Cooper is Walking!

Cooper is busy, busy, busy!  He took his first steps on October 3rd and hasn't slowed down!  I love it, but he is getting quick...  Cooper also has 10 teeth and is working on his 11th (a back molar) as I write.  Hopefully the rest will come in as painless as the first.  Thanks Cooper for being such an easy 3rd Child, your momma needed you to be just as you are!

Jack's First Day of Kindergarten!

August 23rd, 2010 ~ Jack is at Beitel Elementary, he has a full Day of School, 8:20am to 3:15pm.  Jack is doing Excellent, we are so proud of him!

Jackism

Jack got a new pair of sneakers tonight...  Of course they make him "fast".  We were sitting on his bed when he told me "mom, there's this girl in my class that's not very nice..  I'm gonna show her my shoes tomorrow, maybe she'll like them"  "Jack, Why do you think she's mean?"  "That's just the way she was made."  If it could always be as simple as that, life would be easier.

Flathead Lake, Montana ~ Summer Vacation

August 2010 ~ Two weeks of heaven on Flathead Lake at the Armstrong Cabin!  Garry and I fell in love with Montana, the boys played in the water, roasted marshmallows, stayed up too late, went for a boat ride, fished and were just boys...  It was a relaxing two weeks and one that will forever be remembered!

Happy Halloween!

Jack is a fish, handmade by mom and dad. Griff is a cowboy, handmade by grandma kathy...

Jackism

"Mom just don't stress me out, I just got home from school" This was while making dinner I asked Jack if he learned anything new today... Funny kid.

We made it..

Finally, we are back together. The moving truck showed up Monday morning and quickly unloaded our goods. Then we scurried around trying to find some order in all of the chaos. Thanks to Christy she was able to keep me on track and focused on the task at hand, which was getting my kitchen organized. Garry's dad - Curt and brother - Rusty came up and helped with a few odds and ends.

I love Laramie already. It reminds me of Gunnison but larger. There are tons of bike trails, great parks, a fun and vibrant downtown area, and just a great feel to the town. We have met a couple neighbors and enjoying our neighborhood and home. I am pleased with our house choice.

I have already started picking out paint colors and yes we are going to end up doing work on this house as well but I am not one that can just move into someone else's home and hang pics up. I need to make it my own. We are off on vacation for two weeks this next week, so we are having hardwood floors installed in the kitchen and dining area. Right now there is carpet and that would be tough with 3 kids.

Anyways, so far so good. I am happy to be here with Garry and have closed the book on my last chapter.

Moving day slowly approaching...

The closer we get the slower it goes.. Ahhhh. I have never been good at patience and now more than ever this is true, 4 days left till the movers arrive to pack us up. Here are some pics from over the summer.

Moving day fast approaching..

We are counting down the days.. We move out on the 20th and we move into our new place on the 30th. It feels so close.

Grandma and Grandpa are coming to celebrate the 4th with us, which will be fun for everyone. We haven't seen a lot of them lately because they are getting ready to sell their home and build a new home on some land out by the Tigges farm.

All of the boys are busy, busy, busy. Cooper is standing and walking from side to side, trying to keep up with his brothers. He had his 9 month checkup. He weighed 16#7oz. and 27" long. All is well.

Boys, boys, boys...

Cooper is now 9 months old and a handful! He still remains calm and easy going but now he is on the move. He has been crawling for a bit and about a month ago started climbing stairs. His current tasks is working on standing without support. He will stand.. let go.. fall.. He is good at squatting and lowering himself down to a seated position but you can tell he is determined to get this standing thing figured out. He has had two bloody lips already and barely seems to notice. He is a good sleeper and eater. We have totally moved him away from babyfood, he loves almost anything enchiladas, turkey, cheese, crackers... All I can say is busy, busy.

Griffin is two and talking. He is funny. I took the kids for a walk on their bikes the other day and Griffin picked up quite a bit of speed as he rolled into our driveway. I was running next to him telling him to stop but he kept going launching himself up into the air as he entered our driveway!! He did the superman bit in the air then a faceplant across the blacktop! Ouch. The funny thing is that he will do it again..

Jack is my helper, well most of the time. He surprises me every now and then and will tell me what a word says. He won't admit to knowing how to write all his letters but will easily ask me how I spell my name and then proceed to write it... If I ask him to practice his name or a letter he will refuse. Not sure why but he will not take any direction from mommy!

Garry has his hands full with his new store! But he will get it in shape. He got an award this last month for his service scores which I think he only told me.. Only 12 awards were given out of more than 100 managers... Modest.

I am doing better than I thought. The longer I am alone the more I have relaxed and gotten myself into a routine with the boys. The weather has helped, playing outside and going for walks makes everyone happy! I am in the process of looking for my internship for the fall and will start classes in September. Both I am looking forward too.

The count down begins..

