JAR Family

Wow... 3rd times a charm!

2012-01-16T23:30:00.001-08:00

Ok... So it's gonna be quick. I've tried to post now for the 3rd time and it's getting really frustrating..

Until....

2012-01-16T23:26:00.000-08:00

I can figure out this iPad and maybe till I can figure out while the blogger won't let me update with pictures... Gonna end here. Sorry I was gonna update but am beyond frustrated! Good night! Sleep with angels.

Tractors, combines...oh my!

2011-10-27T14:51:00.000-07:00

This one is for you Grandpa Roger.
Today we were graciously invited out to my Grandma Wiedel's for lunch and then Rylan got to go ride in a GREEN combine with my Uncle (his Great Uncle) Curtis. I'm not sure if the smile was ever wiped off his face. He was so excited to ride... and was telling me all about what combines do before getting in. Mr. Know it ALL! I love this picture... Curtis made filling the bucket or whatever you call it so easy. This HUGE machine going around the cart. He was moving around it without spilling any grain or moving 500 different directions... he just simply moved around the cart like a little kid moved his tractor to fill his cart. Unbelieveable.

Rylan and Great Uncle Curtis getting in combine.

I'm ready to go.

Beautiful day to go ride in the combine. I don't think you can really see but Rylan is DRIVING the combine. He thought this was super cool and totally big stuff!

Thank you Curtis for letting him.. DRIVE and go for a ride. He told me once he got in the car that he wants to be a 'Farmer Man' He thought it was super fun and had a blast.

More..

2011-09-29T16:41:00.001-07:00

After Plot night we went and spent a day and some in Omaha.... Guess I should have gotten in this picture for a four generation picture... next time. It was great to see my grandparents!!!!

Love this picture!!

I've had my camera for a few months and some how I managed to get this shot!! My favorite!!

Wow us as a family!! Love these times!!! Gotta love Rylan's smile..ugh

We could gp on 50 walks a day! HE LOVES THEM!!! We need to go on more!

Gwama Cardece

He's too goofy!! Playing with IIIIIvy's bath toys!

Rhiannon also came up to see us! Here's the three amigos! Man when they get older... it could be trouble!

Auh the boys together at last! They LOVE playing together!!!

Plot Night! This was Daddy taking a break from polishing the new... tractor! FUN TIMES!

Playing with his cousins in Iowa.... they all play really well together. Never would know Rylan is the oldest huh?

New Dekalb photo baby! ;)

Don't Fall Over!

2011-09-29T16:21:00.001-07:00

This is the latest from us. We traveled back on Labor Day Weekend to Celebrate Jeremy's Dad's Plot Night/Customer Appreciation night for his Seed Business. After the party was over we had a cooler full of soap and water and Rylan took it upon himself to clean himself. I especially love this picture of Rylan but of Jeremy as well. It was pretty funny! Plot Night... and my first. Too bad Rylan wasn't in the picture or it could have been a good Christmas photo... especially with the port a pot behind us. :) lol.

Yes, since the last post he has in dead gotten bigger. He was a champ!!! He sometimes in the past has gotten scared at people ... not since this party! YAY!!!!

Yes, brotherly love. Rylan LOVED pushing his little brother and showing him off. It was pretty cute!

Lots of things you can learn on a farm... I guess we haven't gotten him a scooter and it was fun to watch him learn how to ride it. Took some patience from Mom but he was a pretty quick learner.

The day of Plot Night Deb asked me/us to water the flowers. I knew that would be something Rylan and I could do... or maybe Rylan just took over. This is the face he gives me a lot now. It's so funny!!!

Braxton James Baptized into the Catholic Church!

2011-07-11T10:33:00.000-07:00

To start out... this picture was a request from Rylan. He wanted a picture with Jesus. Sorry he wasn't looking but I thought it was priceless! So Daddy and Rylan at Braxton's Baptism... getting a picture with Jesus. Just about ready for the baptism... hangin' out with Grandma Debbie! I love this picture!

All my Great Aunts Chris, Idonna, and Diane. So, Braxton's Great GREAT Aunts... and boy are they! Thank you so much for coming and celebrating this special occasion with us. Love you ALL!

Grandma and Grandpa holding Braxton before he gets baptized. Thank you for coming all the way from Iowa to be here on this special day!

Great Aunt Kris took all the awesome pictures! THANK YOU! They are awesome!

Great Grandpa Roger and Great Aunt Kelli watching...

Big Brother Rylan hanging out with Grandpa Pat during the baptism.

Listening to the readings. Left to right. Godfather/Uncle Caleb, Daddy, Mommy, Braxton, and Christian Witness/Aunt Jen.

Love this picture too... Baptismal Candle.

Yes, Braxton was OUT during the ceremony.

Blessing his heart.

Baptize you in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I am not sure any baby just let's someone pour water over their head. Braxton did and it was so cute cause Father was like... well did everyone get their pictures? CUTE! Also, Father was asking Dad about different things for Dad to get Father. He was like Pat you are doing such a great job you might need to get on the payroll. It was funny cause my Dad was just handing him things. We love you Father!!!

Blessing his head....still asleep.

Uncle Caleb lighting Braxton's Candle.

Now out in the church before the alter. What a true blessing baptism is.

Thank you Father for coming to our rescue and Baptizing Braxton for us. Also thank you Caleb and Jenny for being there with us as well! Love you all!

Our whole family. Great Grandparents, Grandparents, Mommy, Daddy, and Big (Passed out)Brother Rylan.

Daddy and Braxton...

Our Family

He's Out! Lots of work being a big brother.

Thank you all who could make it to Braxton's Baptism!

Congratulations to my cousin Casie and her Husband Tyler!!!

2011-07-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

The pictures are a little backwards... but so am I! :) Apparently the music was too loud for Rylan.

So, you had to have been there and I don't even remember the song but the parents were making the babies dance dirty and as you can see they didn't think it was as funny as the adults!

Us... without kids. I look at this picture and it seems so weird to me.

Three babies all born 6 weeks apart. First Ike on the left, then Miss Ivy, then baby Braxton! My sister Rhiannon got all the kiddos outfit not all matching but in the same colors. Leave it to her to think of this and it was so nice not figuring out what the boys were going to wear. AND they all looked SO CUTE!

The sleeping babies and the nursing Momma's.

Bride and Groom came in and the big boys couldn't miss a beat... had to come in and check out what was going on. Love this picture! Oh and the YUMMY cake behind them.

Mr. and Mrs. Rust entering the recpetion.

Mom aka the photographer. She took pictures of EVERYTHING this whole weekend!!! She even got a picture of my brother Caleb, Mike, Becca, and Ivy getting into the car. ARE YOU SERIOUS?! lol

Casie and her Father Eldon walking her down the aisle. AND we hear at the reception that just moments before this picture a SNAKE slithered right by them. I would have FLIPPED OUT!!!! Of course not Casie... calm!

Congratulations Tyler and Casie! You are a beautiful couple and will have a very happy life together! Love you! Your wedding was beautiful. Thank you for letting us celebrate your special day!

Braxton James

2011-05-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

These two ladies were my AMAZING nurse and my AWESOME Doctor. It truly was an AMAZING experience. My epidural was PERFECT, my doctor that I was seeing was gone.. and this one came to my rescue... and was amazing, and my nurse was fabulous. After I delivered I told my mom that if they could promise me the exact same experience I would have 10 more kids. Honestly, that is how awesome it all was. I am truly blessed! Auh, after my first bath.... look at all that BLONDE hair. He was for sure a treat at the hospital because EVERYONE had to see his BLONDE hair. I guess you don't see that much! :) He came into the world at 2:19pm (I think) and 6 lbs. 14 oz. 20 inches long.

Meet our new Addition!

2011-05-02T15:18:00.000-07:00

April 2nd, 2011 we welcomed in our 2nd little boy Braxton James. We had a very tough time picking out a name... as we thought for sure he was going to be a little girl. Sad but true. So, of course we didn't have a name for him right away. The two names we were deciding from was Braylen or Braxton. After much debate we asked Rylan about the two names and honestly he couldn't say Braylen so Braxton it was... I liked Braxton better anyway.. more MANLY! :) James is after my grandpa. Finally after I was able to talk with my grandpa about naming him after him he said now Andrea if I had a say in this I think I really have people fooled. NO, not right at all. He is a WONDERFUL MAN!!! We are so proud to name him after a true hero!! Thanks Grandpa for being the person you are!

Getting Ready for Baby!

2011-03-31T20:34:00.000-07:00

As requested here are pictures of me. They aren't close ups... for a reason! I think I actually felt good this day.. hence the reason I asked Jeremy to take a picture. I was impressed with myself! Now Baby Richardson... please come anytime!!!!!!!! We are all so excited to meet you! I AM READY!!!!!

Rylan now is saying... well yesterday that he wants a baby Brother! Every other day he says he wants a baby SISTER! We will see. The envelope is still in our office and neither Jeremy or I have looked.

Rylan picked up my baby magazine and loved looking at all the pictures! He sat on the couch looking honestly for probably 10 minutes. He was so interested!

Reminds me of Grandpa Jimmy!

2011-03-31T20:33:00.000-07:00

This was so cute... yes RIGHT in front of the tv. This reminds me of Grandpa Jimmy because he always finds different "things" to prop his head up on. Made me smile! Love you Grandpa!!

Come again...SOON!

2011-03-31T20:26:00.000-07:00

My Brother and his Girlfriend came out for their spring break. It wasn't a hot swimsuit spring break but we had a good time. Unfortunately, Rylan basically was sick for the whole week but we still managed to get to go and do a few things. Abby and Caleb did go out and find different things that are so close to our house. I think their favorite thing they did was go to Bogus and go sledding. I was happy Rylan went to school as we didn't think he could go and Jeremy went with them. I loved to see him out of the store having a good time. Thank you Abby & Caleb! We miss you and Rylan says all the time... Abby and Caleb coming to visit! Breaks my heart... but he really had a good time with them. Bitter sweet! We loved having them and they were SO easy to have stay. Come back SOON!!!!

Working Out with Uncle Caleb!

2011-03-31T20:23:00.001-07:00

I wish I had my camcorder close because the amount of laughter that came out of these two guys made us all laugh! Bench

Zoo Boise

2011-03-31T20:14:00.000-07:00

This one is for my mom... yeah I couldn't get too close to it... YUCK! Funny little turtle. He loved this and I loved the glasses!

I didn't get a good picture of the goat like biting Rylan's hand but they did. It was funny and Rylan thought it was hilarious! you know when you are a germ freak when I can handle buying him the food and letting this happen. Thanks Uncle Caleb! Thank goodness for hand sanitizer!

Loved the little park at the zoo.

Prairie dog hole/tunnel... yes that is Caleb in the way back.

Giraffe slide Rylan loved!

