Our Littlest Rascal

It's amazing to us how she can drive us completely crazy and yet all we can do is laugh.  Of course, I'm talking about our one and only, Riley Savannah.  

There's no one else quite like her.  I've told Jarrod for a long time now that she is just going to have this magnetic, goofy personality.  I could tell from a really early age...she's just silly and makes us laugh.  But boy have we had some trying days lately.  She's pushes our buttons like no one else does, smiling the whole time. People tell me it's a second child thing.  I don't know if that's true, but I'm just glad it wasn't a first child thing or I'm not certain Jarrod and I would have had more than one kid!  

As difficult as she can be, she makes us smile every single day and I can't imagine when she wasn't here.  There have been a lot of blog posts and videos circulating around social media lately about parenting - all about kids just needing you, about not rushing, not yelling, taking in all the little things - and they've been on my mind a lot.  I feel so lucky to be with her 24 hours a day.  My few hours away at a TS party each week is my time to recharge my batteries and I'm cherishing every second I have with this goofball, no matter how challenging she may be.  One day, she'll be gone at school all day like her brother, and I'll miss her just like I miss him.  So for now, I'll read The Strong Willed Child and take notes for Jarrod...and we'll brace ourselves for when she's a teenager.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

{Supposed to be 'wordless' I know...but I realized this may need an explanation.  Riley asked for her blankie and I told her it was in the dryer...and next thing I knew, she was taking care of the laundry...}

Christmas is coming!

Last week was a long one!  Jarrod was gone on business for the longest trip he's had in a really long day...six days!  We sure did enjoy having him back and we made the most of our weekend.  We decorated for Christmas!!

I'm really glad to see others decorating earlier now, too.  I hate explaining to people why we decorate so early.  Does it really matter???  Since we started celebrating Christmas the week of Thanksgiving with our family in Ohio, it has just made sense for us to decorate before turkey day.  And besides, it's gorgeous and I LOVE a house decorated for the holidays.  This is my favorite time of the year...everything is so magical and exciting.  Seeing each day through the eyes of my kids make everything so exciting.  I can't wait for Spike the Elf to make his appearance again! 

What else is new here?  We're gearing up for that big surprise room makeover for Gavin this week.  I cannot wait to do it.  Jarrod is taking the day off and we're going to try to knock it all out on Friday and do the reveal for Gavin when he gets home.  He's going to be so blown away!

Besides that, I've been working on Christmas lists, working my very busy TS calendar, and preparing for our long drive coming up.  I'm really anxious about 12 hours in the van with Riley, but I cannot wait to see them being spoiled by our Ohio family and friends.  It's going to be a great week!

Wordless Wednesday

Trick or Treat!

Halloween fun!  We started out Halloween with a trip to Daddy's office for their annual Halloween festivities. 

The different departments create themed rooms and pass out candy and have games.  It's usually rather crowded, but the kids had a great time and considering the iffy weather we were having, it was worth it in case we couldn't make it outside that evening.

Riley was excited to see other fairies and go into the fairy room.  She even got her own wand!

After playing some games, we headed up to Daddy's desk to eat some cupcakes.  The kids liked looking out the window to try to find our van and look at the cool clouds.

We didn't make it home before Gavin passed out...just like I thought he would!

After a little nap and a quick dinner of tasty leftovers, we headed out in the neighborhood.  The round of rain that came through that afternoon really dropped the temperatures, so we did a quick lap around the block and headed back home.  The kids didn't seem to mind that we were only out for a half hour or so, and they got TONS of candy between to the events that day so we were all set.

 

Riley really got into it and had a great time.  She talked about it all night!

We ended our evening with some good ol' Charlie Brown and headed to bed.  Another Halloween in the books...  Next year, Gavin says we all have to dress up together, like the AT&T commercial.  Let's see if he remembers that come October 2014.