A Few Good Men

August 17 is a big day around here. We celebrate 19 years of marriage today and Alec turns 15. I remember when Alec was born, how excited we were that he would arrive on our 4th wedding anniversary. We have shared this day for many years now and it is a reminder of my good fortune each and every year.

Sure both of these men can literally drive me out of my mind in their own right but they are also such a blessing. Alec is the smartest boy I know and very much a gentleman. Yes, there are times we dislike one another immensely but I am genuinely grateful for the day I was privileged enough to be in the delivery room to hold him for the first time. To experience motherhood for the first time. My dad sent me an e-mail recently that reminds me of then and now.

""GET OUT! I'M DRIVING" soon to be the mantra of the Ringhiser household. Or perhaps... A---L---E---C!

My amazement mirrors yours. I remember too well the circumstances surrounding the arrival of my dear and oldest grandchild along with the utter breathtaking beauty of the baby boy who was a miracle from the start. What blessings were in store and what challenges lie just ahead."

As we go forward into teenagedom--Give me strength to deal with the challenges and help me to recognize the accomplishments of a boy becoming a young man. Help me to remember that is part of being a good mother.

And then there is Ray. A man dedicated to his family and ME more than any I know. As I get older and experience life more I realize how hard this trait is to come by. So many marriages just don't make it and I am so lucky to have one that is stronger now than ever. I am grateful for a man who adores me and loves me despite my faults, unconditionally.

Today, life is good.

Make A Wish

Today Olivia turns 11. I have been informed by her that I "must" post today as I have been neglecting my blogging duties and this being such an important day...deserves it's own entry. Of course it does! We welcomed Oliva into our family 11 years ago and have been so blessed by her it would be impossible to put into words. She is well informed, well spoken, well rounded and most of all well loved! It has been so fun to watch her go from little girl to young lady. She is exhibiting all of the normal signs of "tween-itis" and it is hilarious to watch. Sleepovers, chatting on the phone, g-mail, giggles, fashion and even boys seem to be the "thing" of the moment. Almost a year ago exactly we moved to Maple Valley and I was so worried about her finding a place to fit in. She shared with us that her birthday wish last year was to find one good friend and I am thrilled to say she has been blessed with many. The transition has been a relatively easy one for her due in large part to her large personality. As a parent it is so great to see your children happy. I'm not sure what she's wishing for this year but with her confidence, determination and a little luck I know she will make it happen. She has that way about her. I am thankful to "know" her and look forward to another year of possibilites. We love you Olivia.

Mom, Dad, Alec, Carson and Addie

Too Lovely

Too sassy.
Too cute.
Too naughty.
Too loud.
Too funny.
Too busy.
Too happy.
Too fast.
Too loved.
Too smart.
Too blessed.

Addie turns two today and we are reminded of the call two years ago that blessed us with our baby girl. Words cannot express how much joy she has brought to our family. Wish us luck as we attempt to survive the "terrible two's". We look forward to milestones yet to come, talking, potty-training, and more personality. We love you Miss Addie.

Daddy, Mom, Alec, Livvy and Carson

Thanks Chelsea for the pretty pictures!

Easter Hosanna

Look at these beautiful kids..they clean up well. :)

Spring!

Spring Break is over and we are back to the school grind this week. We had a good week and were thrilled to have Ray take a day off work last Wednesday. We ventured to Seattle to the Pacific Science Center. The highlight there had to be the butterfly house which the kids couldn't get enough of. Alec (as you can see) had the honor of being a butterfly's "perch" and couldn't seem to shake the little fellow. We watched an Imax movie, saw bugs that were utterly disgusting, and ate in the overpriced cafeteria. The kids seemed to have a great time--Addie refused to sit in her stroller (as you can see) and we spent most of our day chasing her from one thing to the next. The weather for once cooperated all week and the rain came back just in time for the weekend. Swell.

Who's that girl?

I have realized I haven't put any recent pictures of Addie on the blog for quite some time. As you can see her hair continues to grow and take on a life of it's own. Having a toddler is wearing me out but she's my girl. We hang out together, we're a team.

