Ryen's Room: December 2007

December 29, 2007

Friday at the Flying Field

Friday afternoon, we went to the flying field where Sonny likes to take his plane for a spin. I love the way he is such a kid at heart! The girls love running around in the middle of the countryside, picking dandelions and getting their pants dirty. :) They "ooh" and "ahh" over Sonny's plane as it swoops and twists through the sky. It's fun having another photographer there to capture our family's adventures. Ryen and her new camera are inseparable!

December 27, 2007

Snuggle Fest

We were given the most thoughtful gifts this year! Aunt Amber (my youngest brother Drew's wife) made each of us a scarf! Can you believe that!?! The girls have seriously worn theirs constantly- in the house and outside. Thank you so much, Amber! We love you!!!

Also, what a surprise to get an enormous package in the mail from Lindsey and Lona, Ryen's birthmother and birth-grandmother. Lona made us the most beautiful gift- a personalized glass square. It's hard to describe, but it is just gorgeous and looks so great on our mantle! She also sent blankets for Ryen and Maddie with super snuggly bears tucked inside. Every time I turn around, they are wrapped up in their blankets, bears in hand, enjoying a serious snuggle fest!

Nana and Papa also sent a package filled with thoughtful gifts. We were just blown away! How do we even know so many thoughtful people???

Thanks with all of our hearts to each of you!

On Christmas Eve we loaded up the car with gifts and went to visit a few people from our church. Our first visit was to see an elderly woman living in a nursing home. We brought her some jewelry. Nothing special, just some things my mom and I pulled together. You would have thought we gave her a set of the queen's diamonds! She just beamed and was so very happy. Another couple from our church had also visited her that day. She told us it was the best Christmas she has ever had. What a humbling experience! We also went to see another family who had no money for food or gifts this Christmas. The girls were so sweet unpacking Santa's bag and placing all of the gifts we picked out beneath their small tree. The spirit in the air was so touching and I was glad our children were able to be a part of that.

Our little family had a really wonderful Christmas this year! Seeing Ryen's and Madelyn's beautiful little faces all lit up with excitement and delight was by far my favorite gift. Another favorite gift was just having my mom here with us. We have been so blessed.

December 24, 2007

Merry Christmas!

December 22, 2007

Flyin Ryen

We made a last-minute run to the mall today where Ryen spotted a bungee jump. Our little daredevil wouldn't rest until she was harnessed in and rocketing toward the sky. Her joyful squealing echoed throughout the mall as she zipped up to the second story and then plummeted back down over and over again. She has nerves of steel, that one!

Madelyn didn't want to jump, but stood close by cheering for her big sister. She chose the Build-A-Bear store as her "thing"- which I was relieved about! :)

*Sorry the video quality is so poor, but Sonny's phone was the only thing we had on-hand.

December 21, 2007

Pretty Pink Piggies

Ry and Maddie love love love getting their nails done. Once in awhile, Ryen will choose some crazy color, but almost always it is PINK.

Santa's Sweeties

Nothing makes Mr. and Mrs. Claus more happy than these two little sugarplums! Our little girlies are especially adorable in these dresses Grammy made!

December 18, 2007

Party Girl

Today was Ryen's school Christmas party. I love each chance I get to spend time with her at preschool- in her element. Watching her interact with her teachers and friends is so much fun! She is SO happy there. Ryen's teachers constantly tell us how special she is and how she just glows and lights up their lives. It is such an incredibly wonderful thing to send your child off to school and know that she will be taught and nurtured by people who truly love her. What a blessing Ryen's school is to us! (Having said that, I am also really looking forward to the next few weeks of having her home with me!)

December 16, 2007

40 Years of LOVE

Dave and Norma are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary today. What a legacy their love has created! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to our favorite lovebirds!

6 Things My Parents Taught Me About Marriage:
-A List by Sonny

1. Make your marriage your top priority.
2. Take advantage of every full moon.
3. Raise your kids so that they never doubt your love for each other.
4. Compliment your wife or husband openly and often.
5. Sit next to your spouse in church.
6. Recognize that each day's greatest blessing is likely having a hand to hold.

December 15, 2007

Little Mommy Maddie

This picture pretty much says it all. For the past couple of months, Madelyn hasn't gone anywhere without her baby doll... whose name is "Baby," appropriately enough. It is the most adorable thing to watch her cook for her baby and take such excellent care of her. She takes her job as a little mommy very seriously and smothers that little doll in love. Girls are so fun!

December 14, 2007

Something to Snag

Here's another little something I just had to pass along. Today is the last day to pick up this little notebook filled with scrappin' goodies. Digital Design Essentials is another favorite scrapping spot of mine. Grab this notebook for $3 and you'll get some really great basics to make those digital designs super sassy! :)

Go Aunt Caitlyn!

