Dear Aimee and Jim,

To the Newly Engaged Couple!!!!

I am so happy for you both!!! I know that this is an exciting time for you. A few tips for you, Jim

1.) Aimee has had this day planned for many years. We used to joke that all she needed to do was "Insert Groom"...guess what? It's you!!!

2.) Your two favorite words for the next 50 years.... "Yes, Dear" (Be careful when using those words though)

3.) Journal readings may become a nightly ritual.

4.) Cherish every moment you spend with her. She is an amazing woman. Be an ear to listen, and a shoulder to cry on. Just cherish her for being her!!!

A few pointers for Aimee:

1.) When he puts on the "wonderful" green shirt, just smile. When he cuts an expensive tie, just smile:)

2.) Every once and a while, let him think he is the king of the castle, but really know you are the queen.

3.) Every once and a while, give him a massage when he doesn't ask for it. Especially if you know he had a long day.

4.) Cherish every moment with him. He is a great guy.

Aimee and Jim......I am so happy for you. You are an amazing couple...

All my Love, Cara

Green Bay

We went to Green Bay last weekend for the wedding of my former co-worker, Melissa. We had a great time!!!! Here are some pictures

Jeremy and I

Shanna and Mark

The Girls....Shanna, Melissa and Cara

It was a beautiful day and a wonderful wedding. I was so glad that we were able to go and celebrate with Melissa and Dave.

Many years of happiness to the both of you!!!

Sweet 16

I went home this weekend to help celebrate Jacob's 16th birthday bash!!! He had some friends over on Friday night and then on Saturday we had family and friends over. We had a great time and boy things have changed since I turned sixteen.....he recieved some money. Maybe he can help pay for the braces he starts next week.

Family eating some good grub

Jacob and his birthday cake.....What's with the face, Jacob?

Now, I know you are thinking, "Why a closeup of the cake?" Well, this is where Mr. Bradley put his fingers in the cake.....apparently he can't wait for his birthday!!!!

Jacob's Birthday Tradition----family volleyball!!! Jason and Chad couldn't figure out where the out of bounds were!!!!:)

Cute Sadie.....OH NO.......Very, Very, Very Naughty Sadie......Just check out the next photo....

Enough said!!!!

Happy Birthday Jacob....You are a surprise baby, but you are truly a blessing to our family. I don't think that our lives would be the same without you. We love you!!!

My new sweet baby - Andrew!

What do you think about my little new baby Andrew?
MakeMeBabies.com - What will your baby look like?

My new sweet baby - Marissa!

What do you think about my little new baby Marissa?
MakeMeBabies.com - What will your baby look like?

Party, party, Party

Yesterday was a Party Day!!! First we took off to celebrate Madeline's 7th Birthday. I met Maddy and Minda when Maddy was just 7months old. I can't believe that she is 7 already. She is growing up so quickly and getting into the "I have nothing to wear" Stage. She got a lot of nice clothes for her "Hannah Montana" birthday party.

Happy Birthday, Madeline!!! We love you!!

Excited to open presents

You can't tell from this picture, but Jason is under all of this wrapping paper. Madeline and her guests thought it would be funny to cover Jason.

Max rockin' out on his guiter.(Just for you, Aimee!!!)

The next party was back in Eau Claire, to celebrate my Uncle LeRoy and Aunt Alice's 25th Wedding Anniversary!!! It was a surprise to them and we all had a great time!!

SURPRISE!!!!!

My goofy Uncle Cliff!!!

Here is Jacob and my cousin Amelia. She had to call him so he would come get her to play on the swingset.

"Jacob, come get me. I wannna play swings"

So Cute!!!!

Ahhh...The Memories

On Wednesday, Jeremy and I went to the Northern WI State Fair. It is held in Chippewa Falls. We mainly went for two reasons:
1. The Cheese Curds---you can't go to a fair and not have cheese curds

2. The Memories Reunion Concert

“The Memories” began their professional musical career in Boyceville, Wisconsin in 1972. High School Classmates, Tim Stevens, Warren Petryk and John Lynch appeared at the local Cucumber Festival dance under the name of “The Pickle Dillies”. For the next 16 years, the three “boys from Boyceville” performed across the country at fairs and festivals, concerts, night clubs, conventions and other special events. In May 1988, John retired from the group to pursue other career interests.
On July 9th, John returns to the stage to perform a special reunion concert with Tim and Warren.
After John’s departure in 1988, Tim and Warren continued to perform full time until 1995 with various band members…and today still entertain audiences with a “part-time” schedule of 25-30 shows/concerts per year.
Stevens said, “Performing at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair again with John on stage with us will be a very special night. The fair was an important part of our young performance career…and gave us a big boost. We were honored to be “Goodwill Ambassadors” of the 1979 NWSF and had the chance to do several shows during the whole week of the fair…opening each Grandstand concert…as well as singing at the free stages during the day. It was at the fair that year that we made a connection with Harry “Hap” Peebles whose Hap Peebles Booking Agency was country music's largest and best-known talent supplier. Hap showcased us at several Midwestern fair conventions the winter of 1979/1980, and the next thing we knew we were singing at fairs and festivals all across the country. We have always credited the NWSF…especially current manager Pinky Lee and then manager, Don Frenette with playing a big part of our success.”
The Memories built a reputation with their trademark - “MUSIC, LAUGHTER AND WONDERFUL TIMES!” Through the years, they showcased 3-part harmony as their focus….performing songs of many popular vocal groups – The Statler Brothers, The Gatlin Brothers, Oak Ridge Boys, Alabama, The Mills Bothers and more. They also made an effort to make sure their performances were always fun – including comedy and novelty songs as part of their repertoire.
Stevens added, “we hope to put a show together that will bring back some special memories for family, friends and fans that supported us so faithfully during those years….and still do so today!”


The sad thing is that we were probably the youngest people in the crowd!!! We had a good time listening to the music and calling my mom and having her listen to the music. I grew up going to the St. Croix County Fair and listening to Tim Stevens and Warren Petryck playing great songs and their "Ole and Elmer" gig.

This post is really for my mom, who wasn't able to come down for it, even though I know she would have loved it. Luckily for her, I am a good daughter and bought her a CD.(It might be hard to give it away though; I rocked out to it in the car!!!)

EDIT: pictures to come....the computer is being difficult!