The Ridenours

Love My Family!

2011-11-16T11:16:00.001-08:00

Kids in Costume

2011-11-04T04:12:00.000-07:00

We didn't plan on Trick-or-Treating this year. We went on a little trip to Cinci (more on that soon) and were planning on not getting back in time.

Well. We made it back in time. In fact, JUST in time. To the point we walked in the door, scrambled through the old costumes/dress up bin and found some pretty fun costumes. I had some pretty things for Gwyneth (a pretty princess/a little chicken or lion/a pretty witch, etc.) but she insisted on the skeleton!

More cake pops!

2011-10-27T09:52:00.001-07:00

I just can’t resist these things! Gwyneth and I made a bunch to take to preschool for her Halloween party. It was so much fun, and we loved how they turned out!

We thought it would be fun to use a pumpkin as a holder. We just had to decorate it!

Gwyneth was so proud of our work, and excited to share with her friends! We had fun making memories…and that is what it’s all about.

School Pictures!

2011-10-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

The kids brought home their school pictures this week. I was so excited to see them! Funny story.. Haydn ran out of the school with his packet in his hand. I thought, "That's a good idea! They are usually crumpled from being in his bookbag. They'll be nice and straight!" He handed them over, and there were no 8X10s or the picture CD. Anyway, long story short. An aide found half of his pictures FACE DOWN on the BOYS' BATHROOM FLOOR!! Oh, Haydn! Fortunately, they were perfectly fine. On to the pictures!

Gwyneth Rae Ridenour

Age 3

Preschool

(she looks scared!)

Hutch Warren Ridenour

Age 6

First Grade

Haydn Charles Ridenour

Age 9

Third Grade

Can't wait to cut them apart and hand them out! (I promise I will do this promptly- I'm so bad at doing that)

The future

2011-10-13T05:38:00.001-07:00

Cake Pops!

2011-09-12T10:18:00.000-07:00

Our church put a baby shower on for Colleen and Peyton yesterday. I was in charge of food, so I enlisted the help of my mom to make Cake Pops! We had so much fun planning and making these, and I think everyone enjoyed this special touch to the shower.

The theme was Yellow & Pink

The flavors!

The food table. Ellen brought fruit salad. I made homemade cheese crackers in cheddar & parmesan. Amber made the pink punch, Michelle did the coffee punch, and Mom brought the lemonade. I think it turned out great! (Heather did the decorating)

Family Picture

2011-03-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

At one of Hutch's Birthday parties, we rounded everyone up for a big old fashioned family picture! Wow. That's a lot of people! Amazingly, we only had to take two! AMAZINGLY!

Basketball Thoughts

2011-01-31T16:32:00.001-08:00

Morning Photo

2011-01-28T14:56:00.000-08:00

I was just going through pictures, and I found this one of Christmas morning of my three cutie patooties. I just thought I'd share it, even if it's a little late!

Saucer Busters

2011-01-07T07:28:00.000-08:00

Hutch is guest posting on the blog today! (:

He specifically asked to post on "our blog", and dictated the text, set up each photo and asked pretty please! Take it away, Hutch.

This is a trap for our dog, Rosebud. A team is called the Saucer Busters.

She thinks the dogs are playing a game

(see her thinking?)

and she tries to play

and then there is a laundry basket

and then......

the dogs trap her!!

Oh! I think it's funny, but my mom thinks it's good. The only thing that you need to set it up is dogs, a baby crib, a fan, a bird, and a dog toy that makes dog sounds. The end.

Thanks, Hutch. And, note that the trapping was theoretical. No dogs were actually trapped in a laundry basket in the making of this post!!

Happy Birthday, Caleb!

2011-01-03T07:29:00.000-08:00

Caleb is 16!! Can you believe it? I know I can't. It's exciting and sad at the same time~

He decorated his birthday cake with Grandma Shirley (aka Nana). She is awesome, and always comes up with great ideas for her grandkids. What a super grandma!

He chose a lemon poppyseedVan Wert Cougars football cake, complete with freehand letters and numbers by Caleb, and fondant goalposts!

Pretty amazing!

Singing Happy Birthday!

One more look at that great cake!

The Moon Endures

2010-12-22T21:35:00.000-08:00

Admiring...

2010-12-08T07:15:00.000-08:00

the tree! I walked into the living room and caught Gwyneth doing this.

Too cute!!

Oh, Christmas Trees!

2010-12-03T20:46:00.000-08:00

We have all of our trees up, and thought we'd share them. We've been enjoying putting only the Christmas tree lights (plus a few lamps) and listening to Handel's Messiah a lot. (Okay, maybe I enjoy it a little more than the kids!) They prefer Jewel, Josh Groban, Bing Crosby, and Mariah Carey (OF course!) a little more.

Anyway... I've gotten pretty much all of our gifts bought. I'm loving online shopping this year. You'll have some dude drop it off at my doorstep for 97cents? Yes, please!

I'm getting off track here. Without further adeau (a deu? adieau? adoo? adeaux?)

Our Trees..

