THESE DAYS

Royce's 9 Month Check Up

2012-01-24T17:44:00.002-05:00

My stats:
18lbs 4 oz ~ 21%ile
29 1/2 in ~ 91%ile

Glimpse

2012-01-14T23:55:00.008-05:00

I have recently received a handful of pictures from my sweet husband. Helps the kids and I better understand what the world looks like right now through his eyes. From children, food, and transportation this is the life he sees. I love him dearly and am beyond proud of him.

Snow Monsters

2012-01-08T01:22:00.008-05:00

Since there is no snow at our house we drove to the mountains (Big Bear) and found some. While there we piled all three kids into the sled and sent them on their merry little way. Two out of three thought the ride was fun. One however, was very vocal in letting us know he did not enjoy it one bit. Ryker made snow angels, Lena wanted to be buried in snow, and Royce just wanted to sit on the snow with his Momma.

Dear Grandad

2012-01-08T01:04:00.002-05:00

Thank you for coming out to visit us for Christmas. We love you!

Merry Christmas

2012-01-08T00:55:00.005-05:00

Our family on Christmas day.

Ryker with his presents.

Lena with her presents.

Royce with his presents.

love.these.three

Thanksgiving Collage

2011-11-24T19:31:00.003-05:00

Ryker made this at school earlier this week. He is his Daddy's son.

Dear Grammy

2011-11-22T00:48:00.002-05:00

Thank you for coming out to visit. We love you!

Marine Corps Mechanized Museum

2011-11-22T00:42:00.004-05:00

Ryker and Lena had a blast climbing into all the vehicles that were on display.

Beach Life

2011-11-22T00:17:00.008-05:00

We were able to spend a couple of days & nights at a beach cottage down in Southern California. We enjoyed the Pacific Ocean and embraced the mounds of sand that came with living on the beach. The ocean water was freezing cold. The marshmallow roast was blazing fun. The time spent together was completely precious.

Hoover Dam

2011-11-21T23:51:00.004-05:00

We made a quick (went out of our way) pit-stop to view the dam on our way home from Laughlin. Talk about an amazing way to manage water.

USMC Birthday Ball

2011-11-20T01:01:00.015-05:00

We celebrated the 236th birthday of the Marine Corps in Laughlin, NV.

I love my Marine!

The Marine Corps is all about tradition, tradition, and tradition and I love this about the Corps. One of the traditions that takes place at every birthday ball is the cake cutting ceremony. The tradition of the passing of the cake is that the first slice of cake goes to the oldest Marine present who then passes the cake on to the youngest Marine present. This symbolizes the old and experienced Marines passing their knowledge to the new generation of Marines.

Rhett with a few of the Marines from Company C. Take notice that the guidon (Suicide Charley) was taken to the Ball and could not be left out of the picture.

G-O-A-L

2011-11-20T00:15:00.008-05:00

This was Ryker's first year to play soccer.
Team Name: Hammerheads
Team Color: Red, Black & Grey
Head Coach:
First half of the season, Coach Shaun.
Second half of the season, Coach Lori (me).
Team Record: 0 Losses, 1 Forfeit, 5 Wins
Ryker's Jersey Number: 2
Soccer Goals: Every game he scored at least 1 goal.
Most Soccer Goals In A Game: 3
Ryker's Favorite Position: on the line (attacker)

Rice, Rice, Baby

2011-11-20T00:13:00.001-05:00

Happy Halloween

2011-11-19T23:52:00.004-05:00

A Storm Trooper, Elephant & Bee; oh my!

Trunk/Trick or Treating

Giving Thanks

2011-11-02T13:54:00.024-04:00

From now until Thanksgiving each day I will be posting something we are thankful for. At least that's the plan.

Nov 1- We are thankful for our Daddy. Thankful for men and women who serve our great nation alongside our Marine. We are also thankful that our Daddy makes the best breakfast pancakes.

Nov 2- We are thankful for the gift of music. I love to hear the kids singing and playing their musical instruments. We love turning on our iPod (radio, whatever), crank the volume up and sing & dance. Two of Ryker & Lena's favorite songs currently are: Baby Bumble Bee & 5 Little Monkeys Swinging From A Tree. Three of mine are: Open Hands by Matt Papa, Sparks Fly by Taylor Swift & Closer by Shawn McDonald.

