Thursday, May 2, 2013
Sarah's Birthday
One of my good friends had a birthday in December. We made it a friendship union and a bunch of us went out to dinner in Walnut creek! We had so much fun! Happy birthday Sarah!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Thanksgiving 2012
Ummm, I know I'm way behind but...We hosted Thanksgiving and it was a lot of fun. We had a lot of visitors and our kids loved playing with their cousins. My agenda also included a 12 hour black friday shopping trip where I got a lot of my Christmas decorations for a steal. A 7'5" fake Christmas tree for $55 bucks anyone? Yeah, it was awesome. Kiel officially hates poinsetta's because I went on poinsetta overload. Anyway, here are pics from Thanksgiving weekend:
Funny story about my Thanksgiving decorations. I went outside and cut a few branches down from our trees, unfortunately there were only a few that had fall foliage and the rest were green. I had a brilliant idea to go out and cut branches from the trees on Sand Creek Road, but I didn't have time so we elected Kerry. He willingly (or reluctantly) obliged and thankfully cut down all of the branches we needed before the Brentwood police told him to "stop doing that." Thanks Kerry! And we are glad we didn't have to bail you out!
.99 cent poinsettas at Home Depot.
It was fun! Should we do it again next year? And maybe Brig and Tyler will come too!
I pulled out the Elf the night everyone got there. Mariah absolutely loved him and drew pictures for him to take back to Santa.
Black Friday Madness
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| Garland, Wreaths and more poinsettas. If you look closely you can find Steve. This is where he stayed most of the trip. I don't even think he slept in the guest bed. Dang college finals! |
The day after Thanksgiving we decorated for Christmas!
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| One of the many attempts to get a group picture of the cousins. |
It was fun! Should we do it again next year? And maybe Brig and Tyler will come too!
Fran's 30th b-day party
So, back in the day, like back in September, Fran turned 30 and Elizabeth Carter and I threw her a Dirty Thirty party. I came across the pictures today and decided to share ;)
Invitations: I don't have pictures of the invites but they were super creative. Did you know that you could mail random things through postal service? I always thought you had to put everything in a box or envelope and add a stamp. Not so my friends, not so. You can mail water bottles, flip flops, and lot's of other stuff, just google it. No need for a box, just put a stamp directly on the item.
Since the theme was dirty thirty, we crumbled up oreo cookies, rolled up the invitation and shoved it in a water bottle along with some gummie worms and mailed them to the lucky ladies. We asked everyone to wear black to mourn the death of her twenties, while Frances was asked to wear her favorite color.
Dinner: The menu was pulled pork butt sandwiches, baked beans and spicy slaw. We made it messy on purpose and provided absolutely no silverware so everyone had to eat with their hands. It was fun/funny! We also had peanut butter chocolate shakes, awesome appetizers and messy smores bar for dessert.
Invitations: I don't have pictures of the invites but they were super creative. Did you know that you could mail random things through postal service? I always thought you had to put everything in a box or envelope and add a stamp. Not so my friends, not so. You can mail water bottles, flip flops, and lot's of other stuff, just google it. No need for a box, just put a stamp directly on the item.
Since the theme was dirty thirty, we crumbled up oreo cookies, rolled up the invitation and shoved it in a water bottle along with some gummie worms and mailed them to the lucky ladies. We asked everyone to wear black to mourn the death of her twenties, while Frances was asked to wear her favorite color.
Dinner: The menu was pulled pork butt sandwiches, baked beans and spicy slaw. We made it messy on purpose and provided absolutely no silverware so everyone had to eat with their hands. It was fun/funny! We also had peanut butter chocolate shakes, awesome appetizers and messy smores bar for dessert.
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| The sign on the window said "happy dirty thirty fran" We also had a collage of her "first thirty years." That fell on the floor |
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| Dinner after math, 30 mason jars, also played as her birthday candles |
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| Party favors, home made soap wrapped in scrap book paper |
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| Little notes we had around the house |
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| Birthday girl opening gifts |
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| My dad and his three girls |
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| The group |
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Winter Mornings
I love these winter days. They are just so cozy. This is Bruce and Rhyan's first official winter and our first winter in four years. I can't lie, I have been really cold and snuggled in blankets and jackets and scarves for most of it but I still like it.
Rhyan has been extra snuggly this morning and both kids wanted to get in our covers while they watched Dora the Explorer and I caught up with the outside world via cell phone. Since then we have done breakfast, danced to buzz lightyear and straightened up the house. Rhyan has given me fifteen hugs and kisses and twenty snuggles. I love it when she's like this. I call her my Angel Girl because she is so sweet.
