tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252150222024-02-19T02:19:25.920-05:00The Riese's Piecesreflecting,capturing & sharing pieces of our lives...Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.comBlogger356125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-52515933171155243882012-11-30T17:37:00.000-05:002012-11-30T17:37:24.532-05:00Blessings of 10 years <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b> Our 10th Christmas Card </b>since being "Mr.& Mrs" has arrived! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: black;">*(see Christmas card below in the previous post)</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;">10
years ago, I mailed out our
first Christmas card with our wedding photo *tapped" on the inside! HA!
And 10 years later we
now can create cards on the computers. Boxed cards are now considered a
thing of the past. I love receiving Christmas Cards and have always
loved seeing the changes within other families as well as ours. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;">I am amazed at the last 10 years and really grateful for all the blessings that the Lord has given us. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;">In the last 10 years we have had;</span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;"> 2 apartments in Upstate N.Y.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;">a big move to the South </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;">1 apartment in GA </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;">our first home in GA ( 7 years ago!!!)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;">4 cars total, (Dodge Neon, Toyota Corolla (just turned 10
years old and still going strong! It was our wedding gift to each other
& had 6 miles on it when we got it, now it is way over 100K
miles),Toyota Rav 4, which was traded in for our current Family Van.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;">a CPA license earned for Mike</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;">7 Years of teaching for Jenn (@ 2 private Schools)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;">employment the first 5 years at PWC for Mike</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;"> current employment @ GE for Mike</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;">a dog for 8 years, Abbey, who we love and miss dearly</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;">2 boys; Parker & Kaden</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;">And the list goes on...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
through it all, we have had many obstacles that at the time seemed
unbearable! Yet those obstacles brought growth and got us where we are
today by God's strength and grace. We are still growing, still messing
up, still learning real love and loving each other in the "un-lovable"
moments. Without our personal relationship with the Lord we would not be
able to sit and reflect on true joy and all that we have been blessed
with. We don't deserve anything. I am so thankful for being able to mess
up and still be loved and understood by my Savior and Mike. I do not
deserve him or our sweet little gifts, Parker & Kaden. But I am
SO grateful the Lord chose for us to be blessed to have them in our
"family" and be their parents.<br /> Hence why I chose "Cherished Blessings" Christmas card from Shutterfly this year. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;">We are so excited for a fun year celebrating Christmas with them. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;"> I can only think what the next 10 + years will bring? Only the Lord knows and our life is his to use.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;">Merry Christmas from our home to yours! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-42969235274400254212012-11-30T15:11:00.001-05:002012-11-30T17:20:53.121-05:00Our 10th Christmas Card! (2012)<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="height: 494px; width: 425px;">
<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="background-image: url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif); height: 6px;">
</div>
<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="background-image: url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat: repeat-y; height: 482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px;">
<div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px; width: 105px;">
<img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" style="background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none; padding: 0;" /></div>
<div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height: 350px; padding: 0; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AYs2bVq3aN2b3A&eid=115"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0AYs2bVq3aN2aA/0AYs2bVq3aN2aPWg/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1354306250000/0/" style="background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none; padding: 0;" /></a></div>
<div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="background-color: #f4f4e9; height: 55px; line-height: 19px; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; text-align: center;">
<div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold;">
Cherished Blessings Religious Christmas Card</div>
<div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px;">
Browse <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards" style="color: #6666cc;">Shutterfly</a>'s unique Christmas card designs.</div>
<div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px;">
View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.<br />
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<br /></div>
</div>
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Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-16162212740681646412012-11-12T17:11:00.002-05:002012-11-12T17:11:40.024-05:00Good Bye Summer! Hello Fall (almost over) Really??It is far from summer and a much over due post! Oops. :(<br />
As I sat down to look at the calendar of events for the week, I was shocked November 12. Only 1 week till Thanksgiving and 6 weeks till Christmas!<br />
I had some awesome photos that were captured over the summer and never got around to uploading from my phone to the computer, and finally "THE BLOG"! (Sigh)<br />
Lesson learned!<br />
Last month, our precious 5 year old was taking photos on my phone and somehow managed to hit a button that deleted my whole album of photos from my camera phone! (Just about 2 years worth of photos). :( <br />
Thankfully, about 50% of the photos were uploaded to emails, F.B. or the blog. Still makes me sad that some of the first videos of the boys together were deleted. I could dwell on it forever. But I am thankful it was just photos lost. I was sick about it.:( <br />
All that remains on my phone are downloaded photos over the summer that Mike texted me or I uploaded from other friends.<br />
I do have a few from email that were captured at my sister's house on her chicken farm.<br />
I took the boys up for the 4th of July to visit my family in MI. <br />
Let's just say it was a nightmare of issues to get there, and I was never so thrilled to arrive.<br />
A rental car that failed, finally got another rental (3 hours later), a required hotel stay, and a ton of hours on the road with the boys! I won't do that again for a LONG time by myself. We are flying next time. They were troopers!!<br />
I don't regret one bit of the visit! I just wish we had not had so many issues getting there.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeU2aVZ_aUyxk62iHDtCrKMwa61GfvVc3n_v31Pd3A0RRyBklGdSNPidftdNohCoityp5FZTsjcw1S96MXEA_ikLfootebKq3nL8o6uLlrLQTD184yLJV5zn2cpke0yI5GftuTQ/s1600/318721_10151885168550635_1874104126_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeU2aVZ_aUyxk62iHDtCrKMwa61GfvVc3n_v31Pd3A0RRyBklGdSNPidftdNohCoityp5FZTsjcw1S96MXEA_ikLfootebKq3nL8o6uLlrLQTD184yLJV5zn2cpke0yI5GftuTQ/s320/318721_10151885168550635_1874104126_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PdP00a_4j-HNQhsk6Bvb03An6iPSMhufcxWhSsRqB4V8ILskXJYGQt5VYT5NeM9gBEqkDRi0rZ7_Qk9FXvhi2szLR8JtSSn-d7vyIJYkKxkey2kC-vUnH4Xj8OfbHcpiEOwu8g/s1600/256548_10150891627792703_1556909907_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PdP00a_4j-HNQhsk6Bvb03An6iPSMhufcxWhSsRqB4V8ILskXJYGQt5VYT5NeM9gBEqkDRi0rZ7_Qk9FXvhi2szLR8JtSSn-d7vyIJYkKxkey2kC-vUnH4Xj8OfbHcpiEOwu8g/s320/256548_10150891627792703_1556909907_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The boys feeding the cows at my sister's farm! :) <br />
We ended our summer with a trip up to NY to visit Mike's family. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjKBZAQ-jszrbXZynIHNJO1RIcYQmj01FPepxIx90hQ5_PLKhcI7bvW_JfWZ11zUYV2yUIvd8DL78yJusuC-v53Zgtg89yCrU0RwjIhD0jnIOd7nQ-REc0qQHdeyIW5BSJUNClg/s1600/615363_10150936545692187_673557818_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjKBZAQ-jszrbXZynIHNJO1RIcYQmj01FPepxIx90hQ5_PLKhcI7bvW_JfWZ11zUYV2yUIvd8DL78yJusuC-v53Zgtg89yCrU0RwjIhD0jnIOd7nQ-REc0qQHdeyIW5BSJUNClg/s320/615363_10150936545692187_673557818_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
And I have allot of photos that I lost. I love this one of our lunch date with Ne-Ne.<br />
The boys love being little "cow-boys" and seeing all their extended cousins and hanging out with Ne-Ne and Cowboy.<br />
<br />Adventure with both families was special and it was a journey to say the least. When we got back from NY Parker was about to turn 5 and ALL he wanted was a Chuck E Cheese Party! So we took him and his friends to celebrate. It was fabulous and not what I grew up with at all. The place has improved a ton.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyagccOmfnFrOQuvfZuK1IOUdBhR6qzKgUTkX0TGOXEj2X0ddTdz36VtID494DWcxRBOYPcAYdnMgem046fqEGrmZsaFZasffAowTcnYtZFvirjOTsLKzxKG71cFzcFpQmJBXlg/s1600/427491_4412957926598_1091013649_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyagccOmfnFrOQuvfZuK1IOUdBhR6qzKgUTkX0TGOXEj2X0ddTdz36VtID494DWcxRBOYPcAYdnMgem046fqEGrmZsaFZasffAowTcnYtZFvirjOTsLKzxKG71cFzcFpQmJBXlg/s320/427491_4412957926598_1091013649_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
Parker has been loving Kindergarten and is attending Burnt Hickory's program. We are so grateful for another year of growth for him before he begins FULL day school. He played Fall Tee-Ball and has found his Niche.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqLwTF-DDKTHwl3uxCRTIgrrULdhSA3UUnWhCheC3VYbWOYj-_GMjmUkNKXmTzIWXCCgfjGAyOar0LTpkaCaKkQlYSN44CjEROPqDMfg85lxN3BJjhuttDpyQdbwZrfnOZsek_g/s1600/169119_10151073994422187_1610300500_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqLwTF-DDKTHwl3uxCRTIgrrULdhSA3UUnWhCheC3VYbWOYj-_GMjmUkNKXmTzIWXCCgfjGAyOar0LTpkaCaKkQlYSN44CjEROPqDMfg85lxN3BJjhuttDpyQdbwZrfnOZsek_g/s320/169119_10151073994422187_1610300500_o.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
He can play and looks like he is following in his daddy's footsteps. <br />
<br />
Kaden is a BIG boy who has not shed 1 tear since entering Mom's Morning Out.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAseqzbfD8lmhR6KtVulZb9J3niF6_Xg8UN-74tneV8Nq1MKdz8yvxGevA60AL6Q1CbQEfdDuFG_e3-s746EyU_pRm9MUCiczb9I9KbXFRvqb63cpT0rORBSbrov9Ure_Cy39bA/s1600/614396_10150988441957187_350708663_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAseqzbfD8lmhR6KtVulZb9J3niF6_Xg8UN-74tneV8Nq1MKdz8yvxGevA60AL6Q1CbQEfdDuFG_e3-s746EyU_pRm9MUCiczb9I9KbXFRvqb63cpT0rORBSbrov9Ure_Cy39bA/s320/614396_10150988441957187_350708663_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
I am grateful for the 8 hours a week of "alone" time to get much done and have a break.<br />
The days are fleeting and we really have cherished the time with our boys.<br />
I am sad that we have a house of kids and no babies.<br />
However, that being said, made it a little bit easier for Mike and me to escape and celebrate our 10th Anniversary! <br />
It
was a nice beginning to the fall for us and after 10 years (officially
on June 29), we celebrated at the end of September at a phenomenal
resort in Las.Vegas! We must do another trip before 20 years. <br />
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When we got home this was in out backyard!!! My dad used his skills and put this wonderful swing-set together for the boys. It was a super early Christmas present from us! Thanks Dad, for all your hard work. </div>
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Shortly after that return it was time for my annual Girls get -a-way with no kids. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqseQSv-gKSApqV5edIUe3j-pPuW8rIsEAXNRGnN3UYjDNph_j96uQgS8JgpWdFk5opsyJX9lCeo_ITIsRFf7-jdbBnYZEAZIj1n68g7F7ltBBGZ2BghWTohfZVsPQ51wnKHi2Q/s1600/557645_10151102191018093_1015467219_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqseQSv-gKSApqV5edIUe3j-pPuW8rIsEAXNRGnN3UYjDNph_j96uQgS8JgpWdFk5opsyJX9lCeo_ITIsRFf7-jdbBnYZEAZIj1n68g7F7ltBBGZ2BghWTohfZVsPQ51wnKHi2Q/s320/557645_10151102191018093_1015467219_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
This year we stayed close by, shopped, ate and slept.<br />
It was wonderful! Already looking forward to next year~ destination T.B.D! :) <br />
And then it was time for Halloween. Our little Kaden was Parker's spider , since Parker is in a phase of Spiderman. But all have decided that next year Parker will probably still fit into his Spiderman costume and we need to find The Hulk for Kaden. He can turn it on and off with his fits and laughter. We will see ...:) <br />
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Here is to a wonderful season of;pumpkin spice Chai tea, apple-cinnamon candles, crock-pot meals, a grand time with friends at pumpkin patches and preparing for the big Thanksgiving feast! <br />
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It was a rough start to the year, but the summer and fall have been a blast! Looking forward to ending our year on fingers crossed (a great end). <br />
I am so thankful the Lord carried us through and we had friends around us to support us and help us out. As the holidays are upon us, I don't want to get stressed out and so overwhelmed. We are staying home this year!!<br />
It is bittersweet to be away from extended family, but nice to celebrate and be together with our boys. We are looking forward to just being home and enjoy all that we have been blessed with. It is so exciting to see the meaning of this time of year "click" with Parker. He is getting SO excited for Christmas and trying to help him understand the real Joy is not found in the "presents" but in the "Presence of Christ in our heart!"<br />
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What is your family tradition for Christmas gifts? Our boys get so much from Aunts & Uncles (11 gifts alone from immediate relatives on each side). So, for Christmas, we have really capped it at 3 gifts.We care more about giving to others. <br />
I hate having junk laying around and wasting money on things they really don't need.<br />
I am hoping that this blog will not be our last entry of the year??!<br />
Anxious to hear how you do gifts for your family? <br />
I am sure between now and Christmas I will have a good "Captain Kademan" story to tell.<br />
So until then,<br />
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family!<br />
:) <br />
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<br /><br />Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-37302904399023454452012-06-30T08:25:00.001-04:002012-06-30T08:25:28.058-04:00Happy Half Birthday,Kade"man"<div class="mobile-photo">
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Thursday, 6/28/12, Kaden, turned 2&1/2.<br /> I realized it was his (half birthday)just as Mike &I were about to tuck him into bed.<br />
When I was growing up we always got to celebrate our half
birthdays:)<br />
So,it is fun to have a special treat and recognize these
little milestones in the boys lives.<br />
I can't believe our baby boy really isn't a baby anymore. I love his big blue eyes. And Mike and I have weekly discussions of the curly hair. It is LONG and I really want to get a big trim. Daddy insists on mommy only doing "little" trims. It is a completely different texture of hair then Parker's and it is beautiful a little bit longer. However, I don't want to confuse others by his curls that he is girl. <br />
Crazy to think,Parker, was a big brother by this age.I am sure Kaden,will make a great big brother <u>SOME </u>day. Not ready yet for number 3. Some days he is like having two kids! LOL<br />
But, we are holding on to our breath& keeping on our toes with his curiousity!<br /> His latest laugh for all, but mess for "mommy" was getting into a brand new bottle of my hot pink nail polish.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpRLrQ-ZB6tmfIUWysayjvyL_kk7VC9QmVHMdZk2U-fXZh0E6UC_vDhXfom9Afz2vWLj7ZmvwT31fkqNwrpSiXmcNMwJCpwraOB8MVl7PPzCBetKth58oS9U1zI1JCUkTApIYQg/s1600/IMG_20120619_170834-726978.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5759796074065869170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpRLrQ-ZB6tmfIUWysayjvyL_kk7VC9QmVHMdZk2U-fXZh0E6UC_vDhXfom9Afz2vWLj7ZmvwT31fkqNwrpSiXmcNMwJCpwraOB8MVl7PPzCBetKth58oS9U1zI1JCUkTApIYQg/s320/IMG_20120619_170834-726978.jpg" /></a>He managed to dump it all over the corian marble,5pieces of tile,and covered his right side of his body!!!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HG-XcXgfCcWDuz_MQgJ9TRxRcoKI6zr6kRpKnI6t3avM1ueENveo6iVDin7U6ulG30uYQ53gdG5xEXbuDOpwu3_2nSYsmUgUfJ8Wh_zY9F-VgcNaL-OJY9vVmeTv6bRiaDikjw/s1600/IMG_20120619_170457-728663.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5759796082300791314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HG-XcXgfCcWDuz_MQgJ9TRxRcoKI6zr6kRpKnI6t3avM1ueENveo6iVDin7U6ulG30uYQ53gdG5xEXbuDOpwu3_2nSYsmUgUfJ8Wh_zY9F-VgcNaL-OJY9vVmeTv6bRiaDikjw/s320/IMG_20120619_170457-728663.jpg" /></a><br />
