BYE, BYE 2007!

TIME, TIME, TIME......................... WHERE has all the TIME gone? As the new year draws closer, I catch myself asking the above question pretty often. How can it be that this little baby boy, I know I just had a few weeks ago(to me it seems like that) is going to be a big ONE YEAR OLD before summer is even knocking at our door. Also, that our sweet Isabelle is going to be turning THREE YEARS OLD before the summer ends. I, desperately wanting both of them to slow down, but knowing that it is not possible. I think about Izze starting school, and I cringe. Oh Lord help me to embrace this adventure, even if it means my little girl is growing up. Could I hold on to 2007 for a little bit longer? It was a good year! Izze turned two, we celebrated our 9 year anniversary, Ian was born, Ian was dedicated, we made new friends, and said good bye to some, we built closer relationships with friends and family, we said bye to some dear family members (see you someday grandma), we added new members to the Rush name, we had fun vacations, great staff retreats, accomplished some personal goals, and the list could go on and on, but lets stop there for time sake. I will treasure the memories and moments spent together, and look forward to many, many more of them. Good Bye 2007!

Where will, and what will 2008 bring us?? I ask this with anticipation and a little bewilderment, of not knowing. I have some things I would like to work on for the new year, and speaking of TIME, that would be one of them. Time management, what a concept!

Anyways, some thoughts of mine as 2008 is already starring us in the face. Have a great New Year's Everyone!! With much love to everyone!

More Christmas Pictures!

Jackson taking a break from all the festivities!







Ian taking a look at Uncle Mike, secure in Paw Paw's arms!






What a sweet face! Our little man, Ian!







Mike and Sunny joining in present opening, and picture taking!

Christmas Pictures!

Isabelle with Aunt Sunny!








Ian with Paw Paw Jack!







Isabelle with her new art desk, from Paw Paw Jack!






Isabelle trying out Jackson new guitar! I wonder if she'll want to play someday?

Day After Christmas!

Jackson opening his present from us!







Isabelle opening her present from Paw Paw Jack!







Jackson playing some tunes on his new guitar!







We had another Christmas, the day after Christmas! The snow came one day late. We had a very pretty snow that fell that morning and by noon it was all melted. Mike, Sunny, Jackson, Goldie, and Paw Paw Jack came over to open presents with the kids. We had such a good time watching the kids open presents! They really liked all their new toys, and liked each others too. After the festivities of opening presents, the guys fixed lunch. It was nice not to cook myself. It was so good to see Mike, Sunny, Jackson and Goldie. They have already headed back to Little Rock. The next time we see them the baby will have grown so much along with Jackson. Sometimes we wish we could be closer to see our kids grow up together, but we know we all have different paths that take us different places. It truly was a great Christmas this year with all the family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy 34rd Birthday to my big brother, Tom! It was so great to see you Christmas Day, and spend time with your family. Hope you had a great day! Look forward to seeing you soon!

Christmas Day!

Isabelle and Uncle Tom Christmas Day!








Danielle, Isabelle, Andrea, Whitney all smiles for Christmas!








Ian, Uncle Tom, and Andrea Christmas Day!





On Christmas Day we were up early, and after everyone was feed, we got on the road to Ponca City for a family get together! Jess was having Christmas dinner at her house this year. Izze was so excited to see Nanny Carol, and Papa Lin. My aunt Carol (Nanny Carol), my brother, his wife, and kids were there (Izze loves to play with his girls). Jess and her family, Cindy and her family, Ben, Amy, and there daughter Gracie (which Izze likes to play with), and a few more people too. Well, to say the least it was a full house. We had food as far as the eye could see, desserts too. We had such a great time visiting with everyone. Izze had so much fun playing with Tom's girls, and Gracie. She also got to show off her piano skills which was great watching. After lunch we were off again back home. Mike, Sunny and the kids were on their way to our house for a little Christmas night visit. They have Jackson, and now a new baby girl, Goldie, a couple months old. They are both so sweet. Izze had fun playing with Jackson. He had fun playing in Izze's big red car. It is amazing how fast they have grown. It's hard to believe another Christmas has gone, and a new year is upon us, but we will always have the memories of Christmas 2007 with our babies (Isabelle and Ian) and our families.

