the jantzen family

On December 7th, we hosted our very first Gingerbread House Decorating Party and had 17 of Ryan's friends come over to be a part of this new tradition.  Ages ranged from 8 years old all the way to 18 months.  It was definitely not lacking in energy and excitement!  What kid wouldn't love to be with their friends and enjoy an endless supply of candy?  A dream come true for sure.  We ended our party with Hailey reading a story telling us the true meaning of Christmas and singing Happy Birthday to Jesus.  Mom and kids alike had a delightful time and we look forward to next year.  Here's a sampling of the fun, food, and just a little bit of chaos that was to be had. 

At every step and stage of Ryan's life I say, "This is my favorite age".  And Kris reminded me recently that I say that at every stage!  And he's right, I do.  It's pure joy as a mommy to watch her grow and change almost daily.  Seeing her little mind think through something and figure out how to do it on her own or asking questions about life, heaven, Jesus, or why something is a certain way.  To be a part of this journey of life with her is truly the best gift I could ever ask for!  And a childhood dream of mine to be a mommy teaching her as we live life together. 

I continue to tell myself that I'll remember all the little things she says and does, but realistically it's impossible to think this is true.  So today I wanted to take a moment to write down a few things Ryan's said lately that are dear to my heart. 

While tucking her in bed each night, we have a routine.  First we brush teeth, put on jammies, and then I crawl into bed with her as she and I read a story together and then we "talk to Jesus", and then cuddle.  "It's your turn mommmy," she will say as I begin to thank Jesus for the specific blessings and activities/people of the day.  And usually she follows after me with the sweetest prayers that only a 3 year old can say.  For example, this was last nights prayer, "Jesus, thank you for Woody, Woody, Woody (Woody the Wood Pecker of which we don't ever watch, but she is on to that and has been for months).  Thank you for mommy and daddy and puppy cage.  Thank you for my music, my fan, and my heaven book.  Thank you for dying on the cross for three years.  Thank you for cuddles.  Thank you for my pillow."  And as you can see the pattern, each night her little prayers include what we've done that day or read or watched.  Most of the time she says, "Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for my sins."  But lately I've been wanting her to know that King Jesus didn't stay dead, but arose in 3 days.  So there's a little confusion at this point. 

The other day as we were outside in the front she pointed across the street and asked, "Where's heaven?  Is it over there? (as she pointed to our neighbor's house)".  Then she followed with up with this question, "Mommy, is Jesus and Tucker going to come to our house?"  I can't remember exactly what I said, but I essentially told her that one day Jesus would be coming back and this time he was coming on a white horse!  She liked that. 

Recently, when Ryan doesn't understand something she's started saying, "But I don't understand?"  And continues to repeat herself until you give an explanation she feels is sufficient.  It's cute to hear her ask this question in conjunction with the situation we are in.  And at times I remind her that there are somethings we just won't understand.  This answer seems to satisfy for now. 

It's nearly impossible to stop and write down all that precious things she does and says, but I truly value our daily time together.  Running errand with her and her backpack, puppy cage, and other toys is the highlight of my day.  Listening to her sing about anything and everything as we drive and play is pure delight.  And most of all hearing her little voice at night as I leave the room say, "I love you Mama" is the bestest sound EVER! 

My heart is overjoyed as I ponder on her little life and the joys she brings.  Thank you Jesus for our Ryan Elizabeth.  And thank you, Jesus, that you feel the same way about each one of us. 

I simply love sleeping pictures...and often times sneak in to capture these priceless photos.

Ryan and I sitting in the car waiting for our Sonic drinks.

Being born and raised in Oklahoma, you'd think my husband and I would have embraced the {cowboy} & {cowgirl} in each of us, but for some of us it takes a little time to discover what we are really made of.  And that's the place our family is at!  The last few weeks we've been heading out east of Tulsa to Kris' Aunt Dyana & Uncle Ron's horse ranch to ride horses and enjoy the beauty of country living.  And we must admit, it's very addicting.  For Kris, Ryan, and myself, we enjoy our times out in the country riding, playing, and just breathing in the fresh air and simplicity that city life doesn't offer.  And perhaps one day we will move that way, but until then we are savoring the days we are out on the ranch. 

