Christmas 2009

We had a really fun Christmas this year with our families. Although it can get a little crazy, we feel very blessed to have all of our families here to see and celebrate with. It is hard not to get caught up in finding the perfect gift for people and the commercial side of Christmas and to remember why we really celebrate. Probably the most inspiring and life changing experience this season for me was seeing Craig's younger brother Matt and hearing about his experience in Camden, New Jersey. He is there now with a program called Mission Year (http://www.missionyear.org/program/) and his goal is to love people the way Christ loved people, especially the people that are different than us and have nothing and no one. Also he has decided to live a simpler life, so that he can give to others. Instead of giving out gifts this year, for the names he drew he gave time (babysitting, dinner out). He also gave each family member a book called The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne. He is a radical servant for God and God has used this book to change how I view people and showed me that Christ loved and served the unlovely (including me).

Hysterical Cheese Ball, formerly known as Stoneface

Ella is growing up so fast and she is starting to talk!!! Last night I had the privilege of hanging out with her alone and we had so much fun!!!! We played ball, put on hats and read books together! I put the little Santa hat on her and after watching me she would say, "Ho, Ho, Ho" in her funny deep voice. Here are few shots of her happy, quirky personality!

Halloween and Pumpkin Patch

We were able to go to the pumpkin patch this year and pick out some cute little gourds with our neighbors and friends. Their last name is Hansen, but Rylie always refers to them as the Handsomes. Then for Halloween we watched the BSU game (of course) and went trick-or-treating with our life group from the Pursuit! Don't worry Vandal fans I haven't turned to the dark side; this is one way I can spend time with my hubby and show him that I love him (Go Vandals!). We had a great time watching the girls go from house to house. Ella insisted on carrying each piece of candy that she got in her hand and then she would abandon her bag on the sidewalk. We tried to teach her to say "Go Broncos", but it sounds more like, "Go Mommos!"

Baking with Aunt Jamie

While Craig was hunting, Aunt Jamie invited Rylie over to bake cookies with her to send to Uncle Matt. Matt and Jamie are brother and sister, but Rylie would like to think that they are married and expects them to be together whenever they come over. Thanks Aunt Jamie for a couple hours of relaxation!

Hunting Season

So Craig and Randy put in for a tag and drew, so they skipped bow season and hunted with a rifle in October. I was glad, because it seemed like Craig had just gotten back from Alaska. That is what happens when you marry a manly man. Anyway, he was very successful this year and he got a 5x6 the very first weekend. He said they hiked their butts off, but it was worth it for the meat and the trophy. Then he went again the following weekend and my brother-in-law also got a big one. I am so proud of my hunting hubby and thankful for the meat that God provided for us this year!

Happy 4th Birthday Rylie

I can't believe how fast it goes and how old Rylie seems! She has opinions about things and she asks questions about everything. Rylie wanted a princess tea party and a girlie, dancing, tea party is what she got! Aunt Lori styled her hair and she wore her new Cinderella dress. My prayer for her is that she will not only enjoy being a princess when she dresses up, but that she will see that she is God's princess and that He loves her so much just the way He made her!

Summer Adventures

So, we have been gone off and on, but I have not posted pictures for a long time. We were able to go to the cabin a few times this summer with family and with our friends Tyler, Mel and Katelyn. It is always very relaxing and we come back desiring a simpler life! Craig is determined to make our girlie girls adventurous and into the outdoors activities that he loves!