Christmas Eve!

Izze with her new vacuum - toy of the night! If only it were real, we would have the cleanest floors!








Daddy and Izze sharing a box of Nerds candy. The Christmas kind proves to be the best.








Ian with his stocking. He is pretty content with just chewing on it!








Wow! What a busy few days we have had! All good though, except Brian has been a little under the weather. We think he had a stomach virus, he has been on antibiotics for the last four days. The rest of us have not gotten it. Thank goodness.

Christmas Eve was busy. We needed to finish up some household projects, then we had our family Christmas together in the evening. I fixed some goodies, which we had too much of, but later come in handy. Brian started out reading the Christmas story, and it ended with Izze saying happy birthday Jesus! Izze was so excited to finally open some presents. She has been looking at them for so long. She got a vacuum, some clothes, and a toy learning computer, but the vacuum was the toy of the night. Ian was content to chew on the ribbons, and bows, and anything else he could get into his mouth. Ian got some clothes and toys, I don't think he cared either way really. Also, Ian got another tooth! He already has three on the bottom and now one has broke through on the top. It was so fun to watch Izze this year, she has so much enthusiasm about things. It will be fun next year with Ian joining her in the excitement!

Brian got me a very special gift this year. A wide silver band with the kids names engraved on the outside of it. It is so nice. I got him some really cool shoes he has been wanting, not as personal as my gift, but it is what he wanted. We had a great family Christmas together.

Two Days Until Christmas!

Today was the Sunday before Christmas, and the kids got all dressed up in their Christmas clothes. Izze was so sweet in her dress and coat, and Ian looked so handsome in his little tux. They were so cute, I had to take pictures of them by the Christmas tree. We love these little people, they are so much fun. Only two days until Christmas!

Our Little Snow Bunny!

Today we had SNOW! Izze was so excited she wanted to go outside and make a snowman. So we wrapped up, (Izze in 3 shirts, 2 pants, 2 pairs of socks, a jacket, her coat, gloves, and hat. Then Ian was in his carrier, with 2 blankets over him, just his little face sticking out, gloves, and a hat.) After all that, we headed outside. The wind was blowing snow everywhere, so it was hitting us in the face, and so very cold. Izze and I tried to build a snowman, but the snow wouldn't stick. Izze would try to pick up the snow, and it would just fall apart. We didn't stay out very long because Izze's face was turning red and her gloves were coming off, and I didn't want to keep Ian out there for too long. It was fun to see her in the snow.

Staff Christmas Party!

What a great year, and such a great staff to spend it with. Brian and our family couldn't ask to be apart of a better team. We love these people like family, and in many ways they are our family.

We had a fun time playing dirty Santa. We let Izze pick out our presents, and it was hard to keep her away from them for other people to pick. She thought she could pick all night. The eating was great, as always. We had barbecue, and it was really good, and the ladies made great desserts. It was fun to watch the kids play together, and thinking about how much things have changed since having kids. The night ended early around 7pm for it was the kids bedtimes. We had a blast. It's always nice to be together. (Sorry, no pictures this time, I forgot the camera)

More Early Christmas Pictures!

Izze trying out the new ride in her new princess PJ's. Nanny watching proudly.
Izze taking to the road in her new quad ride.
Papa, Nanny, Izze, Ian and me enjoying the early Christmas gifts.

Early Christmas!

