Riley is FIVE!!!

How is it possible that she is already five?  I don't want to be one of those parents that mourns the phases that we have already experienced.  But it's kinda hard not to. It really does seem like only a couple of weeks ago she was still sitting in her bouncy seat! 

But this girl is big!  Her personality gets bigger everyday (as does her vocabulary- Thank you Fancy Nancy books). She loves to go to BSF and have play dates with her friends. She teaches her "kids" (dolls and stuffed animals) about Jesus. It is so humbling and heart-melting to hear those moments when she doesn't know I am listening.  She can't wait to start school in the fall.  She is so motivated to learn how to write and read… and be more and more independent.   Following are the 20 questions we've been asking her on her birthday for the past 3 years.  It's pretty neat to watch how little some of her favorites have changed and how much other's have changed.

1.  What is your favorite color? Pink and purple

2.  What is your favorite toy? Bunny & Twilight

3. What is your favorite fruit? Strawberries

4. What is your favorite TV show? Doc McStuffins

5. What is your favorite thing to have for lunch?  Ham and cheese

6.  What is your favorite outfit?  My fancy party dress (gift from Nona & Poppi for her birthday)

7.  What is your favorite game? Dancing ball

8. What is your favorite snack? Oatmeal Candy

9. What is your favorite animal?  Peacock

10. What is your favorite song? Joy to the World

11. What is your favorite book? Sleeping Beauty and Jasmine

12. Who is your best friend? Millie 

13. What is your favorite cereal? Lucky Charms

14.  What is your favorite thing to do outside? Swing on my swings

15. What is your favorite drink? Sprite

16.What is your favorite holiday? Christmas Eve

17. What is your favorite thing to take to bed with you at night? Bunny

18. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Pasta Salad

19. What is your favorite breakfast? Waffles

20. What do you want to be when you grow up? A cheerleader (God help me)

Under the Sea Party

I am not good at parties. I don't do "themes" very well.  I lack the hospitality and creativity that everyone on Pinterest seems to have.  But these lack of characteristics don't keep me from trying to create a fun birthday party for my kids.  So this year, Riley wanted a "Little Mermaid" party.  She's never seen the movie or read the book.  Puzzled at her choice, I took to Pinterest. So we had "Starfish Sandwiches" (or really, sandwiches that were star-shaped), and "Oyster Sandwiches" (croissants, thanks Walmart!) for the adults.

Next we had Crabby dip.  This was supposed to have red bell peppers cut and shaped like a crab on top of the crab dip. Unfortuately, the red bell pepper, that was three times the expense of the green bell pepper, rotted in my refrigerator before the party. No thanks Walmart.

And lastly, we had a goldfish bar complete, with three different kinds of Goldfish, and a sushi bar.  This was my favorite thing.  We've done it before and it's always a huge hit.  It's Rice Krispies Treats with Swedish fish, or any kind of gummy candy, wrapped in Fruit Roll-ups. So fun! Oh, and I forgot the "Ocean Water" (Sprite with blue coloring and a swedish fish floating in it).  This was the extent of my theme.  While that was all cool and fun to do, I didn't do any activities or picture backdrops or party table. This is where I feel like a failure. Thanks Pinterest. 

But this sweetie loved all of my efforts and did not acknowledge my shortcomings.  She had a blast. She got to wear the party dress that her Nona & Poppi got her. And she was surrounded by her very best friends, which she knew was the best part of the party.

They are almost sitting still.  Note how many girls there are here.  Jackson and Dawson were hanging out in their car seats, so they aren't pictured here. From left: Macy, Caroline, Millie, Audrey, Riley, Sarah, Jude, and Rachel. These little bodies were so busy and having so much fun that our little house almost exploded with laughter and yelling and running. While this delighted my heart, it rattle my nerves. Next year, her party will be at a larger location.

Time for cake! I made cupcakes because I do not do cakes well.  My Grandma would not be proud of this as she always made the most amazing cakes. But really, I don't know why I even bother with cupcakes. My kids do not like cake in any form and just eat the icing. Next time maybe just donuts. 

Joy, pure Joy. Oh Jesus, you have blessed me beyond measure.

Ah hahaha! Sarah went face first into her gummy octopus.

I caught Audrey sitting like such a big girl in Riley's chair, so I had to snap a picture.  But Audrey is not a fan of my camera.