Nov 3- We are thankful for the ability to skype. It is great to be able to video call our family and friends that live in other parts of the country. This technology makes us feel as though our loved ones are not so far away. On rare occasions we have had the opportunity to skype with Daddy when he is away for work. This is of course a huge blessing to not only talk with him, but see him. What will they think of next?

Nov 4- We are thankful for our three beautiful children God has given us. Each one has their own unique personality and adds an element of life to our family. Our little people are the best. They are loved deeply and are growing quicker than imaginable.

Nov 5- We are thankful for the library. It is a treat for the kids to check out books and dvds. It is a treat for Mom and Dad to get to read "new" books or watch "new" movies with the munchkins.

Nov 6- We are thankful for The Original Slow Cooker. That's right, the Crock-Pot. A quick, easy, and convenient way to cook. Thanks to our Crock-Pot for serving this family up with White Chili tonight.

White Chili:
1 lb chicken, cooked (either cubed or shredded)
3 15-oz cans Navy or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
2 41/2-oz cans diced green chilies, undrained
1/2 small onion, chopped
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/4-1 tsp cayenne pepper, to taste
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp bottled minced garlic (3 cloves)
Place beans in crock-pot; mash slightly with a potato masher. Add the rest of the ingredients to the crock-pot. Cover and cook on low 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Nov 7- We are thankful for friends that come and visit us. We currently are waiting the arrival of two of our college friends, Seth & Heather. We will get to meet their little baby girl and spend a few days hanging out. (We are thankful for our friends that haven't been out to visit us too.) We love our friends and are blessed to have such a great group of people that fit in this category.

Nov 8- We are thankful for Diet Dr Pepper. Well, to be honest it's just me that is thankful for it. Not very many days go by without me getting a DDP fix.

Nov 9- We are thankful for Grammy, Rhett's Mom. She arrived at our house tonight and will be babysitting her 3 beautiful grandbabies tomorrow night.

Nov 10- We are thankful that our niece, Ellie was born 2 years ago today. Happy Birthday to you! We are also thankful that 236 years ago today the United States Marine Corps was established. Happy Birthday Marines! Semper Fi.

Nov 11- We are thankful for homemade salsa; courtesy of my parents. It rocks any restaurant salsa, jar salsa or any other homemade salsa. Thanks Mom & Dad for the worlds best salsa.

Nov 12- We are thankful for our Canon EOS digital camera. It takes the most amazing pictures and captures most moments of our lives.

Nov 13- We are thankful for cooler weather. It has been nice to need a light jacket after enduring the smoldering heat the last few months.

Nov 14- We are thankful for the Pacific Ocean. We will stay the night at a beach cottage tonight and wake up to waves and sand in the morning.

Nov 15- We are thankful for our toys. To be more specific, Ryker is thankful for his toy G.I. Joe "Marine" Jeep. Lena is thankful for her toy baby puppies. Royce is thankful for teething toys.

Nov 16- We are thankful The Office is still as funny as ever. Even without Michael Scott (Steve Carell).

Nov 17- We are thankful for our family. Our parents, siblings, grandparents, in-laws, nephews, niece, aunts, uncles, & cousins. We have some of the greatest in the world.

Nov 18- We are thankful for stuff crust pizza. This is by far Ryker's favorite kind of pizza and to be honest his Mom & Dad think it's pretty great tasting too.

Nov 19- We are thankful for antibacterial wipes. Enough said.

Nov 20- We are thankful for nap time. It is a wonderful recharge time for all in our house.

Nov 21- We are thankful for nature. There is no such thing as too much outdoors for this family, well almost no such thing. The new found nature we have discovered are rocks or should I say climbing rocks. There is a National Park that is close to our house that is perfect for just this type of thing.

Nov 22- We are thankful for being married 8 years, 5 months, and 2 days. Life without the other is just not imaginable.

Nov 23- We are thankful for the feast we are preparing to eat tomorrow. I am looking forward to eating pineapple cheese ball and Rhett is looking forward to eating the turkey, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy...everything.

