"It's Just An Accident!"

So it was one of those days. We all have them. This time around, everything was RED, and no, it was not a good red. Everything was going wrong!

As a little background, it was my special time of the month. Ladies, you know what I'm saying. And I haven't had one of these weeks since 2005 when we got pregnant with Emma. So it's been a while, and it was bad.

First of all, Callahan threw up all over, and it wasn't pretty. We had strawberry pastries for breakfast, so it was all over. Poor kid. We wonder if he's allergic to something that is making him do this so much. Because after he threw up, he was fine and acting like his normal cute self again.

Anyways, so Dave went to Cabela's with a friend that morning, so I thought it would be a perfect time to have a fun day with the kids. We went to the library for Discovery Time first. Things were going pretty smoothly at first, but then Callahn just started crying and crying. He was so red in the face, and everyone kept looking at me like "Can ya please get that baby to shut up?" we just left. As soon as we got back to the car, Callahan was fine, so we decide to carry on with our plans.

We went to the new Chick-fil-A restaurant that just opened in Riverdale for lunch. Yum! Even Callahan was munching down the delicious food. And Emma had a fun time playing on the play gym they have there.

After we ate some lunch, I though we'd go to the store to get the rest of the things we needed to finish making Dave's present and a few other Christmas projects. So we drove a little ways to Michael's. The parking lot was a nightmare! Cars were parked everywhere they shouldn't be. Luckilly, I found the last parking spot right next to the exit. We went into the store and found everything we needed on our list. The kids were pretty well behaved. Things were turning up.

So we finished at the store, and we got the kids buckled up, I backed up, pulled up a little, looked right, looked left, looked right again, and then it happened. A red Honda Accord ran into me and I ran into that car. It's a hard thing to explain, and I'm such a visual person, I'd have to draw an explanation. But I did not see her. Technically, she had the right of way, so it was my fault. I was in shock! She gave me a crusty. I looked at her and said sorry, and immediately got out of the car. I noticed she had a little baby, so I asked if the baby was okay. She checked on her baby and she was sleeping. My kids were okay, we weren't going fast enough to do them any harm. But her car will need some work, as well as ours. I told her I was so sorry. I felt SO bad I was tearing up. This was my first accident. We moved our cars out of the entrance, so people could get in and out. They both ran okay, just the head light covers were damaged, and they needed new paint jobs and got some dents.

When I got back into the car, Emma said "Mom, it's okay, it was just an accident!" What a sweetheart! We always tell her that, because she is kinda hard on herself sometimes, and we have to remind her it's okay. Then she asked,"So is there a big hole in our car now?" "Not exactly, just a few scrapes and it's a little broken on front, but it will run fine."

What she said helped to lift my spirits a little. But I got back out of the car again and had an even hard time hard time keeping my emotions to myself. We exchanged information and everything, did what we were supposed to. And I couldn't stop crying. I felt like such a baby, but it really shook me up. I take after my Mom, so even if I cry for a few seconds, my face is red for an hour. Luckily, I didn't wear any makeup that day. I just had a rough time and felt bad she had to deal with this, and I wasn't sure how we'd pay to get it fixed, being unemployed right now. I think that's really what it was that was getting to me. Not having a job like this for so long has been so draining to everyone in our family. And this seemed to be the last straw, you know? But the girl who I collided into turned out to be very nice in the end, and we even hugged at the end, which is wierd, but that hug made a big difference. I was so worried she wouldn't be very happy, and it would show. But she was very good to work with in the end. I judged her by that first look she gave me. I shouldn't have done that.

When I got back in the car to drive home (no more errands today, I was scared to even drive home!), Emma said, "Mommy, it's okay! Don't cry Mom!" And then she said "Mom, at least WE'RE okay!" And it just made me so grateful that she was there to put things in perspective. Sometimes I think these things I go through are so huge, when really they're nothing at all. I was still bawling like a baby, though this time it was in gratitude for such a wonderful family, all of who were safe and healthy. I was also still sad that I had to put everyone through this during this time of year. So my hysterics were a mixture of a lot of emotions going on.