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<i>(I just laughed,screamed and laughed some more. Then captured his "busted photo" and then very FAST, I dumped half of a bottle of remover on a washcloth with soap and water. I dreaded putting the remover on his face! But thank the Lord he sat very still and let me get it all off!) I do not want to repeat this episode again. And the polish was UP but he still got it!) </i><br />
We are still.trying to get it out of the floor....ugg!<br />
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He has filled our lives with SO much joy,and one word that explains him is "adventurous!"<br /> Here are just a few photos that show him at his peak moments.:)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqmNc5cVxBhm6eBIuzp1zN_sHJRD_VWa-s0lzNdnB0U50D5YeUGW-oTXag4caDs3QE5XVlaCA4Vrq1bxjE2WMjE-qnyWvAbxlxbMgSYbgQRIl1-HM0YsvtxaKHHyE46op7JTbMw/s1600/IMG_20120614_084618-737431.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5759796119166419010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqmNc5cVxBhm6eBIuzp1zN_sHJRD_VWa-s0lzNdnB0U50D5YeUGW-oTXag4caDs3QE5XVlaCA4Vrq1bxjE2WMjE-qnyWvAbxlxbMgSYbgQRIl1-HM0YsvtxaKHHyE46op7JTbMw/s320/IMG_20120614_084618-737431.jpg" /></a><br />
<i>(Kaden playing in foam peanuts in mommy's class room the week of VBS-he made the most of the opportunity)</i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNGwB7bVs8kxjijTZFNZotK3uDarKXIXl_Zyn9yBHXpCjsePJzgv1fh5BWFq_FekAbRMwNrGjRQlyAbH3sEOdgpFDvp4roYpyabJyAU5jQaBrAmCcj8d6J21zTuuhjSfU14hQsw/s1600/IMG_20120614_200038-735875.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5759796112720037170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNGwB7bVs8kxjijTZFNZotK3uDarKXIXl_Zyn9yBHXpCjsePJzgv1fh5BWFq_FekAbRMwNrGjRQlyAbH3sEOdgpFDvp4roYpyabJyAU5jQaBrAmCcj8d6J21zTuuhjSfU14hQsw/s320/IMG_20120614_200038-735875.jpg" /> </a><br />
<i>Giddy-Up, Cowboy Kaden! </i><br />
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(At White Water waiting to get in).<br />
<i>You can see he is catching up to Parker in height! They are 28 months apart. However, 1 clothes size off and just 5 pounds apart!) </i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQw5TqM7kvFSD2k3XT5b6Vs22kjK0e6l0UKv1MEe6YXjZzEEGjZ1EwFS9ZN4N-PCOKSRBL1H9qADbZmmrRFbHIcU_Ff1Fq5-X6w0Qfs0SlG9HpQByPl4r6z37K1CgLps1OIEbbSw/s1600/IMG_20120618_112438-733908.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5759796104514694706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQw5TqM7kvFSD2k3XT5b6Vs22kjK0e6l0UKv1MEe6YXjZzEEGjZ1EwFS9ZN4N-PCOKSRBL1H9qADbZmmrRFbHIcU_Ff1Fq5-X6w0Qfs0SlG9HpQByPl4r6z37K1CgLps1OIEbbSw/s320/IMG_20120618_112438-733908.jpg" /></a><br />
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We can't imagine our lives without him.<br /> Happy half birthday,Kaden.<br />
We all love you.Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-17134655458064156392012-06-20T14:30:00.000-04:002012-06-20T14:30:27.627-04:00"The gift of time" Our Pre-school Graduate<div class="mobile-photo">
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We blinked and now the preschool days have past! Parker Officially completed 4 year old pre-school, on May 18th! He had a wonderful year and we absolutely LOVED his teacher. Miss Sandy, was a perfect match for Parker and we saw HUGE growth throughout the year.<br />
Hats off to a fabulous year for Parker, his teachers and Burnt Hickory!<br />
So now the question we have been asked by MANY? What is Parker doing next year?<br />
Parker qualifies for Kindergarten by just 10 days. However, this mommy's heart says- WHY rush?! He is a boy! <i>When I was teaching, I had too many boys that had the summer birthdays and could have used another year for maturity.</i> They are only little once, and time can help gain maturity, and I believe leadership.We have decided to WAIT one more year and we are buying Parker "the gift of time" and have entered him into the Half Day Kindergarten Program at Burnt Hickory.The following year he will be able to do a full day Kindergarten Program wherever the Lord leads us to send him!<br />
Academically,he IS ready for Kindergarten.Parker LOVES to sit and color, he knows all his letters, and numbers, and he will even sit for up to as long as 20 minutes doing drills of flash cards with his NeNe on SKYPE! (Most boys don't have that good of an attention span). He has it all. But I just feel like we need 1 more year.We see a competitive little boy,with lots of "Type A" traits and very determined to learn.<br />
His heart is so passionate about God, all God is and has done,and he is a charmer and loves to please others. It will be so special for him to have one more year of B.H. and get a
great exposure to phonics,with some Biblical integration through out the
curriculum! I/we are feeling very confident for buying him the "gift of time" and not rush him through school. <br />
So proud of the Boy he is becoming and can't wait to see what God calls him to do one day! As they sang at his end of the year program "I AM A PROMISE" and Parker you are indeed a Promise and and a Possibiliy that you can be anything God wants you to be!<br />
<br />Congratulations Parker, on another great year.<br />
We love you and are SO proud of you!<br />
<br /> Here he is on the first day @B.H.<br />
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<br /> And here he is on the last!:(<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMHRyumoGP5dacqigqp86rK7MNTrn84q5w7_y2CJftGhebQO0wyFzgSs6KZZezm07IYiFyO2LSJ_3KBZ9I8EsamI2hPOcWH9tD7CBYdrACVfo8Vfb3fSS_9PX4_fRZeDiKpaINA/s1600/IMG_20120518_132620-773350.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5746114228667217074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMHRyumoGP5dacqigqp86rK7MNTrn84q5w7_y2CJftGhebQO0wyFzgSs6KZZezm07IYiFyO2LSJ_3KBZ9I8EsamI2hPOcWH9tD7CBYdrACVfo8Vfb3fSS_9PX4_fRZeDiKpaINA/s320/IMG_20120518_132620-773350.jpg" /></a> Proud mommy and can't believe he is almost 5!<br />
Jenn :)Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-60595150072205358322012-05-06T15:20:00.002-04:002012-05-06T15:20:14.512-04:00April Adventures<div class="mobile-photo">
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April was packed w adventures! The highlight of our month was a visit from NeNe &Cowboy(Papa),around Easter time.<br />
Parker is attached to them the minute he gets to be with them.<br />
Kaden took about 3days to warm up to them(typical 2nd born/mama's boy).(sigh).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8NqGIuBQ6ZYVi9rSwhUgNsG_TSlO_jezlaZP7H-FOJA7crq8Ra1FfQr7nu4m0JESxEYzH1paDL4BEG4PqR77slEt1UEIFfhJCSmK8Ws73J2nCUIA3uApLnfRkAE-4fRku1lz5w/s1600/IMG_20120412_112331-730775.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734734098162123346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8NqGIuBQ6ZYVi9rSwhUgNsG_TSlO_jezlaZP7H-FOJA7crq8Ra1FfQr7nu4m0JESxEYzH1paDL4BEG4PqR77slEt1UEIFfhJCSmK8Ws73J2nCUIA3uApLnfRkAE-4fRku1lz5w/s320/IMG_20120412_112331-730775.jpg" /></a><br />
The boys started swimming lessons while NeNe & Papa were here. They LOVED them. Kaden did a Mommy& Me class with me. I completely forgot that he needed "ear plugs" for his ears since post tube surgery in Feb. FYI;(He is DOING FABULOUS since his tubes!) It was the best thing we did for him. He is a completely different child, back to sleeping peacefully, takes 2-4 hour naps daily and we have not been to the Pediatrician since March! I am SO grateful for his healing and comfort that has occurred! (So here is a photo of Kaden with NeNe and his bright neon orange ear plugs.) He is really great about letting me put them in too, and doesn't try to pry them out!<br />During our visit with NeNe&Papa we celebrated Easter Sunday,dinner @The Old Mill with them & our good friends (like family), The Hoeyes.Dinner buffet was great and we ended the day visiting with some good friends and celebrating their daughter's 2nd birthday!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3OUJm7aHTNjSCyjNcJh0vduwLwpxM7_WYJMreKwcUOXEG7njHO7lIdJ2xykscT8Y0_O2Xy29zhjhuarPRa4k1JzSv5-AKxtRyLP6ilbJISYNTT9gXBTLukjyB5IdPwYcpoRhsw/s1600/imagejpeg_2_50-737110.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734734124371687682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3OUJm7aHTNjSCyjNcJh0vduwLwpxM7_WYJMreKwcUOXEG7njHO7lIdJ2xykscT8Y0_O2Xy29zhjhuarPRa4k1JzSv5-AKxtRyLP6ilbJISYNTT9gXBTLukjyB5IdPwYcpoRhsw/s320/imagejpeg_2_50-737110.jpg" /></a><br />The week was BUSY for Mike at work. A few late nights of work for Mike (past10pm)!It helped lighten my load just having Mom & Dad R. here! Parker got a new bike over Spring break and enjoyed a few strolls with NeNe.He is still gaining confidence riding it.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84ChArfk0aTx9nDQRW2QtuSWoscuwXzODH3UQjLUi-96AJ1MWcFqhOE3rMize77gNA7hkAqK6NdXB7aBclh_aXqwLwd4ccWMYSSoTxIs-FYXuLf26cJK-JcioskuJ8LxuQXfvKw/s1600/IMG_20120413_155133-731871.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734734104193553714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84ChArfk0aTx9nDQRW2QtuSWoscuwXzODH3UQjLUi-96AJ1MWcFqhOE3rMize77gNA7hkAqK6NdXB7aBclh_aXqwLwd4ccWMYSSoTxIs-FYXuLf26cJK-JcioskuJ8LxuQXfvKw/s320/IMG_20120413_155133-731871.jpg" /></a><br />Kaden has continued to be a delightful 2year old,filling the daily roll of taking my hair brush or running with my phone or better yet,feeding himself on HIS schedule,his way!(10 AM cheerios all over the kitchen floor) or a fruit popsicle!I think it is time for locks on the fridge and pantry!!!<br />The "Aglow" book launching party was alot of fun.We had Flat Stanley visiting from OH,so we took him w us! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqVu4HJ00PDFsga3jL28yz-Y1uNu5KZenWIFBgEr0ek2i0tswhQ6hFPD2agb6Ma9nJaGUqpcqdAWdo4Rq8x-bDRV7X0noihOeeTQZtt74GR2UBBHVEwlf17NpL2B6Z4_G4dr_dQ/s1600/imagejpeg_2_46-738028.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734734129205505426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqVu4HJ00PDFsga3jL28yz-Y1uNu5KZenWIFBgEr0ek2i0tswhQ6hFPD2agb6Ma9nJaGUqpcqdAWdo4Rq8x-bDRV7X0noihOeeTQZtt74GR2UBBHVEwlf17NpL2B6Z4_G4dr_dQ/s320/imagejpeg_2_46-738028.jpg" /></a><br />Parker got to meet some of the other red -headed kids in the book.<br />We are so excited he got to be a part of this special project and definitely proud of him and the special boy he is becoming! <br />
Aglow Book is now being sold on Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com.<br />
We are of course smitten to one sweet little red-head in the book and we have a copy in our home to share with you all. <br />
<br />Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-29131362206009865352012-03-18T16:48:00.000-04:002012-03-18T16:48:43.089-04:00AglowI will never forget the moment I heard the nurse say<em>,"I see red hair"</em> as I was in the final stages of delivering our first little boy,Parker.<br />
Honestly,I was just so wanting to see him and in denial that our little boy would have RED HAIR.<br />
However,I wasn't in true denial.<br />
My paternal grandma had red head & my two aunts were also red headed. So,I knew that the red hair was destined to come back in the family. Well, I inherited it. I married my college sweetheart who also has red-heads in his family. So, we were destined to have a red- head! <br />
So,it is an honor to carry the gene and pass it on to our first born son, Parker.<br />
Here we are 4years later and in love w our "red head"/Orange haired little boy.<br />
Two years ago,Parker was invited to do a free photo shoot in an Atlanta with a very gifted photographer,<a href="http://www.shutterview.com/projects/">Oana Hogrefe</a>. She was seeking red-headed children to fulfill a book with their unique beauty. <br />
We were so excited to participate.<br />
We didn't even know if he would make it in the book.<br />
Here is a photo from that shoot.<br />
(Parker is 26 months old here) <br />
He has grown up so much since we had the photo shoot.<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="604" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc1/7332_161693375770_47158820770_3325539_1016001_n.jpg" style="height: 604px; width: 419px;" width="419" /><br />
Fast forward two years~ he made the cut!<br />
The book just got published and is now available.<br />
The book is called "Aglow"<br />
That word "aglow" is a beautiful definition of the beauty that lies behind each little red-head in this book.<br />
God made them all with a distinct connection,their red hair.But, they are all so unique and different. Some have light red hair and blue eyes.Some have darker red hair and brown eyes.Some of these children,like Parker, have definite "red" hair and green eyes.We are excited to go to the publishing party and meet some other red heads that also took part for the book.<br />
To this day,Parker has LOVED his "orange"hair.<br />
Thankfully, he has not questioned why he is the only one in our family with "orange"hair.<br />
Our prayer is that he continues to love his unique hair color,and understands how much God loves him and has great plans just for him(Phil.1:6).<br />
Here is the website for the book and you can get a sneak at some of the other children in the book, and look for our little red-head! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.aglowbook.com/">http://www.aglowbook.com/</a><br />
<br />
:)Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-828586567177655182012-02-21T21:55:00.000-05:002012-02-21T21:55:27.418-05:00Living life in the construction zone!<div class="mobile-photo">We have had a BUSY 4 weeks. </div><br />
(Honestly, more like "Can't catch a break kind of 4 weeks!")<br />
And we felt like this ALOT the past month.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJk9cMHgUJvEmvIiq7Jq7mBc5jNHp8Jf1PEKunVaQ-UN3X0HiN2KfmLFSKkMRbDyRfcmBYUZBB1EoSkJme6R4mhCwu4TZ6so7QFYPBzXvOaL4tJSk2LGydHlvYNNbRhQrWMzq0Q/s1600/rough+life.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJk9cMHgUJvEmvIiq7Jq7mBc5jNHp8Jf1PEKunVaQ-UN3X0HiN2KfmLFSKkMRbDyRfcmBYUZBB1EoSkJme6R4mhCwu4TZ6so7QFYPBzXvOaL4tJSk2LGydHlvYNNbRhQrWMzq0Q/s320/rough+life.JPG" width="221" /></a><br />
We had some renovations done on the downstairs of our home. We had a new ceiling, lighting and flooring installed. The journey getting there was a challenge with two small kids. It is ever so challenging to live mainly on the upstairs of your home, when your children are way too curious about all the construction on the lower level~!STRESS!<br />
I had to be creative with the cooking, amongst all the drywall floating around.<br />
Only so much $ allowed for takeout. I for one love to cook! However, I do not love a messy house and cooking in one. It was alot of added stress to my life and trying to contain our busy two year old and keep him out of the big buckets for drywall, and the raftors=super stress!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0rt7zNJiYB1egj0eQX3z5ISqyewl8h9N1TUno0GHpGhL_OIPCilJiLxgeN9BkSoknrQ8dqzKYuEaisQJTiYoxz9v3LHPDqg9Pm4ocQ1xyGDCD6ePIDAj3ow8Tia7AMeszrrs2Q/s1600/IMG_20120130_201037-763075.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711714498654072418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0rt7zNJiYB1egj0eQX3z5ISqyewl8h9N1TUno0GHpGhL_OIPCilJiLxgeN9BkSoknrQ8dqzKYuEaisQJTiYoxz9v3LHPDqg9Pm4ocQ1xyGDCD6ePIDAj3ow8Tia7AMeszrrs2Q/s320/IMG_20120130_201037-763075.jpg" /></a><br />
(Caught in action "jumping"on the raftors during renovation time). <br />
I don't recommend cleaning the drywall on your countertops nightly. It was a waste of my time to go into the kitchen and clean every night!<br />
Needless to say that part of the construction took just about 11 days and dead smack into the end of the contruction we hit a HUGE curve ball.<br />
As I blogged earlier-we had been waiting for Feb. 3 to come. We had sleepless nights and a miserable two year old. He had not been responding the last 3 antibiotics for ongoing ear infections. So, Feb finally arrived and it was the night before Kaden's surgery. <br />
Day 8 of renovation was the night before Kaden's surgey.<br />
I had to take Parker over to a friends to spend the night. We had to be at the hospital super early for Kaden's surgery.<br />
Therefore, a sleepover was in the plans for Parker. <br />
I got home 1 hour later to find our hot water heater exploding in the garage.YUP!<br />
A flood of water came streaming down our driveway. I was shocked! I opened up the garage storage room and it sounded like a shower was running in our garage. I just stood there starring and was completely NUMB. I was in complete, utter, shock! It really felt like an out of body experience. I was not really seeing it. But I snapped back into reality ~and it was REAL!<br />
Mike was still at work (wrapping up a corporate meeting);I call him in a complete panic and demand that he leave immediately. <br />
I was not a sweet "Proverbs 31" wife at the moment.<br />
I think my tone was calm, but I honestly have NO clue what I said?<br />
I was still trying to unwind from all the construction inside, and preparing for Kaden's surgery in the AM. I was really not prepared for the Hot Water Heater explosion. I was actually saying "WHY!?The night before surgery!?" Really God!??? (A lot of laughter because tears had already overflowed the week before.) <em>"We really can not take anything more."</em><br />
