October 31, 2010

Happy Halloween!

Kevin's Birthday and The Halloween Party

Friday, October 22 was Kevin's 25th birthday.  I was thinking of doing breakfast in bed for him but he gets up so early to go to school,i didn't know if i could.  Ryder happened to wake up at 5 that morning, so i changed him, fed him, and put him back to sleep and by then it was about 5:45. So i decided to make Kevin some German pancakes.  When i brought them in to him singing happy birthday, he was really confused!  Then he noticed what i was holding and finally figured out what was going on.  He loved it!  I let him open a present from me.  The movie, "The Invention of Lying."   

He had to go to school all day, so while he was gone, i made a two layer chocolate cake from scratch.  I had never made a two layer cake before, and i didn't have cute round pans, so i just used two small rectangular ones.  It turned out really good, as far as the taste.  That evening, we went out to eat at the Olive Garden, without Ryder.  That was a huge deal for me, haha.  I was on the verge of tears the whole way to the restaurant!  It wasn't too bad though.  He had fun with Grandma and Grandpa Briggs.  I was happy to get home to my sweet baby though!  Kevin opened his gift from his parents and me.  It is called a net book.  It is pretty much just a mini lap top, more compact and light to carry around at school.  It's so cute haha!  Anyways, he was really excited about that!

After he opened his present, we sang happy birthday and had cake.  Ryder wanted some so bad! He kept grabbing for it. No chocolate allowed bud, sorry!

Ready to blow out the candles

stripping down for bath time!

On Saturday, the 23rd, Kevin and I did our annual Halloween party for our families.  It was fun!  I loved everyone's costumes!  My Dad's was my favorite!

Rashell, a penguin, and Ryder, a dragon.

My Dad, the "cereal" killer! hahaha!  I thought that was really clever!

Colby and Rashell, the cute penguins

Tyler- Jason from Friday the 13th, Chantelle- a pirate, Payton- a poodle, and Riley- a dragon. 

Tyler won "scariest costume", Chantelle won "sexiest", and Payton won "best overall".  Awesome costumes!

My mom, as a witch, and Ryder

Payton was so cute!

Uncle Colby making Ryder smile :)

The cousins, Payton, Riley, and Ryder.

Kevin's parents, Jeannine and Chad, being gross nerds? haha, i don't know, but theirs was funny!  Jeannine won "funniest costume" 

Kevin and I dressed up from the 1940's era.

Brianna and Dave as their pet pugs, Tootsie and Titan. I loved theirs.  They won "most original"

Chantelle's full costume

Cousins, Payton and Ryder, sharing a seat.  Payton was giving Ryder kisses! How cute :)

Some of the decorations

The food!

My hair, 1940's style

The back of my hair

On Sunday, the 24th, we had Kevin's family birthday dinner.  Jeannine made a couple really yummy soups, which was perfect for the weather:  chilly and super windy!

Kevin's Grandpa Sam and Grandma Gladys.  For cards that they give for birthdays and things, Sam always scans in a picture that Gladys has painted (she's very good!) and puts it on the front of the card.  How cool to have those!

Lighting the candles on the cakes.  Kevin had just told a joke, and i LOVE the look on Grandma Gladys' face!

One of Kevin's cakes

Kevin and Ryder

Ryder was wiped out by the end of the night!

October Fun

On October 11th our niece, Payton, turned one!  I can't even believe it's been a year already!  She is so dang cute!  She is just a tiny little thing and it's so funny to see her walking and running around.  We all went over to Tyler and Chantelle's for a birthday party.  It was fun to hang out.  Things are definitely getting to be more loud and crazy at family get togethers with three lil' ones running around.  It's fun though.  Payton got a lot of cute gifts and wanted to play with each one right when she opened it.  Chantelle made a giant cupcake just for Payton and it was funny to see her timidly eat it at first like she was thinking, "is this really ok that I'm doing this???"  By the end, she was covered from head to toe in frosting and had half the cake sitting in her lap!

We have been letting Ryder try rice cereal for the past month.  The other day we introduced him to banana baby food.  He wasn't sure if he liked it at first, but he loves it now.

We have a mirror in our car so we can see Ryder from the front seat.  It's so fun to watch him just chillin and looking out the windows.

Last week was Kevin's fall break from school, so one of the days we decided to take Ryder to Wheeler Farms.  He's probably still too young to appreciate the animals there, but it was still fun. 