When we got home, Dave immediately sensed something was wrong, before he even saw me. He was very sweet and helpful through the whole ordeal. I am grateful he is so understanding, a good listener, and he always gives great words of comfort and advice. And for my little girl who helps me to remember what's really important in life. I need to do a better job remembering that sometimes "Crap happens" as Dave says, or sometimes accidents happen, as Emma reminded me. And we just need to look up, put a smile on our face, and go on with life, doing the best we can!

Emma always has a smile on her face. She is such a little sweetheart. But notice the red shirt (and food on her face)? I tell ya! Red haunted me this week!

Here's a picture of Dave applying for job after job. (It's red, yet again!) Several every day, everywhere he can. He's working so hard, yet nothing yet. It's so frustrating. But we've got to have hope. Oh how I love him.

And Cal doesn't have much to say, ever except for "Ma Ma" or "Da Da". But he's a little cute "stinker". Another quick story. Dave was with the kids while I was at Enrichment. A lady asked Emma what her baby brother's name was. She said "My little brother's name is Callahan," and the lady wasn't quite sure what name she said, as it isn't very common, so she looked to Dave to clarify. Dave reiterated what Emma had said. Then Emma looked at her, "Or Stinker! That's his other name." It was pretty funny! I wish I was there! From the mouths of babes...

From our home to yours...

Here's a digital greeting card to you...have a Merry Christmas!!

2009 Ryerse Rant!

No, we’ve never done a letter before, but yes, we’ve listened to your requests and have decided to do a little letter this year. Here’s the first installment of our Ryerse Rant…
Dave finished up his Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration at Weber State University, graduating in August – Yea! He is planning on getting his Masters of Health Administration and is currently studying to take the GMAT/GRE and researching graduate schools. Dave likes off-roading on our 4-Wheeler or his bike, going to and watching BYU football games, and playing with his wife and kids.
Melanie started a very PT job with the Utah State Department of Health as a Gold Medal Schools Mentor, working in local elementary schools to promote healthy living habits. She also teaches flute lessons and plays with the Ogden Concert Band. Her favorite thing to do is be a wife and mommy, and she also likes to cook, scrapbook and read.
Emma turned three August 31. It’s hard to believe our little sweetheart isn’t so little now! She shot up this year and is now taller than most of her friends. Emma enjoys singing and dancing, reading, swimming, kitties, dressing up and playing with her friends and cousins.
Callahan had his first birthday November 28. He is a very independent boy who loves crawling and getting into trouble – diving off or climbing onto things and getting into everything. Cal enjoys watching Emma, pounding on things, listening to music, eating anything in sight and smiling.

May your Christmas be merry and bright! Love, the Ryerse’s

Mama's Wish List

Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme

TodaysMama and Provo Craft are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.

1. What 5 items are on your holiday wish list this year?

· That my husband, who has been laid off for several months, will land a job!
· Photoshop Elements
· An Irish tin whistle (I can’t find my old one).
· A cute cadet hat…without the bling though, please.
· An impractical pair of shoes decked out in a crazy color, with a buckle, and pumped heels.

2. What is your favorite handmade gift you have received?
I love making cards, and just to impress me, my husband tries his hand each year at making handmade cards for me for special occasions. I love the creativity and thoughtfulness he puts into the cards, and the heartfelt words he writes inside them. I tell him I would be happy just getting a card from him with no present, but of course, he always gets me something fun too. These cards I keep in a special box and pull out when I’m having a not-so-great day and they cheer me right up!

3. What handmade gift have you always wanted to tackle?
A hand sewn memories quilt for my husband.

4. What was the best Christmas gift you received as a child?
Kirsten, the American Girl doll I got, along with a hand-painted trunk filled with a bunch of clothes my mom made for the doll.

5. What items are on your kid’s wish list this year?
3-year-old Emma wants a baby doll, along with a baby stroller and baby crib. She really is a little mommy! Consider that wish granted!
1-year-old Callahan were thinking wants a toothbrush. He loves toothbrushes, and always wants ours when we’re brushing. He loves to play with them and his face lights up when he gets them! But Santa will probably end up bring him building blocks and some clothes.

