Riley's World

Happy 61st Mom!

2012-01-26T13:46:00.000-08:00

My beautiful mom would have been 61 today. I can't believe it has been 4 years that we have celebrated her birthday without her here. My mom was not the kind of person who enjoyed the spotlight. She never made much of a fuss over her day. She only celebrated one birthday as a grandmother, which doesn't hardly seem fair. Riley and Taylor both love to celebrate this special day in memory of their Mimzy. Riley started the morning off with a sweet "Happy Birthday" song to her angel. She cranked her little neck as far back as it would go and sang to the heavens! Nothing could be sweeter! I know mom heard and even though she is not here, I hope she is enjoying being in the spotlight from us today. Happy Birthday Mimzy! Although our hearts are heavy and we miss you terribly, you left a legacy that will long proceed you. Our love for you is immeasurable!

Zoo picnic

2012-01-06T06:59:00.000-08:00

We have a membership to the zoo, so when the weather is nice we tend to go alot. We had not been since September, which seems like forever ago. So when we started having 80 degree days in January, Riley started asking! I agreed on a cooler day, the weather was beautiful and the time with my little girl is always precious! Riley packed us a picnic lunch to eat there. Usually we just buy lunch, but she was insistent. (and her cold cheese sandwiches were delightful!lol!) I usually don't take my camera either. We go often enough that my phone does the deed of marking the occasion, but we took it today. So enjoy...

Riley always says her favorite thing is the giraffes, but we never spend much time there. I think she has it confused with the Abilene zoo!
I was slow to get this picture. That tiger was right up against the glass!

The new black bear that we had not seen yet. He was so tiny! Not what I was expecting! Glad my school mascot is not a cute cuddly little fur ball that they make stuffed animals out of! Just saying!The lion was putting on a show today!

This has to be Riley's favorite part. She LOVES birds, and a chance to get this close to them just thrills her!

She finally was able to get one on her arm!

Again, she was so excited that the aquatics area was open ( it had been in remodel stages the last couple of visits) and was let down after being to both local aquariums numerous times. She did enjoy the "feel tank" however.I had to take this pic of the eagle. I love how he would turn his head from spectators, but watch you out of the corner of his eye! Why so distrusting Mr. Eagle?! Lol!

All in all it was a fantastic day! I let Riley get an ice-cream, which is something mommy does not do (but daddy always does!), so I think that scored me more points than the actual zoo trip. I love living by not only one but two fantastic zoo's! I'm sure there will be hundreds of more trips and even more memories to be made in our future!

New Years 2012

2012-01-01T16:27:00.000-08:00

Riley's last picture in 2011!( About 11:50 p.m.)

We had big plans for NYE this year. We had been invited to a couple of things and had decided on attending a party with a close group of friends of ours! I woke up that morning at about 4:30 a.m. with a horrible pain in my lower abdomen. My first thought was my tumor and with in minutes of getting out of bed something felt horribly wrong. I woke up Rex to tell him I was going to the ER. Now, if you know me, you would know how bad this freaked him out. I have never been to an ER in my life. I'm that weird person that won't take aspirin for a headache. So after I pleaded with him to let me drive myself so that Riley wouldn't have to be woken up, a move I later questioned, I was on my way...vomiting the whole way there from the pain. About halfway, I debated pulling over and calling an ambulance, but I pressed on, thinking I was dying and every second would count. By 5:15 a.m. I was in a room getting pain meds through an IV and after a CT scan, the diagnosis. Kidney stones! Yup! I wasn't dying at all! Honestly, I can't help but feel it was karma. I often have made fun of friends who have had these little boogers and complained about them being worse than childbirth. So the rest of our weekend was spent with me drunk off of pills while I tried to pass the stone. 2011 was a great year for us. After the tragedies that the years past had brought it seemed to be fantastic! I actually appreciated the little reminder 2011 dropped on us, the last day of the year. It reminded me how blessed I am to have my family. It reminded me that no matter where we live, who we work for, or how much money we make...our health is the one thing that can make or break things. It also reminded me that not as a new years resolution but as a pledge of love to our daughter, we have to be healthier people. So with nothing but laughter, we rang in 2012 from our couch. So thankful for the year full of memories and looking forward to a year of making new ones! Happy 2012!

December 25...So This Is Christmas

2011-12-25T15:20:00.000-08:00

This is the first Christmas Rex and I both have ever had without being with family. Honestly, I was expecting it to feel strange. It was everything but, and I can almost say with certainty, that it was the best Christmas either of us have ever had! Here is the way our Christmas day went...

Rex and I were worried about Riley waking up before us and seeing the gifts Santa left before we could see her reaction. So we set the alarm early and made breakfast while we waited on Riley to wake up. Cinnamon rolls were my moms tradition Christmas morning, and thanks to our sweet neighbors we had fresh homemade rolls to pop in the oven! (and they were every bit as good as they looked!)

Thankfully, we heard Riley stirring upstairs and were able to grab the camera and get a shot of her coming down! Such a sweet girl ,our Riley Kai is!
Fuzzy, but her face says it all!

The caption that goes along with the arms here is "YES!!!"
Mommy made her take a picture with her loot before she could rip into it! I think she was excited to get her American Girl doll!
After the Santa excitement, we had Riley open gifts from Rex's family. They traditionally open all of their gifts Christmas morning, so we held theirs back for today. Riley face timed with them as she opened!

Then, the best part...playing with all her new toys!
While I cooked lunch and worked on dinner (cooking is what I LOVE to do so I was in my happy place) I had this awesome view from the kitchen!
For lunch daddy grilled steaks and we had shrimp, salad & macaroni-n-cheese(my family's tradition)...in our pajamas!!!! Both our families dress up for Christmas and it was so nice to stay in our sweats and be comfy ALL day!
After lunch there was more playing and some sweet napping while I continued to cook!
For dinner we had a traditional turkey & ham meal complete with dressing, green beans, sweet potato casserole, 5-cup salad with coconut cream pie for desert! With full belly's, we tried our best to pack away all of Riley's new toys ( I think she needs a second playroom now!) and we loaded up in the car to look at Christmas lights.

Riley almost fell asleep in the car, so our day ended there. What an AMAZING and peaceful Christmas we had enjoying our little of family of 3 together! I have always worried about days like these with Riley not having a sibling to play with. However, I felt like it was so special to get to spend so much time together playing and focusing on just her. She seemed to love it too! What a perfect day!

"For Unto you is

born this day

in the city of David

a Savior, who is

CHRIST the LORD."

~Luke 2:11

December 24...'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight

2011-12-24T11:13:00.000-08:00

Riley slept with us last night and I guess Four wanted to say goodbye to Stripes. We found them cuddling in Riley's bed this morning! We sure are going to miss this silly elf and all his antics!

Riley has been opening a playmobile advent calender every morning. I never remember to get pictures, but she opened the last piece today. Here is the finished scene!Riley has an annual Christmas Tea Party every year that she throws for us! She is sooo cute picking the menu and setting the table! Rex and I look forward to attending our little hostess' party every year!

This years menu included: Homemade chicken salad on croissants, mini taco's, sliders and chocolate covered strawberries. Riley dined with a sparkling grape juice while mommy and daddy enjoyed mimosa's.
Daddy with the tea party planner:-)
She even said an amazing prayer and gave a sweet little toast! Cheers!
The rest of the day was spent baking and cooking. Riley and I baked mini chocolate cakes ( a recipe from my grandmother and a treat that was always around on holidays!) and we delivered them to our neighbors. Rex and I have done our best to marry our families holiday traditions so that no ones upbringing gets slighted! His family opens everything Christmas morning, where as mine did family gifts and always ordered pizza Christmas Eve. Our tradition is to do pizza and gifts from each other and to Riley on Christmas Eve, and the rest of the family gifts and Santa Christmas morning. So after a yummy pizza dinner, a bath and pajamas, Riley was ready for some gifts!
The first gift!Such a ham!

Our sweet girl was so appreciative for all of her gifts! We received hundreds of kisses and thank you's!

Just a little excited!

Riley played with some of her new toys until bedtime. Before we headed to bed she wrote Santa Claus a letter! She surprised me with writing 'Santa' all by herself! She is such a big girl now! I helped her write the rest of the letter,(minus her signature) but these are her exact words!
We baked Santa's cookies and sat them out with milk and the note.
Riley had made reindeer food at school so we headed out front to spread it for "Rundolph and the other reindeer".

Kisses and prayers before bedtime...a nightly routine:-)
A reading of the 'Night Before Christmas', another family tradition...and it was off to bed while visions of sugarplums danced in her head!
Today was perfect! It is so fun to watch all of our old family traditions transform into new ones. Today brought about sweet memories of my own childhood and the two parents that I long for daily. Their is truly nothing in this world like seeing the magic and wonders come alive through the eyes of a child. Even more so sweet, is how easy it is for a four year old to totally trust and believe what they cannot see or touch...and I'm not just talking about Santa Claus! Riley 100% understands the meaning of Christmas this year and their is no greater gift than that!

"And being found in

human form, he

humbled himself by

becoming obidient to the

point of death,

even death on a cross."

~Philippians 2:8

December 23...To hear, sleigh bells in the snow

2011-12-23T10:36:00.000-08:00

Right before bedtime last night, Riley was asking us what kind of food Four eats. She woke up this morning to find him still eating his breakfast with a note!

Four explained to Riley what he eats, Candy, candy canes, syrup...he also reminded her that it was only two days until Christmas and let her know she was being so good!Rex had to work, so Riley and I took the day to get some last minute shopping and cleaning done. Christmas Eve is a big one at our house and we are beyond excited for tomorrow! I can't believe it's almost Christmas!!!

"Thanks be unto God

for His unspeakable gift."

~2 Corinthians 9:15

December 22...No crib for a bed

2011-12-22T09:59:00.000-08:00

Guess who showed up at our house this morning?! Meet Love, Taylor & Maddy's elf! The girls thought it was so cool that their elves were 'hanging' out together and decided that they must be cousins too!Today did not go as planned.:-( Instead of all the fun Christmas things and shopping we had planned, we ended up with a sick baby. Maddy woke up during the night with a VERY high fever and was one sick little girl! Adam stayed up all night with her, so while Nyki took her to urgent care I stayed home with Riley and Taylor. The girls were more than happy to get to just play together. We had fun and lots of dress up and shows ensued! The doctor here diagnosed Maddy with a double ear infection, but she was progressively getting worse as the day carried on. Between the fact that she was NOT sleeping or napping at our house and the comfort of having her back with her own pediatrician in case she worsened even more, we all decided it would be best for my sister and her family to go home. It was so heartbreaking and Taylor and Riley both cried:-( These girls are the BEST of friends and they love each other so much! It's one of the only reasons, well it is the ONLY reason, why I miss my hometown. The people I love are still there. We did a quick impromptu gift exchange before they left. This is Tay opening a gift from Riley as she exclaimed,"I've wanted this my whole life!" Lol! Precious!

Riley tearing into her gift!

The look of pure surprise and happiness! They bought Riley an art table and Rex assembled it tonight. We have already had many beautiful pictures drawn and I have a feeling this is going to be the biggest hit/most used gift of Christmas!

Maddy was so sick, she just wanted to be held. So this is the big girls opening her presents. This was definitely not the way we had planned for our holidays. My sister's family is home now and Maddy slept a lot of the way. Unfortunately, they think her ear drum burst during the drive. As much as I hated to see them go, I'm glad they are all home where Maddy can see her physician in the morning and hopefully get a good nights sleep! Missing my babies already!!!

"Every good gift and perfect gift

is from above, and cometh down

from the Father of lights, with

whom is no variableness,

neither shadow of turning."

~James 1:17

December 21...Up on the rooftop click click click

2011-12-21T19:42:00.000-08:00

What a busy day we had today! We had so much to fit in! The day started with Lauren's Princess Birthday Party! Her mommy did such an amazing job putting this together just days before Christmas! We love our preschool friends!

The birthday girl, Lauren, turning the big 5!