The Living Room Tree

All gold and silver

The Dining Room Tree

Our "Family Tree"

Red & Green and all our homemade/other ornaments

I love this one. Not that I don't love the others. This one just has a special place in my heart because it a)reminds me of my tree growing up in the Lloyd household, and b) It is so fun to look back at the ornaments the kids have made so far and to see their little handprints making wreaths and what-have-you!

Gwyneth's Pink Tree

(really hard to take a picture of)

The boys' red tree

(even harder to take a good picture of!)

And there you have it! I'm off to find something to use as a makeshift tree skirt...

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-01T09:15:00.000-08:00

I Know that Thanksgiving is not about the food or the family, but giving Thanks to God.

That being said, I pretty much only took pictures of food on Thanksgiving this year!! We spent Thanksgiving Day lunch with the Lloyd bunch at Connie and Kevin's, and then supper with the Kemps at Butch & Bobbie's. We ate a turkey that mom and dad raised. Yummy!

Saturday we had John's family here at our house. Great times!

I brined my first turkey, with encouragement from my mom. It was BY far the best turkey I've ever eaten. Sorry everyone (:

I used Alton Brown's recipe from foodnetwork.com. Here is the finished product.

I about died because this was the dessert table at the Lloyd gathering. Oh. My. Goodness. Good stuff.

This is about the only picture that I took of people.

I hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving, and didn't forget what it really is about. Next year I'll try to pictorally back up what I say and focus a little less on the food!

SFR!

2010-11-28T20:19:00.000-08:00

Scout Family Ridenour

(that's what it stands for!)

Our family made up a club this year called SFR. It's sort of like Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Big Brother/Big Sister, VBS, and a roomful of sugared up squirrels- all mixed together. (: We meet once a week, wear our uniforms, have the pledge to the American Flag and the Bible, and pretty much think of a bunch of fun stuff we can do together and learn about together as a family. It's basically pretty awesome! Here is a huge cookie I made for one of our meetings...

(note the bunny ears. Yes. He is in *that* phase!!)

Dog Fight!

2010-11-27T17:09:00.001-08:00

Hutch wrote a post-it for the wall the other day….
(it says "dog boxers fight here")

Pumpkin Carving

2010-11-26T09:37:00.000-08:00

I know I'm a holiday late (: but... I thought I'd share these photos from our pumpkin carving "party"!

So much fun!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T05:18:00.000-08:00

Now go eat some Turkey!!!

Trouble!

2010-11-23T11:05:00.001-08:00

Plans

2010-10-11T14:21:00.000-07:00

~Hutch at Myrtle beach

Glowing Fun

2010-09-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

Parade!

2010-09-01T05:58:00.000-07:00

I know this is a little late, but better late than never, I guess! (:

On the Fourth of July, our family took the horses through the Holiday at Home Parade in Van Wert. It was so much fun! The little ones really got into waving at everyone.

The other part of the "Lloyd" family!

Haydn, Lainey & Elliott

Jim and Caleb were the cleanup crew. After the parade, he entertained some of the kids while we unhooked the horses/ put everything away!

They were going really fast. Look at all of their hair!

Second Grade?! Kindergarten?!

2010-08-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

Before I talk about school, I'd like to say that I've got a lot of catching up to do (which I *plan* on doing)! We've gone to Brazil on a missions trip, and we've done a lot of living, which I'd like to share!! Also, our house is on the market!! It feels like our lives have been a whirlwind lately!

Tuesday, the boys started school. I can't believe that two-thirds of my children are in school!!

Haydn is in 2nd grade, and Hutch started Kindergarten. I let them pick out shirts to wear the first day, and they chose matching ones. I was surprised, so I even clarified that they were sure they were going to match. Yep. They thought it would be cool! I'm loving this while it lasts! (:

Here they are right before we all took them over to school

Rose

2010-07-12T06:53:00.000-07:00

We got a new puppy, a Chi-Poo! We named her Rosebud, but will call her Rose.

The kids adore her!!

She is sooo tiny. And sooo cute!! We love little Rose!

Someday..

2010-06-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

..I hope my kids fully grasp the reality of how good they've got it when it comes to Dads. Their Daddy is one of the best, and he loves them so dearly...

and treats their Mommy with love and respect...

and he's a Christian example for them to follow.

Right now, they're too young to see that not everyone's Daddy is as great as theirs. They just assume all dads are like theirs. That all Daddys play with kids, pay attention to them, tuck them in every night, sing songs to them, tell them jokes, take them to church, kiss them when they're hurt, take them fun places, love to see them light up with excitement, want to be with them as much as they can, teach them things, listen to their stories, dream with them and for them.

Someday they'll realize it, I'm sure. How can they not?! It's so obvious!

Happy Father's Day, John! You're one of *the best*!! We love you!

Haydn's Birthday Cake

2010-06-04T12:23:00.000-07:00

I know you know probably know this, but my mom ROCKS! (Hi Mom!)

We are having Haydn's 8th Birthday Party tonight and Sunday afternoon, and my mom had Haydn over last night to make his dirt bike cake. This is THE BEST so far, I'd say ( I think I say that on every cake she does!) She took the picture from his invitations and put it on a stick, so Haydn is riding down the cake. Clever!! We love it!