Bruce decided I needed to wear earrings today. He went to my jewelry box and picked out the biggest clunkiest pair I own and told me to put them in my ears. So of course I obeyed and I've been wearing them all morning. I tried to take them out once and was promptly told to put them back in so I did. He also told me I look pretty with them on, so I guess I'll wear them all day. Rhyan decided she needed a flower in her hair, first thing, so that's what we did. She's cried twice because Bruce thought it would be funny if he took it out of her hair.
Kids are just wonderful. And I love these little wonderful moments that I get to experience each day that are more often than not, taken for granted. I love the kisses, hugs and their quirky personalities. I love that Bruce needs MILK first thing when he wakes up before you can say the words "good morning." I love that Rhyan wakes up so happy, with a bright smile, ready to conquer the day. I love snuggling on the couch while we watch nick jr. and then hearing them yell when I say, "all done, no more t.v. until nap time." I love the diapers, getting them dressed and hearing them play together. I feel so blessed to be their mother and thankful for my time here on Earth. Life is too short, enjoy it while you can!
Rhyan has been extra snuggly this morning and both kids wanted to get in our covers while they watched Dora the Explorer and I caught up with the outside world via cell phone. Since then we have done breakfast, danced to buzz lightyear and straightened up the house. Rhyan has given me fifteen hugs and kisses and twenty snuggles. I love it when she's like this. I call her my Angel Girl because she is so sweet.
Bruce decided I needed to wear earrings today. He went to my jewelry box and picked out the biggest clunkiest pair I own and told me to put them in my ears. So of course I obeyed and I've been wearing them all morning. I tried to take them out once and was promptly told to put them back in so I did. He also told me I look pretty with them on, so I guess I'll wear them all day. Rhyan decided she needed a flower in her hair, first thing, so that's what we did. She's cried twice because Bruce thought it would be funny if he took it out of her hair.
Kids are just wonderful. And I love these little wonderful moments that I get to experience each day that are more often than not, taken for granted. I love the kisses, hugs and their quirky personalities. I love that Bruce needs MILK first thing when he wakes up before you can say the words "good morning." I love that Rhyan wakes up so happy, with a bright smile, ready to conquer the day. I love snuggling on the couch while we watch nick jr. and then hearing them yell when I say, "all done, no more t.v. until nap time." I love the diapers, getting them dressed and hearing them play together. I feel so blessed to be their mother and thankful for my time here on Earth. Life is too short, enjoy it while you can!
Friday, February 22, 2013
18 Months
She loved her doctor visit and loved prancing around in her diaper. She also discovered her belly button, over and over and over again.
She is such a good eater! She loves vegetables, treats, eggs, meat, sticky rice and whatever else you feed her. She likes to feed herself with a fork and spoon.
Rhyan loves to chatter! And she is saying a lot of words. She likes to repeat everything she hears. She also comprehends almost everything we say. "Rhyan your shoes are in the kitchen." "Rhyan get your pj's." "Rhyan goes night, night."
She passed the autism test with flying colors. She is such a bright, happy and funny little girl. She loves to dance and play with her brother. She loves girly things like hair bows, necklaces and bracelets.
Rhyan now goes to nursery during church and if it was at a better time, I think she would be a piece of cake. Her second time in nursery she did great. She runs straight for the puzzles and tells me bye bye. She is such a big girl!
We love you Rhyan! We are so glad you are apart of our family. You bring such joy and life to our everyday, we couldn't imagine it any other way!
Friday, December 14, 2012
Merry Christmas!
So now is the time of year where I review what we did and set goals for next year. I just-can't-believe-it-is-here! Am I really writing a year review? Seriously, where has the year gone?
I quickly looked through past posts and in January I posted pictures of houses in the bay area that were in this little town called Brentwood. Fast forward four months later and we purchased one of those homes.
April through October Kiel slept on his cousin Amy's couch in L.A. while I spread out on our giant California King at our new home. We missed him terribly and kept very busy. I took the kids camping for their first time, we saw Nana and Papa in Oregon and did a lot of day trips! Kiel would see us once a month and in August he spent six weeks with us and then went back for four more weeks until he came home for good!
In May we celebrated Bruce's second birthday at our new home. I can't believe how much he has changed. Two is sooo much younger than two and a half. He even looks a lot younger. Where did the baby fat go? Bruce talks so much and is using his imagination. His favorite color is yellow and right now his favorite movie is The Polar Express. That can change monthly though. Bruce is very social and loves having play dates with other kids. The older you are the more he admires you! He continues to bless our lives daily and there isn't a day that goes by that we are so grateful for the opportunity to be his Earthly parents.
