Mother & Birthday Weekend

We arrived at my parents in Sterling, IL Friday night after 8pm.... a long day and ride in the car.  We ran into heavy traffic and construction on the way.  However we arrived safe and sound.  That is what really matters... right.  We spent the weekend with family.  Fun was had by all until something went terribly wrong Sunday while we were all at church.  My anxiety ridden Weimaraner decided to destroy my parents stairway rale to shredded wood along with a few other things.  Thankfully he did not get into dad' s custom rifles.  That could have ended deadly. Never a dull moment with Weimaraners and Jack Russells in the family.  Unfortunately, Chubs (my weim) decided to act out this time.  

The rest is history and a lesson learned after time spent processing what is valuable and not.  More on that later in another post.  

Ryder 

My Love

Mothers Day

Ryder and mommy

Grandma and Ryder

Ryder and Logan

watching the clouds and feeling grass

Ryder grabbed LB's face, looks like he is smothering him here

Ahhhhh...the birth of a life long relationship being best cousins and buds

Ryder stold LB's toy and nibbling it like an ear of corn

Someone decided to be funny and take a pic of Ryder and I sleeping.  Hmmmmm...I wonder who it was- Jesse?   Where is Ryder?

The boys playing with Uncle Jesse and his glasses

Grandpa testing out his new indian print rocking chair

Grandpa and Logan

Dad and Grandpa reading his Mushroom Guide book- learing the art of mushroom hunting

The precious Logan- Love this picture

Truly God's Gift 

Ryder and Auntie Erin

My dad roasted this for dinner on Saturday

One black bird

God is Good

Stellan was discharged from the hospital 1 week ago

Enjoy the picture below, as he is happily home with his brothers and sister. 

What Joy!

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask, or imagine, according to his power"  Eph 3:20

Stellan 

"For Our Light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."  2 Corinthians 4:17

Enough Said

The weekend

We had a nice weekend, but it seemed exhausting.  Maybe because I am getting much less sleep these days with Ryder waking up twice a night.....ugh!  My body has worn down and I am fighting something.  It is NOT the piggy flu.  Hoping for a good nights rest tonight before the week starts up.

Friday some of my work buddies came by for a little visit.  I only got a few shots and did not get Tara and MJ.  Saturday Ryder and I went to Amanda's baby shower.  It was great to see all my friends and Ryder loved playing with all the other babies.  We are very excited about the newest edition of the group coming soon in July.  Amanda and Shaun are naming her Kenley.  

Jaime and Jake

Ryder and Jake

The Girls

Ryder and Sophia playing

My Guy

Sonny found a new spot to lounge

Elizabeth with Ryder

Ryder sitting in E's bag and loving her paperwork...to bad no one else does

6 Months

Ryder is 6 months old!  I can't believe it has been half a year.  How the time flies.  I am really trying to cherish each day and milestone.  

We thank God each day for such a healthy and happy little boy.  We could not be prouder of any other accomplishment to this date.  

- Ryder sleeps through the night almost every night.  

-Continues to eat Breat milk, with some solids

-has 2 bottom teeth

- responds to his name

-rolls over 

-loves to laugh

-coos and babbles

-sits up almost without toppling over

-gives mommy open mouth slobbery kisses

-pets his doggy

-pulls his kitts tail

-likes mommy's red cell phone

-smiles when he sees his daddy

-loves to sleep on his belly- no more swaddle

-likes walks outdoors

-likes to touch self and feet when mommy is changing diapers.  

-loves Logan's elmo doll

-love to stand and sway from side to side like dancing

I am sure there is much more I am forgetting, but wanted to list a few so I remember later.  

I love you to pieces Ryder!

Love mommy

The Boys

We had a great time in Peoria over the weekend. Ryder loved watching and playing with my friend Carissa's boys. Her youngest turned 2 on Saturday. We wished we could have stayed there longer. I continue to beg Kevin to move down there for good, but so far the begging is not working. Maybe I should try a different approach. I get so tired of being away from my family and best friend it hurts. Maybe someday............

The boys

Ryder fell asleep after a walk on Saturday

                                                                Happy 2 Years Brendan!

THE Bounce House- What fun

Birthday boy and some cake

So cute

Bryceton and Ryder

Silly picture-Ryder loves the boys

Staring at Carissa like little Cherrubs

A pic with all of Brendan's new toys

oh and yes I did jump in the bounce house...but almost peed my pants.  Not the best activity after recent childbirthing.  I had to jump with the kids.  What joy to act like your 5 again.  

Heading South Again

Ryder & I are heading down to Peoria tomorrow for the weekend. WE are going to celebrate my friends 2 year-old's birthday. I am looking forward to seeing my wonderful friend and her family. I also get the added bonus of seeing my nephew on Sunday when I head back home. Time with old and dear friends is so precious.



I found it kinda satisfying today when I returned home from my 12 hour work day to find Kevin more exhausted then me. He commenly asks what I do all day when I am home. He is quickly reminded and humbled every Thursday when he watches Ryder. However he soon forgets by Monday again. Stay at home mom's (SAHM's) do not get enough respect and credit. I have worked in some of the hardest jobs possible, and find staying home just as hard, and yet rewarding as some of the jobs I've done. Of course it is always different at the end of the work day and you get to go home. There is no such end to your day with parenting.

Hope to have some good pics after the weekend!

Grandpa T Visits

We had a nice visit with Ryder's Grandpa Thurston last week.  He came up from Atlanta, GA.  All the boys really enjoyed having him here.  I really missed Sandy (MiMi) who could not make it up this time.  She has to stay near home for her weekly treatments for M-myloma.  We hope and pray for remission.  

R & Grandpa T


R & Uncle Brian

The Thurston Boys

More Grandpa