Riley and sweet Kara enjoying all of the homemade yummy food!After Lauren's, we headed to Quinlin's house for a cookie decorating party with friends!Quinlin's mommy went way overboard too baking tons of cookies and having fun stuff to put on them! She even made some punch just for the mommies;-) I love just sitting around talking with this group! They are hysterical! I love that our girls will all go to school together and grow up together! Riley had a blast and so did I! From there we left straight for GiGi duty!Taylor had her appointment at Cook's Childrens today, so Riley, Rex and I picked up our Maddy Paddy and had a blast getting some one-on-one time with our littlest cuzzy! This little doll is beyond precious! At one point I texted my sister to tell her we were stealing her baby! I just can't get enough of her!
We received some great news at Taylor's appointment! The Dr's think she is having severe migraines not seizures. Even though we don't want Tay to have to go through anything at all, this was definitely a better diagnosis than the original ones! She is going to start weaning off the seizure meds and we will see how it goes! A lot of answered prayers today! By the time everyone made it back to the house, it was time to leave for the Polar Express! I feel like it deserves it's own post with all the pictures we took:-)

"She will give birth to a son,

and you are to give him the name

JESUS

because he will save his people

from their sins."

~Matthew 1:21

December 21...All Aboard the Polar Express

2011-12-21T15:00:00.000-08:00

While Tay was in town, we wanted to take her to the Polar Express! So KiKi, Tay, Riley and I set out for the train while Daddy, Uncle Adam & Maddy stayed home! It was freezing cold and Tay was doing her best to keep Rie Rie warm.

Once inside the tent, we warmed up and the girls were so excited for it to all start! We passed the time with some picture taking:-) Here is KiKi and the girls.
Me and two of my sweet babies!

They changed things up a little this year and one of my only complaints is they did not have the kiddos face the audience while they were up front singing. The girls never knew we were just looking at the back of their heads and excitedly came back to us as if they had put on a great performance!Time to take the walk... through the snow!
All Aboard!
Taylor had never been on a real train before and she was mesmerized in the beginning. So precious to watch!
So excited!
This captures these two girls perfectly!

So obvious she is saying "cheeeese" here! Ha!
Taylor kept asking me when we were going to get to the North Pole! Such a precious age!
Rie and the Big Man
Taylor and St.NickRiley loved the conductor
Taylor too

Showing their punched tickets!
Mrs. Clause and sweet RileyThis picture melts my heart! I love this girl sooo much!
A bell, a little hot chocolate, souvenirs from the gift shop and priceless memories with our cuzzy! Perfect!

"Sometimes, seeing is believing.

And sometimes the most real things in the world

are the ones we can't see."

~Conductor

December 20...He knows if you've been bad or good

2011-12-20T14:52:00.000-08:00

Four tried wrapping Riley a present...

She LOVES Jingles and thinks it's hilarious that he responds to her book:-)
Riley is the only child in our little cul-de-sac, and at times it makes us sad. However, thanks to some of the best neighbors ever, Santa was tipped off to Riley's where-a-bouts, and stopped by the house right before bedtime tonight! It was AMAZING! She was beyond excited and jumped up and down when she saw him at HER door!
He spent some quality time with her going over her list of wants, talking about what it means to be "good vs. bad" and what CHRISTmas is really about! Truly a precious memory that I will never forget!Today we are reminded that even though we felt like we chose where we have ended up, it was part of His master plan. Feeling so very blessed by our little neighborhood tonight!

"And the child grew and became strong;

He was filled with wisdom,

and the grace of God was upon Him."

~Luke 2:40

December 19...Run Run Rudolph

2011-12-19T14:28:00.000-08:00

Four had a little fun in Riley's room last night while she was asleep!

Disclaimer: I have avoided posting pictures of Riley's room because it is obviously a work in progress! We hope to make it a priority after Christmas!
Sound asleep while Four was at work:-)
Another super busy day with MORE rain! This winter is sure on track to make up for our drought this summer! Riley and I capped the night off with wrapping some gifts and making her first ever ginger bread house!

Of course, she ate as much as she put on the house!
The finished product!

Riley insisted this was a haunted Halloween house despite my best efforts! The child is her daddy's through and through!

"This will be a sign to you:

You will find a baby

wrapped in cloths

and lying in a manger."

~Luke 2:12

December 18...Mele Kalikimaka

2011-12-18T18:06:00.000-08:00

Another day of "getting things done"! My sister and her family are coming in this week and so I feel the pressure to have all my grocery shopping, presents and everything done before Tues! We hung lights outside as a family this afternoon. We had planned on hiring it this year, but we are master procrastinators in our house hold! Non-the-less, we are getting it all done and starting to get the Christmas tingles:-)

"Therefore the Lord himself

will give you a sign:

the virgin will be with child

and will give birth to a son,

and will call him Immanuel."

~Isaiah 7:14

December 17...Laughing all the way

2011-12-17T18:07:00.000-08:00

Riley loves the elf balloon Four brought her today! It has been tied to her scooter and she has been riding around the house!

I don't have much to report for today. A busy Saturday that ended with the Bianco Family Annual Christmas Party. Christmas is one week away and I'm feeling the pressure:-)

"Therefore God exalted Him

to the highest place

and gave Him the name

that is above every name."

~Philippians 2:9

December 16...It's Christmas time in the city

2011-12-16T17:53:00.000-08:00

We don't keep much candy in our house, only this jar with some organic suckers and candy canes! Four must have been in need of some sugar!

We took Riley to see Arthur Christmas! It was FANTASTIC!!!! The lobby of the theatre had these 3 guys! Riley asked for her photo with them:-) and I'm sure we will be headed to their new movie soon!

"And this is the testimony:

God has given us eternal life,

and this life is in His Son."

~1 John 5:11

December 15...Jolly Old St. Nicholas

2011-12-15T09:48:00.000-08:00

Four seemed cozy this morning!

...and had a good view of the family room where Riley plays!
Today we had lunch with some friends. It was intended for Riley, Emily and Tinley to all get a chance to see each other and play before the holidays. Poor Tinley wasn't feeling well and had to leave. We missed her, but Riley and Emily had fun playing together and it was a good chance for me to get to visit with "Ms. Laurie".

After lunch we met daddy for a big meet and greet with Santa! Riley was so cute! She walked right up to him (skipped actually), hopped on his last and started going over the list she wrote in the car!I love that the first thing she said was, "Santa, remember I have a peanut allergy!". Santa, of course remembered! What a great guy that Santa is!
Here she is explaining her list! I'm sure only Santa could read her four year old handwriting, but she wanted to make sure he understood!
One last hug. Santa actually wasn't ready for her to go and said,"that was fast!". Our girl knows what she wants!

Daddy treated Riley with a chocolate milk shake for the special occasion!
Although Riley thoroughly went over her list and left it with Santa, we still stopped at the mailing station to send one to the North Pole. You can never be too cautious when your talking Christmas presents!
However, instead of a list, Riley opted to write Santa and tell him she loves him and drew a picture of them together!

Such a sweet girl, telling Santa thank you in advanced;-)

"The Lord knows the way of the righteous,

But the way of the wicked will perish."

~Psalm 1:6

December 14...Have a holly jolly Christmas

2011-12-14T09:43:00.000-08:00

Four and the big guy!

Riley had her last dance class today (before the break). I wish I had pictures of it! The girls performed a little Christmas dance for the parents (I videoed hence, no pics). Then they all sat in the lobby and exchanged gifts. These girls are just too cute and such a gift to us! Riley will actually go to school with some of them and I just ADORE ALL the mommies! They are the first friends we have made that make our house feel like home in a strange place!

The rest of the day was rainy and Riley and I did some more Christmas decorating. I'm starting to think this will be never ending. Ha! As long as it's taking to get it all up, we may leave it until March!Lol! Riley helped me with the banister in the entry and I think she did a FANTASTIC job for a 4 yr old!

The angel answered,
"The Holy spirit will come
upon you and the
power of the Most High
will overshadow you.
So the holy one to be born
will be called the
Son of God."
~Luke 1:35

December 13...Let it snow

2011-12-13T08:27:00.000-08:00

I didn't take a picture of Four today. At our house, when you are naughty Four doesn't do anything fun or exciting. ( I think this is backwards from what most do, but to Four, he doesn't reward bad behavior with silly and fun antics!)

Today was Riley's last day at preschool before Christmas break which included her class party. Riley wanted to take all her friends a gift, so we bought fake snow. (I know, I'm sure all the parents are loving me for this! Ha!)

She was precious passing them out to everyone, making sure all her sweet friends had one!
Then it was game time! Pin the nose on the snowman. Riley was first and nailed it...she's such a cheater!
Then they decided to let the kids make tree's with icing, candy and cones. Obviously, this was all done at the end of the day when they were going to send them home on sugar highs! This picture is of Riley's table. The kids have assigned seating and I've been confused as to why Riley is sat with all boys. (the class has an even 6 girls 6 boys). I finally asked and her teacher said,"those are her friends and she is a good helper with them." I don't know why this bothers me. I have always had male friends. My best friends at preschool were boys as well. I guess it just threw me for a loop!

Yum!
Riley's masterpiece!

Riley and Kara

The class did a book exchange by gender. This is the sweet "girls circle".

Riley and her book. I could have killed her when she opened it she kept saying,"I already have this book!". Manners are a work in progress!

This is Riley's other teacher Ms. Deirdre. She doesn't get as much love from Riley, but we all really like her and she has been a great addition to the classroom!

Santa was at school during the morning and I wasn't able to be there:-( It made me so sad. Riley wanted to show me where he was after I picked her up and she was so adorable recounting the whole scenario!

Riley was sad that she will have such a big break from school, and kept saying "I'm going to miss all my friends". I am so glad she loves it there. Only one more semester until we are looking at a Kindergartner! I just can't even go there yet!

"My sheep listen to my voice;

I know them,

and they follow me."

~John 10:27

December 12...On the twELFth day of Christmas

2011-12-12T07:16:00.000-08:00

Four loves to read just like Riley!Monday morning we braved the 40 degree temps and off-and-on rain, to get some outside pictures of Riley for our Christmas card. A friend of a friend (and now our friend:-) is just starting out her photography business and she agreed to do them! She did a fantastic job and Riley did so well for her! We will definitely be using her again in the future! Here are just a few of the MANY she took!

After pictures we headed to Kindermusic, then cheerleading. That's where our day took a dramatic downturn. Riley is almost always a well behaved kid. She is the helper at preschool and in her 1.5 yrs there has NEVER been in trouble once. At cheer today, their was a little girl in class who is known for acting up. Today, Riley decided to engage in her activities. (which included pushing, getting in peoples faces and not listening to the coaches or following directions) Which at our house is unacceptable! So after class, Riley's day ended there! At 5p.m. she was in bed for the night! One of my friends thought our punishment was a bit harsh, but how else do you teach a four yr old that if "everyone jumps off a bridge..."?! We are trying our best to raise a leader, and today we felt like failures.Being a parent is one of God's greatest gifts, but it sure can be one of our biggest challenges as well!

"Therefore, being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ."

~Romans 5:1

December 11...Mommy got ran over by a reindeer

2011-12-11T19:58:00.000-08:00

Not much to report today. Mommy was under the weather. Daddy had to work. Riley gets the best kid in the world award for entertaining herself ALL day and not complaining about it once. She's such a caring and compassionate child! BUSY BUSY Monday ahead, so we are all off to bed early tonight!

"All kings shall pay Him homage,

all nations shall serve Him."

~Psalm 72:11

December 10...Frosty the snowman

2011-12-10T18:41:00.000-08:00

Four must really be missing home because he built a snowman in our house this morning!Today we watched Riley's little friend Emily for part of the day. The girls played at the house until it was time to take Emily home and I know Riley enjoyed having a playmate for a change!Honestly, we did nothing the rest of the day! I had several things I needed to get done, and after a week of craziness and a late night last night, I just wanted to be at home for a change.I just felt like Riley needed some quality time. So, even though daddy had to work literally the entire day, Riley and I spent the evening ordering in food and watching more Christmas movies. As social as Riley can be, she loves being at home and enjoying down time as well. It was a much needed day...and would have been perfect if Daddy would have been with us!

