We wish you a Merry Christmas

We are home!!! After our CRAZY Christmas we took off to Rochester to visit my family. Our trip consisted of eating, opening presents, driving, sleeping! Yes...we are a bit Christmased out!!

Anyways...we did have a great Christmas...here are some pics!

Christmas eve we had a hard time getting the kids to sit still long enough for a picture! Can you imagine why???? Here is the best we got of both of them


And Miss Kylie Mae...


Our Christmas eve with the in-laws was very calm and relaxing. And yes, we did turn the lights on to eat.
Santa put in a request for an adult beverage..


THE BEFORE PICTURE
The after picture...
Kylie really wanted Makeup from Santa.

Kylie's new Sleeping Beauty PJ's from Aunt Candice.
As for me...I got lots of fun stuff. I will have to share them with you as I use them. One of my favorites is a pair of stud earrings (plain Jane) from my kiddos. I like to wear earrings, but they are always getting ripped out by my little man.

And that's all for now folks...Hope you all had a great holiday and have a GREAT New Year's eve!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night

I admit to stealing this from Sophie but it was just too darn funny not to share with y'all! Larry the Cable Guy and his Christmas story...Enjoy...

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow...

We got about a foot of snow in a few short hours today. School's closed early and Zach was even able to come home by 3:00! To pass time, I decided to catch up on some crafts I have in my "to do" pile.

Once in a while, I have Kylie pick out a fabric she likes so I can make her something special out of it. Of course she picked out the ballerina this time so I made her a new pillow (she likes the home made ones), a small blanket and a scarf. Look how I tied the bag shut...

After nap time, we had a madefromscratch hot chocolate party. My girl over a Tillaboro Orchard gave me a deliciously yummy recipe for hot chocolate on the stove. Not sure if I can share or not, so bug her if you want the recipe.

*don't you just love Kylie's attire...

and yes my table cloth matches my dishes!

Since I am on a picturepostingrampage, I thought I would share with you my first two items for the babies room. We (you know Zach really didn't have a say) have decided to make it a little owl's nest. Since the nursery will be in a creative spot off of our bedroom, I figured it was a perfect theme, plus my interest in little owlies has grown!

LOOK WHAT I FOUND AT TARGET...and check out that price tag. *it's a night light in case you were wondering!
Since Zach was home early, I could actually get my sewing machine out and in action. I made this cute little owlie pillow. I am pretty proud of myself since I have never even drawn a owlie before. Zach wasn't thrilled about the colors, but who needs traditional! Lets go for the bold! Let me know what you think???
Today turned out to be a pretty production day...I even cleaned the bathroom with my new favorite cleaning product! It's and oldie but a goodie. Lets see who can guess what it is...

My dad use to sing a song about the product when we were younger. I know kinda scary huh?? The winner will receive a home made gift!!! GET GUESSING...

blank will make your face turn green. blank is made a gasoline. blank will make you vomit, so try some blank and vomit with me!!

And the stocking were hung by the chimney with care...

Mrs. Whimsy love has decided to have a socking tribute today. Since I haven't posted any festive pictures thus far, I decided to participate in this event.

I bought these stockings right after Cooper was born from Pottery Barn kids. I got a great deal since they were purchased in April...Notice my village on top as well. I also posted the rest of the village which sits on top of the entertainment center. I just love my village.

Zach and I got our stockings from , oh I don't know...WALMART...the first X-mas we were together. I didn't have much time since we were married in November and didn't move into our house until the end of November. They are pretty cute, but have been rejected from the mantal and moved to the quilt rack next to the xmas tree.
Sorry the pictures aren't the best...didn't have a whole lot of time!

nutin better to do...

I have been a bit lazy this evening and whilst checking in on (or stalking) my BFF's blog I found she had been memed. I too decided to participate in this experience.

So here it goes...go to your picture folder, open your sixth folder, and post the sixth photo. Then tell the story behind the photo. Here she be...
So it's not the most creative picture in the album. It's a picture of my BFF from high school's wedding we attended this past summer. It was held outside (great day) in a BEAUTIFUL historical park. She smiled ear to ear the ENTIRE time and was truly a beautiful bride. The wedding and reception were great, not to mention a night away from the kiddos!

I you yourself would like to be memed then feel free to participate. Just make sure you link me in your bloggidy blog.