Nov 24- Happy Thanksgiving!! We are thankful for the gift of life given to us through Jesus Christ.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-31T02:32:00.004-04:00

Drivers License

2011-10-31T02:22:00.005-04:00

Whose got the keys to the Jeep? Lena.

Her first crash. Look at her sweet face, it has oops, I'm sorry written all over it. Ryker's is however like ha, we just crashed Mom.

Happy Birthday

2011-10-31T01:57:00.006-04:00

Miss Lena is TWO! She had a pink ladybug cake that she blew the candles out on all by herself. This is an example of just how "independent" she is. We love her bold personality and her love for nurturing. A few of her favorite things are: holding baby dolls, picking flowers, playing in the dirt & water = mud, coloring, horses, eating raisins, and playing with big brother and little brother. We absolutely love you Lena!

Jaimee's Run

2011-10-28T00:43:00.013-04:00

In support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation we did this particular 5K benifit run. The slogan for this run; fight cystic fibrosis, run happy, eat gummy bears. I will add that we did walk the 5K while yes, eating gummy bears. It was a great race. Our friends and their families joined in the benifit "walk" too. Ryker participated in the 1K gummy bear race and did awesome.

The crew walking the 5K.

Eating some gummy bears while participating in the race.

Ryker running in his race. Mom's running alongside him cheering for her boy to run, run, run.

Ryker crossing the finish line.

Ryker with his teddy bear prize for completing the race.

The girls from left to right: Ms Pam, Rachel, Lindsey, Lori & Laura

Group photo-
bottom row left to right: Caleb, Lilly, Kylee, Brooklynn, Ryker & Trey
top row left to right: Adam, Laura, Ms Pam, UMA, Mr Tim, Lindsey, Nathan, Rachel, Royce, Rhett, Lena & Lori

Super Heros

2011-10-28T00:37:00.003-04:00

Watch out---here comes Spiderman and his side-kick Optimus Prime. I found these costumes at a local thrift store and the kids have had the best time battling the evil forces that lurk around our home.

3 Little Monkeys...

2011-10-28T00:31:00.002-04:00

swinging as happy as can be.

4WD

2011-10-28T00:21:00.004-04:00

Our own personal ad campaign for Honda. Love, LOVE my Pilot! This picture is taken at the National Park close to our house.

Lake Havasu

2011-10-24T00:44:00.007-04:00

We had a mini-weekend vacation to try and escape the heat. The temperature was actually hotter there, but at least we had the lake water to cool off in.

Pre-K

2011-10-24T00:42:00.002-04:00

Here's my boy on his first day of school this year.

Welcome Back...

2011-10-20T18:31:00.004-04:00

from the field Rhett. He was gone for 3 weeks with his battalion doing a training exercise. When he arrived back to the base we drove to see him for a few quick minutes. Then it was back to work for this Marine.

Bath Boy

2011-10-20T18:28:00.002-04:00

H2O

2011-08-14T00:30:00.007-04:00

Water activities rule in the desert. Ryker & Lena love the slip n slide, kiddie pool and sun bathing. Royce however chooses to sleep yet again.

Dunk Tank

2011-08-14T00:08:00.008-04:00

Rhett's work had a family day with all sorts of different activities; bounce house, water slide, rock climbing wall, mechanical bull. One popular activity was the dunk tank. The Lt Col, Sgt Maj, Company Commanders & 1st Sgts were the men in the tank. Here's Rhett taking his turn sitting at the tank. A few times bantering went on between those who chose to take a turn at dunking him. Ryker even took a turn at dunking his Daddy. For 1 ball it was $1. Money raised goes towards the Marine Corps Birthday Ball in November.

UMA

2011-08-13T23:58:00.003-04:00

Our dear friends, Adam & Laura, have recently adopted their first child. It has been such a joy to be apart of this journey with them. Obstacles arose and many people doubted, but our God is far greater than man. We were fortunate enough to finally meet "UMA" for the first time a few days ago. We are thrilled for this family and excited that Royce has a new friend.