Check back for Party pictures! I hope it doesn't rain!!!!! (:

Field Day

2010-06-02T06:23:00.000-07:00

One of the last days of school, Haydn had a field day at the Football Stadium. Gwyneth and I stopped in to check things out!

We saw Haydn throw the football...

win the Sack Race...

win the wheelbarrow race...

and enjoyed a snow cone!!

Meeting Gracie

2010-05-27T05:49:00.000-07:00

John's brother is visiting from North Carolina, and we got to meet Gracie, our newest niece. She was born April 26th, and she is soooo tiny!! I couldn't resist snapping a few pictures of her!

Gwyneth was VERY interested in her. She kept holding her arms up and saying, "Hold. Me!!" over and over! When she did hold her, she was so serious, and did a great job!

I thought this picture was just precious!

Beauteous

2010-05-22T06:36:00.001-07:00

My Little Eel and Guppy

2010-05-21T04:24:00.000-07:00

The boys had their last swim lesson.... again! I love to go and watch them. It's fun to see them improve each session!

Haydn will be a Guppy again. He's doing a great job, and was disappointed when he didn't pass. We told him it's FINE!! If he's having fun and trying his hardest, that is all that matters!

Working on his backstroke

He got to dive through a hula hoop!

Hutch passed Pike, and now will be an Eel! (:

He floated!!!!! (I missed it, almost. This is when he's finishing)

It is SO HOT and HUMID in the pool. Gwyneth obviously was not thrilled about hanging out and watching the boys!! It will be her turn before we know it!

Sing!

2010-05-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

Haydn had his Spring Concert, and we enjoyed watching him sing with the First Graders! It was very entertaining!

Everyone..

(Haydn is middle row, 4th from the right)

Haydn is on the big screen! (:

He kept watching the screen during the concert to see himself. What a silly guy!

He had some artwork on display that we could look at afterward

His Pinch Pot!

We snagged a picture with his teacher! He loves her.

Only SIX more days of school!!!

Logan the Graduate!

2010-05-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

Logan graduated from college last week! We went to Connie and Kevin's house for his graduation party.

The cake Connie decorated

Gwyneth and Nana

A big game of baseball!

We had a great time!! Congratulations, Logan, and welcome to the "real world"! (:

Piggy Torture!!!

2010-05-14T20:36:00.001-07:00

Fringe Benefits

2010-05-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

Meet our new couch- this girl is a 1930s Chenille Channel back honey. And... she has fringe! How fun!

Why was I taking pictures instead of stopping this madness?

2010-05-07T05:55:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure! Maybe because they were learning about simple machines!?? (p.s. no one was hurt!!)

We're Stars!

2010-05-05T05:35:00.000-07:00

Last night, we had our Mother & Daughter Tea at church, and the theme was You are a Star! It was such a nice time, and I'm glad I have all these ladies in my life!!!! (and, I am SO thankful to have a little girl!! I see some good times together in the future!.... I love my boys, too!!)

~Mom, Tiffany, Lainey (look how big and adorable she is!), Gwyneth and Me~

Randomness

2010-05-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been feeling pretty random around this house lately, so I thought I'd embrace it, and have a random post in honor! (:

I totally randomly picked pictures out of my files. (could I possibly use the word "random" in this post any more? I think not!) Thank goodness they weren't embarassing!

A little explanation for each one:

Camdyn's birthday party!! With the birthday tiara on!

My hunky loverrrrrrrrrr! (hey, all the high school girls call them that on facebook, I figured I'm entitled to!)

Little Gywneth at one of her "photo sessions"-looking away!

Gwyneth at another photo session. interesting. Obviously not a happy camper in this one!

Well, there you go! Have a great day!!!

Blossoms

2010-04-30T10:44:00.000-07:00

At Easter, I couldn't resist the beautiful blossoms on Nancy's trees. I snuck away for some pictures. I'm so glad I did!

Feature Photographer

2010-04-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

Today I will be featuring the photography of Tiffany, my sister. She took this on her phone. Isn't she talented? I love the perspective!!!!! I want to hang this on my wall!

April...

2010-04-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

Where has the time gone?!!

Here is a post for you packed with photos from this month!

John "riding" his old mini bike, the Italjet!!

John left for work one morning, and when he picked up his coffee mug some coffee had spilled. I noticed *this* when I wiped it up. ~sigh~

Dad's new colt!

Haydn riding the Italjet!

Gwyneth riding her "BIKE!" She *LOVES* motorcycles. Great!

Hutch got rid of his training wheels and started riding this big rig in the same day, AND....

he even rode the Italjet! I put a stop to that, though! Not yet!

Haydn was surprised with an early birthday present!

Family picture by the lake

My three little sweeties!

Baby Faith

Working on the bike!

Kids at Easter @ Nancy's

Imagining the possibilities. (yikes!)

We are so blessed! I'll be updating more often. Check back, please!! We like visitors!