Monday evening Nanny Carol and Papa Lin made a Christmas visit. Izze was so excited to see them, and Ian warmed up rather quickly. They came bearing gifts for the kids. Izze got a new baby doll with a change of clothes & a diaper bag. She likes to change the babies clothes and put her hat on. She got a few other gifts too, which one including princess PJ's and we can hardly get her out of them. Nanny and papa also got her a little powered 4x4 quad ride. She loves to ride it outside. She just pushes the button and goes. She still doesn't get the concept of steering, she almost drives off the curb. She loves it though. Ian got a musical groove table. It teaches him to count, the ABC's, and different musical song. He got some other things too, which he likes to play with. Izze likes to play with them too. Nanny and Papa got to stay for dinner, and Izze just talked and played with them all night until her bedtime. So good to see Nanny and Papa. Thank you for thinking about us, the presents, and making the kids Christmas special.

Christmas Wagon!

Christmas come a little early to the Rush household this year. Friday we had a visit from Nanny Faith and she came with a big wagon. This wagon will be perfect for the kids. They can both sit in it, and carry their drink cups with them, it even has a door to get in and out. Izze played in it all day with her dolls, and bags, and anything else she could put inside of it. She had lots of fun with Nanny Faith. They will really enjoy the wagon when Ian is older and the weather gets warmer, and we can go for walks. Thank you Nanny Faith for a great Christmas.

Mom's Group!

Monday we had our mom's group Christmas Party, which was so much fun. Izze got to play with all her little friends, exchange presents, and even Santa paid the kids a visit (complements of Brian). I am so glad to be a part of such an awesome group of women. They are great wives, mothers, friends, and I couldn't ask for a better group to be a part of. This year we were even able to help one of our own. With the ice storm that came our way, one of our moms, and her family lost their electricity for about a week and lost everything in their refrigerators. We were able to bless them with a gift card to fill the refrigerators back up. Such a great feeling knowing you can do something for someone else.

Like I said, Santa made an appearance at the party and Izze wanted nothing to do with him. That is until she found out it was daddy under all that white hair, and then she decided to sit on his lap. I don't think she was still sure about the whole thing. Even Ian got to sit on Santa's lap. We had a great time!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!!

This week we have had a little ice to deal with around here in Edmond. Brian was home on Monday because of the ice on the roads, so not all was bad. Even with the ice Izze and daddy had a little date together at Star bucks (Brian's favorite place to be). She loves going with him. Sometimes they will go to the donut shop too. You should here her say star bucks, it is cute. Today the roads were pretty clear, and we were able to go to the mom's group at the mall. Izze loves going to the mall, she likes the play area. She will run around and around, occasionally colliding with another child, but none the less she does it again. They took out her favorite thing, the slide. It has been replaced with smaller objects to crawl and climb on. Not as much fun for her, but she still likes it. This week I got an email from a friend of mine that now lives out of state. HELLO Rebekah, if you are reading this now, and the rest of the Stepp family!! It was really good to here from you and to see pictures of your family. We are all getting excited for Christmas. Izze keeps saying Jesus' birthday, and asking about Santa Claus. She says Christmas in a couple weeks, and a great big smile appears on her face. I had the kids pictures done, and waited for about 40 min. or so. The end result was good though. We at least got one with them both looking the same direction and kinda smiling. Success!! Countdown to Christmas, may your days be marry!

THURSDAY!

Today is Thursday! We have had a busy week so far. Izze and Ian had a great birthday party to attend this week. Izze had so much fun playing and dancing around. Then they both had to have a second round of the flu shot, that day was interesting. Ian usually stops crying when I pick him up, and he is ok. Izze on the other hand, doesn't want me to put her down. She doesn't want to see the band aid and if she does it makes her start to cry. This resulted in me carrying her on one hip and carrying Ian in his carrier on the other arm, all the way to the car. She cried most of the way home. When nap time rolled around she didn't want her pants off to change her diaper or anything. So, I put her down pants and all, and she only slept for about 40 min. The rest of the day she wanted to sit on the couch and have the blanket on her. She is so dramatic sometimes. Then I remember how much I don't like shots, and I guess she probably gets it from me. Thankfully we won't have to have more shots until much later. Today, the kids are having their Christmas pictures taken. They are getting all decked out in their new Christmas clothes that nanny Carol and papa Lin got for them. They will look so cute. Busy week, but still a good one. Here's to a great weekend, just around the corner.