We are all anxious to be back together. We close on our current home on July 22nd and then close on our new home on July 30th. It is going to be crazy but exciting. The movers come on the 21st to pack us then they will load us on the 22nd. We will stay with Garry's folks for a few days, get to see Rusty and Heather and enjoy Levi and Misti's Wedding in Estes Park. Then we will stay in a Cabin in the Mountains for a week while we enjoy the feeling of no responsibilities.. Then back to reality when we close on our home and somehow get hardwood floors laid prior to us moving in, hmmm, that should be interesting since we only have the cabin til the 31st. We may have to stay with friends, funny, the Rickart V showing up on your doorstep.. Somewhat scary! Then we are off to Montana for two weeks... First a stop at the Rapson's which I am looking forward too and then to the NW corner of the state to Melissa's cabin! It sounds absolutely beautiful. A much needed break from our day to day lives...

We have a crawler!

Cooper is now 7 months and is crawling everywhere. He is trying so hard to keep up with his big brothers and is content just to be in the same room with them as they play. He loves sitting and he loves climbing over pillows and anyone laying on the floor, but he has his eye on the prize... He wants to go up the steps and I have caught him on his knees in the crib pulling up the rails! Oh poor mommy, he is too young to be doing all of this and I see my baby not being a baby anymore. We have also entered the world of teething. Cooper has 4 teeth, two bottom and two top (not the two front though, the two on the sides of the front).

Griffin continues to master his vocabulary, loves trains and curious george. We are having a train birthday party for him on his birthday the 16th. We have rented the train in Fort Collins and invited our CO friends. It is a good excuse to see all of our friends and sit and relax.

Jack is almost done with preschool. Sigh... His last day is May 17th, which makes me so sad and so excited. Next year will be Kindergarten, happy, but it also means Jack is officially not a preschooler any more, sad..

Garry continues to be in Laramie and missing us and we miss him.

I am being a single mom, hats off to all those women and men out there that are single moms and dads... Sometimes I think I am not going to make it but then you find the strength to push forward. I am looking forward to starting up classes in the fall and my internship, but more importantly being back together as a family.

Missin daddy...

Today is another day closer to moving.. Our days are fine, but just not the same without Garry. It seems that our days go so much better as the weather warms and we are all able to play outside but today is chilly and windy.

Cooper is 7 months old

I have been absent from the world of facebook and blogging for sometime. It never seems to stop or even slow down in our house hold but what I have realized is this is practically true for all those trying to get ahead while raising a family.

Updates: For those who don't know, we are moving, I know, again... Garry has rec'd another promotion and the only negative we could decide on was packing up, selling our home and finding a new one. Which the company will do the most of for us, so here we go again. This time we are off to Laramie, WY, back in the mountains... Again, coming from a small town in upstate NY, I would never have dreamed that I would be wandering around these western towns.

Garry is already there, sad for me and the boys but we hope to be together sooner than later. He has started house hunting and this time we hope to find something that is move in ready not needing a total update!

The boys are good, Jack is Jack... He is maturing and definitely keeps me busy. Griffin is sweet. He is talking a lot and has a sweet way about him. Then there is Cooper, Garry says he is the kid that could be forgotten at a store cause he is so quiet.

Anyways, we know this transition will be hard but are excited at the same time.

Happy Birthday GBR!

Today is Garry's birthday. A normal day, getting Jack off to school, daddy off to work and spending time with Griff and Cooper. Had a bouquet of balloons sent to Garry at work - just to embarrass him since he hates things like that and am working on his cake - red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting and coconut. A few gifts and then daddy is off to Vegas for a man-cation. I must admit I am jealous but happy that he gets to have a break. If anyone deserves a break it is Garry.

Also, just wanted everyone to know that Garry has been uploading a ton of videos of the boys on You Tube. So if you want to check them out go to You Tube and type in Rickart Roost.

Cabin Fever!

I woke up this morning to -4 degrees out, that is without the windchill. Yikes. Another day of staying in the house. The boys are feeling it and so am I. There is only so much you can do with playdoh, moon sand, coloring and forts to make the day seem exciting before you want to pull your hair out. What I wouldn't do for warm enough weather to go for a walk with the kids. Feel free to email me any ideas of fun things to do with the boys...

Adios Flynn...

Flynn in Chicago

Yesterday was a big day... for Flynn that is. Flynn packed up his bags and headed to Chicago. He decided there was better things in life aka Heather and Rusty Rickart. Yep, that's right Flynn moved to Chicago to live with Garry's brother and wife where he can once again become the king of his throne. I know, I know it may seem a bit strange to ship a cat across the country for a move but it actually worked out perfect.

During Thanksgiving Garry and I were giving Rusty a bit of a bad time about molesting their parent's cat ~ Cali. We joked that they should get a cat and Heather mentioned that they were thinking about it. I then laughed and said "you can have Flynn." Rusty said "I like Flynn." Although we do love Flynn he slowly has moved down the ladder in our house. At the end of the day, after running after 3 boys there is little time for Flynn in our home. We had talked about finding a new home for him for the sheer fact that he deserves more attention. So this seemed like a perfect opportunity for Flynn and us. Flynn goes to a loving home where he will be spoiled with lots of love and attention.