It's opening night for Cait's play and we couldn't be more excited! I am so proud of her for following her dreams and blazing her own trail! I'm so sorry I couldn't be there to see you in action tonight Cait, but I'm there in spirit. If you hear someone laughing unnaturally loud and cheering for you like an insane person... it's probably Mom. But pretend it's me too, okay?

December 13, 2007

The weather has been ridiculously warm here lately! We've been missing out on all the winter fun- so we had to get a little creative. (Ryen and Madelyn go HYSTERICAL watching these!)

A Beautiful Mind

I never get tired of watching Ryen draw. She's getting so fast too! She whipped this picture up in just a minute or two. I love how each picture seems to show more detail and creativity than the one before it. I love the bird soaring above and how her beautiful little flower has roots. She's just so amazing!

December 12, 2007

Christmas Snakes and Pancakes

Ryen LOVES her time baking in the kitchen with Grammy. They made sugar cookie dough together this week and then the girls and I made the actual cookies ...kind of. We started out using cookie cutters, but things got wild fast! Madelyn was throwing powdered sugar everywhere (and rubbing it into her face!) while Ryen couldn't stop licking everything in sight! Needless to say, those cookies will not be shared. :) The whole time the girls were going wild, I was doing everything I could to just not throw up. Fun times! We ended up making Christmas "pancakes" and snakes. At least they had fun!

By the way- Do NOT buy Betty Crocker's Whipped Butter Cream frosting. It is so gross!

December 10, 2007

Guess what...?

That's right. We're pregnant ...and we couldn't be more EXCITED! We told Ryen and Madelyn this morning and they are sooo thrilled about their tiny little brother or sister. Sonny and I always struggle with whether or not to tell people when that test comes up positive. Pregnancy has been a difficult feat for us and nothing makes losing a baby more painful than having to "untell" everyone. Though it is still very early, we thought this time we would share the news. We could really use your prayers and support! Thanks everyone! And YAAAAY!!!

December 9, 2007

Beautiful Lindsey tagged Ryen and myself.
6 random things about us...

Ryen:

1. Ry would sell her soul for a trip to Chick-fil-A.
2. She can do any puzzle an adult can do- and probably a lot faster.
3. Ryen loves music. She has since she was a newborn! She loves it super LOUD- especially in the car. Sometimes we crank it up for her and watch as she squeezes her eyes shut, whips her head around, and shouts "Wahoooo!"
4. Miss Ryen Olivia is getting a Southern accent ...or accident, as she calls it! Especially words like "rainbow" come out with a serious drawl.
5. She is a bit of a neat freak. Ry is learning to channel her energy into cleaning and loves to leave her room spic and span each morning- beds made and everything. (I know! How rad is that!?!)
6. Ry has a photographic memory. She can hear a song one time and then sing it back to you days later. Same with TV shows, books, lots of stuff. She's brilliant!

Megan:

1. I refuse to buy any shoes (for me or for the kids) that have shoe laces. I firmly believe that Velcro and elastic are two of the best things ever to happen to fashion.

2. From Pride & Predjudice to Charlie and Lola, I just can't get enough of all things English.
3. I see dead people. Seriously.
4. I have always wanted to go on a hot air balloon ride. Not just up and down, but a real excursion.
5. I just love old things. I love to make treasures of the weathered and worn. Old houses time has forgotten totally lure me in!
6. I can spit freakishly far.

We tag Grammy.

December 8, 2007

Seeing Santa

December 6, 2007

I'm short, but I'm scrappy.

For all of you digital scrappers out there, just thought I would give you a heads-up. One of my favorite digital shops is having a sale right now. :) Shabby Princess has most of her items 25% off through the 10th. There are also a couple of really cute freebies/promotions. Many of you have commented on my blog (thanks, by the way!) and I almost always use her kits in my designs. (The other designer I use a ton is SMJ.) Anyway, among the things currently on sale are some SUPER cute pre-made blog goodies. Just plug in your own pictures and wording and you are good to go! I couldn't help passing the info along. :)

PS. If you are interested in SP's past freebies, you can find the downloads here.

Caught Purple Handed

Ryen came home from school looking like a purple people eater. Her poor teacher was franticly apologizing, say that she used EVERYTHING she could think of to try to get the purple off, but it was no use. Apparently, our little rascal had a grand ol' time with a stamp pad. She was beaming with pride when she showed me the fruits of her labors. Purple is her favorite color, you know. Did any of the other children have ink on them? Not a spec. Leave it to Ryen!

Home Sweet Gingerbread Home

We made this gingerbread house for Family Home Evening on Monday night. (FYI- I really prefer the pre-made kits to the pre-assembled ones. Still quick and easy, but more fun and fewer broken pieces.) Ryen was so excited she could hardly stand it! Ry and Maddie both devoured tons of candy and one of the poor gingerbread people. They also bit the head off a snowman. Thankfully, the manufacturers must take things like this into condsideration because we still had more than enough to work with. This house is Ryen's pride and joy.