Growing Up

Miss Riley Anne is growing up! Today has been a day I have been dreading for quite some time. We started potty training. I have attempted times before and quit. (I know that isn't the best way...) But with the Fall semester right around the corner and a small break in our summer travels, I knew today needed to be the day and she has done GREAT! So far we have had no accidents and many successes!

I anticipate the accidents that are sure to come but I am so amazed at how grown up my baby girl is. My neighbor Maryanne took some of these photos the other day. I just couldn't believe how she captured some of Riley's beautiful, playful spirit. I continue to be amazed by her.

Miss Riley,

These days you LOVE to be in charge. Just this afternoon I caught you reading a book to Sam. You even picked out one with a "dogga" (aka dog) because you know that is the only animal Sam says. You love to color, sing, and learn new things. Swimming has become a new favorite and I am looking forward to possibly starting some swim lessons this summer. You always come and give me a hug and a kiss if I look sad and I think your very favorite thing to do ever is "help". I know it has been happening a lot lately, but these past few days I have really started to notice how you are growing up. I love you!

Check out Maryanne's blog and website for more photo's. (give me a call or shoot me an e-mail for the password on her website if you want to look/order)

Trip to Atlanta

A few weeks ago we headed down to Atlanta, Texas to visit with some family. We had a GREAT time. Not only did we get to visit with Papa, Debbie, Jimmy, Krystal, Gigi and GGP, we got to go to a shutterfly home party! The kids loved getting to play with fritz, a wagon, and balloons. (not to mention they loved how they could reach all the snacks on the table at the party :) After the party I stayed a couple of extra days. I loved getting to cook and of course eat with GG and GGP. I have so many memories of times out at the lake, or at Papa or Aunt Debbie's house. I am so excited that now my kids are getting to start making some memories too! We had a great time and we already can't wait to head back again. Love you guys!

Saying Goodbye

A few weeks ago our friends Caleb and Stephanie graduated, and moved to Iowa. Stephanie has not only been a good friend, but she watched Riley and Sam this past semester. They both love our kids SO much. -We love you guys and miss you already! Hope we can see each other again soon!

Mother's Day

My Mother's Day was GREAT! This was my third Mother's day and they just keep getting better and better. I love watching my kids grow. I love teaching them and watching them do the things that I do. I love their beautiful smiles first thing in the morning, and I love watching their chests rise and fall as they sleep. Thanks for a wonderful Mother's day kids (Ryne)

My morning started out with homemade cards from Riley and Sam. Riley woke me up with "Happy Mother's Day" just as clear as day! After a glass of OJ Riley handed me my gift.... It was a beautiful ring that I have had my eye on from Zales! I was SO excited! After that Ryne informed me that breakfast was waiting for me at Waffle House :) We got ready for church and headed out. Breakfast was great!

We had lunch plans with some good friends of ours that fell through so after church we headed home for a family lunch. That evening we celebrated with my best friend Angie and her family. She is an AMAZING mom too and I was so glad to spend the time with their sweet family.

All in all my day was great. -Lets not forget about my mom though.... I owe a lot to my mother. For starters she didn't kill me all the times that I gave her plenty of reason to :) But more importantly she has always encouraged me to be the strong willed, passionate, fun loving person that I am. She has been the best example to me as I am now a mom. Thanks for all that you have, and continue to teach me. I love you!

-Check out my very first Mother's Day. Time sure does fly...

Vacation

Since my last post things have been BUSY BUSY BUSY!!! I have attended parties, traveled, garage saled, and spent time with Ryne and the kids. I am currently enjoying some much needed time with my family. I can't wait to blog about my mothers day and our early fathers day and trips and everything in between, but for now, I am taking a little blog vacation and just enjoying my life. It is full, and it is busy, and it is WONDERFUL! Hope everyone is enjoying life as much as I am. See yall soon!

Fun with Friends

The group at Eva's Bridal Shower!


Steph, Ang and I went to Olive Garden for desert after a long day!

John and Ang

This is Angie, Alivia, and Joy (Angie's sister) There was a day in between their birthdays so they celebrated together in the middle. They even invited me to share in birthday icecream!

This week in the Education department they are giving out free snow cones. Angie and I headed up with the kids for a nice treat. They, of course, loved it!

A friend of mine in MSH is due to have baby #2 this summer. They are moving next week after graduation though. We had a big group of girls get together to celebrate with her and enjoy some fellowship.

Today I had the most fabulous lunch. I tried Little Thai House for the first time. I ate with some awesome ladies who have become great friends.

As you can see I am very blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people. These past few weeks I have celebrated upcoming marriages, birthdays, friendships, and so many more things. Ryne and I each have 1 more final tomorrow and then we have a jam packed day of fun planned for tomorrow to celebrate the end of the semester.

Air Show

Wow! The Saturday before our last week of classes we all headed to our very first Air Show. It was really special because this was our very first family outing as a family of four. (that is if Wal-mart doesn't count) The kids did SO good. All morning we talked with Riley about how we were going to see the planes and she was so excited. I just loved watching Ryne's eyes light up like a kid in a candy store. He kept telling me all about the different planes or some of the tricks that we got to see. Riley and Sam loved to point at the planes and make noises. We left about 9:00 in the morning and didn't get home til right at bed time. The kids hardly made a fuss the whole day. It was just what our family needed. The last two weeks of school are pretty stressful around our house. With both of us finishing up end of semester projects, tests, and papers (not to mention finals following after) it was really nice for us to have some family time before the busy days ahead. I can't wait to take the kids again.