Jude usually hates his picture being taken. But he can't handle someone else getting my attention.  Side note: my New Year's Resolution is to learn how to take better pictures with my camera.

I'd have to give Riley's party a large two thumbs up for fun, shortcomings and all!

Christmas!!!

My favorite time of the year!! I love everything about the Christmas season. My favorite part is the music.  Every year I'm struck by how the words mean more to me this year than the last. I also love that I have two people in our house that we get to celebrate during the Christmas season too.

Another fun tradition: the decorations. Oh how I love bringing out all of our ornaments that have sentimental value, the stockings, the garland mom and I made last year….So many pretty things that remind me of earthly treasures and memories. This year we got two new decorations.  First, our tree died. Only about a fourth of the lights of the pre-lit tree worked, so we decided it was time for a new tree. Nine years of pre-lit-ness is pretty great! This year we went with a skinnier tree. It took some getting used to, but it holds those sweet ornaments just fine. Our second addition is this sign I made using an old pallet and some paint we already had. This was one of Woody's snow day projects. I'm pretty pumped with how it turned out, even though I can take no credit. Pinterest gave me the idea and showed me how to do it… all I did was copy it. I'm so happy there isn't such a thing a Pinterest Plagarism!

We usually have our Christmas celebration with Woody's family the weekend before Christmas. I'm trying to learn more about the settings on my camera, but I think I captured these two excited faces pretty well.

Jude was super excited about his new Spiderman blanket.

And Riley got a princess blanket that hasn't moved from her bed since.  :) Memaw and Pepaw really scored some great gifts for these two. Jude thanked them for two days for his gifts.  Could that be a thankful spirit I see?! I love it!!!

On Christmas Eve, we have heavy appetizers and gift exchange with my immediate side of the family.  Food. I love food. I knew when all the food was on the table, I'd be too worried about eating it.  So I snapped these before it was all out.

This was supposed to be a healthy Christmas tree snack. You have to use your imagination. The kids loved it.  The tomatoes were completely gone by the end of the night.  The broccoli? Not so much.

Again, you have to use your imagination to see these Grinch-with-Santa-hats snack.  These were all gone before the desserts were brought out.  Even if these border lined on "Pinterest Fails" it was still fun to do and the the kids ended up eating more healthy foods than "sometimes foods", so all in all, not too shabby!

 To keep these two busy before the gift opening, I brought activities.  I know right?  I'm so on top of things.  Again, Pinterest.  They love the book "Iggy Peck Architect" who builds all sorts of things with random objects. So they got to build structures using spaghetti and marshmallows. Oh, and they got to wear their new PJs all evening too. I think they had fun.

Not sure how many marshmallows were consumed during the building process.

My parents bought Jude duck calls.  Those mysteriously got left there.  :) I mean, we love Duck Dynasty, and Jude loves to make lots of loud noises, so win/win, right? 

Cute little love birds with their new "Our Nest" pillow.

Jude received a gift from Nonna and Poppi that kept him busy for a full week.  Fridgets.  I highly recommend this magnetized obstacle course for marbles to anyone who has an inquisitive boy who likes to take things apart and put them back together.  He couldn't wait to play with these and now there is a magnet board in his room so he can play to his heart's content.

Best reaction to a gift goes to Calah.  Mom and I slyly bought her a Hobo wallet while the three of us were Christmas shopping together. It was so fun to see her face! Now all three of us have these fabulous wallets in different hues of leather. We just need to have a "Hobo date" so they can all hang out together.  

And every princess needs a "Little Mermaid" dress up. By this point she had seen the movie and did not care for it because of Ursula.  She still doesn't understand that all movies have a villain.  Its just part of life. But her favorite part is dressing up and twirling, no villains needed for that!

Alex, loving on his aged (or not aged? or single barrel?  I am illiterate when it comes to this spirit) scotch. I love how Calah got her Hobo in on the action.

I love Christmas. Before our decorations went down, I was already planning for next year.  When the songs will mean more to me, when the ornaments and memories are sweeter, when the family time will be just a fabulous.

Family Pictures

Last fall Kari Penturf gifted us with a family photo shoot.  It went so well that she did it again this year!  But I knew this year would be more difficult with a now stubborn 3 year old who is strong willed and does NOT like for his picture to be taken. I deleted most of the bad ones, but felt I really needed to document this (hopefully just a) phase. Fortunately, Riley loves to have her picture taken.  

