4 Years Old- Ruthie Mackenzie

4 Years Old

~Ruthie Mackenzie Stube~

This is Ruthie's Preschool Picture

4 Year Old Stats:

Weight: 42 lbs 3 oz

Height: 3 foot 5 3/4 inches (slouching)

Blood Pressure: 86/56

Pulse: 82

My little girl (big girl) is so stinkin cute! I mean seriously!! Today we had her 4 year old check-up. Not a big deal. Doctors promised no shots so it was a fairly easy going appointment. They had Ruthie jump on the scales and then measured her height. They then did an eye exam. She easily named all the shapes as the nurse pointed to them... well until, they asked her to cover up one of her eyes... you would have thought she was getting a shot-- she freaked out! I don't know why she got so nervous, but we eventually finished the eye exam and she has perfect 20/20 vision. :) 

We then proceeded into the exam room where they took her blood pressure, pulse, and then started a hearing test. Ruthie's job: to say "beep" when she heard the beep. Not a big deal- right? WRONG! She was so funny. The nurse could tell Ruthie heard the beep because she jerked a little, but she rarely said "beep" when she was supposed too- the nurse thought it was hilarious. I couldn't help but roll my eyes a little as I watched my bull-headed child be just that... bull-headed. I guess it didn't help that she was up super later last night and up extremely early. 

Dr. Jarvie came in and went over the growth charts and she looks great. Her BMI has gone way down and she continues to stay well above the average line for height. Her weight has really slowed down and is closer to average. He did make mention of her bruises-- but after watching her for two seconds found out the cause. She does not take it easy on her knees-- she'll regret that some day! 

All in all-- Ruthie was given a clean bill of health. She's happy, growing, and developmentally where she should be. We closed out her appointment with three shots and the influenza nasal spray. I was a little upset since the doctors had told me no shots- but even though we had some tears-- the nasal spray was far worse then the actual shots! Interesting!! 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 Precious Birthday Girl

 

 We had such a great time celebrating Ruthie's 4th Birthday. By far, this has been my favorite and most stress-free party I've thrown for either of my kids. AND-- I even had a complete cake flop! Ruthie is very much into princesses and her favorite has been Snow White for the majority of the year. I decided to throw Ruthie a little Snow White party. We had a beautiful Snow White cake, Apple Pinata, and played pass the poison apple, which fittingly, Ruthie picked up and took a bite out of.

I also surprised Ruthie and took her to Fun Unleashed that morning. What a great time. She had a wonderful time. Again, I was so relaxed! It was great!!

For Ruthie's actual birthday (on a Tuesday) she had preschool during the day and then her preschool Christmas program that evening. I was a little more stressed out and exhausted-- but it all ended well. Ruthie was so much fun to watch! She did wonderful and I couldn't take my eyes of her.

Here are a few pics from her special day:

20 Weeks

 Precious Child

20 Weeks- and I feel great!
November 29th- (My dad's 60th birthday)-- The family loaded up in the van for our twenty week ultrasound. I was eager for the kids to see their little brother or sister and share in our excitement. What I learned early into the ultrasound that as much as I want my children to be involved in every moment of special events-- sometimes it's best to just do things with my husband. I will say that even though the stress of the Brayden opening every drawer in the room and the kids fighting over the tablet we brought to document this amazing moment-- I left my appointment feeling incredibly blessed and finding it nearly perfect.

We started with our child's precious little head and face. We learned quickly that I prefer to carry my children abnormally and this time was no different. Little Banana (at 20 weeks) was face down and breech. He or She was so low that we could barely see the face. This was probably the most difficult moment for me because I was looking forward to most seeing and studying my child's face. I did get moments of seeing cute little pouty lips and at one moment I saw the baby try to wave high and suck it's sweet perfect little thumb. As the technician continued to ultrasound we witnessed the baby with it's little legs crossed at the ankles relaxed just like Brayden and daddy sit. I LOVED it and our technician got a great picture!

I absolutely loved our technician and found her very thorough. She talked us through each minute of the ultrasound explaining what she was doing and why. We have a beautiful healthy little one. Because my children tuck and hide the technician wasn't able to view the spine or some of the heart so she asked me to come in later that day for a 2nd ultrasound to finish the anatomy scan. This excited me because I was hopeful for some great shots of my little one to show of to family and friends later that evening.