The move went well also. Our friend Phil lives on the border of Illinois and was traveling back home after Christmas. He stopped here for the night and the next morning loaded Flynn up. Rusty and Heather drove to meet him and the switch was made.

As of today it sounds like Flynn is doing great. He is slowly making his mark on his new home and checking out every crevice of their home.

Happy Holidays!

Well, the end of the year is fast approaching and it has gone faster than ever. Of course everyone knows this year we welcomed our newest addition, Cooper Hiram. He is now 3 months old and a wonderful little man. He has truly brought us a sense of peace. He is easy going, happy and a joy. He was a surprise to us and a much welcomed surprise. Griffin is getting big as well, he does his best to keep up with Jack, he is a true ham. He loves to make us laugh and wrestle with dad. Griffin especially loves to put hats on and shoes. It doesn't matter who's and the bigger the better! He definitely keeps us laughing. Jack just finished his preschool concert. It was great. This year he has grown up so much. He loves working on his letters, drawing, reading and of course playing outside. He is really excited about Santa coming and going to grandma and grandpa's.

Garry and I are doing well. We have settled into a routine here in Ogallala and must admit we like the pace of life here. Last night we had a Christmas party with some close friends and feel very blessed that we have been able to meet some great people.

Garry's has done well as Manager and continues to complete small projects on the Golden Peacock. We have pretty much finished the interior remodel but now are working on updating the bathrooms. It has been a big project and proved to be difficult while raising children but we are proud of our home and all the work we have put into it. I am home for the time being and wouldn't have it any other way. I will start back up on my Masters degree in the fall and hope to have it completed by December of 2011.

2009 was the most difficult year we have experienced as a couple and family. The move to Ogallala, living in the Cabin while we bought and remodeled our home, being pregnant with two small children and the birth of Cooper. But now as the year ends we feel happier than ever, we love our family and look back over our challenges and feel stronger as a family. I am so thankful for all the love and support we had this year. Especially from Curt and Kathy, who helped us time and time again. My mom, who came and helped us for a month when Cooper was born. And my girls, Elexa, Christy and Melissa for all of the support you have given to me this year. We love you.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! The Rickart's

Boyzzzzzz..........

Griffzilla...

Jack and Cooper

Smile!!

Cooper 2 months

Halloween 2009

Jack was a giraffe and Griff was a tiger (even though his costume is covered)... They had fun, while mommy and Cooper stayed home to hand out candy.

Transitions

Jack and Griffin have welcomed their new brother into their world. Jack has done great, probably because he is older and has done this before. Griffin has had a harder time, surprisingly with being seperated from daddy. But, Garry has been great.. He has been patient and loving towards Griffin. Everyday Griffin seems to be doing better and we know that this transiton is just that a transition. Griffin has been affectionate towards Cooper, giving him kisses and smiles. Overall a good transition.

Collage

Cooper Hiram Rickart

Catching some rays!

Daddy lovin...

Finally awake

Birthday

Cooper Hiram

Well Cooper is finally here and he arrived exactly on his due date - 09/15/09. My contractions began early in the morning but were nothing to painful so I figured that it still may be a day or two. I had a Dr's appt that morning and the Dr. said I was 3cm. Since I was positive for StrepB this go around he wanted to admit me to get a couple of doses of antibiotics on board. My contractions did pick up but it was still going slow so Dr. Miller broke my water and by 9:56 pm Cooper had arrived. He weighed 7lbs 3 1/4 oz. and was 21" long. His delivery was the easiest on me, 3 pushes. Yeah for mommy! I feel great and am home with the family today. It has already been a smooth transition. Jack is very excited and keeps asking when Cooper is going to wake up. Griffin just smiles. We all are happy Cooper is here safely and love him so much already.

Jack's 4th Birthday

Jack had a pirate party for his 4th birthday. He invited 5 friends, played pin the 'X' on the treasure map, had a treasure hunt, opened some presents with the help of his friends and had a pirate ship cake (which he loved)! It was a great birthday...

Griffin Brahm aka The Ladies Man!

Jack minus training wheels...

Carnival Ride

Jack rode this helicopter ride, which was a surprise to us. Typically he is hesitant and will not give it a try but now that he is 4, he seems open to a lot of new things. He is trying new rides (helicopter ride, a jet ski ride, a dinosaur ride and even the ferris wheel with mommy). He rode a donkey at the fair, has started sharing his room with Griffin and LOVES it, and has given up his training wheels all in a matter of minutes which he is pretty proud of. He has also taken more of an interest in his letters, recognizes most and writing a handful. We are very proud of course and are so enjoying his new age. Jack just finished up Gymnastics which he wants to start up again but we are going to wait until January after the family is settled into a routine, or at least mommy is. Preschool starts September 8th and he will go 3 days a week from 8-11, his class has a total of 8 kids which we are excited about, a bigger class than last year which had 5 kids total.

Jack and daddy camping

Daddy and Jack met up with some friends camping at Lake Ogallala, pitched a tent and spent a night by the Lake. Of course camping with friends was fun, campfires, sleeping in a tent and SMORES!