Oh Holy Night...

Our Attempts at a family Christmas picture in front of the tree:

Silly Faces

And... no longer cooperating Riley :)

Riley and Sam opening up their new book from Mommy and Daddy.

It didn't take Sam long to figure out how things worked.

YEAH! A new "choo" back pack!

Both of the kids got some new movies! I was super excited.

Sam LOVES his new firetruck. My house is very slowly leaning more towards cars, motorcycles, and tools than babydolls...

Riley loved her new Dora backpack as well.

I love this picture so much because of the face that Riley has. This is how she was the entire night. Very patient, loving, and kind. She helped daddy get the gifts and made sure that he took turns. Sam, then Riley. I love watching her mothering nature at work.

Then... It was Mommy's turn. I had no clue.

YEAH!!! It is a Kitchen Aid Mixer! Ryne had bought it months ago and it has been in our attic! I have already put it to good use and I am so excited! There were even 4 different attachments! Thanks Ryne. I love it!

Oh Holy Night is one of my very favorite Christmas songs. It seemed fitting that when Ryne turned on Pandora for some Christmas tunes that this was the first song to play. I have been thinking a lot about the traditions that I want to have with my family, especially the traditions at Christmas. I was in a tizzy last week about all that I wanted to teach my children and freaking out because I hadn't yet. Ryne, very calmly, reminded me that Riley is only three and Sam two, and that we have plenty of time. I just desperately don't want the Holidays to only be about gift giving and receiving. That being said, we throughly enjoyed our little Christmas together. We were able to exchange gifts, but we were also able to read, sing, and talk about Jesus. It was a sweet and precious time for me. I am looking forward to continuing to celebrate as we head back home and visit people all over. Hope you are enjoying your Holiday as well!

Christmas in Detroit

Ryne took the kids on a ride.

This was the first year ever that we didn't have a traditional meal at my Grandmother's for Christmas. I was SO excited because this year we had Mexican Food!

One of my favorite Christmas traditions that my Grandmother has is hanging these homemade ornaments up in the entry way. My kids were in awe of them and I look forward to seeing them every year!

Sam Man and Jacob

My Sweet Riley and Hannah

The Christmas tree and Presents!

I gave Hannah one of the old games that we had found.

Leah got Miss America!

We had such a fun trip to Grandmother's. Ryne had to work the following day so it was just a day trip but we enjoyed every minute of it. I loved having the non-traditional Mexican food and the Christmas candy and desserts were wonderful as always. Grandmother's house always feels like home to me and what better way to spend Christmas than with the one's that you love in a place that feels like home.

Sisters

I can't even describe how much I love my sisters! I was SUPER excited when they both decided to visit me a few days over their Christmas break.

Here we are with our new favorite game... The Bride Game! Hannah and I were cleaning out some of the Education buildings here on Campus and while we were doing that we found some old board games. We had such a good time playing them and can't wait to try out some of the others. (like the Miss America game)

I hardly got any pictures at all because we were working too hard or having too much fun. Thank you both so much for coming and seeing me. I miss you guys so much. It is hard to believe how much has changed these past few years and how things will continue to change. I feel so blessed to not only call you family, but to say that you both are my best friends. That is such a blessing. Can't wait to spend some more time with you guys back home!

After Party Fun

After all of the birthday festivities the kids took a long nap. Later that evening we headed downtown to see the Christmas lights. Riley and Sam sure are loved: My mom and dad had taken them the previous night to see the lights and we went again on Saturday night.

Daddy kept making silly faces!

This picture made me laugh! Like father, like son. They both made the same face :)

The two of us.

Sam loved the little Donkey in the manger scene. He didn't want to leave.

The next night I was laughing because I heard:

"No. Do you see how I am going? Go that way"

"No, we are on the same team, don't get me"

Seems like Ryne has found himself (or at least he is trying) a new game partner!

Purple Princess Party

As you can see, for Riley's third birthday we had a Purple Princess Party!


The Purple Princess herself!

The wonderful Purple Princess Cake.

And cupcakes.

Happy Birthday to you...

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear Riley...

Happy Birthday to You!

Sam and Riley LOVED the cake.

Caitlin and Grandpa.

Ryne and his Dad.

