Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year's Eve

Whether your all dolled up for a night on the town or at home having a quiet (or not-so-quiet like ours) celebration, I wish you a happy one.

I know I wasn't supposed to return until after the New Year, but things happened and we are home from our vacation. Things that taught me a lesson.

Stay tuned for my New Year's resolution(s) and announcement......big plans to come to our family in the next year.

Wherever you are, whatever you are doing........have a safe night.

See you back in 2010!

Rie

Friday, December 25, 2009

See You Next Year

In my days leading up to Christmas, I was a baking fool.
Cookies, fudge, pies, marshmallows and hot cocoa. Phew! I get tired just thinking about it.

I will be taking a weeks break from blogging to fully enjoy the company of my family. I will return after the New Year with pictures of our celebrations and thoughts for the future.

I hope you all had a very merry Christmas.

I will leave you with some snapshots from our "just the girls baking day".

God bless you and yours.
Rie





Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Yell or Grab the Camera???

This time of year daddy brings home lots of great stuff! Chocolates from co-workers and cookies from patients fill our home every Christmas. I turned for one second and found Leila sitting on top of the table going nuts with a chocolate bar! She had chocolate all over. I paused......yell and explain how dangerous being on top of a table is or grab my camera as soon as possible. I guess you can see what I chose.........




Sunday, December 20, 2009

There Is Good In This World

I loaded Leila and presents in the car.
We were off to deliver gifts to a family in need.
A young mother of three fighting for her life, fighting for her house.
As I drove I thought of many things; how blessed I am to have a car to deliver these gifts, how blessed I am to have the resources to help another family and would someone be so kind to help my family if situations were reversed? To that question I can absolutely answer yes. I have seen far more good in this world than bad.

I pulled into the front of the house and met the social worker that suggested this family in particular. At the door I was greeting by a smiling young woman and three bouncing boys. We brought in present after present to each child's delight.

We sat on the couch and talked. In her eyes I saw fear, strength, sadness, fatigue and hope. I could have been looking in the mirror. She is my age, she had the same fear I had in my eyes not to long ago. This could be me easily, but it's not. I tell her that I care about her struggles and her fears. I pray for her daily, I pray she wins her fight as I won mine. I pray God gives her strength and energy to be the mom she needs and wants to be to her boys.

I wish I could be a fly on the wall watching her children's eyes light up on Christmas morning.
There is so much tragedy all around us. People that have lost or are loosing their loved ones, children without parents or that have lost a parent, those that have lost a child, those that have lost their health and those that are not able to provide a holiday meal.

I will close with just one thought: If you have your health and each other, you have everything. All the rest is circumstantial. Love on your babies and thank the Lord for them. On Christmas morning remember those that are suffering with grief and say a prayer that today, if only just today, God bring them peace removing the heavy weights they are carrying.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Dedicated

Leila had her Dedication to the Lord this Sunday.
She felt like a princess in her new outfit up on stage.


Here she is sneaking a peak!

Jalyn was very proud to be a part of his sister's big day.

My shy little love bug.

We went out to lunch afterwards, just the four of us. We had a wonderful time until...... Two people asked what was wrong with Leila's face and I cried. I am very protective of my baby and I couldn't find the words to put them in their place. I was ashamed of myself for not speaking up and angry at them for having the nerve to ask such a thing. The world is so cruel. I'm so thankful that our inner circle is so incredibly supportive and loving. Jalyn had no problem celebrating!

Her first strawberry shake! Think she's intoxicated from the delicious cream!

My boys sitting across from me, I had the best view by far.

Kisses,
Rie

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Tis the season for good old fashioned gift giving. Giving, the best part. There's no better feeling than making someone else happy.

In need of some ideas? Here are a few of my favorite things. Maybe this will help you shop for that special woman in your lives!

My favorite perfume, Heavenly by Victoria Secret.

Stationary. A friend gave this to me as a gift once and I loved it. Things like this you typically wouldn't buy for yourself.

Jewelry is always a nice option, but this gals jewelry is amazing and unique! The Vintage Pearl. I would love one with my two darlings names (hint, hint Santa!)

For the woman that loves to cook/bake. This is one of my favorite cook books.

The most adorable hair pieces I've ever seen. Sophisticated yet fun! I have one and always receive comments! Bebecha.

An apron is one of the best gifts you could give this gal! Here is my favorite.

If your a grandparent, a loving auntie or a really awesome friend, the gift of babysitting so she can have a night with her hubby would be so thoughtful! Believe me, the best of gifts is giving your time.

My fav lip gloss in "You're Golden"! It's a neutral tone and looks great on everyone, even has gold flecks in it!

Well now, there you have it. If your sitting on the fence of indecision than hopefully your off it after reading this!

Happy shopping!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Please Pray

Dear Friends,

Today I checked in on my friend Lori's blog. She and her husband were in the process of adopting in Kyrgyzstan when a miracle happened, she became pregnant. I have followed her blog daily since. Today I was saddened and heartbroken at what I found.

Please read their story and send as many prayers as you possibly can up to heaven.

Lori, I am praying for you. I am praying for Matthew. Matthew felt more love in his short time here on earth than most children feel in a lifetime. May God be with you and your family and in time bring you peace.

Lori's Blog Here

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Cheers To That!

I came across an article the other day.
A mom talking about stress and the holidays and she offered up ideas to help. Now there were many wonderful ideas but this one in particular spoke to my very soul.

She schedules all routine medical appointments, household maintenance tune-ups, play dates and activities before the month of November.

Come November 1st, every day is for family, friends and relaxation until January 1st.

Inevitably some things cannot be helped but she's does her darnedest.

If you can't tell already by me posting this idea, let me just tell you.... I'm swiping it!

To heck with well checks, pest control, birthday parties (no offense), organizing the house, plumbers/electricians and play dates.

Next year come November 1st my calendar will be cleared.

I will use this time and get to the heart of the matter; friends, family, movie nights, date nights,
quiet moments with each child, local festivities and remembering what Christmas is all about.

Cheers to that idea mama!