Don't Shoot the Messenger...

My camera is at school so there will be no postings of Thanksgiving weekend or our new toddler suite until probably Wednesday. The new playroom is 100% complete, the guest bedroom is 90% complete and Addie's big girl bedroom is 80% complete. Ty Pennington and Amy Wen (aka Doug and Angie) are exhausted, but very excited to unveil our new rooms... stay tuned!

Growing, Shifting and Moving On...

If you stood and counted each of these hand-painted stripes you would know the number of compliments I have received on this nursery. When we moved into our new home, 2 years ago, I was plump and pregnant and the only room I cared about was the baby's nursery. My sister-in-law, Julie, in two short mornings painted the nursery I had been dreaming of for months. She did an AMAZING job!

Sadly our little girl, isn't so little anymore... BIG sigh. Doug and I have big plans for rearranging, painting and organizing Addie's living space. We have been planning and buying things for months now. Her Christmas gift from Mommy and Daddy is coming a tinsy bit early this year... it's the Reusser in us! Check back Sunday evening for the unveiling of Addie's BIG GIRL suite!

"Fore" Christmas This Year...

Dear Santa's Helper, (Uhm, Grampy that would be you, so listen up!)
I would like to place my order for a mini-me putter and golf balls. I think they are great fun and offer much needed entertainment for this 2 year old. Just think, you can teach me all of your tricks and we can set up a miniature golf course in the basement. You never know, I could be the next Annika Sorenstam.
Your good little girl,
Addie Leigh

My Story...

Sunday, October 5th, 2008, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. The service I attended was part of the "Life on Loan" series at Northview Christian Life Church. This series of sermons and lessons dealing with how we choose to spend our moments on this earth, single handily changed me for the better, in particular the service that morning. Countless individuals, couples and families publicly acknowledged that they were living sinful, hypocritical and unfaithful lifestyles until they accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. As the service progressed, I saw painful bits of my life and the reality of my earthly existence flash before my eyes and weigh on my heart. It was at that moment that the constant whispers I had been ignoring and pushing away to deal with later, became a true conversation with God. It was also my day to promise to be a better person, to serve others for a greater good, to forgive past wrongs and bring my faith to the forefront in my life. I realize that my life on earth is a gift from God. He has bestowed me with the talents and the means to do good deeds, to help my fellow neighbor and to be a better Christian through His grace and glory.

This weekend I was baptized in front of my congregation, my family and my friends. I chose to be baptized as an outward expression and promise that my faith has become a priority in my life. Thank you to everyone who has help me celebrate this wonderful new beginning!

What the...

I'm not sure exactly how the exact sequence of events unfolded, but we had a major problem just occur in the bathroom before bedtime. Kah-Kah ended up on the side of the potty, on the bathroom floor, on my hand, and on Addie's leg and foot. A poor stuffed animal even fell victim, a wounded soldier, shot down in the line of action among the flying kah-kah. I'm not talking about smudges people... literally cow patty piles where sticking to every surface. I was yelling, Doug was gagging and Addie was crying... what a mess! I'm literally baffled by how much poop can come out of one kid.

Tricks of the Trade...

GrMa and GrPa Reusser came over for dinner and boy did we have FUN! GrPa showed me all of his talents with Play-doh... who do you think enjoyed themselves more?

Dessert Darling...

Did she eat the cupcake or just wollar it?

"What She Really Meant to Say" by Doug Reusser

Being Little Miss Patriotic Polly, I woke up at the crack of dawn and headed to my voting site at 6:00 am. I was totally ready to wear my "I Voted (Incorrectly) " sticker proudly today! An hour and a half later, I wasn't even inside the building (Maybe my husband, friends, and In laws were right, I should reconsider my Vote). I waved the white flag and headed to work, totally bummed and needing lots of coffee! I talked with my principal (He told me to vote for McCain) and he told me to go back at prep/lunch, but all-be-darned if the line wasn't even longer (It was another sign that I should have voted for McCain ) I didn't even get out of my car this time. I decided that I would give one more attempt to do my patriotic duty and it totally paid off... I got to vote, and only waited in line for about 30 minutes! (By sheer coincidence, Doug was ( Voting correctly) 3 people ahead of me, which was a nice surprise. Nothing like an election day date.) JUST LIKE ANY DATE I'M GOING TO PAY FOR HER DECISION!!!

The Following was brought to you by the (I TOLD YOU SO PARTY '08)!!!

Third Time Is a Charm...

Being Little Miss Patriotic Polly, I woke up at the crack of dawn and headed to my voting site at 6:00 am. I was totally ready to wear my "I Voted " sticker proudly today! An hour and a half later, I wasn't even inside the building and my school day was starting in 20 minutes. I waved the white flag and headed to work, totally bummed and needing lots of coffee! I talked with my principal and he told me to go back at prep/lunch, but all-be-darned if the line wasn't even longer than it was this morning! I didn't even get out of my car this time. I decided that I would give one more attempt to do my patriotic duty and it totally paid off... I got to vote, and only waited in line for about 30 minutes! (By sheer coincidence, Doug was 3 people ahead of me, which was a nice surprise. Nothing like an election day date.)

Reusser Family Fall Party...

Addie casting a spell for a great night to PARTY!

OK, so the party scene has definitely changed at the Reusser household over the past several years... the kids have stolen the show and have taken center stage. No one is complaining when they are all dressed up so cute! We had so much fun hosting our annual fall party this weekend. We were blessed with the most gorgeous fall afternoon and evening to gather with our friends at our home. We had a goblin egg hunt, a costume contest (Super Woman, Ellen and Minnie Mouse, Ella were the grand prize winners!), corn hole, college football, a bonfire and a pitch-in dinner. Everyone, including the adults, enjoyed a trip to the playground to work off our accelerated sugar levels. Thanks to everyone who attended and made the evening so much fun! This party continues to grow each year, thanks for being a part of the tradition.

My Costume...

I have been very patient over the past month. This costume has been hanging on my closet and EVERY time my mommy opened my closet door I repeatedly reminded her that "I yellrow Cawre Beawr, Trick Treat." I think I played my poker hand a little too early, because when I was naughty, she used it as leverage to alter my poor behavior choices... she's pretty tricky as far as mommas go! Nana and Grampy came to visit and helped me hand out candy to our neighborhood kiddos. I had sooo much fun! When can we do it again?

TGIF...

Well folks, as far as Fridays are concerned THIS was a good one! First off I got to wear my strawberry tutu at Miss Kathy's today for her Halloween party. I even got a cookie for breakfast... how's that for nutritional! When I got home, my babysitter and best buddy neighbor, Cassie, came over dressed as Belle... a real live princess at my house! Can you believe it!!! Needless to say I was on a sugar high and beside myself with overwhelming excitement. I wasn't even aware that the fun was just beginning!