Finally

So after being verbally assaulted by various family members (I wont mention names), I've decided to finally put up a new post. Sorry about that. No excuses really, just in a little blog funk I guess. So what can I say? Where did we leave off? Christmas? It was the best. We stayed home which was absolutely heavenly and made our relatives come to US. It was perfect. Lots of laughter and way too many presents. And a few days before Christmas, the 22nd to be exact, Riley and I officially took over our churches Children's ministry once again, which has also been quite a whirlwind since we began. Its great though, especially since Riley and I are doing it together this time! We are continuing the house projects also, such as painting the fence, sewing curtains, insulating the floor, fixing the fireplace, landscaping the backyard..the list goes on and on really..oh and Riley's AWESOME idea of converting the garage into a MAN ROOM (a huge priority). So, I guess thats what we've been up to. Here a few pics of the kiddos. Stay tuned for more blogs. Really, I'll be better.

                                            

                                            Christmas Eve

                                           At the Kids Museum 
                                               My Girl
                                             Bath time! (June edition)
                                              After ONE Hershey's Kiss...?

Christmas Cookies!!

A must do Christmas Tradition-Decorating Christmas cookies with the cousins! Since the boys always seemed so bah hum buggish about this one, we decided go at it alone with just the girls this year (and Brady of course). And of course more eating was done than actual decorating, but I guess thats the point.

Gaily Party 08!

As festive as you can get, this party has become a Ramones tradition as much as a Gaily one. Its quit an event.  The night starts out with Adrienne frantically throwing out more appetizers than anyone could ever eat, followed by an awesome pasta dinner, a visit from Santa, a cut throat adult gift exchange, and a dishes (and more dessert) after party. Our kids go absolutely nuts with excitement, and since they hire a few babysitters to watch the kids, the adults can also have a somewhat of an enjoyable evening too, while still watching their kids have a blast and get a present from Santa. Santa of course is the highlight every year. The part played, rightly so, by my brother-a 6' 4" Giant who makes for one terrifying, and frankly a bit creepy Santa. Tatum last year sat quietly on the couch in amazement, and dared not move an inch when Santa called her name. This year, I thought for sure she would echo her same Santa phobia. He came in and both kids sat star struck on the couch their backs pressed up hard against the pillows. Santa started calling names. Jimmy. Johnny. Timmy. Lucy. Tatum waited. Most kids hesitated. Few kids stood. Rarely did one sit on his lap. "Is there a little girl named Tatum?" as soon as she heard her name she popped up from that couch as I looked on in sheer amazement. She walked a few feet, and then stopped. Arms crossed, eyebrows down, Contemplating her next move. A face off with Santa as the room stood silent. I could then see the courage rise within her, and then, in a burst of pure courage and wild recklessness, she flung herself into his arms and closed her eyes as she hugged him. Then grabbed her gift quietly and slid away. She really is her own little person. I never know what this girl is going to do! Brady, on the other hand was quite intrigued, but preferred to stay at a close distance. His own bad luck though led him to be standing too close when his name was called, and Santa swiftly plucked him out of the crowd and plopped him on his lap. He got his present alright, but he ran away balling. 

Oh to be a kid. These moments I pray I will never forget! Thanks Gailys for a great night(:

We Got it!

Our tree that is. Woo Hooo! Christmas is officially here!

All By Nyself

Bradys following in his sisters footsteps for sure in this case. At 18 months, one of her favorite phrases was "By nyself!" At 16 months, he cant say it yet, but his independence is surely rearing its stubborn head. This mornings breakfast was yoghurt and oatmeal. Go for it kid.

We said YES to Grass

A Project List Topper (on Riley's list that is), and is nearing completion! This has been one gnarly task. It all began for Riley with pulling out giant Rose bushes (ouch!), then nearly killing himself when he rented a gigantic sod cutter from Home Depot (one of my biggest regrets in life will always be not getting pictures of this-quite a sight!), then researching how to install a do-it-yourself sprinkler system (looked pretty complicated to me!), buying fencing, ordering sod. Then suddenly towards the end of what seemed like an endless one man job turned into an "I can do this! " job when Riley's Dad and our brother in law Cody came flying in to the rescue, armored with tool belts, and who knows what kinds of high tech drills and what nots to aide in our poor yards completion. So thanks guys for your help. The kids absolutely love it. Now all we need is to paint the fence white, get a dog, a cat, and I think half of a child and then we'd officially be living the American dream.

Thanksgiving 2008!

So usually we head down South to celebrate Thanksgiving with our Ramones side of the family, but unfortunately Riley had to work..but FORTUNATELY, because of the schedule dilemna, I was actually able to host Thanksgiving in our new house! This of course made me So very happy (: We just had it small with the family and Heather (who is pretty much family too!) It was a great time. Our day begun around 1pm with appetizers, kids playing, making a thanksgiving craft (their own place mats), watching the game, reading about next day sales in the paper...then dinner when Riley got home, followed by a moonlit walk to the park and tennis courts, pie, and a fierce game of Tripoly after the kids were nestled all a snug in their beds. We are so thankful this year for the Lords continued blessing upon our family! We love all of you and hope you too had a great Thanksgiving..heres a few pics of the day (: