Thursday, December 25, 2008

More Kayden Christmas!


First of all--can you believe how big Kayden's eyes are? Those are definitely Tori's! Kayden is so cute sledding and what a good-looking pair he and his Daddy make. I'm really proud of both of them, but the picture of Chase in his army duds really took me back. It make me kind of emotional, actually. What a great little family they are! Merry Christmas!




Kayden's Christmas!

I LOVE technology!! We weren't able to be with Kayden, but we got this little video from Tori's cell phone and we got such a kick out of it, that we wanted to put it up. We'll post more Christmas later, but here's Kayden! The clarity's not great, but who cares?! Notice the outfit, too....

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Kitchen Cupboards & Christmas Vacas!


Now for the quiz....what does this picture of my cupboards have to do with Christmas?! All you Grandmas out there will know! I'm SO EXCITED!!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Princess Pat Birthday!!







It's her 15th....yes, in case you didn't get that right, her FIFTEENTH! I can't believe she is the same little 3 year old I brought home so many years ago. Most of her personality is much the same--she's still a girly girl, still likes to sing and laugh and giggle, still gets into situations and isn't sure how it happens. The venues change, the the girl doesn't...except in so many ways. She is such a happy, light filled girl that just brings me so much joy--a real testament to hard work, sweat and tears, and a few miracles along the way. OK--a lot of miracles! Starting with the one that brought her into my home and care.


Regarding the fashion displayed here--notice that Zeke is wearing shorts over his underwear. That is why we had to move to Texas. He considers himself in formal wear with that little addition. Now for Patriece, I'm not sure about the head gear here--she said her hair was messy and she didn't want it in the pictures...somehow I think she will regret this particular fashion choice and wish the scary hairy one was there instead!


Here's my favorite Patriece Story. The kids were all in the car playing the license plate game. "There goes Ohio!" "I see Idaho!" when one of them piped up and said "There's Washington!" Patriece was a little put out since she was losing and responded "Yeah, right! Washington's dead!" There was silence for a second when she said "Well, he is, isn't he?" The STATE, Patriece, the state!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Christmas Video

This is really beautiful! I'm not sure if I know how to embed in a blog, so if you can't just click, go to the website...

http://www.joytoeveryone.com/


Wednesday, December 10, 2008


Shoshi made a gingerbread house at school. She was so proud, but not proud enough to save it. Within ten minutes she had picked it clean. That would have been great except she ate even the crackers which were hot glued to the milk carton. I'm not sure what that will do to her digestive system, but fortunately, its not the worst thing she's eaten over the years!

Zachary Baptism!

Zachary had a wonderful baptism. All the kids took care of it and how great is that?! Ryan conducted, McKenna was the pianist, Patriece led the music, Taylor and Malika gave talks and Austin gave the prayer. We adults just sat back and enjoyed the show. Zachary was so excited and didn't want to get out of the font. He had a grin a mile wide and said "I'm a member of Jesus' Church!" Mike was feeling just a little sentimental--you could hardly tell except he said "This is our last baptism." I'm sure that comment brings a tear to your eye, too! Personally, I never thought we'd get there...part of me can't believe he's our last (how sad) and part of me can't believe he's our last (WAHOO!). Meanwhile, here's the pics...

Dad and Zachary ready to leave! (Notice the trees, which have nothing whatsoever to do with the subject at hand...but TREES!)



At the church, dressed in white...



The kids...what a bunch of good looking, talented teenagers!


The boys...



The crew...



Mom & Dad








Zachary's 8!

Zachary's birthday was on the 4th of December and we had a family birthday--Aunt Loralynn and Scott, Ryan, McKenna and Austin were there along with Grandpa and Grandma Recht. The photographer here is Patriece...and I'm thinking she should keep her day job! It was a typical Risenmay Family Birthday...Mom forgot wrapping paper, the candles never showed up so we used tea lights, tacos and cowboy cake...demonstrated here, by Malika....


OK--so no birthday candles, but you get the idea. The best part is watching an asthmatic kid blow out candles. He did it in just four blows!

Miss McKenna and Austin showing their best looks...

Dad...the Patron Saint of Patience!




Score!



THE toy of the season...and it's all mine!


Notice the formal wear he has donned for this occasion....

Heavy, heavy hangover....



THE END!