We managed to make a trip to the zoo. It was a little chilly and they don't have all the animals out yet but we still had fun.

Boise State!!

2011-03-31T20:09:00.001-07:00

Kinda weird that I am a huge HUSKER fan but never have been down on the field at the Husker Stadium. We have been in Boise for almost 5 months and I've already been on the turf! Thanks to our employee for being a trainer for Boise State... we got to walk right out onto the field!

Rylan was a little under the weather still but we had fun and he ran the length of the field. Good thing Caleb and Abby were here to chase after him!

Last but not least... Thomas!

2010-12-18T19:40:00.000-08:00

These are the tracks that Mommy and Daddy have a love/HATE relationship with. As you can see he started making his own track. We tell him they need to stay this way (well finished) and that he can't take them apart. It lasts about 30 minutes and then he builds them himself. Which most of the time the trains find themselves UNDER the couch. Real fun! He thinks it's the best thing but for us it's rather annoying. He can sit there for an hour playing but then when he takes them apart is when we start hating them. :( Good entertainment for him... for the most part!

As I write he sees this and he's like THOMAS... I wanna play with Thomas. Nope, he's not listening so he can't play with him. Then he just said I'll be good in church Mommy! The first and both times that Thomas was taken away for a weekwas because he's not good in church. So, we will see how tomorrow ends up. No Thomas until after Church....maybe!

Christmas Tree 2010

2010-12-18T19:35:00.000-08:00

I'm not for fake trees but this year we just don't have room for a big tree or real tree so a little decorative tree will just have to do. Rylan LOVES it! Not in that location now but it was the best place for that time and for the picture! :) Cheese!

This is our little Chirstmas tree this year. :(

1st Day of 'School' 2010

2010-12-18T19:18:00.000-08:00

Before going to school! Mommy & Rylan....

Daddy & Rylan...

and No picture in front of the school because he won't allow it! :( It would be a really cute picture too because there are penguins... whatever kids will be kids!

Going thru pictures

2010-12-18T19:16:00.000-08:00

I found this picture tonight that I forgot I had. this is a great picture of my Great Grandpa's family. We miss you Grandpa!

Going to Build a Snowman... with GrandMA!

2010-12-18T18:58:00.000-08:00

Getting ready to go build a snowman with Grandma. She didn't have the clothes but Rylan did so off they went. Yes, those pants are Mommy's old pants. Fit him and they work so why buy new?...don't look too close! They show their age. Two Best Friends going to head out and build a snowman!

This is funny because I didn't ever realize that all the outdoor stuff we did with my dad. Not everything but snowman building.. definately NOT my Mother! She asked me... Andrea how do you start a snowman. I think my look on my face was priceless. Are you serious... start rolling. Well they did it their own way and just packed it on.

Not the most porportional but it's being made.

Finished product! Rylan was so proud. Just until the other day the snowman was still there. When it melted away he was very sad!

No, we didn't have any buttons so why won't cucumbers work? I told my Mom the he looked like Snoopy. He did have arms I just didn't get the picture of it. They couldn't go in without putting RYLAN's hat on the snowman.

Making it perfect.

Now looking at it.. it was the same size as Rylan. :) Fun times!!!

Even though my Mom didn't say it but I think she even had a fun time making the snowman! :)

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, CARS, Toy Story,... now THOMAS!

2010-12-18T18:51:00.000-08:00

We went shopping one day when my Mom was here and he was decent(NOT great but ok)....so we found these pj's and he was all over them. He thought this was the best thing EVER!!!! He would wear them every night if he could. I like them because they have the feet in them so he doesn't have to wear socks. AND his room I think is freezing so these are pretty warm. :) We also have been having some listening troubles lately. My mom graciously bought him a Thomas track at Kohl's (yes, and everytime we go by the Kohl's, which is everyday, he makes sure to let me know that's where he got his Thomas!) So, when he doesn't listen he doesn't get to play with them. (Thomas and Bash.. another engine) This is not fun for Rylan or I but how else am I going to teach him? I'm not sure if any of you have watched Thomas on tv before but please do and then take a shot of vodka because it's horrible! I can handle a lot of children's shows but this is bad. Sorry but it is. He loves it and I always think of my Grandpa Jim putting the trains on the tracks. :)

Ready, Set, HIKE!

2010-12-18T18:46:00.000-08:00

Well this was one of the MANY times he hiked but I think everyone would agree (well my mom, Jeremy, and I) that his main thing he liked to do is just plain out tackle. Most of the time the football was no where in site. Might have to stop playing it because he's being a little rough with his friends at school. He has another buddy Braden that I think with the both of them cause a little bit of trouble. The teacher told me she just has to keep an eye out for them because he like to tease their friends and play a little rough. :( Eek! Where's my sweet little boy?!

and he's OFF!

Our 1st Turkey

2010-12-18T18:38:00.000-08:00

I guess I did this a little backwards but whatever.. that's how I roll. We made a pumpkin pie... not my favorite but if I didn't make one that I liked (apple is my FAV) then I wouldn't eat the WHOLE thing! So, I had a slice... I could have done without! So, Jeremy, my Mom, and Rylan ate it. Nice picture Mom! Jeremy was the brave one to cut the turkey. I (and with a little of my Mother's help) made our 1st turkey and then Jeremy did the deed of cutting it up. Honestly, I don't think he missed one piece of meat on it! Good Job, Babe!

We didn't have the best knife... I told him we need the Pampered Chef knife but sometimes it goes in one ear and out the other! :)

While we are cooking this is what Rylan was doing! Yep, DISTROYING our living room! Those are all puzzle pieces and he had them EVERYWHERE! He DID pick them up... just so he could play tackle football with his Dad... and Grandma!

The FINISH product! Yes, I have to admit I was a little on the proud side! Hey Heather... like the pod in the background. :)

He's Back!

2010-12-18T18:26:00.000-08:00

Being a little bashful. Rylan pointing to Daddy and Mommy (maybe just more Daddy) We all cried but it was so good to see him!

I can't imagine how my Mom didn't loose Rylan. When she got here she had NO voice! NONE! Try keeping track of a 2 year old and can't yell.. especially in an airport! Way to go Mom! I think someone above was with you!

G. Grandpa Wiedel!

2010-12-13T19:27:00.000-08:00

At home tonight they are having a rosary for my Great Grandpa Wiedel. He went to be with the Lord and his wife on Thursday afternoon. Because flights were out of this word (and no flight gave anything reasonable of a breavement discount) so we were not able to make the flight home. I'm sure Grandpa is ok with it but I still feel horrible. I'm thinking of him and all of my family tonight and tomorrow. I love you Grandpa and thank you for all you have taught me! You amaze me and I will carry my faith and your funny jokes with me forever!! Tell Grandma hi!
I love you!

COMPLETE!

2010-12-13T19:19:00.001-08:00

Pictures of all the guys that helped. This is Jason from Corporate. There was another guy that came along however, the night before we opened he quit! Wow! This is a TERRIBLE picture of me but WHATEVER! Being prego you never really look "cute"! The guy on the right is the Head contractor of our store. Great guy!

Another pic....

YEAH, we did it! Look at this picture... do we look tired? YES, especially Jeremy! I give all the credit to him. He's worked so hard at this and I have maybe just been the cheerleader. It's hard being pregnant and trying to open a store. Everything is a blessing but a huge GOOD JOB to my husband! He rocks!

2010-12-13T18:47:00.000-08:00

The store in progess! :)

Night before opening day, I believe!

Stocking shelves and getting things ready!

Front door display.

My section of Complete Naturals. I think i took the longest because they all have to be in abc order. FUN STUFF!

Lots of work!... but fun a the same time!

Can't believe we opened the next day with this mess can you?

Fixtures went in and we priced all the product in the next bay beside us... while the contractors finished up all their stuff. We didn't have the Certificate Occupancy. So, nothing goes up until we have that otherwise we could get shut down. No time for that! :)

All the guys checking things out and enjoying a nice beverage! I of course was drinking my 7-up... as you can see on the cash wrap! :)

Fixtures waiting to be installed.

Before

Comin' together!

Jeremy checkin' to make sure the plans are going as scheduled.

All the fixtures in the next bay waiting to be installed. Sorry the pictures kind of jump everywhere!

We love you Great Grandpa!!!

2010-12-08T18:50:00.001-08:00

5 Generations!

No matter what age he still loves all his Great, Great Great Grandkids!

Another 5 Generation picture when Rylan was much younger!

My Great Grandpa will be joining the Lord and with his wife soon and for us it is very hard. He's had a great life and will never be forgotten. It's hard to let someone go that you love so much and is a rock of your family!

Thank you Grandpa for teaching me so much.. especially and most importantly thank you for being a role model of how much the Catholic Faith means to you! You have shown all of us what it is like to live successful life filled with faith and love. You have shown us how to work hard for what you want and to never give up! Even when you had your accident with your hand you kept at it. That I am sure was a huge life changing event for you. When Grandma had her stroke you had to learn how to cook. AND YOU WERE AMAZING! I will never forget your funny jokes, comments, and your smile on your face! I won't ever forget playing hide and seek in your basement and having Christmas with all of us... in ONE house ehen I was younger! YIKES! I won't ever forget you being an awesome husband caring for Grandma when she had a stroke. Thank you Grandpa for teaching me/us all how to love. I'll never forget being surprised when you came over to my parents house not long ago and you knew who I was. Surprised that your remembered me...it was a long time (too long) since I had seen you & still you remembered me! I'll never forget you!! I hope I can be 1/2 the Catholic women as you and Grandma were!!

If I don't get to your funeral because of being so far away please forgive me. It's not that I don't love you it's because I simply can't get there! :( I love you GRANDPA!!!! I'll see you again, some day in HEAVEN!

I love you!

Andrea

Our New Home!

2010-11-12T15:15:00.001-08:00

Here is the living room taking the picture from the kitchen... which I don't have a picture on my camera yet. Laundry room... goes out to the garage.

Spare bedroom. No closet but is called the "bonus" room.

Rylan's room... here ya go buddy. Here is a picture of your NEW room! When you get to your new room you also get a new big boy bed! I can't believe you are already at that age. Can't wait to see you... Mommy & Daddy Miss you like CRAZY!

Master bedroom...slowly coming together.

We had just moved in this... as you can see the mess hasn't started too much! :)

Our new little home...

We are getting moved in slowly but surely. Jeremy is at the store now and I just off the couch. My stomach has been hurting and I got sick this morning. Not sure what it is. :( Not good though! We are getting adjusted to the colder weather and everyday feels a little more like home. I do know after two days on the couch how I couldn't be a couch potato! Our first night here when we were unloading our neighbors came out and helped unload 1/2 the truck. They were VERY kind!!! The gal that came over and helped asked if she could put in some frozen lasagana in the oven for us to eat. We had just eaten but a VERY nice offer! They were really sweet! Other than that we will hopefully begin 'networking' and getting our store completed so we can open and start EARNING money instead of loosing it. It's been a little scarey on that side of things but we have to take one day at a time and know that everything happens for a reason. I am not sure how we could have opened the store on Nov. 18... they just put in the plumbing and some of the electrical work this week! Such is life!

