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.