Ta Ta's Fun Ride Video

Thank you Team Beer City and to everyone who showed their support.  This is NOT my best shoot as I didn't want to bring all my camera gear.  Thank you to Jessica Marx and Stephanie Phillips for your pictures!  Fantastic work ladies!


Here is a video shot during RAGBRAI.  Thanks for riding for me TEAM BEER CITY!!!  Thanks for the shout out Weasel! =)

Lindsay & Michelle's Baby Shower!!!

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Today, Stacy and I threw a shower for Lindsay and Michelle.  I met Michelle through my husband Steve in 2003.  Travis, Michelle's husband and Steve lived together in college and I have come to know Michelle and her two best friends Lindsay and Stacy.  Ironic as it is, Michelle and Lindsay are due within weeks of each other and are both having boys.  What a better way to celebrate then having a dual shower!

I had the pleasure of hosting with Stacy, so I knew everything would be perfect.  Stacy is the walking caterer!  When she arrived at my house at 9:30 a.m. this morning she said she only had a few things to bring inside.  After several trips and three laundry baskets later we had all the food, decorations and flowers in the party room. 

Hershey Kisses with "It's a Boy" on the tag.  Flowers in a glass baby bottle.

Party Favors!  Lip gloss and Hershey Kisses and Fruit Snacks for the Kids.

More Favors!

Baby Blue M&M's

Look at the Spread!

Home made Salsa!  YUM!

Fruit with Whipped Frosting

Tortilla Rolls

 

Meat, Cheese and Crackers

Stacy's Famous Oreo Balls



I didn't get a picture but Stacy's mom made scotcharoos....OMG!  They were delicious! 
As everyone ate we watched a video of Travis and Brent.  I interviewed them both and then put them through a baby obstacle course.  Giving Olivia a bath and getting her ready for bed.

Brent



Travis


Brent and Travis getting Olivia ready for bed - "The Baby Test"


The girls got a lot of great gifts and I want to thank everyone for coming to help celebrate!

The 3 Amigos!  Lindsay, Stacy & Michelle

Lindsay, Stacy, Michelle &  Emily

Sorority Sisters from Alpha Xi Delta



The party crew! =)  Dee (Happy Birthday!), Nicole, Emily, Ally, Denise, Jan, Katie, Michelle, Nikki, Julie and Haley.



Lindsay with her mother-in-law and mother

Michelle, Olivia, Heather and Lindsay

Mom's and Daughters

Heather has a new friend!....Olivia =)

It was good to see Chris, Travis and Steve all together in the same house again!  =)  We all celebrated into the night with Travis, Michelle, Brent, Lindsay, Steve, Stacy, Michelle and Dusty.  I just met them but the are a lovely couple.  Dusty and Michelle are moving to Australia so Dusty can play professional basketball.  How exciting!  As always Travis and Steve stayed up until o'dark thirty.  I think they finally went to bed at 3:30 a.m.!  Ouch!

As all this was going on we learned around midnight that Miss Nebraska won the Miss USA pageant!  She is the first contestant from Nebraska to win and the youngest at 17 years old!  Pretty Cool!  Congratulations to Teresa Scanlan!  You can follow her blog at teresastravelsandtidbits.blogspot.com.

Please keep Heather and Chris's 8 month old nephew Kale in your prayers.  He is waiting to have a heart transplant in the next couple of weeks.  You can read more about him at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kalesoneson.

Happy 1st Birthday Macy

Great Picture Sherri!

Macy's Highlight Video

Today Steve, Olivia and I went to Macy's 1st Birthday Party.  Macy is the daughter of Sherri and Joe Harnisch.  Sherri and I met years ago through my cousin Leah as they were classmates and best friends. 

On December 28th Macy was born and I remember asking Leah how Sherri and the baby were doing not expecting anything else but "fantastic" to come out of her mouth.  Leah broke the news that Macy had Down Syndrome.  At first I didn't know what to say but I do remember saying that if anyone could handle a baby with Down Syndrome Sherri and Joe would be the best parents.  As long as I have known Sherri she has always been upbeat, happy and can turn anything negative in to a positive.  She proved me right.  After today I could see that even though Macy has Down Syndrome they certainly don't treat her like she has it. 

Macy was dressed like a princess in an adorable tutu (made by one of Sherri's friends) with a personalized onesie (made by Sherri) and zebra striped leg warmers.  (Pictured above)  All the decorations and food were hand made and cooked by Sherri and her friends and family.  She definately knows how to throw a party!  Great job Sherri!  Macy is absolutely adorable and you have a beautiful family. 

God Bless!

You can read more about Macy and the party on Sherri's blog.

I Survived....Beyond and Back

OMG!  Literally!  I have been watching this show called "I Survived...Beyond and Back"  on the Biography Channel.  If anyone knows me well they would say that I am extremely interested in life after death and this show tells you real life stories from the people themselves who have died, met God and came back to tell the story.  I can't make this stuff up!

Watch for yourself!