At my 2nd ultrasound, my little banana completely moved but didn't make it easier on the technician. She unfortunately still couldn't view the heart easily and couldn't get any profile shots since my child was now laying on his or her little belly. It made me laugh to know that this child is going to be much like Ruthie and Brayden. I left my appointment with another scheduled ultrasound in a few weeks. Hopefully the baby cooperates and I can get some fun pictures to share with you all!

Interesting Fact- my little child is all Stube (from what we can tell) the baby is measuring much bigger then 20 weeks. The technician measured our childs femur and it's long for a 20 week child :) 1 week and 2 days longer! :) 

One funny little tid bit- we decided not to find out the gender of our little baby but out of the entire scan-- the way the baby was positioned that was one thing the technician would have been able to enlighten us with. :)

Our Families Predictions:

Daddy- Girl
Mommy- Boy
Ruthie- Girl
Brayden- Baby!

This pregnancy is flying by now that I'm not hugging the toilet and craving water instead of avoiding it. Ruthie is very excited to be a big sister again and she cannot wait for April to find out if she's indeed having a little sister like she predicts she is. She hasn't not wavered on the gender but has changed her soon to be sister's name a few times: Kaylynn, Percy, Molly, and now Emily. 

 Little Legs Crossed

He or She is so precious <3 br="br">

12 Weeks

12 Weeks- My baby at 11 weeks is approximately the size of a lime. I find it hard to believe that my little one could be that size already. My stomach is flatter then flat as I'm still to sick to really entertain eating and drinking. I am having more good days then bad so the Zofran pump is officially working, but I cannot wait until this is all behind us. Us- myself, my kids, my husband, and all our friends and family who have been so helpful these past 6+ weeks.

Speaking of the Zofran pump... now every time it gives me a dose (about every 10 minutes) it stings! Seriously! I'm crazy itchy all over my belly and feel like there are tiny bugs crawling in the inside of my skin! If I lay in a perfect position (which changes) everything is fine and even the itchyness fades, but my oh my- I forgot how incredibly itchy this thing was when I was pregnant with Ruthie. I wouldn't trade it for anything right now though- I mostly stick with soups but I've craved pizza the other night (no pepperoni but with bacon and sausage?!?) and I even found myself daydreaming about Chinese food?!?! It's exciting. Now if I could just figure out beverages that I can stand without gagging and hugging the toilet. I can't drink just cherry koolaid for much longer. Gross- I know ... but that's it, that's what my body will allow me to consume on a daily basis. 

Monday I have an actual doctors appointment and I should be able to hear the heart beat. That's exciting. I am also hopeful this will be the first week I don't have to go into the hospital immediately afterwards for a hydration treatment. I don't think my veins could handle one more of those! I feel positive that I am doing better and that the doctors will see some improvement. Dare I say maybe a little weight gain!?

School

School- Ruthie LOVES school. I truly expected her to be very excited about it and was shocked when her first day started so rough. That obviously didn't affect her too long as she jumps for excitement when she realizes that the day is a school day.

Thank goodness for weekly reports or I'd have no idea what was happening in my daughters life. I guess because moms are supposed to know everything Ruthie believes I already know everything there is to know. This has been especially hard on me because I've been so sick that I can't even drive to drop off or pick up my daughter and so I see nothing. Ruthie loves her teachers Mrs King and Mrs Mason. She came home the other day and signed a bible verse "Children are a gift from the Lord" Amen! She is such a blessing. Each week Ruthie learns a new letter and gets to do fun crafts involving that letter. Apples, Balloon Painting, & Crayon crowns. She is also learning how to write her name which is both exciting for Ruthie and myself.

Friends- On our first day I had to explain to her again that her friend Ava Drake would not be there but there are two other Ava's in her class. I don't know how much interaction she has with the two Ava's but all she talks about is Ava H and Ava E. She also has talked about Ryan (who I saw her playing with at the playground this past Tuesday) Lilliah Grace and Molly. Patrick has also been mentioned once. :) I was really hoping Ruthie would take me to her friends last night, but I wasn't feeling well and she was anxious to show me all around her room.

At back to school night Mrs. King has a scavenger hunt for the parents and children. Ruthie showed me how one day she was the caboose and yesterday morning she was the meteorologist and stated yesterday was cloudy but now it's rainy. :) Love her! She also showed me some of her favorite books. I wish I could remember the name of the apple book she loves. I'll have to ask Mrs. King. :)

All in all I'm very pleased with Grace Lutheran. I know it's the perfect place for Ruthie. She is learning so much and having a great time. Next month she is charge of snack so we get to pick out fun napkins and cups :) She also gets to bring in her favorite cd to share with her class.