6. What is your favorite holiday food?
Wassail…mmmmm…is that considered a food? I think I could get drunk off the stuff.

7. What will you be hand-crafting for the holidays?
For the nieces, I’m creating ribbon and tulle ballerina tutus in their favorite colors, and for the nephews, I’m sewing superhero capes featuring their initials.
For good friends and family members, true meaning of Christmas jars. I used large mason jars, decked them out by decorating them and filled them with the symbols of Christmas – candy cane, tea light candle, star cookie cutter, sprig of pine tree, mini wreath, green and red ornaments and candy, a chocolate Santa and present chocolates. I attached the story “Teach the Children” to the jars. Hopefully this will be a good reminder for friends and family of what the season is all about.
For neighbor gifts, I’ve made Christmas greeting jars. I have saved glass baby food jars, cleaned them, decorated them, and filled them with assorted holiday baubles and goodies (batteries that have the text “Batteries included” on it, a warm fuzzy holiday jar, Christmas countdown chain jar, and holiday candies).

8. What is your favorite holiday movie?
I can’t just choose one, it’s a 3 way tie on this one! Each year to get Christmas mood, I have to watch The Christmas Story (“You’ll shoot your eye out!”), White Christmas (“I’m dreaming…”) and Muppet Christmas Carol (“’Tis the season to be jolly and joyful!”).

9. Favorite holiday song?
Again, one is not acceptable! Winter Wonderland/Silver Bells/White Christmas medley by the Carpenters. And “I Saw Three Ships” by Jon Schmidt.

10. Favorite holiday pastime?
Settling down for a long winters nap.

Send us a link to your post to info@todaysmama.com with “Wish List Meme” in the subject line. You can even tag a few friends to participate in the meme. (Spread that holiday cheer!) Thanks to all of our generous sponsors that helped make Mama’s Holiday Wishlist possible!

Happy Thanksgiving/1st Birthday Callahan!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I hope it was a wonderful holiday for you and yours. I have so much to be grateful for, I am so blessed with so much!

This years Turkey Day started out by watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Emma loved it! Especially all of the giant balloons! We all decided it would be fun to go in person someday.

Then we went over to the Turkey Trot 2 Mile fun walk. Dave and I ran the 5 Mile race 5 years ago, and since then we've tried to do it. The race begins at Ogden Regional Medical Center (where Emma and Cal were born). It's great because the registration fee is canned food. So it's a good cause, and it's fun to do something active on the day where we usually sit around and eat the most. My parents and brother Mark came with us this year. Here's Dave pushing Cal in the stroller.

Emma getting a ride in the stroller. She was excited by all of the dogs that were there! I was joking that they should rename it the "Doggie Trot" because it seemed that everyone had their dogs...or goats! He he! A family brought their goats to walk with them. They were tied to ropes. It was a silly sight to see!

Cal staying warm in his stroller.

Our walking group - Uncle Marko, Grandma Di, Emma, Melanie, Dave, and Callahan.

Then it was off to the Stoddard family lunch at Grammie's house. Last year, Callahan missed out on it by one day! This year, he loved it all, probably because he loves to eat so much! Maybe that's why he was pushing so hard to get our last year on Thanksgiving, he could smell all of the yummy food!

"Yum! I love turkey!" Emma kept saying. Yep, she does love the tender, juicy white meat called turkey, along any other meat. We did a family night lesson on Gratitude last week. We played a gratitude game and it was cute to see what she was grateful for. "Daddy, Mommy and Cal, our family. Food to eat. Our house. My toys. Kitties." These and more were some of the things she expressed gratitude for.

After eating, we went outside to play a little bit in the sand box, and to play in what little snow there was, and talked with the relatives. Cal had a great time and was smiling all day!

Turkey face! After my side, we were able to go to Dave's side, where we helped get everything ready and I made orange rolls and dinner rolls. It was a lot of fun! We had a delicious meal and interesting conversations, then played Apples to Apples.

Callahan's first birthday was on November 28. It is hard to believe it! Where did that year go? He is getting to be so much fun and each day is an adventure with Cal.

Cal, Mommy and Emma by the Christmas tree before Callahan's party. Daddy was at the BYU game.

Before Callahan's birthday, we had a good time playing together. Here's Callahan with the bubble wand in his mouth.

We had his birthday party at Grandma Sue & Grandpa Dan's house. Here he is in his birthday outfit. What a cutie! Though he is 1 now, he is still in 6 to 9 month clothes. Silly boy! When we took him in to his 1 year appointment, we found out he is just over 16 lbs. Many ask us if he's 6 months old, but nope! He's a big boy now! But he is a very little dude!

