Happy Birthday Bestie!!

Today is my best friend's birthday and she turned 30! Just so you know, it made me feel better to know that one of the most important people in my life had to do the dirty and turn thirty with me. It seems like when my sister turned 30 she just sailed through that age without a blink, but then again, she is pretty easy going and doesn't make a fuss about things even when they do bother her. I need to be more like that. . . Shauna and Brent, stop nodding your head! Anyhow, I did get to chat with my sweet lady tonight and it made my whole day to know that she was going out for her special day and even more proud to give her advice on my favorite coctail list:

Here she is my famous "Ann Marie, whom I adore and love dearly!" I hope you had a great time hanging out with Josh, Cassie, and Troy. I would have given anything to be there to cheers to you with a Crown and Coke in my hand. "To the best friend a girl could ask for!"

Back in So Dak

So begins my first vacation from Colorado over Labor Day weekend. Yes, that is when we went to South Dakota and I am just now getting to my blog. Pathetic you might say. . . I would agree! We went up for our long OVERDUE trip to my parent's cabin in the Black Hills. Our cabin is a place that I literally can say I have witnessed be built from the ground up and happens to be something that I am very proud of. No, it isn't mine, but maybe someday it will be a Retirement Home, that is if I can convince this hubby of mine to venture beyond the CO borders. I've got time to work on him. Enjoy your short but grand tour (which doesn't include the inside. . . wondering why. . . that is a fine question. . . I was wondering the very same thing and the inside is beautiful. . . next time people).

My favorite view through the trailblazer windshield.

The sign my dad made for our driveway entrance.

This is one side of our cabin. Includes the Breakfast Nook window

and window from the Great Room

(I would tell you which side, but without the Rocky Mountains

on the West I am directionally challenged)

The opposite side of the cabin. (This side has the bedroom windows

from upstairs and one of the master bedroom windows from the main floor)

Rylan's First Four wheeling Trip (around the cabin and down the drive way).

He loved it! The dimple never left his cheek.

Payton's first four wheeling trip! Could be the last. . . let's just say

there weren't any smiles on her face until I said, "Smile for the Camera!"

Awwwww, look at that face! I thought for sure she would be smiling in this picture.

She loved the marshmallowy gooey mess known as SMORES!

Adults are so cooperative when it comes to pictures. . . when do

kids start picking up on that??? I am still waiting!

One of our adventures was going to my old work place (Walmart) which was turned into a Rec Center/Water Park (Pure Brilliance). Why oh why can't they do this for all empty Walmart buildings???? God are you listening???? Paytor Pie taking a dip and practicing all of her new learned

tricks from swimming lessons! Yes, we did accomplish something this summer.

I just don't have any blogs to show for it.

I love Rylan's face in this picture. Not such a great one

of me but he is sooo adorable and loves the water. There is that dimple again!

And finally our picnic in Spearfish Park. Definitely one of my favorite places. I became a picnic packing pro from the summer and learned that it may be a talent :o) Doubtful, but I needed something positive that I accomplished over the summer besides passing Parent/Tot swimming Lessons (You can bet that certificate is still on our fridge) Proud with a capital "P"

Backyard Beach Bums

I decided to spend my last lazy day of summer hanging out in the backyard with my two favorite people in the world. Yep, that would be my kiddos. We headed out in the backyard to run through the sprinkler and soak up the sun together. Here is our progression of activities:

Rylan gets a total kick out of watching his sister jump over the sprinkler.

The greatest sound of summer is laughter.

Rylan smiling at the ladybug.

I never knew he would love this activity so much.

I say sprinkler, and he is in search for his trunks and swimming diaper.

Such cheap entertainment.

The greatest sight of summer is a smile.

Don't bother turning off your music when you listen to this.

It isn't worth the hassle, I promise you.

Next, we used the water from the sprinkler to fill the watering

cans to water mommy's thirsty flowers.

Here, Payton and Rylan are getting their hair wet, because that is sooo cool! The greatest feeling of summer is the cool water on a hot day.

Then, Payton decided to pull a rose that was in bloom to enjoy. (and Brent thinks they die because I don't water them, hmmmm) The greatest smell of summer is a flower.

