I couldn't Imagine

My heart is heavy for a family that lost their little boy today. I do not know them, but the elementary school he was at, is down the road from my house and all three of my children attended there. His parents must be in such pain tonight. They dropped off their son this morning, just like everyday, and then an accident happens and he is gone. Please pray for this family, and hug your babies tight tonight, they are only ours on loan!
Also keep in mind the other students and teachers at this school. Tomorrow will be hard.

My Sweet Boy

This photo dosen't tell you a story of drama, compassion and sibling love...so let me tell you.

Drama! Drama! Drama! First thing this morning, Kennedy leaves her retainer on top of her bag (yes, the one she JUST got last week!). Ten minutes of looking for it, before we discover that it had been chewed up and left under the bed. Blasted DOG!

Our understanding before she left the ortho office was, mom and dad buy the first one, so take care of it--because the next one is on you ($100+)! Tears, tears, anger at the dog.

Parker runs upstairs, Ken goes onto the car. Parker comes down carrying all $3.41 in change, downstairs, cupped in his hands --for his sister. Warms my heart---that sweet boy!

HATS!

We are going through a crafty phase here at the Rickard house. Snow days always make time for things we have wanted to do, and this one has no been different.

In December, our church hosted a coat giveaway, and someone hand made several toboggans to give away. I thought, "what a wonderful idea!" So the wheels started turning and I was prepared when the snow came. The girls have been making these hats for the coat giveaway in December 2011.

What a Change!

After 2 years, 11 months and 5 days of BRACES-- they are OFF! Congratulations Kennedy!

Back to School!

I have a full load again this semester, but that cannot squash my excitement about one class in particular! These are the books for my culinary class and I can't wait to get started! Stay tuned, I will post photos of my projects.

Out of town

I am not blogging this week, because we are out of town for a funeral. After living with us for 2 1/2 years and then in a care facility, Bobby's dad passed. His Alzheimer's and dementia made life interesting and we will have many funny memories. Rest in peace poppa.

Christmas Morning At the Street's...Santa was Here!

We usually stay the Christmas holiday at my sister's house with her family and this year was no different. However this is the first year that all of my kids-- only believe in the spirit of Santa, while her daughter, Emalyn (age 4) still believes in the whole Santa story. Before we left, I threatened all of my kids about letting it slip...and the consequences! In our family as long as you believe, you will receive. The moment that mom hears that you don't believe, you no longer receive (even if it is just believing in the spirit). This ensures that we don't ruin it for my little niece and we still can get the teenager up and excited Christmas morning. My sis will kill me for posting these photos, but it was early Chistmas morning and there is an equally bedhead photo of me. I love our Christmas morning tradition!

Lego Lover!

Parker LOVES Legos! Any Legos. We used a Lego Christmas Advent calender this year that kept him excited about 50 cents of plastic -daily- beyond my expectations.
I love that his imagination blows me away everytime that he begins to build, and I love his excitment to show me his newest creation. A new box of Legos makes him disappear into his room for HOURS! He likes to play Legos online, he likes to read the Lego magazine, he likes the Wii Lego games, he had a Lego birthday party. We have spent big $$$ on this obsession, but it has been worth it.

On another note, Parker got a Wal-Mart gift card for Christmas. Did he purchase Legos?? No! He bought this storage tower, so he could organize them...he is his father's son!

My next project

I have been saving my kids t-shirts for a few years. Not EVERY shirt, only special ones... schools they attended, ball team shirts, class shirts, camp and activity shirts have all been collected in a "someday" basket in the craft room. Today I got them out...stay tuned!

Bucket List Item

One item on my bucket list complete. My grandmother and her mother both were quilter's. I have always had the desire, but never prioritized it. Making a quilt top was on my bucket list, and I am very pleased with the results! I even enjoyed it...so why did it take so long to do this?