Well I better try to get the rest of the kitchen unpacked. .... YES It seems like that is all I have been doing. I've gone to one extreme to the next. In our last house I had ample amount of space to put things in fact I couldn't fill all my cabinet space here I am trying to figure out creative ways to put everything. :) It will be fine just will take a bit to get used too! :) On a postive side of things it won't take me near as long to clean it. :) YIPPY!

Have a nice evening!

Love,

My 1st Time SURFING!!!!

2010-07-04T08:33:00.000-07:00

Here it goes.....

Rylan looks like he's done this before.... and he hasn't!

Getting up and situated!

Hi Mom! I did it! No HANDS!

Rylan was not SCARED one bit! I was a little nervous but I wanted him to do it to see what he would do and no one I would trust more than Steve! Thanks Steve you are the best!

I'm one of the big boys.... Daddy driving, another holds the flag, another makes sure the rope is good, and Steve SURFS with me!

I even know how to hold the rope!

SURFING! Opps we dropped the rope... can't tell by Steve's face can you?!

My new buddy Ely. It was really cute. Ely was awesome and showed him many new things of being a big kid and showing Rylan what to do in the boat. Rylan NEVER moved unless he was told to do so. I was in another boat so I could not do much! Thank you Ely! They could honestly be twins both blond hair and they both LOVE ABSOLUTELY LOVE the water!

Enjoying the Ride .....

Summer Fun....

2010-07-04T08:25:00.000-07:00

At Great Uncle Cory's Pool

Yep, they went under....... and he is still happy! :)

Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO! Yes, Rylan did want to go down by himself... but Uncle Caleb went instead. :) Rylan has gone down by himself but haven't caught it on camera.

Birthday... just a few MONTHS behind

2010-07-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

Here is just a few pictures from his Birthday... Yes, this is after a long birthday party... and STILL with his ballons that he LOVES! Happy Birthday to YOU, Happy Birthday to YOU, Happy Birthday Rylan.. Happy Birthday to YOU!!!! I love you BUDDY!

Giving GREAT Grandma Betty a hug before she leaves. It was so funny we could not get a good picture. Rylan is in the stage (if it is one of those stage deals) that he will NOT look at the camera. BUT the second the picture is taken he says "I see". Silly boy!

R = Rylan. 2nd year for ice cream cake. With my Dad's great suggestion of making sure the bottom is mixed up so all the sugar doesn't go to the bottom... I decided to make them into cups this year. Not real sure what is easier... but I think they were a big hit AND I think better than last year. Each cup had an R or the number 2.

He loves his ballons.... or any ball for that matter!

Display.....

The morning of his party! He didn't know what to do with all these ballons!

Cupcakes.... and yes they were suppose to be baseballs!

We had a great day! Happy Birthday Buddy! You make Mommy and Daddy very proud!

Lemonade anyone?

2010-06-07T12:17:00.000-07:00

Rylan had a blast this weekend with his cousins that came to stay for a couple days. We had a lemonade stand and believe it or not, Rylan was able to sit and wait for cars to stop...or should I say drive by as there were MANY more driving by rather than stopping:(

Getting ready for his PARTY....

2010-04-06T11:32:00.000-07:00

Mommy doesn't understand that I am ONLY 2 and she is already making me make my own cake. It wasn't hard because she at least got me a boxed cake so it was a LITTLE easier. So, I read the directions... (I read them to him and pointed so he is reading them and pointing too!) They tell me that you ALWAYS read the directions first! Then I added the ingredients... and started mixing!

This is hard work... I MIXED FOREVER! The stuff even flew up in my face a couple times.

After all the hard mixing finally I got to taste a bit... it was YUMMY!

The timer says to leave it on for 15 minutes but I made muffins so I thought I needed to check it every so often..

After they got out of the oven I just HAD to try it! I wouldn't dare feed it to all my guests without TRYING them first!

Finished product. I have to admit my Mom finished putting the frosting on... I was eating way too much of it!

Birthday at the Sitters

2010-04-06T11:26:00.001-07:00

Rylan is VERY VERY fortunate to have a loving sitter that treats Rylan as if he were hers. She has a little boy that Rylan absolutely adores and loves balls probably just as much as Rylan does. He's 9 and Rylan loves him. He also loves his sitter... Header and is calling Mommy and Daddy Header as well! Here are just a few pictures of Rylan on his Birthday day at the sitters! :)Yes he just woke up from nap... hense the sleep marks on his face!Rylan and his GF. :)

Proud Moment!

2010-03-31T19:47:00.001-07:00

So, Rylan's Birthday is this weekend so I of course HAVE to have homemade ice cream. That's just a thing I do! Last year I made an ice cream cake. After many suggestions I came up with putting the little "cakes" in cups.... you know like DAIRY QUEEN! Plus, I am trying to have a theme... balls! That is what Rylan's in LOVE with! That's what he says, wants, and does ALL THE TIME! So, all week I have wanted to get this done. Well every night I haven't felt well and last night I had a HORRIBLE migraine!
Which by the way, for those of you that get migraines I am REALLY sorry! They are horrible and I didn't know what kind of pain you go thru! AUH! And NO, I'm not PREGO! Anyway, tonight was the night I was going to make it. I pumped myself up to make it and had Rylan on my side to stay inside long enough to make it. It's really not hard you just have to be around to make sure it's done and doesn't burn up the machine. ANYWAY, here are pictures of Rylan helping..... Yes, he is VERY proud that he gets to dump the ingredients in. PLEASE DRUM ROLL........ XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX My PROJECT... ALMOST finished! I have some decorating to do to them but doesn't this look like DAIRY QUEEN'S?! Don't say it doesn't cause trust me... I KNOW IT DOES!!!!!!!!!!! If you can't tell I am a tad PROUD! Yep, layered and all. THAT IS REAL ICE CREAM AND NO SOMEONE ELSE DIDN'T DO IT! Yes, I MADE IT! I think I could have a side business so if you want me to make some for you... pay me ....good :) and I'll do it! :)

Don't act like you aren't impressed!

New Friend!

2010-03-31T19:43:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went to a friends wedding. In this picture maybe was the only time Rylan wasn't running! He found this girl sitting next to our table and wanted to sit on her lap! Nope, don't know her but I guess she was the brides mom's best friend (from High Schools)daughter. He sat on her lap for a good 20 minutes and when I tried to get him off her lap he was NOT happy! After he got off her lap he RAN and DANCED the whole night... honestly probably from 6-10!!!! CRAZY BOY! Congrats Brandi & Matt your wedding and reception was beautiful!

Rylan's NEW LOVE!

2010-03-31T19:40:00.000-07:00

Rylan LOVES his new trike... well we got it from our friends LAST year at his birthday but he is really starting to enjoy it. We walked around the block the first day and now he thinks we have to do that everyday. He's learned how to go in the street too... driving down our driveway... auh! So, when that happens usually he can't play on it anymore... which he does NOT like! He loves being outside. This day we were out it was probably around 60 but we had to get outside! This week its been nice enough we are outside from the moment we get home till dark. We do eat but it's hard to come inside to eat. :(

Easter Eggs with Cousins!

2010-03-31T19:34:00.000-07:00

Rylan's First time dyeing Easter Eggs!

Kenner & Patton joined him... it was a good time. Believe it or not... we didn't make a huge mess! They did very well. Some of the eggs were cracked but nothing was spilled and everyone had a good time!

The three Crazy boys! CHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESE! I of course wanted them all to look at me and look what they did... NONE OF THEM LOOKED AT ME!

Helping Cook

2010-03-31T19:25:00.000-07:00

Rylan has been quite the helper with cooking lately! Here he is helping me cook pancakes and another one is tator tot casserole. He's is going to be a chef some day... and when he is 5 he's gonna start making ME meals!Yes, he even has the head tilt! And NO we don't usually dress this way! :) AND NO they weren't lined up like Mommy does but it's Rylans dish and that's the way he wanted them... didn't miss a spot!

Fish Fry

2010-03-31T19:22:00.000-07:00

Kenner, Bub (aka Patton or Annie Jr.), Rylan and all of us went to a fish fry and to occupy a 1.5 hour wait Mommy was smart enough to bring enough snack to get them by. Kenner didn't want his picture taken so it's Rylan and Bub..... the one second that I could get a picture and keep them from RUNNING! :) Good FISH!

More visitors

2010-03-31T19:20:00.001-07:00

Grandma & Grandpa Kenner came because we finally got to meet Caleb's girlfriend and we had a sleep over. Rylan loved Grandma Carlece's bed for the night!

Busy Busy Busy!

2010-03-31T19:13:00.000-07:00

We were able to have Grandma & Grandpa Richardson come for a few days... gosh, what did we even do. It was so nice! It was the start of lent and Jeremy and I got to have a date night! Not sure the last night we got to do that but it was nice and Rylan loved having the grandparents around! :)As you can see in the picture Rylan loved Grandma Debbie's Mirror.... he looked at himself in many ways. :)

What's That?!

2010-03-18T10:58:00.001-07:00

It was been absolutely BEAUTIFUL yesterday so right after we got home we got our GREEN stroller out (Happy St. Patty's Day) and went on a walk. Daddies been working a lot so we do our own little thing. I thought we needed to soak up some sun while it lasted because Friday I guess we are suppose to get some snow! Gotta love living in the midwest. One day 63 the next cold and snow! UGH! I'm ready for the summer to come! SO, Rylan and I went on our nice little walk. It was still a little chilly but we enjoyed being out. I forgot when kids ask What's That... on EVERYTHING they see! So, on the walk Rylan asked "What's That"? MAYBE 500 times. I think the neighbors laughed when they heard him say what's that. AUH! He's becoming quite the talker. I don't remember the time when he didn't talk.. much like I don't remember him not ... RUNNING! :) He's a joy and I thank God daily for bringing him into our lives. His big things these days are helping Mommy cook so last night we cooked beef and noodles. (Thanks Grandma Jackie.. they were EXCELLANT!) He is the official noodle tester. He waits on the counter and I put the noodles out and he tells me if they are done or not. Basically it keeps him occupied while I cook. It's nice! So, by the time dinner is actually made we have about 1/2 as much noodles. SUCH is life!

What else?..... He is constantly into BALLS and if he can't find them we sing.. Ball where are you? It's quite funny. One day I snuck upstairs to download pictures or put clothes away or something and apparently he couldn't find me so I heard... "Mommy, where are you?" CUTE! He also has a thing with airplanes. On rough mornings when he doesn't want to go anywhere and is crying I instantly say where's the plane and auh, life is good? This morning we didn't see any planes but we saw some birds and those are just as good! :)

Sorry for the lack of blogging. I have until Saturday to get a scrapbook done for Rylan. Yeah, just trying to get his first two years of his life caught up! YIKES! Enjoy the Day All!

