"you made more cupcakes?"

Not sure why I have been baking so much lately ... my only guess is because I am dieting to lose all my baby weight (is it still considered baby weight if it's really just losing the weight you gained because you ate so much while pregnant?). Anyways, found this recipe on Pinterest (where I find most of them) and HAD to try it out. Coffee cupcakes YUM. The more I bake the more I like to bake. I have so many recipes I want to try out. Unfortunately, I go back to work on Monday and am not sure if I will have as much time for it. Guess i'll MAKE time :)

a night w/o bottles & diapers

Last night Lance watched the little guy so that I could go out w/ my girls for the first time since the baby. It was sooooo nice. We were all so happy to be out we decided on not seeing a movie and just ended up sitting at a table talking for 4 hours. It was a little strange not having Judah with me. Or having to constantly stop the conversation for a feeding or diaper change. I am lucky to have such a wonderful husband & amazing friends. This morning it was just me and Judah because Lance went fishing with his brothers and nephew. Since I missed Jude so much last night I am spoiling him with attention today & we are having a FUN time :)

cuz luv

One of my favorite things in the world is how much my nieces & nephews love their lil' cousin. If they don't see him right away when they see me they are always asking where he is and then if they can hold him. I'm so excited that Judah has such wonderful cousins that I know will always love him. I took this picture after church right after Zoey got done holding him. Isaac said he could hold Judah by himself (he didn't need any help) ... he was right.

happy baby

I could SERIOUSLY look at this face all day long!

'RePurposed'

On Saturday Tim Karen Lance Judah and I all set out to visit some estate sales. We go some great finds for some even better prices. Afterward on a whim we went to downtown Northiville to visit the store RePurpose. I basically wanted EVERYTHING in the store. However we showed some restraint and stuck to our earlier finds. I'm already trying to plan another time that we can go to more estate sales. Until then we are having fun trying to find places in our house for our new old things.

our cute coffee table cloth

our sweet small table

our vintage-looking mirror

Yummmm

Ok so I am not a huge baker, but lately I have been trying a few things. Well, we had some people over tonight for a bonfire and I wanted to try something new. So I made FROM SCRATCH S'more Cupcakes. It's chocolate cupcakes w/ marshmallow filling and vanilla frosting with graham cracker sprinkles on top. It took a while to make, but I have to say I am super proud of them. I'm not totally confident that they taste THAT much better than the 'out of the box' cupcakes. However, I have a feeling Lance would want me to make them again :) I feel like I could put these on Pinterest! haha

smiles

8 wks! LOVE MY HAPPY BOY.

5 things

My favorite things about my son

1. HE SNORTS. (literally all the time. It's so cute. Lance and I just laugh at him all the time.)

2. HIS EYES. (he will just stare at whoever is holding him. He is so alert.)

3. HE LOVES TO EAT. (he gets so excited when he feels his bottle to his lips that he starts shaking his head so fast that he gets milk everywhere.)

4. HE IS A GOOD SLEEPER. (from the day I brought him home, he would eat and go right back to bed.)

5. HE MAKES KISSY FACES. (he is always puckering his lips, which Lance and I always take the advantage to give him big kisses.)

I obviously love so many more things about him ... but these are a few I wanted to make sure I remember :)

first swim

The Tradition Continues

Thank you Joel & Steph for truly welcoming Judah into the family! As you can see ... he LOVES it! (altho he has already given it away to Erika for her graduation)

better late than never

Today was the first time our family could get together to celebrate Father's Day for my dad. We had to do it in the middle of the day because everyone is so busy. I LOVE when all the kids get together. It's chaos.... and it's fun! I forgot my camera so the pictures are a little fuzzy because I had to take them with my ipod.

these 3 are so adorable

Zoey loves Judah so much! It makes me happy!

She always found her way back to him.

She would probably hold him all day if she could.

batter up!

Today we were able to go to our brothers Joey and Johnny's baseball game. They did amazing! At one point in the game Johnny was pitching and Joey was catching. It was super fun to watch. We were standing next to someone who found out that we were there for the Cupp boys and she proceeded to tell us how great of players they are. I'm such a proud sister :)

FFD 2011

I LOVE Family Field Day! It's so nice that every year our families get together for some nice fun competition. I'm sad I didn't get more pictures. Looking at the pictures I do have, It almost looks like it was just a normal day. BUT, I did of course get some of the kids.