Now for dessert of course. Popsicles all around! The mini kind are by far the best for younger kids. They get them eaten before they melt down their hand in most cases.

Rylan hearts popsicles!!! Slurping and all!

The greatest taste of summer is a popsicle.

I hope all of my friends and family have enjoyed their summers as much as we have.

. . . and we're back!

Okay, so it has been forever, and a super huge headache in tow with that forever. . . but we now have a new computer which is heavenly and I must say pretty in a cute sort of way. The speakers look like eyeballs.

I decided to call the summer to close with one post that sort of sums up our lazy days in the sun. I don't have the energy nor the time to post all of my pics from this summer, but I do have time to post my last day of summer.

My computer is in the techno hospital finally!!!

So here goes my excuses for not posting lately. . . our wonderful computer (or P.O.S.) is again being sent off to the technos to be fixed or hopefully replaced. I'm leaning toward replacement but for some reason I don't think those geek squad gods are on my side. Between a temperamental computer and a full camera card, I have some serious catching up to do.

Now you are probably wondering how it is that I found time and a computer to create this post, well, I totally hijacked my little sister's laptop while she is in Denver, and thought I better check in so I can remove myself from Lexi's sh-list for not updating my blog. Love you sista! Hoping to be in post heaven soon with all of you ladies that are keeping us up to date with your eventful and funfilled summers. Signing off in hopes of techno prayers come true!)

Popsicle Pals

Long time no blog post! So sorry to those who have been harassing me about this. I'm on it man. All it took was finishing my full time job as a teacher and then miraculously I have found time to document my children growing up. Well, I wanted to share a video that Brent took of them tonight sharing popsicles, which explains why they have had colds for the past week and a half. Here ya go!

Look WHOOOOO's 1!!!

Happy, Happy birthday to you!

Old McRylan turned one year old last week. It was a bitter sweet day and I had many different feelings about my baby turning one. A large part of me was happy because it was a day to celebrate the sweetest little boy in my world. Another part of me was absolutely sad because my little baby that put me on bedrest for several weeks was now one and the time has gone by so quickly. I truly think that when you have a second baby that time passes in triple speed. This other part of me is fearful of what the next year has in store based on some sassiness and attitude that developed with our daughter that we love in a wierd way. But then there is the biggest part of me that is so greatful for the blessing of our son and all of the good times we get to look forward to in the next year of his little life. I love you Rylers!!! Here are some entertaining pictures of our birthday boy at both of his parties (one on the actual day and the other with family)

Yes, I did take the time to make these adorable cupcakes and I loved every minute of decorating them. I AM OFFICIALLY A NERD!

Rylan's Birthday Party on March 30th(notice Aunt Shauna holding his hands back so I can get the picture) Torture on his first birthday :)

(Oh, yes, decorated the giant cupcake too! LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT TOO!)

Rylan loved it too! The frosting anyway!

Exploring the cause of Mommy's extra baby weight (OREOS)

Washing down the rich chocolate goo with ice cold whole milk (NO more bottles or formula!)

The progression of. . .
a down right yummy cupcake! Now, is that a great 1 year old smile or what!

Rylan enjoying his new electronic rocking horse toy!

I'm gonna need the Dummies instructional manual for this one!

Rylan's 1st Haircut at Cool Cuts! Such a handsome little cab driver (I'd give him extra tip).

Here they come. . . the forced (by Amy) family pictures that were much needed.

Uncle Tom, Papa, and Amma (Juli)

Juli and her sons (Brandon, Brent, and Brian)

The Brothers

Juli and her "daughters"

The Grandkids

Payton, Rylan (it's his party and he'll cry if he wants to), Jadon, and Austin in the back

Us (A picture when all of us are looking in the same direction is

virtually impossible at this point)

Brian, Lexi, and Austin

Jadon and Brandon



I had to save the best for last!

Rylan's new found mode of transportation: feet and legs that work together. YAY!!

My Little Truck Driver or Speed Demon

Long time no blog post. Sorry for the delay. I've not been busy, but very lazy. No Excuses!

