Merry Christmas (from Texas)!

Much to our family's surprise we made it to Texas on Wednesday night and surprised them all on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It was fun to be here celebrating the holidays with family. We will be in Texas until January 25, but Kenny will make a trip back to NJ for finals in early January. I am definitely looking forward to being here for the next 30 or so days and eating as much Mexican food as possible.

We all had a great Christmas. Kennan celebrated a NJ Christmas a week early so that he could play with his toys before we went to Texas. We got him a basketball goal (he calls it a "ba ba go"), a table with chairs, some puzzles, and 2 maracas (he loves to shake them!!). Kennan also had a great Christmas in Texas. He got lots of train stuff, movies, fire engines, Matchbox cars, and some clothes. He was way overwhelmed, so we spread the present opening up quite a bit.

My (and Kenny's) biggest gift was a new lens for our camera. I love it and am looking forward to taking LOTS of pictures with it!!

Baby news...we went to the doctor on Wednesday before we left NJ and saw the baby's heartbeat! The due date is still August 11 which seems years away to me. I have been feeling pretty good...mornings are better than the evenings.

I will post some pictures as soon as I get them loaded onto the computer. I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday season so far! Any good New Years Resolutions for 2007?

Baby News

Well, Kenny and I went in for an ultrasound this morning and found out that I am not as far along as we had thought. I am only 5 weeks and 4 days into the pregnancy so our new due date is August 11. That's a big difference from what we thought!! Next week we will go in for another ultrasound and hopefully see the baby's heartbeat. That's the news for now...I'll keep everyone updated!

Long time, no update

Life around Princeton has been pretty relaxing lately. We have finally had a wave of cold weather. The past 2 days temps haven't gotten out of the 50's and we haven't had any snow yet. They are predicting snow for Friday...good thing we have a snow suit for Kennan!

Kennan saw hockey on TV today and decided that it is his new favorite word. When he says it, he just cracks up! We also got a train to go around the bottom of the Christmas tree. It might be one of the best purchases I have ever made. He loves to sit and watch the train go around and around! Today Kennan's friend Hannah climbed out of her crib. She is younger than Kennan but a few inches taller and I am blown away that she did it!!! (She wasn't hurt!) We are just going to keep this from Kennan...he doesn't need to know that it is an option!

Kenny's flag football team has made it to the Championship game to be played next Saturday. They played 2 games this weekend, winning both, and upsetting two big teams! Nothing could wipe the smile off his face Saturday!

Last but not least, Kennan has some exciting news to share...

He is going to be a big brother!!

You heard it right, baby number 2 is on the way! Right now my due date is July 23, but it is likely to change. I am going to have an ultrasound done on December 11 to get a more accurate date...it could be a few days before or a few days after the 23rd. We are really excited and happy to be bringing another life into the world. Kennan is going to be a great big brother!

Hair Cut, Peanut Butter Cookies, and Friends

The title of this blog makes it sound like we have had a lot going on...we really haven't. I just have lots of fun pictures to post. Here they are!

I got a haircut on Sunday. One of my wonderful neighbors is a stylist at a very big salon in NYC. (She cut it at her apartment. ) I absolutely LOVE it!

Kenny made some peanut butter cookies with hershey kisses on top. Do you think Kennan liked it?

Kennan, Hannah, and Katie posing for the camera. Don't they look angelic?

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with our closest friends here at the Seminary. We hosted it at our home...but I didn't have to make the turkey! We divided up the meal and all chipped in a little. We had a great time with friends but Kennan didn't enjoy the food very much. He has had all of the things we served before, but he didn't seem to like them on Thanksgiving Day. Friday we set up our Christmas decorations. Since we aren't sure when we will go home to Texas for Christmas, we wanted to get a head start! Here are a few pictures from Thursday and Friday. Kenny and our neighbor after an exciting game of flag MUD football!!
Kennan's Indian headband!
Enjoying some dessert (this was actually supposed to be Kenny's piece)!!
Kennan thought Grover should inspect the tree.
Helping decorate the tree.
We took the picture for our Christmas card in front of the tree. This is NOT the one we chose...I just thought it was funny because Kennan is on the cell phone!

Thankfulness

It's that time of year where everyone posts about what they are thankful for. Well, this year I am going to follow in suit...