Anyone for Tea?

It's THURSDAY! This means it is our long day (without daddy until about 9:00 or so tonight). Izze and I thought we would embrace the day and have a tea party in her princess tent. She was all dressed up in her pink and purple boas ready for tea. She would pour the tea (pretend tea) in the little tea cups, and we sat in the tent sipping away. Of course we had to bring her lamb in with us so lamb could have some tea too. We don't do much without lamb there with us. As I sat there sipping and laughing, I thought to myself this is what I want her to remember, moments like these. Later today we plan to do some errands, which she likes too, but I know this "tea time" will be one of our favorite things to do together. I know it will be for me.

Friend Time!

I got to go out last night and spend some time without the kids with a girlfriend of mine. I am so glad that the Lord puts people in our lives that are just those people you know you will probably always be friends with. I have a few people like that, not many, but at the same time I think there can only be a few to fill those spots in our lives. I had a great time catching up and talking without any interruptions. Thanks to my friend for being you, just genuine you!

Thanks and Giving!

Every year I am reminded of how very blessed we are. I try and think about all the things that the Lord has blessed us with and to thank him for them. This year was no exception. We have a beautiful little girl and a handsome little boy, and we adore both of them. That right there is blessing enough.
We headed for Ponca City on Thanksgiving day to spend some time with family and of course eat all day long (or graze as some of us call it.) The day is filled with all the things a Thanksgiving dinner should be filled with. From the turkey to the dessert, and don't forget the appetizers before the main course. It's amazing how one day could make you not want turkey again until the next Thanksgiving. Thank the Lord for ham on Christmas!!! The kids enjoyed the trip, and they both took naps. Izze did so well she took a nap on aunt Cindy's bed, so proud. Izze and Ian both got Christmas outfits from nanny Carol and papa Lin. They are so cute.
My brother and his family stopped by and it was great to see them. His girls are growing up so fast, and they are so beautiful. We had a great Thanksgiving, and are thankful for all our family and friends. See you in about a month.

Taking It Easy!

Vacation Time! How we love this time. It's so nice not to have to worry about being somewhere or doing something. Everything is on our time (and the kids schedules!) We took another road trip to Dallas for a little Christmas shopping. We went to our favorite stores and a few new ones this time. We stayed another day so we where able to fit a little more into the schedule. The kids are doing really well on these trips. Izze keeps asking if we are going to go on another trip. She got to ride her carousel ride, and she always has to ride the brown horse for some reason. We figure by this time, if we would have kept all the ticket stubs we would have a free ride by now. She got to ride it twice this time and got a balloon. We went to our favorite places to eat, including la Madeline and we brought some of their tomato soup back with us. It is so good, I think we ended up eating it that night when we got back. Oh, how I wish we had one of those here. On our way back we stopped in Norman to take a look at what Marshals had for Christmas, we ending up finishing up some of our Christmas list there. I wish we had another one of those closer too. Anyways, it was a great trip, we always enjoy it. I think it is becoming a tradition in a sense. Izze talks about going back to Dallas on a trip. She is already getting use to going. Time together is sooo great!

To one incredible husband & dad!

Brian - you are amazing! You are such a great dad and husband, we couldn't ask for more. I love to see the kids faces light up when they see you, and I just love being around you. You are my best friend. You are our hero for everything you do for our family! Love you! The family

Daddy time...well, not really

Brian Here...thought I would jump in for a quick post to tell the world how incredibly blessed I am with my family!

Alicia-you are my hero. No really, I'm being very serious when I say that you are an amazing hero of mommyhood. I don't know how you do it, but I see the results every day in our wonderful family. I love you beyond the very words I could ever express.

Izze-when we laugh and tickle and play and bounce and dance and sing and eat fruit snacks, I am transported to a world that is all our own.

Ian-a new level of bonding is happening with us little fella and it is beyond belief.

Rush family, I love you.
Dad (Brian)

Me Time!