Here is our little man(11 months) driving his first truck and doing it very quickly, needless to say he likes to cruise. He has been taking a lot of steps lately and is up to 16 in a row without falling. He can even stop while walking gain his balance and continue. That's my cautious side coming out in my son. I'm thinking Rylan will be walking by the end of Spring Break and I am going to try my darndest to get my little lady potty trained once and for all. The mommy and daddy again have been very lazy and boy would we like a little monthly raise when we don't have to pay for two kids in diapers. Can't wait for that day, okay so I can totally wait because that means my babies won't be babies anymore, and then I will want to pop out another. No worries here, but the other fraction of this equation says he is done.

Oh yeah, and just a reminder no need to turn off my killer tunes because you won't want to listen to my son's cheerleaders commenting in the background. Seriously dude! Enjoy!

Newsflash: BUSTED!

Shocking news from the Uhrich Household!

Weapon of Choice

The Guilty Culprit

The Innocent Victim

The Lazy Witness

The Crime Scene (What happens when mommy isn't in the room for 2 seconds, and my 2 year old gets a great idea)

The Great Escape!

Hiding the evidence before Daddy gets home!

THESE ARE THE MOMENTS WHEN ALL YOU CAN DO IS LAUGH HYSTERICALLY AND UNDERSTAND WHY I LOVE BEING A MOMMY MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD!

Heaven Got Another Angel

Today has been a rough one. My two year old is sick again, so I am staying home with her and trying to nurse her back to good health, then when I returned from school (prepping for the sub) Brent filled me in that our dear Nonie had passed last night. I have been very fortunate and I haven't ever gone through this kind of tragedy before. My grandparents are all still healthy and thriving which I am thankful for every day, along with my relatives.

As a tribute to a woman who made my Papa the happiest I had ever seen, I want to tell you a little bit about why she is so special and why I will miss her dearly. I met Nonie just shortly after Brent and I began dating. She was a friend of Papa's from his high school years and Papa had been going back to Iowa for frequent visits. When ever Nonie would come out to visit, we would meet up with them for dinner, wine and cheese, and of course coffee. I treasure the relationship that Brent has with his Papa and the special bond they share with each other. I think Nonie saw this bond and felt it was pretty amazing as well. I will never forget when Nonie painted Papa's front door robin's egg blue. He liked to give her a hard time about it but I thought it gave his house a little bit of character and charm. She had seen it on HGTV which was a subject she and I could talk about for hours. I thoroughly enjoyed going over to their house in the afternoon for some cheese and crackers as well as a little bit of Nonie's favorite boxed wine. That is if I wasn't pregnant. Nonie introduced me to Havarti Dill Cheese and Alouette spread that are delicious. I'm a finicky cheese person so for me to like something besides cheddar and mozzarella should tell you just how special she is. Then we would always meet Papa andNonie for coffee. This was a time that we took advantage of lately because we wanted to be with Nonie in a time of happiness and among her friends. Brent and I aren't coffee drinkers but we loved the socializing time with the two of them and their friends. Truly, our time spent with Papa and Nonie was a cherished experience that neither Brent nor I will ever forget.

More than anything at all, I just hope Nonie knows how much she was loved from the family and from Papa and that she made him very happy. This amazing woman will be missed, but I know that she is in a good place.

Nonie and Rylan at Whole Foods for coffee. I loved her glow when she was holding our kids.