L Photography

2010-04-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

At the Lloyd's Easter, my cousin Logan (the crazy cat on the left) decided he'd like to try his hand at this crazy thing we call Photography. (the lovely lady with him is Becky, his girlfriend)

He started out with this basic photo. A portrait of all of the lovely Lloyd girl cousins

[Lynette, Shelby, Tricia, Tammy, and Tiffany]

A very nice photograph, indeed. But this was only the beginning of his creativity!

I think he found his niche in Sports Photography, though, because he was a maniac. Pure maniac!

He demonstrated his talent in Basketball Photography

(Very thorough) Cornhole Photography

and Volleyball Photography

(I know this doesn't look like volleyball, but Tammy is actually holding the tree out of the way *for* volleyball)

I mean, JUST LOOK at that action shot!! (who is that volleyball-game-dominating-animal, anyway?!!!)

[i think i was in the net]

a little serving shot

a Times-Bulletin worthy "blocking shot"

and quite possibly the *most* hilarious volleyball photo EVER. I'm not kidding. It's even funnier than the dominating volleyball monster above.

Unfortunately, I was not granted permission by the "egg" to publish this photo. So, this is all you get. Sorry.

Logan mastered some pretty tough techniques in the short time he borrowed my camera

I mean, how hard is it to capture a ball in mid-air?!

and the aperture skills

Technicalities aside, he captured emotion..

Displayed artsi-ness

Great job, Logan. I think I see a future in Photography. I already have a name for your business!!

All Things are Become New

2010-04-08T04:54:00.000-07:00

Children Are Like Kites...

2010-04-07T04:48:00.000-07:00

You spend years trying to get them off the ground.

You run with them until you are both breathless.

They crash ... they hit the roof ...

you patch, comfort and assure them that someday they will fly.

Finally, they are airborne.

They need more string, and you keep letting it out.

They tug, and with each twist of the twine,

there is sadness that goes with joy.

The kite becomes more distant,

and you know it won't be long

before that beautiful creature will snap

the lifeline that binds you together

and will soar as meant to soar

... free and alone.

Only then do you know that you have done your job.

~~ Author Unknown ~~

Elliott's Birthday Party

2010-04-06T10:05:00.000-07:00

We had Elliott's birthday party this weekend- I can't believe that he is NINE!! I was on a cruise when he was born (he was early)- and I didn't even know it until we got back into the airport!!! I remember sitting in the Atlanta airport (pre-cell phones!!) calling home and mom telling me. I remember not being able to WAIT to get home to see him!

He has grown up to be quite the little farm boy! (: He helped my mom make his birthday cake-which was very suiting! There were even little cupcake farm animals!! So clever!

Elliott!!!!

Elliott, right after turning 5! Sooooo cute!!

(Kind of wierd that the picture is taken in almost EXACTLY the same spot in the yard at my parents' house! That was totally not planned!!)

We love you, Elliott! We're so glad we've got you!!

He is Risen, Indeed!!

2010-04-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter! From Our Family to Yours!

Fun Easter Things We Did Today

2010-04-03T20:04:00.000-07:00

We had a great day at home today-just hanging out and preparing for Easter.

We colored Easter Eggs:

(we tried to do most of them when Gwyneth was napping)

Gwyneth woke up and joined in on the fun a little

We made little Chick cupcakes

and Nest Cupcakes

and even a nest cake when we got tired of making cupcakes!

We made an Easter egg tree for our front porch. I've been wanting to do this for a long time, and pretty much gave up on it. John surprised me by pretty much taking on this project today! He's so nice!

This tree reminds me of Grandma Lloyd

We watched/are watching Basketball, and now I'm going to go sit out the Easter baskets for the morning!

Happy Easter!!

I'm so thankful that Jesus Died on the Cross for ME!!

Oblivious, Ecstatic, Skeptical

2010-04-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

That's how my kids reacted last night when I told them we were having Cupcakes and Ice Cream for supper!!!

Gwyneth was like, "hmm, whatever!"

and dug in

Hutch thought it was the BEST THING EVER!!!!

And Haydn, well, he's a little more seasoned, so he said that they really looked like cupcakes. But he knew I had something up my sleeve. He knows if something seems too good to be true, it probably is!! He was smelling them, because I told them they couldn't touch them yet!!

We had GRILLED CHEESE for dessert! Yummy!!

Don't worry! I wouldn't really feed my kids cupcakes for supper! Did you think I would?

(well, even if I did some night, I probably wouldn't tell you in my blog!)

It was my version of an April Fool's Joke.

The "cupcakes" were meatloaf "cupcakes" with blue-tinted mashed potato "frosting"

The "ice cream" was blended cooked cauliflower ( I put it in an old cool whip container for added authenticity!)

The "grilled cheese" were toasted pound cake with yellow frosting!

What fun pranks did you pull yesterday? (or get pulled on you)

A Little Trophy Action for the Little One!

2010-04-01T06:38:00.000-07:00

Gwyneth won her first trophy! Yeah, Gwyneth!!

Our church had its Awana Grand Prix last Saturday, and she won the Cubbies and younger category.