Swim Lessons

2011-08-13T23:53:00.004-04:00

For a big part of the summer Ryker has been learning to swim. He has worked hard and has discovered how to do many different swimming skills. Here he is doing the back float.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

2011-08-13T23:45:00.008-04:00

We ascended two and one half miles into the wilderness on the world's largest rotating tramcar. It was an amazing view and the weather was perfect once we reached the top. The kids actually wore jackets due to the cool breeze. We hiked a trail, climbed rocks and simply enjoyed the view.

Nocturnal

2011-08-13T02:27:00.004-04:00

We had a friendly visit from a bat. "Animal Control" or something of the like came and removed the bat from our front entry way. We were told the bat would go back to the animal control office where it would be given a wet cotton ball in case it was dehydrated. Then would be released back out into its natural environment at dusk. This was some seriously cool excitement for Ryker.

Color Blue

2011-08-13T02:20:00.002-04:00

It has taken almost 2 years for Miss Lena to acquire her beautiful blonde hair. In less than 2 seconds she almost destroyed it. She put homemade blue putty on top of her head. Thank goodness for Superhero Peanut Butter that came to the rescue.

Battalion Hike

2011-08-13T02:13:00.003-04:00

1/7 did a hike several weeks ago. Here is a photo of Rhett with Company C during the hike.

Little R

2011-08-07T22:46:00.007-04:00

He reminds me most days of Ryker when he was this age, especially when he is wearing Ryker's old clothes. It's a little too much deja vu at times. Royce has began smiling, cooing, laughing, rolling over, attempting sitting up and standing. He is a wonderful baby boy who is growing up fast. (Okay, I must admit the middle picture is Ryker. He is around the same age of Royce in the picture).

Pure Sweetness

2011-08-07T22:45:00.002-04:00

Rub -A-Dub-Dub

2011-08-07T22:42:00.003-04:00

3 kids in a tub.

Here's Looking At You

2011-08-07T22:40:00.002-04:00

Sibling Love

2011-08-07T22:37:00.002-04:00

Royce is blessed to have Ryker & Lena. They love him so much that sometimes it hurts, literally...the hugs can be a little too tight.

8

2011-08-07T22:33:00.002-04:00

The number of years we have been married. This year we celebrated by going out to dinner with the kids at The 29 Palms Inn.

Change of Command

2011-08-07T00:21:00.005-04:00

The kids and I attended Rhett's Change of Command ceremony. At this ceremony he became the Company Commander of Company C 1st Battalion 7th Marines. The standard strength (number) for a Marine rifle company is approximately 190 Marines. The company consists of 3 rifle platoons, 1 weapons platoon & a headquarters section. Company C has a great legacy and is often referred to as Suicide Charley. The skull & crossbones is a symbol used when referring to Company C. Due to the unique history of this company it has two guidons instead of the normal number of one.

Big Bear

2011-08-06T00:07:00.004-04:00

We took a weekend vacation to Big Bear. It was a good get-a-way trip from the trailer that we were living in. It was tons of fun. We went to a mini-Zoo where we saw and heard a wolf howl, went to the lake, and simply enjoyed being together as a family. Rhett, Ryker and Lena are on the top of the rocks in the picture below. They are tiny specks.

Happy Father's Day

2011-08-06T00:05:00.001-04:00

To one of the BEST Dad's out there---We love you!!

Soccer Camp

2011-08-06T00:02:00.003-04:00

Ryker attend a British soccer camp this summer. He is definitely a lefty through and through. He will play in a micro-soccer league this Fall.

Suit Up

2011-08-05T19:30:00.004-04:00

Since arriving in the desert swimsuits have become a regular attire for the kids. I mean what's a child to do in 100+ degree weather outside besides play in the water. For Royce the thing to do instead is sleep.

Trailer Park

2011-08-05T19:22:00.003-04:00

I would have never imagined living in a two bedroom trailer with our family of 5, but that is exactly what we did the first month we arrived in California while waiting for a house to open up on the base. With only the things packed in our car we roughed it for 30 days. Here is a view of our cottage. (That's the classy way of saying trailer.)

