So I'm taking a parenting class...

...and I wanted to post a tribute to one of the best parents (besides my own!) that I know. My sister, Sarah! She has 3 beautiful girls and lovingly deals with them day after day. She always has the best little crafty things for them to do and the best snacky things to munch on when they are famished. I have also taken note of how she deals with discipline. She has the most passive way to get the point across to the girls. For example, here's Chloe...



Here she is angry at Sarah for trying to get things done around the house while ignoring her. Talk about passive discipline, here Sarah tries to ignore the bad behavior as she is no where to be seen.



Again, Chloe is still angry and has even gone into a coughing mode due to her incessant cries. Take note that she is still enjoying her Corn Pops.



Ahhh! The finished product! Chloe has managed to peacefully take a nap. You have witnessed a successful parenting style because the child has learned to manage without the parent, work through her anger, and fall asleep in the "begging for her life" position with her hands clasped. All is well!

Disclaimer: May I note that Sarah had everything to do with this. She was even the one taking the pictures.

A few of my favorite things...

I know I already put some wedding pictures up, and I promised some of our new home - but I had to post these! These are some that really capture the love my family has for each other and the reasons why my wedding was so memorable. The next few are a little bit more of Ben and me.












I am really glad we shot some of Ben in his uniform because I think he looks very handsome and also I get a little glimpse of what my husband went through and accomplished these last 4 years.



Another one of Ben is his honorable Class A's.



My lovely (and tired!) parents - the next picture will explain the 5 reasons why they are probably so tired. Can you imagine raising us?



My siblings - Stan, Sarah, Ross and Jeff - it seems we can't take a normal picture. I have many fond memories of growing up with my 4 best friends. Love them!



My sister-in-laws from left to right - Alisha (the veteran), Lori, Katie, Deanne and Rachel. Love these girls!



Grandma Brady and Ben



My best friend Jayme



All together!



Ben's family



My family



My momma



My parents Jeff and Jeanette



Ben's parents Debbi and Dave



Ben's siblings from left to right - Sam, Nate, Jake, and little Katie in the front. I think someone is goosin' somebody in the back! I sure have enjoyed getting to know the new additions to my family. They are so fun and treated me like family when I first met them. I love and miss you guys and wished everyone lived a little closer!



Ben dancing with his Mom



My only sister Sarah - lots of people say we don't look alike, frankly I don't know what they're talking about.



Ross and Grandma Taylor - classic picture



I think the picture says it all!



Dancing with my Daddy



Our nephews (even though I technically don't have any!) Little Ben and Isaac



Our nieces left to right and top to bottom - Jillian, Chloe, Emilee, Olivia, Sadee, Emma, Ryley and Aubree - is there a coincidence to these names??



New friends Ryley and Sadee



The one's who stuck around for more pictures - Mom, Sarah and Ross



Little Ben and Big Ben



Kevin and Ryley



Dad, Mom, Ross and the grandkids (with a few Miller grandkids in there)



Alisha and Jillian



Sadee and Ben - I think somebody has a crush!!



Chloe and Stan - one of my absolute favorites

Alert the media!!!!

Caitlin is officially domesticated!!! With a little help from Sarah's KitchenAid, my knuckles, a great recipe and some love - I baked homemade french bread. I sure am glad my husband likes his carbs because this recipe is tasty and makes some big loaves. Sarah had made some the other day and had us over for dinner - it was very tasty so I asked her if she could teach me. Out of the sheer joy in her heart and a desire to see me burn something she let me use her mixer (which by the way someone really messed up and didn't get Ben and I a mixer - whoever you are I hope you feel really bad!!) Anyway, the bread came out perfect and warm and Ben couldn't help but take off a little nubbin' from the end.



So this is the top picture of the fantastic french bread. When my dad first saw this picture he thought it was a picture of my niece Sadee's bum with some horrid war wounds. Thanks Dad!! JK he just didn't have his glasses on yet. Well Ben and I will get some pictures up of the new place soon. It is quite cozy and we sure do enjoy calling it our 'home.'

Our Wedding

Well this is the big day!! These pictures were done by a close family friend, Aften Wright. Thank you to her! I absolutely love the last pictures with Ben in his Class A uniform from the Army. I get a very tender feeling when I look at those pictures. I hope everyone enjoys them! Thank you for such a memorable day!!! We are settled in now to our cute apartment and trying to get back to life. Ben and I will keep you posted!