Getting the award

She wasn't sure what to think at first...

Showing it off!

Bad Boys

2010-03-26T19:23:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't you like to sink your teeth into one of these bad boys?!

You can! I'm selling them at the Bake Sale tomorrow at Wal Mart in Van Wert 10-4!!

(they are yummy! if I do say so myself)

I Lied!

2010-03-26T05:51:00.000-07:00

My guys went to the Monster Truck show last weekend. Remember, I told you I was sending the camera with John? Well, that was a lie, because when I said the camera I meant, my new(er) camera. John insisted on taking the old(er) camera because he can pretty much fit it in his pocket. I was okay with that, but I just wanted to be up front with my vast amounts of readers. (; I wouldn't want to lead you astray!!!!

Now that that is cleared up, John told me when he came home that he wished he would have taken the camera. He couldn't really get any good pictures, and it wouldn't have been that big of a deal.

I nearly wept with joy at these words!!

On to the pictures!

This is taken with the camera right before they left.

Notice the ear protection. John opted for the more discreet version (:

These were taken with the camera. (never mind the wrong date!!!???) The boys loved getting to go to the Pit Party! Woooohooo!!

They even got to ride in a Monster Truck!

They got autographs!

A great night! When they got home, Hutch had already zonked out, and Haydn staggered straight to bed!!

Did you know we're going to Brazil?

2010-03-25T06:28:00.000-07:00

Did you? Because we are!! (Well, John and I are, the kids aren't)

This summer, we are going with our Youth Group on a 2+week Missions Trip!

And.. we're having a Bake Sale at Wal Mart in Van Wert THIS Saturday from 10-4

John and I will be working the 1-4 shift! You should come visit, and take home some tasty treats for your friends and families!!!! (:

[poster made by me and my new Cricut machine!!]

Makes my heart happy...

2010-03-24T09:11:00.001-07:00

Special Present

2010-03-20T06:56:00.000-07:00

I told you in my last post that Hutch got to open one present on his birthday.

Well, he did.

This is the story of that present!

He was surprised to find his penguin wrapped in the box! (The boys constantly give me messages in these penguins. Messages like, "Mom, Where is the remote?" "Can I go outside?" "You R the best mom ever!"

So he was shocked (he has such a poker face, though) that the penguin was giving him a message!

Papa Larry helped him figure it out. The message told him to gather pieces of a puzzle throughout the house, as well as clues to the next piece.

The clues sent him all over the house, gathering pieces of the puzzle

*I thought I'd pay him back by making HIM set off the penguin alarm for once (:

Grandma Shirley was in on the action, too!

MORE CLUES!!!

Don't open yet!! Go to the table and figure out the clues to get your Birthday present!!

The puzzle: Hutch-Green Circle-Dad-Haydn-Blue Car-Eye-Monster Truck

Hmmmmm..

"Hutch" gets to "go" with "Dad" and "Haydn" in "Dad's Car" to "See" "Monster Trucks"!

"For real?" That was Hutch's exact sentiment.

THEN it sunk in!!

and THEN Haydn realized that this was Hutch's coolest present EVERRRRRRR~

They're going tonight!! I'm sending the camera with John!

Birthday Weekend!

2010-03-15T10:28:00.000-07:00

[note: this entry is edited to disguise innocent bystanders]

We had a *busy* weekend! We had church, John had a men's retreat, and Hutch had 2 SpongeBob birthday parties! I made a Krabby Patty cake for his party on Saturday night. It was so much fun to make, and everyone enjoyed it!

Saturday morning, my mom came and got Hutch so he could help her make his cake for his Sunday night birthday party. I think they did a pretty stellar job myself! She's becoming quite the cake lady! (:

Hutch with some of his presents

On his Birthday (Thursday night), we had Grandma Shirley and Papa Larry over for supper and a little celebration. He opened one (special) present that night. I'll tell you about that soon!

Our house was full of a bunch of wierdos!

[edited to disguise those not granting permission to be featured on my blog in such a manner (: ]

The kids had fun with a pinata! This was a non-violent one. The kids each got to pull a ribbon and only one opened the special "door"!

Hutch's new bicycle! He also got a helmet and two ramps!!!

I just had to share John's balloon art! (:

Five?!!!

2010-03-11T07:33:00.000-08:00

Hutch is 5 today!! Wow, I can't believe it!

[it says "I'm turning 5"]

Hutch is my sweet, silly, snuggly, self-sufficient, sensitive, selfless, sometimes shy, smart, and super creative middle child. He is such a fun kid to be around, and he adds such a cool dimension to our family. I am so thankful for Hutch!! Yesterday, Haydn and I were walking through the hallway, and Hutch was in the bathroom, and since it was so nice outside, I had the window open. He said (in a very excited voice), "Haydn! I'm going outside to play because I hear sounds of spring!" He makes me smile!

Here's my birthday boy watching cartoons this morning

Yesterday he was a "wolf hunter"!

I thought I'd share a picture(or two) from each month this past year of Hutch!