Grand Canyon National Park

2011-08-05T19:10:00.005-04:00

Our crazy idea: Let's stop and see the Grand Canyon with our little people. Yes, it was a beautiful view of God's creation, but as our children got close to the edge to "get a better view" there were no railings or anything of the like between them and "the plunge of death" drop off. We ALL survived the hike of the canyon. A well worth detour on our way to California.

Namesake

2011-07-28T00:32:00.003-04:00

All 3 of our children have been named after someone in our family. Ryker Abram; after Rhett's Great Grandfather. Lena Amaris, after Lori's Great Grandmother. Royce Aymon; after Rhett's Grandpa (Pa). This is a special moment captured of Royce with his namesake, Great Pa Raymond.

Our Extended Family

2011-07-27T23:53:00.014-04:00

Along the way on our cross country drive we stopped and visited family in: Kansas, Oklahoma, & Arizona. Here is a quick glimpse at some of OUR GREAT FAMILY!!

Top to bottom:
*Cousins Tristan & Ean
*Great Aunt Peggy
*Grandma & Grandpa
*Uncle Kevin
*Cousin Ellie
*Great Grandad & Great Gran
*Grandad
*Grammy
*Cousins Brock, Brandon & Bryce
*Pa & Granna
*Cousin Lauren & Great Aunt Regina

BirthDAY

2011-07-13T01:06:00.003-04:00

On Ryker's actual birthday we had made it to Kansas. Grandma made Ryker a dino big cookie cake. My Mom makes the best cookie cake ever. She made big cookies for my brothers and me growing up, so it was neat that she was able to make one for him too.

Sleepover

2011-07-13T01:00:00.003-04:00

While driving cross country we made several stops staying the night in a hotel. One night the kids laid down together. Makes this Mom's heart melt to see her sweet babies all snug together.

Graduation

2011-07-13T00:52:00.002-04:00

Rhett graduated from EWS (Expeditionary Warfare School) on May 12. I am proud of my Marine.

Friendship

2011-07-13T00:34:00.006-04:00

In just 10 short months we have found the most wonderful friends. We are lucky enough that a few of them will be moving with us to California. We will greatly miss those who won't be coming to the west coast.
1st photo right to left: Kelli, Rachel, Leah, Lori, Christi, & Nancy
2nd photo right to left: Evan, Norah, Alex, Hannah, Lena, Wesley, & Ryker

Royce's Dedication

2011-07-13T00:20:00.003-04:00

On our last Sunday in Virginia, which also happened to be Mother's Day, we had Royce dedicated. By dedicating our son, this is an outward sign that we will raise him to the best of our abilities in the light of our Lord and Savior. He has given us the gift of life and life from sin and one day we pray that our children will find the sweetness of having Jesus as their Redeemer.

Two Wheeler

2011-07-13T00:14:00.004-04:00

Ryker has wanted us to take the training wheels off of his bike for quite some time. We didn't think he would be ready for such a thing. Then one day Ryker asked if he could ride his friend, Dominique's bike that has two wheels. Rhett agreed to let him try it out. Almost immediately he was off and riding without help, so of course no more training wheels on his bike now.

Transformers---

2011-07-11T23:43:00.012-04:00

more than meets the eye. This was the theme of Ryker's fourth birthday. That's right our little man is 4! We are blessed to have him as our son. He has such a wild, carefree spirit and is always full of energy. Love, love our Ryker.
P.S. I had a good time making his Autobot cake and he had fun putting the Bumblebee and Optimus Prime toothpicks in the cupcakes.

BTW

2011-07-11T01:04:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts. I have a number of excuses.
#1 I have 3 kids.
#2 I have 3 kids.
#3 Packed up May 9, load out May 12, and drove cross county to California.
#4 Lived in a trailer for the month of June.
#5 Finally moved into our home June 29.
#6 Movers delivered all those brown boxes June 30.
#7 Still trying to unpack and organize.

**More post will follow in the days to come. I have lots of catching up to do.

HMX 1 : Marine One

2011-07-11T00:35:00.007-04:00

The SgtMajor that Rhett use to work with in Georgia, was having his Relief & Appointment ceremony from his current position in Virginia. We were invited to attend. After the ceremony we were able to tour the President's helicopters. We were able to walk inside the choppers, but could not take cameras in. The Marine standing guard allowed Ryker to have Mr. Obama's specially made M&M's. How cool is that!? The box was filled only with red, white & blue chocolate M&M's and had the presidents seal and his signature copied on it.