I am thankful for my wonderful family. I have 2 of the most supportive and loving parents ever. They are actually celebrating their wedding anniversary today..26 happy years! I am thankful for my LITTLE (6'6" tall) brother. Although we didn't get along too well when we are younger, I adore and love him today. He just started his freshman year of college and is doing well and making good choices! I have many many aunts, uncles, and cousins. They are all very much a part of my life and I am thankful for that. I have 3 grandparents still living and think about my Nana everyday.

I am thankful for my husband. He has been a part of my life for 7 years and I cannot imagine life without him. He is so patient with me and loves me for who I am. We have been married for over 3 years and although not all of the times have been bliss...I fall more in love with him everyday. And to top it all off, he is a wonderful father!

I am thankful for my son. I never knew how much fun it would be to be a parent! God has intrusted me to care for him and help him learn and grow while he is here on this earth. He tests my patience at times, but it only makes me stronger. I love to get him up from his nap because he loves on me and pats and rubs my back. How sweet is that!

I am thankful for our health and that God has provided for us financially. It was HUGE leap of faith to leave Texas and our families and all we have ever known. We had no idea what God had in store for us at Seminary. We have been taken care of financially by churches, scholarships, anonymous donors, and family members. I am so grateful for the support and that I am able to stay home with Kennan.

I know there is so much more to be thankful for. What are you thankful for?

Have you ever seen the show What Not To Wear on TLC?? I watch it every once in while and have mixed feelings. First of all, it would be AMAZING to get $5,000 to spend on clothes. It would also be great to receive fashion advice from experts and have access to shops in NYC. However, since your friends and family turn you in as a "fashion disaster" wouldn't you feel a little betrayed?? They secretly film you and raid your closet to show the whole world how horrible you look. If I actually got on the show I would dread the walk-in mirror closet thing. I already hate looking in a mirror on the medicine cabinet...imagine how much you would see in a mirror that goes all around your body.

I think I dress pretty decently, but would love some advice. Sometimes I joke to Kenny that I want to dress trashy so that he will turn me in. I wonder how many people they have "rescued" actually faked the horrible wardrobe?

If it happened to me I guess I would be pretty embarrased,but would get over it pretty quick when I had the money in my hand. What would you do?

Fun Weekend

We have had a really fun weekend. The weather has been unseasonably warm...we even broke a few temperature records today. It got up to the mid-70s which is really warm for the east coast this time of year.

This morning Kenny and I played in a flag football game for the Seminary's intramural league. Kenny has been playing all semester but this was my first game to play in (they were really desperate for players!!). We lost, but it was a lot of fun and no one got mad at me for messing up a little!!

This afternoon we had more fun in the leaves. The kids loved being thrown into the piles of leaves and sometimes they jumped in themselves. Kennan really enjoyed laying on his back and being covered up by them just a little bit.

Tonight we had chili with some friends and spent the rest of the evening watching Kennan and Hannah play together. Here are some pictures...unfortunately no pictures were taken of me playing football...you will have to take my word for it!!

Our time with Grammy, Pops, and Uncle Kyle

This last week my parents and brother came to visit. They brought the cold weather with them because we had the coldest weather we have had this year while they were here. We braved to cold temps and did quite a bit of sight-seeing with them. On Thursday we went to Philadelphia and walked around Independence Square. We went on a tour of Independence Hall, went to Franklin Court (where Ben Franklin lived), and got to see the Liberty Bell. It was a fun trip and we all had a great time. Kennan even fell asleep during the tour of Independence Hall and slept through the Liberty Bell. I guess he was worn out! On Friday we went to the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ. They have a hippo exhibit (Kenny's favorite animal), a tunnel you can walk through and are surrounded by sharks, and an outdoor penguin and seal exhibit. Kennan loved all of the fish and there was a lot of hands-on things to do as well. Saturday Kenny's parents returned from their cruise and joined us for lunch and a trip to the Washington Crossing Historical Park in Pennsylvania. We had been there for a total of 30 minutes when Kenny realized he had lost his wallet. We searched everywhere, high and low, indoors and outdoors. We were in 2 cars so he left and went home to search for it. With no luck there, the rest of us continued our adventure at the Park. Before we left we did one last search of the place we started and I found his wallet!! It was in a place we had all looked mulitple times and there it was. I called him with the good news and we were all very relieved. I guess he thought the day needed a little more excitement!! Now we are relaxing and getting back into a routine. Kennan is doing well with that and misses his grandparents and uncles a lot. We are lucky to have them in our lives!
Kennan and Pops at the Independence Hall Vistor's Center.
Kennan on the $10 bill!
Grammy and Kennan playing peek-a-boo!
Kennan and Uncle Kyle hanging out at the house.