I called our neighbors, the Hoeyes, and they came right down while Mike was in in route.<br />
They figured out how to shut off the water and gas. Mike was home within 20 min and they investigated the outside meter and it appeared to be a leak going on underground as well.<br />
We called the water company and of course, it was our fault! Not theirs. So the water was shut off! <br />
LOVELY! <br />
No water before a 4:30 wakeup time....NOT fun! We had to be out the door by 5:30 for Kaden's surgery. I don't really think Mike nor I slept much that night. <br />
All Mike was seeing was $$$$$ in his sleep and all I was seeing ?????!!!and thinking~ <em>"OH NO,one more thing of chaos"</em><br />
So, first thing in the morning we headed up to the hospital and got Kaden all prepped for his Tubes.<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711714496878276386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_o_uyOOQRAo40Pq_ctSGAh2-AKBvYbR5GP7HcVMaIgYuAj2MkfFLw_lEnhI2-fmCJUBECPYJFDzneVHQe78TiDaYwSa7jI8Zs9tn9hSEE2yXkLE34nVPMZWsaydR9NlC_bvbAjA/s320/IMG_20120203_071040-762079.jpg" /><br />
About 7:20AM they came and wheeled him off to surgery in a wagon.<br />
He LOVED it! (SMART distraction for a 2 year old!) No tears at all. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UfYj6gFvaTF9-k7DGfngSqfo8eejbmtI7i4JKiIxg0A2MFR9M87ZAjT8XG_kCAwWjDPQEuF_BpKwLNV7W51J0E-kf6_UNK3HI7dRqp7HcYI62h2IfrxAPw9qMgD4BKyzB0wkIQ/s1600/IMG_20120203_072655-757405.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711714472649495618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UfYj6gFvaTF9-k7DGfngSqfo8eejbmtI7i4JKiIxg0A2MFR9M87ZAjT8XG_kCAwWjDPQEuF_BpKwLNV7W51J0E-kf6_UNK3HI7dRqp7HcYI62h2IfrxAPw9qMgD4BKyzB0wkIQ/s320/IMG_20120203_072655-757405.jpg" /></a><br />
Once he was wheeled off, guess what we were doing?<br />
We were on the phone calling plumbing companies. <br />
<em>Great distraction while your child is in surgery...just spend the time and call all the plumbing companies and see who can service you ASAP!</em><br />
I was on the phone with the local plumbing company setting up a 9AM arrival and in walks the surgeon.<br />
(WOW! That was a fast 13 minutes!.)<br />
I quickly hang up and tell them I will call them back and we hear from the surgeon~<br />
<em>"Everything went great! I drained out his right ear! He was a trooper. No tears the whole time and everything was smooth sailing, he should be peacefully sleeping come today!"</em><br />
He did fabulous and only cried for about 30 min following surgery.<br />
He has been a different kid ever since!<br />
We are so happy we went through with it for him. This construction was so worth it for him.<br />
His little body had been exposed to so many antibiotics and could not snap those ear infections out of his system. The ears are draining and doing well.<br />
Speaking of draining~As for that water damage that was going on the night before his surgery,it got it all fixed by 3PM. <br />
A 6 hour job; a new underground pipe,a new valving system completely replaced and a new hot water heater! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDLTuAf1xGLdTgbimbLOAW7g1FRrmwf6_aopOycQ6qaYyFAc-7AJIhitW1F94fB9TgA3wx2QLvePkE-lnMCEGYgX6ry6YMi4cEtY1saHFO2MvBdj5deB3SmqJNsBMFcPS_NM1YQ/s1600/new+hot+water+heater.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDLTuAf1xGLdTgbimbLOAW7g1FRrmwf6_aopOycQ6qaYyFAc-7AJIhitW1F94fB9TgA3wx2QLvePkE-lnMCEGYgX6ry6YMi4cEtY1saHFO2MvBdj5deB3SmqJNsBMFcPS_NM1YQ/s320/new+hot+water+heater.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> <em>Emergency funds are a great thing to have when you own a home! :)</em> <br />
We finally were back on the uphill journey as the end of renovation was wrapping up and then Kaden picked up a virus following surgery. :( That kept us housebound.<br />
Kaden finally recovered, was back to sleeping 3-4 hour naps daily and 13 hours of sleep uninterrupted at night. <br />
And then the very next weekend, Parker's asthma flared up and he went into a really bad attack! So, we added the nebulizer back into his life, 3 days of Prednisone and finally got him back to well. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheihgcKCyA4Kr0jkRrVgYw07WEgqHb7W3Zlq0HhI9AoTtPs8Tl5oI1r_VAbUVl98iiXRZTCfhw2RQ_6XSmApiEn74KBxcMzEK-pOS0m09MtiNo84WLoSX7GUeqNyNbmwIYtT-2rg/s1600/IMG_20120212_173057-731720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheihgcKCyA4Kr0jkRrVgYw07WEgqHb7W3Zlq0HhI9AoTtPs8Tl5oI1r_VAbUVl98iiXRZTCfhw2RQ_6XSmApiEn74KBxcMzEK-pOS0m09MtiNo84WLoSX7GUeqNyNbmwIYtT-2rg/s320/IMG_20120212_173057-731720.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
I had days that I felt like I could take anything! And I had my days where I felt like there was nothing left of me to conquer another "disaster" or "issue."<br />
Many mornings-I would pray; "What is going to happen today? God, we are in this together and I am ready!"<br />
Thankfully, both of the boys are on the mend and Mike and I stayed well!<br />
We are coveting all the prayers of protection around us. <br />
I know Satan really wanted to get in the middle of Mike and me.<br />
However, I kept praying "Lord, help us come out shining like gold!" I don't want to look ugly!" I trust in your timing but I really don't like all that has happend in just 2 weeks!<br />
I had my days that I really got down and discouraged and panicked alot about the list adding up financially.<br />
However, God continued to remind us that he has never once let us down and his ways are greater then ours! (And he always provides!)<br />
I kept coming back to Jeremiah 33:3<em>,"Call unto me and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things that thou knowest not!"</em> <br />
Isn't that the truth! Our home is his and our lives belong to him.<br />
He is in charge yet we have plans! But he can wake you up and change plans in an instant. <br />
The Lord was in the midst of it all! The night our water heater busted, I happened to have been out<em>.(Many nights we are home and boys are in bed by 8PM)</em> Good thing I had to be out, or we may have found out about the end of it's journey in a bad way. <br />
Our water heater was withinin a few hours of a gas fire! <em>(Quoted from the Plumber and Gas specialist who had already seen the copper burning away at the bottom of the water tank).</em><br />
So, we could have had a gas fire occur. Our water heater was 17 years old. Most water tanks have a 10-13 year life span. EEEK!!! <em>(Sadly,we have been homeowners for 7 years and just learned this.)</em> <br />
So make special note and go check your water heater. If your water heater is older then 13 years get it replaced and save some chaos and $$.<br />
I don't want to go through it all again.<br />
However, I am thankful for the lessons, new renovations and most of all happy to have our home AND Kaden all fixed! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QxdQjtkjABM4FhmMe4ObVqgmgCikb1qnZAI64kCuuJHIMsfI8KrM7ENfhC5kJl3P-wTeqr0fn3pIu5nGjlcbaM30IWbhpPLI6sVsg2NiC_boKSkjrRlVWa5tRwzLVoBpEd-7Xg/s1600/ceiling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QxdQjtkjABM4FhmMe4ObVqgmgCikb1qnZAI64kCuuJHIMsfI8KrM7ENfhC5kJl3P-wTeqr0fn3pIu5nGjlcbaM30IWbhpPLI6sVsg2NiC_boKSkjrRlVWa5tRwzLVoBpEd-7Xg/s320/ceiling.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nlF8UeG2QQLT5yydA1k_NpoXdwOcbP-DXmU2QIUZmKGfT1K_o7IyZuGERhJuAePYYdxO_ccSFCd52Z2xFAhaZRdxxabaUYSok980RiQe2Lu3Ph_vpYRcj9-XakpRzdU_RA_Zyg/s1600/imagejpeg_2_26-1-756384.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711714470591778882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nlF8UeG2QQLT5yydA1k_NpoXdwOcbP-DXmU2QIUZmKGfT1K_o7IyZuGERhJuAePYYdxO_ccSFCd52Z2xFAhaZRdxxabaUYSok980RiQe2Lu3Ph_vpYRcj9-XakpRzdU_RA_Zyg/s320/imagejpeg_2_26-1-756384.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgtvCWWBeMFnvevWC-c0w7rCTi15CO8f9imyBdXA1zOrjRqZElZBjdFJMzsatha5gUIL53v-75smyAc1ANpBKs-RbahUdILT01vPBuE86QuOHXn-vAN7PU0XrrMkUgNEAtjpuFg/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgtvCWWBeMFnvevWC-c0w7rCTi15CO8f9imyBdXA1zOrjRqZElZBjdFJMzsatha5gUIL53v-75smyAc1ANpBKs-RbahUdILT01vPBuE86QuOHXn-vAN7PU0XrrMkUgNEAtjpuFg/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOg2xaIoMgrAzFdtYY1pbaavwIsqEFvN-pFmkXInRbZNmOkin6ySUEq2O9204SlGh2BHXIZW23V7fTaUj6LylBPw-P0tpGV6081WTeYggJ-AfU8zbMWwHaI7EYgkRLF_yiezv3g/s1600/IMG_20120207_181931-758955.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711714483440113986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOg2xaIoMgrAzFdtYY1pbaavwIsqEFvN-pFmkXInRbZNmOkin6ySUEq2O9204SlGh2BHXIZW23V7fTaUj6LylBPw-P0tpGV6081WTeYggJ-AfU8zbMWwHaI7EYgkRLF_yiezv3g/s320/IMG_20120207_181931-758955.jpg" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EkDdAV7OJXSJOx6APG5mht-ygbTBRGnwXM07MLUfoS27lGkhkgZMDBbZumxIUy0HmJh3fHPDIGyTYmG1Ejj2Yn5Q_hKmke8o1rHUXaHr3p3BKJlOOLyDT4COAkNqgMDgWNARzQ/s1600/IMG_20120214_114638-729959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EkDdAV7OJXSJOx6APG5mht-ygbTBRGnwXM07MLUfoS27lGkhkgZMDBbZumxIUy0HmJh3fHPDIGyTYmG1Ejj2Yn5Q_hKmke8o1rHUXaHr3p3BKJlOOLyDT4COAkNqgMDgWNARzQ/s320/IMG_20120214_114638-729959.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> *Happy moment they were enjoying a cakepop from mommy on Valentines Day!:)<br />
Until our next "piece" of excitement,<br />
Blessings to all,<br />
Jenn :)<br />
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</div><div class="mobile-photo"></div>Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-16207347898272053232012-01-21T16:15:00.001-05:002012-01-21T16:25:23.812-05:00Kaden's 2nd Birthday,&ENT update...<div class="mobile-photo"></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><div class="mobile-photo">We had Kaden's birthday party@<br />
Chic Fil A.<br />
I highly recommend it, if you are looking for a fun way to celebrate, but don't have the time to clean the house (or the room) to house the family and friends! Best thing is, it is inexpensive,there's an indoor play place for activity for the kids,ice cream can be given in place of the toy,and the adults always love some good ol' sweet tea! </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RtfSS0tquTWadqsLRn-bmwJRzfJixo-wNqwjoERRi9Vw3pztgc8dRVR6KgJuMu6PEc8J5m9CV_mbA3wH2ov8SU5hZaBot0LlQM-5QsbMZGF8dpNjpTAgrgp0AUu7ehxJYZ_Rdw/s1600/imagejpeg_2_13-717897.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700116603238320002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RtfSS0tquTWadqsLRn-bmwJRzfJixo-wNqwjoERRi9Vw3pztgc8dRVR6KgJuMu6PEc8J5m9CV_mbA3wH2ov8SU5hZaBot0LlQM-5QsbMZGF8dpNjpTAgrgp0AUu7ehxJYZ_Rdw/s320/imagejpeg_2_13-717897.jpg" /></a><br />
Homemade cupcakes for Kaden's friends! :)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAb3oy6j32QOI9kjkkpfCZXphqUrPwto7ptmHEbGZFkvhm2qo52IB-631grWYccqL3UGz8zaw_w7-egWnm5MNkbKcn2MlUkoJlDViIGZypQpSNmWlJuHoPcyN8l8RMYFoaFRVoQA/s1600/imagejpeg_2_22-720389.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700116614276119938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAb3oy6j32QOI9kjkkpfCZXphqUrPwto7ptmHEbGZFkvhm2qo52IB-631grWYccqL3UGz8zaw_w7-egWnm5MNkbKcn2MlUkoJlDViIGZypQpSNmWlJuHoPcyN8l8RMYFoaFRVoQA/s320/imagejpeg_2_22-720389.jpg" /></a> <br />
Everybody looking at Mike (as he sings his version of Happy Birthday to Kaden). <br />
<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9WeFjzkgUvskqDg0P5ThB7W3kmTGIle76Nm7IpGJUsr0yCSrJBCzAHC4jieBpiuAsx746Joxx10nQ0c6lzX3bvXrDZs7BSjihp9XNgAfBNRSBUwjouuN8LaUPMGAm4PV9-8UFg/s1600/imagejpeg_2_21-721068.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700116620844197458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9WeFjzkgUvskqDg0P5ThB7W3kmTGIle76Nm7IpGJUsr0yCSrJBCzAHC4jieBpiuAsx746Joxx10nQ0c6lzX3bvXrDZs7BSjihp9XNgAfBNRSBUwjouuN8LaUPMGAm4PV9-8UFg/s320/imagejpeg_2_21-721068.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo">Kayleigh-Bugg and Parker having a sweet moment!</div><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLAE5wDzczctZbQdV35VIye8ECl2IkqpVVbxwiuSsLuD81Z2XF0Vc58pva7JX11rHD6igW6dI7QwehSQ7TZ1hjR9r-1efZLWg1CZ9LFsW5KimGc2LL3rsEt4t4D1dE_P3quee0Q/s1600/imagejpeg_2_20-721833.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700116621465427986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLAE5wDzczctZbQdV35VIye8ECl2IkqpVVbxwiuSsLuD81Z2XF0Vc58pva7JX11rHD6igW6dI7QwehSQ7TZ1hjR9r-1efZLWg1CZ9LFsW5KimGc2LL3rsEt4t4D1dE_P3quee0Q/s320/imagejpeg_2_20-721833.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo">Kaden chilling out with Emma Kate!</div><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jN4I_G6gbRxz1FWmKZjMtcjcPQ3N7Y12cZPzJnYJIXGooEJ4BCe3oXJq8_gZUBZ0Ju3sLL4kDIV0qBUjVv4vSE_ezU6gCCV-pSeBboy80BvOaKt0aNGGPpOdAZMUr1fWCOfYag/s1600/imagejpeg_2_19-726123.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700116643052547490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jN4I_G6gbRxz1FWmKZjMtcjcPQ3N7Y12cZPzJnYJIXGooEJ4BCe3oXJq8_gZUBZ0Ju3sLL4kDIV0qBUjVv4vSE_ezU6gCCV-pSeBboy80BvOaKt0aNGGPpOdAZMUr1fWCOfYag/s320/imagejpeg_2_19-726123.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I didn't order the party package,we just got kids meals for all the kids.<br />
At the end of the party, we passed out Elmo Cake Pops!<br />
<em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5ZV3vhttMfHS-8lM4kEULDYred99p1dETFShcKfiQrTaxaaivvEyyBD4gTERUDxIvgfST2p4W90OWwB9tDqDHQvlKDqcW4BrP04tfuoa9AECWePIYWgdHnN8qhALHNQIBuQbgA/s1600/imagejpeg_2_16-717070.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700116602807038402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5ZV3vhttMfHS-8lM4kEULDYred99p1dETFShcKfiQrTaxaaivvEyyBD4gTERUDxIvgfST2p4W90OWwB9tDqDHQvlKDqcW4BrP04tfuoa9AECWePIYWgdHnN8qhALHNQIBuQbgA/s320/imagejpeg_2_16-717070.jpg" /></a></em><br />
<em> (Now available with my business~ Riese's Pieces Cake Pops & Truffles). </em><br />
Kaden LOVES CFA,so I knew it was a great match.<br />
Thanks to all our friends who brought their kids out,New Years Weekend.(We felt like we had the whole restaurant,no one was there but us that Friday night).<br />
The day of his party,he was NOT feeling well(ears),and had a super early nap.But as soon as we got there he lit up w joy! <br />
I am still working on his 2yr video.<br />
He just got a CD for Christmas from NeNe and Papa,and the songs all say his name...so it will eventually get done!We are excited to see what lies ahead in this new year w Kaden.One thing we know for sure, he is getting tubes! We are so anxious for a happier boy and not in distress at night.<br />
Kaden is getting Tubes,Feb.3rd.<br />
That in and of itself is a miracle! We don't have to wait 1month (many kids needing tubes do).The visit at the ENT went great. He is a candidate for tubes with the 7 ear infections, from 2011 & he has "glue ear". The fluid in his ear is so thick,they call "<a href="http://ehealthmd.com/content/what-glue-ear">glue ear</a>". The glue ear is usually not painful but can be for some cases. And it appears in Kaden's case it is painful-because he is NOT sleeping. The Nurse Practitioner that we saw, said it was like we were describing her son when he was little (*who got tubes around the same age as Kaden). So, she was so gracious and understanding that she pushed us up on the surgery schedule. I had in my mind a DR. that we should go with, but at that point ...we said who can get us in first!? <br />
It turns out God was SO good, we got the head of the Practice (who we wanted) and are getting in 2 weeks! Dr. Parks did our friend, Trey's ear and also a few other kids we know. So, we are encouraged that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We really thought that he was possibly just giving us a hard time at night and needed to be moved out of his crib. So, we converted his bed and we still have the same sleeping habits. So, therefore we know it is his ears. Mike,me& especially Kaden,have not slept since mid Dec.<br />
So,we are hopeful for Feb and TUBES or "New Ears" for Kaden. For us,this is what we are choosing to do. <br />
I am not content to just keep medicating him every time an ear infection comes, and have possible hearing loss with all that fluid built up. <br />
His poor body has been exposed to so much.So,going forward...the tubes can do their work to keep that fluid draining properly!<br />
I know many parents are against tubes and surgery for what they think can be corrected other ways, But for him this is what we believe and have prayed about.<br />
I am so thankful my sisters and friend(s),Joy&Liz, have all walked through this journey.<br />
So,it almost feels like I have already experienced it.<br />
However,it is our first time with our own child. So it is a bit deeper now that it is our little boy.<br />
We are praying for a smooth process. We are dreaming of the the day again when we have a happy,sleeping boy! It seems like an eternity from now. (Feb 3 is just around the corner), but he has been miserable since Christmas! <br />
I just cry with him some days, because there is SO little that I can do but hold him! <br />
Amongst all these long days and nights he has these phrases lately- "Hold You!", "Mommy lay down," <br />
And of course one of the sweetest moments, I was walking out the door with him to run an errand because mommy could not be out of his sight, and Mike was home. Kaden overheard me say "Good Bye, Honey!" and instantly we heard an echo at the door;Kaden said "Goodbye, Honey-Kiss,Kiss!"<br />
It was a priceless moment! :)<br />
We know he is hearing well, because he is repeating almost everything we or Parker says. <br />
So,thankful for this ray of hope! And thank you for all the support from my MANY friends who have reached out and been some support for me. <br />