"The Lord has done great things for us,

and we are filled with joy."
~Psalm 126:3

December 9...Deck the Halls

2011-12-09T18:12:00.000-08:00

Rex and I had 2 Christmas parties and dinner with some friends to all squeeze in today. Thankfully, we have the best babysitter ever and she came over late afternoon and stayed with Riley! I didn't take a picture, because we are in a rush...so here is a pic of the two at Nikki's mom's wedding.

Riley has sooo much fun with her and actually looks forward to Rex and I going out so that they can "play"! We sure are going to miss her next year when she goes to college (and we are crossing our fingers that she is accepted to Tech and joins Raider Nation:-) This one is going to be hard to replace! I don't have pictures of the rest of the night for several reasons. One, this blog is about Riley. Two, it felt like a whirlwind tour and we were just go go go. And (I hate that I just started a sentence with and!) three, this is a family blog and some of the evenings events got a little crazy! Ha! Nothing like a Christmas party to bring out people's party side! Riley was fast asleep by the time we were home, and we quickly followed. Looking forward to a low key day tomorrow!

" Shout to the Lord,all the earth;

break out in praise and sing for joy."

~Psalm 98:4

December 8..."pa rum pum pum pum"

2011-12-08T07:24:00.000-08:00

Four is at it again! This morning he was able to get Riley to belly laugh!

We had another busy day today! Riley had school, and as soon as she was home we began baking cookies for the reception after her school Christmas program for later that night!

Riley LOVES to help bake...but for some reason she always abandons me during the clean up! I wasn't paying attention to her and when I was done I walked into the family room to see a mess. Riley had pulled out the "good" wrapping paper and it was all cut up! I started getting onto her, and of course she cried. I asked what she was wrapping and she pointed under the tree. You see, over the last few weeks we have had a couple of presents wrapped and under there, but all of them are for Riley and Rex. My sweet baby wanted me to have something under there, so she wrapped a picture frame I have yet to hang with a picture of her and I in it. Talk about feeling horrible! She just amazes me with her sweet and thoughtful heart!

This evening we headed to Riley's Christmas program! She was soooo excited about it and couldn't believe her and her friends were going to be at school while it was dark! This picture is of the entire Panda class, all looking for family as they were set up on the stage:-)
Riley and sweet Walker! Such good buddies (daddy's not very excited about this!)
I love this picture of Riley singing! Her class did the little drummer boy and the words were difficult for 4 year olds! Riley was so cute trying to pick up the lyrics she knew and they all had the "rum pum pum pum" down!
Riley's two best little girlfriends in class, Lauren & Kara! These are some of the SWEETEST children ever and I feel so blessed that Riley has them as friends!
After the program we all went back to Riley's classroom and enjoyed the reception. It was so good to catch up with some of the mommy's and see the daddy's that are never at drop off/pick-up!

Riley and Lauren! I so wish these two were going to Kindergarten together. Lauren's mommy has become one of my favorite friends and our girls get along so well!

Here she is! One of Riley's most favorite people in this world and a total gift from God to our family...Ms. Der-nise (Denise)
Besides all the sweet memories, hearing our angel sing about Jesus, and the friendships, mommy and daddy also came home with these lovely parting gifts that Riley made us at school!
This picture, well you can see how tired we all were! Ha! But, we hardly ever get a picture with all 3 of us in it, so I figured I should bite the bullet and post it,for memory's sake!

I for one, was so pleased with her little program and so glad that she has had the loving Christian environment to go to school at. I like to think that even though God has been removed from our public schools, that the sweet little children who stood on that stage tonight, will take there growing love for Jesus with them and teach those who do not know him. This may be her last CHRISTmas school program that is focused on Jesus, and it was a beautiful reminder of what the "holidays" are all about!

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion;

shout, O daughter of Jerusalem:

behold, thy King cometh unto thee:

he is just, and having salvation."

~Zechariah 9:9

December 7...While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads

2011-12-07T19:09:00.000-08:00

Today we woke up to Four and some of his friends playing a game of Candy Land! Riley's excitement every morning over this Elf is beyond precious!

We had ballet today and Riley wanted me to take her picture in her tutu...

Silly girl!

Some days I feel like a horrible mom and today was one of those days. I was doing work on my parents estate and I just hate these days! I feel like Riley gets neglected and I have to put my normal duties on hold. I have another day of it tomorrow, but thankfully Riley will be at school. I KNOW my parents would have NEVER wanted us to be going through what we are, which makes it all that much harder to deal with. My sister and I both are sooo looking forward to the day it's all over so we can finally grieve them properly and move on. As hard as it is being 31 and having no parents, all I have to do is look at my sweet miracle and I feel so truly blessed!

"But Mary kept all these things,

and pondered them in her heart."

~Luke 2:19

December 6...I believe!

2011-12-06T08:20:00.000-08:00

Four found himself a place in Riley's "tower" windows this morning. He seemed pretty content there:-)
It was a very cold morning. Riley had school today, and she took her Christmas puppy-in-a-purse with her! She was so proud showing it off...and it even licked Ms. Denise's hand!

Daddy was home early so we decided to go to a movie. We picked Arther's Christmas, bought popcorn, took our seats...and no movie! Rex had looked at the times wrong! Lol! So we endured Happy Feet 2 (the only other kids movie showing during that time). Riley enjoyed it, Rex and I ...not so much!

Last night the Polar express was on T.V., but it showed past Riley's bedtime. So, even though we own the movie, we had to DVR it (per Riley's request) and we watched it tonight. After Riley's bath she put on her Polar Express attire (bath robe over pajamas) and we made homemade hot chocolate.
Can you see the tired eyes?! After a full cup, a whole movie and plenty of family snuggling, it was time for bed. Riley said she was going to dream about trains, elves, Santa and that little bell! Which in my opinion was a much better choice than penguins:-)

"The gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord".

~Romans 6:23

December 5...All I want for Christmas is you

2011-12-05T16:50:00.000-08:00

Monday's are always just super busy for us. Between just getting caught up on things we neglect on the weekends, Riley's kindermusic class and cheerleading, it seems like most Mondays we are on the go. It never fails that I do my grocery shopping on Monday's as well ( not real sure why?!) Tonight, daddy took us all to sushi, so at least I didn't have to cook or clean up the kitchen! So, no fun or holiday happenings around here tonight... however, Four seemed to be enjoying his Monday with Barbie!

"Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

good will toward men."
~Luke 2:14

December 4...Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

2011-12-04T06:11:00.000-08:00

Four decided to hop on board the Polar Express last night! It's getting Riley excited for her big yearly train ride!
We had a busy day today. I started plans to build an ark, at least I thought about it anyways. It has POURED here for days. We needed the rain so bad and are truly enjoying it...and so are our tree's. It was a very poor excuse to skip church. The only good/bad thing about the fact that we have yet to find a permanent church home is that it's easy to skip.*sigh* Definitely a goal for New Years!

After lunch we made some yummy chocolate cupcakes from scratch (because Riley has to bring her own dessert to party's due to her peanut allergy) and headed to Riley's good friend Gracey's Birthday party! Gracey is such an adorable little girl and we adore her and her parents! Happy Birthday Gracey!

....and these two were able to squeeze in plenty of playing time at the party! Riley and Kate have such a unique friendship, since their daddy's have been great friends since childhood! They act more like cousins at times than friends!

After the party we headed over to are good friends,the Bianco's. Riley and Emily played their little hearts out for a couple of hours and then we all had an amazing dinner together! Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures, but we have several fun Christmas activities planned with our two families...so I'm sure I'll catch up later:-)

Today was a terrific reminder of how special our friends are to us and we feel so blessed to have them in our lives...and just as blessed to see some of our favorite people all in one day!

"Behold, I bring you good

tidings of great joy;

which shall be to all people!"

~Luke 2:10

December 3...It's the most wonderful time of the year

2011-12-03T19:37:00.000-08:00

That Four! Such a naughty elf! Riley woke up to him making snow (flour) angels and she was quick to get on to him!
I don't have pictures of the rest of the morning...because Saturday mornings belong to Riley and her daddy! He always takes her on a doughnut date and she looks forward to it every week!
After lunch we had a play date with Blaine at this cool trampoline place! Riley had a blast! (and threw her guns up all by herself!)
Daddy went out with friends tonight so it was girls night in! First we baked cookies! Love my little helper!

So proud of her finished product!
Then we decorated the family room tree!

The finished product!
Then we put some finishing touches on the entry tree.

We are absolutely LOVING this cold rainy weather that is making us want to stay at home and just be together! It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!

"They are like the angels,

they are God's children."

~Luke 20:36

December 2...Baby It's Cold Outside

2011-12-02T07:58:00.000-08:00

Four didn't make us breakfast this morning...or leave any presents, so I'm sure he is preparing for something mischievous!

We originally had several things planned today including going to Holy Colly with friends, but the weather is just yuck. (by yuck, I mean I absolutely LOVE it, but don't want to be out in it! Cold and foggy/rainy! My fave!) So Riley and I spent the day inside in our sweats. We did some Christmas decorating ( a work in progress), we watched some Christmas shows ,read books and snuggled! My idea of a perfect day!

This is Riley's tree in her room. We finally finished it and the picture doesn't do it justice! It's so sweet just like the little girl who loves it!

"When they saw the star,

they rejoiced with exceeding

great joy."~Matthew 2:10

December 1...Welcome Four!!!

2011-12-01T11:12:00.000-08:00

Riley has had "Four",her Elf on a Shelf, since she was two. This year has been way more exciting however! Even though most of her friends Elves appeared the day after Thanksgiving, Four showed up on the first of December! Probably because Riley is such a good kid, he wasn't needed until then!
Every morning Riley comes downstairs and gets in a bar stool and watches me make breakfast. This morning, Four was not only waiting for her...but he had breakfast cooked and waiting! I for one was thankful to not have to cook breakfast this morning. If only that little elf would do dishes;-)
Chocolate chip, snowman and Christmas tree pancakes with whip cream! How did he know this was Riley's favorite?!
"Welcome back Four!"

Riley was updating Four on everything that has been going on since last Christmas! Priceless! When Riley returned home from school, Four had another special present for Riley! Who doesn't love an advent calender?! We are so happy to have Four in our home for the next 24 days! He sure does keep everyone Merry!
Later that evening we met some friends downtown for dinner and the Parade of Lights! It rained on us, but was a super fun evening! What a great kick-off to the Holidays!

"May the God of hope fill you

with all joy and peace as you

trust in Him, so that you

may overflow with hope by

the power of the Holy Spirit."

~Rom 15:13

December 2011

2011-12-01T10:56:00.000-08:00

I am beyond behind in postings! I mean like 30+ post behind! Lifes been crazy! My sister and I both have battled skin cancer in the last few months, mine ending with surgery. My niece is having seizures and we are in the process of getting her diagnosed at Cook's Children's...with what is looking more and more like epilepsy:-( We constantly are dealing with my parents estate. It's a full time job in itself. On top of the bad, a ton of good things have kept us busy as well! Maddy turned one and is running all over the place. Riley's social life has completely taken over mine! Lol! We are cherishing the new friendships we are making and loving where we have chosen to live our lives! Riley has been able to spend precious time with second cousins and extended family who have really stepped up to the plate for us to fill a void. Through the bad, God constantly amazes us with the good that overwhelms it! This December, I'm determined to document it all! Between all of the amazing holiday activities, Riley's Elf on the Shelf, and just our everyday lives...I plan to post about it all. I started this blog originally, for my mom and far away friends. However, it has turned into a journal for Riley. I want her to look back on the holidays of her childhood with fondness. What a special month December is! Even more beautiful is seeing it all through the eyes of a 4 year old! So here we go...