In August Rhyan turned one! We had a party for her at our house too! Rhyan started walking at 13 months and hasn't slowed down since! She now runs, especially for food and also for revenge ;) She can now hold her own when brother tries to take a toy and her special defense weapon is her teeth...Eeek! This does not make things fun for me. Rhyan is genuinely a happy girl but when she's not she makes it well known. Ear piercing scream anyone? Rhyan loves to snuggle and is not shy of strangers. She likes to be held, read to, sung to and rocked. Her favorite song is twinkle little star and she can do the hand movements. Her favorite place is OUTSIDE, unfortunately our kids have become very independent lately since they have each other and have no problem opening the front door to play out front. Luckily I have a latch on the top and am thankful for the reminder I got a few weeks ago to ALWAYS have it locked! Rhyan is in the 97th percentile for height, weight and head circumference. We're so grateful that she is a healthy and well adjusted 16 month old. She is so generous with her kisses and her hugs, I could hold this girl all day if Bruce would let me!
Kiel moved back in October and it was like we never lived apart. The kids got back into their original routine and love having their daddy back home. Kiel commutes to work with a few friends that also live in Brentwood. Kiel likes his office in Dublin and enjoys the people he works with. He also likes the people he pulls over a lot better as well. Kiel works really hard for his family and we are so grateful for him. While he's not at work he's been helping me do projects around the house and enjoying family time. Kiel also likes to go shooting and is looking forward to future hunting trips.
In October I also celebrated my 32nd birthday with some girlfriends in Napa. It was a much needed break after mothering the kids without my husband for four weeks. Single motherhood is no joke and I realize I was never technically single during this transition I did and do have an overwhelming appreciation for my husband and even greater appreciation when he is by my side. Simply put, he makes me a better mother or rather allows me to be.
In November we had Kiel's sisters Lisa and Shelley (including her tribe) my mom and of course George down and up for Thanksgiving. Bruce had so much fun playing with his cousins and I had fun hosting thirty people for my very first Thanksgiving dinner. And of course I have no pictures to share. Always.happens.at.every.event.I.host. (Can I get a big boohoo?) Anyway after Thanksgiving dinner was done I got ready for my big black "Friday" shopping. I left the house at 6:30pm and didn't get back until 6am the next day! I went with my mom and Frances. We had a ton of fun, will never do Walmart again and Home Depot, as long as you have $.99 cent poinsettias I will always be a black friday customer! Here I am after two hours at walmart waiting in line for my $99.00 T.V. I was so tired of standing I climbed into my shopping cart and my nice mother pushed me the whole way. Two hours later we were finally out of there! Oh it was Awful! But home depot made it all worth it and we did get our t.v.!
December is going just as fast as it has come this year. We decorated the house the day after Thanksgiving and are excited for Christmas to come. As we reflect this time of year we are grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ and His sacrifice that we may have eternal life. We are grateful for our children and the blessings they bring to our lives. We are grateful for each other and our commitment to each other. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and many blessings in the new year!
I quickly looked through past posts and in January I posted pictures of houses in the bay area that were in this little town called Brentwood. Fast forward four months later and we purchased one of those homes.
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| 2 years |
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| 2 and half years |
In August Rhyan turned one! We had a party for her at our house too! Rhyan started walking at 13 months and hasn't slowed down since! She now runs, especially for food and also for revenge ;) She can now hold her own when brother tries to take a toy and her special defense weapon is her teeth...Eeek! This does not make things fun for me. Rhyan is genuinely a happy girl but when she's not she makes it well known. Ear piercing scream anyone? Rhyan loves to snuggle and is not shy of strangers. She likes to be held, read to, sung to and rocked. Her favorite song is twinkle little star and she can do the hand movements. Her favorite place is OUTSIDE, unfortunately our kids have become very independent lately since they have each other and have no problem opening the front door to play out front. Luckily I have a latch on the top and am thankful for the reminder I got a few weeks ago to ALWAYS have it locked! Rhyan is in the 97th percentile for height, weight and head circumference. We're so grateful that she is a healthy and well adjusted 16 month old. She is so generous with her kisses and her hugs, I could hold this girl all day if Bruce would let me!
Kiel moved back in October and it was like we never lived apart. The kids got back into their original routine and love having their daddy back home. Kiel commutes to work with a few friends that also live in Brentwood. Kiel likes his office in Dublin and enjoys the people he works with. He also likes the people he pulls over a lot better as well. Kiel works really hard for his family and we are so grateful for him. While he's not at work he's been helping me do projects around the house and enjoying family time. Kiel also likes to go shooting and is looking forward to future hunting trips. 
December is going just as fast as it has come this year. We decorated the house the day after Thanksgiving and are excited for Christmas to come. As we reflect this time of year we are grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ and His sacrifice that we may have eternal life. We are grateful for our children and the blessings they bring to our lives. We are grateful for each other and our commitment to each other. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and many blessings in the new year!
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