Big Sister

Viv is excited to tell you that she is going to be a big sister.  She loves to come feel my "baby tummy" and give the baby hugs and kisses.  She will pull up my shirt so she can see my belly and say, "good morning, baby" or "it's okay, baby."  When we had the ultrasound, she thought that it was amazing that she could see the baby move and kick on the monitor.  She called it a "baby movie." 

Viv is "Happy" about being a big sister:

She is starting to ask people if they have "baby tummies" too.  We are quickly trying to teach her that only girls (not boys) have baby tummies and it is not polite to ask.  She also likes to tell random people at the grocery story that "momma has a baby in her tummy."  I guess the secret is out!  Although if you saw me it definitely wouldn't be a secret anymore:  

Baby Ringenberg is arriving around 01/23/14.  We would all laugh if he/she came on 1/11/14.  Luke, baby, and I could all share a birthday!   

So now we have a set time table to finish our basement!  We need to get Viv moved to her new room upstairs and set up the nursery in our upstairs.  

Here is the work so far - we have a canal in our basement - i.e. the rough in plumbing

We are going to have an office, family room, bathroom, laundry room, and bedroom downstairs.  Luke and his friend, Jeremy, have framed, cut the concrete to put in plumbing, and done the electrical.  We passed our plumbing inspection.  Now we can pour concrete over our rough-in plumbing.  Hopefully we will be able to get our HVAC and electrical inspection in the next couple week.  It will feel so good to get that done and drywall up.  

Girl's Weekend

I had a great weekend away in Texas at the Nerium conference! It was fun to get away with friends.

One of the most exciting things about this weekend was what we were able to do for Big Brothers Big Sisters in 3 days.  I love this organization and their passion for making a difference in the lives of children!!!!

We originally did not decide to go soon enough to gat a room at the host hotel. I can't believe they sold out the Gaylord Texan! We had to book at one of the other five hotels that they nearly sold out as well. I had some friends that were planning to go as well. Sadly they had a health crisis in the family (we are praying for you!). They allowed us to take their room at the Gaylord! I can't even say how awesome that was and what a difference that made in our experience. The Gaylord is an incredible hotel!

One of the reasons that I wanted to join this company is because of their vision of changing the world. They want people to "individually take responsibility to collectively change the world." You can see this through their commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters. We won an award as the most influential corporate sponsor due to our donation of money and time over the last 9 months.  I think we raised over $50,000 just this weekend alone for them.  You also see this through the fact that they give 30% of their profits back to biotechnology research looking for advances in cancer/HIV research. 

The surprise has come from how this experience is changing my outlook on life. This is not a "Christian" company but there are so many values that are Biblical and leaders in the company that talk about their faith. It really has inspired me to make some much needed changes in my life. 

Finally, the science behind the product is second to none!  As a PA, I am so impressed with that. I love that it is a patented antioxidant that is proven to work better that anything out there. I could go on and on, but maybe you just need to see for yourself. Evidence trumps my babbling any day! To receive a couple of informational emails over a two week period (they don't keep email stalking you for forever) you can enter your email address at www.ourskincarejourneykr.arealbreakthrough.com.  Hop over to our team blog at www.ourskincarejourney.blogspot.com. 

A few pics of the hotel and event:

 What does over 10,000 people look like at a "White Party"??

Summer Zoo Trips

Viv and I have had some good zoo trips this summer with friends: 

Viv, James, and Ellie:

 Viv's new favorite animal is the "smiley face."  Totally makes sense!

 Viv and Brooks:

Looking for the otters...they weren't out and the kids were sad!  They got to feed the birds and loved it!

 Giving knuckles!

 Love the Toms!

4th of July

We started the 4th of July in Golden along the river.  We got lunch and threw "Pooh Sticks" in the river. 

Some of us were brave enough to go down the river on tubes: 

Next we went to my parent's neighborhood pool.  Viv is doing so well.  She usually goes with Nonnie and Uncle Andy.  Poppie was really impressed with her comfort level in the water.  He started to teach her some new things!  She just loved all the attention and playing with everyone.  

 Viv concentrating so hard on tipping the cup over on Nonnie.  

 He bud, Uncle Andy, left for London yesterday.  She is going to miss him!  She tells me that "Uncle Andy goes to London to see the Queen." 

 Uncle Erik and Aunt Jenna: 

  Swimming!

Our pool time came to a close BBQ at Nonnie's house:

 We watched the local fireworks show from the hill at our church.  Where are the fireworks?  Poppie will show you...

 Waiting for the show:

 "Fireworks go 'boom!'"

3 minute movie of a great day!

 Thanks to all the men and women who have fought to keep our country safe over the past couple hundred years!!

Great Day!!!

Viv and I had a great day!  We made cookies together.  She was so excited to get her apron on and help me.  

 She is just like her mama - loves cookie dough.  No lectures - I know raw cookie dough isn't good for you but I can never resist!  I haven't gotten salmonella yet....Look how happy it made her!

 Waiting for the cookies!!

We got ready in special dresses for our party and invited her animal friends.  We also picked fresh flowers and set up our nice tea party set.  

She doesn't share her cookies very well!

Her other guests:

She is hilarious!  

After nap we did 4th of July piggies:

Next, we took our friend, Muriel, some cookies.

 We had a backyard picnic!  Muriel set up a table cloth and we had milk with our cookies.

Needless to say....no more cookies for Vivian today.  I think she had her allotment for the week.  We had a great day!