A little Hike

Something that was so amazing about this Christmas is that My Brother and Travis came out to spend time with us. What a blessing to have my brother and my sister here at the same time. I wish we didn't take advantage of living so close. It is so rare for us all to be together.

Travis, Kaydon and Zephy checking out the view

We decided to hike us to the Indian Ruins. Not only was the view breathtaking it was neat to learn a little history and teach it to the kids. Not growing up in Arizona... there is so much I don't know!! And for me, I learn so much more from seeing things then just reading them. You should go check this out sometime..... it is a fun family activity.

Jen and Mitch working there way up ( So excited that he came)


The Clements ( Love you guys)

Isn't the View Awesome?

Merry Christmas

We switch having the kids each Christmas with their Mom. So this year they were not able to join in the Christmas eve fun with my parents so we were able to go over and Celebrate a couple days later as well as with Gale and Ray. ( I don't know what happened this year but I did not take many pictures... so sad)

Can you Rock???

By Far the gift of choice was Guitar Hero...... We can all be Rock stars without a musical bone in our body. This is addicting and SO MUCH FUN!!!!!

Zephyr and Jen

Gabe and Kasey

Christmas Eve at the Flanagan's

One of the most special memories I have is Christmas Eve with my Parents. i love that my sister and her family come out to be with us. As long as I can remember Santa has always made a special visit to give each of the kids 1 gift and one last wish! I am so grateful that he is able to make time for us :)

Something else that makes it so special is when Kasey's Dad and Gale come to celebrate with us! There has even been time Nicole's family has joined and tat makes it even better. The more the merrier!!!! My parents open there home and make all who attend welcome and feel special.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas with the Pomroy's

Christmas with Kasey's Mom's side of the family is always fun. There are a lot of kids activities to keep all the cousins busy. One thing they do every year is a Nativity Play. What a great way for the kids to revisit the true meaning of Christmas each year. There are many other, but my favorite is " Decorating the Dads like a Christmas Tree" There is a pile of supplies, a time limit and they are off. It is fun to watch each family be creative and silly! If there wasn't so much laughing they would probably be more decorated.....

What great Dad's Dax and Kasey are

Dax's kids with his niece Kayla

Our crew... We did win this year!!!!

It is so neat to be able to have this tradition at Nana and Papa's house every year. We are so grateful that they switched dates so that we can be a part of this for years to come!

think of it this way.....

A White Christmas

A Little piece of heaven here on Earth

What a beautiful sight!!!! I am so grateful for the opportunity to spend a couple days in this breathtaking place. This year we Celebrate Christmas with Bruce and Debbie ( Kasey's mom and step dad) in GREER!!!!! It is a place like no other. We stayed in a gorgeous cabin and even sat in the spa on the deck while it snowed! I have always dreamed of having a white Christmas, and although this was a little early it was still wonderful. I would love to live in a place like this... any day!!!!

The kids had so much fun playing in the snow. Unfortunately when we went to go sledding a storm was starting and we were not able to go. All the kids were disappointed. When they saw that Kasey could barley stand in it ... they wanted to stay indoors for sure.This was Kadyons first experience in the snow and we defiantly learned a lot, like give him a breathing treatment before he goes out in it. It didn't take long before he was having a really hard time breathing and needed to go in to get it.

On Saturday afternoon Kasey and I were able to take a little hike, just the two of us. I am so blessed to have him as my husband. He is so thoughtful and loving ... and romantic! He always takes the time to enjoy the simple things with me and finds time for us to spend together.

One of our favorite Christmas traditions is drinking from an orange with a candy cane. We turn it into a race and we thought it would be fun to share it with the family. I love to watch peoples faces when they see that it actually works.... it's priceless!!!!

Of course the kids had an opportunity to build a gingerbread house. The girls were defiantly more into building it, while the boys really enjoyed EATING IT!!!

Nanny and Poppy with their Grand kids....... Thank you so much for a memorable weekend. We had a blast.

I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful family!