FEBRUARY

JANUARY

DECEMBER

NOVEMBER

OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER

AUGUST

JULY

JUNE

MAY

APRIL

MARCH

We love you, Hutch!

(a picture of his baseball cupcakes for his school "celebration" yesterday)

Trophy Mania!!

2010-03-10T06:47:00.000-08:00

It seems like all I talk about are trophies and awards on here!! I promise to talk about something different soon!

Haydn got 2nd place in the Pinewood Derby for Pack 98 in the Tiger Cubs last Saturday. The derby was held at the High School's auditorium, which was really cool for the boys. They had a photo finish set up at the end and everything.

John and Haydn put a lot of work into his car. (I'd post a picture of it, but I didn't want to touch it, since he's still going to race it at Districts, which he qualified for) (:

This is serious stuff, people.

Anyway, here are some pictures of the day (I am a horrible "event" picture taker. Seriously)

Haydn, walking to the end to watch the race after placing his car on the track. It was so cute because he was very serious and somber the whole time. I love it!!

Waiting....

Getting his award!! Go Haydn!

Tricia's Excitement (:

2010-03-04T07:48:00.000-08:00

I won a chili cook-off!! Isn't that so fun?! Our church had one last Sunday, and I entered the Alternative category with White Chili (recipe by Sharon-thanks!)

This is the rocking trophy I so happily received! (made by my mom!)

Lipstick!!

2010-03-03T06:51:00.000-08:00

Gwyneth was coloring when she noticed a stray marker stuck in the crayon box. Being quite the little lady, she knew how to put that marker to work for her! She very expertly applied the "lipstick", and she was pretty proud of herself, too! Girls!!!!!!!!

In Living Color

2010-03-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

Haydn is into big cats. He reads books about them. We talk about them. He likes to print pictures from the internet and hang them on his walls. (That's the kind of stuff we do for fun!) Anyway- we were looking up pictures the other day and we found the one below. As I was printing it, I heard the boys orchestrating something and heard them digging in the dress up clothes. They had decided to re-enact the picture!!

[from hemmy.net]

This is what they came up with!!

Future Cheerleader?!!

2010-02-26T06:21:00.000-08:00

Gwyneth actually watches basketball games (sorta) when we take her. I told John, "Maybe she's going to be a cheerleader?" He said, "Nope. Cheerleaders don't watch games, she'll probably play sports!" ouch. sorry cheerleaders (:

(Looking at the score board, I think!)

Blue & Gold Banquet

2010-02-23T13:45:00.000-08:00

Haydn had his Cub Scout Banquet where he received his awards for the year. He did a great job, and we were so proud of him!

The boys invited their families, and Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Larry & Grandma Shirley came to support Haydn and enjoy the food and fun!

During the program, each club performed a skit or a song. Haydn was the "narrator" in his skit, and he did such a great job!

What a cute little Tiger Cub!

Lainey's Birthday Party

2010-02-18T19:54:00.000-08:00

Lainey turned nine on Valentine's Day. Nine!!! She is growing up right in front of our eyes. Such a beautiful and spirited young lady!!

Lainey turning 9!

Lainey turning 5!

(and of course the fab cake by my mom & Lainey(: )

Happy Birthday Lainey Love!

Sledding!

2010-02-17T05:44:00.000-08:00

Our family went sledding, since school was cancelled and John had the day off. This was the first time Gwyneth & Hutch had ever gone. (I know...bad parents) Everyone *loved* it!! We definitely have some snow-loving kids...I see ski trips in our future...

Scrabble and Dinner

2010-02-16T11:18:00.000-08:00

My mom had us over for my birthday dinner (yummy), and we played scrabble afterward. Dad stomped us!

The Tip of the Iceberg

2010-02-13T14:30:00.000-08:00

John made this Birthday cake for me all by himself... just the beginning of why I love this man!

Happy Valentine's Day, Sweetie!

Rolling around in The Snow

2010-02-12T04:21:00.000-08:00

What is more fun for a kid than rolling around in the snow? Not much!

My kids have been having their fair share of doing just that this last week since we've been snowed in and have gone NOWHERE since Monday. Can you believe that I haven't left my property (: since Tuesday morning?!! Pure bliss!

Here's Haydn making one of his snow forts (you know, the one Daddy helped him make that gets caved in almost every day? So then we just decided to have it be a snow "tunnel" with no top?) That one.

Fun at B5

2010-02-11T06:17:00.000-08:00

My "Besties" (that word just cracks me up) took me out for my birthday dinner. I heart these girls (:

We had a great time together, and I always wish we had more time to spend together!

Thanks Jackie, Ryanne and Lindsay!!! You made me feel so special!

Winter Sky

2010-02-09T21:00:00.000-08:00

Monday morning, the frost froze on the trees. I *love* it when that happens. The trees are so magical and gorgeous! Of course, I couldn't resist stepping outside and taking a few pictures!

Look at that sky!!

Creating

2010-02-09T11:12:00.000-08:00

This is what our dining room table looks like when we all decide to do "projects" together!!!!
Last week, I was working on decorations, the guys were working on Pinewood Derby cars for Cub Scouts (and Valentine's Day Cards), and Gwyneth was coloring. What a fun mess!

We're Baaaaaaack!!

2010-02-08T07:31:00.000-08:00

I've decided that the blog is coming back. I missed it more than I thought I would, and I've had several requests to get it going again. So.... here it is! Enjoy!!!!!

Gwyneth's Birthday!

2010-02-08T07:29:00.000-08:00

Gwyneth is TWO!! Can you believe it?!!

We had a busy Birthday weekend-so much fun! It was changed a little bit by the blizzard (: we had, but everything worked out!

Friday night, we had John's family over to our house.

The cake

Triple layer-one white, one pink, and one red with strawberry filling made by me.

I heard Hutch tell someone, "My mom didn't buy that cake from a bakery. MY MOM made that cake!!"

I had the cake sitting on the stove so Gywneth wouldn't get it. Ha!! She pushed a little chair up and was taste testing it-just a little.......or a lot!!

I made some cute decorations for her parties. Some of them will go in her room when we're finished with them for parties.

Taking a spin on her new bike from Grandma Nancy

On Sunday, we had my family's party at Nana & Papa's house. (it was supposed to be Saturday, but got rescheduled because of the weather)

My mom made her cakes. W-O-W!!!!

She is amazing, if you didn't already know. They were so incredibly cool, AND they tasted great!

Daddy with his Birthday Girl!

She wasn't sure what to think of her talking horse at first!!

Happy Birthday, Gwyneth! You bring Sugar and Spice to our lives! We love you!!

Gwyneth's Birthday Invitations

2010-01-24T19:11:00.000-08:00

Out With the Old, In With the New!

2010-01-18T10:18:00.000-08:00

When I started this blog two years ago (two years ago!!), I did it because I thought it would be something fun- a creative outlet for me.

And it has been for me! Until recently. For some reason, I've lost my desire to blog. I have several guesses as to why this has happened, but for whatever reason, it has!

So... getting to the point... no more blog!

You've probably noticed (or you haven't) a lack of posts lately. I've been rolling the idea around in my head for a long time, not wanting to make an announcement until I've come to a conclusion. But I have, so here's my *big announcement*!!

I've enjoyed sharing little slices of our life with you all, but I just feel that there are different things that I need to put my time and energy into at this time. Thank you all for your support, comments and outside conversations we've had about this blog! Blessings! ~Tricia

Christmas Sentiments

2009-12-30T08:15:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas! It all went by so quickly-like a whirlwind of really fun activity-and then it was over. We had a very busy one as well. We had 6 gatherings, and had a great time at each one... catching up and having a great time with the ones we love most. (We missed seeing some ):
God has truly Blessed us, and we try hard not to take even the smallest things for granted. I have a bunch of pictures to share (maybe) but I thought I'd give you our moms' Christmas trees. Both *gorgeous*!

Nancy's Patriotic Tree

Mom's Rustic Elegance Tree

Kemp Family

2009-12-29T07:41:00.000-08:00

On Christmas day, I snuck away with the Kemps for some family photos. We had a great time and got some with their three collective dogs- Ziley, Etny and Swat. Here's one-I'll have more later!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T21:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas at Church

2009-12-23T07:22:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Christmas at church on Sunday. The kids got gifts from their Sunday school teachers, the boys sang the first verse of "All is Well" with a group of kids, and Tricia sang in the choir, we heard a great message about how a baby changed everything, saw a Baby Dedication, and got to wear our Christmas clothes! (: I usually drag my camera in on Easter and Christmas to get a family picture. It's a little bit of a pain- at the end of the service getting my camera, rounding everyone up and finding someone to take our picture, but I love to look back over the years of our little family at church on two of the most important days of the year!

Snow!

2009-12-19T13:44:00.000-08:00

I know it's the talk of the town (: but I am really excited about the snow we are getting! It just seems so much more like Christmas time when it looks like this outside! The boys (all of them) have been playing outside almost all day long. They're finally just making their way inside, looking for hot chocolate and blankets! They made this snowman this morning, and were disappointed to see "Frosty" had already melted quite a bit!
Have fun in the snow!! I'm sure we will!

Chillin'

2009-12-18T12:34:00.000-08:00

Love the freckles!

Cupcakes and Signs

2009-12-16T08:53:00.000-08:00

{The Cupcakes Hutch, Gwyneth and I made for Preschool this morning}

{The sign Hutch made for the floor when they spilled powdered sugar all over & I mopped it up}

8 Years

2009-12-15T08:37:00.001-08:00

Note: I am reposting this from last year because it still sums up my feelings for John, only one year later!!

"There is no remedy for love but to love more" -Henry David Thoreau

This was our first picture together-taken at Ryanne and Steve Bollenbacher's Wedding
I Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind, it is not envious. Love does not brag, it is not puffed up. It is not rude, it is not self-serving, it is not easily angered or resentful. It is not glad about injustice, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

This is the passage of scripture that I read that same day for Ryanne and Steve's wedding. If each of us were to obey this one passage of scripture, think of all of the heartache that could be avoided?! I thank God for bringing John and I together, and am thankful that John is a more wonderful husband and father than I could ever have imagined him being! I am truly blessed and honored to call John my husband. Thank you, John, for eight wonderful wonderful wonderful years! I look forward to many many more, God willing.

