Sydnie - 9 months

Sydnie's crawling all over now. 

She's found her voice and started to let out high pitched screams sometimes to really get our attention.

Loves going to the park and swinging especially.

Tries to lift herself up on everything she can and stands up proudly.

Says "Dada" (1st word) and "Mama" (2nd word).

Always sticks her tongue out and makes the funniest little faces.

New foods introduced - corn, mangos, kale, blueberries, blackberries, canteloupe, mixed grain cereal.

Weight: 15.6 lbs.
Height: 25 1/2 inches

A full circle Mother's Day

All day on Mother's Day, the shape of a circle kept appearing all day!  And I kept thinking about how the love of a mother has no end, and their love is a full circle, no matter what.  Because of our mother's love, we are shaped into who we are.

The day started out with me groggy because Sydnie has had roseola and was up a lot the night before.  After I woke up, I went upstairs to check on the bustling and noises going on all over.  Cal and Lucy were in the kitchen and as I approached, Lucy darted out, pointed her finger at me and said "get downstairs!" with a mischievous and fun Lucy smile on her face.  So I went back to finish getting ready and waited.  Dave went up to help them, and they were making pancakes for me.  They brought down a big cup of milk, and a pancake and were impressed that the pancake had a circle in it. They got my order of what type of syrup I wanted and were so proud they did it.  It was so sweet and I was so thankful!  Dave was laughing as he told me later they were trying to mix the batter on the pancake pan and it wouldn't be mother's day with out a catastrophe, and they broke a few plates, but hey, that's life with kids, and it is so worth it. They were even all showered and dressed for church when they came down!  Cov came and helped them for a part of the time, and Emma was still sleeping, haha!  I haven't gotten breakfast in bed much because my eldest is a night owl/sleeper inner so this was very sweet!  The pancakes were very good, but sweeter was their little hearts.

We finished getting everyone ready, and headed to church.  On the way out, there was some chalk art from the kids on the porch which said "Happy Mother's Day" and there were circle flowers underneath.  Services there were so nice, and the Relief Society lesson (we laughed as the other Primary counselor and I left the Primary room and told the men taking over "good luck!" was even better.  The Spirit was so strong and made us all thankful for the powerful women in our lives.  As I was listening, I felt such a gratitude for all of the women who helped make my mom who she is today.  She did not have it easy growing up and didn't really have an example in her home of a Mother who nurtures in God's way.  So I am thankful for all of the church teachers and leaders she had, friends moms, neighbors, piano teacher, and others who showed her the way and helped raise her.  To me, though I don't know any of them, I am thankful for what they did for her and for me through her.  We munched on chocolate chip cookies during the lesson, and I made oatmeal raisin cookies for the women with a tag that said "Thanks for 'raisin' me mom!" from the Primary.  See, more circles - all the cookies!  We also got some potted succulents and a chocolate bar.  Spoiled!

When we got home, we went out for a walk/bike ride.  It was a beautiful day, so warm and sunny.  Those bike tires and stroller wheels kept on turning all around the neighborhood. I love being outside with my loves.  We got dinner ready.  I helped a bit because Dave was really struggling with some back problems, poor babe! We had salmon and garlic rice and peas and fruit salad.  And then brownies and ice cream for dessert.  We opened presents.  Cov made a fingerprint flower bookmark and tissue paper flowers for me. Lucy made a cute card for me and a self portrait of us together. Cal made a note for me and helped Emma with her present.  His note read - "Dear Mom, we love you.  Always be sweet and you are as sweet as flowers to you and your family and everyone." They made some neat paper flowers together which they've been working on for weeks.  I love that they are so thoughtful and planned ahead.  What sweeties!  Emma made a whole bath set with homemade bath fizzies, bath bombs, and sugar scrub.  The tag on it said "I  love you. I play with you.  I say I love U Mom. Happy Mother's Day Mom!  Love you!  <3 E"  Dave's gift to me was a cute card he made and then a circle monogrammed R Ryerse sign, which I am excited to put in our new home!  Ah, I love them.  They are so thoughtful and sweet!

