Monday, December 31, 2012

Final Part of Elvy's Visit

It was wonderful having Den, Kel & Hale here.  We spent everyday together and it made me realize how much I really do miss my sister.  Sophia especially was emotional even a couple days before they were leaving, not wanting them to.  Both girls expressed how much they'll miss them!!  Let's not focus on that now!  

We had lots of fun, played many card games, did puzzles, painted pottery, bowled, ate, ate and ate some more, relaxed, looked at houses, watched the Vikes WIN last night......just enjoyed being together.

Outside Bisque & Beads (pottery painting place)

Our painters

Dolphin jewelry box for Ab

Snack bowl for Soph

Grandma painting a cute spoon holder

Hale painting a detailed place - way talented girl!!


The Girls

Bowling!!

Cousins

Ab LOVES playing cards!!  War, Slapjack, Go Fish

Abby took this picture of us sisters

550 piece puzzle we completed!!

Bowling with empty water bottles & tennis ball.....creative kids!!



Thursday, December 27, 2012

Excited to Have Elvy's Here Again

With much anticipation, they arrived on Monday afternoon to NC.  Pops & Grandma picked them up and brought them directly to our house for family time.  Sadly, I was feeling pretty miserable, but trying to put a happy face on.  

Long story, but after two visits to Urgent Care (Sunday afternoon & Tuesday morning), I was diagnosed with Shingles, Ramsey Hunt syndrome.  The pain was so extreme, I was confident I had a brain tumor.  You think, oh don't exaggerate, but let me tell you, the pain, pressure and swelling on the right side of my head as well as pain in my ear was such that that was my only conclusion.  My hubby did his best to comfort me.  I was also so glad to be surrounded by my family.  There is nothing like having your mom with you when you feel awful, sad, scared and in pain.  Having Elvy's here was just what I needed too.  They have been a huge help, plus nice distraction.  I'm feeling almost 100% at this point.  

Back to their visit......Tuesday afternoon we relaxed at Pops & Grandma's and had a wonderful turkey dinner.  My mom outdid herself again.  The brussel sprouts Melissa made were AMAZING.  I really did say that and mean it.  Hayley gave the girls hair make-overs, played War, watched hilarious You-tube videos.  It was just what I needed.  

Since I wasn't up to it, there has been a lack of pictures so far.  
  
Monday - All us girls + Max

Making cookies

Tuesday - playing with the dough

What a doll with those curls - thanks Hale!

Mom & Dad

Cousins

Ab, Mel, Soph & Hale

Mmmmmmm

Good

One table

The rest of the crew (minus Mom & Me)

Playing games on Kelly's phone



Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Craig & Susannah's Visit

 Another visit from family!!!  

We are so glad that everyone has made the effort of visiting us in NC.  This time it was Craig & Susannah.  Thank you both for spending time with us!!

Check out what we were busy doing with them......

Presents for the girls - THANK YOU!!!

Go Fish

Rye, Pops, Susannah & Craig 

Melissa, Sophia & Susannah

One family dinner - Saturday

Ab, Me & Craig

Candyland!

Susannah & Craig
Popping Caps from Mick

The boys - Ryan, Craig, Pops, Mick & Josh

Craig, Sophia, Susannah & Abby

Check out Melissa's gesture & Craig's thinking really hard
Too funny!!!

Homework help for Sophia - Monday night

Our Family

Mick, Craig & Susannah




Monday, December 17, 2012

Bouncing Girls

These two are so silly together.  The other day I grabbed my camera and snapped a couple pics & videos.  The trampoline is such a great energy burner!!  

Loving Sisters

Silly Faces









Thursday, December 13, 2012

Sleepovers Are The Best

Last month the girls had two friends sleepover.  They all got along wonderfully and had lots of laughs.  I picked up glow sticks @ the Dollar Tree. They were a hit to make into necklaces & bracelets and wear them jumping on the trampoline at night. 

These girls are welcome anytime!!  This was Claudia's first sleepover at a friend's house.  She said she can't wait to come & stay again!  Asia has been here many times, we always enjoy her company.
  
Makes us happy to have such great friends for our girls!!




Friday, December 7, 2012

Ahead in Reading

This Little Missy is doing amazing in her reading!!  Recently her teacher sent home a note that she assessed Abigail in reading.  To be on target with where the kindergarteners need to be by the end of the year, she would like them to be on a level B at this point.  Well, this cutie pie of ours in currently reading on a level D!!!  

We were so proud when we read this.  It seems as if it all clicked for her now.  It is really neat to hear her becoming more fluent and enjoy reading!

Way to go Abby ~ keep up the good work!!!  

 

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Remembering Mark

It is sad to think at 21 years old Mark (Josh's brother) was tragically injured at work and died.  We think of him today and know we will see him again.  

I didn't get to know him well.  Josh & I married November 1996 and Mark died December 4, 1997.  Since he lived about an hour away and was 5 years younger than Josh, we didn't run in the same circle of friends.  I look forward to getting to know Mark and see his beautiful smile again.  He was always smiling when I saw him!  

Rissell Kids 1978 (Mark is in the blue overalls, being held by Stephanie)
Josh is in the yellow shirt - front and center

Jade, Alexis & Mark at our wedding 11/1996

Rissell Boys @ our wedding
Mark, Matt, Luke, Tim
Joel, Josh, Phill

Monday, December 3, 2012

Isle of Palms Shutterfly Book

Shutterfly had an offer on Groupon - $10 for 8x8 photo book (like $30 value).  I LOVE Shutterfly and jumped on that deal.  Here is the book I created......


Build your own high-quality photo books at Shutterfly.com.