Happy memeing!

Have you tried them???

I have a new love..yes for Mint M&M's!! I have been wanting to try it for a while and finally bought some the other day and I am totally nursing the bag! These are the best!!! and I even made mention to Santa that he might be my new BFF if I receive a stocking full of these! Anyways...I think you should try them and make sure you have a big glass of milk to finish them off with.

Can you tell I am pregos?

Anyways, things have been pretty calm at the Riedl household. We have made lots of xmas cookies and bread and I have had two little helpers. I will have to take pictures of the festivities soon !

chicken fried

Kylie's new favorite song is "Chicken Fried". She knows most of the words and decided to give us a "concert" tonight. The mis-matched costume along with the belly hanging out give it a great touch. Too cute...

How fast are you?

My blogging friend Pamela has created a new competitive streak within me...yes...I need to beat my own score at typing. I know, I must have too much time on my hands. BUT...try and beat me!
76 words

Typingtest

Dancing babies

My kiddos are really into dancing these days. Yesterday they boogied to Veggie tales Christmas and today they were dancing to Bella dancerella. Enjoy...

*Side note: Please ignore the very intersting outfits and hair-do's in these videos. Children have been contained in the house for the last few days!

My dear friend Jocelyn has mem'ed me! I am to list 10 things in my life that start with the letter, "L"....lets see how this works!

1.LOVE...there is lots of love in this house...between hugs and kisses sometimes I feel a bit overloved.

2. LIPS...this goes a lot with love because I tend to get LOTS and LOTS of kisses throughout the day.

3. LOLLIPOPS...I am daily asked for this delicious treat

4. LIGHTS...there are a plethora of Christmas lights in and out of my house right now.

5. LICKS...Cooper is in a licking stage. Unfortunately Kylie thinks it is pretty funny to copy him.

6. LAUNDRY...yes a load is pretty much done everyday...right now I have to get the diapers in.

7. LAYERS...if you come to my house, you will need layers of clothing as we keep our heat pretty low.

8. LAUGHTER...Just today Kylie said, "Mom, next year you won't have to drive me to preschool." I said.."Oh ya, why is that?". She replied, "Because I can drive myself...don't worry, I will do a good job." I then explained how you have to be 16 and she laughed and said, "oh thats silly".

9. LAZY TIMES...although I wouldn't really say I have any lazy times, my hubby calls my "nap time" lazy. It is much needed for the prego lady...do I have to say more.

10. LOAF...a loaf of bread is most likely in the oven on any given day...come and join me for a slice with some home made butter!

OKAY. I know some of that was a stretch, but I did it. Now it's you turn. Loren, Amy, Andrea, Sophie, and Nikki. Comment me for you letter and rules.... Happy mem'ing!

Stomach bugs SUCK

Today I have chosen to show joy! Yes, Joy! While so far it has been PRETTY challenging to find joy..here is why.

5:30: Cooper wakes up way to early and decides to beat me into submission to get out of bed.
6:00: Kylie comes in and cries for ginger ale and crackers. Yes, we have spent the last few days throwing up on and off.
7:00: Breakfast time! Kylie gets her ginger ale and proceeds to spill the ENTIRE cup on the floor..nothing like cleaning up sticky soda. Cooper cries and points and will NOT use his words. Therefore, I ignore until he stops. This led into a yell from the mommy..."USE YOUR WORDS"
7:15: Realize there is no way I will make it to Bible Study today because Kylie still isn't looking too hot. Stuck in the house again;o(
7:30: Already get a load of laundry in but forget some of the essentials...therefore another load must be done later.
8:00: Get my cup of tea...sit down and have my morning conversation with Jocelyn...unfortunately this was pretty much a venting session full of complaints.
9:30: Finally get to shower. The kids were pretty much content until Cooper decided to take a chunk out of his sisters neck with his teeth...time out...console to injured child
9:45: HUGE temper tantrum over the fact that the mama will not carry a little boy down the stairs!!
10:00: Demands for food again...even though some of these foods are not good for a sour bellied child
10:30: as I sit here writing this, I am being summoned to "wipe me". Not looking forward to this bathroom trip.

We have lunch next and daddy will be home so I can go to a meeting quickly. Lets just hope and pray the afternoon is a little more joyful!

