Andre's First Birthday

We celebrated Andre's first birthday one week after the big day. I know it is universal, but, wow, I can't believe that it has been a year since he made his entrance into this world. What a blessing he has been? We wondered why God would give a baby to Bev and Clem so soon after their marriage began, but we wonder no more. Over time our questions are answered and even though we have believed by faith that God's ways are best; now we see and know why Andre is here. He has been and continues to be a blessing to us all. I am thankful beyond words that Andre has grown up close to my children so that they can enjoy taking care of and seeing a baby grow that first year. I praise God for this experience for Brett and Bri. Bri continues to believe that he is still a baby and she can take care of him. It drives me bonkers (and you, too, Dad!), but Andre and Bev take all her "mothering" very well! Thanks Bev! Clem's parents were here from Washington and we able to be in on the fun. We are thankful for this first year and pray that God will give Andre many more! We love you, Andre, Happy Birthday!


Andre's car from his Bowman grandparents was a hit with all of the children. Cole, you would really like it too!

Bev set a beautiful table for Andre's Birthday party amidst all of her business.

Maebrianna latched right onto Travis. Travis, you must have the touch!

Andre was thrilled with his cake until the flame received too much of his 

attention and the finger just had to go in it.

I think he will be fine once he gets over the hurt feelings.

His Riffey aunts, uncles, and cousins gave him a tricycle which is still a little large. He loved it anyway and really enjoyed the soft rubber on the handles. They made an excellent teething toy. 

It's a Wintry Day

It started snowing this last Wednesday. It came down beautifully all day long. I was able to enjoy it more because I knew I did not have to get out in it. Ken had promised Brett and Briana that he would go out with them so about 4:30 I suggested they get going since it was supposed to get really cold. They had a wonderful time as you can tell from the pics. The kitties were glad to have them outside to play. Ken tried to start the mower so they could take rides on the sled, but it was just too cold for the mower motor. Jumping on the trampoline, going down the icy slide, and making snow angels was lots of fun for them all. I went outside a little to get some pics and could not believe how quiet and still it was. Even though I am not very partial to winter weather and snow, I have to say that it was BEAUTIFUL!!! On Friday morning the thermometer read -18 and I can't say that was all that great! It was down right COLD!! In weather like this, we are constantly thankful for our warm homes! We are hoping that it is going to warm up in the next few days. 20 and 30 degrees is going to feel like a heat wave. I am looking forward to it!

Riffey Christmas at the Bowman's

We enjoyed Steph & Russ's roomy basement for Christmas.Thanks guys, we know it took extra work! We all had a good time and ate very well. Mom and Dad sure know how to put on the buffet of foods. I think it was a good thing Ken and I were still not feeling the best. It kept us from eating way too much! Saturday was pretty warm so the children were able to go out and play. The five year olds mastered the monkey bars. It was fun to see them so excited! It was also warm for the boys' grilling which made it much more enjoyable. I better explain the picture of Ken. I had told mom he needed a torch to keep here at our house and so dad thought maybe he could use this one. The idea came when our kitchen sink pipes were frozen and I am not sure how much help this torch would be! Anyway, enjoy the pics!

Christmas Day

We spent Christmas Day at our house with Ken and I's parents. We are blessed that they are able to come. We are thankful that we don't always have to be gone from our home, too! We enjoyed worshiping at Covington or atleast everyone but me enjoyed it. I was still recovering from what I believe was a sinus infection and so I spent the service in the foyer. I was able to blow my nose and cough at leisure and was still able to listen to the message. I enjoyed listening to Luke 1 once again. Mary's words really stood out to me this year. ".. My soul magnifies the Lord and my Spirit rejoices in God my Saviour." I am not sure why they hit me different this year, but I want to try to remember them throughout 2009 in the many situations that will no doubt come my way.

The kids opened gifts from Grandma and Grandpa Schaurer in the afternoon and then we gave our gifts to them in the evening. We had a very enjoyable day. So thankful to our Heavenly Father for all of our blessings!! It is so good to be reminded that He Alone is the source of our blessings! 

Oops! I forgot to take a picture until lunch was almost over. Ken grilled kabobs and we were amazed at how well they went over. Thanks for eating well, Moms & Dads!

We are now a household of legos. It is so fun to watch the children build different things using their imaginations and not so fun to see them scattered on the floor or to step on one of them. Ouch!!

Bri is ready for the bike trail. I think we now have 

them outfitted so we can be legal & safe!

I have to admit. I enjoyed the legos too!

They enjoy their marker board. Little do they know, this fall I will enjoy it, too!

We bought Bri a belt and skirt in Guatemala last December. She was thrilled and it is fun to see her dress up. Yes, she wears it around her head, too, and thinks the belt is a scarf. Due in part to the fact that her mom is not real sure how to keep the skirt up with only a tyed belt and no belt loops. I have some things to learn!

Christmas Eve Day

We had some decently warmer weather on Christmas Eve Day. Ken and I thought it was a good opportunity to get the kids out a little bit. Due to putting a new furnace in last fall, we have lots and lots of mud at our house. I swallowed my "prim and proper motherly tendicies" and let them go at it. As you can tell, Bri's feet got stuck in the mud, but her body kept moving. She was well covered and none too happy about it. 

Ty's 5th Birthday!!

Ty is thrilled to be five!

Yea!! We no longer have to fight over the Leapsters.

He was was excited about his bike from his parents. I thought it looked too big for our kids!

Bri enjoyed holding her new little cousin, Bennett Daniel Long (Myron & Koby's).

We drove to Indiana to help celebrate Ty's birthday. It was a bitter cold day and we went prepared with blankets and lots of wraps in the van. The kids were thrilled to be there with him. I don't think we had celebrated a "real" birthday party with him since the big "1" so it was especially fun to be there. Their age makes it really fun too. They are so into the cousins and family. I think they thank God everyday for cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. I always feel sooo blessed to hear those words come from their mouths.  Ty's birthday always brings back good memories for me. We had our second interview with our social worker the day he was born and we had just received new pictures of Briana to show my parents. Amy was so sweet at the hospital to me since she new we, too, wanted children in our home. I thank God that she was sensitive to my needs that evening at the hospital. It was also fun because we had a secret, too, that they would know about shortly. Anyway, I won't go on and on. Happy Birthday, Ty! Thanks for letting us share in your celebration!

God Will Go with You, Friend!

This one line of a song keeps running through my head today. I don't remember what song it is or even where I heard it, but when I awoke this morning it was running through my head and I just wanted to share it as we start 2009. We have no idea what this year holds and yet we know that as believers in Christ, God will go with us! What a blessing and what a Hope!! Blessings to all today!!  (I do hope to post some pictures of Christmas soon.)