Eating dinner. Callahan loves being able to eat what we eat now! Yeaaa!

We had an Elmo/Sesame Street birthday party for him. Emma helped to pick out that theme. Here's one of the cakes I made.

And here's the other Elmo cupcake cake!

Singing Happy Birthday to Callahan, Ryerse/Stoddard style. The Ryerse's sing Happy birthday crazily! (I don't think crazily is a word, but it's appropriate here and it's the first word that came to mind)

Daddy helping Cal get some sweet stuff. He liked the frosting the best! Dave and I had frosting all over us!

Yummy cake!

After the cake, it was time to open presents! Cal got a lot of fun presents, an Elmo stuffed animal and Sesame Street books from Emma, a Busy Ball Popper from Mommy & Daddy, a couple of toy cell phones, a helicopter, a JD Tractor, a nails and hammer set, a cute hat and gloves, and more!

Opening presents together.

Emma was a good helper with Callahan and didn't seem jealous at all. What a good big sister! Cal just loves her! It's so fun to see these two interact!

During Cal's party, he fell asleep! I guess all of this birthday business wore him out! Happy Birthday, lil' Callahan! We love you boy!

We did have to do the party late, due to the BYU game, which is where a few family members went that day. It was a mediocre game. Luckily, the Cougs came out on top! I think they're really a better team this year, though they didn't play well that day. Unfortunately, that game was truly overshadowed by Max Hall's lame comments. I couldn't believe he said what he did! I was ticked off at first that a member of our church, and really a representative of "The Lord's School" would say that. I was dissapointed in him. But I do feel for him, as I read and saw more about what led up to it. I feel for him and his family and what they had to go through. If someone was throwing beer and cussing at my family, had to be escorted by the cops, or had a giant blow up doll of my mom and decided to do suggestive things to it, the rivalry would get personal for me too. But I think he went way, way to far! Next time, he should think before he opens his mouth , just as he thinks before he snaps the football. A good lesson for all of us.

Here's a funny "New Inspirational Poster' that my brother-in-law sent me that I wanted to post.

Enough talk about that. Now let the Christmas season begin!!

The F's of Fall!

I love fall...such a great time of year! This year, our fall has been all about F's - fair, fun, flu, football, and finding employment!

The Utah State Fair started fall off nicely!

Here's Dave milking a "cow"! Yeah, he likes to milk it, that's for sure. For those of you who don't know, our first date was at the Fair, and so we go every year.

The unusual is always found at the fair. This year, we ran into this crazy robot man.

As soon as the robot started talking toward Cal, he began screaming! It was pretty sad!

Now he's happy!

The butter cows - I think Emma is drooling! She loves butter and tries to eat it plain!

E

mma riding on the "sweet John Deere" (as she described it to us) that was at the Little Hands on the Farm exhibit.

We also always go to Peach Days up in Brigham City. Our favorite entry in the parade are the Star Wars characters each year!

Dave at the car show. He really liked this car.

Emma waving at the parade! She loves parades!

Our family under the shade of the tree. Little did we know, right where we were sitting is where the new temple will be built! How exciting to have another temple within close driving distance!

Fall is oh-so-fun!! This year, fall began so warm! We were able to play outside lots and have fun, even swimming at the end of September!

Fun with friends! We've been having Aidan and Maddie Mead coming over twice a month all day, and there have been lots of good times. Here's Emma and Aidan with their messy hands making some playdough.

And the googly monster eyes they made.

Vampires!

For Callahan, it's always time for FOOD! Here he is after falling asleep in his food.

Emma doing her makeup. Yep, she's growing up way too fast!

Callahan eating, again! He loves to eat and loves to get it all over, too!

Emma's favorite activity lately is dressing up. She loves to play pretend! We go to the D.I. and find new dresses for her and she just has a ball!

Cute little boy! He's getting so big though! He loves to watch his big sister, that's what he's doing in this picture.

Emma posing for a picture in the high-heels she was dancing in. She was eating an orange, but she's always ready to ham it up!

Callahan - so much fun! His sore on his face is from a sunburn. He wasn't out in the sun long, but with the skin cream he has for his eczema, we thing he had a wierd reaction.