Preschool- Ruthie

My Little Preschooler

Ruthie has been super excited for preschool. We've been talking about it all summer! On Tuesday, September 4th we woke Ruthie up excited to get her ready for her 1st Day. She looked right at me and said "mommy, I don't want to go to school, so I'm not going"

oh no

Getting her ready I tried not to fight with her- I let her pick out her outfit, allowed her to wear flip flops, and didn't force her to let me put braids in her hair-- and she still fought the process. 

My Pout Face Girl

We took her into school and she was excited to show us where to put her bag and place her name tag (for attendance)  She was happy until the moment we told her "goodbye". Tears came quickly and we made the decision to leave and let the aid take care of our kicking and screaming girl. 

What seemed like days later- it was time to go pick her up. We were greeted by a very very Happy Girl. She loved it!! (As we knew she would) Her teacher Mrs. King is amazing and I can't wait for her to meet new friends.

(Ruthie's Art Project)

We surprised Ruthie and let her pick her lunch destination. She chose The Waffle Shop for her chocolate chip pancakes. 

Looking forward to a new week with smiles and learning. 

Oh- and if any of you would like to order a Marianna Hoagie-- Ruthie's selling them!!

Hyperemesis

Hyperemesis

Thursday, September 6th at 1pm was my first doctors appointment for this little one. As you can see, we have a beautiful healthy baby with a strong heartbeat. I have to keep telling myself this because moments like this weekend it sometimes doesn't feel worth it. 

Our first visit is was with Dr. Hardyk (she delivered Brayden via VBac) She is absolutely wonderful and I'm so thankful she's my doctor. Jon and I talked to her about our concerns with this pregnancy. The fact that I barely can stomach anything and drinking is out of the question is scary when I remember back to my pregnancy with Ruthie. She was so helpful and understanding as we shared our concerns. She prescribed higher doses of Zofran and also prescribed another medication (Fenergan) and asked to see me again on Monday. She also prescribed blood work and some other tests. Before I left she found that my hydration levels were very low and directed me to go to the hospital for hydration treatments. 

That afternoon, I went into the hospital where they gave my two bags of liquids and also some Zofran. I was there for three hours before being sent home. I got home and decided even though I was nauseous to eat a little food before calling it a night-- that night, I began vomiting again and that carried into Friday. Friday night we called Dr. Hardyk and she recommended we come back into the hospital. 

When we arrived at the hospital my sugar level was at 59 and my hydration level was low. The hospital doctor was great at making me feel comfortable and shortly later, Dr. Hardyk stopped in to visit me. She decided then that I needed to be admitted and watched closely.  

Jon waited with me until I was comfy in my room before heading home. I slept pretty well. The nurses started checking my sugar levels every two hours (I'm thankful not to be diabetic- it doesn't hurt- but it's not enjoyable) I am being fed fluids constantly, (I've never peed so much in my life) and they're giving me a bunch of other things to get all my levels back to "normal"

Two concerns: They noticed that my Thyroid level was higher then it should be. They did another blood test to see if I have a Hyper Thyroid. This could so make my 1st trimester that much harder with nausea. As of Sunday morning, the test hasn't come in. Saturday morning I started having kidney pain. It reminded me of my kidney stone with Ruthie and so they're now giving me antibiotics for a stone or possible bladder infection. (Also waiting on the results)

Sunday Morning: Dr. Cherry came in to talk to me. She's still waiting on some test results but it does sound like I'm having a Thyroid issue and a stone or infection. She is happy with how I'm doing. She's going to continue to keep the fluids pumping but see how I respond to starting zofran orally again. She has also lifted my liquid diet to include foods I may want (though, I'm not feeling it) So as of this morning, it sounds like I'll be here until Monday when Dr. Hardyk can check into the pump. It is also sounding more and more like I'll keep in an IV for home treatments of liquids (possible food). 

More updates to come... 

Traffic Light

Traffic Light

We're on vacation down in New Bern, North Carolina. Ruthie notices from the back seat starts saying (loudly) "slow down, slow down, stop Stop STOP!" a few moments later "GO!" - she is watching the traffic light far ahead and wanted to make sure we were obeying the signal! :) Love her!

Vacation

First day of vacation-- a wonderful nights rest in what I believe is the most comfortable bed in the world, waking up to my body well rested and not my sweet three year old. When we're at Gaga and Opa Stubes home, Ruthie's rule is to go find Gaga when she wakes up! Ruthie loves her special mornings with her Gaga and Opa and mommy and daddy love to sleep in!!

