Carbon Copies

My husband is a wonderful, caring, intelligent (the superlatives could go on forever) man. It is hard to believe that two such men could exist at the same time, much less the same state, or even the same small town. But yes, it is true. John has a brother, that if they were not separated by years they could be twins. His name is Ron.

John and Ron at Uof A graduation 2007

(okay, so in this photo they don't look all that much alike, but believe me it is true) Not only are they very similar in facial features and body structure, they both received Engineering degrees from U of A. They were both football stars, and both took state individually in wrestling. If this were not enough, they both started families and had a daughter first. The objects of their affection? The cutest, most adorable Mexican girls on the face of the planet!

Brigette and I at the same graduation (i'm not fat, just pregnant)

So, as you have deduced, these lovely vixens are the wives to the studly muffins pictured above. The similarities only continue to amaze. Brigette and I are both needless worriers. We can picture the worst thing in the world and fret about it for hours. She and I both love reading and torturing our husbands. (it is fun, but she is better at it) We love toe socks and pajamas....if I keep going it will bore you to tears!

Once, at a family reunion, John took a picture with Brigette while she was holding Kaylee. Everyone (even close friends) complemented her on how beautiful her family was! Our husbands are so alike, I bet it is almost the same as staring into a mirror!

Photography Session

Ryenn sitting on a brick wall in our back yard

Having our family portrat taken was an absolute delight. I spent so much of the previous night working myself up over nothing!



Ryenn trying to scale that same wall


Andrea Stanley and all of her assistants were so professional. It did not even seem like we were having pictures taken. It was a really fun atmosphere. Plus, Ryenn did so well. They had nothing but compliments for her. They actually said that she was one of the easiest toddler sessions they had ever had. I can't wait to see these pictures. She is going to be so precious!!!


Yes, I am just that good at capturing great moments!


Of course, since Rye Rye looked absolutely adorable, I could not resist the chance to take my own photos. She is the perfect subject...such a ham!

Perched Precariously

There is a lip protruding from my fireplace. This is not your run of the mill fireplace. It is run with gas, and has those corny, fake logs. As this poses no real danger of flying, popping pieces of burnt lumber...our fireplace does not have a gate, and is level with the ground. (with the exception of the lip)


At the bottom of the photo....yes, it's the lip!

This morning I was cooking eggs for breakfast. Ryenn was happily watching and dancing along with her favorite show (the backyardigans). She generally stays engaged with this show, for which I am very thankful. From 9:00 to 9:30 and 1:00 to 1:30, I have some much needed me time. So, I am cooking eggs and I can hear a small, but slightly frustrated whining. Rye Rye can be pretty fussy, and this cry was nothing like her "Momma, I really need you" cries.

I ignored it, and went back to my breakfast. After a while, I heard the same cry, but with more intensity behind it. So I thought, "Guess, my eggs are burning today." After precautionarily (yes that is a stephanie-izm) turning the heat down I peeked my head into the next room. There was my little adventurer. She was on the lip of the fireplace trying to make a grab for the rocking chair to get down. Of course if I had not intervened, I am sure that she would have ended up with some large knot and purple bruise over her delicate eye. She was absolutely determined to get off the ledge on her own. She made several attempts after my initial rescue!


The distance from the fireplace to the rocking chair!

I will have to keep better tabs on her today. Tomorrow is the first ever trip to the photographer. Yes, we will be getting our first family portrait! Wish me luck.

We've Created a Monster!

Ryenn denying every possible implication

Living in Tucson for as long as we did was really nice. We had a chance to be alone, and to learn about each other as a married couple. When we finally decided to have children it was a decision we made. (unforced) There were not members of the family pushing us to move onto that next step.

After Ryenn was born, we remained in Tucson until she was almost a year old. She hardly got to see her Nunley grandparents (they have a lot on their plates and aren't free to travel much), but Grandma Lisa made frequent trips to see us. Grandpa Frank was closer still, but our plans seldom worked out. (plus he is over six foot, with a long bushy mustache...slightly intimidating) Ryenn isn't as social as I would like her to be. She is very pleasant and friendly, but once John and I leave her alone with someone she isn't quite comfortable with...disaster!