A lawyer has two death experiences after undergoing surgery. A young college student dies in a car crash and travels back to her childhood. A heart attack victim's deceased relative sends her back to life. ---- This one is jaw dropping!

Episode 5, Part 1 

Episode 5, Part 2

Episode 5, Part 3

Episode 5, Part 4

Episode 5, Part 5

Here is the schedule of upcoming episodes.  If you don't have a cable box where you can reach the higher cable channels you won't be able to watch these.  I tape them on my DVR and watch when I get a chance.  Totally worth watching if you have recently lost a loved one.  It completely changed my view on death and hopefully it will change yours too!

This morning we had a play date with the Speikers.  Sasha is one of my best friends and we share the same interest in the after life.  I started to tell her about this show and now we are going to have a "girls" night of drinking wine and watching these shows.  I can't wait to see her reaction!

I would love to know what you all think too!
 

Savanna, Avery holding Sofia

Avery holding Sofia and Addison

Cullen and Jack played Legos the whole time we were there.

Olivia, Savanna, Sullivan and Avery

Addison and Jack

Happy 2nd Birthday Charlie!



December 26, 2008

  

     




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Charlie's Highlight Video


HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY CHARLIE!

Today is Charlie's 2nd Birthday.  Charlie is the son my 1st cousin Leah.  Leah's dad (Terry) and my dad (Del) are brothers....the Ringling brothers!  =) 

Two years ago on Christmas day the Ringling's had planned on celebrating Christmas.  But we had a special surprise about an hour before the party was about to start, Leah's water broke!  We were so excited for Charlie to make his grand appearance on Christmas but the process took a little longer then anticipated.

It was comical because my immediate family didn't have any food in the house because we were planning on going over to Terry and Linde's.  Angie was the only one who could whip up a semi decent meal for us.  She had all 4 of her kids by then so she is required to have food in the house...especially pasta.  So this is what we ate for our Christmas dinner. 

I am not sure what was happening on Leah's end... because we didn't hear an update until the next day.  I received a text early that morning with a picture of the newest addition to our family....Charles Andrew Buller!  My goodness he was big.  That day we all went up to meet him and what a cutie.  Now he looks more and more like his mom and dad.  There are some days I think he looks more like Leah and other days I think he looks like Chad.  He is a nice combination of the two. 

I got to see a side of Charlie that I have never seen before at Chad's 30th birthday last week.  His true personality came out and my goodness does he ever like to dance and be the center of attention!  He is so adorable and I predict...a future heart breaker.  So watch out ladies! =) 

Charlie's party was Elmo themed.  The food was absolutely delicious!  Sliced pork sandwiches, homemade potato salad, beans, meatballs, little wieners in BBQ sauce, Elmo cookies from Eileen's and donuts from LeMars donuts.  That is the first time I have ever seen a donut used in place of a birthday cake but a clever idea.  The kids played pin the nose on Elmo game and a fishing game.  Charlie had a pile of gifts...so many in fact he wanted to stop midway through and take a break.  He wrestled with his uncle Todd. 

Unfortunately Olivia and Steve could not make the party. Olivia was sick from the day before and was still running a temperature. She was so upset when I left the house. She wanted to help Charlie celebrate his 2nd birthday and play with all her cousins.

Wishing you a Happy 2nd Birthday Charlie!  We hope to spend a lot more time with you in 2011!

MERRY CHRISTMAS from the Pottebaum's!

Christmas Eve 2010

It is officially Christmas!

Steve and I are doing a "non-traditional" card this year by blogging.  Auntie Em's Eyes originally started in August of this year to document my days with our daughter Olivia and my nieces and nephews who all call me Auntie Em....Olivia even calls me this sometimes. =)  I am changing Auntie Em's Eyes by adding the time Steve and I spend with with all of you.  On the left  hand side of this blog in the family and friends section some of you may or may not see a label with your last name.  If you see your last name click on it and you will see some special moments that we spent with you in 2010.  Now...if you don't see your name please don't think I left you out on purpose.  I started this blog for a completely different reason so I had to add the pictures that I did take over the course of the year just this week.  There might be a small caption of what took place if it was before August but you will notice that most of these will be pictures. 

I am hoping by this time next year I will have most of your last names in the labels which means we spent time with you.  =)  So if you see the Pottebaum's especially me don't be surprised if I ask to take your picture or get you on video.  =) 

Speaking of videos here is a music videos I produced recently of my daughter Olivia and my sister's kids in December 2009 and this December to show "What a Difference a Year Makes".




Merry Christmas and we hope to see you in 2011!

Emily, Steve and Olivia Pottebaum

P.S. I noticed if I wrote more then one blog about you the main screen from the shutterly pictures from Shutterfly do not pop up.  Click on the link directly below it that says "Click here to view the pictures larger".  You may also order any of the pictures through shutterfly or save them to your account.  =)

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS....MERRY CHRISTMAS....