An attempt at a picture of Mommy and Daddy with the Birthday Girl!

A group shot.

Ang and I.... I love her so much!

Most of the sisters could'nt come so I was thrilled that Caitlin could come! Love you Cait!

And our Thank You goodie bags.

Our Thank You goodie bags!

We had such a great time celebrating Riley's third birthday. I love planning parties and I love thinking of themes. However, this past semester had been so crazy! I didn't have a clue what to do for Riley's birthday. So I just asked her.

"Riley, what kind of party would you like for your birthday?"

"Purple"

"I know that is your favorite color, but what would you like for a theme for your party. Like what should the cake and the decorations be?"

"Purple"

So... Purple it was. I secretly loved how set she was. She knew what she wanted :) We had a great time. A dear friend and a professor of mine, made Riley her Purple Princess Cake. I made "Plum Fun" cup cakes. (Which turned into apple blueberry because I couldn't find Wildberry but anyways...) We had grapes and of course, a Purple beverage. Purple balloons filled the room and was all we needed to entertain the kids. I was so glad that so many of our family members could make it, but we sure missed those who couldn't.

Riley was worn out by the end of the party. I had asked all of the family to stay after the party for lunch. However, after all of Riley's friends left she started to walk home too. I asked her where she was going and she said. "Mom, all my friends are gone, I am going home." The only way I kept her there was by telling her we were going to eat.

Thanks to everyone who was able to come and thank you to everyone who loves our little girl. We are so proud of her and these past three years have just flown by!

Christmas Cards

Christmas is less than two weeks away! Yikes! I knew it was going to sneak up on me, it always does. That is one reason why I LOVE shutterfly. Yes. I am doing a promo for shutterfly so that this poor college student can send Christmas cards to everyone :)


There are many of their products that I love. We have bought several of the photo books. With everything going digital, you can't go wrong with putting the event in a book. One of my favorite books was from my sister Leah's graduation. I put all the pictures from the weekend in one place! It is fantastic.


Here are some of the things that I wish I could get. One day I will when I have a real job and a place to put it...





Some of the canvas prints and mounted wall art:


www.shutterfly.com/home-decor/mounted/wall/art

Their adorable coffee mugs:

www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts/photo-mugs

And of course their cards:

www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationary/christmas-photo-cards

My Grandma sent Riley a card for her birthday using a photo that she had of Riley. It was so sweet and Riley loved how personalized it was.

So, everyone else who likes to wait until Christmas sneaks up behind them just like me, head on over to www.shutterfly.com to get started on a project today.

But beware, it is very addicting and lots of fun. I am looking forward to receiving and sending lots of cards this holiday season. Merry Christmas and happy shopping!

Riley Anne

My baby girl turned three today. It is hard to believe it. She is so amazing in so many ways. I tried to put together a collection of photos but they aren't all in order.

Wow, we sure have changed since then!

This is one of my all time favorite pictures of Riley and Ryne. Riley is a lot like me, but here you see some of her daddy.
This is when Riley turned 1 year old!

This is an all time favorite baby picture.

At first I thought this was Sam :)

This was actually Joan's outfit from when she was a baby.

4th of July in South Dakota (a great trip!)

Valentines Day 08

Riley's first swim

Theses set of pictures are very dear to me. For my first mother's day Ryne had Maryanne take photo's of him and Riley.

I see the resemblance between Riley and Sam here.

Starting to look so grown up!

Love this one!

Riley sure does love being my little helper!

The following are a few from our little family while it was just the three of us.

And this is from Riley's birthday last year!

(this years party will be posted soon!)

My dearest Riley,

I love you so much. It is amazing how something so small can fill such a great big part of your heart. You have brought so much joy to our lives. I love watching you love on others around you, especially your brother Sam. You are kind, thoughtful, polite, and very smart. Already, you are an encourager to others and you are my little helper. At three years old you love to "read", draw, and "write". You love to go to school with me and learn. You are always wanting to help me in the kitchen and any time you get a chance you will pull up a chair. You make us smile and fill our days with gladness. You are very content and love to play outside. I can't imagine my life without you. I am so thankful that God chose me and your daddy to be your parents and to raise you. I love you and happy third birthday!

Mom