Happy Halloween!

Kennan was the cutest little dog ever last night! His Grammy (my mom) made him a costume that looks like his dog Mutsy. Mutsy is what Kennan sleeps with and, if he could, would probably carry it around with him everywhere! We thought it would be fun for Kenann to dress up like his favorite dog...and boy was he cute!! The costume has a piece to wear on the head for the dog ears, but Kennan wouldn't have a thing to do with it. So, I got creative and put his favorite baseball hat on first and then the dog ears on top of it. He wore it the whole night (even though it looked kind of silly) and it didn't bother him at all! We also carved 2 pumpkins yesterday. We made a mommy and daddy pumpkin saying "NOOO" and a baby pumpkin smiling. That's kind of what our life is like around here right now! Here are some pictures from last night...

Kennan and daddy carving the pumpkin!

The finished products!

Me and Kennan while we were out trick or treating!

Isn't he the cutest little dog (although, I don't know many dogs who wear baseball caps)!

It's Fall Baby!

Last night Kenny took Kennan out to play in the leaves. They played with Kennan's friend Reuben and his daddy Adam. Adam brought out his shop-vac and blew some leaves into a huge pile! The boys (all 4 of them!) had fun playing and didn't want to come in for dinner! Here are some pictures of their fun!

Kennan's BFF

Kennan's BFF is Hannah. Hannah lives downstairs and is 2 weeks younger than Kennan. When we moved here they both had just turned 6 months old. As time has gone by they have become great friends and have grown to love each other very much. Hannah loves us and Kennan loves Hannah's mommy and daddy. It's nice that they feel so comfortable and at home at each other's home. It is so much fun to watch the two of them play and learn together. They play everyday, sometimes for 30 minutes, and sometimes for hours at a time. It is usually easier to watch the both of them together than it is to keep them separated. They provide great entertainment for one another and keep each other very busy. Here are some recent pictures of the two amigos playing!

Say "Cheese"!!

Holding hands and running circles in the house.

KISSES!!

LaLa and Grumpy

LaLa and Grumpy are Kenny's parents. We just enjoyed a wonderful 3 day visit with them. Kennan learned some new tricks while they were here and had fun showing off for them. He loved when LaLa read the Doggie book to him and howled like the dogs in the book do. He thought it was the funniest thing ever. He also likes that LaLa's cell phone played music and then we would all dance together. We enjoyed some wonderful meals and played inside and outside. Leslie and Ken (their real names) are wonderful people. They are so giving and love Kennan (and us, of course) very very much. Last night the 4 of us (Kennan stayed home with a friend) went to a very nice restaurant downtown. It was wonderful to be able to relax, enjoy a gourmet dinner, and have adult conversation. Now they are off on a 7 day cruise up the East Coast-Rhode Island, Boston, Novia Scotia. It will be a beautiful trip, but really cold!! Here are some pictures of their visit. (See Kennan's new Princeton hat? It was a gift from LaLa and Grumpy. He loves to wear it!)

Kennan and Grumpy on the slide

Kennan says, "I love LaLa!!"

Grumpy, LaLa, and Kennan reading the Doggie book

Missing Texas

I lived in Texas for the first 24 years of my life. It was extremely hard to move to New Jersey and I was pretty bitter about the move here. I miss Texas desperately, but I am enjoying our time in New Jersey. Here's why:

1. I love experiencing 4 completely different seasons. Fall is beautiful with the leaves changing and cool weather. All of the colors seem so crisp and clear. Winter wasn't too bad last year (although I hear this year is going to be bad). For some reason I am more tolerant of the cold weather when there is snow on the ground. Spring is also nice with the cool weather and warm breezes. We haven't experienced a summer here because we enjoyed the Texas heat this past summer instead. I heard that it was nice and warm...but not too hot. (This picture is of the trees and the canal behind our apartments.)



2. We live in an amazing community. We are surrounded by so many wonderful people who are in the exact same situation we are...no money, furthering education, and trying to raise a family. There is a feeling of friendship and love amongst the people who live in our apartments. We can come together when families are grieving and also when there are times of celebration.

