Christmas Day

We had a wonderful Christmas morning this year. I didn't get to sleep in because Ry got up at 6:00AM and made me get up with him, you would think he was five years old. We opened our stockings from each other and then headed out in the cold to Ry's parents' house to share our news with them. They were all very excited for us! We watched Jeffery open some of his presents and then headed to my parents house for Mckaid's phone call from Africa!!!

It was so great to hear his cute little voice, he's doing well and had lots of stories for us. He and his companion finally got rid of the fleas. He's getting used to the curry and even said he is starting to like it, poor Kaid must be starving. He said Christmas morning they delivered a bunch of little gifts and treats to the poor areas, and the kids' faces lit up and were so grateful for the small gifts. He said it was one of the most incredible experiences he has ever had, it's so humbling to hear all about his experiences with people who have next to nothing and are still happy with their lives. He was SOOO excited when we told him we are expecting (i'm still trying to figure out how to upload the video*). He says he can't wait to be the favorite uncle and is definitely planning on it. It was really hard to say our 'goodbyes' to him, we all really miss him and the great spirit he brings to our home. Africa is so lucky to have him for two whole years and get to feel the spirit he brings. He has been asking for more "post" so we all need to be better at sending him letters and help him get through all the trials he faces. We sure love and miss him!!!

After we talked to Kaid, we had some traditional Christmas morning breakfast casserole, it was delicious as always!! Then we headed back up to Ry's parents to open the rest of our gifts and hang out with them for a while. We invited everyone to go snowmobiling and sledding with us Christmas Day afternoon and had a blast. Uncle Scott, Mareesa, Marcus and the Wood family joined us up in the fields for an afternoon full of fun!

 Ry digging into is stocking at six in the morning, and if you look at his right leg, Toby thinks there is a present for him in there too.

 Trying to be awake enough to take a picture, ah so early, that's why I look so pretty!!

 Up so early we got to enjoy a beautiful sunrise... I guess it was worth it.

 Sledding with Liz and her giant chunk of snow she sucked on all day long.

 A great pic of Ry giving rides to all the kids. He is already planning on getting a small snowmobile for baby Ray...he thinks it will start riding at age three, hmmm...not sure how I feel about that.

 Sister picture!! Taking it easy while we watched the boys go off jumps, I think Mareesa is done trying jumps. Last time we went she hit the jump SO hard she flew forty-five and was over twelve feet in the air. As she flew through the air I just kept praying we wouldn't have to rush her broken little body to the hospital. Luckily, she landed her jump, her helmet and goggles saved her face that hit the kill switch and handle bars, and she came out with a few bruises on her knees and shins, but other than that she was ok.

Ry and I taking a little ride together... 

 Uncle Scott enjoyed his time out with us, but next time we'll need to find some snow pants, the sweats didn't keep the freezing snow out too well.

Tyler, Marcus and Ry going off the jump at the same time...

 The sunset and last ride of the night, it was beautiful!!!

Ry taking Liz down to the car.

Christmas Eve 2010...the BIG REVEAL!!!

 We had a fabulous Christmas Eve this year!!! We have been holding our big news in for a very long 15 weeks now, and it was definitely worth the wait to see the reactions we got. We started our traditional Christmas Eve progressive dinner at my parents house. Ry and I got there early because we wanted my parents to open our surprise before everyone else got there. We had an eleven week ultrasound picture framed in an "under construction" frame for my dad and a frame that says "Miracle in the making" for my mom. Their reaction was fabulous, and we got to tell Mckaid when he called on Christmas morning and his was great as well.(**Video to come shortly**). The rest of our Christmas Eve we had our h'our dourves, eggnog, and wassail at my parents, went to my Grandpa Sheppard's to let him in on our surprise, then up to Wood's for yummy salad and fruit, and then ended at my Grandma and Grandpa Miller's for the main course, dessert, singing, presents and of course, the reinactiment of the nativity. Everyone is excited to use Baby Ray next year for our baby Jesus!!

 Grandma and Grandpa Miller's news for their first great-grandchild...they were both very excited and Gma shed a couple tears with the news.

 Aunt Laurie and Grandpa Sheppard, he told us it looks like a little chicken and when we left told me, "bye, mama chicken" it was really sweet!

Excited and proud future parents of Baby Ray!!!

Ry's mom and Mike enjoying the news Christmas morning!! Everyone is very excited, including us. Although this came faster than we had originally planned we know that there truly is a personal plan for everyone, even if we don't think it fits into our personal timeline perfectly. We are so happy and so grateful we could spend time with family this Christmas to share our happy news. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Holiday Hustle and Bustle

THANKSGIVING 2010

 We have been extremely busy this holiday season. We spent Thanksgiving at Ry's parents' house and then went out to his aunt's fields to snowmobile...we didn't last too long because without the windchill factor it was negative six degrees!! After snowmobiling we headed to my parents to play some games and warm up.

25TH BIRTHDAY

 I can't believe I turned 25 years old, or a quarter century as Mareesa and Marcus like to rub in. Although, I will always believe age is a state of mind 25 seems to sound much older than age 20 to 24. I had a wonderful birthday, Ry made me homemade french toast and brought it to me in bed, very early. I went to lunch with my mom and did some shopping, got my toes done and had a great family party at my parents that evening.

THE NUTCRACKER

 My grandma got us all tickets to go see the Nutcracker Ballet. My mom, sister, Aunt, cousins and grandma all went on Saturday. It was a beautiful show and made me miss my good old dancing days.

 Weenie and I wasting time during intermission...

HIGHLAND RAMS 2010

 Another activity that consumes most of our nights is watching Ry not only play basketball on his city league, but he is also the head coach for the freshman girls at Highland Highschool. I absolutely love watching him coach, he is a great teacher and a very patient coach. I watch some of the other coaches of teams he plays and they scream and yell at their girls, while Ry calmly tells them what they did wrong and what they could do to fix it. He's a fabulous coach, if I do say so myself.

TWIN FALLS/WORK PARTY

 Ry's work party was in Twin Falls this past weekend, so while we were up there we did some last minute shopping and went down to the falls. We spent the night in Jackpot because the roads were super slick that night and then came home for our annual...

SANTA VISIT

 My dad's friend, Mike (or Santa as we know him), has been coming to our house since the year I was born. It is such a fun tradition and it has stayed strong for a whole 25 years!! Sheridan was terrified of Santa, when he walked in she growled, barked and went absolutely nuts. She finally calmed down once we gave Santa some of her treats and she saw us all sit on his lap.

 Are you ever too big for Santa's lap??

I wonder what Ry asked for...

We are so excited for Christmas this year, for the time to spend with our families and the special time to reflect on the 'reason for the season'.