She's our Star...

Olivia participated in the school play this year, PETER PAN. She played Starky the pirate and did an amazing job. They practiced for 3 months several days a week and it was well worth the wait. The production was amazing. A great set, amazing costumes, and wonderful singing and dancing. Livvy has come a long way over the past few years. She has struggled with terrible stage fright but seems to have conquered those fears in a big way. Drama and singing are definately "her" thing and she seemed to thrive in her element. We are so proud of her. Take a look.

Carson turns 7

Carson turns 7...How is that possible?

Well another birthday has come and gone. This one seems to have surprised us in the sense that is just doesn't seem possible that seven years have passed us by since Carson joined our family. I know all parents must feel that way but it has sincerely been a joy to be his Mom. He is soooo full of personality, charm, giggles, talent, fun, etc. we are amazed by him on a daily basis. Carson is a great student, a great "ball" player (of all sorts) and a great brother. His birthday was on a Sunday this year so we are anticipating his "friend" party in a few weeks (after Spring break). He loved his new I-pod Nano and his money from grandma and grandpa that is burning a hole in his pocket. So many choices...he simply cannot decide at this point. It was a great day full of frosted brownies with sprinkles, lots of dancing and overall joy. We sure love you little man. Happy Birthday!

Starting Over

Starting over.

O.k. O.k. haven't been keeping up on the blog thing. No working camera has been a big issue, moving in and getting settled over the last few months hasn't helped either. So... here we go, another attempt to document our life here in Maple Valley.

HO HO HO...We've got snow and a very white christmas

Well...it's official. the snow has hit here in Maple Valley. Some say they haven't seen snow like this here in 20 years. We are feeling a little relieved today that we made it through a major wind storm (blizzard) and never lost power. Evidently Maple Valley is known for major power outages. PHEW! We prepared for the worst but survived. The kids are enjoying the winter weather and are out sledding as we speak. The family should be packing but evidently that is a mom's job and partying down in the winter wonderland is the rest of the Ringhiser clans contribution. We are excited for Christmas and to see family soon. Merry Christmas one and all. We love and miss you.

I am thankful for...

1. Slivers of pumpkin pie, made from scratch, perfect pie crust.


2. Four healthy, talented, beautiful children.


3. Amazon.com (both for employment purposes as well shopping, Free super saver shipping.)


4. Parents who raised us well and continue to provide love, support, and a "home" to gather in for holiday festivities.


5. Friends who listen and listen and continue to listen.


6. Alexander Graham Bell who blessed us with the means to reach and and touch someone via the phone


7. good music, very subjective of course


8. THE United States of America


9. Diet Pepsi (the nectar of the Gods)


10. Ten tiny toes painted red

Rainy days are here again...

Well... I guess we all knew it would happen being that we live in the Northwest but I couldn't help but take notice when seeing Miss Addison perched in the window today longing to be outside. Although the transition has been a little hard we have been grateful (most of the time) for the cul-de-sac of kids we have come to know over the past several months. Whoa nellie, it's going to be a long winter.

Happy Halloween

A great time was had by all. As you can see from the pictures Liv and Carson were vampires and Addy mezmorized the neighborhood as Miss Tink. She was less than thrilled to get dressed up for a second time (Thursday was Trunk or Treat at the church) so Halloween was so old news to her. Alec has finally given up the art of collecting candy through trick or treating and instead stayed home to greet the masses. For the first time in many years the weather actually cooperated and the rains didn't come tumbling down till the following day. Not too much to report around here. Waiting for the economy to even out and interest rates to come down. Such a fabulous time to be building a home. Oh well. We are looking forward to the upcoming holidays and seeing family soon.