American Girl

2011-11-11T17:01:00.000-08:00

Riley has had an obsession with American girl since this summer. We were hoping it was a phase and she would drop it. She hasn't! So, with Christmas right around the corner, we made our first trip to the store. Our girl was in H-E-A-V-E-N!
She excitedly showed us everything ( and I mean everything) she wants. Over an hour later, we had to drag her out of the store. She would have easily stayed another hour or two!
My favorite thing about the trip (besides her pure excitement) was that she kept saying,"when I get my girl, we can get her ____." or "After I get my doll we can bring her back and eat here/get her hair done, etc.". Good thing Daddy was with us...because while mommy chased Riley around the store, Daddy (secretly) pulled out his wallet! I cant wait to see her little face Christmas morning! Strangely, I also can't wait to go back with Riley and her "Girl" for all the fun stuff! I never could have imagined how totally taken I am by "my girl" and everything she loves!

11.11.11::11:11

2011-11-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

It only happens once in a persons lifetime! (well, twice if you stay up late) Riley and I were having a lazy Friday, hanging out in our pj's, @11:11 on 11-11-11. I snapped this picture at that exact time because hey, it will never happen again and I wanted her to remember it! So here she is, playing in the front living room with her Barbies! I hope she appreciates this one day (and my cheesy nature) and isn't mad that I hadn't dressed her for the photo op!

Ching

2011-11-01T08:16:00.001-07:00

Halloween weekend was a busy one for us! Luckily, it allowed us to show Riley's classroom mascot a great time! Meet Ching...

**on a side note, the class all gave one name at the beginning of the year to vote on for the naming of the Panda. Riley suggested Ching and the class picked it!**

This precious mascot gets to go home with every child in class once throughout the year. (and we are responsible for documenting his travels) Riley had sooo much fun with this! Ching went everywhere we did! Here are a few pics of some of the highlights...

Ching went to Kindermusic! Riley enjoyed showing him off, and her teacher said this panda has an ear for music:-)
Ching also went to cheer practice! For her first time, Ching was flipping like a pro!
...and of course Ching even went trick-or-treating! Ching really enjoyed eating all the peanut candy that Riley couldn't have! Good thing Ching is not allergic to peanuts;-)

What started out as,"Really?! This weekend of all weekends?!", actually ended up being fun. Riley was so sad to have to take Ching back to class but excitedly said as we pulled up to school,"I'm going to miss Ching, but I cant wait to see all the new 'adbentures' she has with my friends!".

Birds of a feather flock together

2011-10-31T08:31:00.000-07:00

Halloween is serious business at our house and it's not uncommon for costumes to be decided on in June or July. So after Riley saw the movie Rio, she decided that she wanted to be a parrot for Halloween.

I was opposed to the idea at first and tried everything to talk her out of it. However, when my girl gets an idea in her head you can't change her mind. (Hmmm, I wonder where she gets that from?!?!) So, she picked out this costume and we ordered it in August.

...and she COULD NOT have been cutter!!!! She loved to shake those tail feathers and I'm learning to let go and let her make her own decisions. After all, she does have great taste;-)
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Cousins and the Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

Riley and Taylor went to their first ever pumpkin patch together back in October of '08. I have always loved this picture of my two munchkins on the swing.

...and here are all 3 girls now! Wow! It just doesn't seem like it was that long ago!

Precious Maddy Paddy!

Riley, just pick one all ready!

We were actually in town for Maddy's first birthday. My sister had the idea to recreate this "first" with all the cousins. The lighting was all wrong (the sun was in the kids' faces) and Riley and Taylor were exhausted from their "sleep over" with GiGi at our hotel, but I will forever cherish these pics of my 3 sweet girls! I know that I will blink and they will be taking these pictures with their own children:-(

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

2011-10-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wonder why we chose the house we did. We looked at several houses that had the finish outs we wanted, all ready for move in. What seemed like a blank canvas at the time, now often feels like a growing list of contractors. I've at times threatened to move out for a month just to get everything done. However, when I sit on the porch starring out at the trees and the peace and quiet I fall in love all over again. In those moments that I doubt our decisions, God sometimes gives a gentle nudge...we came home today to find this friend in our yard!

We have known he/she has been here. We hear it and see it gliding through the trees. This was the first time it has gotten this close. So curious about us, it's new neighbors. So incredibly beautiful! When he spread his wings and flew away, it took my breath away, and all I could think was thank you God for this home!

Rootin' Tootin' Riley

2011-10-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

It was western day at preschool and Riley was so into it!

Waiting her turn on the ponies...
What kid doesn't love a pony ride?!
Then we waited our turn at the petting zoo...
For some reason most of the kids ignored the donkey. Riley however, was smitten!

Riley and her sweet friend Kara

All the cowgirls in her class:-)

She asked me if this was the Easter bunny! Lol!

I was talking to some of the mom's and when it was time to go noticed that Riley wasn't with her class. I found her in the corner singing to this goat!
For those who know Riley, this picture is a dime a dozen. She LOVES babies and small children (and they love her)! The younger siblings of her classmates all flock to her. Truly tragic for this only child!

A little class picture! It seems so different from last years little class of six!

The reason we kept Riley at her preschool this year and did not switch her to the one down the street from our house is Ms. Denise! Riley adores this woman, and she's pretty fond of Rie too;-) If you look you can tell they were holding hands in this class picture. What a comforting feeling to know that when I am not with Riley, she is still being loved!

Butterfly Flutterby Festival 2011

2011-10-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

We decided VERY last second, as in an hour before, to attend the annual Butterfly Flutterby Festival. It's a local event where the kids and pets dress as butterflies and parade down Main Street. At the end they all release a butterfly. So, in our last second effort, we threw on one of last years dance costumes and a set of wings Grandma had sent us for dress up. The final result was our adorable blue butterfly!

At the parade route with our number and ready to go!

Riley was PRECIOUS parading down the street. She held my hand most of the way waving and smiling, but at times would let go and skip and "flutter" her arms! A priceless memory!

These two were so excited when they ran into each other! Riley's sweet friend Lauren from preschool.

Posing for a picture with Grandma.

Riley and her butterfly:-)

This was the actual moment of release. Riley's butterfly flew away so fast I was not able to capture a picture of it.

The butterflies hung around and were attaching to people. It was a really cool experience.

We hope to make this parade an annual thing at our house. (and plan to put enough effort into it to win the costume contest next time!) It was one of those events, as we strolled Main Street with our family and ate lunch on a little patio, that makes me so glad we chose the community we did to live in!

Stop, Drop and Roll

2011-10-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

Ever since Riley met her cousin Greg, she has thought firemen are the coolest guys ever. So, firetruck day at preschool, was a pretty exciting day! This picture was taken by another mom as the class lined up, I wasn't there but I can only hope she was repeating her "stop, drop and roll"!

When I picked Riley up she talked non-stop about the day. From what I gather, the poor firemen had to hear over and over about Greg and how awesome he is! Ha! I love that children learn at an early age that first responders are heroes and I hope she continues to not only learn about fire safety, but appreciate the sacrifice these men make!

2011-09-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

"Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves." ~Abraham Lincoln

Last First Day of Preschool

2011-09-08T12:49:00.000-07:00

Thursday, September 8 2011 was a day Riley had been waiting for all summer! The first day (of her last year) of preschool! This girl just L-O-V-E-S school! She woke up extra early...on her own. Ate her normal breakfast, one whole grain blueberry waffle, strawberries/blueberries and yogurt. Dressed in her special "first day" dress she proudly picked all by herself. She was armed with these precious goodies she made for all of her friends.

...and of course, because it's never to early to make a good impression, these chocolate covered caramal apples for her teachers.
Her lunch was packed with a school bus theme. (an obsession that is going to be a big let down next year when she finds out mommy is taking her not the bus!)

...and because I couldn't resist, a note to remind her that she is loved although I'm certain she already knows:-)

Mommy's dorky first day picture, that I hope becomes an annual tradition!
Our backpack from last year because Riley insisted that she didn't need a new one ( definitely her showing she's her daddy's kid!Ha!)
When we arrived, she RAN to her classroom! She tripped as she walked in the door...several unsuspecting mothers gasped and tried to help her...little did they know my class clown did this a lot last year to make all the kids laugh! (that's her G-dad coming out in her) We said our hello's to old friends and introduced ourselves to new ones. Mommy tried to get some pictures and I think this face says it all!

Riley found her seat and immediately began doing her "work".

I tried to get one last picture and a kiss to which my big grown up 4 year old replied," It's okay mommy, you can go now!"

Somehow she knew this day was much more pivotal to me then it was to her. As I drove away I had a lump in my throat thinking only one short year from now, I'd be doing this all over again...but at Kindergarten. What a bittersweet thing it is to watch our babies grow!

Meet the Teacher

2011-09-06T12:49:00.000-07:00

This is the first time we have had a "meet the teacher" since Riley started preschool after Christmas last year. We have been so incredibly blessed to have her same preschool teacher for this school year as well. We just can't say enough about Ms. Denise! (who I unfortunately forgot to get a picture of!)

Riley's Panda class grew this year. Their will be twelve kids instead of six and they are adding a teacher. Riley is so excited to meet new friends and we can't wait to see how God uses this year to shape our little angel into the person he wants her to be:-)

Random Phone Pics

2011-08-19T11:23:00.004-07:00

Not only am I horribly behind on updating this blog, but I have been an awful picture taker lately as well! I thankfully have a bunch of shots on my phone. None of these are of great quality, or stand for anything meaningful. They are just random everyday moments in our lives that I don't want to forget...

At the movies

Train Ride

What happens when mommy leave poor daddy at home with Riley:-)
...and our trooper dog Dax

Cabela's

Lunch after church

Starbucks to go

Writing Tay's name for the first time

Practicing some cheerleading with Tio & Dana

Library playdates with sweet preschool friends
Our precious Tay (photo taken by Riley!)

Six Flags

Zoo

At the hospital with Daddy

Passed out! Our future Red Raider!Lol!

Dress up:-)

Rex and his former head coach!

Rex and Riley with the team owner

It;s hard being this cute!

Rie and Trevor (and Dax's cage..he almost fit!)

The park

Shots

2011-08-19T11:18:00.003-07:00

We have Riley on a delayed shot schedule that we worked out with her pediatrician when she was a baby. Our reasons are too many too list, but we have been happy and comfortable with this decision. Her preschool has been great with working with us as well. However, with Perry being the Gov. of TX, I know that at some point, she wont be allowed in public schools without all of her shots. (Currently as long as your Dr. is on board, you can attend public schools without any immunizations!) So, I wanted to make a new "schedule" to assure Riley would be caught up atleast by first grade. So, I decided to let Riley in on what was going on. My parents used to surprise me with shots...and I hated them for it. She was sooo big and brave!

...and was in great spirits the whole time. She was adorably sweet to the nurses and doctor and sang to keep us all entertained.

She actually giggled on the first shot...and cried on the second...but as soon as I picked her up it was over. We spent the rest of the day in her jammies relaxing. She never acted tired, ran a fever, or had any reaction at all.

(showing off her boo boo's)

I'm just so proud of how she acted and how much she's growing up!

The Greatest Show On Earth

2011-08-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

I can remember when the circus would come to town when I was a kid. They came every year and passed out tickets at school. My parents never would take us. Then one year, the Ringling Brothers & Barnum Bailey circus came to town...and my sister and I were thrilled when our parents bought floor seats. I can remember that day in detail. Such anticipation for what I was going to see. If I remember correctly, it didn't disappoint and left me with fond memories.
So of course, we take Riley! This is her second time to see this circus...and daddy one-upped my child hood memories by buying Riley (and us) VIP passes!So with our tickets, passes, and this precious girl in hand...we headed for the Greatest Show on Earth!

I think Riley was a little overwhelmed when we walked in and straight to the circus floor! (My camera was overwhelmed by all the lights and commotion as well!)

While we waited for the show to start we were able to get up close and personal with several acts...including clowns!
Riley participated in this group dance! I wish I had a video...she was beyond cute!!!