Kaden, we love you to pieces,even when you are at your saddest moments. We are praying for comfort and for God to heal you and most all that you will grow into a sweet, little boy who loves the Lord! <br />
We are looking forward to a new year and "new ears!" <br />
We thank the Lord for another year with you and can't wait to see all that you will learn (and even explore in your creative curious mind).<br />
Happy 2nd Birthday, Kaden!<br />
Love, <br />
Daddy, Mommy & ParkerRieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-63558799174532281222012-01-17T22:13:00.000-05:002012-01-17T22:13:19.051-05:00Happy New 2012 "Ear(s)" please?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0V5cCeYoaAejwLWAXJaItXibcftMmT79e7XXfNK__RCataRwHE04Gh-WAp5meMyFbz3VAhX4XDDueBI8rsgxTClRdjaBV9VUQ4K86qv8o5K4lh6tjEg9HLjXG5IXCp_dAJFp_w/s1600/Mike%252CJenn%2526+Boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0V5cCeYoaAejwLWAXJaItXibcftMmT79e7XXfNK__RCataRwHE04Gh-WAp5meMyFbz3VAhX4XDDueBI8rsgxTClRdjaBV9VUQ4K86qv8o5K4lh6tjEg9HLjXG5IXCp_dAJFp_w/s320/Mike%252CJenn%2526+Boys.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Christmas Day-2011)</div>Well, Happy 2012~ And where have I/we been?! <br />
Well, trying to deal with Kaden's stubborn ear infection(3weeks long) and his 2 year old molars all at one time! All of this=lack of sleep for mommy, daddy & Kaden! And to top this all, Mike had Year End Closing at work, we had a trip to D.C, for Christmas, Kaden's 2 year birthday and somewhere in there I slept little...but really prayed more!<br />
Therefore, NO BLOGGING has even been an option! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNQHSQo2SYT324xKCZCCvKJK3VlXs2A6ItTxkUe5L73hweB8wlRAvNXIuf5HXpBtgTrGFazjISQI5p7eN5UkAlycviDKpWTseX-gG7EFC25emq5OtZAzvs-KGuqNPDOWayN10Xg/s1600/Parker+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNQHSQo2SYT324xKCZCCvKJK3VlXs2A6ItTxkUe5L73hweB8wlRAvNXIuf5HXpBtgTrGFazjISQI5p7eN5UkAlycviDKpWTseX-gG7EFC25emq5OtZAzvs-KGuqNPDOWayN10Xg/s320/Parker+Christmas.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We made it to DC and the boys LOVED seeing the family. Kaden was good till the last 2 days! And it has been a down hill, sleepless journey since we have been back.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Wow! I have lots to share about the good ol' trip to D.C. a few candid shots of Christmas, </div><div style="text-align: left;">Kaden's 2 year birthday, New Years and of course a few other fun moments! However, that requires me to upload, search and even edit and NO TIME! Kaden has been a Velcro child begging to be held and wanting my undivided attention! So, the photos will come later. :(</div><div style="text-align: left;">We had 3 big blessings for our family the last part of the year! ....The boys got 3 new cousins in the last 4 months! We are happy to welcome, Owen (9/21/11), Malcolm(10/12/11) and Lucas (12/22/11) into our extended families! I promise to be back soon and post some of these sweet moments!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here are the boys with NeNe and Papa and 2 new cousins, Owen and Lucas(who was 4 days old in the photo).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11K9vJ9daWjZkaS1-1CgFFlhgB7i0jzga5NXCVSLehmvT8H3deqpjfdvdf3lRc38viVVgUiS9FZNk2TxKjMueOonRm-KKGB7S5i2Z_zJF14Fu_wyy42fLLHFtKKGSpR4QoAGzyQ/s1600/img_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11K9vJ9daWjZkaS1-1CgFFlhgB7i0jzga5NXCVSLehmvT8H3deqpjfdvdf3lRc38viVVgUiS9FZNk2TxKjMueOonRm-KKGB7S5i2Z_zJF14Fu_wyy42fLLHFtKKGSpR4QoAGzyQ/s320/img_0004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I am really hear coveting prayers! <br />
My mind is in a funk. I JUST got Christmas decor down...YESTERDAY! Yup! I am so exhausted. Mike only has closing 4 times a year, and it requires a heavy amount of hours. He worked about 18 hour days the last 2 weeks. However, his boss resigned 3 days before Christmas and caused more of a load on Mike's year end schedule the last 2 weeks of the year. So, we are praying for Mike's work load and anxious to see what will come with his job. We are trying to find a new schedule that will work best for ALL of us as he takes on a new role (temporarily).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Coveting prayers for Kaden. Hence the whole title "New Ears"-After 7 ear infections in the calendar year (2011) ,looks like Kaden is a candidate for tubes.However, Mike is (more then mommy) CAUTIOUS about the whole surgery thing! So, pray for wisdom tomorrow. We are heading to an E.N.T. with Kaden and I am ready tomorrow to get Tubes for him. We have a totally different kid. He has not slept in about 3 weeks and has been up 2-4 times a night. Before this last ear infection, he would sleep 12-13 hours per night. Of course, there was always little sleep when he was dealing with an ear infection! I have 3 niece and nephews who all got tubes before 2.So, am I surprised that Kaden has been battling ear issues? NOPE! <br />
Do I want this for him? Nope! <br />
However, I know and have heard how life changing it becomes following the "simple" procedure! <br />
Scared? Yes. <br />
He may not even need tubes. And if that's the case, I have NO clue what solution there will be!?! We have exposed his little body to every antibiotic (most common in kids).Amox, Augmentin,Zithromycin, Omnicef....You get it! I do not want to be an over medicating mom/parents! When the kids is sick for other infections, we want the meds to work. <br />
My sisters saw amazing changes after their kids got tubes. I am very educated and hopeful in that part of the world if that is what is best for Kaden!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYPysOtUn54soCzhLh_kWyk16daIrKUB6iryEyYhn_w82Z8x-K1AYsMjCBeF4U_qaBECOUmdpIQXzmoQsYnBOkzGjYEjuZo1-aZX2Z6AwiCC3gTAgSSu6Gg4i2qATLYiLf36fxg/s1600/nene+kaden+and+lucas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYPysOtUn54soCzhLh_kWyk16daIrKUB6iryEyYhn_w82Z8x-K1AYsMjCBeF4U_qaBECOUmdpIQXzmoQsYnBOkzGjYEjuZo1-aZX2Z6AwiCC3gTAgSSu6Gg4i2qATLYiLf36fxg/s320/nene+kaden+and+lucas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Kaden with NeNe and newest cousin,Lucas)</div>We have stopped him on Cow's milk and that has cut back on his congestion. However, he has built back up another runny nose, and back to irritability and no change in his sleeping at all. Prayers please for this little guy to get better for the best of health! <br />
<br />
So, off to the ENT we go and praying for a good,and best solution for Kaden.<br />
I am just being real and appreciating the prayers tonight! I have a God who is greater then all my worries and fears. I was reminded last week, that in my weakness he is strong! He is my provider and always knows what is best for me and these sweet little lives I get to take care of (and sweet lives includes) sweet, awesome daddy who is working hard for us all!<br />
I sleep SO much better when I share all my anxiety and leave at his feet!<br />
<strong><em>Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.~1 Peter 5:7</em></strong><br />
It does me no good to worry! However, I want what is best for our little boy and can't keep battling these nights like this life that has been "our new normal!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUZ1Fo0crG3LOK-vqU18_43wiAQAGIKyZT9l7fE2IsbF-dWh6IJBeWSfDUoKBvFZYXxVv4H6U059Y082jp_Y7VPlpRkM5L-V6QqT56XLyIo2LZLrLKPiL-6gjh39llFK654G0rQ/s1600/img_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUZ1Fo0crG3LOK-vqU18_43wiAQAGIKyZT9l7fE2IsbF-dWh6IJBeWSfDUoKBvFZYXxVv4H6U059Y082jp_Y7VPlpRkM5L-V6QqT56XLyIo2LZLrLKPiL-6gjh39llFK654G0rQ/s320/img_0005.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(This photo is just one of many sleepless nights.-he got up at 4AM that morning!...It is almost 11:30,and he needed a nap! Look at him he is checked out!!!!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks for letting me vent and unwind tonight, and THANK YOU in advance for all the prayers past, present and future!</div>Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-85316303778641742042012-01-06T22:38:00.000-05:002012-01-06T22:38:38.256-05:00Baby gender truffle revealI am so happy I got to be apart of the Chandler Baby revealing "Party!"<br />
They had a sonogram the week before Christmas,and I had the honor and privilege of making truffles for them and their extended family!They announced to the whole family on Christmas day with the truffles!<br />
My computer is down and I can't upload my photos,:( <br />
I do have a couple Photos on on my FB page.The best part of the reveal is the sweet video that Chad &Kristin uploaded on my personal FB page.You have to watch it:).<br />
The reveal is on the video! <br />
Super sweet and again,it was an honor to be apart of their celebration!<br />
Looking forward to the next baby gender reveal!<br />
Who is next?<br />
One dozen truffles buttercream blue or pink cherry!($15.00)<br />
Or 2 dozen truffles ($20.00)<br />
I would love to help you announce to your family and close friends:)<br />
Looking forward to a great 2012!Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-11076480395503016472011-12-06T17:39:00.002-05:002011-12-06T17:44:53.973-05:00Super Hero Cake Pops and Special request #1...I am amazed at the "word of mouth" referral I am getting for my sweet little business!<br />
I absolutely LOVE helping others out to make these what can be "time consuming" hot, wanted items for parties etc. <br />
In the last few weeks, I have had 2 very special orders. One just got completed! And if I may say so, SUCCESS! <br />
We stayed home for Thanksgiving and I rested after making 7 dozen turkey cake pops! Then it was a nice 4 days of family time. We also had my friend, Joy and her family over for dinner. (They had closed on their new home that Tuesday, so I insisted on feeding them and letting the boys play). And the kids ate first, then we ate while they played...it was nice!<br />
I must say that we stayed home for the Thanksgiving holiday and it was so nice to just enjoy the time home and relax after 7 dozen Turkey Pops were made! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0gTkn39Qd360mgjUj_FAjvPQCkqdpFWCGdtDGdtjQHGFcsZuXM6IdPgnfHbBI7qlsyTvrkoDWFlRlKYve2ROha5jhhZ8vgubq07cCgbatG2Gge5MnfevEyn5og9ToyMD7EoV5w/s1600/IMG_20111124_170114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0gTkn39Qd360mgjUj_FAjvPQCkqdpFWCGdtDGdtjQHGFcsZuXM6IdPgnfHbBI7qlsyTvrkoDWFlRlKYve2ROha5jhhZ8vgubq07cCgbatG2Gge5MnfevEyn5og9ToyMD7EoV5w/s320/IMG_20111124_170114.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9FDRpdu_YyYpdMrtiZTw7zXhvli-ltIayCHsScReZmFWy5yOtKOIITssLAUMveEG4kdcIT7tqceVJx9ahowVI38bfhBJ7CIRAmD7ndtoCVCKbUGPBPYINzl2l8d2OoeW-SgDqA/s1600/IMG_20111124_183728+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9FDRpdu_YyYpdMrtiZTw7zXhvli-ltIayCHsScReZmFWy5yOtKOIITssLAUMveEG4kdcIT7tqceVJx9ahowVI38bfhBJ7CIRAmD7ndtoCVCKbUGPBPYINzl2l8d2OoeW-SgDqA/s320/IMG_20111124_183728+%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>(And then of course, I jumped and went shopping @11 PM till 3AM).Yup, shopped and got alot accomplished. However, I am sure I could have gotten some of the same deals on line. But, the time spent with my friends was priceless.<br />
I had a few days break and then it was time to pass off some sweet birthday pops for a little boy @ Parker's preschool. Following that order,I had my first challenge...Super Hero Cake Pops!<br />
They were an absolute joy to make! All the cake pops were the basic butter cream cake pops and then character colors<em>.(Only challenge was the "blue" for Spider man successfully accomplished after working with the correct amount of oil,</em> <em>dye and white chocolate</em>)...the rest of the process and coloring was easy, thanks to WILTON!<br />
The creativity came from the client to add the "rings"! I loved how they turned out and looking forward to making more "birthday" character cake pops. ($2.00 a piece with the special rings). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdC1GdJPyYH6K4tAv928qBJCajFIlYpE_hjjfBm2GZ-z8QmmM3H9JSrVqTO4PyilyTXiOMWOng9Mz6w9jKA3iY4OmZrIqlsAww13AgOOlPwEXAdCGhBnpmpwhbvtXzUSErOmtzhQ/s1600/IMG_20111202_162142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdC1GdJPyYH6K4tAv928qBJCajFIlYpE_hjjfBm2GZ-z8QmmM3H9JSrVqTO4PyilyTXiOMWOng9Mz6w9jKA3iY4OmZrIqlsAww13AgOOlPwEXAdCGhBnpmpwhbvtXzUSErOmtzhQ/s320/IMG_20111202_162142.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
<br />
The next upcoming "special" order is for a very sweet couple in our small group. They are having their third baby in April, and find out in two weeks the gender. <br />
However, it is SO close to Christmas Day when they find out, so they have opted to wait till Christmas DAY by biting into a truffle that I will be making "PINK" or "BLUE" to find out the gender! <br />
How excited do you think I am??? <br />
Just a little! <br />
NO A LOT!<br />
I cried tears of joy that night, after my friend asked me. I remember praying that God would use me to be a blessing to the community with my talent and business. But, I never would have seen this one coming and I am HONORED! <br />
What a joy and privilege to make these special truffles in a couple of weeks and help them celebrate this 3rd child of theirs. :)<br />
I will not be able to reveal till after they find out! But, I sure will be SO excited to announce to all of you shortly after the holiday with the photos of the truffles. Something extra special about this! <br />
So, Chocolate covered cherry PINK, for (GIRL) and Butter cream BLUE, for (BOY).<br />
I guess I can add that to my list of options now available to all of you! :) <br />
<br />
The next few weeks,I will be busy making Cake Pop Reindeer, Snowmen, & Truffle Baskets for many friends, family and clients. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59C4TM-9yt2Th_6XHcYNw1lcFTKltw9s0JKnvYJQcf5dIA7HM0ejrmjwZQh1IVYZjgtw21OIszhcWZZl3pGkzrRbrIPXdlDY0NgvpK9LXqUFGA6eKGrNVVHl_1gqvkpSdWss-UQ/s1600/christmas+truffles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59C4TM-9yt2Th_6XHcYNw1lcFTKltw9s0JKnvYJQcf5dIA7HM0ejrmjwZQh1IVYZjgtw21OIszhcWZZl3pGkzrRbrIPXdlDY0NgvpK9LXqUFGA6eKGrNVVHl_1gqvkpSdWss-UQ/s320/christmas+truffles.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgTjAamBE5EA1Yv3IbHlt8JZSKiOKnqsErW0jvjoLCQhIwcc8Ev9Z2KB4HO_Wc6yQM8BZAcmT3BWREjlrqB5OvdBBn3R0BO86Zrmu3dsDwJYshR4tkB2L2qQFvT5J0rJIdmuI-g/s1600/reindeer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgTjAamBE5EA1Yv3IbHlt8JZSKiOKnqsErW0jvjoLCQhIwcc8Ev9Z2KB4HO_Wc6yQM8BZAcmT3BWREjlrqB5OvdBBn3R0BO86Zrmu3dsDwJYshR4tkB2L2qQFvT5J0rJIdmuI-g/s320/reindeer.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVn4bEBfy5f7kLZbz2E9Qe957wEY3ewNPhxD2xCfB27vaMbmCiAg6TjHnRLGRBViqF2uWusLAb5PiUYXEzK8NAgD7IAnrOkm_9zViJk_UQ31h8xH-GxGByMfF7OSqzRGoJqmJnkg/s1600/snowman+cake+pop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVn4bEBfy5f7kLZbz2E9Qe957wEY3ewNPhxD2xCfB27vaMbmCiAg6TjHnRLGRBViqF2uWusLAb5PiUYXEzK8NAgD7IAnrOkm_9zViJk_UQ31h8xH-GxGByMfF7OSqzRGoJqmJnkg/s1600/snowman+cake+pop.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I LOVE taking the load off of others and creating a unique and sweet treat for all to enjoy. I so call this my therapy and joy! Some of my friends call me "crazy!"<br />
But of course with the economy today, it is nice to offer something reasonable,special and homemade.<br />
Can't wait to see what special orders will come in 2012! <br />
THANKS to all of you who have been so supportive and passing on my business. I am loving this and so excited for all these Christmas Baskets.<br />
Nap time is over...off to my boys! :)Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-25203488878851453842011-11-14T16:36:00.000-05:002011-11-14T16:36:51.900-05:00Gobble-Gobble! Happy Thanksgiving! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtcZEcSts8EupBSCZSgekRrnQZFnfGEU0lQzGBycrlzn-UXwdy1eWulnRwbCg_M06IfoFEkF4Ngy9fJbA_GRmzM6yjAcTk6cU2tRyuzrx5hqetjeepO9dgc-EpEMmysKfhhh1Vg/s1600/turkey+cake+pops.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtcZEcSts8EupBSCZSgekRrnQZFnfGEU0lQzGBycrlzn-UXwdy1eWulnRwbCg_M06IfoFEkF4Ngy9fJbA_GRmzM6yjAcTk6cU2tRyuzrx5hqetjeepO9dgc-EpEMmysKfhhh1Vg/s320/turkey+cake+pops.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<strong>Turkey Cake Pops, $1.50 a piece.</strong> <br />
I am taking orders for the holidays. <br />
Why not add two of these Turkey's in one of my fall baskets for a total of $12.00? <br />
Or get a dozen for $18.00, and take them home to the family or have them as your little "centerpieces" for all your guests.<br />
Great way to say "Happy Thanksgiving" to your loved ones this holiday! <br />
<br />
I can't believe that Thanksgiving is next Thursday!<br />
Much to do before now and then, and happilly filling orders. <br />