Egg Hunt

2011-05-02T21:32:00.003-04:00

Ryker and Lena searched for eggs in our backyard while Royce dreamed about being able to join them in the hunt.

Happy Easter

2011-05-02T21:24:00.003-04:00

BIG Brother & BIG Sister

2011-04-26T13:37:00.004-04:00

Ryker and Lena have been the best big siblings a little brother could ask for. Here are a few things that the big R and big L have been doing since little R has been born.
*Calling him Royce-ce boy and baby.
*Rocking him in the car seat and sometimes a little too fast for Mom & Dad's liking.
*Using his blankets for themselves.
*But mostly their #1 thing they LOVE doing is holding their brother!!

Home Bound

2011-04-26T13:35:00.002-04:00

Here is Rhett, Royce and I before leaving the hospital & Royce in the car seat wearing his own outfit. Let's be honest, this very well might be one of the few things he wears that big brother has not already broken in for him.

Grandparents

2011-04-26T13:32:00.002-04:00

My parents came out for the birth of Royce. It was wonderful having them here!

Fidelis Five

2011-04-26T13:14:00.006-04:00

Hello World

2011-04-26T12:22:00.004-04:00

It's a BOY! Royce Aymon was born on 17 April 2011 at 0138. Weighing in at 9 pounds 3 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long.

Game Time

2011-04-26T12:17:00.003-04:00

My sweet boy Ryker & I giving the thumbs up as baby #3 is ready to make his/her debut. We took a photo like this almost 19 months ago when I was heading to the hospital to give birth to Lena.

On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!

2011-04-09T14:49:00.006-04:00

Lena enjoys riding her tricycle. She is still working on perfecting using the pedals, but over all she is pretty good at moving her bike down the road.

Ryker and his friends, Andy & Wesley, at the starting line getting ready to race one another down the back alley on their bicycles.

The Final Coutdown

2011-03-25T20:13:00.003-04:00

Today marks 36 weeks of pregnancy for me, which means April 22 is only a few weeks away. We are ready to meet Mr or Miss baby #3. We would love to hear what your guess is on the gender and the birthday. According to Ryker the baby is a boy and will come on April 22 since that is what I have marked on his calendar in his room. Lena however is clueless to the fact that her world is about to get shook up by a baby sibling.

The Razor Scooter

2011-02-18T20:32:00.004-05:00

The season of Winter and the Christmas gift of a scooter is not the best mix. Only because it is cold & wet outside which then limits the amount of riding time a certain little boy has to practice his skills and tricks. Today was a warm 70+ degrees outside, perfect for scooter riding. Ryker has become quite good in a short amount of time at mastering his Razor. Hence the unique dismount at the end.

Georgetown Cupcake

2011-02-12T20:58:00.006-05:00

This is one place I have wanted to go before leaving the DC area. Today we went so I can now check it off of my list. We had to stand in line outside for about 10 minutes (it is always busy like that according to one of the workers), but it was worth the wait. My cupcake was, um, well, DELICIOUS!! Rhett had the peanut butter fudge cupcake, Ryker had the chocolate birthday cupcake, and I had (Lena ate some of mine) red velvet cupcake.

In Da'Backyard

2011-02-12T20:48:00.003-05:00

We caught a glimpse of what warmer weather feels like a few days ago. Well I should say warm enough weather to wear only light jackets outside. Ryker had a blast digging and driving cars in the mud. Lena had a blast as well by eating the mud. No, I did not take a picture of her with a mouthful of gritty-mud. This is a pre-mud lunch picture of little L.

The 4-Pack

2011-02-12T20:37:00.005-05:00

We had a date night last weekend with three other couples at The Melting Pot. Rhett & I had never been to this restaurant. It is a fondue place and it was tasty. It was fun to enjoy a night out with good friends and "child-free".
Front to back on left: Pete, Rachel, Nate, & Lindsey
Front to back on right: Rhett, Lori, Laura, & Adam

Train Station

2011-02-12T20:33:00.003-05:00

There was a train display down at the station by our house. Ryker was able to operate one of the trains while Lena enjoyed watching it chug down the track.