Our baby is going to be 2 in less than a month! Where did the time go?!... yes he needs another brother or sister but I'm afraid that isn't going to happen for awhile. :(

Love to all!

Andrea

This picture was taken a couple weeks ago! Rylan and his Great Great Grandpa!

Happy Birthday Grandpa Jimmy & Grandpa John!

2010-03-03T10:52:00.000-08:00

My Grandpa turns 85 today! He's the greatest Grandpa anyone could ever ask for. Happy Birthday Grandpa! You are one that I look up to, idolize, laugh with, learn from, and I cherish all the time I can with you! You have taught me so much! I love gardening because I got to have a fab garden because of YOU! That was a couple summers I will NEVER EVER forget! Thank you for all the life lessons you and Grandma have taught us! I get tears in my eyes thinking I can't be there for your Special day but know that I am thinking of you... and hoping that you have the greatest day ever! I tried calling Grandma today and you were already out... taking a friend to his eye surgery, then to a lenten service.... that shows the world what you are all about! Thank you Grandpa for EVERYTHING! 85 and counting... if anyone see you and all you can do one would never think you were 85!!!

Happy Birthday Grandpa Jimmy!

I LOVE YOU!

Your FAVORITE Granddaughter ANDREA

Jeremy's Grandpa's birthday is ALSO today! I think you are a very special Man as well. I haven't known you all my life but love EVERYTHING about you! So caring, loving and just a very special Man! I can only hope that Jeremy is as good of a husband and Daddy as you have been. Have the greatest Birthday EVER!!!!

Here is to two VERY SPECIAL MEN!

We ALL LOVE YOU!

More to come... soon!

2010-02-17T19:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Ash Wednesday! So, what is everyone doing for lent. I have always wanted to be a Eucharistic Minister so I thought you know what.... instead of trying to do all these things and following thru with until Easter and then forget you even gave up something or do something that would impact you and others for the rest of your life... I chose to do this... I want to do something to be more involved in church... that is the reason for the season and the reason we are all here. So, why not become more active in your church?! PERFECT So, I called my parish.. that I haven't really been active but the church that Jeremy & I were married in and also Rylan was baptized.... called them up and said I want to know what I had to do to be an EM. She then informed me that there was only one class a year and it was in the fall... I was bummed because I wanted to do it over lent so I could feel that it was accomplished. Hopefully I will get in the class when it is available. Ash Wednesday is here and I still don't know what I want to do... AUH, it's killing me! What are you all doing? For now this is what I am doing... what I started the new year off... doing my Motivated Mom Planner and getting up and doing Jillian Michaels... 30 day SHRED! Also, not settling for going to church by myself. Always inviting others to go. It's my duty to get to heaven and get my children and husband there too! :) Good Night... off to watch the rest of the Olympics! Go TEAM USA!

Weekend in Hebron....

2010-02-17T19:52:00.000-08:00

Learning to share with cousin Olivia... he is now saying Olivia... it's rather cute! Yes, took her pretty out of her hair and wanted it in his. Don't tell Daddy!

Goof BALL!

Just a few pictures of my little boy and I... after church! I didn't REALLY plan to be matching!

January - Children's Museum

2010-02-17T19:41:00.001-08:00

From the end of the day... We had a ton of fun at the Children's Museum... with Aunt Jenny, Uncle Paul, and cousins Alli & Tyler... and of COURSE Mommy & Daddy!

Balls, balls, and more balls!

Moooooooooooo... of course I couldn't snap my camera fast enough to actually get him milking the cow but he did. Then he ran to the next thing!

My Mom would have loved this deal... Rylan did. You pressed the button and it would play the sound and then light up above. I loved it and so did the kids!

What was that?! The cow and the pigs made a noise....

This was the water section... our FIRST section that we went to... my oh my! He loved it (yes screamed when he couldn't play at this spot anymore) but he was DRENCHED! Did seem to bother him ONE bit!

Great Day at the Children's Musuem!

Christmas 2009... will we ever forget it?!

2010-02-17T19:22:00.001-08:00

Once we got home from SL we had even MORE gifts to open... and his bowling ball and pins he loves. Except the bowling ball in 'sleeping' forever! It's hard and Rylan threw it at my head without me looking! Didn't feel too good! He LOVES these pins (sorry the pictures are totally all over the place and random... but all of Christmas) We would line them up and then he would throw the ball.. yes his two fingers in the holes.. and threw them then he would jump up and down when he hit them. CUTE!

New toys & the Richardson's. Most carts you PUSH but of course our child gets IN IT! NICE!

Rylan holding up his new shirt he got... pretty funny! He held it up on his own... checkin' it out! :)

Daddy and Rylan at Christmas at Uncle Matt and Aunt Megan's.

For Christmas Mommy got some fake Uggs... which she wears everyday. Rylan thought he needed to try them on as well. Thanks Caleb!

I know this picture really isn't the greatest (sorry) but I snapped this pictures very quickly. Many times I would find Rylan just looking up at the small tree we had this year. It was rather funny and pretty cute. He learned not to touch the pretties on the tree... although the bells(balls) it was really hard to keep him away. The kid loves balls!

First we opened gifts before Christmas with the my parents... Rylan loved it! But of course had to get every piece of paper off the box before really tearing it open!

We read some books with Great Grandma Betty and we even checked out some of her pictures. Rylan LOVES pictures!

This year at Christmas we had actual Christmas at Great Grandma & Grandpa Betty & Don's. we had a lot of fun... and we couldn't even leave because there was so much snow we lost electricity. It was an experience for all of us. We traveled home to the Richardson's and thanked God when we got there. 30 miles out is when the roads got really bad. Power lines were down and it was pure ice. Luckily we made it home with no problems. Thank the heavens!

Last year at Christmas... or maybe it was Thanksgiving.

YIKES IT'S BEEN AWHILE!!!

2010-02-17T19:11:00.001-08:00

Where do I even begin... I guess let's do before Christmas....My cousin got married.

Many great memories.... sorry I had a picture of the bride and groom but I guess I will have to sort my pictures a little better. Couple things happened at the wedding that were highlights.1) My Uncle Kevin walked my cousin down the aisle sober. This brings tears to my eyes of how proud I am of him. He did an awesome job!!!2) My Mother, yes Rylan's GRANDMOTHER, feed Rylan yummy peaches with ALCOHOL in them. Needless to say, I think every kid at the reception had those peached. Interesting... need I say more.3) Rylan LOVED to dance. He didn't want to sit on Mommy's lap to fall asleep he wanted to go dance with Aunt Becca and Cousin Ashley .... but lay his head down on their shoulders. Pretty cute!4) Beautiful and fun wedding Bryce & Jess!

September

2009-09-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

September has been a great start. Jeremy and I have both been EXTREMELY busy at work... I guess I can say that for myself. :) GOTTA LOVE THE FLU SEASON! Yes, we sell the Flu Vaccine and we are the only ones in the country who still can order. So, support me and get a flu shot this year. :) You should anyway! We have been swamped with Flu calls and when will there be the H1N1 vaccine available (swine flu)? Ask the government!

Other than that Becca, Rylan, and I went up to Blair to see my brother Caleb at school. It was a nice evening... and then we went to check out his dorm. Nice, I just never lived in a dorm so I don't understand how SMALL they are. I never EVER had to live even in an apartment so I honestly don't understand. Anyway, it was a typical MAN room... no girly pictures, just plain and simple. tv, play station, bed, desk, fridge, microwave, and couch deal. All you need to get by. :) Well another thing I wasn't used to when we were walking up Caleb yelled girls coming up. No big deal I had that happen when I went to a frat as well... MY UNCLES frat when he was in college. Anyway, it was fine we checked out his room, blah, blah, blah and we were about ready to leave and Caleb was like let me just make sure that the guys are appropriate (which I was impressed with) anyway, he yelled... DUDE my SISTERS are here! Immediately they came running! (we didn't of course know this until later) So, while the guys were making moves to Caleb's room Caleb goes... "DUDE THEY ARE OLD" Gee, I didn't really feel THAT old until that. Thanks Caleb! It was rather funny! Thanks for the laugh! I guess I DO have a kid, I'm ALMOST 30, and I'm not in high school, or College anymore. I honestly thought it was pretty funny! Ask me and it is probably better telling you that in person than on here...

I do have pictures of Rylan being cool with Caleb's keys and stuff... but can't figure out how to take them off my phone. Any suggestions? Once I get that accomplished I will post them. :)
happy September and GO HUSKERS!

August

2009-09-02T19:53:00.000-07:00

August has been pretty uneventful except for the fact that my OLDER sister turned the big 30 so Becca and I decided to throw her a big SURPRISE party! We did it without her finding out which I think is a HUGE accomplishment! GO US! I shouldn't take any of the credit because everything I was suppose to do I did NOT get them done before Becca did it. So, yes I am the middle child and things just aren't a huge priority. YES, they would have gotten done but not 2 weeks in advance. :) Thanks Becca! Rhiannon THOUGHT she was going to be surprised the next night because both Becca and I told her we felt bad that we weren't doing anything for her big day... ha! We tricked you RHIANNON!
Another big thing that happened in the month of August was Rylan got a 2nd tooth! Yes, after about 4 months of just ONE tooth he is getting more. Since yesterday there are three others coming in... I'm not sure if this is normal or if it just where they are cutting thru at but we may have a little gap on our hands in front of the front two teeth.... we will see when they really come in. :)

UP TO DATE

2009-07-31T19:59:00.000-07:00

We are now up to date with what is happening at our house. My Goal is to update this more regularly! Wish me luck! :)
Have a great weekend!
Andrea

Our FIRST vacation!

2009-07-31T19:41:00.001-07:00

So many memories have been made up at my Grandparents cabin in MN. We LOVE IT! This is our traditional family picture. You can't see it too well but this is a Welcome sign with each of our names on it. This is always the place where Jeremy proposed to me so very special place for all of us. This was our best day out on the lake. Rylan is driving and I'm not sure how he is driving with his feet but his Dad just showed him where the horn was so he's TRYING to make the horn blow.

Rylan Driving with Great Grandpa Jim... again amazing how at age one he knows what to do to make the boat go faster! Sunset cruise!.... and YES that is us in sweatshirts in the middle of JULY!

Mr. just a little tired

This is the fishing net that Rylan LOVED to play with. NO real fishing but he LOVED throwing it in and having us get it. After awhile we wouldn't get it so he started in for himself. He did actually fall in off the dock WITH his life jacket on!