The theme this year was "it's not what it appears." So for the dessert competition I made Hamburger Cupcakes :) I won last year's .... not so much this year. It sure was fun making them though.

Rub-a-Dub-Dub

SQUEAKY CLEAN

for real?

Did you ever get the feeling that you are not actually living in reality? For example, after Lance and I came home from our honeymoon, I felt like we were just 'playing' house. It didn't seem real. It just seemed like I was dreaming (in a good way.) Well, that's how I feel now. I am a MOM. crazy! When I was in the hospital with him I almost felt like I was with my nephew. Now that I am home, it seems almost like he is on loan. What did I do to deserve such a wonderful little man? Or better yet, who and why is someone trusting the life of another human being in my hands? I feel so blessed and so undeserving. I just watch him while he is sleeping and think "do I really get to keep him"? Wouldn't you think the same thing if you saw this face everyday ..............

J.A.C

WOW my last post was about our honeymoon. NOW a year and a half later I am posting on our baby. CRAZY.

I would like everyone to meet Judah Andrew Cupp! He was born on July 1st (8lb 9oz, 21 inches). He basically stole my heart from day one. I can't wait to watch him grow up and see the lil man he is going to become.

(I'm going to try to start blogging again ... this is it for now tho ;)

Hele me kahau 'oli

Lance and I have not gotten our pictures from the wedding yet, so I thought I would do a post on our honeymoon. It was wonderful. We did a lot of hiking (some parts where rock climbing at my bachelorette party came in handy ... which was lance's favorite part). My favorite was when we took a boat out on the water to go whale watching. We saw so many ... it was amazing. We actually were even able to see them from our balcony. We of course did the road to Hana & went to the top of Haleakala Crater (A dormant volcano measuring 10,000 feet above sea level, it is Maui's highest point.) Needless to say ... we kept busy and had a great time. Here are a couple interesting facts we learned while there (from our brochures lol) ... & some pictures of our stay :)

• There are no snakes in Hawaii … in face they are illegal.
• Hawaii’s average water temperature is 74º F.
• Hawaii is one of four states that ban billboards.
• Four to six thousand humpback whale’s visit the islands every winter.
• Hawaii’s state fish is the humuhumunukunukuapuaa. The name is pronounced “who moo who moo new coo new coo ah poo ah ah”

happy birthday mama

This is a perfect picture to post for my mom's birthday because it truly shows who she is ;) She is praying for me before my wedding. She is such a woman of God. THANK YOU MOM FOR EVERYTHING. I LOVE YOU.

24 days!!!!

Bronner's Christmas Lights

Every year my entire family goes to Frankenmuth for the night.  It is honestly one of my favorite times of the year.  Last year when we went we were feeling pretty goofy and took some crazy pictures (ok ... so we take silly pictures every year).  I kept joking w/ my family about sending Lance a picture of me in this gift and giving it to him (we were in the beginning stages of "us").  Keri took the picture and the plan was set in motion .... and by 'set in motion' I mean just taking it and doing nothing.  Well who would have known that the very next year Lance would come w/ the family as my fiance.  We had to celebrate by making him take the exact same picture.  He is such a good sport!  I got a good one ;)

The Story

My brother Tommy (keeping me in check) reminded me that I need to start blogging again!  I agreed.  LANCE AND I ARE ENGAGED.  Ok anyone that reads my blog probably already know this .... but do you know how he popped the BIG QUESTION ......

I got home from the Sancrant wedding at about 11:30pm on Sunday night.  On my counter was a mystery letter from Lance explaining that we were going to have a BIG day the next day (Labor Day).  So even tho I was pretty tired he needed me to do a few things before I went to bed that night (for example: charge my digital camera & ipods ... etc.).  He was at my house by 6:30am on Monday.  While I finished getting ready, he made breakfast ;)  Then we headed to the surprise destination: Chicago.  Our first stop was lunch at Uncommon Ground, a cute lil organic restaurant just outside of the city.  After some amazing food and a latte we headed into the Windy City. We took our car to valet and took taxis all around all day.  First stop was Millinnium & Grand Park.  Then we headed to Willis Tower (Sears Tower) to the 103 floor to look over the city.  They created a new deck where it is glass above, below and all around you.  It was exciting and scary ;)  Next on the agenda was a LOT of walking & shopping!  My feet started to hurt so we OF COURSE had to go shoe shopping!  We also went to a couple more parks and 2 coffee bars (Intelligentsia and Whispers).  Later was a romantic dinner at Bijans Bistro.  We ended the night with going to the Navy Pier.  We walked along the water as to avoid too many people.  As the sun was setting Lance sat me on a bench and got on his knees.  AHHHHHHHH and popped the BIG question.  My answer was a silly grin until he reminded me I had to actually give him a verbal answer.  It was perfect.  I had the Chicago skyline on my left, Lake Michigan on my right and my love in front of me.   

celebrate today!