My first attempt, try making all kinds of silly faces so the smiles might be easier to come by.  "Silly face! Scared face! Serious face! Happy face!  Sad face!" This was our mad face. Attempt failed.

Pretty even when she isn't trying to be- my favorite kind of pretty.

Next attempt, put a bubble in your mouth (hopefully to stretch those cheeks into a smile, or even some real laughter). Jude decided to just throw leaves in the air. Fail number two. 

Okay, so I really like this one. It's pretty indicative of us.

Seriously?!  The one time Jude was cooperative, Riley definitely was not.  Look at that face!  If this wasn't my daughter, I would be sure this was the latest poster for a Halloween inspired scary movie based on a possessed child with demonic powers. But I do know this girl, and this is the first time I've seen that face!

"NO MORE DADDY!!! I done."  Why did I not offer this kid candy as an incentive (or bribe- let's just call it like it is)?

Pretty cute! My husband is such a hottie.

Soooo that's what I look like from the back.  I really fill those jeans out more than I thought.

Getting closer to that illusive framer!

Nope.

It's pretty amazing how quickly we got a good shot of two people who sat still and smiled at the same time. What a novel idea.  

Let's add the kids.  See that face?  Geez! His tongue was out in most of these pictures.  

Or he was covering his face with his hands like this.  I guess to show us how hard he was smiling for the camera. So we all did it.  Next year: Jazz hands!!

Awwww COME ON!!! Again, would have been the perfect picture if he was looking at the camera…or standing still.  At this point I would have taken one or the other.  I think I may frame this one anyway.  What better way to show how life really was during the fall of 2013.  I am hopeful for another family picture…soon…when we are all smiling/looking at the camera/standing still. I can always hope, right. 

Calli Girl

Last Friday, we said goodbye to Calli. She was such a sweet dog.  She entered my life before Woody or the kids.  I had her for over 10 years (before I owned a digital camera which is why I only have a few pictures of her to upload).  She provided so much companionship for me when I lived alone, then she welcomed everyone that entered our lives.  She was so sweet with Bruiser when he came to us.  Really, she was sweet with all little dogs, rolling over on her back and letting them crawl and fall all over her.  She had the most gentle little kisses to give when she was being petted.

She loved to go camping and fishing.  She would stand in the water and watch the minnows swim around her.  Then she was dive in and try to catch them. She would do that for hours, or until it was time to get into the canoe and move on to the next "fishing hole".

She loved to walk and run with us, so much that sometimes she wandered off on her own for a few hours, but always came home (I assume because she knew where to find the food). She loved to play and fetch when she was little, although those times waned when she got older. She loved Woody and was so sweet to Riley and Jude, letting them "pet" her (or smack her with their hands before being reminded about "gentle hands"). She loved to chase after any ball that was being used for a game of catch.

I had trouble getting good pictures of her because any time I was on her level, she took that to mean "lap time", not picture time. She was definitely a 50 pound lap dog and loved to stealthily crawl up into your lap.

On Friday I held her as she fell asleep. She was so peaceful; no pain, no worries. The vet and her staff were so sweet and sensitive in this difficult time. I sat and petted her body which truly looked like she had just fallen asleep. I mourned her sweet temperament and unconditional love.  I responded in a way that was unexpected.  I knew it was coming, she was old and her quality of life was not what it once was. But an era with her was ending.  I've never had a dog for that long. I've never loved a dog from birth to death. The gravity of the situation was starting to set in.  I said Goodbye to my sweet Calli and tried to find my way out of the office through tear filled eyes, holding an empty dog leash.

The kids mourned her in their own ways. Jude asked if she had found Maddy in heaven yet, my parents German Shepherd who went on during the summer. Beyond that, I don't think he truly understands.  Riley coped by first crying (so heartbreaking that she grasped the permanence of the situation and responded with tears), then playing "Bruiser and Calli" with her toys.  Bruiser (a star) got to play around the room while Calli (a butterfly) was in heaven, under her covers, because we know she is there, but we just can't see her yet. Woody won't talk about it, for fear that his emotions will overcome him. She was still mostly a puppy when we started dating, so he has been there through the bulk of her life.

Bruiser spent two days crying in the backyard, no doubt wondering where his life companion has gone. Being with him makes me sad, but it's also healing for my soul. I have spent more time with him in the last three days than I have in a while.  I am trying to find our new normal.  I have found that he loves being the center of attention and will run next to me as long as I am willing to keep running.  

