What a great day to be 8!

Our sweet Ryley turned 8 on May 19th.  She is such a fun girl to have in our family.  She is too smart for her own good and should be a politician when she grows up.  She is magic at getting what she wants, very persuasive.  She's a great big sister and is turning into a young lady more and more with every passing day.  Ryley made the decision to be baptized and what a special day that was, May 21st, 2011.  We were able to have some family in town, friends who attended and plenty others there in spirit.  I'm so grateful for the blessings of the gospel and to see Ryley take this step in her life was so precious and very rewarding as her mother.  I'm looking forward to school this next year with her and getting to know her better.  Enjoy some pictures...

Right before, she was so worried about how big her jumpsuit was

Ryley with her Dad

Gpa & Gma Miller

Uncle Nate, Aunt Lori and Reese

Our sweet 8 year old!

We Made It!

It feels like we have been in school forever... oh wait we have. Kev has been attending some type of school since we got married, almost 10 years ago. (Allow me to brag for a minute) Well this last Thursday, September 2, 2010, Kev graduated from the Physician Assistant program through the US Army, along with another Bachelors and Masters from the University of Nebraska. I'm so extremely proud of him and his efforts in accomplishing this. He has worked really hard. It is official that we will be East coasters for the next three years. Kev will be with the 82nd Airborne Division and will be up for a deployment in a year. We are really enjoying North Carolina, even though it is really far from family and friends. It was really nice that Kev's parents could come and celebrate with us.

Swearing in as an Officer

Marti and I pinning on Kev's 1Lt rank

The kids congratulating their Dad

Sweet moment

Yeah!

Not only did we celebrate a graduation but we also celebrated Benjamin starting Kindergarten. He was so excited and so ready to start. Ryley also started second grade this year and is enjoying it, as always. I found a K-2 primary school that I am extremely pleased with, next year will be interesting though.

Ryley- 2nd Grade

Benjamin- Kindergarten

Birthday Girl!

Our oldest child turned six years old today and I find myself wondering where the time went?! Ryley is truly one of a kind and we love her so much! She has grown up so much in the last year and we are excited that we get front row seats to her show. She definitely keeps us on our toes. She got to take cupcakes to school, which Kevin attended, and we had a cake at home to celebrate the day. She loved the gifts from her Grandparents and is already eager for her next birthday (she wants to grow up way to fast). Here are some pictures from her day...

Contemplating how she will rule the world some day.

Insisted on shoving the entire cupcake in her mouth at once.

Tired of me asking her to smile.

The birthday girl and my sweet baby boy!

$7 tooth and Jam

Ryley finally lost her other front tooth, or should I say she let Kev pull it for a hefty price tag. We were on the web cam with Grandpa and Grandma Mayberry when it was suggested (I can't remember if it was by Marti or Steven) that Ryley let Kev pull her tooth so they could see it go down. She wasn't very excited about this idea and protested. Then someone offered her a dollar and that was the beginning. She held out till every adult watching agreed to give her a dollar. She tried to back out but I held her down and Kev yanked it out. She was pretty excited that she had weaseled $5 bucks out of us all, and knew she'd get an additional $2 from the old tooth fairy. As for now there are no additional loose teeth, so we should be good for awhile. She now has this adorable little lisp.

Here is a snagle, tooth close up for Uncle Nate!

I thought I'd try my hand at homemade jam and I must admit it was much easier than I anticipated. (Thanks Marti for your phone help) There is a sister in our ward that has a hook-up with a produce man and I got 12 little cartons of blackberries for $5! It was really seedy but still tasted great and I finally got to break in my canning stuff that I've had for eight plus years.

Why did God make Mothers?

I got this cute email with these questions that were answered by 2nd graders and thought I'd ask my kids and post their responses. (I didn't prompt any of their answers and will write them as they said it)

Why did God make mothers?
Ben: To take care of thems kids
Ryley: Because if you don't have moms, kids would be the ones to rule the world.

How did God make mothers?
Ben: With magic
Ryley: Um, took a spirit and some dead bones and then they came to earth to be a mom.