Laughter

2009-12-11T05:48:00.000-08:00

No More High Chair!

2009-12-10T08:08:00.000-08:00

It's becoming more and more evident that Gwyneth is no longer a *baby*! Every day, it seems, something happens that reminds me that a "big girl" is gradually replacing the little baby Gwyneth that we used to hold in our arms. It is so fun to watch her grow into a little lady!

Snow!

2009-12-08T05:56:00.000-08:00

Hutch has been looking out the window looking for snow almost daily since about late October, only to be disappointed over and over! Needless to say, he was SO excited when we actually got some! He was out there playing as soon as he woke up!

The Bollenbacher Family

2009-12-07T05:46:00.000-08:00

I also took pictures for the Bollenbacher family this weekend. We had a blast finding places all over Van Wert for them. The kids even got in on the fun and chose some special spots of their own. Thanks, Steve, Ryanne, Kendall & Luke! Here's one of the pictures from the day-more of both sessions to come!!

Evans Family

2009-12-07T05:41:00.000-08:00

I got the opportunity this weekend to take pictures for the Evans Family. They were a hoot!! The kids are so cute and *all* boy, and we had a great time! Thanks Bill, Jackie, Trey & Nick! Here's a little peek at the pictures!

Our Tree

2009-12-04T05:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a long day for Hutch (and me) because he waited not so patiently ALL day long for Haydn to get home so they could decorate the tree. Throughout the day he would say, "Mom. Is it time to go get Haydn from school yet?" "Not yet, Hutch." Then he'd say, "Hmm. What is Haydn doing at school now? Is he eating snack yet?" (at preschool, Hutch eats snack at the end of the day) All day long this happened. I felt sorry for him, with the undecorated tree just sitting there, right in his face, reminding him of what he couldn't do! I felt sorry for me, with this little kid asking me the same question every five minutes all day long! (; When we finally got Haydn, (finally!) Gwyneth fell asleep, so I laid her down for her nap. (Hutch was shivering with excitement by this time)I put the garland on, helped the boys get all of the decorations out (all glass), pulled a chair over to the tree so they could reach the top branches, and laid down on the couch and took a little nap while they decorated it themselves! Crazy? Maybe! But I must say, I don't think it looked THAT bad-and there was only one bulb casualty (that happens when I decorate!). I may have switched some around while they weren't looking, and I may still be doing that today, but that's not the point, right?! Those boys did a great job, if I do say so myself! Maybe I'll never have to decorate my tree again! I'll just nap on the couch!

A Great Light

2009-12-03T05:28:00.001-08:00

Beat

2009-12-03T03:00:00.000-08:00

Gwyneth was very tired this afternoon...

... so she climbed up on the kids' "shoe box"

and fell asleep.

Tiffany's Decorated Christmas Tree

2009-12-02T06:07:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-30T08:24:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! On Thursday, we headed to New Bremen for the Lloyd Thanksgiving @ Kevin & Connie's for lunch. For supper, we went to Butch & Bobbie's in Van Wert. This is pretty much what the guys did. Don't they look full?!! Saturday evening, we had John's family over for supper.

Watching

2009-11-28T22:37:00.000-08:00

Projects

2009-11-28T05:37:00.000-08:00

I'm working on projects for our event at church on Tuesday night. Holiday Hospitality: Reclaiming Christmas. I'm creating the Children's Idea Room. It will be set up as a bedroom, and I am OH so excited! I'm putting together tutorials to hand out, and giveaways (you could win a paper chain advent calendar!) You should come! It's Tuesday night @ 6:30 at our church, and the format is that of a "morning show".

Yummmmy Turrrrrrkeeyyyyy

2009-11-26T19:42:00.000-08:00

We had our fill today. Not only of turkey and all the goodness that goes along with it (and there was A LOT of goodness today) but our hearts are full of love, laughter, remembering, singing, sharing, catching up, and making sweet memories.

Give Thanks

2009-11-26T05:25:00.000-08:00

Give Thanks with a grateful heart
Give Thanks to the Holy One
Give Thanks because He's given Jesus Christ His Son
And now let the weak say, "I am strong!"
Let the poor say, "I am rich! Because of what the Lord has done for us."

Give thanks!!

Werts Family

2009-11-23T06:27:00.000-08:00

It's unfortunate, I know, but they are a Gator (cough cough) family.

Tiff's Family

2009-11-22T21:24:00.000-08:00

I took the Werts family's photos this afternoon, and it was so much fun!!! I was so impressed with Jim's ideas the whole time. This family always cracks me up, and today was no exception! Tiff-here's *one*!! I will show you more soon!

Accountable

2009-11-21T06:40:00.000-08:00

School Pictures!

2009-11-20T11:41:00.000-08:00

Haydn: 1st Grade

Hutch: Preschool

*and obviously I had a black dot on my scanner! (: ooops!