Mourning my first fur baby is so much harder than I imagined.  Surely there will be others, but this girl will always hold a special place in my heart.  Bye Calli girl, until we meet again.

St Louis

So we did end up taking a small little vacation this summer.  Woody called it "part of my birthday present", which really means, "I was to see a Cardinals game. I'll buy you a beer!"

My parents went with us, added bonus.  We opted to go to the Gateway Arch for this trip's adventure. We had to pick one since we only stayed one night.  There is a museum under the arch.  This really brings out my history buff.  I want to read all of the little plaques and get lost in what it was like during the early 1800s in this country. Then I want to plan a 3 week vacation for my family that follows the Lewis and Clark expedition. Too much? 

Last year the kids were in their double stroller in front of this longhorn.  They are so big. We didn't even think about bringing a stroller this year.  Well, we did think about it but decided they could walk or we would carry them.  Ask me about this after the Cardinal game.

Jude was truly scared of this buffalo and only stood there because I was with him.  Scary buffalo.  Seriously cool museum. I bet the kids in the St Louis area get so tired of visiting this place every year for history... because I know that's where I'd be taking my classes every year!

The pictures uploaded all out of order, but this is the view from the top of the arch. Pretty cool.We typically stay at the hotel on the left. But NOOO this time I waiting too long to book and we ended up far away, like 10 blocks.  Ask me about it after the Cardinal game.

The kids' favorite thing to see was the helicopter that was giving tours from the bank of the Mississippi River. It was pretty cool, you could see his shadow so well from up there.

He loved looking at all the shadows.

See how the kids are laying on the arch? That is mind boggling.  Laying down ON the arch. It was a tight space. And looking through those windows was a little bit scary since you could look STRAIGHT down to the ground. Hi butt. Thanks for making it a little bit more muscular, Shaun T.

Self portrait.

Waiting in line to go back down the elevator. The people that work the elevators told us walking up it would take 2 hours.  Didn't the contestants on Biggest Loser do that once?  I did my workout today, but thanks.

Wow. That milk really did my body good.  Just kidding, I was on the step above mom.  She is actually a skoch taller than me.  Yes, skoch is a work, like smidgen. 

 In the elevator itself.  They have a replica at the ticket counter, just in case you might be feeling a little iffy.  All six of us fit pretty well in it. The kids weren't worried, but were very intrigued with how it rotated while moving.  I'm so proud of those two for being so adventurous.

And then the Cardinal game. Woody got to watch the Cardinal game.  I got to be on kid duty.  Note to self, next year, the girls can stay at the hotel and swim while the guys go to the game.  Even if you get cheap tickets, you still won't be watching the game.

Before the game we ate at Joe Buck's. I recommend it.  Great food and really fast so you can get to the game on time. Sorry for the lack of pictures, we ate outside and had a marvelous time.

I did get to sit with this cutie.  And Jude is three, so we didn't have to buy him a ticket, but he did have to sit on my lap. Hot and sweaty bored toddlers. At least there was cotton candy.

After the game, and 10pm, we started back to our hotel. Did I mention it was ten blocks? Because of the throngs of people (25,000ish), we decided to carry the kids on our shoulders.  I call Jude!!! Because he weighs 3 pounds less than Riley.  Ten blocks.  Thank you Shaun T.

And to pack in all we can, we went to Grant's Farm before heading out of town. You can get ride the tram through the park.  Buffalo.  The real kind. Not the scary stuffed kind you mom makes you stand in front of.  Actually, just stay away from this one.

And long horns.  Also the real, stinky kind.

The kids' highlight was riding a camel!  I had my fears that Riley would chicken out, causing Jude to chicken out.  But they were all about riding on this camel around a circle path.

And it rained on this day, making the weather a nice 68 degrees rather than 100.  I'll take it. It's days like today that I love my hair a little more. It just curls up even more than usual.

She was quite sad it was over.  But I hear there is an elephant...

Meet Bud, he has his own 20 minute show at Grant's farm.  He was quite the performer.  I've never seen elephants do tricks, but this one did. The kids love him.  Jude no longer lets us call him "Buddy" because he says he isn't an elephant.  

Wiped out on the way home.  So much fun packed into a 30 hour period will do that to a girl.