A new flavor was in the works today. And happy to report it is a success!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Any guesses?Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-389095082008087512011-11-10T00:17:00.002-05:002011-11-10T00:25:17.306-05:00The Three Month Mysterious Object<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-8mZib1mQTfwixnOBExQhiXbKpzZmZPvilzz5-dTCMXsxkoqU-NneaOo8fNzNOGScLWx0-CKSngSuG4yhfR-4W3c-Bd5uHBytw16LCCD7eCxxYZsIrf_GT7UbErRwSOlrtSuOQ/s1600/IMG_20111105_134556-726853.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673221131906329538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-8mZib1mQTfwixnOBExQhiXbKpzZmZPvilzz5-dTCMXsxkoqU-NneaOo8fNzNOGScLWx0-CKSngSuG4yhfR-4W3c-Bd5uHBytw16LCCD7eCxxYZsIrf_GT7UbErRwSOlrtSuOQ/s320/IMG_20111105_134556-726853.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo">So MUCH adventure in our house. </div><div class="mobile-photo">Now that we have two busy boys, there is NO telling what they will come up with next. </div><div class="mobile-photo">But, I must say, that Kaden(our 22moth old is at the age of "curiosity" and so intrigued with the beautiful porcelain thing we call the "toilet"! </div><div class="mobile-photo">In June we installed a new toilet in our master bath room and got one with a flush up on the top. Mike installed it and did a fabulous job.</div><div class="mobile-photo"> Kaden has been mesmerized by ALL toilets (public or private) he can find them anywhere we are! He gets his hands washed frequently [wink]</div><div class="mobile-photo"> He has to flush our toilet every day and now is even taking a deep interest to sit on the "potty" and go "potty" himself! </div><div class="mobile-photo"><em>(Merry Christmas to mommy if he really is going potty by his 2nd birthday :)</em> </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">Well, back up about 3 months ago when he was taking a deep liking for this "yucky" object in our home, and imagine his mind when daddy installed the NEW toilet in our home?</div><div class="mobile-photo"> He figured out after 1 month that the "flush" was at the top of the toilet! </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">***(please note)*** there is NO privacy in our home with our (Velcro child, a.k.a. "mommy's boy).</div><div class="mobile-photo">Unfortunately, if you close the door the precious blue eyed, 22month old, thinks that you have left him FOREVER! Therefore it is just easier to let him into the bathroom and be "happy!"</div><div class="mobile-photo"> So, he soon learned how to "flush" the toilet (after watching what mommy would do). </div><div class="mobile-photo">He got very curious one day with the object/toy in his hand/"his" phone (one of daddy's old phones), and "flushed" it DOWN the new installed toilet. </div><div class="mobile-photo">Fast forward...(I hear the flush) and think great, He found the flush, but I don't think much because it flushed normal and he can't talk and tell me what happened!</div><div class="mobile-photo"> I don't know that he has actually flushed a CELL phone down it...till 3 months later. </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">2 days later....toilet is no longer flushing and clogging up! </div><div class="mobile-photo">Yup, we are completely bummed that our NEW toilet is now "broke" and we are pretty sure we know why! We conclude that child #2 has flushed SOMETHING down the new toilet. </div><div class="mobile-photo">(Mike's response, "goodness we have 2 other toilets") </div><div class="mobile-photo">My response ("'I LOVE my master bath toilet and hate walking ALL the way down the hallway (in the middle of the night) to go potty.)</div><div class="mobile-photo"> Fast forward 2 months and we no longer have an upstairs toilet functioning at ALL-and where is Mike? In France! </div><div class="mobile-photo">Well at least I have 1 toilet working in the house, until the BUSY BOYS that God has blessed us with, are goofing around and decide to LOCK the downstairs door! </div><div class="mobile-photo"> NOW.....NO toilet available at ALL! </div><div class="mobile-photo">Lovely, it is 1 hour before I have a babysitter coming (to give me a "little" break) and I have NO working toilet. </div><div class="mobile-photo"><em>(Master toilet has an unknown object down it, guest bathroom toilet has a broken chain, (but seriously have no time to open up the top and manually flush it), and now our working toilet is locked up! </em></div><div class="mobile-photo">Well, my sweet babysitter calms me down and gets the screw driver and takes the door knob off of the only working toilet in our home! </div><div class="mobile-photo">(At least there is no door knob to be locked any more!)</div><div class="mobile-photo"> And now we can go potty INSIDE the home.<br />
Guess what Mike had to do, (within a night of sleep and jet leg") when he got back from Paris?</div><div class="mobile-photo"> Yup! Fix Master toilet and guest toilet. </div><div class="mobile-photo">However, the task was too great and only one toilet got fixed that weekend. </div><div class="mobile-photo">Thankfully, we agreed NOT to invest a chunk of money with a professional plumbing company, and he found the time to "plunge" away and get the object out! </div><div class="mobile-photo">It took 4 hours and 3 attempts and FINALLY that "object" (aka. cell phone), was pushed through and discovered!</div><div class="mobile-photo">(Uncle PHIL, "NO the phone does NOT work!")<br />
Sorry it is not available for use to you! :( </div><div class="mobile-photo">For the future parents out there~don't let your kids play with old cell phones because they may just clog up your toilet one day!</div><div class="mobile-photo">So, the boys have been BUSY around here. Therefore, at nap time I can't sleep since I am so worried what they may do "in their sleep" (not really) They are actually FABULOUS sleepers! </div><div class="mobile-photo">I have chosen to stay busy myself making cake pops and truffles. </div><div class="mobile-photo">It is a true delight and stress reliever! :) </div><div class="mobile-photo"> Check out my "Cake Pops & Truffles Page" at the top of the blog for prices and details. </div><div class="mobile-photo">I would LOVE to make you a basket of goodies for some family and friends this holiday! :) </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">Until the next adventure or cake pop flavor, </div><div class="mobile-photo">Jenn :) </div>Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-30825062976905363632011-10-18T17:26:00.000-04:002011-10-18T17:26:56.890-04:00Now offering Riese's Piece's Cake Pops & Truffles<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1wkE8iFtJxuG2jtTq298UgKQONNEQr11IT9nAngE8g3jjwI6b6ShN9pz2RQSfHG_swbeMJrcBgDx29xHw6VTLkNJLBiPMSwUycyTkXdRMnzSnlc7urpHRkITUYN97mpa8ZUDYw/s1600/IMG_20111003_115841-1-707710.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659297623210955698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1wkE8iFtJxuG2jtTq298UgKQONNEQr11IT9nAngE8g3jjwI6b6ShN9pz2RQSfHG_swbeMJrcBgDx29xHw6VTLkNJLBiPMSwUycyTkXdRMnzSnlc7urpHRkITUYN97mpa8ZUDYw/s320/IMG_20111003_115841-1-707710.jpg" /></a></div>Here they are all wrapped! I just made these triple chocolate cake pops for my sister in law's baby shower! They were loved by all. <br />
The joyful thing about a cake pop or truffle, is that it is just the right size for that sweet little crave! You walk away not feeling guilty for having one! They freeze well and are great to pull out when you just want something sweet.<br />
So that's why my new business card says "enjoy some of life's sweet delights!" <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWNAsc1FvmEBlQVjtdEDYetYCj-3eABD78fsGA3BFNMnZ_WqG99YtUoTJW_hQJ6D6yRI9KzH7b6suaSKWcL4iw2x0cHJ9_0EUwcYpsQBWA60MHVyL-RflmIuYLG9IGQU52tJcEw/s1600/business+card+Jenn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWNAsc1FvmEBlQVjtdEDYetYCj-3eABD78fsGA3BFNMnZ_WqG99YtUoTJW_hQJ6D6yRI9KzH7b6suaSKWcL4iw2x0cHJ9_0EUwcYpsQBWA60MHVyL-RflmIuYLG9IGQU52tJcEw/s320/business+card+Jenn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I have officially started a business!<br />
I am dipping cake pops all week for a fall festival this coming Saturday. I am loving it and hoping not to come home with any or very little. <br />
My cake pops and truffles can be shipped 8 months out of the year too. September -April.<br />
<strong><u>Current flavors are:</u></strong><br />
<strong>*Apple Cinnamon,(dipped in white and cinnamon/sugar for garnish)</strong><br />
<strong>Butter cream,(dipped in white and Pepridge Farm cookie crumbs for garnish) </strong><br />
<strong>Triple chocolate( dipped in chocolate and seasonal colored sprinkles for garnish)</strong><br />
<strong>Oreo Cookie( dipped in White or chocolate upon request and cookie crumbs)</strong><br />
<strong>Strawberry (dipped in white& red sprinkles for garnish)</strong><br />
<strong>Reese's Peanut Butter Cup (homemade batch of cookie mix and dipped in chocolate and peanut butter)</strong><br />
<strong>*Pumpkin-(Dipped in white chocolate and pumpkin almonds for garnish)</strong><br />
<strong>Red Velvet(dipped in white or chocolate upon request and red drizzle for garnish)</strong><br />
<strong>Chocolate Mint( dipped in chocolate and garnished with Andes Mint Pieces)</strong><br />
<strong>Smore Bites-(Marshmallow bites dipped in chocolate and garnished with graham cracker crumbs)</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
Let me know what flavor and colors you'd like and allow me to make a unique favor, or gift for all. <br />
<strong>Cake Pops and Truffle =$1.00 a piece.</strong><br />
<strong>Custom orders that need extra detail =$2.00 a piece.</strong><br />
<strong>Shipping $8.00 </strong>Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-6442982012735896252011-09-26T23:21:00.000-04:002011-09-26T23:21:41.998-04:00Take me out to the ballgame<div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo"><em>"Take me to Oregon Park! Buy me some peanuts & cracker jacks.</em></div><em></em><br />
<em>I don't care if I ever go back!</em><br />
<em>For it's root,root,root,root for the GIANTS,if they don't win it's a shame!</em><br />
<em>For it's 1,2,3, strikes you're out at the old ball game!"</em> <br />
Parker is off to a great start of Tee-ball! His team is "San Fransisco Giants!" And he LOVES being on a team with his buddy, Tucker. :) <br />
Tonight, he earned one of the game balls, for hitting his first pitches in both at bats.<br />
We are very,very proud of P!<br />
He has taken a love for daddy's favorite sport!:) <br />
And there may just be some deep down talent~practice and time will tell. <br />
Hope you enjoy seeing a few photos of P in action!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQPxTqypfypfo67ZQ51YaNDSQhq9envi6tIcxgENRv6HwM5zzzlpEQVGYtZzLvWPWS1k7NmY17xnoKM-WVktFxRyBRFz0A7PQEywXEQvBcT3qtIDltYQz4DEdniqfy9At8VFZgA/s1600/IMG_20110926_184019-791365.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656836536020592770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQPxTqypfypfo67ZQ51YaNDSQhq9envi6tIcxgENRv6HwM5zzzlpEQVGYtZzLvWPWS1k7NmY17xnoKM-WVktFxRyBRFz0A7PQEywXEQvBcT3qtIDltYQz4DEdniqfy9At8VFZgA/s320/IMG_20110926_184019-791365.jpg" /></a> <br />
<div class="mobile-photo">Parker in action just before he hit the ball! </div><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3Spvlm_EPzI9MXUmatwpYnRpK-gTuAns9yCEch2oCpo14u-87VS5dr5_GVX0MusBrRJ-3rmK-66RvC5YUQwUSxWN2pfLtXuxjsd1AT7cEBOE-IWfYV9VgJKZZLijkcRVdjOVfg/s1600/IMG_20110926_181915-793418.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656836548160245522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3Spvlm_EPzI9MXUmatwpYnRpK-gTuAns9yCEch2oCpo14u-87VS5dr5_GVX0MusBrRJ-3rmK-66RvC5YUQwUSxWN2pfLtXuxjsd1AT7cEBOE-IWfYV9VgJKZZLijkcRVdjOVfg/s320/IMG_20110926_181915-793418.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo">He got to play "catcher" tonight and loved it! </div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2UYCL5L7en-GhpaKq6nKm4R0FkBBtH8IuC4WlMy2jEB1_q6g9CdlzAw2B3U4fClc5uFrFEUzVvrFLU0f71RDnvD0Ll9OuuIBDB8QujpdchOsEkjxVPfvMWavTyQtpLUTZMazFA/s1600/IMG_20110926_183915-796927.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656836561754622402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2UYCL5L7en-GhpaKq6nKm4R0FkBBtH8IuC4WlMy2jEB1_q6g9CdlzAw2B3U4fClc5uFrFEUzVvrFLU0f71RDnvD0Ll9OuuIBDB8QujpdchOsEkjxVPfvMWavTyQtpLUTZMazFA/s320/IMG_20110926_183915-796927.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo">"Can I play Base-ball too?" K Loves watching his brother, "Par-par!"</div><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYv-z64qHZoi11TOCRDfeunKxlHKrFekYLiwvk9FZUKMtShneEMRqoJeDk3SIXSX_mcpQHTlZZwOasF_-wm_u1PMmZYZSnH9Gh8ZjW9JXkEzc60C1dtT_E6NsPmdAw-Nzy7ySkIA/s1600/IMG_20110913_195222-798878.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656836571152817602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYv-z64qHZoi11TOCRDfeunKxlHKrFekYLiwvk9FZUKMtShneEMRqoJeDk3SIXSX_mcpQHTlZZwOasF_-wm_u1PMmZYZSnH9Gh8ZjW9JXkEzc60C1dtT_E6NsPmdAw-Nzy7ySkIA/s320/IMG_20110913_195222-798878.jpg" /></a></div>Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-55936335688162818542011-09-17T16:33:00.000-04:002011-09-17T16:33:47.842-04:00We will miss you, Abbey Girl!This is by far a post I thought I would be writing a few years from now! It's a post that I don't want to blog about but it is a chapter of our lives that has ended. Things have changed in our home. I am moved how the chapter ended, and must share about our goodbye with our sweet dog Abbey! <br />
Last Friday, we lost our West Highland Terrier of 8 years. Abbey was the joy and spark of our lives 4 years before we became official parents to our boys. She had spunk, personality and she had unconditional love for us all! I will never forget the day we got her, Mother's Day, 2003. It was just one month before we celebrated our 1st Wedding Anniversary and we were SO excited to go and pick her up. After searching and searching for a "Westie" we finally found her! We fell in love with her the moment we walked in! <br />
I will admit there was some frustration and sleepless nights in her "puppy days!" Mike would come home during his lunch shifts to let her out and by summer she was ALL mine. I was off during the summers since I was a teacher. Abbey was the sweet puppy, that only ate the left shoes, and always ate the bottom of my long flow skirts. She loved to get into the trash and shred it ALL over the kitchen!!! And she was the puppy that loved to go for car rides! If we just took her on 1 -2 car rides a week, she was a well behaved dog. If we didn't give her that attention she would act up or take it out on us in other ways... :) And she was that "puppy" that went on every trip with us and she was "that puppy that was secretly snuck into hotels" cause she was SO little and was so easy to handle :) Abbey and I made a couple special visits to see Mike the year he was auditing a client about 2 hours from us! Those were some LONG weeks for Mike. And HE loved having her and I come and visit (at the hotel...that of course we snuck her into.) We boarded her 1x and we never did it again. No comment needed. So, thank you to ALL our close friends & family, especially Mom & Dad Riese, The Hoeyes & Yvette for being our "dog sitters!" As you can tell, she was our first "baby" and we made sure to make that clear to all. However, we welcomed Parker into our home when she was almost 5 and she accepted him...but fell in LOVE with him when he had leftover dinner for her! :) He was her best friend during meals! One of her ALL time favorite snacks was Peanut butter and Tuna. She was my "assistant" in the kitchen and was always more then happy to try anything out :) I couldn't cook in the kitchen at all last weekend. It was SO sad not having her around. She was my assistant-waiting to try anything that "fell" or mommy happily shared. :} I know that time will heal, but not sure that I will ever be completely healed from her loss. However, I have had to learn to accept that the 8 years we had with her. She made our home special with her unconditional love. She was the perfect greeter to all who entered. <br />
She didn't give us much notice that she would be gone by Friday, but I think in our hearts we knew it was soon. However, I don't think I could have ever been prepared for how I found her. But after I processed the WHOLE day, my goodness my heart smiled and realized she knew Friday was her day! <br />
She woke up Labor Day puking. It was uncontrollable at times. She ended up being tied up all day to our kitchen. I saw her weakening before our eyes on Monday, so I got her into the vet on Tuesday. They gave her a shot for nausea and vomiting and we were all being conservative on NOT doing ALL this blood work, and X-rays. She had just been in the end of Aug. for a swollen Anal glad. She had just had had blood work for parasites etc. So, her Dr. really had an inkling that her symptoms were related to taking her prescriptions on an empty stomach! We had a follow up on Sat. and she never made it! She wouldn't eat and would only drink a little bit. I have moments where I kick myself for not rushing her in sooner!!! But I can't change what has happened. I need to cherish the time we had with her and know that our God is Sovereign! But I do have a gut feeling that she may have had H.G.E. virus! You can read about it below. The days to follow she just stayed the same. She never barked or whined. <br />
On Friday, I closely watched her. She moved from room to room ALL day. She started her day out in Parker's room, then she made her way to our master bedroom, and laid on my side of the bed and then within 30 min. she had moved to Mike's side of the bed. I went in to get her by 2:30 and took her down to our family room. She had been laying on one of Kaden's blankets! :( My heart sank AFTER a friend pointed this all out to me). Abbey was spending one last moment with each of us. <br />
Parker and I took her to the family room around 3:00 and I left the room around 4:00 to go chat with a friend and "nap". I found her at 5:45 "asleep forever" on our couch! (OK!!!! I am still suffering from this moment!) My mom calls it "Post Traumatic Dog Death Disorder!" I keep walking into the room and I keep seeing her and unfortunately Parker found her with me. <em>"Mom, she is in here ASLEEP-but her eye is open!" </em><br />
<em>My mind instantly says-she is dead! Get the boys out of here! Then I think,</em>(CRAP! How do you explain a dead dog to a 4 year old) and I instantly FROZE!!!! And then my mind and my body FREAKED!!!<br />