Kris- - -

2011-02-12T20:17:00.004-05:00

is our very dear friend. Lucky for us he was in the area for work and was able to swing by our house for a quick visit one evening. The kids were thrilled he was here. They were practically fighting for his attention. We loved having him, but missed his wife, Tracy & their two sweet kids, Ivy & Miles.

Miss Marine

2011-01-31T09:42:00.005-05:00

Ryker has a camouflage helmet. He enjoys wearing it, but so does his little sister.

Baby # Tres

2011-01-27T20:47:00.003-05:00

I decided to take an artistic shot of the baby and myself. I took this photo about two weeks ago when I was 26 weeks pregnant.

Lena's 15 Month Check Up

2011-01-26T13:46:00.001-05:00

My Stats:
23 lbs 6 oz ~ 54%ile
33 in ~ 98%ile

SNOW

2011-01-10T21:40:00.006-05:00

It snowed at our house and the kids loved playing out in it. Ryker went sledding, had snowball fights, made snow angels, tasted the snow, made a snowman, shoveled snow, anything you can think of snow related he probably did. Lena went sledding and would pick up the snow, but that is about the extent of her snow day. Tons of fun was had and we are looking forward to more snow to come.

Football Star

2011-01-10T21:33:00.003-05:00

This is my favorite football player. He is sporting his new jersey, KC Chiefs.

Family Photo

2011-01-10T21:28:00.002-05:00

This is how we now take photos---with silly faces. Ryker requests that he be able to make a silly face if he is being photographed. Merry Christmas to all!!

Pre-Christmas Photo

2011-01-06T20:52:00.003-05:00

Here are Ryker & Lena sitting in front of our Christmas tree the night before we opened up presents.

Santa's Visit

2011-01-06T20:45:00.002-05:00

Rhett had a work Christmas party and who else showed up other than ol' Saint Nick. Ryker told Santa what he wanted---a football helmet and football jersey. Lena however wanted nothing to do with Santa---she was all tears at just the sight of him.

Baby #3

2010-12-03T14:52:00.004-05:00

We had an ultrasound today. Baby looks great. We were able to see 10 fingers and 10 toes. We also got a great profile view BUT we chose not to find out the sex of the baby. Come April 22-ish we should know if baby is a brother or a sister.

Computer Wiz

2010-11-30T11:53:00.004-05:00

Lena was sitting up while using the 'computer' but decided to get a little more comfortable while doing her 'work'. This made us laugh and then I reached for the camera.

Advent 2010

2010-11-29T21:02:00.005-05:00

This past Sunday our family was asked to participate in the lighting of the candle for Advent. Rhett read Isaiah 11:1-11 and Ryker & I lit the first candle, symbolizing Hope. This season we are reminded that more is yet to come. We are to be a light.

O Emmanuel, Jesus Christ, desire of every nation, Savior of all peoples, come and dwell among us. -Victor Hoagland

Second Cousin Group Photo

2010-11-29T20:54:00.005-05:00

We were happy to be able to see some family over the Thanksgiving holiday. It was great having Emron & Marlene & their three kids over for a day. The children played well together and it was nice to finally meet baby Ansel. Here are the little peeps smiling for the camera and then making silly faces for the camera.
Left to right: Anya, Ryker, Lena, Moses & Ansel

Roller Coaster x 2

2010-11-28T21:47:00.002-05:00

Ryker and Lena enjoy playing together. Here is a quick glimpse of a fun idea big brother had one day. It was a huge hit with both children.

Brotherly & Sisterly Love

2010-11-22T15:06:00.003-05:00

After church on Sunday I decided to take a picture of the kids and I'm so glad I did. It is picture perfect. Ryker and Lena are standing next to each other with their arms around one another. Seeing the height difference in this picture makes me realize how big R is & how L is fast on her way to joining him.

*Oh and a quick shout out to our friend Jill who made the dress and headband that little L is wearing---isn't it adorable!? Thanks Jill.

235th USMC Birthday

2010-11-14T14:31:00.005-05:00

Rhett & I celebrated the birthday of the Marine Corps by attending the Birthday Ball last night. So proud to be the wife of this Marine!

Trick-or-Treat

2010-11-02T20:23:00.005-04:00

For weeks Ryker has told me that for Halloween he wanted to be a tree. Not sure where this idea came from, but after much research on how to create a tree costume Ryker became a 'tree'. We went to a costume party on Saturday where he wore his designer original for the first time. Lena was a flower that night. On Sunday, actual Halloween, Lena became a fairy. The little people had a great time walking the neighborhood asking for treats and even tricking at a few homes. The last picture is of Ryker with two of his friends, Hannah & Lilly, who went knocking on doors with us.

35th Marine Corps Marathon

2010-11-02T14:56:00.008-04:00

Rhett participated in the MCM on Sunday. He started in Arlington, VA and ran throughout downtown DC and finished the 26.2 miles in Rosslyn, VA next to the Iwo Jima Memorial. The kids & I took the Metro into the city to cheer him on. We were able to see him around the 16 mile mark and about 1/2 mile from the finish line. It was cram packed with people supporting the 21,923 runners. Rhett completed his first marathon with a finish time of 4 hours 15 minutes and 22 seconds. We are very proud of him.

Description of photos below:
1st picture: Ryker cheering on the runners with his friends. Left to right: Lena (in stroller), Connor, Austin, Norah, Delaney, & Ryker.
2nd picture: Rhett at around mile 16. The Lincoln Memorial is in the background.
3rd picture: Rhett about 1/2 mile from the finish line.
4th picture: Ryker giving his Daddy a high five.
5th picture: Rhett with two of his Marine friends after the finish. Left to right: Rhett, Ray, & Vail.
6th picture: Our family after the race. We all survived, hurray!

Uncle K

2010-11-01T16:56:00.003-04:00

My brother, Kevin, came to visit us last weekend. We loved having him here. The kids had a blast playing with him, especially Ryker who had him playing monster trucks non-stop.

Fall Festival

2010-11-01T16:49:00.003-04:00

Lena & I were able to join Ryker at his school for a some Fall fun. We rode on a hayride, decorated cookies, picked a pumpkin, and saw a few farm animals. It was a great day.

Sweet Potato Waffles

2010-10-27T14:50:00.002-04:00

I received this recipe from a friend in our mailbox. I have yet to make 'em since I just got it, but they sound so yummy and very suitable for a Fall breakfast.

2 cups biscuit/baking mix
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 egg
1 1/3 cups milk
1 cup sweet potatoes, mashed
2 Tbsp canola oil
1 tsp vanilla extract

In a large bowl, combine everything. Bake in preheated waffle iron until golden brown. Top with butter & honey!

Cooking News

2010-10-24T20:29:00.004-04:00

School Days

2010-10-19T10:20:00.003-04:00

Ryker is enjoying school or as he refers to it "his work". A few weeks ago were school pictures. It was the worst timing ever for a photo of him---just a few days before he had got a black eye, but you can hardly notice his eye in the picture because of the GREAT smile he gave the camera.

Pumpkin Pick'n

2010-10-19T10:18:00.002-04:00

Self Portrait

2010-10-06T14:39:00.003-04:00

At Ryker's school his class talked about how God made you and he made you wonderful! He was asked to draw a picture of himself. Here's his artwork. It is somewhat hard to see a few of the details: the circle for his head & a few other yellow lines, but overall most of the picture scanned well for blogging purposes. You can see the two eyes, nose, mouth, a line of hair on top, & the many blue lines on the bottom of the picture which are his legs---he was running fast in the picture, thus those are his legs moving according to him. Such a wonderful imagination and artistic abilities our boy has, don't you think?

Lena's 1 Year Check Up

2010-10-01T10:22:00.001-04:00

My stats:
21 lbs 2 oz ~ 75%ile
30 1/2 in ~ 90%ile

R & L's Grandparents

2010-09-30T20:54:00.003-04:00

My parents came to visit us this past week and joined us in celebrating Lena's birthday. We had such a fun time with them. We did some sightseeing, stopped at a local ice cream shop, and enjoyed playing a few board games together. It's always wonderful having family in our home.