My aunt Mary and her two grand daughters from AZ came. It was great seeing them. The last time I saw them Emily was 3 and now she's 10! Wow, they've grown up! Thanks for playing with Rylan so well! He misses you girls and so do I.

FIRST Jet ski ride.... and he loved it!

We went to an island and the two girls making their 'sand cakes' are my cousins Zoe and Emily. Okay, so the water was a little cold and it didn't really seem to bother Rylan. But towards the end he was shivering but wasn't happen when we made him get into the boat.

Rylan's words... yes I have TRIED to ruin whatever the girls are making but my MOM ALWAYS comes and gets me right before I destroy it. UGH!

And we are off....

Leaving Matt & Megan's off to Minnesota.

Becca's Wedding day!

2009-07-31T19:38:00.001-07:00

Little flower girl. She was adorable. I know horrible I don't have a picture of the ring bearers... horrible mom I know.

Becca's mother in law getting ready!... and of course before they got their hair and make up done!

Final hair due.

Opps... more zoo pictures

2009-07-31T19:35:00.000-07:00

Yeah, this picture made me a little nervous. He is watched all the fish in the water. HUGE AND GROSS!
It was fun taking him off this little elephant. :)

Tired even thinking about it!

2009-07-31T19:20:00.000-07:00

Alright... well here is the story. My sister Rebecca is an avid runner. Never would have known that in High School because I was more the runner than either of my sisters. Anyway, she signed up for the Lincoln Marathon some day this summer... yeah good to blog after it is well over a month ago! I'll learn, maybe.
Anyway, I stayed at Rhiannon's the night before because the next week (I believe) was my little brother's High School graduation. Okay. So, Rhiannon and I worked on Caleb's scrapbook and then got up bright and early to go and cheer on Becca and different mile markers. So, we didn't really make the start but managed to get there for a FEW of the mile markers. So, two boys (Kenner and Patton... Rylan was with Jeremy in Storm Lake) Rhiannon and I got up, went and got a first class breakfast at McDonald's and headed on our way. Not eating in the car going to wait to eat it while waiting to see Becca. We no longer get across this bridge and she waives with a huge smile and says hi! I couldn't believe it! I had my camera ready and totally missed her. Go Figure! So, off we go and get back in our car... nope still no breakfast eaten. :) We managed to lock the keys in the car (yes Rhiannon's new car) So we get in with Mike and wow... I'm still happy to see that he still married my sister. It really wasn't a big deal but trying to go and find her at the next mile marker just wasn't going to happen so we went to the finish line. We dodged some police because there were two little Mr.'s not in their car seats. Thanks Mike! So, we were able to see Becca kinda saw her as we were RUNNING to the finish line (yes, very winded after running MAYBE a FEW blocks, if that!) So, we did kind of see her finish but couldn't get a picture... so this is the best I could do. :)
After going to see her run by the first stop... and then figuring out we locked the keys in the car... no spare. opps!

After the race and Mike & Becca dropping us off at Rhiannon's.

After the race (of many things) What a proud Fiance, at the time.... and then thinkin auh you have a couple of nuts for sisters!

FINISHED!

Way to Go Becca! I'm glad it was you and NOT me!

Opps.. a little out of order... I think one of those people were Becca.. .and if not pretend. :)... This was before the finish line. I was trying to stop while running and trying to beat her to the finish line.

All the people watching and then you should have seen the people pulled over along side of the road just watching! AMAZING... yeah again out of order. Towards the begining of the race.

Playin' at the Pool.

2009-07-31T19:16:00.001-07:00

So, I first found out that he LOVED the water when we went to my aunt and uncles to swim in their pool. He did really well on the first few steps but also went under a couple of times. He's learning... also learning how to blow bubbles and tell Mom or Dad what he wants ... GO GET THE BALL THAT I JUST THRU OUT IN THE DEEP WATER! Kind of going down the slide... or jumping in by the slide.... so the water would hit him.

SLAM DUNK! He was so proud when he got the ball in the basket. It's it amazing how at age one they know what to do? I think it is. Uncle Caleb will be proud... hopefully he is a basketball player instead of a wrestler. I'm afraid I probably won't get the final say on that one. :)

Happy Belated Birthday Luke & Tyler!

2009-07-31T19:13:00.000-07:00

Getting a ride from cousin Alli on Luke and Tyler's bightday party day. Birthday boys!

WATCH OUT! I love to swing the broom!...or whatever he is playing with.

Getting ready for Aunt Becca's Wedding!

2009-07-31T19:11:00.000-07:00

Sorry again... I am learning I will learn! We are just trying to suit on and will update a better picture when I can get ahold of one. YES, I didn't even take a picture of my own son! HORRIBLE MOM! He's still freaking cute. :)

Congrats... FINALLY Cory & Jeri!

2009-07-31T19:10:00.000-07:00

Yeah maybe a couple months too late but still... she is a little princess and my has she changed! Her name is Jayden J. Gotta love it! :)

Wow... I've missed a lot!

2009-07-31T18:59:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is at the enterance and YES it was cold out that day... just like every other day this summer!

Alright well trying to figure out how to post pictures again. Sorry. Very messed up order. This is towards the end of the day and we were in the shark place. You can't see it in the picture but a huge shark was going by. As you can see it was PACKED! Us as a family on the Train at the Omaha Zoo. Probably a little bit of a waste of time. Plus the speaker was maybe just learning how to read... kinda bad! BUT still fun!

Sorry about this. Well along time ago some of our friends from Des Moines, IA came down and they were meeting some friends at the Zoo... so because we have a pas why not go? We had a great time!

Where have we been....

2009-07-31T18:32:00.001-07:00

Good Question..
Since Rylan's Birthday we have been busy.
I started taking a class to hopefully get me geared up to get a Nursing Degree. I enjoy the class that I am taking... but ready for it to be over. I am afraid that I will HATE the next few classes because it's MATH. Such is life I think of the END result. I am contemplating on what to do.. have more babies or go back to school. Tough decision.
Jeremy is VERY supportive of what I choice to do. He's actually pushing more to continue. :) It's nice that he is so supportive and pushing me to continue.
Rylan continues to be the center of our lives. We had to find another sitter but we think we have found a keeper. She's done it for 10 years and is a very loving towards Rylan. I think it is Rylan's new girlfriend. :) He's finally signing for more and is saying a few words, hot, Mommy, Dada (of course not to us but the sitter) and probably more that I can't think of. We took him to the dr. the other day and we have a GIANT on our hands. OR NOT! He is in the 14th percential for weight, 36th% for height, and 57% for head circumference... JUST HUGE! :) I guess he doesn't look like he is starving and I think if I RAN as much as he does then I would be little too. He's happy and health that is all I really care. The Dr. keeps say you guys are huge people so your baby isn't going to be huge! She's not worried... he seems to be developmentally right on schedule so that is what I worry about the most. My grandpa commented... does the kid ever walk going anywhere. NOPE!
We just got back from our first family vacation to Minnesota. It was great and we enjoyed our time. All I can say is it's different going with a 1 year old. They don't seem to want to just look at all the new and amazing homes. So, 3 hours is about all he could handle it. So, very relaxing time. :) Alright I'll end here and the post after some much needed pictures. :)

I'm Ready!

2009-06-17T04:50:00.001-07:00

Well I had pictures of him in his tux for my sisters wedding... but can't find them. Sorry! I'll post more once I can find the stupid things! UGH! Gotta love computers!

Rylan is ONE!

2009-04-22T08:29:00.001-07:00

Guest post by Andrea's big sister....(I was tired of seeing the Merry Christmas as the blog header...when Easter is already over:) and I was responsible for putting it up:))
JAR's have been busy hosting a bday party for their little guy, switching day cares, and feeling like newly weds while Grandma Carlece had a camp Boys in Hebron last week. Here are few pics of the big bday party courtesy of Gpa Pat.

Count Down

2009-03-31T18:42:00.000-07:00

Well the count down is on... only 4 more days until our little man is 1!!!!! I can not believe it. Where does the time go? We also have another count down for those freakin' teeth to show up so we don't have to stay home any longer for high temps. YES, those are back! He had a pretty good temp running all afternoon but this morning he was playing and you would have never known he was sick. I don't get it and when will it stop. I talked to Mr. Rylan tonight and said that all of his teeth will be coming in all at once because I can't take it any longer. So, we will keep you posted if we have a Birthday celebration or not!
Have a great evening and I am hoping Rylan, Mommy & Daddy have a restful evening!
Good Night!
Andrea

It's back!

2009-03-25T20:24:00.000-07:00

I have a new/old cell now. It's Jeremy's old one. I'm fine with it... it's different but it works and is in one piece. :)
Rylan had some blood work done today. Right before the appointment he has these little dots on his face and that was almost perfect timing because that was good stuff for the Dr. (which we absolutely love and so does Rylan) Rylan has/had a horrible VIRAL infection and there is nothing you can do about it besides sinkin' letting it run it's course. So, he is doing better... more on that tomorrow.
I'm exhausted so I will go more in depth tomorrow AND I will get the other blood work back tomorrow so more on it tomorrow (hopefully)
- A

Life without a Cell Phone

2009-03-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am without a cell phone. I can't really explain how I feel. Part of me feels a little 'FREE' a part of me feels a little LOST and another part of me feels like maybe I should just save money and not have a cell then the last part of me feels like a complete idiot!
I feel like a complete idiot because it should have never come down to my phone busting and me without a phone. This is the story. Probably about a month (okay maybe longer)ago my phone broke... I flipped it open and one of the sides busted... so it is/well now was hanging by just one side. I dealt with it just fine and it was my punishment to myself that I should not get another phone because it was nice and I can't take care of it so why get something nice again? I didn't need it. So, I just dealt with it. Well today I got an email at work that asked if I could play volleyball TONIGHT! I went thru many channels to get someone to watch Rylan (THANK YOU SO MUCH GREAT AUNT KENDRA!) so I got my Aunt Kendra to watch him. We HAD to leave at 5:30 to make it ontime so when time was getting closer to 5 I got my things together and I popped out of my desk and my phone flies on the floor! I crindge and then see that the poor phone is lying on the ground in TWO pieces. I was instantly ticked at myself. Sally a gal at work said well can you put it together. Okay, I instantly laugh and say nope it's dead. She said just TRY to put it back together... nope not going to happen. I thought it was funny I knew it was dead but she just kept saying just put it back together and try to turn it on. I guess it's not like putting your battery back on and then it working... not this time! DARN IT! So, long story even longer... if you are trying to reach me... don't I will not be answering my phone for a couple of days. I'm not sure when I am going to get to the sprint store to program Jeremy's old phone to my 'stuff' so try calling him or I guess emailing me. I know I am a big pain in your BUTT!

