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2013 Starting out the New Year

Well, I can say this, we had a pretty good 2012. Some good and some sad.  Good things: Ryan's cousin got married, Kiersten turned 1, a lot of our friends kiddos also turned 1....lol.. , my mom came for a nice long visit (thanks mom!!), some good ol SNOW!, and many other blessings God has thrown our way.  Some sad things, my grandmother and Ryan's grandmother both passed.  We miss them both dearly, but we all know they are in such a better place spending time with God.   Out of the passing of our dear grandmothers, we were able to spend time with many family members we do not get to see on a daily basis or even yearly basis.  Lives get so crazy and complicated when everyone has kids and don't live in the same state.  Wow!

We are hoping for a prosperous 2013.  Ryan is hoping to get his Videography business rolling while I pull out of the Photography Business some. I won't stop it all together, but due to working full time, raising a baby girl, making sure I have time for mysef (much needed!!!), and keeping up with laundry, dishes, sweeping, and quality time with Rybear,  time for my photography has unfortunately taken a hit.  And I just can't take on the stress of it.  So, I will do what comes my way, but I won't be advertising it anymore.  And if it gets to the point I can't afford to run it (b/c it still costs me a TON of money to run...I'll have to shut it all down). :(  booo!!!   Maybe when Kiersten gets into school all day long, I'll be able to get back into it.  I just don't have the energy.  Sad though, I love it and enjoy meeting new people so much. :(     Don't not suggest people to me though!!!  Still send them my way, if I am available, I will more than likely take the job. :)

Ryan is super excited about getting his video work on the move.  He has worked hard to learn as much as he can about video editing.  He has purchased awesome equipment to get it going, just in need of a camera.  That is a struggle for us though b/c its amazingly more expensive for those cameras than it is for mine.  And both are still pricey.  So, we battle on that decision a lot.  However, we are both excited and praying for God's guidance in our future.

Kiersten has grown SOO much in the past year.  She has hit 34" mark. Really tall for her age.  Maybe she'll slow down some as she gets older, or she'll just keep going and be tall like her daddy. haha  She is such a blessing to us both. We love her dearly and enjoy every minute of parenthood. Ryan has taken such a interest in spending time with Kiersten.  They play, dance, and itsy bitsy spider all the time.  He does tend to do the more "rough" playing as I still to the more safe and calm playing. hehe :)  dads!!!

Fabulous Fall Fun

October is flying by so fast this year!  I had the priviledge of taking Kiersten to the pumpkin patch.  Wish Ryan could have gone with us, but I guess these days, as busy as families are, we can't do everything together.  Kiersten was patching it up during lunch and nap times, so a smile out of her took a lot....and to capture it on camera took even more work!  So, unfortunately, she does not look happy but please be assured, she seemed to enjoy herself.  The over load of her senses I'm sure played a part in her lack of excitement shown. haha She gets a little "whoa!"  while experiencing new things. :) but I'm sure all 1 yr olds do.  My good friend Jane and her boys joined us for the days festivities.

We had a blast starting out with picking out a pumpkin...which unfortunately ended up back in the patch.  Walmart is cheaper....do I need to say more?

We then headed with Jane and the boys to the play area.  Nice!  for bigger kids anyways.  Kiersten enjoyed a quick swing and ofcourse proceeded to get upset when I took her out of the swing for lunch.  She gobbled up her hotdog and then some.

The 6 of us then headed to the hay ride. Kiersten really really seemed to enjoy that.  She's so very alert and interested in EVERYTHING!!!  I think she gets so excited and interested, she forgets to smile.  Make sense?  She points at everything. :)

The Hayride came to a stop at the Corn Maze where we fortunately did NOT get lost....but were able to get a few SMILING photos of Kiersten...Thanks to Jane!  (thanks Jane). 

AFter a long looong day, we headed back to purchase a most delicious carmel apple...for ME, and go home for a much needed nap!  

Houtz Fall Photos at Photobucket!

Houtz Family Updates

Today I thought to myself...wow, I have not updated our family blog in a very very long time. Kiersten is over a year old now and I think the last update she was a little one!!! 

I guess a long story short, the past year with Kiersten has been such a blessing. I can't say it enough.  There really are no words to describe being a mom, and I'm sure a father as well. (since Ryan is not standing here to speak for himself).  We have had ups and downs for sure.  Kiersten got sick and needed breathing treatments around 9 months old. She got through that well!  What a trooper!  I think it bothered me more than her...mommy thing.

As of right now, she has grown so much and shows us each day something new to cherish about her.  her giggles, smiles, silly faces...we all know how many funny faces she makes..., walking, loving the swing, etc etc. the list goes on and on.  

She knows mommy, daddy, dog (sounds more like Doh) when she says it, and her famous..."that!"   everything is That!   lol  She may not say much now, but she sure knows what a lot of things are.  Weeble, ball, cat, dog, swing, outside, hungry, milk, snack, car, elephant, book, night night, and the list goes on and on.   So smart!!!     Her personality is really starting to show now.  She's so hilarious and our little pumpkin eater/ buggaboo.  :) LOVE HER!  Ryan and I could not be more proud of our little girl.  She has been a light in our life.

Kiersten is GROWING!!

Mommy, do you see me?

Well today marks Kiersten's 11 week mark.  She is getting so big!  90th percentile....doesn't mean much, I don't believe those things, however, you never know. :)  Maybe she'll be a basketball player? lol It's so much fun watching her grow and do new things.  Just recently she started playing with her toys.  It sooo amazing! I get so excited for her.  She doesn't seem to realize she has conquered a new milestone, but Mommy knows!  She's just so sweet and precious!  We love her so much.  She truly is an Angel from God!  Thank you Father for our precious little bundle of JOY!  :O)

First Smiles

Today I gave mommy many smiles of different shapes and sizes!

1 Month Old! Happy 1 Month Kiersten!

Our baby girl is growing like a weed.  Its amazing how fast she is growing and changing each day. I notice little changes in her each day.  She's fantastic!!!  We are truly truly blessed! God gave us a wonderful gift. :)  We love her so much, she's a pleasure!