What ingredients are mother's made of?
Ben: Um, Apples and Banannas
Ryley: Sugar

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mother?
Ben: Because thems not Mayberry's
Ryley: Because you choose them in heaven

What kind of a little girl was your mother?
Ben: A baby (like Ethan)
Ryley: A naughty little girl, like me (she added the "like me")

What did your mom need to know about your dad before she married him?
Ben: A kiss?
Ryley: That he wasn't a bad guy

Why did your mom marry your dad?
Ben: Because, so they can be a mom and dad
Ryley: Because she loves him

Who's the boss at your house?
Ben: your mom and dad
Ryley:mom and dad(we have this conversation everyday around here because other people, the above mentioned children, try to to fill our roles)

What's the difference between moms and dads?
Ben: Because thems not the same size
Ryley: Dads have short hair and moms have long hair

What does your mom do in her spare time?
Ben: Has a baby
Ryley: Clean the house

What would it take to make your mom perfect?
Ben: put band aids on hers belly(I'm hoping it is in response to his answer from the question above)
Ryley: love, you have enough love

Nanny Mcphee

(click to enlarge)

Ryley's two front teeth have been loose forever. This one is so loose that Kevin has started calling her Nanny Mcphee. I think Ryley is much more adorable looking though. She finally wiggled it enough that is fell out in her hand the other night. Here is the end result...

Way Overdue

These two have grown up way to fast! Ryley will be 6 yrs old in May and Benjamin turns 4 yrs old this month.

Well my 'nesting' stage has finally kicked in and I'm on a mission to get things done (When I'm not absolutely exhausted). Because I don't have enough to do already, I took the kids for pictures this last week. They haven't had pictures done since I was pregnant with Olivia. (Ryley almost 4 and Ben almost 2) My sanity couldn't handle all three so Olivia will have her turn this Saturday. I've also managed to get all three into the dentist. Now I just have to get this house whipped into shape and we can have a baby! We only have about 20 days left.

*Note to the Grandmas and Siblings: You'll get a copy once I get Olivia's pictures back.

Copy Cat

Ryley came home from school the other day with a bloody, wet paper towel hanging from her mouth. Not to mention a huge grin on her face. When I asked her what had happened she explained... A boy in her class had pulled his tooth out during circle time. He got to go to the nurses office and came back with a cool little treasure chest. Ryley just had to have one so she worked one of her loose teeth over until it came out. Needless to say she got her pink treasure chest and has lost her second tooth.

She has three more that are loose and tries everyday to get them out. The tooth fairy was a little too generous with the amount of money she left for her first tooth (I think she was a little excited about the loss of a first tooth, that she forgot there were plenty more to follow). The poor fairy is going to go broke trying to keep up with her!

Early Birthday Present

Kevin decided for his birthday this year he would take the kids on a Dad date. Last year Ryley got to go to Princesses On Ice with me. So when we saw that Monster Jam was coming to town we couldn't pass it up. Ben LOVED it and couldn't get enough. Ryley was more concerned about the family they were sitting next to and should have stayed home. Either way they had a blast and enjoyed the fact that they got their Dad to themselves.

One down, and many, many to go

It seems like everything has changed and extremely fast. Shortly after we arrived we accomplished the remaining two things on Ben's list.

Our plan was to let Ben have his pacifier until after we made the 15 hour drive to Texas. We tried just taking them away but I was too weak and he was to convincing of his need for them. So Kev suggested that we cut them. This worked out brilliantly. (Mark that one down Kev, it doesn't happen often that we agree on things like this) He did have four pacifiers, so over two weeks we would cut one and explain that he had chuped all the chup out of it. This stopped him from using then during the day. I hid one away so Kev couldn't cut it so he would sleep through the night. My efforts didn't last long, Kevin found the last one and cut it. When Ben realized they were all broken he simply stated that they were no longer needed and he threw then away. We did have a few nights of him waking up wanting them and he gets up much earlier now, but life must go on.

The final thing, that I must admit also worked out fabulously, was potty training Ben. I have held off on this, terrified that it would be really hard. I've always heard boys are harder. Ryley was so easy to potty train that I was almost convinced to just wait till Ben was five to avoid the disaster stories. I do believe that waiting was the key. Ben is 3 1/2 and so it was a little old for him not to be potty trained but all it took was 2 weeks. He has only and a couple accidents and the best part is that he just gets it. I think him being older made all the difference.