Then we headed for some food and souvenirs before the show started! Riley loves elephants and was anticipating them all week! So, this gal has not left her side since!

Then it was time to find our front row VIP seats!
...and we were suckered into a few more vendor pitches from there:-)
...and of course, cotton candy!

When the show began it was hard for me to watch anything but Riley. Between the smiles, squeals, squeaks, oohs and ahhhs she was just beside herself!

...and she almost lost it when the baby elephants were paraded around the arena!
As these AMAZING acrobats performed (one of my favorite parts of the show)....

Rex and Riley made their way down on the floor to be part of the show! It was part of our VIP and it was spectacular! I stayed in the seats to take pictures...but Riley in Rex were in the middle of all the action!These two just melt me!

Again, with all the lights, spotlights, action etc, my camera did not want to keep up! However, I was able to get a couple of do-able pictures of my two loves in the middle of the circus.

They stayed for a long time...then came back to our seats at intermission. This is Riley "shushing" us as the 2nd half started back up!

Can you guess what moment she was still waiting for?Then they came...gracefully:-)

Rie laughed hysterically at this dog with the elephant.Such amazing and beautiful creatures...and in this moment I realized why my parents never took us to that other circus. As a child, this was all so magical. As an adult, I found it so sad. These beautiful, intelligent beings...being prodded like cattle and forced to perform for our entertainment...made me want to cry.

As they marched out, Riley started asking questions..."where are they going?", "where do they live?", "where are their families?". I don't know if it was because her anticipated moment was over...or if she was grasping a tiny bit of the reality...but after the elephants, she wanted to go home. We stayed a few more acts...and then left early. Riley loved every minute of it. She has talked non-stop about the circus in the past 24hrs. We had this conversation this morning...

Me: What was your favorite part about the circus?

Rie: I've already told you a hundred times! It was the elephants, then the ponies, then the tigers. The white tiger was my favorite tiger. That's the order.

Me: What was your favorite thing about the elephants?

Rie: When I saw them paint. And the babies elephants. I want to go to a new circus and watch the elephants paint. I love the elephants.

Me: What did you not like about the circus?

Rie: The clowns. Wait, I liked the clowns, they were funny.

Me: So, was their anything you didn't like?

Rie: The clowns...I guess they were just tooo funny!

Ha! I love this age! Even more,I love building precious memories with our little family.

Smurf Date

2011-08-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

I realized as I began to write this post that I claim often that things are Riley's favorites. Ha! I guess her "phases" will be well documented:-) Her and her daddy have always had a smurf thing together. This "phase" started when she discovered Smurf Village on the iPad about a year ago. That's been their thing. They take care of the smurf village together. So when we found out around Christmas that the Smurf movie was coming out, we knew it would have to be a special daddy/daughter date.

Rex tries to take Riley on a special date once a month. So, we have been anticipating this one for a while! The day finally came and Riley was beyond excited! We made rice crispy treats with smurf cereal that she tucked away in her purse. Instead of flowers, daddy bought her a set of the smurf characters. Riley even wanted to wear a "special pretty dress for her handsome date daddy!".

All I was able to get was this one horrible shot on my phone of them about to leave. My two sweet loves! I can't tell you how beyond precious this relationship is between these two. To Riley, her daddy hung the moon and stars...and all 300+ lbs of Rex is definitely hers! I pray that this only strengthens with time (which is hard to imagine). On top of it all, the movie received stellar reviews from both! Another succesful date in the books!

Butterfly Hike

2011-07-23T18:02:00.000-07:00

Riley and I recently went on a preschool butterfly hike at a local nature preserve. I told her about it the night before , and on her own she packed her Dora backpack (from her great Aunt Shari) full of things she "needed"! Ha! My favorite item was a notepad and crayon so she could," take notes and draw picture of what I see!". A girl after my own heart!
They started in the classroom where they learned about the life cycle of the butterfly, its body parts, and a good 'ol reading of the Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Then they brought out a fat caterpillar and a caterpillar in its cocoon. The kids were fascinated!

When it was time to start the "hike" Riley was precious listening to the directions! She's such a good kid!
Getting a head start with her "knock-ulars".
One of the things I always pray about is that Riley continues to have a tender and loving heart as she faces the world. She is always so incredibly friendly to other kids...and when this little girl wasn't sure she wanted to go on the hike...Riley took her by the hand and kept saying,"its ok, its not scary!".
Wouldn't the world be great if we all made friends this easy?!

We never did see any butterflies...guess they don't like this TX heat either! We did see hummingbirds, a hawk (which we have in our own backyard so Riley thought it followed us!Lol!) , an owl and a buffalo!
Then it was back inside to cool off and create some art!

All in all it was a fun experience. Riley spotted two butterflies that day in our backyard so she wasn't too let down by the hike. She cant wait to go back next months and go on an insect hunt. Yippee!!! (insert sarcasm)

Our Lil' Chef

2011-07-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

Riley has always LOOOOVED to cook! When she was itzy bitsy, she would watch cooking shows for hours if you let her! Last Christmas her one gift request...an easy bake oven. We have always called her our little chef:-)

Years ago when we lived in Lubbock our good friends and neighbors told us about this business that their family had started called Young Chefs Academy. It sounded fun...but we had never gone! We recently made it to one with Riley's sweet friends Tinley and Emily! Riley was right in her element!

Patiently and excitedly waiting to start cooking!
My expert stirrer!
...and some scoopie doop:-)

They were so cute all listening and following the instructions!
AND...the finished product!
These 3 amigos made for a great recipe, Emily, Tinley & Riley

Add a dash of posing.

A few sprinkles of laughter!

Makes for great friends and a fun time! We will definitely be going back!!!

Pinkalicious

2011-07-19T17:50:00.001-07:00

Riley has made some of the sweetest little friends at pre-school (and I am lucky enough to get to be-friend their mommy's!). Lauren's mommy organized this fun outing to see the play production of Pinkalicious and it was precious!!! I didn't get many pics, but it was such a fun memory I had to record it!

The girls waiting on the show to start!

Afterwards we hit up the local Celebrity Bakery for lunch and what else but pink cupcakes! I loved how this trip peaked Riley's interest in the arts, deepened her love for books, and made sweet memories with friends! She frequently brings up this day...I think we need to start making it to more productions!

Home is where your heart is...

2011-07-12T15:11:00.001-07:00

(the last picture I have of the house)

When I was born, I went home to the same house that I left for college from. When I think about that, I realize how abnormal it is in today's world. I can remember my friends moving into new houses and wishing we could. However at the end of the day, it gave me such stability. My mom had moved around a ton as a child and I think this was her comfort zone as well. I took my first steps, said my first words, started kindergarten, graduated high school, brought home my soon to be husband from college, married him all while my family lived within these walls. My parents strangely decided to move into my grandmothers house before Riley was born. I'll never be sure why...mom hated their house...and dad paid my aunt way too much for it...but nonetheless, they moved. My parents still owned our home, and dad had plans to someday turn it into one of his rental properties. One of MANY projects he didn't get to finish before his death. My sister and I battled over what to do with it. Neither of us wanted to sell it, but hanging on to it seemed silly as well. I'm 3 hours away and my sister has no time to worry about renters, so in the end we decided to let it go. It was one of the hardest days we have had since mom and dad both passed away. I couldn't make it to Abilene to close, so I had to go to my bank to do it. If you know me, you know I'm not a crier...specially in public. Unfortunately, as I signed the docs the tears flowed. Everyone around me has been saying this is good closure, that my sister and I need this to move forward. I just don't know how you move on from a lifetime of memories. I guess it's like dealing with death. You take one day at a time. For now, I cherish the fact that I can close my eyes and picture every square inch of that house. I know the inside of every closet, every corner, everything! It will always be home. Fitting, since I no longer have a home to go home to anyways. So even though this brings us one small step closer to selling off our parents estate, it was the hardest of them all. (of course, we still have to go through our parents belongings so I shouldn't speak so soon!) I look at the pictures, the memories flood my mind, I cant help but smile when I think of my childhood...my family together in that house. I always imagined I would bring my own family back there for visits and holidays. At the end of the day the reality that the people I loved more than anything from within those walls are gone, is truly the hardest part of it all!

This is the only picture I have of Riley in the house. Mom & Dad had already moved out. My mom had painted a mural on the wall of our playroom when we were little girls. The flowers are all made of our hand and feet prints. It was truly priceless to us.

Miss Photogenic!!!

2011-07-02T15:01:00.000-07:00

Swamp Children

2011-07-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

Rex and I are big fans of the show Swamp People on the History channel. Riley likes it too. So much in fact that she plays Swamp People...

Complete with boat,raincoat, fishing poles and a pop gun!

Hahaha! Choot 'em Riley! You gotcha a twee shake-ah!

Future Tech Cheerleader?

2011-06-27T14:43:00.000-07:00

Riley will tell you she is going to Texas Tech one day...but that she doesn't want to be a cheerleader! Ha! This picture says otherwise! Fingers crossed she changes her mind:-)

2011-06-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.~ Chinese Proverb

Ever since my dad passed, Riley has had a strange closeness with birds. They will surround her at any given moment and often let her get inches from a touch. My dad loved birds and one of his and Riley's only memories she has is bird watching out his back window. I truly feel that her relationships with birds, is God's way of making sure she remembers her G-dad. So when she begged for a build your own bird house kit...we couldn't say no!
Rex "helped" Riley but was so good about letting her go at it by herself. He patiently guided and instructed as she worked away.

She knew immediately how she wanted to paint her bird house. Yellow with brown spots like a giraffe! Taking a cue from Rex, I set her up with paint and suppressed my urge to "help" her.

She was so very proud of her finished product!
Of course, we are too!

Rex took her outside to hang her house, and she already knew exactly where she wanted to hang it. (again, with no guidance from us)

Rex started the nail, but let her finish and hang it up.
I was so proud of her project. Her attention to detail and the patience it took. I was beaming over the fact that although it took several days to complete with painting, she didn't get sidetracked and was determined to complete her birdhouse. However, the thing that put the biggest smile on my face and still does...is how she will go into the front living room (where there is no tv, toys etc) sit on the couch and watch for birds out the large picture window that faces her birdhouse. God does amazing things!

curlers

2011-06-02T10:06:00.000-07:00

Riley's dance recital is next weekend and her teacher has requested that their hair be curly. Uhm, hello?! Riley has the straightest hair EVER! So, I decided we better start practicing with her hair. We attempted sponge rollers for the first time. I don't think it will be our style of choice...but as every woman knows, this is a right of passage that had to be documented!

They went in fine, and to my surprise she slept with them! (Sweet sweet angel!!!)

However, this is just more curl then we are looking for on the big day! Back to the drawing board!

Painting Riley's rm

2011-06-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

Riley's last bedroom ( in our last house ) was awesome. Her room was HUGE and we had turned the small media room off of it into a playroom. So when we chose the house we are now in, Riley was not very impressed. Her room is a good size, but not near what she had. We decided to give her two rooms, separated with a bathroom, to make up for it. Her first demand was for a purple room. (Purple is her favorite color and a slight obsession these days!) I vetoed the purple bedroom...we are in negotiations for the playroom:-) Anyways, in an attempt to "excite" Riley about this new, smaller, non-purple room...I decided to let her help paint.

She loved it, and rolled away the gray walls...
...and slowly turned them butter cream!

Obviously, I touched up, but Riley did sooo good!

We have since stenciled a damask pattern on an accent wall, and put in her furniture. The room isn't decorated yet...and I'm waiting on her custom bedding to get done. She did make the transition to sleeping in our bed to hers upstairs very easily! It still makes me a little nervous after being one room apart for a year, but I'm adjusting too. As far as that purple playroom goes, well keep you posted:-)

Closing Day!!!

2011-05-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

Well, we FINALLY closed on our house! Let me tell you, home buying ain't what it used to be! We ended up closing only a week late...because once our file was reviewed, the lender found no need to have two years of taxes. We actually bought well below our approved price...which was what caused the confusion in the first place. But, oh well, it's all behind us now...and we are settling in and loving it!

