The Garris Family: January 2010

Hello Everyone,

So it has been quite a while since I last posted something. BUT in my defense having two kids is ROUGH!!! I look at the show "18 kids and counting", and I don't know how that precious woman does it! She has got to be one of the most amazing women in the whole entire world! Am I right?

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving in Nebraska after logging over 26 hours in driving time with a 2 year old and a 3 month old! Mommy I think was the craziest of everyone during thr trip as breastfeeding and screaming babies along with some serious motion sickness in the back of the van took a toll on her. Some of the highlights, in no particular order:
1.We got to see everyone that we loved on both sides of Corey's family. We also were able to celebrate Grandma Rinne's B-Day. (Of course Ava thought the balloons were for her!)
2. Corey got to go to a Nebraska Cornhusker game, and cheer on his alma mater.
3. We visited some elpacas and buffalo. Very cool!
4. We ate soem delicious food all week!
5. We got spoiled.
6. We survived the LONGGGGGG road trip with two babies!

We then had an awesome time with my family, as my sister, brother in law and sweet nephew blazed a trail from Minnesota in some serious weather to get to our home and meet Rylee for the first time. My parents were also in town to celebrate Christmas. My Dad had to leave a little early, but my mother was fortunate to be on vacation and love on all of her grandchildren. My sister is also pregnant! A new little Richardson will be set to arrive on June 1st! We are all excited. Ava was loving all the company. She also loved bossing her cousin Gabe around, and playing with him. Some of the highlights of our time together:
1. Going to zoo in 26 degree weather on New Year's Day! Are we crazy? :) It was so nice not to have any lines to see any of the animals! (Thanks Grandma & Grandpa for the year pass!)
2. Playing WII with everyone. Gabe is a child prodigy in Bowling, and he is only 4 years old!
3. Watching the Buckeyes win the Rose Bowl!!!!
4. Watching Ava and Gabe play in the sweet dome tent my Dad bought for them. (Sad I didn't take a picture of it!!!)
5. Having all of the extra help loving on my sweet girls! (PRICELESS!!!!)

I was so sad when everyone left. I miss my family so much...distance is so hard.

A little update on each of us...
Rylee is getting bigger daily. She is rolling over...everywhere! She thinks she is big stuff, and laughs about it, as I tell her I am going to get her. She is extremely resilient, and takes much abuse from her big sis who is trying to show her"how much she loves her" a little too much! :) She is a giggle monster, and the source of many a smile at our home. She is already starting to eat solids, but of all things to start eating she must eat prunes!!!! YIKES! She unfortunately turned a corner where constipation became more prevalent in her life, and instead of starting with cereal, she has to eat prunes! She loves to grab things, and her favorite toy right now is a stuffed cell phone she got from Abuelo and Abuela for Christmas. She is starting to become a little more high maintenance, and we have begun the tough process of helping her learn how to sleep. We are praying she gets it soon! :)

Ava is also getting bigger daily, and amazes us with her vocabulary. She is so SMART! She is quite the negotiator! She is now sleeping in her big girl bed, and loving it. She uses words like "conversation", "groceries", "disgusting" (a personal fav- and correctly used!), and "I'm sorry that happened Mommy," "settle down fussy pants or silly goose", "it's okay baby",or "You're a good Daddy." One of her favorite questions lately is, "What's your favorite color?" She enjoys playing with play dough, playing with "little people", and going anywhere. She is the source of MUCH laughter in our house. She dances and smiles often, and is goofy to the core. She is bossy, but does it in such a loving way, that you can't help but do what she asks you to do. The other day we were making a grocery list, and chimed in two items that we actually needed! Corey and I laughed and laughed! The Sunday School teachers have often told us that when other children our crying, she gently pats them on the back and reassures them by saying, "Everything is going to be okay." She is tooooo funny...and we deeply love her.

Corey is pressing on as a father, husband and pastor. He encourages me to love God more, people more, and the world more. He is my best friend. He has much on his plate in the new role that he has as a pastor- and it can weigh heavy on his heart at times. BUT he continues to press on, and I am so encouraged by the way he does it. He is one of the hardest workers I know- and he does it with so much courage, and grace. Corey and I have started reading the Bible together to challenge each other and relate- some of the best times I have during the week is when we get to share what we learned.

I have been literally hanging in there- Life is challenging and rewarding all at the same time. I can be really tough on myself most days...I am resolved to take joy in the fact that my family is fed, they have clean clothes, and for the most part a clean house! I have some amazing friends that I can lean on...and am so grateful for them. We have weekly play dates, and regular outings now. I take pride in getting the girls all ready! God has been good to me...Corey and I have also begun to work out on a regular basis again. I so enjoy my time at the gym! It renews my spirits! LOVE ENDORPHINS!!!

I guess that's about it...Corey has been on me to do this for several weeks, and I told him that he needs to do the update next! We'll see if that ever happens! HA!

Love,
Cyndia for Corey, Ava, and Rylee

The Garris Family

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Update

Christmas at home...for the first time!!!

Thanksgiving in Nebraska

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