Other than that we had a GREAT night. Rylan did well watching Mommy play volleyball. He only tried to crawl out onto the court just once. :) I felt like a proud little Mommy! By the way, I don't think I even played too bad. I had a few airhead mistakes but all in all it wasn't as bad as I had thought. I EVEN HAD ONE ACE! Yes, I spiked the ball in the front row and it made it over!!!!!!!!... AND made a point! Don't act like you aren't impressed. I had a great time. Thank you Becca for asking and thank you Kendra for watching Rylan!
Have a great evening everyone! If I don't talk to you in a few days it's probably because tomorrow I will be so sore I won't even be able to get out of bed. :) I didn't hurt myself... well at least tonight I don't feel like I did. :) I had a blast so THANK YOU!
Good Night!
Andrea

When are the temps going to go away?

2009-03-22T12:48:00.001-07:00

Well last night was another long night... this time Jeremy stayed up with him. I got up at 4 and took over but Jeremy laid with Rylan for a good 4 hours.... with temps. I think a little more mild but still they were above normal. 100-101. So, how long is it going to be that he wakes up around 11 & 12 and gets temps? Hoopefully tonight he rests peacefully and so can we. I just keep worrying that he isn't going to wake up and let us know if he is burning up. So, I don't sleep well. I guess that is all for now. He is somewhat eating but not a whole lot. Thanks to my Mom making enough tuna and noodles for the week because that is all Rylan wants to eat. :) He is drinking here and there but usually just milk.
Keep prayin' for this little guy! You know when he isn't feeling well when he just lays on your chest. Poor guy!
Happy Sunday! I hope you were able to get out and enjoy this BEAUTIFUL weather!
Andrea

Sick baby boy!

2009-03-21T07:31:00.001-07:00

Okay, it now has been 4 days of this nasty stuff and I feel like a run down Mommy with no more patients. I was up all night making sure the temps didn't pass the 102.00 mark on the thermometer... which meant it really was 103. Funny part about it was I was up with Rylan at 11:30. About 12:15 I finally go into Jeremy after I tried giving Rylan a bath, cool towels on his forhead and other spots of his body and his temp wasn't going down. I go in and say JEREMY I need your help. He rolls over and says "the journal entry is not going to be life or death of my son!" WHAT?! I said Jeremy I NEED YOU HELP! (more forceful this time but somewhat calming because I didn't want Rylan to get worked up!) I need you to wake up and take a bath with Rylan. He then got mad and rolled over again and said THE JOURNAL ENTRIES ARE NOT GOING to be the LIFE OR DEATH OF MY SON! Can you tell who is working TOO MUCH! Not much longer and we will have our Daddy/husband back! So, after that I gave up and just kept the thermomter close at hand and had a couple of washclothes to use. Rylan hated it but we managed to keep the temp in check... still too high for me to sleep.. but what else was I too do? I was inches away from taking him to Children's but I think my prayers where answered because then the temp came down. Still NOT gone but down. I have a call into the doctor's office but still no call back. YEAH, that was OVER an hour ago! I'm frustrated, tired, and just annoyed that this temp keeps coming back. I hate giving him so much motrin and tylenol if it only works for a couple of hours. I am frustrated and I understand the flu shot only works with certain strans but COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!! How much is too much? How long do you just let it run it's course? WHAT DO I DO? Oh, did I tell you that he won't sleep too much on his own? I thought this morning he was better... he was perky, laughing at Jeremy, and then about 15 minutes later he was clingy and only wanted Mommy! I fed him some banana's and am TRYING to get him to drink as much water as possible... but that is a process! Any suggestions?!
Enjoy the weather!
Andrea

Flu EWWW

2009-03-18T18:33:00.001-07:00

Okay, so Rylan and Mommy just survived a battle of the flu. No, Mommy hasn't had it YET... but Rylan had it. Yesterday around 1 the sitter called me and said uh Rylan's butt is flaming red(which I already knew) AND he is puking. So, on my way I went to go and get him. I did one other thing and then went home because when I went to get him I thought it was really nothing but him just spitting up a bit. Nope he did it again in the car and then a couple more times at home. After that happened every oh 15 min it came out the other end. Needless to say, when a babies butt is flaming red (right before it starts bleeding) it's not very much fun to change poopy diapers. It's probably one of the only times is almost a year that I had the baby blues. It was a lot! He would scream, I would cry and then finally get his diaper back on and literally 5 minutes later he would poop again so the 20-30 min. routine all over again. Finally at 8 it all stopped he went to bed and slept peaceful all night. PRAISE GOD! Today he seemed better but I didn't feel comfortable taking him back to the sitter. So, Jeremy stayed home in the morning and then I came home at noon. He took a good couple naps today (so did Mommy) and then we have been playing the rest of the time. I hopefully things tomorrow will be better with his pees and poopies. Gee, you know your life has changed when you talk about pee and poop! :)
Other than that not a whole lot going on. We are getting ready for the BIG 1 YEAR OLD Birthday Party! TIME FLIES! So, if you are in town stop by our house. We would love to have you.
We also heard from my Aunt and Uncle that Baby Olivia's results came back good. She MAY have to have a surgery in August or September but they believe after the surgery she will be just like every other little baby....I'm not full of details because I was just getting up from my nap and I think I was still half asleep. I just know that things are good! PRAISE GOD! Ya, thanks to the SICKNESS I didn't get to hold Miss Olivia or even get to see her. That is the last thing I would want is for a new baby to be sick!
Have a great rest of the week! Hug the ones that are close to you and always tell them how much you care for them!
Happy LATE St. Patty's Day!
Lots of Love,
Andrea

No Paci = no Naps and VERY FRUSTRATED MOMMY!

2009-03-15T18:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, so first I have to say that I am really sorry for not keeping up my blog. I'm not going to say that I am going to do better because you know how that goes.
So, the last few weeks we have been struggling with Rylan's skin. (cracking lips, itchy skin, and really bad exzema) Around his top lip and then around his diaper. So, we have decided to take away his pacifier. I NEVER in the world would I have dreamt it would be this hard! Maybe it's just cause I don't like to hear him cry. Honestly he didn't use it much besides just to fall asleep or if he was cranky (which if you know him he isn't cranky a whole lot!) So, does anyone have suggestions? I'm desperate! Putting Rylan down for a nap or to bed MAYBE took 20 minutes (MAX) for him to fall asleep with is paci. Nope today nap time took 2 hours! No, I didn't let him cry that long, about every 15-20 minutes I would go in rock, then he would be pretty much be asleep and the MOMENT I laid him in his bed he woke up. Today let me tell you... he was literally falling asleep in the car. He woke up when I took him out but then fell asleep on my shoulder. THE KID IS TIRED! This happened around 11:00. Not until 3:30 did he fall asleep. Yes, we got him up fed him, played and then tried it all again but it wasn't a fun time. I hate saying this but I gave in. I couldn't handle it any longer. No, I didn't even take a nap! So, then tonight I was trying to be more positive... night time is ALWAYS better. NOT TONIGHT! I made sure to feed him more than I normally do... nope didn't work... tough love... after an hour I just laid in in there and after about 20 min he is now I THINK asleep. Okay, so I know that isn't bad BUT it is very frustrating. He's a good kid but the darn paci! So, no 20 min isn't a long time but today during one of his laying down and then waking up he was so ticked that his lips were turning purple and that just breaks my heart and makes me worry even more about him. Anyway, I am in NEED of some suggestions on things to try. Do I get him something else to suck on?
Andrea
**Other than that things are going well... he is WALKING! He is so funny because he gets excited to go and then kinda does a side walk and then sometimes he just dives forward. It's hilarious! Friday night it was really nice out so after work Jeremy, Rylan, and I went out on the back porch and just sat out there... Rylan was walking, crawling all over the place but would NOT touch the grass. So, of course we put him on it and he didn't know what to do. It was so funny!
I'm also TRYING to be a better Mom. I get stressed because I feel that if I would just do a little a day I wouldn't have to spend a whole boat load of time if I was having a party or something at our house. So, my sister suggested doing the Motivated Mom Planner! I'm not kidding you.. it's so fun to check off the list the things you do.... and just feel so good about yourself with doing a few things a day to keep your house tighty and clean. Then she also suggested cutting coupons. I have the binder and everything! She is a little more of a PRO on all the good finds but I'm trying. One of these days I will fully understand all the Walgreen's ads and register rewards. My friend Amy spent $2.34 or around there and saved around $8. She got 2 coffee creamers, 3 packs of gum, and a thing of toothpaste... not the travel size the big one! I was impressed! :) So, planning my meals, looking for SALES, keeping my house clean, (not just picked up!) and enjoying my family is on HIG priority with me. I'm trying and definately not perfect. We are also planning a BIG #1 party for Mr. WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE????
Good night all!
Again, any suggestions on the pacifer PLEASE PLEASE let me know! Have a GREAT WEEK!

Short and sweet

2009-02-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm really sorry for not keeping my blog up to date. I will try to make a better effort to not check everyone else's blog and keep mine updated.
We've been busy actually making some holes in our walls and FINALLY putting some pictures on our walls. It really brings warmth to our home, which we love!
Just a quick update on Rylan: He is growing like crazy and continues to make us laugh everyday. What a blessing! He has been taking a few steps here and there but I have quit the little talk on him walking because I think he crawl is just getting faster. It's actually pretty funny. Sometimes he gets going so fast that he does a face plant. I can't stop but laugh when it happens. Other than that we are loving life and trying not to take each day for granit. He is also now eating people food. He isn't eating baby food any longer so any suggestions you may have formeal that kids with out teeth can have please send them my way. NO, STILL NO TEETH! Although, because I am still breastfeeding I don't mind. :)
Well have a great day. I better get back to the office.
Love,
Andrea

Praise the Day

2009-01-31T13:29:00.000-08:00

I just read about my little blog friend that needs to re-enlist in a liver transplant... yes you probably have heard about her thru the news. She is the little girl that is from CO that Medicaid was going to not cover her any longer... well she is back on the insurance and is out of PICU.. which is unbelieveable. Her mother posted this today and I think this is the phrase I am going to live by... which I try to do but sometimes we all go in ruts and need a little pick me up. This did it for me. :)

***Hope you all have a great weekend - and remember to appreciate time spent with loved ones…hug tighter & more often, say I love you, soak up the laughter, memorize the smiles. Every opportunity you have this weekend is one you’ll never get back – take advantage of them all!***

I think this can go not just this weekend but daily. I think we all get into a rut of the daily routines and forget about the little things like love, kisses, laughter, smiles... we need to do it more often and enjoy each moment. EVEN when we think the life we live is unfair, cruel, and just not where you want to be. Everyone I think could have it worse than you. :) Or at least that is what I tell myself when I am down. Live each moment like it is your last!
Love to all!
Andrea

PS - I will have some pictures to post but Mr. Rylan is sleeping now so I need to pick up my house that he just recently distroyed!!!! :) Gotta love it. I will pick it up with a smile! :) Sorry Amy!