On a JOYFUL note:

• I am sooo pumped for the Christmas season. We have our MOPS x-mas brunch tomorrow and this weekend we have our MOPS x-mas party.
• I got a lot of x-mas shopping done yesterday so hopefully I can get some wrapping down tonight...yes I really love wrapping.
  
• My kids are pretty much quiet now (after wiping) and that is a joyful thing.
  
• Lets hope I can actually sit down this afternoon and read a book too. This would include a hot cup of tea in front of the fireplace and Christmas tree!!! AHHHHH, just thinking about it makes me joyful!
  

What's your fruit today??

Christmas gifts from the heart

I received this Devotion today from Christian Women Today and thought it was very inspiring. I have been a bit of a grouch lately due to being pregnant and thought this was something to implement in my own life. Watch for signs of it;o)

It was my daughter's idea. She told me she had been thinking about the Advent devotions and how to prepare her heart, not just her home, for Christmas. And she had a great idea!

Jen decided to give fruit away. Oh, not the apples and Christmas oranges that you see in the store. No, she told me she was asking God for opportunities to give away the "fruit of the Spirit."

The "fruit of the Spirit" is comprised of nine qualities that the Bible says will show up in our lives as we daily ask the Holy Spirit to fill us. This fruit shows a watching world we are different because we follow Jesus.

Here is the list of fruit of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, self control, gentleness, goodness and faith" (Galatians 5:22).

Each day, until Christmas, choose one fruit off the list and ask God to deposit this gift in your heart in extra measure. Then ask Him to provide an opportunity to give that fruit away in a specific act that day. It is both a rewarding and a challenging experience.

When we focus on allowing the Holy Spirit to overflow in our lives He may use the opportunity to highlight how very much we need Him. This fruit cannot be mustered up in our own strength with enough to give away. No, it is His work in our lives.

I'm taking Jen's idea and asking the Holy Spirit to prepare my heart in a deeper way this Christmas. As a Jesus follower I want His fruit to be in abundance in my life. I want those around me to see the difference He makes as I choose to ask Him to fill me up every day. Why don't you join me? Let's ask Him to fill us afresh today. Then watch for opportunities to give it away. Together we'll prepare our hearts for Christmas.

Today I choose Love! I will love my husband and children UNCONDITIONALLY. I will make it known through lots of hugs and kiss and a positive attitude! What do you choose???

Thanksgiving in the South

We are back from our journey to Charlotte for Thanksgiving. We had a GREAT time, although I would not recommend traveling 13 hours with 2 young children. Really, they did fine, but I would be a bit antsy too if I were strapped securely to a seat for that long! Here are some pics from the adventure...

Candice took us to a great park in the city. It was beautiful there and the kiddos had a great time on the playground.


We went to visit Santa....

Apparently Santa's in the South are a bit odd. This Santa was definitly on a work release from the local prison for some sort of sexual offense. I don't think anyone took their eye's off of him while Kylie was near. Anyways..she loved it.


The whole fam-damn-ly!


The Thanksgiving table...

Anyways...loved the trip...loved the people...cannot wait until our next trip (by airplane that is)!

I will be out of the office until 11/29

We are making the trip to Charlotte for Thanksgiving. I know...we are nuts. Two kids, a pregos mama, and an crazy daddy are driving 12 hours (give or take) to Charlotte to spend Thanksgiving with my little sister and family. We will leave before the crack of dawn tomorrow and hopefully arrive by dinner time. Say some prayers!!!!

Anyways...this past weekend we visited my BFF on her farm in Bergen. It was great to spend a day doing absolutely nothing...and I mean nothing...laying on the couch and talking while we occasionally redirected a stray child. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera;o( But know it was great. I got to meet Clara and Kylie even got to try and milk her. On Friday night we headed out to see my little sisters middle school musical...School House Rocks. It was entertaining and I cannot get the songs out of my head. Kylie loved it!!! Here is a pic of her (not from my camera) after the musical.
On another note, I got a great Christmas idea from my bloggy blog friend Pamela this morning. LONG story short....buy these chocolates..the money from the proceeds goes towards families adopting . We all know how expensive it can be and what a gift to those who really desire a child. Not only are you getting some super yummy truffles, you are giving to those who need!! How awesome!! If your nice, maybe you will be the recipient of one of these boxes;o)



Oh and have a GREAT and THANKFUL thanksgiving!