We let Riley do the honor of unlocking the front door for the first time!

...and we all did a "cheers!" together for the first time!

Our choice this time was shocking to even us. We were determined to buy a house with certain criteria and this house fell short of almost all of them! It's super plain on the inside, but we are excited about getting to do all of the finish outs on our own and specific to our taste! For example, I swore I wouldn't move into a house with out wood floors. Not only does the house not have wood, but it has the off white/ beige tiles that I loath! However, if you could just see our backyard in it's entirety, you would understand our choice! I grew up vacationing in Ruidoso, NM. My parents were in the process of buying a vacation home their when my mom got sick. My dad asked for his ashes to be scattered there. My backyard reminds me of sitting in a cabin there in the woods. It's serene, beautiful and above all so private and peaceful! You would NEVER guess you are sitting in the middle of DFW!
Our neighborhood is awesome, we love the community we are in and everything finally feels just perfect! We hope to call this place home for a very long time!!!

Last Day of Preschool...for now!

2011-05-11T12:24:00.000-07:00

Riley's last day of preschool (until next fall anyways) has come and gone! All I can say is wow! She has learned and changed so much in such a short time! Just for fun this was Riley on her very first day (and first time away from mommy!) in January of 2011...

...and this is her now! May 2011!!!

It's only been 5 months, but just seems like a huge difference!

Riley has blossomed! She has busted the only child, stay- at- home, sheltered stereotype! She has so much confidence and just always has known that she's loved, which made school so easy for all of us! Her teacher, well I just couldn't say enough! We are so glad it's summer and we are free of schedules...but excited about going back in the fall! I can't even imagine how much she will have changed by then!

End of the Year Preschool Program

2011-05-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

We were all so excited for Rie's first ever Preschool Program! Riley had been practicing her songs and bible verses for weeks and couldn't wait to show us what she had learned!

I couldn't believe how big she looked on that stage! I couldn't help but tear up wondering where the time had gone?! Six months ago, Riley had been by my side every second of her life. Putting her in preschool was not any easy decision, but in the end a great one! She looked a little shy up there for about 5 seconds...
We still aren't sure if she was waving or telling us to stop! Ha! I felt like she was already embarrassed of us! Lol!

Then the music started and Riley Kai came to life!

She sang LOUD, knew all the moves and grinned ear to ear!

...and what I failed to capture in still pictures was the poses she was doing between verses. My favorite being her hand on her hip in this cocky,"I did it" pose! It was hilarious and as the audience laughed, the poses grew! She's such a ham! (and I have NO idea where she got this show off gene from:-)
This note at the end of the program summed up our feelings about Riley's school. We truly felt as if they loved our child and appreciated the opportunity to be with her. What a blessing this school was for us all this year!

Of course, Daddy came with Riley's favorite purple flowers!

Mommy and Riley, the Joy of my life!

Riley's sweet class (minus Kara)

Ms. Denise has hit celebrity status in our household and we are thrilled that she requested Riley for her 4 yr old class next year!

After a cookie reception in the classroom, I couldn't help but smile as I watched my two loves walking down the hall together. (Riley say's that her Daddy is her bestest friend! I love it!)Blurry, but celebrating her preschool performance victory!

The program was a sweet memory that I will never forget. I just can't get over the fact that we only have one more year of preschool before kindergarten! As much as I enjoy every new milestone, it always means she's growing up. I say it at every step...but if I could only freeze time! So proud of my little girl!

A Royal Wedding Watch Party For Princess' In Waiting

2011-04-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

Riley was invited to her sweet friend Lauren's house for a Royal Wedding watch party! It was such a precious idea for all of our little princess' and Lauren's mommy went all out on this event! To be honest, I so have not been into this whole Royal Wedding thing. When Riley was invited I had to tell her what was going on so she knew what we were watching. At first, she was convinced that "Princess Kate" was her sweet 3 yr old friend Kate and she was honestly confused on why she was getting married "so little". We cleared that up, and then she was convinced that Catherine Middleton should be busting out in song during the wedding because," all princess' sing!" Ha! God love her!

The table was set for a wedding reception for these pint sized princess' and the food was tea/British themed.
While we were waiting to start the wedding, which had been previously recorded:-), Riley and all the kids were playing. It got quiet and I look over and my sweet little girl had found a book and was reading it aloud! (because you have to be smart to be a princess!)

Then it was time for the wedding and the moment these sweet little girls had been waiting for...the bride!

Their eyes were glued on the t.v. as they watched Kate gracefully glide down the isle!
A sparkling grape juice toast to the bride and groom! (Priceless! Ha!)
A group shot of all the princess' and a prince!

Watching Riley get so excited about this real life fairy tale totally changed my opinion on the wedding hoopla. What a perfect time to teach our little girls that fairy tales happen and that you can be anything you want to when you grow up...even if it's a princess!

"A son is a son until he takes him a wife. A daughters a daughter for all of her life!"

2011-04-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

What precious memories we have from our last day at Great Wolf Lodge, just the 3 of us, celebrating Riley's precious life! The water was a bit too chilly for me that last day, but I had the absolute best view in the house as I watched the two loves of my life joyfully play and love on each other!

There is no greater sight to me than a father with his daughter. Rex was made to do this job.

He is the most important man in her life. He is the one that will ultimately teach her how she should be treated.

...and from the looks of things, the boys in her future have their work cut out for them.

Nothing in this world seems to matter when I see her smile!
She has been our ray of sunshine on many cloudy days.
She's a total addiction for me and I just can't ever seem to get enough!I love her spirit

and the pureness of her sweet little soul.

She is so funny these days,

and I can't even imagine life without her.
Mostly, I still don't know how I was picked to be her mother, but I thank my Lord for it everyday!

"Easter says you can put truth in a grave but it wont stay there!"~Clarence W. Hall

2011-04-24T21:53:00.000-07:00

As much as Easter means to us, we made the executive decision to skip Easter Sunday service this year. We have yet to find a church home near us, so the decision was fairly easy. It ended up being a good thing because when Riley Kai rolled out of bed with her birthday party hangover Sunday morning, she wasn't up to all the festivities:-) Her first comment was ,"Hey, who threw my eggs all over the room?!"

The Easter bunny always has it hard at our house because Riley's birthday falls so close to it. This year it landed on Easter, so the bunny went light with lots of movies,"art stuff" and books. Some of Riley's very favorite things right now!

Sleepy Riley was totally over the whole present thing when she saw her basket and just grabbed a book, crawled in bed and "read" it. This girl loves books, so it was no surprise, but hilarious at the same time!

Finally, when Daddy brought her the basket in bed, she started to go through it. She is really into the smurfs right now and when she saw this movie she held it up and yelled, "Oh Yeah!". Funny girl!

...and was thrilled over this sticker/coloring book.
Eventually she began to hunt her eggs.

That is, until she cracked one open and found her favorite...purple peeps!

Bubba come to our room and Riley perked up.

Grandma & Papa brought Riley a huge basket full of toys. She didn't care much about the toys when she found this harmonica in there. Riley loves anything to do with music, so she played with this until it was time to get dressed!

We headed across the street to the Gaylord for brunch and Riley was not very interested in her plate from the kids buffet.

But she chowed down when we started giving her shrimp, lobster and sushi from the adult buffet. She has such grown-up taste these days!

Of course, she had to taste the cupcakes!

The ballroom looked beautiful and the live band was fantastic! We tried to get some pictures of Riley but she wasn't into it.
Love this fake, get-it-over-with, smile!
Over doing it, hoping this is the last one! Ha!

Oh, how she loves that daddy of hers!
My pint size best friend!The Richards clan:-)Checking out the trains at the hotel.
This photo cracks me up! I was trying to get one of Riley walking over the bridge and she yells," Get your Raiders up!" Some may call this brainwashing, we call it school pride. Take it as you will! Lol!This blurry picture is by far my favorite from the day. Riley had had enough pictures for one weekend and she stuck her tongue out at me! This is a behavior we never allow, but I had to agree with her on this day! Enough is enough!
The most important thing about our Easter day, celebrating our Risen King! Riley understood Easter for the first time this year. Although the concept is hard to wrap her little mind around (heck its hard for anyone to really), she knew what we are celebrating and confirmed it when she said, "Jesus died on that cross for me!". Yes He did sweet baby, yes He did!

A Howling Good Time!

2011-04-24T18:36:00.001-07:00

I admit that I start planning Riley's birthday party the day after Christmas. I don't know why but I just thrive off organizing all the little details! Nothing thrills me more! (and my other confession is that I'm usually thinking about her party the day after her birthday! I know, I'm crazy!) This year we gave Riley the option of having a party or going on another birthday trip like last year to Disney World. She was insisting on a party from the get go. So the planning began. We chose to have the party at the Great Wolf Lodge and although this party required less planning and details, it was a blast! Riley picked out her own invitations (I pressed for a different one, but she won out! Ha!) What you can't tell in this picture is the little girl going down the slide is on a spring so she bounces and wiggles around. Cute!

We did not let Riley go inside the GWL until the day of her party. The lobby itself is impressive...but when she saw this big wall of windows that overlook the water park, she was ecstatic!
Uncle Bubba and Riley discussing what rides they would do first!
Again, Miss Priss picked out her entire swim attire including matching cover-up! I tried to make her these matching flip-flops...for future reference, I do believe buying them is worth the money in the future! Ha!

There wasn't much to decorate, but we were given a cake table in the dinning room. All of Riley's guest also munched on pizza, breadsticks and salad that were all super yummy! It was so nice to have a full wait staff which allowed us to enjoy the party and not the details!

The lodge provided the cake. Probably my least favorite part about having the party there. I'm a sucker for an adorable fondant cake, but oh well:-)
Obviously, Riley didn't care and my little cutie beamed as everyone sang Happy Birthday to her!
Make a wish sweet Riley Kai!!!
Riley's slightly chocolate obsessed...probably because she does not get it much due to her peanut allergy. So she chose a chocolate cake with chocolate icing!
I think she liked it!
Daddy and his big 4 year old!
Mommy and her baby girl!
Riley and her little friends were all so grown up sitting at their table eating together!
Her guest included...

Kate

Emily

Taylor
Bree

Wyatt
Gracey
and the Big Birthday Girl herself!

I missed out on a pic of the mommy's, but here are my sweet friend Tara with her baby Cooper and my sister with Maddy.

The man table!
The kids all howling for Riley!...toooo cute!

The Easter bunny made an appearance.

One last group shot before we all hit the water park!

The pictures in the park are few and far between, but I was able to take a couple. Riley's favorite thing was the wave pool.
After hours of playing, water slides and splashing our guest began to leave. This is Riley saying goodbye to Cooper!

I completely forgot to take a picture of Riley's fun party favors for her guest. This is the one that Riley had. The sand pails were filled with flip flops, sun glasses, water guns, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, silly straws and pinwheels!

After the party we headed up to our room. We decided it would be fun for Riley and Taylor to stay the night at the lodge. They have adorable kid themed rooms and Riley was in heaven with her "cave"!

The "cave" part of the room had bunk beds and her own t.v. She thought it was her own little club house and played with her toys in there for a long time!

Speaking of toys, her friends were more than generous! We decided to open gifts after the party. This is just a preference I have at this age. I hate making the other kids sit and watch as you open gift after gift with a big water park waiting. It all worked out well and Taylor, KiKi, Adam, Maddy, Grandma, PaPa & Uncle Bub all came up to our room to watch her!

This gift from Rex and I cracks me up. Riley has begged for a Happy Napper ever since the commercial began on t.v. She walks around singing the song and has been saying,"I'm getting the puppy one for my birthday". So we ordered it, and sure enough, she could care less about it! Stinker!

After presents the whole family headed downstairs for the dinner buffet. It was so special for Riley to have both sides of her entire family with her to celebrate! We were all getting tired, and this little one didn't make it through dinner!