And I discover, I'm pregnant! (some of you who enjoy reading my blog, I'm really going to try hard and not spill the beans before you find out in person... I just wanted to remember everything as this pregnancy has already snatched most of my remaining memory)

At first the test indicates not pregnant-- which I find discouraging because I feel like I know my body so well and little things make me feel like I am pregnant. I don't cry cry-- but I do have a few tears. I take one final glance at the test and that's when I discover the fainest of faints, light pink line! I am indeed pregnant! I'm overwhelmed with joy-- and uh oh! I decided then, since we were on vacation and Jon wasn't with me when I took the test, that I'd love to find a fun way to surprise him. That was, until he came down with a terrible cold that morning and I kept trying to find any time at all to be alone with him! :) Two nights later, not feeling like I was going to be able to keep this in any longer I wrote on a notecard "Out Numbered!" I had Ruthie take it to Jon. Huge smile on his face. 3 kids-- I can barely say it-- 3 kids! God is so good and I'm so incredibly thankful for this third little blessing growing inside of me. And man-- is this little peanut growing. I'm five weeks and already I feel so many changes to my body. My stomach is already tender and at times, I can see the beginnings of the pop! I had one day of nausea but the following day I felt great- tired, but great. Praise God. Each great day is another blessing that goes above and beyond.

So-- some other amazing news. Months and months back my dear friend Ashley (who has a son Philip who is 6 weeks younger then Brayden) and I were talking about how we felt the next time around we'd be pregnant again. Ashley and Tim discovered they were expecting again after my mom looked at Ashley and said "you're pregnant". Ashley would take a test the next day and find out that she was indeed pregnant. Her due date is March 23rd. My due date... April 15th. 23 Days apart! 23 days!! That's amazing! Once again-- God is so incredibly good-- how neat to do this again from the beginning with such a great friend.

So friends and family-- as you think of me and think of Ashley, please pray for us. Pray that we will feel great during this pregnancy. That we will feel comfortable get plenty of rest. Also pray for the little ones growing inside us. Pray for healthy children and easy uncomplicated deliveries.

1st Hair Cut

First Hair Cut

Brayden Timothy

July 1st 2012 (Sunday) I decided it was time to risk loosing all my precious little boys curl and get his hair cut for the first time. I was nervous, so nervous, he never has sat as still as his sister... never! :) 

Brayden fought sitting every few minutes, but for the most part, enjoyed the attention he was getting from his big sister.  I think he looks handsome and was pleased when he still had curl to his hair.

(Happy Man)

 (a good read!)

(Before) 

 (First Cut!)

(After!)

June 2012

What an amazing month! I love the month of June. From the beginning of pool season, celebrating my birthday, Father's Day... the list continues.

Trip Down Memory Lane

 Ruthie Mackenzie Stube was born in Leesburg, Virginia. This June-- we finally took some time to take her to her first home. She loved seeing the house we lived in for the first 6 months of her life. During our trip, we took her on the walk her daddy used to take her on each evening.

Daddy and Ruthie taking a walk behind our apartment complex back in Leesburg.

Playing at the playground in Leesburg, Virginia.

 Surprise trip to the Parrotts to celebrate Ruthie Parrott's graduation. We had an incredible weekend hanging out with some of our favorite people. St. David's had an Appreciation Day for the Graduates and Jonathan and I had the privilege to be a part of such a wonderful service to celebrate some of the greatest young men and women!

Father's Day
Ruthie and I were pretty excited to celebrate Father's Day. We love her daddy so much and couldn't wait to celebrate him. Brayden and Ruthie decorated a tie to give to Jon while he was enjoying a delicious breakfast in bed. Ruthie helped make everything! ;) We surprised Daddy for a nice hike in the mountains. Unfortunately, Ruthie had a change of heart as soon as we got up in the mountain, so we decided to take a play a game of mini golf instead.

We love you Jonathan Edwin Stube aka... Daddy!!

 



 The Father's Day Tie

 

 

16 Months- Brayden

16 Months
I am in love with my little man. He is growing up so quickly and I just can't imagine life without him. His best friend is his sissy Ruthie. He has yet to start calling her anything, but I can't wait for what he names her. :)

Vocabulary:
Rock
Yes
No
Down
Snack
Puppy
Please
Mommy
Daddy
Ball
Pool
Splash
Hello
Bye
More
Dog
This
Look
Mine
Want
Paul
Pa
Gaga
Opa
Evan


I am just so proud of Brayden. He is the most chill happiest little man.