2 Steps!

2009-01-27T11:51:00.001-08:00

Okay, as for a little update from our family... Mr. Rylan took 2 steps yesterday at the Sitter! Of course not at home! I think he took a little one the other night but not real sure. Yes, he will be walking before we know it. I'm trying to get him to walk here at home but when Rylan and I sit down and talk about his walking he stands up on his own and I tell him to come to me WALKING... he gets down on all fours and starts laughing at me. I know he is doing it on purpose and just not doing it because I want him too... AUH! We will have yet another talk tonight. :) I also need to post on the game we went to last weekend.... and to show you his cool shirt! :)
For now I need to get back to work but hopefully when I post next he will be walking and I will say why did I want him to walk so badly. :) Oh well that is part of life! I just love being a Mommy! It's the greatest gift God could give someone! :)
Also, another prayer moment... pray for a blog friend Shawndra Turner... www.shawndraturner.blogspot.com
Love to all!
Andrea

Another Prayer Request!

2009-01-27T11:48:00.001-08:00

I feel like all I do is post for prayer requests but I guess that isn't a bad thing. :)
Please pray for Jeremy's Grandma, Grandpa, and their family. They admitted Dar (Jeremy's grandma) into the nursing home today. It has been a tough go but for her safety and for everyone it is best that they care for her there! :) It is hard but I keep thinking that it will be the best for everyone and everyone will be able to enjoy their time with her. :) Keep your chin up Deb! We love you and you have a support team behind you. It is for the best!
WE LOVE YOU!
THE JAR'S!

Prayers Prayers Prayers

2009-01-14T11:50:00.000-08:00

Please say a few prayers for Jeremy's Mom and her parents. Jeremy's Mom is going thru some health issues and her parents are going thru some MAJOR decisions, tough decisions. So, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Jeremy's Mom needs rest and relaxation but that is hard for her to do. She also needs to worry about herself before she worries about others but that is EXTREMELY hard for her. Keep them in your prayers as they go thru some tough decisions. Patience and the strength to make good decisions!

We are thinking and praying for you!
Lots of Love from the JARS!

Going thru Pictures

2009-01-11T19:13:00.001-08:00

9 months ago we brought this little miracle into our lives and now... our lives have drastically changed. WOW! What was it even like before him? He is a little stinker and a joy in our lives. Thank God for all of our blessings! Now, if he would sleep like that now. :) Auh, the days!

Now he is....EVERYWHERE... the cuddling is over! I guess when someone tells you enjoy it while it lasts... don't over look those moments. See Mom and everyone else that made fun of me that I held Rylan all the time when he was little! Now, I wish I had those moments back! :) HE is a ton of fun! He is in this deal where he just spits or not really spits but just does something with his lips. It's like a cough or something but with his mouth closed. When he does this neither Jerem or I can keep a straight face. It's pretty darn funny. So, trying to capture every moment I attempted to take a few snap shots of it....

All I can say is GOOF BALL!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2009-01-11T19:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Jeremy!

We will miss you this week! I hope you had a good birthday although all we did is run errands.

Always remember how much we love you!

Rylan and Andrea

Happy NEW YEAR!!

2009-01-11T18:55:00.001-08:00

Okay, yes I am a HORRIBLE parent and I don't even take a picture of Rylan on New Years Eve... but we went over to Jeremy's brother and sister in law's house.. we were all talking and I look over to make sure the boys are playing nicely. (her sister' family also came over. :)) Anyway, I look over and I see Luke with his protector goggles on and Ben smiling like this. I couldn't resist. Luke didn't even think anything of thie glasses... they were working and he needed to be protected. I was about on the ground rolling.
Rylan stayed up later than normal and then woke up at 11:46.. AUH. So, because I wanted him to go back to sleep I wanted him to go back to sleep. Well for the next hour every time I got up to leave the room he would wake up. UGH! So yeah, I didn't really get to bring in the new year like I had hoped but that is what you get when you are a Mom. :)
Have a Happy & Healthy 2009!

Christmas 2008

2009-01-11T18:39:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

Almost a month later I am about to blog about our First Chrstimas as parents. It was a great one! Rylan, Jeremy, and I opened our family gifts on Tuesday (Christmas Eve eve) It was a good night. Rylan opened his gift (baby powder) and was more concerned with eating the paper. After choking on it I was a little paranoid. Okay, maybe he didn't choke it just maybe scared me a little more than anything. This year we had Christmas at my parents so here is a few pictures at our Christmas.He looks like he is so interested but all he is interested in is getting that one piece of paper off so he can eat it!

See... EVERYTHING is in his mouth.
Rylan loves this toy... and so do I. :)
I apologize I guess I didn't take any more pictures... I'll learn. We had a great Christmas and were very thankful for everything we were able to do. :) THANK YOU!

GONE...

2009-01-07T20:03:00.000-08:00

Alright, I am headed off to bed but wanted to give you a little update on Rylan. Yes, hopefully the fever is gone and never will come back. He spiked a high fever yesterday after his afternoon nap and started shivering... 103.something. I freaked out (I was at work) and Jeremy was home.... it spiked and then came back down. He is now good and has gone fever free all day. THANK THE LORD!
Any suggestions on things to put on noses to heal quickly while it's still running like crazy?

Good night... hopefully pictures and Christmas & New Year's stuff to follow... not promising anything though... sorry!
Andrea

Tuesday's

2009-01-06T05:28:00.000-08:00

Good Morning All,
I promise I will TRY to update my blog tonight. We have been a LITTLE under the weather lately. I've had a little sore throat and Rylan has had a runny nose and watery itchy eyes... Jeremy I think got it one day and then has just been tired the next BUT Rylan came down with a 102 fever yesterday at the Dr. 101.6 at the sitter. Scared me a little as this is the highest it has ever gotten. ANOTHER FREAKING SORE THROAT! I don't get it. Of course no meds just something to cure his pink eye. :) It's wonderful. He is eating fine and the drinking part is suffering a bit but come on... 3 or 4 (I lost count) sore throats in 3 months!!! Poor guy! He is throwing up.. I say that because when he spits up but it smells and comes out more like puke. Well I better get to work. I'm trying to get this little guy better and OUT OF THE Dr.'s OFFICE! Yes, I am probably taking him too much but when this kid cries non stop something is wrong... especially when he NORMALLY is a happy baby. :) I took his temp again this morning and it was 101.4.. I'm hoping it comes down. The poor little guy hasn't gained much weight either from the time I took him in 3 weeks ago... only 6 oz. Happy thoughts on getting him well. :)
Love,
Andrea

Hello

2008-12-28T09:35:00.000-08:00

Hello All,
I'm sorry I am slow to blogging on Rylan's FIRST Christmas but we have been in Hebron since Christmas Eve and well I forgot my transfer deal to upload the pictures here in Hebron. So, hang tight we are going home today and I will try to blog about it tonight. I hope you all were able to have a Merry Christmas and were able to celebrate Jesus' birth with your loved ones.
Prayer request... please say a prayer for my Aunts father who lost his battle with cancer I believe the 23rd of December. It's never easy loosing someone over the holiday season. He's much better now and has no pain. He was a great man and loved by MANY!
Have a great week all!
Andrea

Thank you!

2008-12-20T09:08:00.000-08:00

Thank you Rhiannon for making the new blog look awesome!

Merry Christmas ALL!
THE JAR FAMILY!

Prayers

2008-12-19T20:50:00.001-08:00

Hey Guys,
Thanks for always reading my blog... and for those of you that that make comments I enjoy reading them... keep it up. I'm not real sure what is going on and what really is the full story however, please pray for my Grandma. She had emergency surgery this summer (end of June) to take her ruptured ependix out and since then she hasn't felt well. She's been going back to the dr. for now several months .. please pray for her she needs our strength. Let alone her health conditions she has a worry of her son. Please pray for him as well. He needs them as well to fight the horrible battle of alcoholism.
One other prayer goes out to my father in law... that he recovers from his surgeries that he had today.... I don't know much but I heard he is home. I pray the night treats him well and that he is able to get some good nights sleep and recover quickly. He's not one to REST! Maybe I can teach him... yeah RIGHT!
Be thankful for your health and count all the many blessings we have. I think we ALL take the LITTLE things for granted.
Have a great weekend everyone! Hug the ones close to you!
Love to all,
Andrea

MR

2008-12-18T18:42:00.000-08:00

I am trying to walk and he is keeping up with me.... on his knees..... AND right before the picture he was getting ticked and then look what happened when I got the camera out. :)
My question is how could someone not want a look like this. STINKER!!!!

Oh, how could I forget... last night both Jeremy and I noticed him slapping one hand... or more like it having one hand stationary while the other one is hitting the other one like crazy! I can't tell you how funny it is.... auh! I kinda forgot about it this morning and then I receivied an email from my sitter saying something to the effect of yeah we are getting a kick out of Rylan today because he learned how to clap.... but clap with one hand being stationary. I love it! She has a coffee table and she said that he is now starting to walk around it... and then stand their without anything for awhile.... as much as I LOVE hearing how much he is progressing it also scares me a bit because I think he is EVERYWHERE NOW... let alone when he starts really walking... AUH! Her husband thinks it will be another 2 weeks before he is walking... AUH!

Stay warm tonight!! We have thick sleet and I am hoping for everyone safe travels (National Championship games tonight... GO HUSKERS).... Thank the Lord that I only have to drive a couple blocks to take Rylan to the sitter and I don't have to get him out in this nasty stuff too much. Although, putting him in his little snow gear for a 2 minute car drive is sometimes annoying. SUCH IS LIFE! Stay warm and hopefully we have power thru the night! This sleet stuff is THICK!

Love,

Andrea

New LOVE

2008-12-18T18:35:00.000-08:00

Okay, so this is a picture of Rylan's new favorite toy. He LOVES this ball. It 1 makes noise on the wood floor and 2 the ball itself makes noise. He finds the ball out of all the other 100 toys he has and picks it up and it starts rolling... what the funny part about it is like all kids/babies do is he tries grabbing it and it starts rolling again. It is pretty darn funny!

