all my walls are in tact and scratch free!! I really wanted to take pictures but was afraid that the flash from the camera, or the irritation that I was documenting this event, would destract the boys and then it would be my fault if something happend... Sorry. I made them dinner and then Rich left so Ben could focus on getting ready for work.
My Grandma came over after Ben left and we watched Narnia. I love that movie! I definitely get my nightowl traits from Pink Gramma. The movie ended at midnight and then we chatted for a while before she left.

On Saturday morning I got a massage, but not the good relaxing kind - this is the kind that is trying to stop spasms in my back from after the accident, the kind that leaves bruises - not fun... Then Aubrey, Brady and I ran errands and I finally got our bedroom furniture ordered and paid for!! Sadly, Aubrey took the kids and went back home after our 'date'... 5 more days until I get to see them again...
Ben and I made dinner and watched football until he had to leave for work... It's such a bummer when his weekends don't jive with mine!

Sunday I was awoken by a cheerful Ben at 6:10, because he got to finally use his mace at work :) He's been whining for a year about how it just takes up space on his belt and he never needs it - now he can stop. Don't worry, the maced individual completely deserved it! Kicking a cop is never a good idea (Ben's partner was on the receiving end of that foot)
After the story, he climbed into bed and I slept in a little, just so I could snuggle up to him for once this week! Tried a new chinese place for lunch with my Grandma, got an overdue oil change, got my hair done, and then went bowling and to dinner with Jared and Emily!

(And... um, with the hair thing... I'm kind of a brunette now - we'll see how long this lasts)

They're here....

Unfortunately for Brandon - his job is in another big push to complete a project. Which means anywhere from 60-80+ hours in a single WEEK. Poor Guy!

Thankfully for all of us on the western side of the state, this means that Aubrey and the kids are back hanging out over here!!!

So if you can't find me - don't worry, I'm just out playing with these cuties:

Yes, do believe your eyes... That is a picture of Aubrey with Lexi! Take it in, she doesn't give us too many :o)