After dinner we headed to the lobby for the show and story time. Riley and Taylor were so adorable waiting for it...and we were even treated to solo performances of their ballet routines! Priceless! I wish I had it on video!

After the show we took pictures with violet the wolf and finally headed to our room for some much needed sleep!

To say her birthday party was a success would be an understatement! Everyone seemed to have a blast and most importantly, my little girl didn't stop smiling and giggling the whole day! Happy 4th Birthday Miss Riley Kai! You are one in a billion!

How are you 4?!?!?!

2011-04-23T06:27:00.000-07:00

Four years ago, I laid in a hospital bed and wrote a letter to my daughter. I have written her one every year on her birthday since then. This year, I felt like all I kept saying to her was,"How are you already 4?!". It just doesn't seem possible! Riley Kai is truly a miracle baby. To think that 4 years ago Rex and I, our families and our team of doctors all sat in wonder that she had survived. To see her now, you would never guess that I had a "problem pregnancy". This little girl is so full of life. She is the happiest child you will ever meet and you can't help but smile when your around her. She's contagious! Her true birthday landed on Easter this year. Rex and I both feel that as Christians Easter is a truly sacred day. It means more to us than Christmas. So we chose to celebrate Riley's birthday the day before, Sat. April 23. Riley was non-the-wiser, and it worked out well allowing for Sunday to be a true celebration of Christ! So, Saturday morning, Mommy, Daddy, KiKi, Uncle Adam, Tay and Maddy were all there when Riley woke up singing "Happy Birthday". It was priceless!

This is Tay yelling, "she's awake everyone!" Riley was asleep before they arrived so it was the BEST way for her to wake up!

Everyone singing! I am beyond thankful that my sister and her family were here to share in the special day. It meant so much since Mimzy & G-Dad can't be!

To say Riley was thrilled would be an understatement!

My sweet sweet love bug!
A birthday doughnut with candles! (what a thoughtful Daddy!)
I'm going to say it one more time...It just doesn't seem possible that she's getting so big! Slow down Riley Kai!!!

Riley's first babysitting job

2011-04-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

Our Tay Tay turned 4 on Friday, April 22 and all she wanted for her birthday was to see the Rangers play. So, as she was at the game, Rie Rie (and Rex & I) were able to get some alone time with our sweet Maddy Paddy! Riley was beyond excited to go pick up her cousin!
...and who wouldn't be thrilled to spend the evening with this precious face?! We are ALL so completely in love with this teeny tiny girl!
Riley was such a good babysitter! She helped feed her, change her, played with her, and even got her ready for bed! It was so sweet and we all just couldn't get enough of Maddy!

I am so thankful that Riley has her cousins in her life. They are such a blessing to this only child! We LOVED our alone time with you Maddy! Come back soon!!!

Lego Land

2011-04-21T23:35:00.000-07:00

After Riley's big day at pre school, her Grandma, Papa and Uncle Bubba arrived in town for her big birthday weekend! Even though she was tired from her already big day, we topped it off with a trip to Lego Land!
She was a little tired and shell shocked in the beginning, but quickly warmed up to all the action and caught a second wind!
Grandma, Riley and Daddy (these 3 couldn't be related could they?!)
My favorite was the sculptures of Downtown Dallas! Amazing that this whole thing was built with Lego's!

The 4D show reminded us of last years birthday trip at Universal Studios.
A little karaoke with Grandma
Can you tell she was so over pictures by this point?! Ha!
There is no better way to end a fun busy day then a bubble bath and snuggles with Daddy! These two melt my heart!

Easter Egg Hunt...Take 2

2011-04-21T17:17:00.000-07:00

Thursday, April 21, was a big day for Riley. She celebrated her birthday at school with all her friends and shared these yummy cupcakes!

After her birthday party, the kids had an egg hunt. Riley was so excited that she didn't even seem to care that the hunt was moved from outside into the chapel because it was raining.

Listening to instructions.

Patiently waiting for the ready...set....
.....GO!!!!

My Riley Kai loves the color purple. I mean, LOVES it! So it was no surprise to me when she would literally step over an egg that wasn't purple to get to one that was! The non-purple eggs in her basket were only there because of me or a teacher telling her to pick it up! My girl knows what she likes!
Rie and her sweet friend Lauren!
Rie and her teacher/BFF ,Ms. Denise! My child and her mommy feel so blessed that God chose her to be Riley's first teacher!
This picture cracks me up! Riley is the last kid in her class to turn 4, and is one of the tallest. Check out her LONG legs compared to all the other kids! I know who her Daddy is, but this length thing is a foreign concept to me!
Riley's sweet sweet pre-school class!
After the egg hunt, the Easter party began!

However, the highlight of the day for this little girl had to be when her Daddy surprised her by showing up to pick her up from school and join in at the end of her party! She is 100% a Daddy's girl and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Easter Egg Hunt... Take 1

2011-04-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

One of the mom's from our Little Gym playgroup organized an amazing egg hunt for all the kids last Monday. This picture of the group explains Riley's take on the whole thing. My little cheater wanted a head start, then casually walked around sometimes even stepping over eggs. It was hilarious!!!

...and she's off!
Sometimes, I think Riley has her own theme music running through her head. She can be such a blond! I just LOVE her natural happy nature!

Trinda even rented a huge bounce house on top of the fact that her backyard is every bit as good as the park! Riley was in heaven!

After the egg hunt the kids had a picnic lunch.

...and my fair skinned blondie couldn't take the sun! It cracked me up when she moved and sat under this table and happily ate her lunch! God love her!
We are so thankful for our playgroup friends and even more thankful that Trinda was kind enough to open her home to all of us! It was a great practice run for Riley's big pre-school egg hunt this week!

Tay is turning 4!

2011-04-18T21:25:00.000-07:00

Our Tay Tay turns 4 on April 22 and we celebrated at her cheerleader birthday party last weekend! It was at the same gym my mom coached at and was so cool to see her pictures on the wall as the party was going on. I know she was smiling down on her girls! Riley and Taylor are truly best friends and its always so much fun to get these two crazy cousins together!

Sweet Maddy was ready to party! Riley and Taylor's cousin Wyatt came all the way from Lubbock! Taylor's cousin Easton even got in on the action with my sister! ( I have to add that not only are Taylor and Riley less than 48 hrs apart, but Maddy and Easton are only 4 days! Couldn't have planned that if they tried!)

Riley and Taylor were inseparable the whole time. I think they could have cared less if any other kids were there! Riley kept getting the poms and jumping on the trampoline yelling, "Texas Tech! Texas Tech!". I may or may not have teared up:-)

Of course, there was lots of flipping... AND, it wouldn't be a party if Uncle Rex didn't join in on the fun! Tay, resting before cake and presents!

The Birthday Girl!!!

Happy birthday to our Tay Tay! Our world would not be as exciting with out you in it! Love, GiGi, Uncle Rex and Rie Rie

When you belong to an almost 4 year old girl...

2011-04-16T21:44:00.000-07:00

...you just have to go with it. Poor Dax! This was after Riley made him sit in a chair and have a tea party! He may be ugly, but he loves that little girl!

House Update

2011-04-15T06:31:00.000-07:00

Riley and Rex in the backyard

Everything was going so smooth on our house that even our realtor made the comment that we were dream buyers and this was a perfect transaction....she spoke to soon. We have hit a snag. It may be a minor one or it could cause us to loose the house all together. Only time will tell. What happened you might ask?! Well, the government happened. Go figure! We were originally supposed to close today. Everything was great, we were in underwriting a few days ago. Then we get the call. We need your 2009 & 2010 taxes. No problem, we filed them both earlier this month. No we need the return form...meaning they have to be processed! Not a problem on 2010, they were e-filed and will be back any day. 2009 is another story. That could take up to another SIX WEEKS! We didn't file our 2009 originally because they were due right around the time that we lived in separate cities, my dad died and we sold our last house and moved. The government owed us, so we were in no hurry. (you have up to five years to file if they owe you a return). We also didn't think to do it during the mortgage process. (and in our defense when we began preparing this stuff with our mortgage company over 3 months ago, no one mentioned it either!) Last time we were given a mortgage, 3 years ago, we walked in with a W2, proof of income and employment and we were done. This time, they wanted blood samples, letters of referral from our kindergarten teacher, and our souls. Okay, I kid, but it felt like it. It just makes no sense to me since they have all our W2's, assets, bank statements, pay stubs, the list goes on and on. If your wondering, we were not trying to max out by any means. We actually qualified for more than what we are trying to buy but we are trying to be smart, so hitting this snag has thrown us totally for a loop!

Rex at the start of our "forest" in Riley terms

So, where we stand....we are at the sellers mercy. They can agree to give us the time to wait on our 2009 return, or they can walk away with our HEFTY earnest money check. We haven't told them yet. With the government shut-downs in question last week and the lenders being flooded with loans, we went ahead and pushed closing back until next Friday just in case things were delayed. They, the sellers, weren't happy about that, so we don't expect a warm and fuzzy feeling from this situation. We do plan to offer them more money for more time, but at this point if I was them, I'd take my free money and run. Hopefully, they are nicer than me:-) So, we sit and wait, hound the IRS every other day about our return, and pray that the sellers are flooded with understanding. If not, we start all over again. Honestly, I just don't know if I'm up for that!

This picture breaks my heart! Riley loves the house and the "forest" so much that she ask to go there everyday. I don't know what I'll say to her if we loose this house!

Out of the mouth of my babe

2011-04-14T13:15:00.000-07:00

I love the car rides home after I pick Riley up from preschool. She just talks and talks about her day and it's usually hilarious to hear it recounted in her words! Today was no exception. As she sat in the car babbling along she had this to say,..." Easter isn't about the bunny or the eggs. It's not even about the CANDY! It's about Jesus and the cross and the empty tomb." This is the part where my heart is overfilled and before I can even begin to reply she continued..."So, I guess Mimzy died on a cross then huh mom?! I bet she wishes she had some candy eggs. I wonder what the rabbit thinks about all of this?!" Being the wonderful, held together parent that I am, I burst out laughing...much to Riley's confusion and couldn't stop laughing. She kept saying," What's so funny?". She has had so many questions these days about my mom and dad's deaths and heaven that we have talked about it a lot. I guess the story's are getting jumbled. I had a brief conversation with her about Jesus's story being just His and that He went through all of that so Mimzy and G-Dad and the rest of us could go to Heaven. She ended the conversation with..." you never let me go to Six Flags anymore, I bet Heaven has rides.". Then she continued on about a boy in her class getting in trouble. I love this age. Her thirst for knowledge, the pureness of her heart and the ability to love and trust without being able to see or touch. Wouldn't the world be wonderful if everyone was an almost 4 year old!

2011-04-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

Flowers are the sweetest things that God ever made, and forgot to put a soul into. ~ Henry Beecher

To Infinity and Beyond!

2011-04-03T17:33:00.000-07:00

We surprised Riley with tickets to Toy Story 3 On Ice, as a mommy/daughter date! She was so excited, but insisted on picking out the perfect outfit! (a girl after my own heart!) Riley loves to go through her closet and look at her clothes! Ha! This is her modeling her final selection before we left:-)

We arrived early and Riley was thrilled at the thought of seeing her favorite characters! We brought Woody along (or Buddy as Riley refers to him) to help us avoid buying too many toys!

My plan didn't really work. We ended up with a pair of binoculars and a souvenir cup. Ha! Riley was getting bored waiting on the show, so what better to do then stuff yourselves with junk food?!

First was a hotdog.

Then some popcorn.

Of course the guy comes around yelling cotton candy and Riley waived him over! I had to say yes when I heard it came with this "free" Buzz Lightyear hat.

...and I can't forget our Jessie cup that came with a snow cone (that after 4 bites Riley wanted to throw out!)

Then, the show started! Our seats were amazing, second row from the ice. Thanks Daddy! ...AND THIS was my view for most of the show...