We sent some manicure/hand cream kits to our mothers along with some funky cards we made and watercolored.  We traced Cov's hands for the base so he had to get a picture with them.  When I think of my mom, I think of her beautiful, caring, kind, hard working, talented, strong hands.  So it was fitting.  I am so thankful for her, and my mother-in-law Sue. 

Then we played Cranium together, my choice.  The game pieces go in a circular shape around the board - more circles! After that, it was time to video chat over the computer with Grandma Di, Grandpa Scott, Aunt Mayela, Uncle Marko and Amber and after that, Grandma Sue & Grandpa Dan and Aunt Julie.  I love them forever! It was a great way to end a sweet mother's day! 

Phone Public Service Announcement

I'm not sure if Emma and the gang were mad that they can't have phones until they are 16, or if Dave and I have been spending more than our share on our own phones lately, but one Sunday evening as Dave and I were talking downstairs, the kids were upstairs "crafting".  But really, they made all these signs and went on a crusade against phones, and I've got to give it to them - they are pretty creative!  We've been talking a lot about phones lately and how so many kids have them and don't really need them (though I'm sure have actual reasons to need them, like medical issues or if both parents work, etc.) and kids and adults are making bad choices with their phones and loosing personal connections with each other because of them.  Emma has been begging lately to get a phone, as many of her friends do, but I think she's realized it's a lost cause.  Not until they can help pay for it, can drive and date will they get their own phone around here.  Well, we came upstairs to this and it made us giggle, but also made us think.  Do we spend unnecessary time on our phones?  Do we make personal connections more of a priority?  Do we look at our phones more than our own kids?  I try to be careful and only do social media every couple of days for a bit after the kids are in bed, but maybe I text too much during the day in front of them?  It made us re-evaluate our phone usage for sure.  So thanks, kids, for the wake up call!  

"Is it my turn to stay up with you?"

So one of my friends in Spokane gave me a great idea a few years back.  She said that once a week, she would stay up with one of her kids for an extra 30 minutes or so of one-on-one time.  This was especially important to her, as she was a single mom and worked full-time.  I thought that was totally inspired and was so glad she brought it up that day!  Dave and I were recently feeling that it was getting harder to communicate with them as they were growing.  And talking about it, we felt that this would be a perfect way to improve communication and closeness between us & our kids.

So once a week, Dave stays up with one of our kiddos, and once a week, I stay up with one of our kids.  They have loved this, needless to say, and we hear often: "Is it my turn to stay up with you?"  Playing games together, watching funny YouTube videos, making crafts, sewing, making and eating a special treat, reading books of their choice together, sometimes going to the park (during the summer), playing a sport together, painting fingernails, building something, doing facials or foot baths, pretending to do things (Cov loves to set up his little tent, go camping and tell scary stories, haha!) these are a few of their favorite choices.  It's seriously been so good!  The kids love it, and we do too, and we've been able to help our kids feel loved individually.  Sometimes it's hard in a larger family for each member to feel valued, and this has helped us let each of our children know they are appreciated and special to us, not as a group, but as an individual.

Though we don't take pictures very often of our fun, here are a few pictures of our late-night shenanigans.

Kids Update

It's been a busy couple of months here.  Here's an update on what the kids have been up to...

Emma

School projects - like her volcano she made out of all edible ingredients or science fair project.  Her project was "Do Cat's Eyes Really Glow?" She did a great job and it was very interesting.  Hanging with her besties - especially having sleepovers here or there.  Girl Scouts - between selling cookies and earning badges and her favorite lock-in, this girl is busy! Making crafts - lots of DIY videos and then lots of hot glue, frosting, paper and more. Jazzy - playing with and caring for her, Emma loves her. Growing up - experimenting with new hair styles and growing up. This decision to move hasn't been easy for her, but she's a trooper and has a wonderful attitude.  Emma is such a great helper and so mature and responsible.  Music - Emma participated in her second music festival.  She played "Autumn Glow" on her trumpet (and Mom got to accompany her, fun!), played Minuet in G by Bach on the piano, sang a trio with some other girls, sang with the 6th grade girls choir, and played a Snow (Yuki) and Attack of the Cyborgs with her band.  It was a busy day!  Babysitting - Em has started babysitting and does a great job.  The kids are so excited when she comes over.

