Picture Perfect

If I had to pick out a picture to use for our Christmas card this would be it.

Even with part of Papa's behind in the picture.
This is us, the real us.

It was a goofy moment and we were all huddled together.

I love it.

  But since Christmas Eve is tomorrow and I was not able to pull off ordering cards, addressing them, and buying stamps you will be receiving nothing in the mail from us.

Just know this, we love you all and us Rivera's would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas!

I love this picture.
My mother in law made me laugh and my husband just looks calm and happy.

Having fun with my kids and creating traditions.

Jingle Bells from the one and only big brother of our family.

He taught himself how to play this song.

        Baking cookies with my Mom and sisters was something I always looked forward to at Christmas.

Today the kids and I started the tradition in our home.  

We laughed, got sticky, and danced to Christmas music in the kitchen.

They turned out yummy, how could they not.  Butter makes everything better;)

Feeling festive with my Christmas socks and thrift store Christmas apron.

Christmas festivites

Today Violet and I were invited to visit Ryden's class to join in on the Christmas festivities   We sang songs, decorated cookies, and the children were surprised by two special guests who passed out books. Us Rivera's are always blessed when we are given (new to us) books to add to our collection.  Although the books and activities were very exciting, my favorite part of the day was receiving my first handmade ornament with a PICTURE of my first born.  It is by far the best ornament on the tree and naturally hangs front and center.

 

                               

I hope you all are enjoying the season as much as we are.

Merry Christmas

My other half and I.

Merry Christmas 

I attempted to take my own family portraits. 

 That was a big fat FAIL.

Ryden wasn't in the mood and well the list goes on and on.

That's okay though I decided I need a ton more paper chains in the back ground and a different location if the hubby and I can ever coordinate our schedules before the sun goes down.

I at least got this charming photo of my other half and I.

Its a sweet moment stored up.

Taking time to enjoy these moments

It feels like winter today.  As I washed the dishes from breakfast this morning, I admired the fog slowing rolling over hills to hide the view from my kitchen window.  Later the kids and I went outside to play and the tip of my nose became cold as the breeze gently blew. 

 I took a deep breath in and enjoyed the moment.

 Violet picked out some gently used shoes at the thrift store the other day, we picked them up for 50cents.  She has been begging to wear them but since it has been raining today was the first day she got to cruz around in her new kicks:)

My little fashion girl!

 It wasn't shoes that made this boy happy, it was the fact that he got to ride his scooter.

 

 We ended the afternoon with some Christmas crafting.

Most of my Christmas decor is simple this year.

Happy December

Oh Christmas tree.

It's that time of year again, Christmas Time! 

A few happy moments from our Christmas tree hunt.

 

                               

OUT AND ABOUT.

We made a mad dash out of the house for some fresh air and locally made hard cider for Thanksgiving.

As much as I love spending a raining day cuddled on the couch there is just something refreshing about the mountain air after a good rain.

My first born never ceses to amaze me.  He always has a good conversation awaiting me and shows his sister such love, two things that make my heart a little fuller each time.  He is a thinker, an explorer, a funny character, he is my first born.

 She is my free spirit.

  Following her brother's lead, dancing through life, full of cuddles, appreciates a cute pair of boots.

She is my little girl.

Cheers to another crisp fall day full of happiness!

I am THANKFUL

Thankful

Thanksgiving break has begun.  

To celebrate we enjoyed the weather and took a walk to the park after school.

I am so thankful I am a mother to these two charming blessings.

 As of lately I realized I am way to busy. It is time to slow down and enjoy the little blessings in my life.   Life is short and I will have no regrets.  I am going to ask for forgiveness when it's needed, love with my whole heart, and be HAPPY.  A mentor recently told me I need to have feathers like a duck, and let the stuff that is not important just roll off.  

Amen to that.

 Lets celebrate.

  It is thanksgiving and my cup is overflowing with goodness.

I am healthy, know and love Jesus, happily married, have two thriving kids, and family and friends who make my life all that much better.

Hope everyone enjoys this season of family and friends!

We are planning too:)

Happy Halloween '2012'

Peter Pan & TinkerBell would like to wish you all a Happy Halloween.

                       

It was a happy night!

 It was a night of dress up and role playing.

It was a night of the non traditional trick or treating.

It was a night that we all enjoyed.

For me it was a night of playing nurse because my Dad came home from the hospital after open heart surgery.  It was a very Happy Halloween and I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else.

   I am so grateful for him still being here and all the answered prayers.

Love you Dad.

Every season has fruit...

The leaves are changing, apples are at their peek, and life is busier than ever.

Our family has been going non stop the last few weeks and although it may be a little exhausting we are really enjoying this season of life.

I have been extra blessed as my photography business has really started blooming and my husband in this tough economy has managed to keep himself working wherever he can.
 Besides our work and family life we have decided to really plug back in at our home church. 

 After our last interview process in Colorado we feel it is time to be still and take opportunity of where the Lord has placed us in this season.

My husband and I love to serve and so badly want to be in full time ministry.  

Recently my eyes have opened to the fact that there are so many ways we can serve in multiple ministries at our home church.
 It doesn't have to be full time, it can really be however much we want or have time for. 

For awhile there I was kind of blind to the fact that I was placed in this season for a reason.
The Lord wants us to bear much fruit in every season of life.  

Psalm 1:3 (NIV) "That person is like a tree planted by the steams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers."

Sarah Markley said something that really stuck with me recently.
She said, "The fruit in this season is good fruit.  It may not be all that I'd dreamed but it is very, very good.  I think we are all familiar with how gratitude can change a heart and soul."

Oh how true that is.  

It gets me so excited for this season of life and all the fruit that is waiting to be harvested;

 my family, my business, serving at our church.  

YaY!

Fall also brings cool weather and cool weather means its time to start building fires.

Last night we MADE time to cut firewood, see the cute calf, and even snag some fresh milk.

The in-laws are still deciding on her name.  

My vote is Blossom.

It is a good season and we plan on harvesting as much fruit as we can!

In every aspect of our life.