Season of Thankfulness

We love our little guy!



Hanging with Uncle D



Little Mr. Smiles



Has Hanson come back? :) Just trying to picture JP as a brunette!



Cuddling with Pops



Thanksgiving took on new meaning this year as John and I reflected on the greatest gift that we have experienced as a couple-the gift of a son. Our life has been turned upside down in a good way. Over the last few months, we've learned that being a parent requires sacrifice and a great measure of God's mercy. Being a parent while challenging at times brings so many rewards. Our life is much richer today because of John Parker.

Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

Happy Half Birthday, JP!

I can't honestly believe that my little baby is already 6 months old!!! Time seems to fly by even more now that we have John Parker. I'm amazed at the love that a mother can have for her child; it's like nothing that I've ever experienced before. I absolutely love staying at home with him; it's by far the best job I've ever had! :)

At one time I worried that I wouldn't have enough to do each day that I would get bored or tire of these same four walls. Now, I only laugh because most days are anything but boring. We visit with friends, go on walks, meet daddy for lunch, or visit the Aquarium. The adventures just seem to be getting more enjoyable as he becomes more engaged in them. Here are some of my favorite pictures from this past month. Happy Half Birthday, John Parker!

The Gang's All Here

We recently had a playdate at our place with the Clark's, Conway's, and Boy's crews. It's a family affair for sure since Laura and Andreja have two and the Fabienne and I have one.

It's been so neat to watch the little one's grow and develop personalities. Charlotte loves cuddling with her mama and Clarke just started to crawl. Emma and Elliott had no problem climbing upstairs and exploring John Parker's room. Here are a few pictures from our adventure.

Storytime with Mrs. Laura



Clarke showing John Parker how it's done



Hey, are we on camera?



For posterity, here are all the kids (except for Nora). Getting them to all look at the camera and smile is like moving the Great Wall of China! :)

Putting my Running Shoes on again!

For those of you that know me, you know that I love to run. My running had fallen to the wayside once I got pregnant. Walking has been my only form of exercise in the last year, so you can imagine my joy to start running again. On Saturday morning, I laced up my shoes and ran the Pancreatic Cancer Reseach 5K Race.

Let's be honest; it was no cake walk. I am very out of shape, but it felt great to get out there and run for a good cause. I had the best cheering squad in town. My sweet husband and little man braved the cold November morning and managed to meet me at every mile. I've learned that even though your time is not your own as a mom. It's important to take time to do things that you enjoy, so that you can be the best that you can be. So, I'm breaking out my running shoes again, and it feels great.

Fall Happenings

October was a great month in the Ritsema home. We were able to head to Berry Farms Pumpkin Patch in Woodstock one Saturday. It was awesome to watch the leaves change and to feel the fall chill in the air. As you can see from John Parker's red nose, it was a bit cold that day. Thanks to Hunters, we were able to be a part of the Hunter's annual Costume Parade. James, Lee, and JP were the three little monkeys jumping on the bed. As you can see from the pictures, little Lee was hamming it up for the camera while James and JP offered each other a shoulder to sleep on or fuss on for that matter! :)

The Many Faces of JP

Here are some of my favorite pictures of our little Mr. Cuddles. This warm, cozy outfit is courtesy of his Uncle D and Aunt Abby. Bundling him in warm sweaters and fleece jackets actually makes me excited about colder weather. As you can see, he has so many different looks. I can't tell which one delights me the most.

Celebrating Four Years!

Yesterday, John and I celebrated our fourth anniversary. I still can't believe that it's been four years. It feels like a milestone year for us. If we were in college, Thursday would have been graduation day.

I feel tremendously blessed to be married to my best friend and to experience the ups and downs of life together. John took the day off Thursday, and we enjoyed some quality time together doing our favorite things and reminiscing about the past four years. We watched our wedding video, went to a coffee shop, and enjoyed a night out thanks to his parents. I praise the Lord for blessing my life with such a great companion. I'm looking forward to many more years of marriage.

Daddy's Little Boy

Here are some pictures of my two John's from the last few weeks. John Parker loves cheering for Auburn, visiting his daddy for lunch, and bath time of course! Even though I am outnumbered in our home three to one, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Birmingham Bound

A week ago, we decided to take a family road trip to Birmingham to visit my family. This was our 2nd big road trip. John Parker and I stayed a few more days during the week so that we could enjoy some extra family time with the VanderWoudes.

I was amazed at how adaptable and flexible John Parker is; he did so well being away from home and adjusted to lots of new environments. In the days that we were there, we visited my mom, dad, and sister's workplaces, searched for homes for Abby, met Gina and her kids for an afternoon, and enjoyed coffee with some of the Briarwood moms. I wouldn't doubt if our little guy met 30 new people while we were in Birmingham. He was quick to give out smiles.

As I reflect on our trip, I was reminded of how important it is for all of us to change our environment every once in awhile. It gives us a different vantage point and perspective while at the same time causing us to appreciate home even more.

Race Day

This past weekend, John and our friend Anthony ran in the "Run for the Kids" 5K. The weather was amazing that morning. The course was a combination of hills, but they ran it with ease.





As you can see from the photos, they had quite the cheering section. John Parker enjoyed cheering with his Grandma and Grandpa. This was their first 5K race, as well. I think they all are looking forward to more races in the future.





John said that little JP was the best prize once he finished his run. As you can see, he was just as spent as his daddy!