Welcome to my Rich Life

Monday, December 26, 2011

2011 in Pictures

Good Bye 2011. 
 After the holidays we packed up and moved
from 11665 Joyful Way. It was a tearful good bye. We
have missed our country life.
 Spreading Love and Hugs. Look how small and little
Easton is. He did a lot of growing this year.
 We were blessed to find a nice neighborhood and good
schools in Leawood Kansas. We love that we are so
close to the library, shopping and friends.  There is always
someone to go to the pool with or to play basketball or
flashlight tag.
 We have enjoyed the Kansas City Zoo.
 This building and the people who come here to work and see Dr. Wilson
and Dr. Julia are why we are here.  It has been successful and extremely needed
in this community. Thank you Independence Missouri.  
 Ian decided to be Baptized. We are proud of him.
 I was lucky enough to go to
Moscow and St. Petersburg Russia with girlfriends
for ten days. It was such an amazing experience. I enjoyed
St. Petersburg the most.
 We spent a lot of lazy summer days at the pool. Everyone
swims so well now.
 California...our second love. How we love you.
 This is where I love to be. Watching and playing the days away.
 Early morning walks on the beach with our "early riser" Sydney were
such a great time.
 We were able to visit the ranch in Vernal for the Fourth
of July. We ran the four wheelers out of gas. We also emptied the refridgerator.
Thanks Grandpa and Grandma Southam. You always show us a good time.
 This bowl of fresh picked raspberries with yes that is
half and half, were my muse every morning.
 My little boy started Kindergarten. He asks his teacher
everyday..."when is it time to go home?" I'm secretly
glad he misses home and his mom so much.
 Two kids almost learned to waterski this summer. Maybe 
next year they will master it. I have to admit I enjoyed being able
to do something they can't quite do yet...I'm so mean! Anywhew...
 Fall in Kansas was spectacular. The reds and orange colors were
breath taking. We enjoyed how long it lasted.
 Halloween..the candy holiday is loved by all in our home.
SURPRISED? At least we have a great Dentist.
 We always have an enormous amount of pumpkins. I'm glad
we all like roasted pumpkin seeds.
 This fall I snuck (is that a word) away to Denver
with some girlfriends. Never is there a dull moment with this group.
I came back to Kansas not rested but restored. Thanks girls.
 This is the group I am lucky to be around. 




 Thanksgiving in Provo Utah was such a treat. We have so much
fun with Ben's Family. We are so lucky to have such fun cousins.
You were all worth the 36 hour road trip. We would do it again....just 
not real soon.

 Christmas in Kansas City. It has been memorable in many ways.
We have shared the holiday with many new and special friends.
We also made a new Tradition. Cupcake Wars. The boys made the cutest
pig cupcakes. It is always competitive at our house. But
the girl lost with class and we will just take the winners pot next year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.
I hope that you received the same gifts as me, Kindness, Charity,
Love, Hope, Forgiveness and Friendship. May god bless you all.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Christmas Tour

Merry Christmas!
I had a conversation on the phone with my parents a few nights ago.
The conversation went mostly like this...
I miss you, I miss you too.
Will you come for Christmas?
No, I'm too old. It's too far. 
Will you come home for Christmas?
No, I'm too grown up and have to be a parent to
six great kids who are counting down to Christmas.
I don't want to drive THAT far. I just did at Thanks giving.
They asked if I would post more
Christmas picture to my blog. So this is mostly for them.
I love you and miss you a lot this year.
 A City Christmas for us.
 The hustle and bustle, bells ringing and music has been fun
The traffic everyday I can live without. Where do all these people
come from?
 This is a shot from my favorite Restaurant RA.
The best calamari and sushi on the planet.
Ben and I love to have lunch there on Fridays.
 Leawood is full of Art year round.
 This is where my team won at scabble last weekend.
We didn't have dinner dish duty for a week. Ben's team
wants a rematch soon.
 This is Ben's Christmas gift...he loves his new recliner.
 Look out the kitchen window, there is no snow.
The kids keep hoping for a white Christmas.
 I got a new nativity this year. Jim Shore is one of my
favorite artist among many.
Come on Over. We love visitors. If you can stand the volume and chaos.
Do you see the mistletoe?
Utah would love a kiss.
Happy Holidays to all our friends and family.

My Three Wise Men...

 Dillon Ruslan
Never Ever complains...I mean never.
He is my angel.
Easton Benjamin
Always has a hug and kiss for me....Always. I'm so lucky.
Ian Iliah
The biggest, strongest helper on the planet.
I never carry in the groceries thanks to this strong guy.
Did I mention there is nothing this kid can't do! Amazing.
I am so luck to be surrounded by such great guys. 
It is my biggest joy. They were so cute today. They surprised
me with breakfast in bed. Thank you God for great boys.

Top Ten Thurs.

Top ten questions asked:
  1. How many days until Christmas?
  2. Do Reindeer really fly?
  3. How long is Christmas break?
  4. Will Santa bring me a laptop?
  5. Why do I have to shower?
  6. Do I have a fever?
  7. Why are candy canes shaped like a cane?
  8. Can I stay in my PJ's?
  9. How do you spell Sincerely?
  10. Will there be snow on Christmas?

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Ugly Sweater Party

We   made a new tradition this year.
The ugly christmas sweater party.
It was a lot of fun. 
Some of us had to hunt for the ugly sweater for weeks,
others just went to their closet. I won't name names.
Here are some ugly options I found online.






Krista and Mary

 Dr. Julie, Michelle, Kenya and Clyde
 My two personal favorites.....Mary and Brandy
 Amanda and Ryan..aren't they festive!
We are so blessed. I am so grateful as I gather around a big spread of food.
Dinner by candlelight with good food and company, I have to admit,
I had almost forgotten how fun it is to host a party
and enjoy it! It had been too long. Thank you friends
for all the ugly fun that was had last night. I hope to
carry on this "ugly" tradition!

Monday, December 12, 2011

Get Gifting

These are just a few of my favorite things
This Holiday Season...
 Truffles...creme brule. My favorite dessert.
 I bought this bike a few years ago and love it. Mine is White. But don't you love
the new BLUE?
 Santa called and left a message. He said I had been only
a little naughty and  a lot nice. He said this pretty camera may
come down the chimney for me!
 Sundance jewelry...need I say more.
 Every girl must have a cute pair of these. I think a pair in my stocking
would do just fine.
 Two please in slate grey....
 Crate and Barrel is so much fun. Think of all the goodies
you could mix up in this cute bowl.
Crate and Barrel again.  I love the rustic feel of this end table. 
Just a fun few favorites. Now, get wrapping!