I love my mummy :)

Ryder loves grabbing his feet when he's on his back.

We let Ryder taste some lemon juice on my finger...  he didn't seem to mind it

Ryder is now five months old and i feel like time is just flying by.  He is so fun and such a sweet boy.  He is doing something new literally everyday.  It's crazy how fast he grows and changes.  He is talking up a storm and i LOVE it.  He has the a smile that melts my heart.  I try everyday to be the kind of mommy i want to be for him, and i always fall short.  I do the best i can though.  I feel so incredibly lucky to have Ryder in our little family and to be his mommy.  He's my sweet angel :)

Tomorrow is Kevin's 25th birthday.  I'm so thankful for him and the amazing husband and father he is.  I couldn't have even dreamed of a more patient, thoughtful, hardworking, funny, amazing man to be married to.  He works so hard going to school.  He wakes up early and leaves to go to class.  He is in class all day and then stays a couple hours afterwards to study in peace and quiet.  Then he comes home and works on homework until about 2 in the morning!  He does that everyday and is so tired all the time.  He knows it will be worth it in the end and so he just keeps on going.  I am so grateful for him!!  I have the best husband and i would be completely lost without him.

I am having a really hard time leaving Ryder at all to go anywhere on a date...  I get a huge lump in my throat and start to panic just thinking about it.  I know i should probably just get over it and that it would get easier the more i do it, but it's really hard for me.  So poor Kevin has had to deal with a long five months of redbox movie rental date nights.  I'm so thankful Kevin has been understanding about this since i don't feel ready yet.  I'm trying to work up the courage to go to a dollar movie without Ryder sometime.  I'm really pathetic, i know.

On Saturday we are having our third annual Halloween party that we put on for our families.  The parties aren't anything big or great, just fun to get together, and dress up of course!  I have not had the time this year to decorate as much i usually would.  It's pretty simple.  Kevin and I are going to be dressing up from the 1940's era.  Ryder is going to be a dragon.  I'm excited to see everyone!  I will have to post pictures from the party next week.

I Love My Baby and Chocolate!

Why do i think it's hilarious when in the middle of a diaper change, my son pees ALL OVER himself.  I mean, all over.  I don't know if he was aiming for me... in that case he has terrible aim.  If he was going for his own face, then he's a great shot!  He had it on his cheeks, in his nose, ears, and little puddles of it in the inner corners of his eyes, haha.  He just looked up at me with a stunned look of surprise and then when he saw me laughing, gave a huge grin.  He peed all over his face another time when i was visiting my parent's house.  My mom and I couldn't stop laughing. Oh what an adventure diaper changes can be! Never a dull moment.  Sorry i did not get any pictures of this one.  I'll try to remember it next time, because I'm pretty sure it will happen again.

On a completely unrelated note, i found a box of truffles in our pantry and now i can't stop eating them!  It's ok though because chocolate is actually quite healthy... Did you know chocolate has nearly 8 times the number of antioxidants than are found in strawberries and 5.5 time the amount in blueberries!  A small bar of dark chocolate everyday can help keep your heart and cardiovascular system running well, reduce blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure, and reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) by up to 10 percent.  It also stimulates endorphin production, which gives a feeling of pleasure and it contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant.  Don't wash your chocolate down with milk though, it could prevent the antioxidants from being absorbed or used by your body. All the benefits are from dark chocolate.  I'm a milk chocolate kind of girl myself, but i don't mind dark chocolate.  Not too bad though huh?  So go eat some chocolate right now!  Do it for your health! ;)

Mmmm! Who needs an apple a day when you can have chocolate!

Little Cheeks

My friend is opening a Children's Boutique on Main Street in PG. They going to have tons of cute clothes and accessories for girls AND BOYS:) She could use any and all support by spreading the word and putting this advertisement on your page, she will give you 25% off any item! Tell your blogging friends. Anyone and everyone who puts this on their blog please leave a comment here with your blog address and name. If your not comfortable with that you can send her an email with the info at choleyphotography@ymail.com. Come in opening week to receive your discount. She will be keeping a list. Also, watch for your Savvy Shoppers guide in the mail. You can use the coupons in their ad also:)

Sleeping Wizard Baby!