9:30 am- Wake Up (thank you summer sun)
9:35 am- Breakfast
12:30 pm- Nap Time
3:30 pm Wake
7:30 pm Bedtime

He is so flexible with his schedule. We've been spending our wake times at the pool or at the park playing and soaking in the sun. I LOVE summer and I love the pool so I'm praying my kids love it as much as I do.

Allergy Update:
Chicken & Beef- He has officially outgrown
Peanut-- we just found out he's allergic to peanuts. Please pray that he outgrows his nut allergy!
Eggs- He is still very allergic to eggs but doctor believes he'll outgrow eggs.
Dairy- It looks like his level is starting to come down-- so here's hoping!

Brayden- 15 Months

15 Months

Weight: 22 lbs 8.1 oz

Height: 2' 6.25"

Dr. Jarvie is very pleased with Brayden's growth in the last 3 months. 

Brayden had to get two shots today-- one he toughed out, but the other was pretty painful and he let out a huge cry. It was so sad. I held him close and told him how proud I was of him. Because next month Brayden has to see his allergist, this visit also involved blood work. Once again, the lab struggled to find a vein but they went for it and thankfully got in on the first poke. Brayden pouted and huge tears fell from his face as we held him down for a few minutes to gather the blood. I know had it been anyone else, I would have had to be picked up from the floor- but had incredible strength for my son. 

I talked to Dr. Jarvie about the fact that he still wasn't "walking" and he put my mind at ease. He said developmentally, if Brayden could say three words that I could understand (and not necessarily anyone else) he was above the curve and he said just from listening to him, he speaks very well ... well for a boy! :) 

Dear Brayden,

Each day my love for you grows stronger and stronger. I love you so incredibly much. You make me so proud. Each day you show off how smart you are and how much you love me. I love how you walk to me with the biggest smile as you say over and over again "momma momma". It's JOY. I am so excited to spend this summer with you-- taking you to the pool, the park, and other fun places. 

Continue to smile. Laugh. Show off those precious dimples. Your laughter is contagious. 

Love you little man

Mommy

Signing Time

Signing Time

When Ruthie was 3 months old I began signing with my little girl. I remember her being around six months when she started signing "more" and "all done". For the longest time I tried to teach her "milk" and a few other easy signs, but since 1) she started speaking so early and 2) I just wasn't very good about remembering other words-- her two signs were great but that's where it ended... well, until now!

Brayden has been very different from his sister. I started signing with him closer to 6 months when I started feeding him solids and feeding him from a bottle. I would sign and sign with him but he refused to show any interest in it. A few separate times I had girlfriends tell me he signed something- but when it came to helping communicate with his mommy, he preferred the screaming method. At 1 years old- he has a decent vocabulary but it's sometimes hard for him to get his point across and we both end up frustrated.

Last week I was chatting with a friend who's son knows about 17 signs-- I was letting her in on my failed attempt at teaching my son signs. She handed me a video "Signing Time".

In a week- Brayden is signing:
More
Eat/Food
Milk
Ball
Car

Instead of crying when he wakes from a nap- he immediately starts signing milk and I praise him and let him know mommy understands is getting him milk- the tears have ended (for that anyway!)

He also lets me know when he's hungry which is so nice.  I now know if I need to keep feeding him or get him up from the table because he's finished sitting. It's so wonderful!!

Ruthie is also making her mommy so proud! Signing is also something she enjoys and also loves hearing mommy praise her when she signs random words :) -- it's so much fun and a great time for the two of us.

At 3 1/2 Ruthie is signing:

Eat/Food
More
Milk
Water
Cat
Bird
Dog
Fish
All Done
Car
Airplane
Mommy
Daddy
Sleepy
Baby

Here is a picture of my kids soaking in the video :)

Interview With My Three Year Old

Interview With My Three Year Old-

Ruthie Mackenzie- About Herself:


What is one thing you're afraid of? Falling down the steps & Trucks

What makes you happy? Playing "Super Why"

What makes you sad? Falling down the steps

What is one thing you cannot live without? Mommy

What is your favorite movie? Tangled

What is your favorite T.V. show? Super Why

What's your favorite song? Joy to the World (as she starts singing)

If you could be any cartoon character who would you choose? Princess Pea (Super Why) Henry and Percy (Thomas)

What's your favorite food? Peanut Butter and Jelly 


What's your favorite snack? Gummies

Questions About Mommy

What does mommy always tell you? love you

What makes mommy happy? Hugs and kisses

What makes mommy sad? Hitting

How old is mommy? 3

How tall is mommy? Big- as she raises her hands up to the sky


What does mommy love to do? Music

What is mommy's favorite food? Squirrel tail (a joke between mommy and Ru)
What is mommy's real favorite food? Candy- that may or may NOT be true ;)

How do you know mommy loves you? Hugs and kisses

Where is mommy's favorite place to go? Target!