The one changing the most though is my, not so little, Ryley. She started school, rides the bus (and has made it clear that I don't need me to walk her to the bus stop) and has lost her first tooth!

I couldn't hardly believe it when she said her tooth was loose but sure enough it was. She played with it for about a week and a half and then Kev and I convinced her to pull it. I was afraid she'd swallow it or lose it at school and then she'd be so sad that she couldn't give it to the tooth fairy. She let out one good scream and Kev had it out in no time. She was laughing immediately because she realized it didn't hurt. She found two dollars under her pillow from the lovely tooth fairy and can't wait until they all start falling out. It shouldn't be to long she already has two that are loose.

Where has the time gone, she is growing up way to fast!

A Day of Firsts'

I can hardly believe that this day has come so fast. It's really crazy to think that I have a five year old who started kindergarten today. We've been waiting for this day for sometime now. Ryley was a little nervous because she didn't know anybody that would be in her class or her teacher but once we walked in she was completely fine. They had a doughnut and coffee morning for those parents that wanted to linger around. It was a boohoo or yahoo theme depending on how you felt. I tried really hard to be sad that Ryley would be gone all day but my smile was to big. She needed this day as much as I did! She is an amazing little girl who is way to smart for her own good and she'll do great at Kindergarten, if she doesn't drive her teacher mad!

Kev also started his first day of classes today as well. The last two weeks they had them doing in processing nonsense but today the ride begins! We're really excited to be here and have this adventure ahead of us. It will be a crazy year but we're ready!

Here are Ryley and Ben on her first day of school

This is a random picture of our house, We are in a duplex on base.

Too Many Things Planned for One Day

Our weekend started out pretty busy. My brother and SIL flew into Phoenix on Thursday night and we decided to meet up for dinner and some socializing Friday evening. The plan was to start with a golf game (for the boys) but as usual Kev got caught up with Army nonsense and only caught the last nine holes. We had a great time hanging out with Nate and Lori, Ben and Caitlin, my Mom and Brett and Shireen (Nate and Lori's friends who graciously hosted us). We finally pulled into the driveway around 11pm.

I've found that my belt works well when I forget the high chair.

The kids got to wrestle around with Uncle Nate
and little Ben just had to give him the elbow of death.

The next morning we rose pretty early (my house was a disaster from Kevin being gone all week) and got our clean on. Our plans for the day were to attend Ryley's Preschool Graduation and her birthday party.

The 'Promotion' ceremony was really cute but some parents took it over the top. The fact that they even hold a graduation for preschoolers troubles me a little but when parents bring their children bouquets of flowers and a limo ride it's a little much. Okay, there wasn't any limos but you get my point. We ditched last years promotion for Sam and Rachel's weeding (Happy Anniversary!) so Ryley was really excited this year to attend. She's really enjoyed this preschool program and can't wait till kindergarten in August!

I still hadn't done any shopping I needed to for Ryley's b-day party and figured I'd squeeze it in between the two events. If it wasn't crazy enough already, the Suburban through a monkey wrench in by breaking down, again. (It has left us stranded for three weekends in a row, but that is another story)

I made it home with about an hour to spare before 15 little girls arrived at the house. We set up the slip in slide, filled up water balloons and I started the cake. I had this brilliant idea to just make a cookie cake (one big chocolate chip cookie with icing). This is where the fun begins... I didn't leave enough room on my baking stone for the cookie to expand and so shortly after placing it in the oven in began to drip on the burners below. It then started smoking, really bad, and I didn't remove it because it was almost done. I had put foil on the rack below to catch any further dripping but before I knew it the drippings that had made it to the oven bottom caught on fire. Needless to say, Kev was close by and took care of it with the fire extinguisher. Ten minutes till the party started and I was out a cake. Kev was off to the store for a new one and my house smelled like a burnt chocolate chip cookie topped with the scent of a fire extinguisher.

Cookie Cake dusted with fire extinguisher

Kevin's new choice of cake

Ryley had a fabulous time and enjoyed having her friends over to celebrate.
This is a pinata that you don't have to whack, everyone grabs a string that is attached to the bottom and pulls.