3. Kennan has sooooo many friends to play with. There are so many children here that are around his age and it is so much fun to watch them learn, grow, and play together. We also get to enjoy a playground just for the seminary families. (This picture is of Kennan and his friends Hans and Hannah.)


4. We get to travel to some really cool places. New York City is only an hour north and Philadelphia is an hour west. Washington DC is a few hours away, as is Boston and Niagra Falls. There are a lot of places we have been and many more places we want to go.

There are plenty of reasons to be happy and thankful for our time in New Jersey. I am thankful for the opportunity we have to grow closer as a family...just the 3 of us. Kenny and I have grown much closer and stronger on our relationship because we have to depend on each other a lot more without our families around. But that doesn't mean that we don't miss Texas! I miss all of our family and friends more than words can express.

We are looking forward to the next 2 weeks...we will get to experience a little bit of home. Kenny's mom and dad will be here this Wednesday through Saturday. The following week my mom, dad, and brother will be here Wednesday through Sunday. Now we just have to work on getting Kenny's brother here...

Picture Post

Here are some pictures that I wanted to post the other day. Isn't he the cutest little boy ever?

Kennan is showing "two" animals (he says "doooo" for two)

Helping with the laundry!

What are you looking at?

Kennan loves his helmet and new snow boots!

My 19 Month Old

I know that being 19 months old isn't as cool as the 18 month mark or the 2 year mark...but I see it as he is that much closer to being 2 years old!! I can't believe how fast time has flown by. One day we were bringing him home from the hospital with no clue how to raise or care for an newborn and now we have a 19 month old who knows so much!

Kennan loves to say the number "two". When we count to three he always chimes in with the number 2. He also will get 2 objects (blocks, animals, balls) and bring them to us and say "two". We think he is pretty smart to be able to do that! He also loves to name animals and their sounds. We watch a Baby Einstein movie called Baby Noah and he is able to recognize the animals and it's name (zebra, monkey, fish, etc). It is fun to teach him new ones and the sounds they make. Kennan loves to play peek-a-boo. He will play it anytime, anywhere, with anything. Sometimes he hides behind the curtains, or the couch, or even cover up his face with a washcloth in the bath. He thinks it's a great game. He also loves to hear us sing songs to him. Some of his favorites are Old MacDonald, If You're Happy and You Know It, The Wheels on the Bus, and many many more.

I don't want to turn into the parent who brags about their "perfect"kid, so I will also mention some of the "terrible two" experiences we have had lately. I know he is far from being 2 but I feel that he is beginning to "test" his limits. The other day we had been home for no more than 10 minutes and he had already turned the TV on and off numerous times, picked up Kenny's laptop and dropped it back on the table, and then pulled on a cord to the surround sound and pulled a speaker off the very tall linen closet. While he was doing all of this he kept saying "Nooo" as if he knew it wasn't right to do, but as long as he said "no" he could do it anyway. Silly boy...

I tried to load some pictures, but had trouble, so I will try again later. Also, I have a website for Kennan that is updated a few times a week. It is password protected, but let me know if you want to take a peek and I will give you the password!

A Million Dollars

Today we went to Pottery Barn Kids and they have the cutest things for kids. Kennan and his two friends played with all of the toys that were floor models. Kennan loved the kitchen area (sink, dishwasher, oven, and fridge). His favorite thing to do was take all of the cups, plates, puzzle pieces and put them in the oven and fridge. When we got there the toys were everywhere, but Kennan helped out by putting them all in the kitchen appliances. It was pretty cute. (He actually became quite territorial.) They also have beautiful toddler bedding and wonderful chairs and ottomans.

Sometimes I wish that I were rich. If I was, I could buy Kennan everything he wanted. The kitchen area would be so much fun for him to play with at our house. I would also buy him the cutest clothes and even more toys! I could also buy things for myself and Kenny and we would never be in want! If I had a million dollars that would be so easy!

Yeah, right! It is a dream...but somehow I think having more money wouldn't make me that much happier. We might have all of the newest and coolest gadgets, but is that true happiness? I am thankful that my parents raised me to work for what I want. They taught me that money doesn't grow on trees and that things might not come easy. At the time, I hated that they wouldn't buy me everything I wanted or hand over their wallets when I wanted to go out with friends. Now that I am an adult, I am grateful for their teachings and hope that I can pass that on to our child(ren). I am pretty happy right now because all of our needs are met...we have food in the fridge, clothes on our body, and a roof to sleep under.