Today, as I sit to create this blog, the outside is already reminding me of the winter cold to come. But, today I do seem to enjoy it. We (the kids and I) had lunch with our favorite person, Daddy! This is daddy's long day, so we try and meet with him on Thursdays to spend some time with him. Right now both kids are down for a nap and it's just me listening to Vince Guaraldi (A Charlie Brown Christmas) and a hot cup of tea. We have all been a little under the weather lately, and this is just what the doctor ordered for mommy (me) today. I am thinking about the Christmas list next to me, that I need to start on. It can wait a bit. Izze ask about everyday if we can put up the Christmas Tree. We keep telling her in about a week. To her though there is no time, at least that she can understand. We plan to take her to a Christmas Tree farm this year. The ones I know about have hot chocholate and candy canes. She will love that. Can't wait to see her face light up. Well, here's to many more great Thursdays, and "ME TIMES."

Our "BIG" Little Man!

Ian is sitting up now pretty good. He still needs a little help, or he starts to fall. The boppy is doing the job here. What did people do before the boppy?








Look at that smile. He has both of his bottom teeth in now, and I'm sure more will
follow soon. He drools continually.









Those big eyes, just like his daddy. Who couldn't love those. They are more hazel now, like daddy's, but some days they look more blue. Brian's do that too, but his will seem more green on some days. Not a bad quality to have.

Holding Brother

These are our gifts. God has truly blessed us. Every time I look at our children, I know it is so true. He chose us to be their parents. He didn't have to give them to us, but by his mercy and grace he did. Now, with this great responsibility, Lord give us wisdom to raise them with grace and success.

Izze wanted to hold brother as she does often. You can tell by the expression on Ian's face, he doesn't seem to mind. I know inside, he is just waiting for the day when he can get up and do whatever she is doing or go wherever she is going. Izze is having fun, she keeps pushing brother's head back to make him sit still. She does it out of love, of course. Out of a heart of gratitude, thank you Lord!

SWEET BIG SISTER!!

I love to watch Isabelle and Ian play together. When he is in his exersuacer, she will pile the toys so high they will be up to his neck. She likes to sing, and talk to him. When she talks to him it's like she is trying to talk big with all these words that don't make sense, even though she can talk really well. She doesn't like it when he cries. She will tell him, it's ok baby, or brother don't cry, and then sometimes it's stop brother. She likes to go with me to get him when he gets up from his naps. She will pull the bumper pad down and say, hi brother, or brother wake up. He loves to watch her. He will bobble his head all around to try and follow her. He smiles so big when he sees her. There is nothing like seeing them bond this way. I thought one child was the best, but I really do enjoy the two. Knowing that they will be close and love each other so much , makes it all worth it.

Quality Daddy Time!

Our little girl loves her daddy. I got this picture of them the other night. I had just feed Ian and put him to bed and Izze and daddy were having some "quality" daddy time. She likes to watch the "train show," as she calls it. Others of us know it as The Polar Express. She likes to watch it a little bit before she goes to bed, and any other time that we will let her too. I think it is so important to her and to him to have that time together. She will grow up having that "man" in her life to show her how other men that will be in her future should treat her. I know they will have many more daddy, daughter times and that makes me so excited. She loves to "work" with daddy out in the garage, on the car, or yard. Whatever he is doing she likes to help. If she knows he is going outside to the garage she says, Izze work with daddy. She will sit in the car and hold bolts, screws or whatever they are working on together. She likes to sit in the front seat and pretend to drive, she has a big smile on her face because she thinks she is doing something so great. I love seeing them together!

FIRST PIG TALES!

This Sunday, (yesterday) I put Isabelle's hair in her first pig tales. Her hair has always been so baby fine and not a whole lot of it, so it has been hard to put things in her hair and have them stay. She looked adorable!! She liked them too, and couldn't wait to show daddy when we got to church. She was jumping all around the house. I think she liked the pig tales bouncing. She still has those kissable cheeks, you just can't help but to kiss them. She is our little princess!