During this Christmas Season

2008-12-12T17:03:00.001-08:00

Ask yourself if you are living your life to the fullest, ask yourself if you giving back as much as you are receiving, question your relationship with God and ask yourself if you are where you want to be.
This is off the blog of Stephanie Vest. Her friend wrote a letter to everyone about Stephanie's family. Anyway, this little message is from there. I think it is so true. I guess I don't QUESTION God but maybe question how close I am and how I can better understand his love for my family and I. When I am working and I get a little stressed I come to quick understanding that it isn't worth being really stressed out about something especially if I can't control the situation. Do your best and that is the only thing you can do.
So, in that same idea.. I could be really stressed out that I have yet to begin my Christmas shopping but instead I think about those that don't get to have Christmas this year, those that just lost a loved one, those that have no family to celebrate Jesus' life with, those that don't believe. I hope to get in and out of the crazy stores so I can enjoy wrapping presents, and being with our little family.
Jeremy's been gone for a week and will have to go again soon... I could be totally stressed out because he does so much for us.. but I did what I could do, enjoyed being home with Rylan, and lived each day to the fullest. I am thankful for the time we have with him and pray that he travels safely... everything that doesn't get done will be there for me the next day!
This year I am remember how thankful I am... and that this year presents (material things) don't mean as much as gatherings with family and just being in your own home, celebrating a life a little one and being healthy. Thank God for the many blessings we have. Always remember someone else has it WAY worse than you!
Love,
Andrea

Daddy!!!

2008-12-12T05:26:00.000-08:00

Daddy gets home today and both Mom and I are extremely excited!!!! The past two nights I have slept all thru the night so Mommy can get some sleep. She thanks me over and over again. :) He is still sleeping now... usually he wakes up around 7:15 to get to Kristi's... I just HATE to wake him. I even have the light on. Anyway, have a great day! Enjoy the people you get to share the day with and thank God for the little things in life that we all take for granted.
Thanking God it is Friday!
Andrea

Clean warm BED

2008-12-11T16:59:00.001-08:00

Nothing like a clean warm bed to come to when you have had a crazy day. It's the L ITTLE things in life that I am really trying to focus on these days... which one of those is a clean MADE bed. :)

Crazy Week

2008-12-10T11:45:00.000-08:00

So, I feel like I am going 100 miles an hour and I believe this is my life...

Rylan's clothes, pump, and tissue... Rylan's nose will not stop running!

As much as I am complaining... I wouldn't change it for the world. I love my family, are healthy for the most part, have a beautiful home, love being a Mommy, and am still on this earth to celebrate life. Please pray for the Vest family. The Mommy of three children lost her battle with cancer on the 3rd. Youn, 34 and full of live. Go to www.stephanievest.com her story will make you appreciate the little things in life a little more. Never met her but followed her blog for the last few months. Also pray for www.shawndraturner.blogspot.com she is also a young gal fighting cancer. I guess looking at their blogs makes me appreciate all the little things. I will keep my chin head a little higher and appreciate the LITTLE things we all take for granted. Hug the people you love a little tighter and never forget to tell the people you love that you LOVE THEM!

Andrea

Back to Rylan

2008-12-08T19:14:00.000-08:00

So, why pay for toys when you have a thread from the carpet? I also caught him by our sink... on the floor there is a vent that of course blows out hot air.... well Rylan thinks it is pretty cool and the picture above was as close as I could get to what he was doing but really not a good picture. He was on his belly looking into the vent it looked like. It reminded me of when we would sit on the floor to watch tv. It was hilarious! I will keep trying to get a picture in action!
Don't tell my Dad I am playing with all of his gagets while he is gone... he may get mad... Tonight Rylan had his ball, and other toys all by this stereo.. not real sure what he was up too but I think he wanted behind the TV.
Can he get any closer to the TV? Usually he tries to eat it. Yes, tries to eat the glass on the stand. Holy Cow! He does have toys and he plays with them every once and awhile. Yes, his shirt is absolutely disgusting... why dirty 25 shirts when I am home all day with him. Our sitter was sick... so I got to stay home.
My Uncle Craig brought me dinner tonight (it was so good and even better because I didn't have to make it!!!!!!) After Craig left I found Rylan at the window. I thought it was pretty cute. He was eating the window but I am a little slow with the camera so this is how I got him. Still pretty cute.

Today was a rather weird day. My sitter called at 6:15 to say that she is sick and not taking any kids....(tomorrow either) so because Jeremy is gone I got to stay home. Rylan wakes up at that time crying (with tears) so I feed him and we both go back to bed. I then think that I should get up in case I could find someone for the rest of the day and 2 so I could get him in the doctor too. So, I get ready and take him to the doctor. Okay, so yes I take him in probably too much but after a FREAKING week of him not getting ANY better I am fed up and took him in. I did see yet a different Dr. and STILL NO MEDS! I don't like putting him on things but my LAND! This morning I was about ready to pull all my hair out. Rylan cried basically the moment we woke up till I took him into the doctor and then what do you know... he is the happiest little boy ever! AUH! Gee, that really makes me look good when I tell the Doc that he's been crying all morning! I think they think I am crazy!!!!!! So, home I go with nothing more than I came with. I called Jeremy and all I wanted to do was cry. I'm not sure what to do all day with a crying baby! Luckily enough I fed him and we took a nap. After an hour he wanted to get up... Mommy trick and I got him to sleep on and off for another 1 1/2 hours. THANK THE LORD! Then tonight we had fun. Hopefully with not being around many people today and tomorrow he will get better faster.

Say some prayers to those single parents out there. I'm not sure how they do it!

Good Night all and hopefully we have power and NO snow on the ground in the morning!

Love,

Andrea

This one is for you Rhiannon!!!

2008-12-08T19:07:00.000-08:00

So, my sister encouraged me to do her December deal. I honestly don't really get it but I think it is just posting other things than your family. So, here it is. I haven't really done any more decorating around the house besides the Christmas tree, railing, and the famous candle deal... many memories go into that. My Mother in Law took me around town to get something for my party I had in Hebron... I think it was my Uppercase Living Party I had. Anyway, I wanted a center piece and well here it is. It was fun and fun to put it all together... and to do something with my Mother in Law besides do things for the guys. It was our time... and it was NICE! Although the end product was probably more than I should have spent we still had a good time and I am happy to display it each year... remembering what a fun time we had.

Then of course I have to show you another year of a perfect tree... yes we do pick a PERFECT REAL tree out each year.
I can't figure out how to work my camera just right but this is the best picture I can take right now... another one may come later! :) When my better 1/2 is home. :)

Saturday at G. Grandparent Swanson's

2008-12-01T19:27:00.001-08:00

When we were leaving to go back home we wanted to stop and say hi to G. Grandma & pa Swanson's. So, I got to meet some more family... I never knew I had so much family....I wasn't tired or anything... and I guess I needed to keep hanging on.

This is my Gr. Aunt Cheryl ....

G. Grandpa Swanson... I sure wish I got to see him more often... he is a pretty cool Grandpa!

My Daddies cousin Andrea from Wisconsin. I also got to meet her Mommy, Daddy, and Sister

Me, G. Grandma Dar & Daddies cousin Anna. The GIRLS trying to teach me to play the pianoI had fun with everyone... it was very nice to meet all of you! The pictures don't show even have as much fun as I really had.

Lots of Love,

Rylan

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-12-01T19:19:00.001-08:00

After our tummy filling lunch at G. Grandma Richardson's we played and played and played. It was just Rylan for majority of the day. He did get to meet his cousin Ellie and also got to see his cousin Colton...he's almost heavier than me. Oh well... that is just how it goes. This picture below I tried to get this darn plant but I would get so close and then they would tell me no and move me so I couldn't get it. My mom and dad say what actually happened was a lot funnier than this picture.

Playin' cards with G. Grandma Betty and the BIG BOYS

Playing by myself...

I got to meet my Dad's cousin from IL her name is Daniel and I really liked her. Daniel and G. Grandma Betty would put these animals in front of me and they would dance. They were pretty funny!

I PUT ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING IN MY MOUTH! ....EVEN CARDS!

On the move!

2008-12-01T19:06:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I thought scooting and just rolling around was busy... nah not even close. I am sure that it will be even worse when he actually starts crawling but MY LAND! Why didn't anyone tell me that they would be EVERYWHERE! I always have to take a double take and see where he is at. Then the next second he is crawling up my leg and fussing like he wants me to pick him up, or climbing up something and falls.... it is constant. Tonight expecially. Let me also add that today at the sitter she told me that he wanted to eat like every 2 or 2 1/2 hours. Yep, tonight he ate 3 #2's. HOLY COW! I stopped him at that otherwise I am not sure when he would have stopped.
We FINALLY got a high chair. He likes being in it too....
Yes, he really is playing in the dishwasher... I opened it up to put something away and then looked back and found him playing!!!!!! Of course when I get the camera out he looks and me and smiles.

UGH!

2008-12-01T18:48:00.000-08:00

8 favorite tv shows
Biggest Loser
The Bachelor
The Bachelorette
American Idol
HGTV
Flip this house---- I don't really watch too much tv anymore
How could I forget... Animal Planet ... the ones where they save animals.
Ugh, the last few months it's been the LOVELY FOX & FRIENDS.... I am SO GLAD the election is OVER!!!!!!!

8 things I did yesterday
Went to Church
Fed Rylan
Played with Rylan
Read books
Put lights on my Christmas Tree
Decorated my PERFECT tree
Spent time with Jeremy
Took a long nap (I won't say how long) with Rylan

8 things I look foward to
Coming home on Friday... going to Nashville from Wed - Fri.... for work. Not that I am not looking forward to it but it is my first time away from Rylan and I am really dreading it!!!!!!
Getting Rylan on Friday
Finish decorating my house for Christmas... I just love this time of year.
Giving my neighbors the cookies my family and I made together. - That was fun!!
Spending more time with family for the holidays.
Sleep
To see what my future holds
My sisters wedding in July

8 Favorite restaurants
Any home cooked meal I don't have to make... it's always better when someone else makes it!
Olive Garden
Texas Roadhouse
Firebirds
Godfathers.... auh the day I get to have pizza again!
Jimmy John's
Geee this is horrible that I can't even think of 8 food places. HORRIBLE!

8 things on my wish list - some realistic and some not!
Shoe organizer
Clothes basket for Rylan's room
Bookshelf for Rylan's room
Clocks for all rooms in my NEW house
To not have to work, but have the income we have, so we can spend more time with family
To figure out if I want to go back to school.
Decorate in a cool way that fits both Jeremy and I's taste
Win the lottery... I guess I gotta play first!

This took a bit longer than I thought but fun to do...now it is: Sorry I am not going to send it back to you Rhiannon or Tay so enjoy that I ACTUALLY did it!

Loosing weight

2008-11-20T05:01:00.000-08:00

Okay, so tell me if I am crazy. Rylan went to the Dr. yesterday to get his 2nd round of flu shot. I wanted him weighed because he just seems really skinny. Well indeed he has lost 5 oz. Please tell me this is normal if he is A LOT more active and has had a cold so he hasn't been drinking his bottle very well. It really scares me so let me know if this is normal... gotta run. Rylan is up and I should be leaving the house soon!
I will fill you in more later!
HAPPY THURSDAY!
Andrea

Wondering

2008-11-14T11:49:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I am just curious to see how many people are actually looking at our blog. Can you say hi by psoting a comment in the comment section. I just want to see who is all checking our blog.
Thanks... yes I am Curious George.
Andrea