 So Ryder has presented me with a conundrum.  Ever since we brought him home from the hospital, he has needed to be swaddled up tight in his blanket to be able to sleep.  I have tried putting him down without being swaddled, and that was a disaster.  I have tried leaving one arm out of the swaddle, and still no luck.  It wasn't a problem when he still liked being swaddled, but he grew out of that in like 2 seconds.  So every night is a battle trying to swaddle him for bed.  He screams in protest, but yet CAN'T sleep without it!  It's inevitable that he breaks out of the swaddle at some point during the night and then wakes himself up.  On top of this, he has eczema and always scratches and rubs his face to the point where he'll bleed!  So swaddling helps keep his hands away from his face.  Anyways, i have been trying to find a way to ease him out of needing to be swaddled because the situation really is getting ridiculous at night.  I found this website that sells these... "sleepers"  from New Zealand.  It's called Peke Moe and essentially, it's a little sleeping bag/sleep sack.  Ever heard of it? It's supposed to help with transitioning your baby out of swaddling.  I guess because they still feel nice and cozy, but also have the freedom to move around. Anyway, tons of people swear by it, but we don't have the funds to buy one, so i decided to make one.  It didn't look that complicated.  Pretty much like an over sized pillowcase with a neck hole and a zipper along the bottom.  So i made one out of some soft jersey material.  The whole time i was sewing it i couldn't stop laughing thinking about putting it on Ryder because it looked so dumb!  I tried it out last night and yep, he looked so funny in it.  Kevin said he looks like a wizard hahaha. Guess what though, as goofy as it looks, it worked!  I seriously had my doubts.  We did our normal bedtime routine and then i laid him down in his crib.  He played around for a while because he wasn't swaddled and therefore didn't think it was bedtime.  After playing, he started crying.  He cried on and off for about 45 min.  I would go in every few minutes to check on him and comfort him.  He finally settled down and went to sleep!  He woke up once during the night and cried for about 5 minutes and then went back to sleep.  UN SWADDLED!  That's unheard of for this kid.  So looks like they are on to something in New Zealand after all.  Hopefully it works again tonight, cross your fingers.



the wizard sleeper!

Not minding it



He could even still suck his thumb through it haha!



Ryder LOVES exploring his voice lately and all the noises it can make.  He goes through phases.  First was blowing raspberries.  He loved to do that and would get his mouth and chin covered in spit from blowing them constantly!  Next he discovered grunts/growls.  He would be growling all day long, it was so cute!  He still growls a lot when he is just about to fall asleep, it's his way of winding himself down haha.  He has now figured out how to suck the air in instead of out to make a noise almost like the little kid on the Grudge, a little creepy, i know!  When he does it though it mostly just sounds like a squeal of delight.  I have been trying to capture it on video, but he always gets so shy when i pull the camera out.  This video is the best i have gotten, but it's just a quick one, usually he draws the sound out much longer.  I also shows a little of his grunting skills.  This is probably such boring stuff to every other person in the world except maybe grandparents, but oh well!  I love watching him figure out all the new things he can do with his voice and then "talking" to each other all day long to practice them out :)





Something On My Mind- President Boyd K. Packer's Recent Talk

In general conference this past weekend, President Boyd K. Packer gave an awesome, straightforward talk reiterating the LDS church's stance on a couple subjects, namely same sex marriage. There wasn't anything new being said; in the LDS church we have always believed this way. However, it's like a bomb was dropped. I have been disgusted and saddened in the days following conference to hear so many negative, hateful, and downright ignorant comments in reference to President Packer's talk. There is a huge misconception about the LDS church- that we hate homosexuals/lesbians/bisexuals and believe God does too. This couldn't be more wrong! It is quite the opposite. We love everyone no matter what kind of life they have lived. Heavenly Father has no boundaries on his love for all. He wants us all to be happy, and true, eternal happiness comes from following Him. "Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness." -Alma 41:10.

Satan has an evil counterfeit for all things righteous. Do we hate homosexuals, NO. Is practicing homosexuality wrong, YES. It always has been, always will be. Nothing will change that. It takes a great amount of humility and strength to know and admit when you are wrong, and even more to change your ways and repent. It can be done however. It is never too late. Heavenly Father will ALWAYS be waiting with open arms to welcome us back when we have made mistakes, no matter how big they may be. I know this is true from personal experience.