I KNOW IT'S BEEN FOREVER .... BUT TODAY IS A SUPER SPECIAL DAY FOR ME.  EXACTLY ONE YEAR AGO I MET MY LOVE.  IT HAS BEEN AN AMAZING YEAR.  .... from first meeting to first dating to the first kiss to the first fight to meeting the family to SO MUCH MORE.  I'm so glad that I waited (maybe not as patiently as I should have) for God to send me the right man!  Happy Jeni and Lance day ;)  I hope you all enjoy it!

to romania ~

DAD ~ I don't know what I did to deserve the most amazing dad in the world.  You have taught me how to live a life for Jesus through biblical teachings and through example.  I am the luckiest girl to have such a strong and caring father. I am so proud of all the decisions you have made in your life for our family.  I love you so much ... & can't wait till you get home from Romania.  You are in my prayers!  HAPPY FATHER'S DAY.

current events

Last friday I went to my very first graduation for homeschoolers (I forget the official name ;)  It was actually pretty cool.  The class was small enough that the parents got to give the diploma to their children and say a little something nice.  It made it way more personal.  It was also very fun hanging out w/ Lance's family & sneaking up to the front to get pictures of Suzanne ;)  Congratulations!!!!

Last Saturday I headed to C.J. Barrymores for a cousin night.  WOW .... I have not been there for years .... but I have to say I had a blast!!!!  We did the batting cages, go-karts, bumper boats, and the driving range.  We ended the night at Sonic!!!!!!!  Thank you Sarah for setting this amazingly fun night up! 

Also this past weekend my lovely friends got engaged!  I'm so happy for you Steve & Sarah!

What a GREAT weekend.

my 'Newton' girls

Yesterday we went out to eat then back to the Sheerer's house for Keri's birthday.  Tommy made an amazing cake (that he should totally enter into a contest) & we opened gifts.  I would say it was a very nice night.  I think it's so funny that when I look at all the pictures I took for the night I have 103 of the babies and maybe one or two of lance.  When their are kids around is there some type of gravitational pull from your camera to them????

how do ppl make it in life w/o sisters

KERI ~  I know tomorrow is your birthday .... but I don't know if I will be home all day ;)  So here is my wonderful post in honor of you!

A FEW THINGS YOU WILL LOVE ABOUT KER

amazing woman of God

caring mother

faithful wife

an incredible sister

A FEW THINGS YOU MIGHT LOVE ABOUT KER

very sneaky

pretty blunt

super competitive

breaks tension w/ 'too soon' jokes

I LOVE YOU SISTER

wings

my other sister

My other sister Mikes had her wedding shower today!!!!!!  Last year I flew down to Florida to watch Michaelin and Remy get married on the sunny beach!  They never had a shower or ceremony in Michigan, so some of the ladies from the church wanted to bless them.  The shower was beautiful (it was decorated w/ lights and everything) and everyone had a wonderful time.  Mikes even cried a couple times LOL ... it could have something to do w/ the baby on the way ;)  I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!

a picture of mikes, remy & baby

it's not midnight yet

My brother Chris is TOO MANY things.  He is an amazing dad.  He is the ONLY man perfect for my sister.  He is the hardest worker I know.  He has helped me out so MANY times I can't even think of them all.  He does not care AT ALL what people think of him.  He is hilarious.  He is so generous in so many areas.  He will tell you the FACTS about anything (even if he doesn't really know).  & finally HE LOVES THE LORD W/ ALL HIS HEART.  Happy birthday bro ... love ya ;)

who will sign?