Callahan 

Gymnastics - Cal got to be on Show Team this past winter, and he loved every minute! Goofing off - we call him Calla*ham lately because he's just always saying something funny.  Stay calm - has struggled a bit with his temper lately, working on it and doing much better!  Cub Scouts - A winter carnival in Williston, field trips, service and the Pinewood Derby!  Cal loves his den and his leader (I hope!).  His car this year was _________ , and he was thrilled it didn't come in last every time like last year, in fact it made it to the second to last heat!  And he won the "Most Sporty" award.  Cal did a lot of it on his own, Daddy helped with the tricky cutting.  Also for the Blue and Gold banquet, he performed in a skit and received many awards including his Bear.  School - working hard in school.  His best project lately was his timeline he made.  Working on slowing down and double checking things. Cal hates getting his picture taken, so he's harder to get as he avoids the camera.  Friends - Cal enjoys hanging out with his friends as well and gets together to ride bikes, play sports, play video games or have sleepovers.  Future missionary - Cal also is really fun to have in Primary.  We did a lesson on Missionary work and he is always so willing to volunteer or participate.  He will make a great Elder someday!  Great brother - Cal is a sweet brother, especially to Sydnie.  They light up when they see each other and Cal can make her laugh more than anyone!

 

Lucy

More Girl Scouts - she's learned a lot this year and earned all of her daisy petals!  Yay!  Friend time - Lucy especially loves hanging out with Brooklyn and Halle.  Being a character - always saying and doing the darndest things.  Sometimes some neat things pop out of her mouth, like the other day when she told me that one day she wants to marry someone who follows Gods rules.  Because then she and him can teach their kids about Jesus together.  That made me smile. Cheering on the Spartans - Lucy has loved going to games and running around with her friends there.  Gymnastics - Lucy finished off another session of gymnastics, but decided "it's just not my thing."  She wanted to quit but finished it off.  Service - Lucy is always thinking of others.  She really wanted to help those in need and so we recently started a "Feed the Hungry Tuesday" where we forego after school snacks on Tuesday and donate some money to the humanitarian fund instead.  We also went to a blanket and pillow making day in memory of a little girl who passed away here in infancy several years ago.  Lucy loved helping me sew a blanket and she and Emma made lots of pillows, too.  She really has a good heart!  Toothless - Lucy had a snaggle tooth in front forever, but recently lost it and now has a big cute gap. 

Cov - Magic tricks - he makes up a bunch of random "tricks" and says "how did I do that mom?" New tricks - Cal taught him to do the arm pit fart...important life skills, no?  Vacuuming - we bought a new vacuum (I love it) and the kids fight over who gets to vacuum.  Piano - Cov tarted piano lessons this past winter and loves it and is doing a great job!  A good big brother - He takes great care of Sydnie.  She loves spending her days with him.  He even asked to change her diaper for the first time recently!  Preschool - he loves his time with his preschool friends and all he's learning, just soaks it in.  3 R's - He's reading well, we are doing "How to Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy lessons".  It's amazing what little ones can pick up.  Also, lots of 'riting and drawing, he's gaining a lot more control and hand eye coordination and drew a sweet portrait of our family.  'Rithmetic - he's always counting things and making up random math problems.  And Covey is our entertainment.  One night, he kept coming to the table in different wigs but acted so serious.  We were busting a gut, he's so funny!  He likes to scream a lot lately so we are working on toning that down. 

Sydnie

All over - Sydnie first rolled all over and then sitting, then started full fledged crawling at 8 1/2 months and now pulling up on everything and trying to stand up at nine months.  Sibling love - She enjoys watching, talking to, playing with, or seeing her siblings.  She also loves Daddy, especially his work name tag.  Dressing up - the kids love to help pick out her outfits or dress her up silly.  Sweetest smile & big blue eyes - everywhere we go, she's a stunner who gets a lot of attention!  All the food - Really liking eating solids, but still loves to nurse.  Eats anything really.  Little monkey - Kids think she looks like a monkey with her sticking out ears and the way she grips things with her hands and feet.  Daddy is my favorite - she loves Daddy, and enjoys playing with his retractable work ID badge and tie, playing on the floor, snuggling, and talking together.