So much to say...little time to say it

Gees. It's been a while since I posted last and I think the longer you go the easier it is just to skip it all together. Life is good, relatively speaking, just so dang busy. Perhaps this is "divine intervention" to keep my mind from wandering and missing friends, family and Albany. We are moving along on the house and its hard to believe we may acutally make our closing date in the beginning of January. How often does a builder give you a date and stick to it???? The kids are adjusting as best they can to a new home, neighborhood and school. They have their days but all in all they are doing great! Addy and I are staying busy playing outside lots and running errands. Maple Valley is no longer a mystery to us and now we are settling in and waiting for it to seem like "home". There is no denying that this area of the country is beautiful. I know most think the rain is unbearable but with that comes a stunning, green, tree-filled landscape. We are looking forward to exploring the terrain a little. We went to see Lake Washington last weekend and it really is a little piece of heaven on earth. Wish I had more time to ponder but we are off to soccer for Carson this morning. Wishing all of our loved ones a great beginning to fall.

August busy August

Wow... we just returned from our first official family reunion in Montana and what a great time was had by all. So much to be celebrated in the last ten days its hard to know where to start.

Addy was sealed to us in the Billings temple and we were extremely blessed to have all of our immediate and some of our extended family there. Even though it's the fourth time we have done this words are never sufficient for what a special day it really is. As you can see sweet Addy looked beautiful and she was happy and laughing the entire ceremony. It was neat to see Alec, Olivia and Carson so excited for the event as well. We all know how lucky we are to have Addison and what a great dynamic she brings to the Ringhiser family.

Alec turned 14 and celebrated with lots of new "designer" clothes and even a name brand backpack. Ah, I remember the days of Guess jeans....and now the best jeans for me are the ones that fit no matter what the brand. :) Alec is turning into a young man whether we are ready or not and I continue to say I have no idea where the time has gone. Alec was such a beautiful baby in so many ways and now he's a very talented, smart, good looking teenager.

Ray and I celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary---HOLY COW! With our family and crazy- busy day to day "stuff" I know that Ray would give his right leg to just have 18 minutes as a couple alone at this point. I look back at where we were and where we are now and I am amazed at how much we have accomplished together. I think we both can honestly say we have had or ups and downs like every couple but we wouldn't change a thing. We "work" together and it seems as those that is something hard to find these days. Here's to another 18 years because who would ever want to start over again at this point---hee hee

So, the reunion of sorts. We had a fabulous time seeing everyone. The kids literally played together from sun up till sun down. It was amazing to see how much the babies have changed and grown since Christmas. It was great to see Cody and Chelsea have settled in to married life and Will is now Dr. Winterholler with a successful new office and new house on the way. Erika and Aaron still amaze us all as they remain "cool" under the pressure of two busy boys and living so far from home. Justin and Melissa blessed us all with some great produce from the Hodges Whole Foods market aka/their garden. Her belly continues to grow and we are anxiously awaiting th arrival of....well....thats yet to be determined (the name) Mom and Dad entertained us, fed us, blessed us and sent us on our way again hoping we would be back soon to cause more Winterholler memories and madness.

The 10 days with family was a great pick me up! Back to Maple Valley we go with the last week of summer looming....

There she goes...

There Miss Livvy goes.....having another birthday and turning more and more into a young lady. This blogging has been good for me in the sense that it causes a parent to reflect a little on the concept of time--- and how there really never is enough of it. I am realizing that my first little brown-eyed curly-haired baby is now a sassy, intelligent, warm hearted young woman. Olivia came to us by pure divine intervention and we know that our lives would not be the same without her in it. She is the "calm in between the storm" (two brothers). I tell her often that she is my "rock". At times I know I take her good nature for granted because I know I can count on her to help whenever I ask and many times she figures out how to help on her own. She is the twinke in her daddy's eye and the most intelligent person I know. Of course I am bias but those who know her love her...what a lucky day August 9, 1998 was for the Ringhiser family. Happy Birthday Olivia Jean Ringhiser!

Take me out to the ball game....

Well I guess there are a few advantages to living near a big city. Carson was able to experience his first REAL baseball game tonight. Ray says he was truly mesmerized and "in his element". Tonight was season ticket holder appreciation night and fans were invited early to watch batting practice for both teams and get a closer look at the field. We were sure Carson would poop out and want to come home early after 5 hours of baseball BUT no way----he was in baseball bliss. They had a great boys night out and a time to remember.