It didn't take but a few minutes for Ryan Elizabeth to catch on to the country life.  Our first time out there she got on her horse Sisssy with very little reluctance and was led around the arena.  And afterwards as we were cleaning stalls, she began picking up poop with her bare hands and putting it in the wheel barrel.  No hesitation at all!  That's my girl!  And of course, I let her continue...looks like we will be getting her a little shovel in the near future to help out.  One of her favorite things to do out on the ranch is lead her dog "Trucker" (whom she calls Tucker) around by his collar and put him in his "carriage", which is a gated pen in the arena.  She's in heaven with this Australian Shepherd.  And we aren't sure he totally loves all the attention, but is very sweet natured and goes along with her.  I'm sure he's happy to see us drive off at the end of the day. 

Recently our trips out there have been more frequent with this beautiful 60 degree weather in December and have brought just as much joy as our first visit!  For certain, these city slickers have gone country...and here's our proof!  I guess secretly, I've always wanted to be a cowgirl...I guess it's not a secret any more. 

This August we celebrated a little girl's 3 year b-day and although it's a little past due, here's a sampling of Ryan Elizabeth's b-day party.  By far her most favorite show is Curious George or we call him "Monk".  Daily she asks to watch an episode, which is why we decided to have a Monkey, Curious George Birthday Party!  And yes, she still talks about her monkey party to this day (months later). 

So many of her friends came to celebrate along with grandparents and family.  We had a candy bar (of course that was a huge hit) and monkey cupcakes along with other food and yummy treats.  Delightful!  On this particular day, it was around 110 degrees outside keeping us inside where it was cool and comfortable. 

What a wonderful three years it has been!  Hard to believe she is three, but it's been such a joyful journey along the way and we anticipate that the days ahead continue to get richer as we watch Ryan Elizabeth grow into the amazing girl God has created her to be.  And what a blessing to be a part of her life!  She's truly a delight and gift from our Father above!  And we are forever thankful. 

Here's to our three year old monkey, Ryan E!  We love you! 

Our precious family of three.

{Love} this face and smile!

Grandma & Grandpa Jantzen came up from OKC.

PawPaw & Grammie came from Stillwater.

Uncle Matthew & Aunt Heidi joined us (along with baby Reagan who came a few weeks later).

Ryan loves tractors!  And her new monkey watch.

What a sweet face!  My Little Bigs!

It's true...having a girl is like having your very own doll to dress however you choose!  And Ryan Elizabeth is no different for me.  For the past 3 years it's been such a joy dressing her, making outfits, bows, leggings, and now costumes for her cute little self!  And each October I put off deciding what to dress her as for Halloween.  I simply want the perfect little outfit for a perfect little girl.  So, with the beauty of Pinterest I begin searching and pinning outfits I saw that were precious.  And this is where the idea for this Scarecrow came from.  I'd like to think that I have a creative idea, but in reality this isn't the case.  Most of my creations are what I've seen someone else do.  And with technology it's easy to do these days.

After crafting this outfit, we headed out this beautiful morning for a mini-photo shoot.  With a mommy who takes pictures all the time it's not easy to capture Ryan looking at the camera.  And I'm not too proud to bribe.  And that's what I did.  After this shoot Ryan got a sucker, to eat lunch at Sonic, run by daddy's office (which we were right there), and go practice her "trick-or-treating" at Lisa's house where she met Spiderman, Batman, and a little monkey.  Tonight we are off to Ace's house to "Trick-or-Treat" for real!  And enjoy pizza, candy, and roasting S'mores in the yard. 

Truly this time of year it's so fun to be a kid, no matter your age!