Rachel and the Kids: March 2010

Happy 29 Years to Me!

February 6th was my 29th Birthday! I welcomed it with open arms because 2009 was a very rough year for me! Justin was home for the first time in several years which made it special. He took the kids to Mine by Design and they each hand painted me a piece of pottery! I love home made presents, and loved their masterpieces! Rylee painted me a heart shaped jewelry box that I keep by my sink, and Cutter painted a spoon rest that stays of the oven! I use both of them daily, and every time I see them, I am reminded how truly blessed I am. I have wonderful children that love me for me, and I wouldn't trade that for anything!

Here's the delicious cake they made at Gran's for me!

Dad and Hanaba were at the farm, but called to wish me Happy Birthday! I also got a call from my wonderful brother, sister-in-laws and many others! Thank you all for the birthday wishes!

Mom's Chicken and Dumplings!

This winter has been miserable COLD in Abilene! I don't remember the last time we had so many snows, school cancellations and delays, icy roads and freezes. I had been craving my mom's Chicken and Dumplings for some time, and thanks to my dad I managed to get the recipe! I have since made it four or five times, and think I have finally figured out the correct quantities for all the ingredients. I know, there aren't that many ingredients, but you must remember who you are talking to about cooking! I think my best asset was the dumpling 'Cutter!'

Pistons -vs- Suns Take Three

Rylee's basketball team, the Pistons, played their final game against the Suns. Rylee improved so much of the course of her first ever basketball season! I was very proud of her, and her eager to learn!

Pre Game warm-up

Look at those arms in the air!
Such a huge improvement from the beginning of the season!

Throwing the ball in!

Waiting in her lane!

My little baby (who isn't so little anymore)!

Posting up
Is that the correct basketball terminology?

Giving it her ALL!

Happy Birthday Hanaba!

January 28th was Hanaba's birthday. I won't reveal her age, but my guess is about 16! I felt like a horrible person because I had talked to her several times throughout the day, and had no idea it was her birthday! Usually I remember dates pretty well, but I guess I had my head too far into the taxes to pay attention. As I was cooking dinner I noticed a highlighted birthday on today's date! I quickly picked up the phone again, and wished her a Happy Birthday and appologized! I then called dad, and told him to make sure she was home so we could come over and do a quick birthday! I felt SO bad!

Hanaba is a wonderful woman, with many talents! She is a fantastic wife to my dad, a remarkable friend to me, and a fabulous grandmother to my kids! Thank you for just being you!

Happy Birthday once again, and I hope you had a wonderful day!

Happy 1st Birthday Miss Karsen!

January 9th was Miss Karsen Elizabeth's 1st Birthday! She had the party at Prime Time's Soft Play. The kids had a blast, and Karsen secretly told me she did too!

Karsen and her Roo Roo!

My silly little monkey!

Ashley, Karsen and Rylee
Karsen was so excited to climb to the top!

Once again, my crazy kid!

The kids singing Happy Birthday!

The CLEAN Karsen admiring the cake that was ALL hers!

YUMMY!

I love this picture because it shows all the crazy picture people on the other side!
(Notice I'm not in that picture)

Proud Daddy, Tyler, and Karsen

A Fun Day at Grandad's!

We love going to Grandad and Hanaba's, especially when Wormie is in town!

Grandad was trying to teach Cutter how to jump rope!

Then Ryan decided to try and show them how it was done!
It was quite comical!

My knuckleheads!

I love them SO much!

Silly boys!

Happy New Years, 2010!

No matter the distance, we'll see you on New Years! That's how we are with Cory, Courtnee and Addison. We all went to Cooper High School together (well not Courtnee, but I'll claim her). They moved away for a few years, but somehow, we always ended up together on New Years! Luckily they moved back to Abilene, and we see them more frequently!

Here's to a Happy 2010!

Addison is a BRAVE little girl to get on the back of the bike with Cutter driving!

Courtnee's cousin's were also in town with their two little boys!
The kids were playing Hop Scotch Twister...very entertaining!

Go Fish!

Playing in the closet...only while they're young!

Midnight Sparkling Grape Juice Cheers!

Miss Rylee acting like she was 15 years old already!
Too big to hang out with the little kids!

Cheers!

The adults...this picture is fuzzy, but it's the only one I have!
Justin, Me, Cory, Courtnee, Kim and Bo

Random December Pictures!

Rylee loves to take pictures on my phone camera.

Rylee Roo

The fabulous nose Britter made Cutter!

The first Christmas after my mom died, we recreated four snowmen from one of her cross-stitches! Every year since then, we display them in the front yard at dad's house. I love putting these up as a sign that my momma is still with us every day!