It was so nice to spend time with Kyle, Amy, Kylee and Brady! Even though they live close we are all so busy that we never seem to have much time to just hang out. Hopefully we will find more time in 2009. We hope you had a nice birthday Kyle, it was so nice to be able to share it with you and your beautiful family. We love you guys.

Star of Wonder

Star of Wonder is a play put on by Phoenix First church in Cave Creek. Each year we make it a point to go and experience this uplifting story that focuses on the true meaning of Christmas. The show is amazing with live animals, flying angels and even some comedy thrown in there. It will keep all ages entertained.I highly suggest going to see this with your friends and family.



Kaydon was over the picture taking experience by this time. Before the play we met at Debbie and Bruce's (Kasey's Mom's) to take family pictures with them and his brother Kyle's family.

Dear Santa....

Kaydon has so much fun going to talk to Santa every year. This was his first year he would not tell us what he told Santa! Wish me luck ....

Christmas time is here again!!!!

So this has to be my favorite time of year.... hands down! I enjoy creating lasting family moments that our kids will remember- well beyond the gifts- and spending time with family. I love the baking, candles, lights,stories, trees, gift giving and music....It truly puts a month long smile on my face.Every yday in December we try to do something special. The range of activities are huge and there are defiantly some that are more of the favorites then others. It has been a new experience trying to figure out how to do plan and do these activities, shop and work all at the same time. Hopefully next year will be a lot easier.
So the one activity we first is always our Arizona snowball fight. this is one of the kids favorites.... by far! The opportunity to throw things at us, well lets just say it is taken VERY seriously! So the rules are... everyone gets 1 big bag of marshmallows and no throwing above the shoulders.... all else is fair game....

Meet Norton

Norton is our Elf that Santa sent to keep an eye on the kids. He sticks around through the holidays and reports to Santa every night on how the day went. Every morning he is hiding in a new spot and the kids have so much fun trying to find out where he is. Then on Christmas Eve he heads back with Santa for a well needed vacation.

Christmas in our new house

Our tree is up, the stockings are hung and the lights shine outside on our house......

Meet the newest Richardson!!!

Okay so for the past 2 years I have wanted to change Kaydon's last name. It has been almost 3 years sense he last saw his biological Father and 2 years from the last conversation. Kaydon has no clue who the man is and has come to love Kasey and look at him as his DADDY!! A true blessing to me. I have been able to watch a love grow that is not out of a DNA bond so to say. It is amazing to me to see Kaydon look at Kasey and know that this is his Daddy and to know that is true. Regardless of who his Biological Father is. A Daddy is so much more. I have a new understanding on how "adoption" feels to people. Love is amazing and it has no strings.

On November 10, Kaydon became Kaydon John Henry Richardson! I LOVE IT!!!! Many have asked why the Henry was added. Well in Kasey's family it is tradition to have an H middle name if you are a boy. He brought up that Kaydon should not be an exception- he is his son :) It was easy to figure out what it would be- Henry is my Father's middle name- who Kaydon has always adored. What an incredible feeling to stand in front of the judge, with Kasey behind me, hearing him say Kaydon's new name! It was music to my ears, even though that is what we always called him. Knowing that it was real feels FANTASTIC!

I feel like he has such a strong name! And so does he. He has no idea what just happened, he thought this was already his name. One day, when he is old enough I will explain it to him, and why I did it. I will never hide who Alex is- and there is no changing that. He contributed a genetic piece of what makes Kaydon so special. Kasey is leaving the imprints on his heart! He is going to show him what it means to be a Dad and I know how much Kaydon will appreciate Kasey when he is older. They have a great bond.As strong as any Father and Son I have ever known. I am so thankful to God every day to have led me down the path to get to where I am today. I have changed and grown. I have learned so much on the way. God is in control and his plan for us is great! Even if we can't see it.

This was a day to remind me of that. That your past does not dictate our future... but it did leave a mark!

Thank you for all your prayers during this process.

A Birthday date with Blake

One of the things that is important to Kasey and I is to spend quality time alone with each of the kids. So one of our birthday traditions is to take them on a date. With only having Blake part time, it was hard to find a date night. But thanks to nana and Papa we were able to take him out and the other 3 had a blast in their spa! Thank You guys!!!