Riley was mesmerized the entire time! Her favorite being Bullseye (Pullseye) who she kept trying to lure her way with popcorn.

My favorite was Ken. What a riot!

All in all it was a cute production and I was shocked at how well it held Riley's attention. She laughed, danced and even screamed once when it got a little scary. ( this was definitely more for theatrics and the benefit of those around us. What a ham!) Riley told me her favorite part was seeing Jessie and Bullseye. She also said she liked Hugs-a-lot, "even though he was bad". My favorite commentary on the show was when she said,"where was the big baby?" I said I don't know and she replied,"Maybe he was just too busy or something?!" Ha! I'm so thankful for these special moments with my little girl and I see many "productions" in our future!

Picture Day!

2011-04-01T15:29:00.000-07:00

Riley had her first ever picture day at pre-school a couple of months ago and we finally received our order. Besides the fact that I think the background is horrible, I sure do love the main attraction! (I had to take a picture of the pictures since our scanner is in boxes!!!More to come on that!)

Riley Kai 3 years old

Riley's class picture has changed somewhat. Her sweet little friend Lauren was on a ski vacation the week of pics and one of the boys is gone and a new boy has come into it. Riley was so sad when her buddy Austin left, but she seems to be having a blast with all of her other friends!

Pre-school has been one of the best things that has happened to us. Riley L-O-V-E-S it and she has excelled there! After 3 months she is writing her name and other letters, speaking Spanish, reciting bible verses, counting and adding...and to my biggest shock reading! She has totally found a love for books and it's been so fun to watch her get excited about learning. I had considered putting her into a 3 day a week program next year to prepare her for kindergarten, but she is doing so well, we decided to keep her where she is next fall. We found out this week that she gets to have her teacher, Ms. Denise, again next year. To say we are all thrilled is an understatement! So, our years of school pictures has begun. I can't believe my baby is getting so big!

One of those moments, you wish you could forget.

2011-03-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

No pictures go with these words. I'm only writing this because I'm assuming some day the story will be lost amongst other wrong doings. Maybe not. At this point, who could tell?. Yesterday was a busy day for us. Lots of running from here to there and everywhere. My last stop of the day was the grocery store. I just needed to grab 1 item for Riley's lunch the next day. It was a quick run in run out. The grocery store is a few football throws from our apartment. As every mom knows, right or wrong, on a quick trip the car seat is not our friend. Riley had been so good all day (or so I thought) so I let her sit in the front seat with me for our short drive home. I know wrong on so many levels, but it was just that kind of day. As I was belting her in my daughter, the sweet little girl that I have tried to raise as a strong Christian, pulled a toy from underneath her dress. A toy we had not paid for. A toy that was most definitely not ours! Shock doesn't say it. She knew what she had done was wrong and as I questioned her about it she sobbed. I did the only thing I knew to do...I walked her back into the store (now loudly uncontrollably sobbing) and made her give the toy back to the manager and apologize. The staff was nice, a little too nice for the lesson I was trying to teach. I know she is only 3, a month away from 4, but she knew it was wrong. She told us she knew it was wrong. She was punished when we returned home just to drive the point home. The whole situation really upset me as a mom. Riley, as much grief as I give her, is a TERRIFIC kid. She really never gets in trouble and has such a sweet caring heart. So, for her to do something she knew was so wrong hurt me. I know it's part of growing up. I know that all kids test boundaries. I'm almost positive that someday I will look back on this and maybe even laugh about it. However, right now, it's such a pivotal moment. My baby's first major mess up. The first time I've looked at her and realized I can't keep her "innocent" forever. The first time I have really realized how hard this whole parenting thing can be.

Inspection Day

2011-03-23T22:50:00.001-07:00

We have a contract on a house and our inspections were today. We took Riley to the house with us to talk to the inspectors. She had been once before, but it was at the end of a long day of looking at houses. Riley actually met us with a lot of resistance. She loves our apartment. She has a really good friend that lives below us (every other week, gotta love divorce). Honestly, Riley has had sooo much "change" in her short little life, that I think she just wants stability. We took her upstairs first to show her what will be her 2 bedrooms (the plus to being an only child) and she acted like a major brat! She kept saying, "this is yucky, I don't like it, I don't want to live here I want to go home." Until....

she discovered the yard! We are buying this house because we LOVE the lot! It's on a hill and at almost half an acre has a completely wooded lot. It's so unique to this part of Texas.

And Riley fell in LOVE too! She explored, picked flowers, played with lizards, watched the squirrels and birds, chased a butterfly...

...and didn't want to leave!!! The inspection went VERY well! The house was custom built by engineers and it shows! We are so excited and can't wait to move in at the end of April. Just in time for Riley's 4th birthday! ...and hopefully the start of a long stretch of stability for our adventurous little girl!

Homework

2011-03-21T22:46:00.000-07:00

Riley had her first ever homework assignment due today. At Kindermusic, she was asked to make a sculpture to bring to class. I procrastinated the project and last minute was racking my brain trying to figure out what to do. We debated going to the store for clay or making paper mache', but realized it wouldn't have time to be painted. As we sat around debating, Riley said she wanted to make a giraffe sculpture. I asked what we could make it out of and she brought me an empty box and said "this!". So we went to work and Riley's imagination created a purple giraffe named Gina! She did most of it all by herself except for the head cut out and the eyes/ears. I was so proud! ...and so was Riley!
She was the only kid with a giant purple giraffe made out of boxes:-) I loved watching her beam with pride as she walked into the classroom with her creation! Maybe, just maybe she has inherited her Mimzy's artistic abilities!

Just to confirm that I am "Mother of the Year"

2011-03-11T17:32:00.001-08:00

I am not that mom that keeps score with my child. If you know me, you know that I have no desire to pressure Riley to do what other kids are doing. I truly feel that all children eventually even out and feel no need to have her ahead of the game. However, I must admit that when Valentines rolled around and I noticed that several kids in her class had signed their own names on her cards, I felt like I had failed her. So, I rushed out and bought a writing pad and pencils. Those items have since sat in the closet, unopened until today. (cant you feel my sense of urgency?!Ha!) Riley pulled them out so I thought, what the hey, we will have a writing lesson. Riley has been able to write an "R" for a year or more now, but that's where it ended. So I was shocked when I said, "If you can learn to write your name we will go get ice cream", and gosh darnet she wrote her name!!!

Thinking I had birthed a genius, I offered a cupcake if she could multiply and it was a no go! (I kid). This seriously shocked me! I had no idea! Glad that preschool is picking up my slack! I am so proud of her and even more proud when as she was eating her ice cream she began negotiations with me..."Mommy if I write my name again can I have another ice cream?". Apple doesn't fall far from the tree with this one!

Pirate Princess

2011-03-10T07:51:00.001-08:00

Riley's preschool had pirate day today, and my little princess designed her very own costume (with a little help from mommy:-) I just love her personality these days and the fact that she is so confident just being Riley! This little girl steals my heart more and more every day!!!

Little Gym Group Playdate

2011-02-18T19:44:00.000-08:00

We were so blessed to make some wonderful friends when Riley did Little Gym last semester. The class ended in January and most of us did not sign back up for various reasons, so we decided to have a monthly playgroup date to catch up. After several cancellations due to weather, we finally made it to a pottery painting store all together and this group did not disappoint!

The above picture is Riley and sweet Tinley. These two just get along so well! Tinley is the sweetest yet funniest little girl!
Riley and Emily painting away!
I never did get a good group shot and could kick myself for it! I guess with 7 kiddos it would be a difficult shot anyways, but next time I'm really going to try!
Riley had a blast catching up with all her friends and I loved seeing all the mommies! This really is such a unique group because only Laurie and I knew each other beforehand yet we have all become good friends! We can't wait until our next playdate!
This was our souvenir from our day. A big purple horse that is now proudly displayed on my mantle! I just love anything Riley's little hands create!!!

Valentines 2011

2011-02-14T19:45:00.000-08:00

Riley was so excited about Valentines this year. I have to admit, I loath this "holiday". I feel like spontaneous surprise moments of showing love mean so much more then a defined day with the masses. However, my little love doesn't share my sentiment:-) So, we showered her in love, sugar and gifts! Daddy bought her a big girl bike (that I unfortunately have no pictures of) and I gave her Rapunzel's tower.

Riley has such an amazing giving heart. She LOVES to buy things for her friends so we stuffed these adorable goodie bags with books, play dough, treats, flutes, etc.
When it was time to "stuff" everyone's bags with Valentine's at school, Riley was the first in line and had a huge grin as she went down the line saying everyone's name.

This is Riley and her sweet little friend Lauren (isn't she precious!) They were so cute waiting on their ice-cream!
All of Riley's sweet Valentines from her friends.
I wish I had a picture of Riley's teacher, Ms. Denise. We all LOVE her! She made these sweet canvas' of the kids for all the mom's! I love her thoughtfulness!

...but I really love the sweet hand print that graces the back with a sweet verse.
Last, but not least, this was Riley's Valentine card for everyone. I couldn't have a sweeter little Valentine than Miss Riley Kai! Love isn't a strong enough word for this face!

Happy Valentine's Day !

Snowpocolypse 2011

2011-02-05T15:18:00.001-08:00

I was talking to a friend of mine who lives up north and she said," Is it really THAT bad in Texas?". Well, to people who are use to snow and ice...No. However, Texas is not equipped for these situations. We heard of the 'snow possibility' for Tuesday and thought nothing of it. We are promised snow every winter and it usually doesn't make it here. I went to the grocery store Monday night only because we were out of food, and made fun of all the people storing up for the big storm. I told Rex you would think a Snowpocolypse is coming. Well, we woke up Tuesday morning to a dusting of snow (maybe 1/2"-1") but underneath it was a solid 2" layer of ice on EVERYTHING! We had rolling blackouts for energy conservation.Schools were canceled for the week, which meant no preschool, no ballet, no kindermusic and one energetic 3 year! To say Riley has been good would be an understatement. She has been FANTASTIC! Although not really grasping why we cant go to the park or ride bikes, she has been an absolute angel and has reminded me to cherish moments like these! So what did we do all week you ask?...

It finally snowed about 5" one night, very very powdery snow, but we managed to play in it. Unfortunately, we had not planned on any ski trips this year, so Riley had no proper gear. Her Burberry wool coat and little hat didn't keep her warm for long.

However, she did manage a few snow angels.
...and loved catching a few flakes on her tongue!

We spent all our time indoors. We played a lot of Wii.

Put on some of Riley's "make-ups" someone gave her for Christmas.

Watched a ton of movies.

Snuggled, snuggled, and more snuggling!

I think we read every book she owns atleast 3 times. (thankfully we went to the library and refreshed Monday!) We painted, colored,played board games cooked, cooked and cooked some more. Truly, we have had a blast! It reminded me of our days not so long ago when Riley had no outside activities and some days were spent in our pajamas...except this week every day was! We literally only changed pajamas at night after bath! Ha! We are so ready for spring now...and ready to be able to come and go as we please...but I am beyond thankful for this little blessing mother nature stowed upon us this last week. What precious memories and sweet times we had. Mostly, what a perfect reminder of what is important and to slow down and appreciate the little things in this life that pass by all too quickly! Next week shows more snow in the forecast...and honestly, I wouldn't mind one bit!

Superhero Day

2011-01-28T21:59:00.000-08:00

Riley had superhero day at school...which is not the easiest day when you have a girl. Thankfully, I had Riley watch a YouTube video of Cat Woman and she was sold! She actually helped put the outfit together (complete with a tail in the back that you cant see) and I think she is just the cutest little superhero I have ever seen!

"Pren-cils"

2011-01-25T10:35:00.001-08:00

Thanks to our friend Laurie, Riley is now a certified pretzel maker! (or "pren-cil" maker if you as her!) What a fun outing this was! We started with a little history lesson on pretzels!
Then some hand washing...
Dough Mixing...

Pretzel making...
Rolling...
Twisting...

Certificate receiving...
Showing off...
AND eating!!!

Such a fun day for my blossoming chef!!!