NO! She is gone!!! <br />
*But I have completely forgotten that I am a mother to 2 small boys who are in the room. <br />
I don't care, I just start wailing and bawling and I have now completely turned into a state of shock. I dial Mike and it was NOT a nice phone call! <br />
Mike answers and hears; <em>"BAAAAHHHHA"~ "SHE IS GONE" I don't care about your job-you have to leave, NOW!" Don't make me take care of a dead dog!!!" "I beg you, please leave now!"</em> <br />
Mike responds-"ok! I will leave now and be right home!"<br />
(He was suppose to work till 10 that night for GE quarter closing= basically a really crazy time at work for him!) <br />
All during this phone call I am motioning the boys to go out and play! And I finally get them in the back yard. Parker has some idea, and Kaden has no clue! He just heard the word "outside" and ran to the door! <br />
I have to tell you, I have no idea what my phone call was like to my mom except complete shock and screaming! <em>(Sorry Mom! I know you were preparing to go help another Daughter, I really didn't plan to be so needy the night before your international flight! EEK) I love my MOM! She is awesome, when I am in a complete state of shock.</em><br />
I am so grateful for our neighbors. I took the boys immediately down to the Hoeyes and waited for Mike to get home! I was a mess running down that sidewalk with the boys in the wagon and me running! I don't want to relive that day again. <br />
<br />
Fast forward! We are sad and I miss her the most. She was with me the most. But we are making it! Miss her a ton in the mornings, meal time and when we go to bed! Here are some sweet photos of our Abbey girl :) <br />
Thanks for letting us share the latest and I covet your prayers for this sadness to get better. (So silly...but she was NOT just a dog she was a part of OUR family!) <br />
And many have said she knew her "daddy" well! She knew how frugal he was and it was only best to die "FREE" in her favorite spot called home! :) Seriously, glad all in all that we didn't have to pay the bucks and make the choice to end her time with us. It was her time to go. You don't have to agree, but I do believe we will see our fluffy white little,Abbey one day again. Or as the famous poem talks about it on "Rainbow Bridge!" <br />
RIP Abbey Girl! You will be missed :) <br />
<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is information on the virus that dogs can get. We are still not sure if this is what she had, but allot of these symptoms were similar. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><em>What is Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis?</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>It is a possibly fatal disease which can strike any dog at any time. There is no known cause for it other than some speculation that it could be a virus, or parasite. It could also be caused by allergies, a change in diet, stress and many other reasons.</em><br />
<em>How do I know if my dog has it?</em><br />
<em>The signs are blood in the dog's vomit and bloody diarrhea. However, in Abbey's case, she showed no clear signs of blood in her vomit till the end, but she was puking allot. So watch closely. If you suspect that there is even the smallest amount of blood, rush your dog to the vet.</em><br />
<em>Is it curable?</em><br />
<em>Most of the cases of HGE have been cured. The most important thing is to recognize the signs early and act quickly. There is only about a 10-15% chance of fatality with treatment. That's WITH treatment. Without treatment, fatality is almost guaranteed. There is also a 10-15% chance of HGE recurring in your dog once they've had it. So again, it takes dedication and diligence to spot it and get your dog to the vet.</em><br />
<em>What's the treatment?</em><br />
<em>Hospitalization is a must. The vet will administer an IV with fluids, antibiotics and sometimes potassium. There is also a possibility of a blood transfusion in cases that need it.</em>Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-84154934926521182812011-08-30T21:05:00.001-04:002011-08-30T21:09:35.370-04:00Happy 4th Birthday, BIG BOY, Parker!<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAF9wEr5VF4S_dmLfMyoQeC68jWQunbPmCQ7quJTxWiDn0ACaWDYekFTcG1a9L57AJfMCFI2cTY6PW3_WdEvEq43nqKhsHg8RRCHdacN7o_JRViXlW8cXNmdr1yJ3uzpmibT5uQ/s1600/IMG_20110820_123030-752913.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644124126126010210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAF9wEr5VF4S_dmLfMyoQeC68jWQunbPmCQ7quJTxWiDn0ACaWDYekFTcG1a9L57AJfMCFI2cTY6PW3_WdEvEq43nqKhsHg8RRCHdacN7o_JRViXlW8cXNmdr1yJ3uzpmibT5uQ/s320/IMG_20110820_123030-752913.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mzOvDG0qphQE1BTdEw30HvJxWzvBeDQXcKNVxDM-b8LMnPvaPpOT8ewllftE1XA_kbSDbAVdbDYYs69-X_Q0J7J7-Z1L-WPzCoDIrmVFoletvnCt9swCQ1RajOASlaYS4sCxGg/s1600/IMG_20110822_083835-1-754256.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644124133300444130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mzOvDG0qphQE1BTdEw30HvJxWzvBeDQXcKNVxDM-b8LMnPvaPpOT8ewllftE1XA_kbSDbAVdbDYYs69-X_Q0J7J7-Z1L-WPzCoDIrmVFoletvnCt9swCQ1RajOASlaYS4sCxGg/s320/IMG_20110822_083835-1-754256.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ82LOnzT81F51QF05XgzkYG_dJdfwFRL0ex59mAC6n0PBJJLw4pMldhUgCtBWu6i6qXtLX2IB5cD3To6l3kImfaR7P7GbwWlp6ExKG8BgfH1jlueO_kuXyAWznIsgoP8Je6Lc_A/s1600/IMG_20110819_082913-755764.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644124142225953090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ82LOnzT81F51QF05XgzkYG_dJdfwFRL0ex59mAC6n0PBJJLw4pMldhUgCtBWu6i6qXtLX2IB5cD3To6l3kImfaR7P7GbwWlp6ExKG8BgfH1jlueO_kuXyAWznIsgoP8Je6Lc_A/s320/IMG_20110819_082913-755764.jpg" /></a></div>Sat.8/20,Parker officially turned 4! Where did our baby boy go? I still remember the day we saw him for the first time,and we were filled w an overflowing bucket of love for him!<br />
He has been the best boy for us to work on as parents(and we are so thankful for his patience w us.)We are thrilled to announce that two days before his birthday,he told us that he had to go poop in the potty!!!!!!!!WHAT!??? "He said the words, I need to go poop!?"<br />
It was like a birthday present for us,from Him! A whole week has passed since his birthday, and it has been a daily routine for him to go potty &"poopy" ALL on his OWN! We are so proud of him! We have had quite the "poopy"dances around here w our BIG 4year old!We are so proud of our Parkeroo,and looking forward to a new year of adventures, lessons&blessings from the Lord!<br />
Happy 4th Birthday,Parker!We love you.<br />
<em>(His 4th birthday video isn't done yet, but,I will post when it is:)</em> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITr0RWT_YzOEx9yAHscZxNiN5xbDwKSofogh6yFwZgD7E0x3ioLX0dNsh5bdjBRlchHq_7d_hslOmNpH0TK0uQtkyeDPvJNqG8hVNOv_oX__b66tumQQwDxy7VRhtgV2uYJvArA/s1600/DSCN4460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITr0RWT_YzOEx9yAHscZxNiN5xbDwKSofogh6yFwZgD7E0x3ioLX0dNsh5bdjBRlchHq_7d_hslOmNpH0TK0uQtkyeDPvJNqG8hVNOv_oX__b66tumQQwDxy7VRhtgV2uYJvArA/s320/DSCN4460.JPG" width="240" xaa="true" /></a></div> Grinning away on the morning of his first day of 4yr old pre-school!~<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIn789jeWxWKfHMVlSzUhk7zPZ_dUFjEdyY4135XmIODC6k0dyefH59nYVpbEEqZIoBB31E1loKhQfnufhAHyScQj62-7hbfVw5LcadK5zYHfRlViuRpPWc87ruJ1KcfGDC76-Zg/s1600/DSCN4463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIn789jeWxWKfHMVlSzUhk7zPZ_dUFjEdyY4135XmIODC6k0dyefH59nYVpbEEqZIoBB31E1loKhQfnufhAHyScQj62-7hbfVw5LcadK5zYHfRlViuRpPWc87ruJ1KcfGDC76-Zg/s320/DSCN4463.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div> Walking in with Ne-Ne....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSphH3WZhf8HdTL1aPY_PkInHTVY9PW8uHhQkHgQzmU8rVk7YjRBTaqzCwxFZk_DOpkXZfeCVLoEAkPWhqUi8R5wO2DNj0TXr07yNzNNjfrDExjmNxT7BWJOQa1gx5sOGFrtaMwg/s1600/DSCN4465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSphH3WZhf8HdTL1aPY_PkInHTVY9PW8uHhQkHgQzmU8rVk7YjRBTaqzCwxFZk_DOpkXZfeCVLoEAkPWhqUi8R5wO2DNj0TXr07yNzNNjfrDExjmNxT7BWJOQa1gx5sOGFrtaMwg/s320/DSCN4465.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div> Parker and his teacher, Mrs. Sandy<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_fyY45bqfBolLJUhFHWztcDpDJEaBOFITwWiggyIrhrJHGmZtibaBUI2NiGsjinA3IIMEJxT0wiF7Bj12Slm5uksDMMb_JsQv5qemxjt_-v5aiLjM1291IjwqWhR4aMDOSgrOQ/s1600/DSCN4468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_fyY45bqfBolLJUhFHWztcDpDJEaBOFITwWiggyIrhrJHGmZtibaBUI2NiGsjinA3IIMEJxT0wiF7Bj12Slm5uksDMMb_JsQv5qemxjt_-v5aiLjM1291IjwqWhR4aMDOSgrOQ/s320/DSCN4468.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kaden & NeNe enjoying breakfast @ Whistlestop</div>We have been a busy family the last 3 weeks! Preparing for the big 4thd birthday (party, WESTERN STYLE), his first day of school *(8/22), Parker's first season playing Tee-Ball- officially began on the 20th. And to top all of this~we just ended a two week visit with NeNe. We have had a house full of adventure and I have been absolutely spoiled with her assistance. She is like my second mom and somewhat of a let down, when we have to take her back to the Air-port :( BUT, I am grateful to God for the two precious weeks we have had with her. Here are some sweet photos of Parker's birthday. We had a special guest come to the party this year! His Name is "Woody" from Toy Story! Have you heard of him? We LOVE Woody in our house and I think MOST of the guests enjoyed his visit too. Some were thrilled,some were mesmerized, and some were absolutely petrified! (You will see below). <br />
More photos to come and enjoy the video at the end of Parker in action on his scooter :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrV5AtmZvJ8mFyiRD-EMgE0cFvbVXJ5YUmvkawC5thj_NAF9g-m5He4inUZcZw-oyKUcijkb6bqnWtoFFJRLT8jhyphenhyphenAFGLYJ4xC7TtFz7b-TRBJjqPIAZ3BQn27ttW3U7Q-Sb_gA/s1600/DSCN4469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrV5AtmZvJ8mFyiRD-EMgE0cFvbVXJ5YUmvkawC5thj_NAF9g-m5He4inUZcZw-oyKUcijkb6bqnWtoFFJRLT8jhyphenhyphenAFGLYJ4xC7TtFz7b-TRBJjqPIAZ3BQn27ttW3U7Q-Sb_gA/s320/DSCN4469.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div> He was greeting our guests till the "real" Woody arrived! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOw4-MvJDeYdELvCkciEgMgUI5NMafQvN_5LOPul6bXzWbc-1mxhnLSIfN9Bb7sYIXiaYWbiXqeX8MFK66Dysgq0_WJZQ5DsFB3HHRNAikE3lRxsSV_PXDUmrq70pS4DZXwqMgdA/s1600/DSCN4532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOw4-MvJDeYdELvCkciEgMgUI5NMafQvN_5LOPul6bXzWbc-1mxhnLSIfN9Bb7sYIXiaYWbiXqeX8MFK66Dysgq0_WJZQ5DsFB3HHRNAikE3lRxsSV_PXDUmrq70pS4DZXwqMgdA/s320/DSCN4532.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw756Zu70JI1DZ1aFL5bvJG3l3Ln3bolK1edCivwzoBXOguF0qlOayznBf45k5wlZAB5pb4ziVbJ7U' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-55794321451258637372011-08-10T17:01:00.000-04:002011-08-10T17:01:16.922-04:00Weigh In Wed Update & White Water memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am down another 2. 4 pounds...so almost 13 pounds! I have officially averaged about 2 pounds a week. I didn't lose anything last week, but was down almost 2 pounds today! I am finally starting to get into a great workout habit (and of course a few bumps that keep me off my goal);Kaden had a small virus last week, and I was SO bummed I had to miss Spin class on Monday. I really have been trying HARD not to eat anything after 8 PM but sometimes it is difficult. Which is more the reason, I need to get my body in bed by 10 or 10:30 at the latest,so I am not hungry and tempted to eat any more.Hopefully next week I will be down 3 pounds! :) 17 more to go for that 30lb goal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This summer has been a memorable adventure~White Water! I was SO nervous about purchasing season passes.I was dreading going there on a weekly basis <em>(with out Mike's assistance)</em> since K is my "menace" and BUSY, and then keeping up with Parker's interest, and of course, all the prep to get there etc.... But it has been a perfect investment of entertainment for the boys! (And a great time to socialize for me with other moms!) It became a weekly routine and a great way to wear the boys out for some good needed down time for me in the afternoons {wink}We went about 7 times and we could have gone a ton more. However, I was good for 1 or maybe 2 trips a week :) Just about every week we met up with other friends (who also had passes), or took guests in with our vouchers. We are looking forward to going a couple more times this summer. This is the last week that the park is open during the week. It will only be open on the weekends now through the middle of Sept. If you live in GA and are looking for a great activity to do with your family, get a Season Pass! If you go 2x it is totally paid for! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIT9NBhKZ5LHmFsuFwoHXNWpwpIkHlKI10fkuhxLlTpUkOBckyE4TY5h3YswFo0b9huTjmK3chZTp476eqzP04EUIs7zcXHAfS1TUaWyXxlu65VhQjza0r5wahLl12W-8Hqht9Ug/s1600/IMG_20110808_111448-750180.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639323628565037138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIT9NBhKZ5LHmFsuFwoHXNWpwpIkHlKI10fkuhxLlTpUkOBckyE4TY5h3YswFo0b9huTjmK3chZTp476eqzP04EUIs7zcXHAfS1TUaWyXxlu65VhQjza0r5wahLl12W-8Hqht9Ug/s320/IMG_20110808_111448-750180.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is Parker at White Water, with little Ava. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have loved getting to know her from Church and she is one precious girl! </div><div class="mobile-photo" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyp_vCKnEA5w8DYzkh8LmUqFNSwPOAg1-RSzeNXyUVy8lzXkghOoRWgS4CUHV2K_vFQzRxhNF1G1PR4HUil15wx1Tk-JgEzjEPtdiXL-kJE34X83enWZWSaArpocaLNYghu1XIkQ/s1600/IMG_20110808_121325-751475.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639323633047484178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyp_vCKnEA5w8DYzkh8LmUqFNSwPOAg1-RSzeNXyUVy8lzXkghOoRWgS4CUHV2K_vFQzRxhNF1G1PR4HUil15wx1Tk-JgEzjEPtdiXL-kJE34X83enWZWSaArpocaLNYghu1XIkQ/s320/IMG_20110808_121325-751475.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo">Parker saying his "good-bye" and going in for the "kiss" on Ava's forehead! </div><div class="mobile-photo">It was a moment to be captured...but I missed the kiss! LOL </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqOmfRAXIC-OK4RfEZT7UoqSFMqQ0wgWorWMYAxzOHFS5Lg6kafr4j2Mghuwwq9IBBdeOUMcL_G00Wlf0M8uICD-dZjMbmI5X_2ZHJNhZo7ITjLjI8CChXfNkAf17E4aZr8ohlQ/s1600/IMG_20110803_134359-752393.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639323639016459474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqOmfRAXIC-OK4RfEZT7UoqSFMqQ0wgWorWMYAxzOHFS5Lg6kafr4j2Mghuwwq9IBBdeOUMcL_G00Wlf0M8uICD-dZjMbmI5X_2ZHJNhZo7ITjLjI8CChXfNkAf17E4aZr8ohlQ/s320/IMG_20110803_134359-752393.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo">Beach Bum Baby!! How cute is he!!? This is our neighbor and buddy Kai! We were so happy he finally got to come and join us. I LOVE this photo for him :) He is the most lovable boy with all his rolls. I just want to kiss him in this photo. </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">And aside from White Water....here are two recent photos of Kaden. He just turned 19 months and I am so smitten with his curls, he is getting cuter by the minute. He rode his first pony last week! (We were at the grand opening of a frozen yogurt place) and they were giving pony rides! He was so confident and begging to ride it! :) So, we finally gave in and put him on it. </div><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqr5deahf8C0BeE13BQDLAJ-_cwamz1b69HGoywjnMW0vRgO8u4ITy6ne7SyUQs09uObuTcOuu8wx_8pQRZ4c9QeKPZQwkQWp8Fc9GQ-TS1euLyuNCIdxO18m9HkuonaVfbJMidQ/s1600/IMG_20110731_192032-753769.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639323645330376642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqr5deahf8C0BeE13BQDLAJ-_cwamz1b69HGoywjnMW0vRgO8u4ITy6ne7SyUQs09uObuTcOuu8wx_8pQRZ4c9QeKPZQwkQWp8Fc9GQ-TS1euLyuNCIdxO18m9HkuonaVfbJMidQ/s320/IMG_20110731_192032-753769.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo">And here is our most recent shot of him! 19 months old! :) </div><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_aI6lY4tB8VOjzU49_sciSQyjPuk33HIYjmOCoWM1L4xVrfxAP3g0WxLFTsa8bSehqo3cRWITFLPwxWAPteSGrUm9ojq_6_bi1ycn2vb5cb0jnl8QPiQwjY22dcwPfDUJlOHww/s1600/IMG_20110801_185055-748687.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639323626146758706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_aI6lY4tB8VOjzU49_sciSQyjPuk33HIYjmOCoWM1L4xVrfxAP3g0WxLFTsa8bSehqo3cRWITFLPwxWAPteSGrUm9ojq_6_bi1ycn2vb5cb0jnl8QPiQwjY22dcwPfDUJlOHww/s320/IMG_20110801_185055-748687.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo">I better get busy and work on Parker's 4 year old video. I can't believe he will be 4 in 10 days! WOW!!! Time has flown by as we have been having a blast all summer at White Water :) </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div>Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-17288193713600167952011-08-02T15:39:00.000-04:002011-08-02T15:39:28.294-04:00The Shooey MonsterWe have a story to share with you (at the bottom) But have to share my heart and a frustration as a parent first-and please don't judge us for playing games mentally with our almost "4 year old!" Just sharing a little creativity that sparked last night out of daddy's mind-and actually hoping that this "made up story" will click, & WORK with our little P! Hopefully this story will help other parents struggling with a pre-schooler refusing to "poop in the toilet!" <br />