Blake has always wanted to make his own " build a bear' He will borrow one of the other kids bears to sleep with at night. So we decided to take him to make his own "bear". What a suprise it was for him.... and we even went to eat pizza- his favorite- at California Pizza Kitchen( one of my favorites) We had so much fun watching him bring his bear to life and figure out 'who" he was. With much thought and time he finally came up with a name.... MIKE MIKEY RICHARDSON!!!!!

As Mike has became part of our family we have watched Blake be nuturing! It is so sweet to see him tuck him in and bring him along to play. He is a sweetheart under all that energy!!!! I love that boy!!!!!

Happy Birthday Blake!!!!! I pray that you never loose your energy or fun spirit! You have a competitive nature and a kind heart! You are one special kid!!!!

I need you!!!!

Okay friends... I have to wear a costume for school this year and I have NO CLUE what to be. I need simple and inexpensive! I have to wear this two days in a row. Put on those creative caps and let me know what you come up with!!!!

THANK YOU!!!!!

FALL BREAK!!!!!

Today is the first official day of fall break adn I am so excited! I have so many things on my to-do list. I just don't seem to have enough time with working. More organizing this week so that things will run a little smoother. All the boys start baseball this week!!!! busy times in the Richardson home.. but I need to make more time for this and reading. So keep posted for many catch up blogs in the days to come!

777

7 Things I plan to do before I die
1. Open my own children's book store
2. travel the world
3. Watch a game at every baseball stadium
4. Have a baby with kasey
5. live on the lake in our dream house we built
6. Skydive
7. run a marathon

7 things I do now
1. Read
2. talk on the phone
3. mom stuff
4. organize
5. plan
6. run... ( it really feels so good. I am happy to get back into it. )
7. Work on the house

7 things I can't do
1. Can't start anything mid week...diets/runnning...etc
2. find time to scrapbook.... I am so behind
3. I can't stand living out here
4. not take things personal
5. wait to get the yards finished
6. sing
7. make everyone happy

7 things that attract me to the opposite sex
1. smile
2. positive attitude
3. humor
4. hands
5. a manly man... can fix things and makes me feel safe
6. romantic
7. hardworking

7 things that I say most often
1. I love you
2. Abby... get down
3. Quick hug
4. Anything I can do?
5. let's go
6. 5 more minutes
7. ok

7 celebrities that I admire ( or Like)
1. Tom Hanks
2. Julia Roberts
3. Ellen
4. Meg Ryan
5. Olympians
6. Ang & Brad
7. Nicholas Sparks

7 favorite foods
1. Pasta
2. skinny cow ice creams
3. granola and yogurt
4. homemade ice cream cake
5. crispy apple salad
6. cup o noodle
7. fajitas

7 people who need to do this
1. Kymberly
2. Denise
3. Jen
4. April
5. Diana
6. Nicole
7. You!!!

Diamond Back's Game with the Girl Scouts

Troop 228

Diamond Back game Parade

Tonight we had our first Girl Scout event of the year and what a better thing then a Baseball game. Kasey and I just love going and although it is not "fun" for all 4 of the kids....we really had a great time. all the families that came were great. I can't wait to get to know everyone more.this is going to be a fantastic year.

on the bad note... D-Backs lost in the 10th. And yes, we stayed the entire game! We got there at 3:45 for the parade and left at 9:45pm. Carlie just had to see Jessica Simpson after the game. We stayed for 1 song... and that was torture!!!!

Baylee,Maggie,Carlie, Sabrina

Carlie and the girls ended up clapping ( you know what I am talking about- we all did it as kids) the entire game. There were times they even got the fans started in on the " Go D-Backs Go" chant!!!! I am so excited for the friendships that Carlie is making. They are ones that will last a lifetime. I know that one of my most treasured friends is from my childhood. Shannon, is more like a Sister and holds such a special piece of my heart. no matter what Journeys life takes us on, she is one of the firsts that I think about and want to share with. Even if we go long periods of times without talking..... she is in my prayers and thoughts daily.