After the days events Kevin and I were in need of a night out. My mom was staying with us and so kindly offered so we could escape. We meet up in Casa Grande with Aaron and his lady friend for dinner and a movie. Oh what a day!

"Hi, I'm Steve."

Well I survived the week with Kevin being gone, and so did the kids. Grandma Marti came and hung out Tuesday to Wednesday, which was a lifesaver. (We love you Grandma!) The kids were so excited when Kev walked in the door last night, it makes me want to leave for a couple of days just to get the same reaction. All I ever get is that I'm no fun and asked why can't I just go to work and Papa stay home. (I love motherhood!)

I had some errands I'd been putting off all week and so we loaded up last night an headed into town. The last thing I wanted to do was fix dinner so we stopped at Pizza Hut at ate in. Just after we were seated Kev got up to use the bathroom and Ryley, of course, also had to go. What happened next was hilarious! Ryley says, "Hey Dad, don't forget Steve." Kevin then says, "Oh yeah, I almost forgot," and takes off his hat and puts it on Ryley's head. I asked what this was all about and Kevin proceeded to explain... Ryley doesn't want anyone to know she is a girl in the boys bathroom so he gives her his hat and calls her "Steve". I died laughing as Ryley looked up and said, in a deeper voice, "Yeah, I'm Steve." I asked when she had started this and Kev said it's been going on for awhile now. No wonder she always asks Kevin to take her to the restroom. Ryley is a funny girl!

A Day for Mothers

At school Ryley has been doing little projects for mother's day. Knowing it was approaching she asked, "Mom, when is it going to be children's day, like mother's day?" I got a grin on my face and trying not to laugh I explained that every day is children's day. She wasn't very happy with that answer because I think she wants the recognition like what mother's get. She even asked why she doesn't get special things then when it is children's day. Oh, if she only knew!

I did get to enjoy lunch on Saturday with my amazing husband and sweet children. Plus I was treated to a much needed pedicure. I got breakfast in bed and a lovely handmade book mark from Ryley. (Ben's gift was helping me eat my breakfast.)

Is it to much to hope that this one day a year my children might actually behave. It seems like they were extra ornery. I guess I'll have to hold out for that when they're older.

Easter Weekend

This year we got to celebrate Easter in Sierra Vista. Scott, Kev's younger brother, was having his mission farewell Easter Sunday and we wouldn't have missed it. We kind of got a late start and didn't even get to SV until after noon on Saturday, but we sure made up for it. We had non-stop fun until we loaded the kids up to come home.

The kids were all getting over being sick, so Kev and I decided to divide and conquer. We had to take the rototiller and truck back to SV, Kev was amazing and drove the suburban down with Ryley and Ben. That left me with the truck and Olivia. It was really nice to have a fairly quiet and non-distracting drive. I even got to go shopping, by myself I might add, once we got to Grandmas house. Oh the simple things in life!

Ryley and Ben were sure to get their horse rides in, thanks Uncle Mathew and Uncle Steve. We worked in the yard and had a fun surprise visitor. Brent, Kev's older brother, drove all the way from Provo unexpectedly. The kids where ecstatic to have Uncle Brent to play with. We watched movies and stayed up way to late but had a fabulous time. Easter morning came way to early, but the 'Bunny Man' found the house and left the kids some fun treats.

Scott's talk was wonderful. He will be an amazing missionary and we are so excited for this time in his life. We also got to see some of Kev's extended family that we haven't seen in awhile, Ryley always loves making new friends.

Ryley ended the weekend with a big bang. She loves playing way to much at Grandmas and doesn't know when to stop. This time the wall won and Ryley had to get patched up. She split her head open about half an inch or so. She's a funny girl... really dramatic when there's blood but as soon as Grandpa got her glued up she was up to the same craziness as before. This was our first in the "stitches" department (we where able to avoid the stitch part since Ralph just super glued it shut) but I'm sure there will be more to come. It was nice to have a doctor in the house.

(click to in large and get a better look)

All in all it was a family filled weekend that we tremendously enjoyed. Thanks so much for having us Grandma and Grandpa. It was fun to see the Allred's and we missed you Lacy and Penelope!

Saying good-bye to Elder Mayberry

(Morristown, New Jersey Mission)