October 22 - Enter Ryan

I actually don't know anything about Ryan's birth - except he was born on a Sunday. I didn't want him to feel left out on the birthday series this year.

This past week, I've thought a lot about what the important things in life are and how things can change in an instant. I still follow the blog of the sweet little family that lost their dear wife and mother. I'm not sure why I it seems I am so drawn to tragedies of strangers, but I find that it never hurts to get those reminders of what the truly important things - and people are.

Last Sunday, I found out that the wife of the first counselor in our Stake Presidency had taken a turn for the worse and that doctors treating her for ovarian cancer for the past 4 years could do no more. She passed away yesterday. She turned 54 this year and welcomed a couple grandchildren. Truly a remarkable woman leaving behind a remarkable family. My heart hurts for them and I pray for their peace and comfort.

My mind wanders to what I would do without my family; what I would do without my Ryan. It's not hard to tear up. I love him. As cliche as it sounds, he is the love of my life. He is what's important to me. The promises we've made to each other, the promises that extend beyond this life are what's it's all about. (I feel uncomfortable when people write mushy things about their spouse on their blogs, so I'll stop.)

Ryan, I adore you.
Happy 33rd Birthday.
I look forward to forever.
With you.

Colorado

(sorry for the fuzziness)

One of the many things I love about beautiful Colorado - all four seasons in ONE week!

Eating Oranges

I’m not sure how you eat oranges, but this is the way I like to eat oranges.

• Cut the orange in half.
• Squeeze and suck all the juice out, squeezing in every direction.
• Tear the side down to the center and eat the flesh to the skin.

Elegant isn’t it?

Once you can get as good as I am you can do this without getting the orange all over your entire face.

I’ve been doing this for as long as I can remember.

This is the only way I’ve seen my Dad eat an orange.

Because in his words - It’s only a good orange if it SOUNDS like a good orange.

Good job fellas.

Heart Run

I thought it would be fun to watch the kids do their mile runs. I thought it would be even more fun to run with them. But, then I remembered how much I dislike running – even at a child’s pace (hence, also not having a double jog stroller). Not up for running 3.5 miles that morning, I charmed Ryan into coming. And running.

The kids and Ryan rocked it. Everyone ran the whole mile (Lucy did .5)and all came in the first few in their classes.

Definitely a fun run day. Right, Ryan?

Morning Send Off

I love this little guy.

Every morning he LOVES to wave to Rylee, Clay, Kaycee and Lucy when they head off to school.

He watches until they are out of sight all the while waving and hollering bye-bye.

So sweet.

I wish I could keep him this size forever.

September 10, 2008 - Enter Olivia

When we brought Olivia home from the hospital, I sat on the couch with all the kids around admiring the new addition. I questioned myself for a moment if I shouldn't have spent one more night at the hospital. I turned to Ryan and said "wow, we have a lot of kids."

Not that going from 4-5 was a big difference, I'd definitely say that 2-3 rocked my boat, but 5 looked like A LOT.

It was almost a week after my mom had left, when Olivia was about 10 days old, that I was on my death bed. Ok, not my death bed, but I've never felt more sick. I couldn't move, I had a fever and chills and my head felt like it was going to explode. I couldn't swallow or eat and sitting to nurse Olivia was the most energy I could exert. It wasn't until the third day that I went in and found out I had strep throat. I wasn't my first time, but that illness always got the best of me. It was awful. Call me wimpy, but I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. Especially after a new baby.

We were delighted to have a new baby though, especially after a tumultuous 2007. Sweet Olivia Reece. I think she's been the most blogged about with my pregnancy and delivery. Remember?

Three years have flown by. And, just like the rest of her sisters at this age, she's full of spunk and spice. She's still pretty iddy biddy - the smallest 3 year old we've had, but definitely has a big personality. She's so fun.

Happy Birthday, Sweet girl!

Breakfast with Dad