The Richardson's

Here we are!!! The latest family Pic

Where has the time gone?????

I can't believe how long it has been!!! I have been thinking about blogging and all the things that have happened in the Richardson world, but just have not found the time. I was going to go back and do ALL THOSE blogs to keep everyone updated- but that is just to overwhelming for me. So here is a little recap....

1. I started working!!! I teach 2 classes at Ladybug preschool. MWF Pre-K and T TH 3's. It is so much fun! The kids are wonderful and have really transitioned well to there first school experiences!!! I know that when I get more into the routine and get my class stuff more organized, it won't seem to take up so much more of my time then I thought.Luckily it is mornings and I am blessed to have my dear cousin to drop Kaydon off with and take him to school (thank you so much Kymberly- Kaydon loves being with you guys) This also allows me to volunteer in his class on Tuesdays for over 3 hours! I love being able to watch him in his class and with his friends.
2. Carlie started Girl Scouts with her cousin Baylee!!! She is so excited and actually "giddy" about it. If it were up to her we would have it EVERY DAY!
3. Dylan started Boy Scouts. He is excited about it.... even though there is work at home and things to study. I think it will be even more exciting when things get going a little more.
4. All three boys are in baseball and start next month
5. We are FINALLY doing our backyard!!!! I can't tell you how excited I am to have grass and a place for the kids to go out back and play without getting so dirty! Plus the dogs won't bring in all the dirt every time they come in and out there little doggy door! We put in the new sprinkler and drip system- i am not a fan of the blisters from shoveling! We finished the pavers yesterday for the boarder of the grass, veggie garden and flower garden- Dylan was a big part of this project and he did fantastic!!! we are getting so close!!!
6. Boys are doing great in school. Dylan is in the chess club which meets on Tuesdays and he has so much fun. Kaydon is at the verge of reading!!!! I know one of these days it is going to click! When we read at night he is getting more and more of his sight words and is so proud of himself. he is just dying to be a reader!!!
7. We finally got our Kitchen table and I LOVE IT!!! What is great is we moved the old one into the dinning room for now, so I actually have a place to do all my school work. Our house is really coming together. I can't wait for the holiday season so I can start decorating.
8. The other great news is I got a new computer for my birthday!!! What a blessing this was from Kasey and the kids. I don't have to wait forever to do things because it freezes or just shots off!!! ( Hopefully this will make blogging easier )
9. We have a plan for our "big" thing!!!! The joy that brings me in unmeasurable
10. Dove season is here and Kasey couldn't be more excited!!! Today was opening day and he was gone at 4:00 a.m.
11. We had a slumber party with our niece and I got to take the girls to get their nails done.. so fun.
12. Dylan and I had a date and he made a fantastic motorcycle bank at As You Wish.

Well I think that about catches us up!!!! Hopefully I will get some pictures up soon and it won't take as long to update you all. Have a Happy Labor Day!!!

Kaydon Update

So last night I received a message from Kaydon's Cardiologist asking to call him back to go over the results of Kaydon's tests but not to worry because it is nothing tragic!!! Talk about an unsettling way to go to bed ( especially with Kasey out of town)I called first thing this morning and have waited till now to get a call back. Unfortunately no Dr's our in today so I was talking to the nurse. Anyways, he was reading the notes and wanted to tell me that he has cardiac dysrhythmia! Nothing " tragic" ( I really am not a fan of that word at this point) is what he said but that the Dr. would call and explain the results and what the follow up will be. He let me know that it is benign ( I thought that was a cancer term) and that he could only read the notes and the Dr.would be able to explain everything! I just wanted to keep those of you who have been asking updates. We should know more next week.Thanks for all your prayers

And we're off!!!!