My dad, sister, mom and me...Auntie Em!  ;) Xmas Eve 2010

 Dave, Cullen Sully, Avery & Addison 

Austin, Madison, Derek (Dave & Pam) Pottebaum







Dale, Rebecca, Spencer, Emerson & Keaton Pottebaum









 

 

  





Rick, Judy, Tyler, Haley, Alexis & Taya Delperdang




  



Brian, Jessica, Will & Mya Pottebaum

 



Tristan & Ally (Gregg & Melissa Pottebaum



Chad, Leah (Ringling) & Charlie Buller



Avery, Cullen, Addison, Sullivan (Angie (Ringling) & Dave) McGee



Avery, Addie, Sully, Cullen & Olivia
Del & Deb Ringling

Christmas with the Pottebaum's

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Tonight we celebrated Christmas with friends of mine from highschool and college.  My dad dressed up as Santa and delivered gifts to all the kids.  I am so grateful for such great friends and family especially this time of year.  I don't need to write much because you can see the highlights from the video I put together and the pictures up above.



Enjoy!

October 2010

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We had a great time at Vala's pumpkin patch.  This time last year Olivia slept through the whole thing.  This year she enjoyed the train ride, puppet shows and picking out her very first pumpkin.  Thanks to Angie & Dave for opening up their home, cooking a great meal and to papa for loaning the trailer for our hay rack ride.

Happy 4th Birthday Addison!

This must be Addison's week!  Her birthday is now being shared with two new babies.  Congratulations to Matt and Sasha who had a girl and named her Sofia.  B.J. and Colleen are also having a baby girl today too!  I have know Matt since junior high and Sasha and I were college roommates.  B.J. happens to be Steve's 2nd cousin and my sister has known Colleen and B.J. since highschool. 

Addison,

I want to say thank you for always helping me out and teaching me what life is all about.

I was extremely nervous coming back to watch you kids after having Olivia.  How was I going to do it? I didn't have a clue about newborn babies and I had to figure it out while watching four other kids.  I remember a few times when I was getting lunch ready and Olivia and Sully were both crying and you would always calm them down.  I am not sure how you do this but you have that motherly instinct.  Thank you for helping out with Olivia and Sully, putting on their shoes, dressing Sully, getting their blankets, sharing yours.  They know they can always go to you when I am not available at a moments notice. Thank you for teaching me to stay calm when things got hectic.  There have been days when I wanted to pull my hair out because I wasn't sure of myself and there you were with your smile and reassurance that everything was going to be okay.

I use to be carefree and a party girl like you and for some reason I have lost that side of me along the way.  You remind me everyday not to take things so seriously and to have fun at everything I do! 

Thank you for being you and reminding me what life is suppose to be about.
Happy Birthday Addie!  I love you!



My favorite Addison quotes:

"Auntie Em, I could sit here all morning and sip this cappucinno and chit chat!"

"This summer I am going to lay out on the beach and drink wine!"

Happy Birthday Sully!

First, I would like to say Happy Anniversary to my Aunt Linde and Uncle Terry.  They will be celebrating 30 years today (August 23) by the time you receive this email.

Uncle Steve says Happy Birthday and he is sorry for missing your party.  He is traveling for work.

Tonight we celebrated Sully's 2nd Birthday. (Sunday, August 22, 2010)

Sully,
Where does the time go?  It seems like yesterday when I first started watching you.  Six months old, barely crawling, not talking, and just starting to eat solid foods.  Now you are such a big boy!  You love to run, play sports, talk and drive.  Yes, I said drive...in your toy jeep and golf cart...of course!  :)

I am a very spiritual person and believe in signs from above.  On Saturday night I had the strangest thing happen to me, needless to say, I think a few people are trying to tell you Happy Birthday.

I am sure you won't understand this now but you were named after your great uncle (nana's brother) whose birthday was also on August 8th a long time ago.  So your mom named you after your great uncle Jeff and your great grandfather Michael (nana's dad) and this is where you got your name Sullivan Jeffrey Michael.

Ironically...the groom of the wedding I was filming last night was also named Jeffrey Michael.  Coincidence?  I think not!  This was their way to tell you Happy Birthday.  Why?  Because I am probably the only one in this family who can see past everyday life, read the signs and act on them.  I truly feel that they were trying to say hello and what better way then at a wedding doing what I love. 

I have been thinking about your birthday video for some time now and I was starting to panic because I couldn't think of a song.  Song choice can either make or break a video so it needs to be perfect.  I get most of my ideas and creativity through my dreams so before I go to sleep I always ask God to help me.  Last night (Saturday) was no different and sure enough he came through for me.   God sent me an angel who suggested the perfect song, wished you a Happy Birthday and wanted me to blow you a kiss.  Happy 2nd Birthday Sully - I love you so much!

July 2010

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4th of July, The Zoo with the McGee's, play date with the Speiker's and hanging with Gardels and other friends who were not pictured.  We also celebrated Mya's 1st Birthday.  Video below!



We also celebrated a good friend's birthday.  Nicholas!  He lives 4 houses down from us and I have been friends with his mother Jen my entire life!  Check it out!