A Birthday and a Baptism...

Last weekend was a busy couple of days at the Rieder house...

We kicked off Friday with Mary Kate's 2nd Birthday! Although Jeff didn't make it home because of a cancelled flight and Logan had Cub Scouts...the remaining Rieders managed to make MK feel special. While she was napping Frank and I made her cupcakes and wrapped her presents. After dinner we sang Happy Birthday, ate our cupcakes, and opened presents. Mary Kate seemed to be thrilled with it all! I know she is only 2 and most likely won't remember her 2nd birthday, but I still felt the need to make her actual birthday as special for her as I could.

Frank helping me make Mary Kate's cupcakes...he was truly a huge help!

The birthday girl thrilled with her cupcake tower!

This is her special birthday outfit that she wore the day of the baptism. Since everyone was coming over I piggy backed her birthday to the baptism...we had a cake and sang Happy Birthday! (The never ending "Mommy Guilt" of trying to make everything special:)

On Saturday morning I had to run 10 miles as a part of my marathon training. It's not the most I've had to run so far...but nonetheless it had to get done during this busy weekend.

Then on Sunday at the 10 o'clock mass Emily was baptized. Most of my family and all of Jeff's family were able to make it. Emily did great! She slept for most of the mass and when it came time for the water to be poured over her head she didn't even flinch. The entire event at the church was emotional...the baptism itself (my daughter being welcomed into this wonderful community) and the fact that this will most likely be my last child to be baptized. I held it together pretty well, but there was a moment or two where I was trying hard not to cry:)

Our big family...I love it!

Chris (Ken's wife and God mother), me and Emily, Fr. Bill, Jeff, and Ken (Jeff's brother and God father)

After church everyone came back to our house for lunch. It was a great weekend!

Happy Birthday to Me...

Recently I celebrated my 38th birthday. Yes, that's right...38...unfortunately that wasn't a typo. My birthdays are usually pretty mellow, but this year I wanted to spice things up a little.

We started the night with having some friends and family over to our house for some drinks and appetizers. During this time we of course had a break out a few games...because what would a night at the Rieder house be if there weren't a few games to be played???

Before we were about to head out my husband pulls me up in front of everyone, says a little speech, and then plays this video he made for me. Every time I watch it, it makes me laugh and brings tears to my eyes.

I have to admit...I've watched my video at least 100 times! It's such a great depiction of our life together so far. I absolutely love it! Thank you Jeff!...the best husband around:)

After the video was over we headed out to a karaoke bar where some of us sang (some pretty interesting songs) and danced. I had such a great night cutting lose and having fun!..which was the exact goal of the night.

When all was said and done...I couldn't have wished for a better birthday. Although the point of the night wasn't so that I could get gifts some of my friends were very thoughtful and surprised me with presents. Of course when a present is received and thank you note must be given. So, here are the notes that I will be sending out to thank my amazing friends and family.

Well, that's all for now...

It's been awhile...

Warning, long post!

Well, it's been a few weeks since my last post...and a lot has been going on in my home.

Preschool

Preschool is finally back in session for Frank and Claire. Frank is going three days a week and Claire is going two days. It was hard explaining to them why they weren't in school yet since Logan had started almost a month ago (after meeting the teacher and a staggered start their first full week was Sept. 20). They had an easy transition back into the school routine and they are both enjoying their new teachers and meeting new friends.

From the looks of this picture I think Mary Kate was more excited for Frank and Claire to be heading back to school than they were:)

Getting ready for baby #5

Two weeks ago we made the move of making Claire and Mary Kate roommates. (We needed to free up Mary Kate's room and the crib for the new baby.) Jeff assembled the bunk beds and after one week of Claire enjoying the top bunk, and her room all to herself for the last time, we moved Mary Kate into the room as well as into a "Big Girl Bed". And I must say...Mary Kate has done surprisingly well with the transition. Sure she has gotten out of bed a few times...but I still have my sanity and my hair!

Another crafty family member

As some of you may know, my brother Todd dabbles in photography. Just like me...he's looking to branch out with his hobby and maybe one day make some money from it. Here are some of his pieces of work...



This is a new addition to my walls. Can you see how it spells out RIEDER? I thought this was a really cool idea when my brother first showed it to me. I was able to find the frame at Michael's...thank goodness we only have 6 letters in our last name. I've hung this above my front door. A neighbor of mine has a similar picture and that's where she put it...and I thought that was a great place for it because everyone will for sure see it who enters my house.

These pictures of fruit are hanging in my kitchen. Once we remodeled the kitchen (remember the crazy wall paper??) I had a lot of wall space to fill. I called my brother and asked if he could take pictures of fruit to hang in my kitchen. I've gotten many compliments on these photographs.

He also does action photos (ie. your kid playing soccer, swimming, etc.) so if you're shopping around for some wall art let me know...I can put you in contact with him.

Birthday Girl

Last week we celebrated Claire's 4th birthday! Just when I've calmed down and got my emotions in check about my kids growing up way too fast here comes another birthday. Unfortunately though...Claire was sick on her birthday. Although she was running a fever for three days surrounding her birthday it didn't seem to keep her down. On her actual birthday just our family made her day special with a "Tinker Bell" cake and some presents. Then over the weekend we had her grandparents and her Godparents over for dinner, cake, and of course some more presents. She is more than thrilled to tell everyone that she is now 4!

Although I don't have any of my own crafty creations in this post, don't fear...I have things in the works. I am currently working on 200 wedding programs for my brother in law's wedding...they went with the program with the stamped branch and leaves. (I have had a few friends offer their assistance in assembling them...which will be a huge help! Can I pay friends in food and wine?) Also I am working on a few samples of baby announcements. I have this crazy idea that I will make my own announcements with baby #5. We'll see if that's the caffeine from my coffee talking or if I'm legit?

Well, if you've made it all the way to this point...thanks for reading...and that's all for now...