He is so excited

His backpack is bigger then him

The " BOYS"

Mrs. Zavisch

I still can't believe my Little boy is in Kindergarten. I am so proud of him. We sent him off with the Courage key and his first words when I picked him up were " Mom, I didn't even need my key.. I wasn't even nervous" That melts my heart. Many times I don't give him credit for growing up and not being so little. He has his friends and when they started to get to the playground they all played together, never looking back. When it was time to go to class he ran up and gave me a kiss ( I don't want that to ever change... even though I know it will when he gets older) and asked for the " KISSING HAND" and waived goodbye.

He loves his teacher and so do we. She is the perfect amount of happiness, Joy, correction, structure, love.... I could go on. What a blessing Kaydon has her. She has not only helped him make the transition into the world of big kids, but mine as well. I know he is safe and loved with her. I can't wait to see what this year brings!!!!

It gives you Super Hero Powers....

During our last visit to the Pediatrician we were informed that they noticed and irregularity in Kaydon's heartbeat! She kept re-listening and then decided that we needed to go see a pediatric Cardiologist!!! Talk about some scary words for a parent to hear. She stayed that everything may come out fine, she just feels that it needs to be looked into. We weren't in panic mode because we figured if it was urgent they would have sent us straight to the Hospital and not make an appointment.
It took a couple weeks to get him in, and we prayed a lot that he would be just fine and if there was anything the Dr.'s would find it now. He went in for his first EKG at 8:00am ( I am surprised at the lack of compassion and "child-like" bedside manners that they had with him) but the Dr. informed us that it looked "in the normal range". Good news!!! After a few more questions he had for us, he decided to send him home with a monitor for 24 hours to see what his little heart did through the day and how it reacted to things. What a trooper Kaydon was wearing this belt and cords all day! He never complained- even when he had to sleep with it on. His biggest concern was that people were going to make fun of him :( We just told him it made him look like he was a super hero and he loved that.
They said that it would take about 72 hours to download all the EKG's it took- over 50 pages-! Then the Dr. will go through and look at our diary of EVERYTHING he did for that 24 hour period. We had to note when he walked up stairs, ate, cried... etc!!!! They will call after that with the results! Keep praying that everything is fine and that this is just a precaution!

Mamma Mia!!!

Okay so tonight I got to go see Mamma Mia with my sister! It is so fun having her in town and being able to do these simple things together. I wish that I had more time when she was here to just hang and bond. Anyways, let me just tell you what a FUN movie this was. It was light hearted and happy! I have been stuck singing the song from the commercial and I know know that I am in need of the soundtrack! I love watching movies and going to movies (and it is such a treat to go) that I tend to think through the whole thing.... what will happen next, is that realistic.. etc! I just got wrapped up in the songs and had fun with it. A MUST SEE!!! it has also re-motivated me to getting Kasey and I are our plan for our 1st big vacation. Don't get me wrong it is years away.. but it will be AMAZING! I want to find the city and church in this movie and go there.

Happy Birthday Jen

I wanted to take some time to wish my sister a very Happy Birthday. I absolutely HATE the fact that we live so far away!!! I realize now, how much I took for granted the closeness that we once lived! I am so sorry for that. I wish , and pray, that one day we will live closer again!!!!

You teach me so many things and I am so grateful to have you as a sister and friend. Your marriage has taught me how to be a better wife and how important it is to be friends and have fun. I value having you and Gabe as examples.

You are an AMAZING Wife and Mother. It is so fun to watch you with your family. You have an incredible family and the cutest little boy. Zephyr is so smart, creative, kind, loving.... I can go on and on and on!!! You have done an amazing job. He is so lucky to have you as his mother. You put 100% into raising him and it shows.

You are an amazing AUNT!!!! I love watching the love you have for Kaydon, and all of your nieces and nephews. You have such a kind, welcoming, loving heart. There is no question when they say you are their favorite Aunt. You are there friend and they feel your love. Thank you for making them all feel sooo special!!!

Jen, you are an incredible Sister. You are thoughtful, loving, caring!!!!! I value you so much as my older Sister, and one of my Best Friends. Thank you for all you do, for all your love and for your contagious smile. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. I hope want to wish you a wonderful year full of fun, love and happiness!!!! You are the Best!!!