We began potty training P over a year and 1/2 ago. He took about 4 months to actually get it-go accident free etc. But we kept pressing on! However, we have yet to be "trained" and confident to "get the shooey in the toilet"-for about a year he would go at night in his diaper (around the age of 2 and 1/2), then we moved to pull-ups and he would purposely wait till evening to go. We started telling him big boys go in the toilet, started making charts, giving rewards when we he would go #2 in the toilet! He purposely did not care about the negative or the positive...and started holding it in for some weeks up to 5 or 6 days. His Pediatrician had us start him on Miralax and told us to keep a watch of his diet, pick our battles and don't stress over it (He is 3 not 4). She also informed us that It is VERY common for boys to take longer with potty training, then girls. Some boys are 4 or 5 before they get it! I really started to think -with our strong willed, cute little red-head, that he will be graduating in a diaper!!!) <br />
After the arrival of Kaden (our 2nd son), my instant prayer was "Lord, please don't let this one battle with pooping in the toilet too!!!" How awful of an instant prayer? Right? But that was my mind in the early days with our newborn and P being 28month old. (We purposely did not even potty train P till after Kaden arrived. K was about 4 months old before we introduced potty training to P. I finally was getting some sleep and had a bit more time to commit to train P).<br />
Well, fast forward 18 months of beginning the whole potty training world to P and we have successfully been going potty and yet one big problem...He absolutely WILL NOT go #2 (or Shooey, or poopy) in the toilet! He doesn't care if it is underwear, no underwear, a pull-up, just being in the backyard etc...as long as it is NOT sitting on the toilet he will go! (He also believes that we don't have to go every day). He thinks he has done it a few times and he doesn't need to do it again. We messed up BIG TIME on this explanation! So, now we are working with his mind and trying to brainwash him with some facts that we are hoping will stick. We are desperate for some help! If we get to his 4 year check up and he is still refusing to go, then the Pediatrician will take the next step (and I am sure refer him to a Child Psychologist!!??!) Really frustrating! So, what have we done over the summer with him? We have done the positive and negative! If you go then this?!!! Because you did not come tell us then this?! (He doesn't care!!!!) Neither approach has worked! We have bought $20.00 sticker books, offered to buy him games on the IPAD, nothing matters. An outright constant fear to go. Neither approach is working.<br />
We try a method for 2 weeks..and no change! We switch the method and see no change. The day he did go for Joy, he actually came up to me-and said his tummy hurt (cause it had been 6 days) and he had pooped last week in the back yard and got in trouble....So, he came to me and said he had to go! He plain has not cared, this summer about it. <br />
Maturity?!! Apparently so! I am really starting to think he will be 5 before he gets this step to potty training. I really think, we could put him in a room for 3 weeks with nothing, and as long as he could stay in there and not have to poop in the toilet he would be happy! <br />
We have told him that if he goes #2 in the toilet he can go see Woody again (at Disney World)! His response, "No, I don't want to go see Woody!" I don't want to poop!" I already went poop for Aunt Joy!" Complete shock!!! (We are offering him a trip to Disney and he won't budge). <br />
Back in May, he sat for 20 minutes on the toilet and Joy faithfully coached him and talked about how easy it is and got him to do it. ("In his mind-he should never have to do it again!") I have stressed to my friends..."We clearly have the most strong willed child to potty train!" They all want to cure it and have even offered their home and play dates with their kids as incentives! It doesn't matter to him. <br />
I have thrown my hands up and given up! But I can't give up. I am his mom and it is our job to parent and be models. So, I am not discussing it and leaving the responsibility in his hands. But then if I do, it is sometimes 5 days before he goes, and I see a change in his behavior for NOT being regular. <br />
He watches his friends go and when it is time for him to try, he runs or avoids the discussion. Being an educator, I know it is SO important to build a child up and praise them for who they are and all they have accomplished. We have had SO many talks with him about the fact that he is never afraid to go tee-tee in the potty. And he says, but I am afraid to "poop"! Well, we need to ask Jesus to help you not be afraid! We pray and talk about Jesus being bigger then ALL our problems. And this is something we need to do EVERYDAY, just like we eat everyday, our food has to come out of our body! (You get it??! Right? Or do I need to educate ALL of you too?)<br />
Well, yesterday, he deliberately went in his pants and tried to hide it from me! I was so sad, that he did not come and tell me that he had to go. So, he had to sit in his room after we cleaned up and he read books. Daddy got home later and we told him what happened. Here is the creative Shooey Monster Story that sparked last night! (Praying it works) <br />
<strong>All of a sudden, Daddy said, "Parker if you do it again in your pants-it is going to have to sit in your room and it will turn into a(Poop) Shooey Monster!" The only way it doesn't turn into a monster is if you push it out in the toilet water!" That's the only thing that won't let it come alive. You can't push it out in other water! You have to sit on the toilet and make it go down the drain. It can't come alive!" </strong><br />
<strong>P's response, "No I don't want it to get me!" </strong><br />
<strong>(Our response....OK then push it away in the toilet!") </strong><br />
Holding on for dear life that this story will stick with him! <br />
....I am sure he will be curious now and actually wait to see if it really happens. I hope the "fear" makes him be a big boy and sit on the toilet! <br />
Prayers appreciated and advice if you have experience with a boy (specifically) who may have battled this!! Thanks so much.Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-53036346380506967722011-07-30T11:01:00.000-04:002011-07-30T11:01:50.841-04:00Cloth Diaper...WINNER!<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGBDkuqyVFDWLvk2quBvczrsKJtgDEBqTrI4pIl_wkVqnyz5tcKxvLRn5VD04y0HvkFRTfjHCH4yE1krJ9IKeftfzdgapqVoEmKW473QEpHjmuywCcdrGR15nNd0O4a8pB-F73A/s1600/IMG_20110730_092506-737108.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635145861379556370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGBDkuqyVFDWLvk2quBvczrsKJtgDEBqTrI4pIl_wkVqnyz5tcKxvLRn5VD04y0HvkFRTfjHCH4yE1krJ9IKeftfzdgapqVoEmKW473QEpHjmuywCcdrGR15nNd0O4a8pB-F73A/s320/IMG_20110730_092506-737108.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYRiID26IYX3d3jM8UTgDZSJ1uVRs4s5v4g71SI9pFlOL708eGvKdcsFBpGDeWs_HfDsSJtwhVzAdvRwt-U0a60Ck6n8Ge2SL3CQUWcTsNNFBzbPhHegIQsL2L4-OGE3lypYEjA/s1600/IMG_20110730_092540-738424.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635145862045168706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYRiID26IYX3d3jM8UTgDZSJ1uVRs4s5v4g71SI9pFlOL708eGvKdcsFBpGDeWs_HfDsSJtwhVzAdvRwt-U0a60Ck6n8Ge2SL3CQUWcTsNNFBzbPhHegIQsL2L4-OGE3lypYEjA/s320/IMG_20110730_092540-738424.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipmndx9Yt7oS7b8gkLIp_BDjdUaWVXco_ORSnRVY9v7APKn8rtFcvYMQNF8NyLWl66373snC8tuq3sZdBn-PQ1nKKVyMo-kiQtV_037w5TVAps5hgFn1Xdta_2aaJm-6L1dWH2w/s1600/IMG_20110730_092547-739227.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635145866651498610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipmndx9Yt7oS7b8gkLIp_BDjdUaWVXco_ORSnRVY9v7APKn8rtFcvYMQNF8NyLWl66373snC8tuq3sZdBn-PQ1nKKVyMo-kiQtV_037w5TVAps5hgFn1Xdta_2aaJm-6L1dWH2w/s320/IMG_20110730_092547-739227.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div>This was ALOT of fun and I wish we could give a diaper to all our entries. But there is only one <strong>winner</strong>, and that winner (as you can tell from the photo) is <strong>Sharon Eldridge</strong>,commented <em>;"Cloth diapers were all we used when I had my boys, but I have seen how much they have improved."</em> Congratulations! I hope this diaper goes to good use for you.Sharon, please contact me and let me know your address so I can get it off to you. :)<br />
<br />
There is a special sale going on at <a href="http://www.nurtured.ca/">Nurtured</a> (buy 5 cloth diapers get a 6th one free)! <br />
So check out their site if you are thinking about this route.And of course it is my sister's business (so I am a little bias) but love passing on fabulous deals. On their FB page they made a note:<strong> (</strong><span data-jsid="text"><em><strong>FYI, still trying to turn this into to a valid online code. If you add this in the comments, we can adjust your order.)</strong> So just mention the FB add (Buy 5 get 6th free and they will give you the deal).</em> It is always</span> a great deal when you can get one free with any cloth diapering company. <br />
Thanks all for entering. I am sure we will have another give-a-way soon. I think I will have to have something special for mommies next time. Be watching~ <br />
Have a great weekend :)Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-39583386793841813912011-07-24T22:10:00.002-04:002011-07-24T22:16:50.572-04:00Cloth Diaper Baby... FREE Give-a-way!<div class="mobile-photo" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pJXJBXC_byhqC0HPBoYxpMB4NvNXR7PyXyX0TwyA-YRHFMt3DfsnH-Hve2gUUfgHXDFN8Xqf8IvHr5pILp-cJ4oY27A8MdA3-3GECdhyphenhyphenXlmzu1cIK1D1DiBzp-GEfBjxTkJ5nQ/s1600/IMG_20110722_170331-749911.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632285901260961634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pJXJBXC_byhqC0HPBoYxpMB4NvNXR7PyXyX0TwyA-YRHFMt3DfsnH-Hve2gUUfgHXDFN8Xqf8IvHr5pILp-cJ4oY27A8MdA3-3GECdhyphenhyphenXlmzu1cIK1D1DiBzp-GEfBjxTkJ5nQ/s320/IMG_20110722_170331-749911.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="mobile-photo" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuC7gbp3aN1hfHZOFBasfHWMWgTWIHFwwtDING3oWawGgt6So2DQRvkGRgpOtUcrfEXI6F-15wUvU69h5O_kQCDPFwnGgnvnEG9-RcJ3b0WiiBYzsMipGXdfq14LU7q9bY63hyphenhyphenbg/s1600/IMG_20110722_170327-752128.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632285910701605778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuC7gbp3aN1hfHZOFBasfHWMWgTWIHFwwtDING3oWawGgt6So2DQRvkGRgpOtUcrfEXI6F-15wUvU69h5O_kQCDPFwnGgnvnEG9-RcJ3b0WiiBYzsMipGXdfq14LU7q9bY63hyphenhyphenbg/s320/IMG_20110722_170327-752128.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="mobile-photo" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="mobile-photo" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="mobile-photo" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We have just begun a new world of cloth diapering! My sister Jolyn, and her husband, bought an Organic Baby Business, <a href="http://www.nurtured.ca/">Nurtured</a>, in Canada back in the Spring. Jolyn and I met up in April and I got a day worth of diapers from her (we started with 4). I/ we slowly got "trained" on this journey.<em> (A day for us is about 4 with our 18 month old :).</em> I really LIKED them. But about 3 years ago I was not so open to them....</div><div class="mobile-photo" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When I was pregnant with Parker (2007), Mike wanted us to use them. His boss and his family used them, and he heard about the great save over time it was. BUT, I wasn't ready for something else new on top of being a first time mom. I was NOT familiar with them at all. :(</div><div class="mobile-photo" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Two years later, the cloth diaper discussion came up again through <a href="http://joy./">Joy.</a> She told me she was going to use them after the birth of her second baby. I was rooting for her, and told her to tell me how it goes. But still wasn't to sold on it.<br />
And then the third time it came up when my sister bought their store. So, it was really rooted in my mind, and I started seeing how easy it was to use them with my exposure to Joy's little boy. So, Mike and I invested in a week of diapers from my sister. <br />
Here we are three years later and we LOVE them.(Mike loves that I make it easy for him. I wash them and fill the liners for him). The velcro tabs today are so awesome compared to the old fashioned "pin diapers" :) </div><div class="mobile-photo" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here is one amazing way to save over $50.00 a month on your grocery/toiletries bill;</div><div class="mobile-photo" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><ul><li>The cost of an average diaper (before coupons) is 25.5¢. </li>
<li>Thus the average child will cost about $1,600 to diaper for two years in disposable diapers, or about $66 a month.</li>
<li>If you would like to read about some other interesting facts on why choosing cloth diapers check out this website -<a href="http://www.realdiauerassociation.org/diaperfacts.php">http://www.realdiauerassociation.org/diaperfacts.php</a></li>
<li>To invest in cloth diapers it is about $200-$300 up front, but when you look at the long term investment, it is HUGE! :) </li>
</ul></div>Thanks Joy and Jolyn, for exposing us to Cloth Diapers :) <br />
No turning back now :) <br />
SO it is time to give you a chance to try a cloth diaper out! <br />
<br />
<strong>How about a give-a-way?! :)</strong> <br />
I have a black/white (Eiffel Tower) ChelseyPerry (Bum Genius) Cloth Diaper to give away...and I know you will love it :) <a href="http://www.bumgenius.com/bg4-artist.php">http://www.bumgenius.com/bg4-artist.php</a><br />
<br />
Here is how to enter, and you can get up to 3 entries;<br />
<ol><li>Leave a comment why you would love the diaper.</li>
<li>Post the give-a-way on your website or blog and you can get a second entry by leaving the website where you posted it.</li>
<li>You can get a third entry by becoming a follower of my blog if you are not a follower already (and leave another comment that you are a new follower:) </li>
</ol>I will have a random drawing on Friday, and winner will be announced on Saturday AM. <br />
Ready-Set- GO!!!! <br />
Good Luck :) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuC7gbp3aN1hfHZOFBasfHWMWgTWIHFwwtDING3oWawGgt6So2DQRvkGRgpOtUcrfEXI6F-15wUvU69h5O_kQCDPFwnGgnvnEG9-RcJ3b0WiiBYzsMipGXdfq14LU7q9bY63hyphenhyphenbg/s1600/IMG_20110722_170327-752128.jpg"></a>Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-48258316364747660272011-07-14T16:11:00.000-04:002011-07-14T16:11:04.859-04:00Weigh In Wed & White Water FUNBLAH :( Down 1.4 lbs. But that is 1.4 lbs less to total 30 loss and closer to getting it off. So that officially makes me at 8 lbs down...22 to go! Trying to get back into the swing of life now that we are back. Oh 22lbs- that feels like an eternity. And I KNOW W I cut out ALL carbs it would all be off...Ijust cant seem to leave out ALL carbs. I think body still needs some.I will have to keep motivating myself. I think I am jumping back into the consistency of Weightwatchers online. I love tracking it all on line. I know there are some other great websites out there too. One great thing about Mike's job is that they pay the full membership of W.Watchers. It is part of their Healthy Life Balance program for employees and family members. How great is that? Have to go to weekly classes and it is a great motivator on top of all other accountability. I know it works. I lost 17lbs last time I did it (and I was only 10 weeks in and got Preggo with Kaden) oh to wonder of the total loss if there was not a distraction in the journey?! Still cooking healthy and not really doing bad with choices. Just a week of little loss. Some weeks this happens. Heres to hoping 3 lbs off next Wed! <br />
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Yesterday, I took the boys to the local Water Park (White Water). Parker and I have seasons passes. It is a HUGE savings to have seasons passes. One visit is $40.00 (per person) and then parking is another $13.00! I got the parking pass for $30.00 (and it is almost paid for....used it 2x already). We took our sweet friends, Liz, Kayleigh & Caroline. We had a blast....and the kids wore themselves out. It is so fun to go with a friend and have playmates for the boys. Hopefully this weekend we will get to take daddy. Mike is taking a 4 day weekend after a long week of work (and he needs a break);he just wrapped up another quarter of closing...(in the world of finance @ GE) but it only happens 4x a year so I am grateful that most weeks we see him and we don't have those crazy hours. Therefore,we need some fun family time. Why not go spend a day at White Water?! It is alot of work to keep up with Kaden....but I consider the times I am there my workout for the day, after I lift him 50+x carry 30+times from sections of the park or push him 15+ times in the stroller. You see I get a good workout for sure! Not to mention sweating some in the "HOTLANTA" weather too! HAHA! <br />
Kaden is my water boy. AND HE LOVES the pools. He is testing out the thrills of slides. Some of the water slides, he is scared. But most of Buccaneer Bay (Kid land) he LOVES. Parker is not so much a "Nemo". Although P is warming up to swimming and the Spring Swimming lessons helped a ton! But consistency,and going back and forcing him to swim alone, and slide alone is working. However he has fallen in love with 4 slides at Buccaneer Bay and goes down them about 50 +time. He is a happy boy to say the least. I always know where I can find him.<br />