Happy Birthday and Sisters

Well hopefully my sister won't kill me for posting this picture but so many of mine are on a computer in storage so...I was left to the what is saved on the laptop. It actually reminds me of so many times when my sisters and I have just let loose and goofed around a little. I have such fond memories of force feeding Melissa pickles, making her be the ugly sister when playing Barbara Mandrell and the Madrell sisters, making her put my shoes by the door so my parents would "think" I was home by curfew. Ah, now that is love. It's amazing how at some point you grow up and start to have more and more in common and the "annoying" little sisters become two of your closest friends. Happy Birthday Melissa! Love you.

Now this is summer...

Well I finally feel like we had a little bit of summer last week. Meaning that we did a few fun things as a family and had a little adventure in Albany. Ray took the kids to the aquatic center and we went to the Seattle Zoo. The kids enjoyed the gorillas (the mommy had a baby who we were all smitten with). A few other favorites were the lions, flamingos and elephants. It was fun to see Addy experience it all for the first time and then compare that to Alec who is way "too cool" (as you can see from the hilarious sunglasses) for the zoo. I sincerely apologize to my parents for my teenage years as Ray and I enter this new stage. It seems like just yesterday when I too thought my parents knew ABSOLUTELY nothing and that I could outwit them at every turn. I am trying to be mindful of what it was like and not judge him too harshly but HOLY COW, sometimes its tough. As taxing as it may be its fun to see him growing up and trying to figure out who the heck he is---I think we may need to buckle in, hold on tight, and try to enjoy the crazy ride. :) On Sunday afternoon we headed back to our old stomping grounds for a quick visit with friends in Albany. The kids were really good on the drive and they genuinely had a great time for a few days. It was good to see them happy and "at home" with a few familiar faces. Nothing breaks my heart more than to hear Carson talk about his birthday (8 months away) and how he has one friend whom he will invite. I know he will make tons of friends between now and then but it still makes me stop and think how upside down there world really is. Even Livvy, my rock, jokingly asks for a friend for her birthday in a few weeks. I told her, for once I think we are all in the same boat as far as that goes. Thanks to the Morse's who hosted us for our mini-vacation. The kids loved their trip to the lake where Alec got a lesson on driving the boat and Livvy took a crazy ride on the biscuit. Carson loved his time jumping off the dock and collecting feathers. For anyone who is up this way, please let us know, we would love some company. Ray is still plugging along at Amazon and I think we recognize now more than ever that this is the experience and job he needed. Knowing that helps while we continue to transition. Life is good, well there's hope anyway. :)

A big beautiful hole......

A hole only a family could love. :) They are underway on our house. We signed on the dotted line a few short weeks ago and we are now headed into the fun yet overwhelming stage of starting from scratch. Here is a picture of our lot.......Lot 15. We were pleasantly surprised a few days ago when we drove by (for the umteenth time) to see that the bulldozer had started moving the dirt around in anticipation of our permits coming through. Yesterday after only 5 days with the city of Maple Valley our permit was dropped off and WHAH LA full steam ahead. (if only some of you knew how true that statement will be) HA HA! I guess someone loves me afterall considering we were told it would be a least 4 weeks before the permits would be ready. It's fun to have something to focus on other than our new surroundings. Building may be just what the doctor ordered. In the meantime, things are looking up for the week. The weather has cooled off a little and I am a little less miserable. Amazing what a few degrees can do to your mood. We are headed back to the mothership (Albany) this weekend for a few days with friends. The kids are counting down the days and looking forward to seeing a few familiar faces.

On a side note...

Addy is walking. She is so proud of herself and knows she has achieved "something" as we clap and cheer her on. She is doing the hilarious Frankenstein walk where her legs are straight and she literally sways from side to side, arms out for balance. She decided to do this last weekend in the 24 hours I was gone to see the American Idol concert. LITTLE STINKER. Still so fun to see another item on the list acheived. Pretty soon she will be off and running. Makes me a little sad as I'm sure all mama's must feel seeing their babies grow up. Ray and I are just enjoying her so much, another milestone acheived.