School

Ryden's first day of pre-school.

       This past week has been a bit emotional for me.  Monday night I still had mixed feelings as Ryden was suppose to start pre-school Tuesday morning.  I am thankful for my girl friends who encouraged me and prayed with me.  I have been praying and thinking about this decision for days now.  As Tuesday morning came Ryden and I decided for him to stay home and do school with me.  You see I never really thought of home schooling him until lately.  I have been concerned with him being influenced by other children and the thought of public school strikes some fear in me.  My husband on the other hand feels very differently.  He was home-schooled while I attended public school.  We both have different feelings about both.  I loved school but also know the stuff I was exposed to at such a young age.  He on the other hand feels as though he missed out.  He also feels that there is a benefit in being taught by someone who has credentials.  (Which is neither of us)  As we continued to pray and discuss how we both feel we decided on sending him to a Christian private or charter school in the future.  My hope is for him to receive a good education while biblical teaching are still present in his schooling and mind.  I know the most important factor in all of this really lands back on us.  It is our responsibility as parents to instill the ways of the Lord in him.  Proverbs 22:6  says "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."

So Thursday morning came and we decided to give it a try, Ryden started his first day of pre-school.  He really enjoyed it and I feel the interaction is good for him.  I know he is already getting interaction with children in Sunday school and soccer but two extra days a week doesn't hurt ( at least that's what I am telling myself). This pre-school program is more of playing and interaction and less of actual education. Because of this I will do the K4 homeschool program I have for him on the other days.  Best of both worlds for this season of life. Boy I never thought this would be such a tough decision for me.  The hardest part was driving away and leaving my first born in someones else's care other than myself or a close family member.

Violet and I are gonna have to get use to only her being in the back seat for the few hours Ryden is at school.

He is growing up so much.

Here is a picture of him scoring a goal at last week's soccer game.

I love you Ryden!

I am trying to embrace all of these special moments as you grow.

Celebrate

Do you like to celebrate?

This was a recent question from the book I am currently reading A fresh brewed life.

I personally love to celebrate.

To me celebration means gathering with loved ones.

Its about spending time together, laughing, eating yummy food.

Sunday we gathered and celebrated my Dad's birthday.

Cheers to another year of life Dad!

My sisters and I, we are sitting oldest to youngest.

Did you know I am the oldest?

My husband and I.

August is the month we first met nine years ago.

Boy the time goes by fast.

Celebration also means dessert.

Peach Pie!

Maternity photo session.

Okay it is time to start a photography blog (sigh) but I still have not made time.  

So in the mean time I will post a photo session from this past week here.

This family is dear to my heart and I couldn't be more excited for the new chapter they are about to start.

The Mama in these pictures is so adorable. 

 I love her belly, her hair, her outfit.  

I could go on and on.

Cheers to baby number 3 and new beginnings!

You can find the hair accessory over at Birds of a Freckle click here to visit here Etsy shop.

You can see more of my photography work at http://www.facebook.com/apryle.rivera.photography

Blessings friends

xoxox Apryle

Simple and happy

My kids are simple when it comes to making them happy these days.

Here is the trick, the four year old boy needs his bike and the two year old girl needs food.

That's it! 

A bike and some food.

I can do that.

On the lake.

Part of our summer relaxation happens at my parents houseboat.

This weekend was lots of fun as we spent time with family and friends.

Here are a few of our happy memories in photos.

Cheers to lake session! 

Baby photo shoot.

5 months old.

My niece is five months old and still a little peanut.

I wish I would have done monthly photos with my kiddos, silly me.

For the past few months I have been collecting these crates to display in my home although they serve as a nice photo prop too:)

Isn't she such a sweet little dolly?

Tea time for the Bride to be.

Tea Time.

A close family friend is getting married and today we celebrated at her bridal shower.

The bridal shower was charming in every way.

I thought it would be fun to set up an area outside to take some fun photos.

I was right;) fun for me and the girls.

I love how this series of photographs tells a sweet story.

Cheers to the Bride.