24 DAYS!

25 Days

It's only 25 days away! Wheeeeeee!

San Diego

Hans and I had a great weekend visiting the new baby Madeleine in San Diego. While we were there we went to the San Diego Historic Park. It was a fiesta of fun! (Despite the straight faces in the pictures)

Madeleine Josephine Hammer

She's here! After 30 hours of labor and 7 hours of pushing, my wonderful sister-in-law Julie gave birth to my first niece!!! She was born August 31st at 2:09pm. 6 pounds 10 ounces, 19 inches long. She's perfect.



Welcome to the family baby girl. Prepare to be spoiled by your favorite Aunt Amy.

Grandma

I wrote the post below just 12 hours before my grandma passed away. Her passing was not a shock, and yet, as my uncle Bob said at her services on Tuesday, "all death is untimely".

I was PREPARED for grandma to go, but I was not truly READY for her to be gone. Even seeing her after she passed was not enough to convince me that she really wouldn't have bowls of olives waiting for me when I came over, or wouldn't smell her famous oatmeal cookies baking. I wish I could have soaked in every memory, every moment, every piece of wisdom she ever gave and saved it all.

She was a wise and humble woman who led her life with a unique excellence and an amazing grace. Lois Lindley was my grandmother, and everyone should be jealous. I got her for almost 26 years, and for that, I am deeply blessed.

So, for now, bye Grandma. I'll see you soon. I sincerely hope there are no dirty old flies in heaven.

Less than 8 Weeks!

It seems that every time I come back to my blog, I'm catching up! Much has happened since I last wrote. Life has been split between joy and grief. Someone once said that the two most stressful events in life are getting married and experiencing a death in the family. I have both at one time. I wonder at God's timing, but know it is perfect at the same time. The upcoming passing of my grandmother is in no way tarnishing my upcoming marriage, yet, I am blessed to be able to take some time to focus more on my grandmother and family, than on myself.

With that said, I'm going to go ahead and talk about myself for a minute. Over the past few weeks, I've had my first shower with all my current family and new family! It was an AMAZING time to be with the women in my life. Not only do I come from an amazing and large family, but so does Hans. We also both have a great legacy of marriage. I've been feeling like Hans and I are overly blessed (if there is such a thing).


Me and My Wonderful Grandmother.


This is the pitcher my mom gave me. It was one of my favorite gifts!


This is the first time my bridesmaids and I have been together. (left to right - Sister-in-law Rachel, Sister-in-law Julie, Sister Heidi, soon to be sister-in-law Anna)

The other exciting event lately is that Hans and I just rented our first apartment! Hans is moving in this weekend and I'll be moving in after the wedding. Although, I'll be using the apartment to store all of our gifts. It's a great apartment on the corner of 4th and Park, right across from the lagoon. We can't wait to have you all over. For the time being though, here are a few pictures.


This is Hans in our new bedroom.


And here I am making imaginary dinner in our new kitchen!