Baby Tag

1. Were you married at the time? yes
2. What were your reactions when you found out you were pregnant? The first time was a complete shock because we weren't exactly planning the pregnancy. The second time was also a shock because my husband proved to me that we really could get pregnant with one try.
3. How old were you? 26 I think
4.How did you find out? Took a pregnancy test and then another and a third to be sure, you know the kind that reads pregnant, not pregnant in words, no symbols.
5. Did you want to find out the sex? Wouldn't have it any other way
6. Due date? My first due date was June 23rd, I think. My second was April 13th, I think. As you can see I'm still suffering from pregnancy amnesia.
7. Did you deliver late or on time? 3 weeks early with the first and 2 weeks early with the second
8. Did you have morning sickness? with both. I would say my morning sickness with my daughter was better simply because it was consistent and I could always plan around it so as to eliminate embarrassing moments.
9. What did you crave? Food in general, but I loved rootbeer floats with my daughter and oreos with my son which would definitely explain my inability to get rid of the extra poundage around my waist area.
10. Who/what irritated you the most? I don't really know. Didn't really love strangers touching my stomach during both pregnancies and totally annoyed with people saying "You are gonna eat that, I heard. . . or my book said. . . (blah blah blah) Last time I checked the author of that book wasn't me so I'm pretty sure they don't know how I feel or what I'm going through at this particular moment."
11. What was your first child's sex? I got that sweet little girl I had always dreamed of when I was little
12. How many pounds did you gain throughout pregnancy? I gained about 18 pounds with Payton and about 30 or so with Rylan which would explain why I still haven't lost all of it and I'd like to blame it on my new birth control plan:)
13. Did you have any complications during pregnancy? High blood pressure with both and bedrest
14. Where did you give birth? Poudre Valley Hospital
15. How many hours were you in labor? probably about 10 hours with my first and about 12 with my second, however, I only pushed with both of them for about 1-2 hours.
16. Who drove you to the hospital? Brent
17. Who watched? Well, Brent is the only one who watched the whole thing, but both of our moms were in the room up by my head so they couldn't see anything
18. Was it natural or c-section? both were natural
19. Did you take medication to ease the pain? Wouldn't have it any other way. An epidural is God's way of allowing a woman to enjoy childbirth from a man's pain tolerance.
20. How much did your child weigh? My daughter was 6 pounds 7 ounces and my son was 6 pounds 11 ounces
21. Did your child have any complications? Both were born very healthy.
22. What did you name your baby? Payton Marie and Rylan William
23. How old is your first born today? 2 and 1/2 years

Now I'm tagging Shauna, Ann Marie and Val

Highlights of Christmas in 2009

Oh how sad I am to be headed back to school tomorrow. This winter break has been so much fun and relaxing as well as productive and special. We were able to visit with many people, share a 1st Christmas, and squeeze my post pregnancy bod into a swimsuit (ugghh)! I'll explain with pictures what we loved about the break.

We started out by visiting one of my favorite people and families of all time: The Hostetters. We enjoyed a tasty lasagna lunch and Christmas gifts with the kids. It was so good to see my best friend of all time, whom I miss terribly every day. I can't get enough of that great gal and we have way too much fun talking and hanging out.

The Tan Man (Anner's Sweet Eyeore:)

Tyce (Love his glasses and all of his energy)

Tate (oldest and such a great brother) and Trin (sweet and absolutely adorable)

On Christmas Eve, I always give my kids a new pair of pajamas to wear and it is the only gift they get to open before Christmas morning. This is a tradition that my mom always did when we were growing up and I always loved wearing new jammies on Christmas Eve.

Rylan's Polar Bear Jammies

Payton's Sweet Dreams Jammies (She is trying not to smile or laugh)

First Cabin Christmas at the Kuhrt Cabin: We finally got to enjoy a Christmas at my parents Cabin in the Black Hills. Cabin Christmas is by far the best way to celebrate the holidays and carry on the traditions that my family has instilled in me, including stringing popcorn and cranberries for garland, hanging gingerbread boys for ornaments, drying apple rings for ornaments and other great activities that are homemade and great bird food. I am always the one that wants to string popcorn and cranberries for the tree and I have to work hard to recruit helpers. When we are done with the tree, we typically put the tree in a snow drift and let all of the little critters enjoy our Christmas Decorations, but my parents weren't real keen on the invite for varmints so we weren't able to do that this year.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

. . . and the stockings were hung by the chimney with care. So this is where our stockings will hang in the future and not by stick pins. I failed to mention that our cabin isn't completely finished and the chimney is still under construction. There are still some things that need to be finished but we didn't let that hinder our celebration.

The Grandkids decked out in their Christmas PJs camping chair and all. Kale is holding on for dear life because he knows from the pumpkin patch what his cousin Payton is capable of. SCARY!!

TO BE CONTINUED!!!!