Merry Christmas

It was a wonderful day filled with squeals, laughter, family, presents and most importantly....remembering the true meaning of the Christmas season.  From our family to yours....Merry Christmas!

Making Gingerbread Man

Decorating Gingerbread Men is lots of fun.

 He may be part Elf.  Candy and Cookies are his two favorite food groups.

If you eat the candy as you decorate...your man may look a little sparse.

It really doesn't matter how it looks...when your plan is to eat him for lunch.  

I love you, Rustin Walker, more than you love candy, gingerbread men and gumballs...and that is A LOT of Loving!

Iceapalooza 2013

 Ice in Texas means you stay home and don't drive your car.  I'll take it....the Christmas tree is lit, the house is warm and Christmas cookies are on our afternoon "To Do" list. 

Life can't get much sweeter than this!

Miss Blue

Oh Miss Blue...we knew this day would finally come.  Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and today I am thankful for the 13 and a half years this sweet girl spent with us.

You were our first project along with your sister.  Long before Ryder and Rustin...it was Autumn and Blue. You were Matt's dog..... and today sweet girl...you brought him to tears.  Something I've only seen twice before.  The day he married me and the day his Grandpa died.  You're a pretty special girl because he wears a tough shell that isn't easily broken.

We could not have asked for a better dog.  Your sister was a troublemaker and you were the angel.  Her wrap sheet was 10 pages long and I am pretty sure I couldn't list even one negative thing about your little self.  Your spirit was gentle and loving.  I can't even begin to tell you how empty it feels with you not sitting at the back door or waiting on me in the garage... you won't be following us to the swing set or laying on that sunny patch of grass. 

You have always been our Blue Angel and today you are an Angel in heaven.  Autumn is waiting for you...my PB&J is finally back together. 

 

 Ryder painted this for you today and asked you to take it on up to heaven with you...so Autumn could see it too.  My throat swelled when I listened to him say these words and I had to turn my head to keep him from seeing the tears streaming down my face.  I'm pretty sure you couldn't have been more loved.

Today a huge chapter in our book has come to an end...but you are forever in our hearts...all of our love sweet girl.

Gracie & Lucille

Gracie and Lucille are Ryder's Kindergarten class pet.  They are Guinea Pigs to be exact.

 

This type of pet is not my best friend, but my kindhearted boy really wanted them to spend a weekend with us....and I couldn't say no.

I had to admit that they were kind of cute to hold.  This is Gracie (I think).  Lucille was pretty shy.

Ryder loved every second of the two girls being here.  He fed them, he held them, he filled their water bottle.  He was in heaven...and I absolutely love watching him do the things that make him the most happy....even if it is something that makes me cringe on the inside a little.

Halloween 2013

Happy Halloween from Jack Skellington and this Creepy Old Man!

He's close to perfect

Rustin,
Most days we call you a "tootie".  Not today though...today you were close to perfect.  Today, you said all of the right things.  You stuck right by my side.  You helped me chase down Charlie when he dug out of the yard not once, but twice today.  You didn't complain when we ran late this morning and forgot to put blankie in your nap-mat.  You fed Blue dog food piece by piece.  You obediently jumped on the trampoline while I was cooking dinner...just like I asked you to.   You ate your whole taco and said the prayer for our family.  You flattered me with kind words and even posed for these pictures.  Pictures I didn't need to take, but wanted to take.

A little girl at pre-school made you a bracelet and you wore it all day.  She thinks you're pretty special and so do I.   I love you more than you love eating candy from a bowl...and that my sweet boy is a lot of loving!

Vermont

Last week I hopped on this plane with Matt's sisters and his Mom.  We were treating her to a belated Birthday trip.  We landed in Boston, rented a car, and drove for a few hours.

We spent the next three days in Vermont.  Absolutely one of the most beautiful, quaint states I have ever visited.

The weather was perfect, the colors were beautiful and the company was even better.

 

We went way out on the back roads and we saw where the maple syrup is harvested.   We also stumbled upon an Alpaca farm.  This booger decided to spit on my white jacket.  Not funny, Mr.!

 We hit lots of shops.

We picked some delicious apples straight from these trees.

I stepped on New York soil for the first time!

We took in some history at the former home of Robert Todd Lincoln (Abraham Lincoln's son).

We may have to go back next fall...Happy Belated Birthday to my Mother-in-law!  I can't think of a better to celebrate!

The patient, Patient.

Oh my poor Rustin.  Ryder was given a Doctor's kit for his Birthday, and his little brother is  now the forever patient.

When your big brother is the Doctor and your older cousin is the Nurse...you should run for your life.  Instead, Rustin just plays along.  This is a day in our life. ♥♥♥

A Monster Party

We had a Monster Party for Rustin's 4th Birthday and invited all of our family over!

 We baked a cake and decorated it with all of his favorite Monsters.

Terry and Terrie are his favorite from Monster University.

He blew out his candles...

...and spent the afternoon with this crew.  All of his cousins. 

 I hope you love being 4 sweet boy...I love you to the moon and back!

Moments like this

Moments like this are the ones I cherish....all my love.

Happy Birthday, Ryder!

Exactly 6 years ago at 10:35 a.m. this little boy changed my life forever.  It is not just me...I'm pretty sure you change everybody's life you touch.  You are truly a unique and incredible gift from God.

Ryder...I can not imagine a second without you in it.  I love you more than you love eating Toaster Strudels in the recliner...and that is a lot of loving!  Happy Birthday to my big boy!

First Day of Preschool

He didn't miss a step his first day of pre-school this year.  I love you little man!

Happy Birthday!

Happy, happy, happy birthday to my baby boy!  I love your fun hearted little self more than you love skittles...and that is a LOT of loving!  Oh...and happy birthday to that amazing man who gave his birthday up to you 4-years ago...your Daddy!  How special that you both will always share this day!  Now stop smiling at me before I eat you...xoxo- Mom

First Day

You came home and could hardly wait to go back!  Here is hoping day 2 is just as great!  Love you Ryder!

Kindergarten

Ryder,
Tomorrow is your first day of kindergarten.  I can't believe it is already here.  We've spent the last 6 years together and now its time to begin a new journey.  This new road you are taking is going to lead you to amazing places. You are bound to do great things...that is just how God made you.  I love you to the moon and back...you are my bear.

 2008

 2009

 2010

 2011

 2012

2013

I'm gonna miss this.

Summer is almost over and that means no more lazy mornings in our pajamas.  I'm gonna miss this.  On this day, this boy had just helped his brother build a home for their new pet worm.  Squiggly Smith.  All that home building tires an almost 4-year old boy out.  These moments are building memories and memories are evidence of how quickly time passes....so for now I am going to soak up every second I have with the people who make my life whole.

Lazy Dog

Lazy Dog Days of Summer.