And now to the not-so-fun F of our fall - the FLU! Dave, Cal and I all got the swine flu. Luckilly, Emma never got it. Needless to say, we're glad that's over with. Poor little Cal didn't want to do anything! He just wanted to hold me and moan. He had a hard time breathing. It was pretty scary, but he got over it.

Here's Dave in my "original snuggie". My mom made these for us for Christmas when I was a teenager. Amazingly, it kind of fit him. Usually, he'll pick up my clothes and say "I wore that size in 3rd grade!" We'd get the chills and then be really hot when we got the swine flu. Dave and Cal also got the stomach flu this past week.

The next F of fall is FOOTBALL! Dave loves football! And I can say, I'm trying hard to enjoy it! I like football, but for me, it's kind of slow.

Here is the painful TCU vs. BYU game we went to. We have season tickets that we split with Dave's brother Randy, so the boys go to 2 games together, Dave and I go to 2 together, and Randy takes a date to 2 games.

Notice the smiles on our faces? Yeah, that picture was taken before the game. He he! We have the coolest people that sit by us. All of these old ladies who scream the whole game and get more into it than their husbands, and Dave's bosom buddy on his left that he discusses the games with.

We went to the WSU homecoming game. Cal had a good time, but got sunburnt, as I mentioned. My mom is a Weber alum, by the way.

Emma is a little wildcat fan! Here she is holding her purple kitty!

Weber State, Weber State, great great great!

Viewmont Vikings! Dave played football at Viewmont High School, so we went to a game one friday night. Emma loves letters, and thought this V was so cool!

Emma wanted to take pictures at the game. Here's one she took. Callahan really just wanted to get down and crawl in the stands. You can't really see it, but Dave has a Vikings football shirt on.

Finding employment takes us to our last F. Dave has been searching, applying everywhere (well, every hospital or clinic) for the last 3 months! It is so frustrating for him because he tries his hardest, and nothing. The lower grade jobs all go to those without degrees, because he's overqualified and they'd have to pay him more. And the higher-paying college degree jobs all want people with 3 to 5 years of experience. And it's really to the employer's advantage right now, as there are so many applicants for each job. Many other jobs applications or resumes have been sent on to the next level, but then Dave will get an e-mail saying they are canceling that job all together and giving that work to another person to do to consolidate. So poor boy! He has had kind of a hard time. But he has an interview Monday, so everybody wish him luck. Thanks to everyone who has been praying and fasting on our behalf. We really appreciate it and have been greatly blessed by the Lord.

Speaking of jobs, I kind of started my own little business this past month. I named it Jar Bazaar! (but I'm also considering "All Bottled Up", what's your vote?) and I make things with jars. I got the idea because I hated throwing away all of the baby food jars, because we don't have recycling for glass, and I knew there must be something that I could do with them.

My friend Calena Miller asked me if I wanted to do a boutique with her, so I decided I'd do it. It was a fun experience! And I got an idea for what people like, and if there is even a market for this type of thing.

I make "Greeting Jars", like greeting cards. It's like a card/little present in one.

Some have candy or treats in them.

This is a "Date Jar". Dave and I started our own date jar 5 years ago, and a friend suggested I make some and sell them. They are filled with fun date ideas. Each week, the husband/wife is instructed to take turns picking an idea out of the jar, and do the necessary planning for a great date night! I also made kids/toddler's idea jars, so when kids say "Mom, I'm bored!" they can pull an idea for a great activity to do at home.

This is a "warm fuzzy" jar. None of these picture have the labels on them, but the finished product has a quote by President Monson.

I make holiday jars with things in them - candy, ornament hangers, batteries with labels that say "batteries included", and Christmas countdown chains. They are for giving as little neighbor or friend gifts.

The large holiday jars have all of the symbols of Christmas in them, and attached is the story "Teach the Children the True Meaning of Christmas". Each jar has a chocolate santa, star cookie cutter, red and green ornaments, candle, mini-wreath, pine sprig, a candy cane, and chocolate gifts.

This is the Thanksgiving jar, filled Thanksgiving Blessings mix and a label explaining what Thanksgiving is all about.

I can make custom jars for weddings, party favors, place settings, gifts, etc. Here are a few of the wedding rice jars.

I made these little pincushion jars also. They turned out pretty cute.

So that's about it! This blog brought to you by the letter F and the number 2!