First signs of Christmas

As I said before, I am a little bit of a Christmas nut (it's in the blood). Here is the Christmas tree in our bedroom.

Of course Kylie has her own tree too...if you haven't noticed, she was a bit of a nut that day.

Our first time playing in the snow this year. At first they just wanted to eat the snow. Then we got the sleds out at they loved it. Cooper even threw a temper tantrum due to not wanting to go inside.

And lastly, a picture of the sun rising this morning. It looked so pretty with the snow.

So I have come to realize that I have some blog stalkers. Of course, you wouldn't know that due to lack of comments. Therefore, I think you should all make me happy and leave a comment...Don't stalk..comment. Maybe I will post a funny picture for y'all!

best pumpkin bread recipe eva...

I found this recipe while playing around the other day. Today I baked it and it really is very delicious!! In case you were wondering, it is the pumpkin bread one but I am sure the pumpkin pie is equally as delicious! ENJOY...

Not sure what to say???

So here I am, researching, relaxing, and trying not to worry about my stupid thyroid (story I will not discuss further until I have the facts)

I decided to make some new inserts for my cloth diapers. I did this in the past and they didn't turn out the way I hoped. Anyways, the pattern I am looking at for my inserts looks pretty easy. Let me know what you think...

Also, I'm looking up some new Christmas craft ideas. I found an awesome website through Mrs. Whimsy love called Tricia-Rennea. She really has great ideas. If I had any energy whatsoever, I would be sitting at the table crafting some of these for Christmas, but I decided it was much easier to just sit her and type away random thoughts. During nap today I did get make two new crafts but I cannot share them with you just yet...

Speaking of random thoughts, I have been thinking of baby names lately but none really seem to hitthespot. I thought I should make this fun and do a baby name poll. Not today, maybe tomorrow, but get your names ready my friends...I may have prizes involved if a name really sticks!!

Some of you will think I am a bit of a nut for my next comment, but it has to be said. Santa Claus is coming to town! We are getting a bit excited about this event at the Riedl household. Yesterday, Kylie, Cooper, and I put up the fake Christmas tree in my room. We listened to Christmas music and decorated the tree...Kylie also has a tree in her room..crazy huh! We love it! Don't worry, I will move slowly with the decorating so I don't get Christmas burn out too soon!!!

Looking forward the the craziness of the next few weeks. Next week we will be heading to Rochester to visit friends and family. After that we will come home for a brief few days and head to Charlotte for Thanksgiving. Yes you heard me right..CHARLOTTE, NC! My sisssy lives there and we decided to make the trip. It looks like it will be about 12 hours so we plan on leaving at 3 am! Say some prayers!!

Okay, well my rambling has gone on enough. I am shutting down the computer and going to bed!!!

new front porch, superwoman, and Cooper's big boy bed

This post is full of random things going on in my life. I don't have the energy to post several different posts, so enjoy!

First of all...my front porch was finally stained! Doesn't it look GREAT....


Some views from the porch and across the street! Gotta love the country life!!


Kylie got a superwoman custom at target for a whole $2 and we cannot get it off of her...she even sleeps in it (for nap of course...what kind of mother did you think I was)


Yes, Cooper is finally big enough to sleep in a big boy bed. He LOVES it and really transition rather nicely for nap today. Although, he didn't sleep as long as mommy would have liked. We will use it for naps for now and see where that takes us!

Oh and in case you were wondering..we had a GREAT anniversary! Zach even surprised me with this...


It's the ring on top! This is the best pictures I could get!! email me for the story...I promised Zach I wouldn't embarrass him.

Christmas past

Just getting a wee bit excited for Christmas. Thought I would take a trip down memory lane...

Christmas 2005...Kylie's first Christmas

Christmas 2006...Kylie and "Cooper"
Christmas 2007..Cooper's first Christmas

It's amazing how fast these little people grow and even more mind boggling to know there will be another addition to the Riedl family next Christmas!!

Prayer request

Please pray for Jocelyn's mom. To see to full request visit her website at www.jubbyplace.blogspot.com!

5 years already

Tomorrow, Zach and I will celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. Over the past 5 years we have started a family and are currently at 2.5! WOW..what an average! We moved from Farmington to Cazenovia, built a house, and have both changed jobs!

Yes the last 5 years have been crazy, but I am more in love with my man everyday!!!