Questions about Daddy

What does daddy always tell you? no (and mommy tells me yes)


What makes daddy happy? Coloring

What makes daddy sad? Not having food

Where does daddy go when he leaves the house in the morning? To school

What is daddy doing at school? Eating ice cream and learning how to make it!

How old is daddy? 59

What is daddy's favorite food? Hamburgers

How do you know daddy loves you? Hugs and Kisses



Questions about Brayden

What is Brayden's favorite food? Chicken Nuggets (um, no!)

What is Brayden's favorite toy? Ball

What makes Brayden happy? Hugs and Kisses



** Thank you Kathryn for the great idea ** So cute- can't wait to hear what she says in another year!

The Things They Say...

The Things They Say...


Ruthie:

"dark church" ... our evening service

"poor head" ... forehead

"hook" ... hood

"parent feet" .... bare feet!

"the dragon" .... the wagon

"when I'm the mommy and YOU'RE the Ruthie"

"all by my big self"

"blue dog" ... Pluto

"Blue Jays" ... PJ's

"don't you dare" (Ruthie) "aaAaaaaAaaa"(Abby) "answer me" (Ruthie)

**Ruthie cracks me up so much with some of the funny things she says. She loves to put a smile on our faces so a lot of times she says really random things like "cocoa" that she hopes we'll crack up about. She also has a fake laugh which is hilarious!!

Brayden:

Ball

More (or mo mo)

Bro Bro

No No

Yes

Down

Gaga

Dada

Momma

What's This?

Up

Moo

Baa

LaLaLa (Sandra Boyton)

**Brayden basically repeats most of what I say-- which is amazing and wonderful. His sister is teaching him so much. She makes him talk to get what he wants which is funny. Ruthie is a little mother hen... love watching the two of them together. 

Sweet Dreams... are made of these...

Sweet Dreams ... are made of these... Ruthie sleeps a lot like her mommy- has very vivid dreams and talks non-stop in her sleep. There have been a few times where I've caught her out of bed and it's very clear she isn't awake. Here is my attempt to try and capture some of our favorite dreams of my sweet little girl:

*I got peanut butter and jelly on my puppy, Bingo and daddy threw Bingo in the garbage


*Boy Peyton took my snack and I cried really loud


*Before Waking I hear Ruthie screaming "no no no I don't want it, I don't want it..." after holding her tight she shared with me her dream: 
Abby took my best doll out of my hands

*The doggy came into my house and you tried to shut the door so the dog wouldn't come into my house and I told him "no". (Normally means Evan and Natalie's dog Boomer was the culprit!)

Easter 2012

Christ Has Risen Indeed

Hallelujah

I received an encouraging email a few days before Holy Week reminding me that Easter isn't just about getting up and going to church on Sunday, singing and worshiping our Lord, and heading home to eat a nice family dinner. I was encouraged to make Easter Week special. Take time out of our busy week to remember the cross.

I spent some time looking through websites, pinterest, and asking friends and family for fun ideas to celebrate Holy Week. I created a fun Easter calendar for Ruthie to keep track of our days and activities. 

 Palm Sunday Branches

Monday- we ate pretzels and made prayer hands

Tuesday- we were going to make soap- but couldn't find the ingredients so we had a fun worship night

Wednesday we made Easter Lily's and Had a fun Easter Egg Hunt

 Thursday we made Resurrection Eggs

Friday we made Crosses

Saturday we made Resurrection Rolls for Sunday morning

We also decorated Easter Eggs

Easter morning was a lot of fun! We got up early, put the Resurrection Rolls in the oven, and started our Easter Egg Hunt. Ruthie and Brayden loved finding the eggs hidden all over the house. After that, we got ready for church and headed down the valley to celebrate our Risen Lord. After church, we headed to my parents house for Easter dinner. We had a great day- my daughter had way to much sweets but my husband insisted that she NEEDED it! :) 

A few days after Easter Sunday- Gaga and Opa Stube came to visit- we loved having them here for a few days!! Ruthie and Brayden loved time with them and cannot wait to go down to New Bern in a few months for Gaga Camp!  Ruthie asks me every day if we're heading to North Carolina... I can't wait to answer "yes" to that question!! 

Happy Easter!!