I want to start a petition that bands all feeding of birds off of your balcony in an apartment complex.  If you have you're own home ... please feel free to feed all the birds you want.  However ... every time I leave my apt. there is bird droppings everywhere.  & When I go for a run .... I have to literally dodge the crap on the ground (and sometimes I have to dodge the actual BIRDS).  At first I just thought that maybe the birds like the ponds around my apt. complex .... BUT then I found the culprit.  She lives a few doors down from me and was feeding the birds bread off her balcony.  It seriously was ridiculous how many birds were around our place.  Put aside the fact that I hate birds and I KNOW they are out to get me, Let's think of our shoes!!!!  Who seriously wants to go outside and step in junk?  NOT ME.  I have decided to start a petition to stop this insanity!  Please support my cause!

bragging rights

I feel like every single blog I post is either about Lance or my nieces and nephew.  However, I can't stop ;)  So here is yet ANOTHER post bragging on my favorite boy!  First I'll start by saying he planned the perfect birthday date!  We went to my favorite place to eat ... mongo, then to Kart to Kart which was my first time going (sooooooo FUN), then off to Romeo (yes, Romeo) to their high school to see High School Musical ;), we ended the night w/ a movie.  He knows me so well!  The next day was mother's day so we had a bbq over Chris and Lori's house.  Lance watched the kids so that all the moms could eat first.  WOW I HAVEN'T EVEN GOTTEN TO THE PART WHERE I BRAG ON HIM. ... here it is.  I wasn't feeling good yesterday and called Lance to complain about it.  When I got off work he was at our friends house about to start a bible study, so I headed home.  I walked in my apt. to find that he had cleaned the entire place (he came straight to my place after work to surprise me) ... which included dishes, taking out the trash, straightening the place, he made a pot of coffee for me & left on my table a bouquet of flowers (Iris ... my fav. ... and daises because the Irises would not bloom for a couple days) w/ a note that made me melt ;)  I am so lucky!  Sorry I talk about Lance so much on my blog ... but I have waited a long time for him :)

Ready to Kart it up

Lance w/ the kids ... look at Alina lol .... is she a model posing for this picture???? ... and Isaac .... is it nap time????

you see the ribbon ... right?!?!?

It's been a pretty long running joke in our family that I NEVER wrap my gifts to people.  Whether it's birthdays, Christmas, or special days, I just never get around to actually wrapping the gift.  Usually they will get the gift in the bag I bought it in or if they are super lucky ... a gift bag.  One time Lance said it was kinda cool that I had my own thing, but then took it back and said lazy cannot be my thing LOL.  Now, I know that I am not making myself look amazing right now and that this is not a good trait for me to be posting on my blog ... but I have to give a little background before I can brag on Lance.  He bought me 2 cards for my birthday and just LOOK at that wrapping job!!!!!!! 

Oh & and I just wanted to thank Lori, Keri & Aunt Linda for the wonderful posts in honor of my birthday!  I love you!

fun in the sun

rollerblading

found a lake by the skate park

enjoying the view

he is so handsome ...

... & a dork ;)

the rules

When Lance and I went to John King's Books, I bought a book 'Billy Graham Speaks!'.  It's quotes, thoughts and excepts from Billy Graham.  It's pretty amazing.  Here is a lil preview ...

RULES FOR CHRISTIAN LIFE

The Christian life carries with it grave responsibilities which cannot be met without following certain rules.

First:  You should read your Bible daily.

Second:  Learn the secret prayer.

Third:  Rely constantly on the Holy Spirit.

Fourth:  Attend church regularly. 

Fifth:  Be a witnessing Christian.

Sixth:  Let love be the ruling principle of your life.

Seventh:  Be an obedient Christian.

Eighth:  Learn how to meet temptation.

Ninth:  Be a wholesome Christian.

Tenth:  Live above your circumstances.

that IS funny

what a weekend!

I had so much going on last weekend I barely had any time to think ... let alone blog.  So here it is in a nutshell.  Friday night Sarah, Lance and I went to the Piston's game.  My cuz got some sweet suite tickets from her work.  It was amazing!  Sat morning I had the Spring Tea at my church w/ the ladies.  Then the rest of Sat I took Lance out for his birthday.  I took him to the largest used bookstore in MI (he loved it).  Then to Royal Oak for the Inn Season Cafe and of course coffee and walking around after.  Sunday (lance's actual birthday) we went out to eat after church then right to Nikki and Steves.  About a year ago Lance and Steve made a pack to play chess at 2pm on Lance's birthday at the bog ... and they kept that promise (even if it did mean playing in mud (literally).  Lastly Lance and I ended the weekend w/ a movie.  So there it is .... and here are some pictures ....