I left her at our house with Aunt Mariah for about 20 minutes once. It ended with Ryenn crying the entire time. She cried so much that she vomited on Mariah. (i believe more than once) As far as I can tell Ryenn handles being left alone with my mother pretty well, and I suspect she would do well with my cousin Jac. I have never seen her attach herself to anyone the way she did with Jac.

Ryenn and Cousin Cyrus...getting along

SO..If you are not over the age of 7, you only have three options if you want to befriend my daughter.

1) You must be uninterested in all of her toys. (the actual toys and the ones she pretends are toys) My niece Lorena and Ryenn fight constantly about toys. Lorena will stock pile them and refuse to let Ryenn play with them. These two girls are much too similar in personality for them to get along. It is very comical! Ryenn and Conner are a bit different. Conner will find something to play with, so of course, Ryenn wants it. Then Conner will find something else...and Ryenn wants it. I think it is sorta like a game for him. "What can I find to get that kid to play with so I can get the toy I actually want?"

2) You need to have more than your fair share of energy. Again in Conner's situation, once he breaks out of his little shell, he is a small man full of energy. He runs circles around my house. Once he is unoccupied by Ryenn's toys she loves him. Following him in his endless circles is one of her favorite pastimes.

3) You have to be totally devoted to her amusement. My niece Kaylee loves to be a little mommy. She will figure out what Ryenn wants to do, and spend all her energy fulfilling my little brats wishes.

Hopefully things will get better as we add to our family. If not....I may have to auction her off! (of course i am only kidding....the little beast has me wrapped around her finger too)

Ryenn and her daddy...sporting the Harry Potter look!

The Scoop!

(no, i am not talking georgia mud fudge or recess peanut butter cup.....i only wish)

I have been away for a while. I do of course realize this. I am typing this particular blog in a strange little corner of the front sitting room in my new house! It has to be mentioned that we threw out our old computer desk that I absolutely hated! It may have been an unwise decision, however, as we do not currently have a replacement. So, yes, I am laying on my stomach on the floor. Ah, the sacrifices that must be made!

We have been very busy lately. Unpacking, moving furniture, all the tedious things that make moving unpleasant. I have also gotten busy decorating the front of the house for halloween/the fall season. I am so excited. (pictures to follow i am sure)

I must admit that I was a little afraid the first night we moved in. I am not a big believer of ghosts and the supernatural, but it only takes once right! Ryenn and I were here alone (as i sent john off on some random errand) and one of her toys starts to sound all on its own! This is like 11:00 pm, on the verge of the witching hour, so of course I was freaked! I called John and forced him to talk to talk to me until he arrived back at home. I have since rationalized my fears and hope to sound less like a whiny four year old.

Cyrus at the Fair

We have also been to the Graham County Fair. It is seriously hard to describe the lameness (i don't care if that isn't a word) of the fair as an adult. Did we really head to the fair in a frenzied rush to be there as early as possible, and stay until they forced us out! (one year john was ready to brave a black widow bite to attend the fair...until the pain set in of course) What could we have possibly done for hours at a time. There are seriously only so many rides! It was also surprisingly cold!

Ryenn and her daddy checking out a prize winning pigeon

I guess it wasn't as bad as all that. Ryenn enjoyed the farm animals and the throng of people. My very child like brother, Bubba, enjoyed the magician. The rest of us were only excited by the chance at a yummy corn dog.

Me and Ryenn with a spotted piggy! Oink

Still, I am pleased to announce that we have found a home! My blogging experience should continue from this point on uninterrupted. (sorry mariah)

Small Preview

I am totally excited. We recieved Ryenn's Halloween costume! She is the perfect little bee. I just wanted to let everyone else see. (early i know....but worth it)