Monday, November 30, 2009

Top Treasure

This week or so has been a really difficult lesson in parenting. We have had a hard time with our precious Ryan. You know one of those weeks when you really feel like a failure. Like there is some rule book that all the other parents got that you missed! Mark and I know that parenting is not for the weak but sometimes it can be incredibly defeating. I'm sure that none of you have had humbling experiences, but we have had a few lately. I love my children with all my heart and unfortunately they both got a double dose of stubbornness, shyness, passion and the need to be right. Mark and I are very different, but extremely similar in those qualities. My mom loves to hear stories of how Ryan won't participate or that he has to have the last word because apparently I was the exact same way as a child. Actually, now that I think about it, I am still pretty much like that. Moving on...So mom my question for you is when did I become the awesome well-adjusted person I am now (he he)!!!! I feel like I need to write down the things that I adore most about Ryan so here goes. My top ten list of Ryan's amazing qualities:

1. Perseverance. This kid must complete a task start to finish, which I love. Last week we had the FWCS Turkey Trot 3 mile race and I am not exaggerating when I say that he ran almost the whole thing. Impressive.

2. Hilarious. I love to see his toothless grin while he tells me a funny story.

3. Tender-hearted. He is very compassionate towards others, especially those in need.

4. Smart. Like uber-smart. He was reading at 4, and he has a crazy memory. He knows every single detail about anything he's interested in. He absorbs more information than I ever did and retains it all. He is really starting to store God's word in his heart and I am amazed at how quickly this kid can learn scripture.

5. Timid. He is always taking in new situations. He's constantly assessing different scenes and people's reactions and then slowly deciding if or when he wants to participate.

6. Loving. He adores his family and friends and gets so excited for holidays and birthdays that he cannot contain himself. His cousins are his best friends and he always looks forward to seeing his grandparents, aunts and uncles.

7. Kind. When I'm not looking or paying attention he is such a great big brother. He is always looking out for his baby sister and cousins.

8. Helpful. I am quite certain that Ryan could run the household if I am ever gone. He knows where everything is and is a HUGE help to me.

9. Quiet. He loves having time alone in his room to play Legos, Star wars, his DS, or games. He needs his downtime and can entertain himself for hours.

10. Detailed. Ryan likes things the way he likes them. He is clean and organized and he likes to know the details of any new environment. He will still need to assess it for himself, but details help.

Now onto a proud parental moment...

Ryan won an award for the second six weeks at school. The top treasure is chosen by his Kindergarten teacher and only one student is awarded each six weeks. To say we are proud parents is an understatement. This award is based on classroom obedience, integrity, and being a good example of what FWCS represents. That is just plain awesome. (Just between us Ryan was not too thrilled to be awarded during chapel because he had to walk up on the platform with Mrs. Purdy to be recognized. But, he did it!)

Mark surprised Ryan when he got home with three of his very favorite things: staying up late, a coke, and a Target gift card. Basically my three favorite things too:-).

Ryan, I am so thrilled that you earned this award and that Mrs. Sims recognizes your hard work at school. We love you very much and love being your parents on both the terrible days and the great ones.
Here he is reading his sweet card from Daddy

And drinking Coke at 8:00 on a school night


Way to go Ryan!!!

Friday, November 27, 2009

So Thankful




I feel SO blessed this year. I am very, very thankful for my sweet family.
We had a great Thanksgiving. I hope you did as well.
Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name. Make known His deeds among the people. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name!
1 Chronicles 16:8-10a

Thursday, November 19, 2009

He's our child

Ryan's Kindergarten School Picture

Mine


And Mark's

I guess Ryan's mild smile comes to him genetically:-)!!!

Monday, November 16, 2009

What I have a sip?

Ally has the funniest little language lately. She is substituting the word "what" for "can". So she'll ask me, "what I go outside?" Or "what I play dress up?" When this sweet question is followed by a huge PLEASE, it's hard not to say yes! I first tried to correct her but now I just answer. I know next week these phrases will change so I wanted to document her cuteness:-).

Ally talk:

"I love elephants 'cause they walk on their hands and feet."
"Mommy, are we gerls (girls)?"
"Ohh, that's SO cute"
"I getting bigger now"
"I wove (love) my cousin Wila(Lila)and Stacey and Wyatt."
"Where are we goin'today?"
"I need you to give a hug a kiss."
"Do you know what Jo-Jo says? He says, "what's shakin' what's happening, what's the word Jo-Jo?" (from her favorite movie Horton Hears a Who).
"Daddy's at works and Ryan's at school."
"Can I go to Kinderschool too?"
She has many, many more moments of cuteness. These are just from this week. I realize that soon everything she says will be perfect and I love her little way of speaking today.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

The Awesome Hotel

After III's game in Dallas last weekend Mark and I decided to treat the kids to a night at a hotel. I love staying in hotels...We all LOVE staying in hotels and just knew that the kids would be excited. I never dreamed that we'd be staying at the Gaylord Texan but my smart hubby found a great deal, so it was set. This place is incredible. It is gigantic and gorgeous and the kids had a blast. They had already began setting up for Christmas so the decorations were amazing. I was bummed that we didn't have our Christmas Card clothes packed with us because there were at least 100 different gorgeous backdrop options.
Checking in


I cannot stop laughing at this reindeer

I am ready for Christmas after seeing all these great decorations.

The river walk inside the resort


Checking out the fish with Daddy


Ryan took this picture of Ally and I enjoying some yummy ice cream


And Ally took this one (with my help). Not bad!


Sweet little reindeer


Before going to bed I told the kids to pretend like they were asleep, which apparently is hilarious and very hard. They couldn't stop cracking up at silly mommy!

Thank you Mark for a night off. This trip made me realize just how big my kiddos are. It was very easy and super fun and we didn't have diapers, strollers or a pack and play. Man it sure is easier to travel with older ones. I did get a little sad that my baby is almost 3!...how can that be?... But, I really love this stage of life right now and I am cherishing these moments with our little family of four.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

My Favorite Roadrunner in Texas

The most precious Roadrunner to ever hit the Richardson Soccer League is my #1 nephew Stacey. We had the joy of watching him play this weekend and let me be the first to tell you that this boy has some serious soccer skills! Here he is with his proud momma, Caryn.

Check out #3. I'm telling you he is all hustle out on the field.

Here he is after scoring his very first goal in a game! I think he was trying to intimidate the other team with this fierce face:-)

His game was not the only game of the day. These fans had a crazy game all of their own on the sidelines (led by Uncle Mark).

Stacey, we love watching you play and we are so proud of you. Here's to many more goals in the future!

Your #1 fan club

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Chasing Butterflies

Today was BEAUTIFUL! I love November in Texas. Mark was home early today and had a blast with little Ally trying to catch butterflies. It was priceless. She was running all over the yard and finally she said, "I guess they don't want to be catched!" This child of mine bring me such joy.

Those little guys were very tricky to catch but these two gave it a good try.

She was squealing with delight


Can you spot our little visitor.

Thank you God for Butterflies