Here are some sweet photos of our visit.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKPixtdCPtgz6Ie1Bfyz9ZE4t4L9u-o0pOuHh40rAMRA10IHjATVlQtO0kN-XTGjI7mSFISRMSNbvwrec1MOzN9fPAqRq84UZKhF6EW_f-I7h7BTG4sznwl8fyPirr-bPRXImiQ/s1600/kaden+sliding+at+white+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKPixtdCPtgz6Ie1Bfyz9ZE4t4L9u-o0pOuHh40rAMRA10IHjATVlQtO0kN-XTGjI7mSFISRMSNbvwrec1MOzN9fPAqRq84UZKhF6EW_f-I7h7BTG4sznwl8fyPirr-bPRXImiQ/s320/kaden+sliding+at+white+water.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOl2iOQ4tvvleHhrlKz-JDz6MSNSIV0jfamXi76tu6_ayb5hKwIpLnjD2HAphtQyasgDRvApQI-gvknxSPELPjmyMPAKjtymbtP8jYx_Wuh7MGbaKbSzGuENrRyJP86lgOP6G_Pw/s1600/parker+sliding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOl2iOQ4tvvleHhrlKz-JDz6MSNSIV0jfamXi76tu6_ayb5hKwIpLnjD2HAphtQyasgDRvApQI-gvknxSPELPjmyMPAKjtymbtP8jYx_Wuh7MGbaKbSzGuENrRyJP86lgOP6G_Pw/s320/parker+sliding.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0oTmAM5xtR5j1DVGXPyzNmcE2XHyf0ZK9RXorBKPmUsoGIchCQ_J7fSi0gXaKwzA4Wh4xiF2xzgM9rhqpkGs63q5RrGRu97WlO54G2U-mcsdSmDErJGhkp11xIUdcxWSjjEHUA/s1600/Kayleigh+%2526+Caroline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0oTmAM5xtR5j1DVGXPyzNmcE2XHyf0ZK9RXorBKPmUsoGIchCQ_J7fSi0gXaKwzA4Wh4xiF2xzgM9rhqpkGs63q5RrGRu97WlO54G2U-mcsdSmDErJGhkp11xIUdcxWSjjEHUA/s320/Kayleigh+%2526+Caroline.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Looking forward to finally taking Mike, so he can see the boys in action.Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-58382691764694206722011-07-10T19:49:00.001-04:002011-07-10T19:55:34.526-04:00Parker Family History Tour (Ny Visit Part 3)On the 4th of July we spent the morning touring around Marathon, NY and getting some History on Mom Riese's family. Brian has been doing some heavy research on family names for their little boy. We visited where Mom Riese's father (Ludlow Parker) grew up.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_tSpPpT3QV6PrW7ukjGONbR_7CwBxI5nlYC4aOBrIfeF2fCwdvyLNCcUuTldgbN304qeg7vUyLgtcoskJh260HYKG4aqylbxF4LC1tRArJZYXFjm7au9lRrZknBJTdgCy_PyQg/s1600/DSCN4287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_tSpPpT3QV6PrW7ukjGONbR_7CwBxI5nlYC4aOBrIfeF2fCwdvyLNCcUuTldgbN304qeg7vUyLgtcoskJh260HYKG4aqylbxF4LC1tRArJZYXFjm7au9lRrZknBJTdgCy_PyQg/s320/DSCN4287.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
We also got to visit the grave sites of her parents, (Ludlow & Doris Parker)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHeNag-ECjXH73dzIuiydP4lsFo6cCbGHFrzlBxInK909idqFxFXRuAXzgcyv0yieXTHxKFSEAMhSD1XsTZ1963B3Ekfsy-KbpAyneQboxJ_T__1uDMig-84pvc58gQIh89gVJg/s1600/DSCN4288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHeNag-ECjXH73dzIuiydP4lsFo6cCbGHFrzlBxInK909idqFxFXRuAXzgcyv0yieXTHxKFSEAMhSD1XsTZ1963B3Ekfsy-KbpAyneQboxJ_T__1uDMig-84pvc58gQIh89gVJg/s320/DSCN4288.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4ayYNeFwAQcK5FLiSTobCGqSlTg1PewV-l41EOWQrYfWmBA_OfWE340aU8JlM6Z75QKJSblxifmeRLuovjvSNzAHnpsbK13RBBOxS1NtGluoyJJzQNzMKjTcfuP7xY9XsR8owA/s1600/DSCN4290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4ayYNeFwAQcK5FLiSTobCGqSlTg1PewV-l41EOWQrYfWmBA_OfWE340aU8JlM6Z75QKJSblxifmeRLuovjvSNzAHnpsbK13RBBOxS1NtGluoyJJzQNzMKjTcfuP7xY9XsR8owA/s320/DSCN4290.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAaeBmDJUd_9RpwSVGxWdBmZh3gnLqni0DDhocppoxv0iadPVNjsMJDGg_WHvMUkqpy5JGndDdLk5y0dO_TEHryKtH2jNFkgMqTjzqC4qOggFF5hpCuxUEpeTcXPOyy1t5oewag/s1600/DSCN4292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAaeBmDJUd_9RpwSVGxWdBmZh3gnLqni0DDhocppoxv0iadPVNjsMJDGg_WHvMUkqpy5JGndDdLk5y0dO_TEHryKtH2jNFkgMqTjzqC4qOggFF5hpCuxUEpeTcXPOyy1t5oewag/s320/DSCN4292.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> (We also visited Uncle Moose (AKA Uncle David)...he passed away in Feb of 2005. This was my first time to see his tombstone. His service was beautiful and he lived a life to the fullest serving the Lord, but we sure do miss him. We got to attend his burial service-and to see his gravesite was extra special. I wish the boys could have met him and for that have known Grandma Parker. I never got to meet Grandpa Parker *(Ludlow) but I have sure loved hearing stories about him. There is a beautiful Moose on (Uncle David's tombstone) but our shadows are in the photo :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOytpKZ4D3L8j5FImuKLDsGmOcDOFifsvQHJI52uzecsxOnV2hbPhzAsYLjbhyphenhyphendsgDBRF3x8xhJnXhhpBKWxRssbNOlv1IpmbVm4lTjFVgPxNVTf0Ly9l1mRaaxx211rOE10RY0g/s1600/DSCN4294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOytpKZ4D3L8j5FImuKLDsGmOcDOFifsvQHJI52uzecsxOnV2hbPhzAsYLjbhyphenhyphendsgDBRF3x8xhJnXhhpBKWxRssbNOlv1IpmbVm4lTjFVgPxNVTf0Ly9l1mRaaxx211rOE10RY0g/s320/DSCN4294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Here are Grandma Parker's Parents (The Kings) /(Mike's Great Grandparents)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-2zmhfF7L5bOE1qVf4GRv5hd_5t23IaReBq_OCcAkYinhRLW4ArcJcCqgIeaYIJYCZbS780emonIUruTzLedwWNgGRVhTqDlal9dyg6WovWvziAGmq58JolQdN3a4z_JGrs-PA/s1600/DSCN4301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-2zmhfF7L5bOE1qVf4GRv5hd_5t23IaReBq_OCcAkYinhRLW4ArcJcCqgIeaYIJYCZbS780emonIUruTzLedwWNgGRVhTqDlal9dyg6WovWvziAGmq58JolQdN3a4z_JGrs-PA/s320/DSCN4301.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are Grandpa Parker's Parents (Great Grandparents- to Mike)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9y2PT5Jlu3TfcevOcr-5WaIDZUKRA6ArETUIUIDYmfRk4e8cvGZ-XFqtN2EpcosCDmw41HJsPS_SqjDFlDtye8gurK8L5LTLZ0l4OUwquEUB20HVPa9FckHmh-Wb7C_UqRvnNw/s320/DSCN4306.JPG" width="320" /></div> And here are the Great-Great-Grandparents (George & Carrie)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6bGYv_3bThsPMRqdp8tct7NfhZP4NBEsDUhccYjt9ejGIWavGXk1QJ3PpPWwMHHAPdNrNZVz_OkR7AfFlfH-bENBVw-flX9kBXZhsfh-N1OWCZayv9Act-v6cn8za2Brsiz7vw/s1600/DSCN4303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6bGYv_3bThsPMRqdp8tct7NfhZP4NBEsDUhccYjt9ejGIWavGXk1QJ3PpPWwMHHAPdNrNZVz_OkR7AfFlfH-bENBVw-flX9kBXZhsfh-N1OWCZayv9Act-v6cn8za2Brsiz7vw/s320/DSCN4303.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
And here is Susan Parker (I Think she is a Great-Great-Great) for Mike!?<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9y2PT5Jlu3TfcevOcr-5WaIDZUKRA6ArETUIUIDYmfRk4e8cvGZ-XFqtN2EpcosCDmw41HJsPS_SqjDFlDtye8gurK8L5LTLZ0l4OUwquEUB20HVPa9FckHmh-Wb7C_UqRvnNw/s1600/DSCN4306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFurYUmtTzUAqAA6TObBhpouTeMJcGhFpe82OxIM8YeFmcMXup1c4LbQnI2TNWzP6H5yytY4LU4c3rr98M0Nj710B6nCHeNuYu3K0bQHrJmIOpn88TWwPj9ZT1z_JKJnpPeUOWDw/s1600/DSCN4310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFurYUmtTzUAqAA6TObBhpouTeMJcGhFpe82OxIM8YeFmcMXup1c4LbQnI2TNWzP6H5yytY4LU4c3rr98M0Nj710B6nCHeNuYu3K0bQHrJmIOpn88TWwPj9ZT1z_JKJnpPeUOWDw/s320/DSCN4310.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Following Susan we got all the way to the first Parker relative of hers that landed in Marathon, NY...WILSON PARKER Born in 1776!!! <em>(I believe this is Great-Great-Great-Great for Mike and make that 5 Greats for the boys :) </em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs67zfw5B1r1uTzIe9PSH95vNiyWbvtVjnO0AhURkwmBvl95NGdUQTqzR5HEw_DRQx-8qGtLDTmSuXueVXDkRNTlDbMyzSp5UM1etdDaaSpwXSPsJdC0WuCa22LClv-QL3gkUYRQ/s1600/DSCN4320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs67zfw5B1r1uTzIe9PSH95vNiyWbvtVjnO0AhURkwmBvl95NGdUQTqzR5HEw_DRQx-8qGtLDTmSuXueVXDkRNTlDbMyzSp5UM1etdDaaSpwXSPsJdC0WuCa22LClv-QL3gkUYRQ/s320/DSCN4320.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>And that name happens to be our little Parker (but backwards). Our Parker is actually Parker Wilson (named after Mom' Riese's maiden name (Parker) and Wilson (after my mom's maiden name). How cool is that??! We had NO Clue that Wilson was actually a family name on Mike's side! <br />
So this is Mike's Great-Great-Great-Great-Great Grandpa (Who was born in 1776 and died on March 21, 1839)! So how far back can you trace your family history. I have to say it was very inspiring to hear stories of Grandma Parker's family and just see names of family members! I even ran across some Wilson gravesites and saw a "Clark" gravesite on our tour.... I wonder?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9XBvTRQMLqV3CN1NZJtmyDVMgiyl884Y_6DUNt8na3rk68SKem_WYI3PORFugrW9nDsQV24kVrnEttQA9YIDz24vmq3D3-UfEz8E-fhtS4hDljKJ8451n8ilp7ZhaonLP6pXSw/s1600/DSCN4319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9XBvTRQMLqV3CN1NZJtmyDVMgiyl884Y_6DUNt8na3rk68SKem_WYI3PORFugrW9nDsQV24kVrnEttQA9YIDz24vmq3D3-UfEz8E-fhtS4hDljKJ8451n8ilp7ZhaonLP6pXSw/s320/DSCN4319.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As Brian & Courtney have been looking at some names he decided to do a research of Family History. And possibly choose a name on his side for a middle name for their little guy.We found out Ludlow was actually named after his Mom (Sarah's) maiden name. It all makes sense now. So, we give allot of credit to Brian for actually tracing back to this Great-great-great-great-great Grandfather for Mike and the boys. </div>Please forgive me Mom R if I goofed on the order here. <br />
We did capture a photo of Parker with Brian, Phil &Dad Riese at his father's grave site. Vernon Riese (Passed away in 1969) and though we did not know him, it was still special to see his grave site and hear special stories. <br />
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Dad Riese was only 14 years old when his father passed away. :(<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_aaR0-JqerWTSh9sMXQQZsLAS4k64eR4VS01DgTywRJowmw5L-cOXAJGM-zMycQiSK8U13pWkm61GZNvpNvnbJ4kzK2L5lVCvS9kg4wU4avWxxv2cbmAoevw1-6G9TDh92Sjzg/s1600/DSCN4297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_aaR0-JqerWTSh9sMXQQZsLAS4k64eR4VS01DgTywRJowmw5L-cOXAJGM-zMycQiSK8U13pWkm61GZNvpNvnbJ4kzK2L5lVCvS9kg4wU4avWxxv2cbmAoevw1-6G9TDh92Sjzg/s320/DSCN4297.JPG" width="240" /></a> <br />
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Hope you enjoyed our walk down history on the Parker side. May have not meant much to you-but this is special for the boys to have one day. I am greatful for all the time Brian and Mom have invested to trace back to these special relatives. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs67zfw5B1r1uTzIe9PSH95vNiyWbvtVjnO0AhURkwmBvl95NGdUQTqzR5HEw_DRQx-8qGtLDTmSuXueVXDkRNTlDbMyzSp5UM1etdDaaSpwXSPsJdC0WuCa22LClv-QL3gkUYRQ/s1600/DSCN4320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs67zfw5B1r1uTzIe9PSH95vNiyWbvtVjnO0AhURkwmBvl95NGdUQTqzR5HEw_DRQx-8qGtLDTmSuXueVXDkRNTlDbMyzSp5UM1etdDaaSpwXSPsJdC0WuCa22LClv-QL3gkUYRQ/s320/DSCN4320.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25215022.post-80415877766705200912011-07-10T17:05:00.000-04:002011-07-10T17:05:34.587-04:00Courtney's Baby Shower (NY Visit Part 2)<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-15</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Baby Boy Riese is a sweet little blessing to the WHOLE Riese family. He has been prayed for, for over 2 years. We have walked a journey with Uncle Brian and Aunt Courtney, and have watched them loose 3 precious babies before he was formed.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"> To be honest, I don't think I could have been in their shoes. It is something that God had planned for them and it has made them a very strong and special couple. Their love and desire to be parents has been evident from the start. No doubt-they will be phenomenal parents. There are so many unknowns about the little one's personality, but they are willing to love and accept him as he comes. We know he will rock their world....after all-he is a RIese and they are Precious! :) I am not bias at all to having a Riese baby but we can't wait to see how he looks compared to Parker & Kaden. I hope you will join us in prayer as they prepare and embark upon Parenthood. Thank You for the many prayers that many have you have already bestowed upon them. This little guy is a miracle and we can't wait for his arrival. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was a joy to throw a shower for Courtney and Baby Boy. My Mother-in-law, Miracle, Cousin Rachel & I all put it together. It was great and the food was awesome. We did an ABC theme shower, since Courtney is a Kindergarten teacher.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUCJpmc3AngVGuSQ7JViZSYB3aCuth8NwFRm0epoM0pZcCNs_9nIsoXvQh8FfHrJEcIXhJ9h01CeM1qirNGtVU5i6fjeHd2uVunSgwFJryjAOB33mZvMsiaJZsrFtgLZ7c4Uyow/s1600/courtney%2527s+cake+for+shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUCJpmc3AngVGuSQ7JViZSYB3aCuth8NwFRm0epoM0pZcCNs_9nIsoXvQh8FfHrJEcIXhJ9h01CeM1qirNGtVU5i6fjeHd2uVunSgwFJryjAOB33mZvMsiaJZsrFtgLZ7c4Uyow/s320/courtney%2527s+cake+for+shower.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-OLoRrfell2cFmtFsLsB9AgN1LVNbvCoRXDOv7mDtiSMJeE_jc2BRmzFSfERsqbJSAAydlGfzDyx7ypbXGbL1wVirc6YW1QskrDmw0hp9mhNrNEhyAKmgddlJvpIXhfBti1few/s1600/mini+invitation+on+chocolates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-OLoRrfell2cFmtFsLsB9AgN1LVNbvCoRXDOv7mDtiSMJeE_jc2BRmzFSfERsqbJSAAydlGfzDyx7ypbXGbL1wVirc6YW1QskrDmw0hp9mhNrNEhyAKmgddlJvpIXhfBti1few/s320/mini+invitation+on+chocolates.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieE0JxWIQb3TXCJCGCqba21MW0n7oPTYY1diP9abDpD55IpbtHsHea6NuoX0VJPbwxktTfL8eO7hNYaUifPm98ia7f0tZQnnYri7B7Wv9owSLU6uNsGFsxHxxDoc8YD6U5B-H42Q/s1600/baby+shower+for+Courtney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieE0JxWIQb3TXCJCGCqba21MW0n7oPTYY1diP9abDpD55IpbtHsHea6NuoX0VJPbwxktTfL8eO7hNYaUifPm98ia7f0tZQnnYri7B7Wv9owSLU6uNsGFsxHxxDoc8YD6U5B-H42Q/s320/baby+shower+for+Courtney.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"> She loved it but I think the most touching part of the shower was the baby blessing bank. We got a special turtle bank for the baby's nursery. We had everyone put a penny in the bank and wish a blessing upon the baby boy, It brought tears to all our eyes. I got it on video and hope that he knows how much he was prayed for before he was born. "<em>Baby Boy-We are so excited to meet you and want you to know how much we all love you. Now promise to sleep ALOT for Mommy, and never cry except when you are hungry or tired!"</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> HAHA (We all know that only a few babies out there are like that) but I hope they get a baby that is like this :) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Enjoy the sweet photos of the shower...We will keep you posted upon his arrival. </span><br />
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<em><strong>Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. </strong></em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ON5UlaSP-UNrdLi6WHMBFmHY06Eprg4f95EXUMcUxFZs73E86bj75e7CGH9XmB0_SZ-6FOzxkOQCmr44Ml_cAtx7WWBtt5ndHQ5vAP9LIf-1z5M7P5n-FQ5QRoCdF-j28ElFEA/s1600/Riese+Sisters+at+Baby+Shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ON5UlaSP-UNrdLi6WHMBFmHY06Eprg4f95EXUMcUxFZs73E86bj75e7CGH9XmB0_SZ-6FOzxkOQCmr44Ml_cAtx7WWBtt5ndHQ5vAP9LIf-1z5M7P5n-FQ5QRoCdF-j28ElFEA/s320/Riese+Sisters+at+Baby+Shower.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQenVK9Gbm2pSav9XQvPXUf3fTu0hIh4SSlQaSNowt8yRRy1KndZyLKWVRO1Q1lkgIcW6v2IfENnGHb0bBKLLRKVxR7F62OF31LBIFi0zFK3tQEP0K5vmBf7qkidOUg5C6zkzTA/s1600/baby+carriage+fruit+basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQenVK9Gbm2pSav9XQvPXUf3fTu0hIh4SSlQaSNowt8yRRy1KndZyLKWVRO1Q1lkgIcW6v2IfENnGHb0bBKLLRKVxR7F62OF31LBIFi0zFK3tQEP0K5vmBf7qkidOUg5C6zkzTA/s320/baby+carriage+fruit+basket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> (I can't take credit for carving this baby! My Sister-in-law Miracle is SO talented and did an amazing job with all the decor and much more) How Cute is this?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQqcp2vnDa-vXJs-Gqko4Bs20rQXUhLkmmBUduVutrHofgzG9EmnfCvS8UVBRBHBnBe2JdCJvnd9kpVKY4zQ9248vn7NgZX-ak-w2j4_PbqcVzOc8L4M5mRNY7NqGTCQ78JFmrg/s1600/Red+Velvet+Cake+Pops+for+shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQqcp2vnDa-vXJs-Gqko4Bs20rQXUhLkmmBUduVutrHofgzG9EmnfCvS8UVBRBHBnBe2JdCJvnd9kpVKY4zQ9248vn7NgZX-ak-w2j4_PbqcVzOc8L4M5mRNY7NqGTCQ78JFmrg/s320/Red+Velvet+Cake+Pops+for+shower.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <em>Ok! I can take credit for this yummy treat! We made Red Velvet Cake Pops and dipped them in White Chocolate and drizzled baby blue chocolate on them....*shower was on July 3, so they had a patriotic look :)</em> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr93w1H0pScwRQXP6dSMDlAX77MQltnw4-yvarZC6_xHJSeShvTYHh5SiMkTUBiaUcpp-z_BG3CceTWmT2Z-oMiLkRJKGWoXQWRb0yCGhYDMuCjOt76ljaMPpQMn__o4brkR3BwA/s1600/Courtney+with+the+hostesses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr93w1H0pScwRQXP6dSMDlAX77MQltnw4-yvarZC6_xHJSeShvTYHh5SiMkTUBiaUcpp-z_BG3CceTWmT2Z-oMiLkRJKGWoXQWRb0yCGhYDMuCjOt76ljaMPpQMn__o4brkR3BwA/s320/Courtney+with+the+hostesses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><em>(Courtney with all her hostesses :) *Mom R. Me, Courtney, Miracle & Rachel)</em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">A nice touch for the mommy to be....White Roses and Blue Hydrangea! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a beautiful shower and so sweet to have many friends and family come out and shower Courtney and Brian with many,many gifts and love! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank You all for helping us throw a great Shower :) </div>Rieses Pieceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247447256001209149noreply@blogger.com0