Sunday, March 22, 2009

Meeting Cinderella

The sound quality isn't great on this video, but it is still worth watching! Especially the princess twirl. Princess Ella is so graceful (wink). I found Madeline's Sleeping Beauty dress online because she has outgrown most of her dress up clothes, and it is a challenge to find princess gear size 7! I am dreading the day that she doesn't think it's 'cool' to be a Disney princess anymore. She looked so grown up, and she loved twirling her long gown. So precious!!

Fedora + Feathers = Theme Party


Every year, my company has a themed party for our annual recognition event. This year, the theme was the 20's. Mark and I had a great time dressing up and partying the night away. We enjoyed the night out with work friends!

Kalyra & Artiste





Kalyra and Artiste were so much fun! Artiste was my favorite because you could drink AND create art. Of course, after 3 wineries we actually thought our picture of the flower and sunset were valuable masterpieces. The next morning, it looked more like a Kindergarten project. We had fun making it, though!

30th Birthday Celebration at the Central Coast









Mark gave me the best birthday present EVER - time in LA with my mom and sister while he watched the girls at home. We had such a wonderful time driving up the PCH to Santa Barbara and the Central Coast Wineries. It was a slightly overcast day, but that didn't stop the fun! It was a weekend to remember. One of the wineries was seen in the movie Sideways (Kalyra). I celebrated 30 years(yikes) - California style!

Shopping & Sushi Saturday in LA




Shopping, sushi, and girl time...what could be better? Nancy now has an appreciation for great sushi. Keep practicing with those chopsticks, Nana!


Director Megan Long presenting...


My talented sister, Megan, directed 12 Angry Men at LMU. Her name in lights above. :) Her show sold out every night, and it was fantastic!

Ebert Family Together (cont'd)





The little ones were so good in Missouri. Madeline and Ella really enjoyed their cousins! The boys were so good with the little girls, playing cards and games to keep them 'entertained'. The reception at Norwood Country Club was so cool - - everyone shared stories and tons of laughs.
Aunt Marianne had some special 'bonding time' with her two nieces. Ella wants to play the 'what do I taste like...ice cream?' game all of the time now, Aunt Marianne! :)

Ebert Family Together






It was special that everyone had the opportunity to come to St. Louis for the services. I know it meant so much to my grandmother that her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren were around her during the services. Funerals bring families together, and it was wonderful to reconnect with the family.

Papa - January 2009







My grandfather, Robert Ebert, passed away in January. What a wonderful man, friend, father, and grandfather! His footprints are on our hearts forever, and we will honor his memory by doing our best to live as he did. He lived his faith every day, touching those around him with his optimism, generosity, love of family, and wisdom. His final resting place at Jefferson Barracks with other veterans was breathtaking with the 6" of snow that fell the day of the services. We miss you and love you, Papa Ebert!

Serenade to Papa's family from Mrs. Gray

Theresa Gray, one of my grandparents' best friends, serenaded the family at the reception after the services. It was priceless.

Soccer at GiGi's - January 2009




Mads and El had a blast in GiGi's basement playing soccer with their uncles and cousins. I think the former pro Uncle Don found a soccer soulmate in Madeline - - she loves soccer almost as much as he does! They got pointers from Uncle Don before scrimmaging (no hands, Ella). After playing around Madeline looked up at Uncle Don and said 'I thought you said you knew how to play soccer?' It was hysterical!! What a great memory...

100 Day Celebration at St. Joe's

The school celebrates 100 days of school by dressing up like you are 100 years old. Madeline's idea was to dress up like a 'red hat lady'. She thought of it all by herself, and she looked adorable in Grams' red hat!

First Sleepover - January 2009


We decided to have Madeline's 'first sleepover' with friends from school at our house. As you can see, the Cheetah Girls had a blast! They actually slept, too. From left: Ella, Madeline, Sierra, and Ella.

Uncle Brian's visit - January 2009




We were so glad Uncle Brian came to Fayetteville when he returned home from Afghanistan. What a blessing to have several days with him! He visited St. Joe's school and the girls' classrooms. Nothing like adorable 3's and Kindergartner's to help you remember what you've been fighting for. We love you, Uncle Brian!!


Time flies...

I can't believe it has been 2.5 months since I've posted on the blog! Get ready to be bombarded with Wilburn JFM fun. :) I guess 'once a quarter' isn't too terrible. Where does the time go? I guess it goes to the girls, cooking, working, picking up the house, soccer, tennis, dance, etc. At least we're having fun and loving life, though!

Friday, January 2, 2009

Reflections on the New Year...

Blessings abounded in 2008. When I think about the many changes we've had this year, it seems like the time has flown by! We have created a wonderful life in our new town, love our new home, and have a strong sense of community. We are very cognizant of how fortunate we are to have great careers in this tough economic time. Our daughters are precious gifts from God, and we fall more and more in love with them each day. They bring us so much joy, help us to remember what is important in life, and keep us focused on building a happy, healthy, and prayerful family.

I am looking forward to this New Year of 2009. Even though I'm turning 30 in a few weeks (yikes!), I'm actually looking forward to life in the 30's and what the years will bring! My hope in 2009 is that all of our family and friends will continue to be blessed, healthy and safe. I will be focused on strengthening my faith, staying healthy in order to live life to the fullest, and importantly making the most of each moment with my beautiful girls and wonderful husband. Cheers to a very Happy New Year!

Madeline finally received her Hula Hoop!

Watch Madeline try out her hula hoop at Grams' house!

Happy New Year!




We rang in the new year with our good friends, Doug and Emily Keuker. We broke in my new martini glasses from Nana with Oprah's recipe for Pomegranate Martinis (awesome, by the way). We also 'rocked the house' with Guitar Hero World Tour (Daddy is very serious about his drum playing as you can see). Who needs Dick Clark?!! Guitar Hero was my gift from Mark for Christmas - - quote 'I know it's not very romantic, but we will have a lot of fun playing together' - - I LOVE it!

The Magic House with Nana and Carl









The Magic House in St. Louis just opened a new wing, complete with a replica of the 'West Wing'. We had a great time with Carl & his 3 kids (Andrew, Jordan, and Lesley)! Aunt Katy and Tim joined the fun. Madeline & Ella enjoyed dressing up like Mulan.