I thought of a scripture when i was listening to President Packer's talk. It is 1 Nephi 16:1-4,
"1. And now it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had made an end of speaking to my brethren, behold they said unto me: Thou hast declared unto us hard things, more than we are able to bear.
2. And it came to pass that I said unto them that I knew that I had spoken hard things against the wicked, according to the truth; and the righteous have I justified, and testified that they should be lifted up at the last day; wherefore, the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center.
3. And now my brethren, if ye were righteous and were willing to hearken to the truth, and give heed unto it, that ye might walk uprightly before God, then ye would not murmur because of the truth, and say: Thou speakest hard things against us.
4. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did exhort my brethren, with all diligence, to keep the commandments of the Lord."

It is so true! Another scripture that fits, Moroni 9: 4,
"Behold, I am laboring with them continually; and when I speak the word of God with sharpness they tremble and anger against me; and when I use no sharpness they harden their hearts against it; wherefore, I fear lest the Spirit of the Lord hath ceased striving with them."

I know many people that are homosexual. They are GOOD people. I love them. The Church loves them. Heavenly Father loves them! That does not mean we agree with their lifestyle though. I'm not writing this to offend anyone, but just as those opposing President Packer's talk have every right to voice their opinions and beliefs, I am expressing mine. Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ..."

I really like what one person said about the situation,
"It is becoming increasingly clear to me that we can no longer afford to be fence-sitters when it comes to the things of righteousness. We can’t afford to have one foot in Babylon and the other foot in the Kingdom of God. The gap between “the world” and God’s standards of morality is widening. We must choose whose side we are on – the Lord’s side or on Lucifer’s side. We can choose to follow God’s prophets or not. It is becoming increasingly black and white to me."

How true that is in these last days! I am proud and blessed beyond words to have the true and restored gospel in my life. I know President Monson is a prophet called by God in these latter days to lead and guide us. I know the apostles are called by God and that they teach the truth with compassion and love. I love the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! I have been blessed beyond measure from being a member of this, the true church. I cannot even begin to express my love for my Savior, Jesus Chrtist. He has always been there for me, no matter how disobedient, rebellious, or how far off the path I have been. He is there for each and every one of us, and always will be, NO MATTER WHAT. We live in troubling times, and I am so thankful for the truth that i have to guide me through the "dark mists" on my path back to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

*I don't know if anyone will even read this. If you read some of this, or maybe even the entire thing, WOW, thank you! I just really needed to express my thoughts. I know not everyone may like what i have written, but please, no hateful comments!*

**To listen to Boyd K. Packer's talk, click here, scroll down to the Sunday Morning Session and there you will find his name and the mp3 link. You can also learn more about our church and beliefs by going here or here**

Girls Night Out

Last night was a girls night out since the guys were at the priesthood session of general conference. Me and Ryder met up with my Mom, Chantelle, and the girls down in Provo. We went to Red Robin and ate outside. It felt so great. It was fun to just relax and hang out. We missed having Rashell with us, but she had to work :(

Payton

Riley

Riley and Ryder

Ryder

Me, Payton, Chantelle, Mom, and Riley

Mom and the grandkids

Ryder with Aunt Chantelle

Me and my bud

After priesthood meeting was over, we came home and Ryder was in such a good mood! Kevin and i were having so much fun playing with him. He seriously is the best little baby. He is so sweet and fun. I can't imagine any thing better than this!

Ryder and Kevin


Kisses for mommy

Laughing on my lap

Playing!


Smiling at Kevin

I'm so in love with this smile!

I feel so lucky to be Ryder's mommy. Everyday i fall for him more and more. I think back to before we had him, and i get an kind of homesick feeling. Although i didn't quite feel it at the time, it's like something was missing. I'm sure i will feel that after having our other kids too.

Ryder is such a loving baby and constantly wants to be held. I definitely don't mind, i mean, you don't have to twist my arm to hold this sweet little guy! Sometimes it's hard to get anything done all day since he gets so sad and cries when i have to put him down very long. Some days, if i can even get dressed, it's a productive day haha. However, i don't want to miss a single moment of him growing up, it's already going by too fast! He's getting so big and changing all the time, and sometimes i get so excited for all the fun things to come i can hardly wait, but i also just want to enjoy him as much as i can right now. Someday, i doubt i will look back and think, "boy i wish i would have done more laundry/dishes/vacuuming when Ryder was a baby..." I do know i will miss the quiet times snuggling and playing together though. So for now, if things are a little messy, oh well :)