Arriving tomorrow.... :-)

ObI coban't wobait!

Just a little "sister" humor. See you soon emmy-lou!

Shout Out!

Well, I tried to make this cute collage of a few pictures of "the girls", but my blog won't allow it to be shown in a bigger size. Anyway- you get the idea :)

I realized how much I brag on and on about my adorable kids and fantastic husband, that I have failed to mention how blessed I am to have five other incredible women in my life! These girls have seen the ups and downs, and have stood by each other with prayer, compassion...and maybe a few bottles of wine when we need it most! ;-) We have seen each other through times of crisis, pregnancies, miscarriages, deaths in the family, cancer, family drama, losing jobs and finding new ones, ...oh how the list goes on! Its actually kinda depressing to see all of those things written, but that's just life. I believe God gives us the strength to get through times like those- and he brings just the right people into your life to help you through it.

So here's my public shout-out to you girls! I love you very much.

Sunny Days and Big Smiles

Helping search for sea shells, teaching Isabella how to make sand castles, playing at the park and watching my son discover the feeling of sand at the beach...just a few memories that I have tucked away in my mind and heart. Hopefully, someday I'll be able to close my eyes and remember these days when my kids were so small and their world looked so big. Anyone know how to actually keep them this small?

PS. This picture just makes me laugh to myself when I look at it....Ty just isn't sure if he likes the wet sand on his feet. So expressive :-) For a few more of our family trip pictures, go here: http://picasaweb.google.com/Bri.and.John

Storytime with Papa

If there is one treasured tradition that I hold dear to my heart, its reading with my kids. Bella is at the age where she memorizes the story and eagerly anticipates the next page..or next line. She can recite "Pinkalicious" like its nobody's business :) And she's already picking up all the words to "Purplelicious". When we were in San Diego, she disappeared into the other room with Papa to "read" him a book. She picked up a book of Emily's that was sitting there and proceeded to make up a great story that she read out loud to Papa as her captive audience. I snuck in to take a few precious pictures...to capture the moment and to relish in listening to my little girl use her imagination.

Meet Mr. Casey Hughes :)

Ok, ok,...many of you have heard me go on and on about my sister's new boyfriend...we just love him so much. He's an incredible guy and he makes my sister so happy, which is the most important part to me. He's funny, smart and really easy to be around. He makes us laugh all the time, and John is super excited to have another basketball player in the family to hangout with! So without further ado...I introduce to you- Casey!

Riolo Family

Last weekend, during our trip to San Diego, we attended a beautiful ceremony where my parents renewed their wedding vows. They married when my mom and dad were only 20 and 21 and they were not Christians at the time. As the years went by and they became Christians, they always talked about renewing their vows and saying those words again, but this time- with the knowledge of Jesus Christ behind the meaning of those vows. So, in front of a close group of friends and family, they said those words again- and we all got to enjoy it with them. It was a wonderful party and we are so blessed to have parents like them as an example for a strong Christian marriage. I'll post more pictures of the cermeony soon!

"Sistah" Love

I have had the absolute joy of getting to see my sister a lot recently. She came out to visit, and then I went to San Diego for a while, so we've been around each other a lot more. There is some sort of unspoken bond that continues to grow deeper the older we get. We understand each other more, we communicate better, and we share in each others joys and sorrows like no other friend can. I never have to "explain" anything to her, because we just know what the other means. So here are a few pictures to show off my beautiful little sister! Love you Em!

PS. One more year until we can dominate "Amazing Race"!!

I'm Back!!

I know, I know- I haven't "blogged" in forever. We have been so busy in our family, and we were gone in San Diego for a week. Needless to say, we came home to a hectic week ahead of us. So now I have a ton of unpacking, cleaning and organizing to do :( but I promise that I will be posting some stories and pictures soon! My goal is to get caught up today- and I will be back at my normal routine in no time!

Happy Tuesday everyone. :)