But a girl can dream...what would you buy with a million dollars?

Pumpkin Patch

One of the benefits of living in the North East is all the farmer's markets, farms, and pumpkin patches we have access to. One of the places we go to the most often is Terhune Orchards. They have a place to pick your own apples, raspberries, and flowers. They also have farm animals and toy tractors to ride on. This time of year they have a pumpkin patch to enjoy.

We went yesterday to the orchards and let Kennan play and have fun on the tractors. He even picked out his own pumpkin! The really cool thing about the pictures I took (believe me, there are alot!) is that we went to the orchards last October at about this same time. It was amazing to go back and compare the pictures from last year to now.


Our little boy on October 15, 2005


Our big boy on October 10, 2006

What a difference a year makes!! Enjoy the fall season!

Play Group

Every Monday Kennan and I go to a mommy and baby brunch. One of the moms in our apartments staretd it last fall and the same group of kiddos have been going since then. When the group started most of the kids were 8-10 months old, now they are all 18-24 months old. It has been fun to watch them grow and begin to interact with one another. It is also fun for us moms to be able to sit back, eat yummy food, and watch the kids play. The picture below shows the kids on an average Monday morning-complete chaos. (Kennan is at the top center of the picture looking at a book.)
We went this morning and there were 8 kids ranging from 12 to 24 months. It was so loud in there at times it was hard to think straight. Kennan decided after about an hour that he had had enough, so we left. He has never done that before, I think he was way overwhelmed and ready for some peace and quiet. Some of the play group eventually moved outside and the kids were able to roam and play in the beautiful weather.

I am so thank ful for the community that we live in. We are surrounded by wonderful, caring, and fun families that are here for the same reason we are. We have 2 more school years left (including the current one), but we are already dreading the day we have to say goodbye.

Sunday Football

We love football at our house. Kenny and I always look forward to coming home from church, putting on our comfy clothes, eating lunch, laying Kennan down for a nap, and watching football. It has become a routine in our house ever since football season began. I do admit that I am one of the many women who might enjoy football as much as their husbands. (Sometimes I think I know more about it than he does also.)

I think my love for football dates back to high school when I was one of the beloved SCS Watergirls for the football team. Jill and I created the "watergirl position" and I don't think it has been the same since we left. I loved standing on the sidelines and watching the games. Our watergirl duties actually turned out to be more serious than we anticipated. We were promoted to ankle wrappers and eventually I became the "tee girl". I got to give Robby the football tee and even hold his sock and shoe while he kicked (he kicked barefoot). At the time I was pretty sure that I was the coolest, but now I look back and realize holding his foot garments was a little gross.

I loved those days and sometimes wish I could go back to high school because it was such a big part of my life. But, I also cherish what I have now....sitting on the couch in my comfy clothes watching football with my husband. There's no place I'd rather be.

Peace and Quiet

Times of peace and quiet are few and far between these days. With an 18 month old running around I find it hard to sit, think, and refect. My peace and quiet comes now because my son is sleeping and my husband studying. I have 3 amazing men in my life...

The first one that comes to mind is my dad. I think I think of him first because he has been a strong constant in my life since the day I was born. I consider myself extremely blessed to have a man like my dad to call "Daddy". Today he hit a big milestone in life - his 50th birthday. (Hopefully he doesn't mind me sharing that with the world.) He has always been a provider for my family. He has worked hard to be at the position he is at today in his job and financially. He has loved my mother unconditionally and shown me how a husband should treat his wife. I am thankful for the example my dad has set for me and that he gets to be "Pops" to my son!

Next is my husband, Kenny. He has been a part of my life for 7 years and it is hard to imagine my life without him in it. He has been with me in sickness and in health, in plenty and in want, through the good times and the bad. It amazes me how intellegent he is and is always learning more each day. He is an amazing father to our son and friend to those around him. I love him and appreciate all he does for our family.

The last "man" in my life is my 18 month old son, Kennan. Everyone always says that having a child will change your life, and boy are they right! I love this little man and enjoy watching him grow and change each day. He brings joy into our lives and makes us realize what is really important. I know that I am responsible for helping him grow into a man, and that he will hopefully have the same characteristics of Kenny and my dad.

I have a feeling that my peace and quiet is about to come to an end. Kennan has been asleep for 2 hours, which is usually his max. It has been fun to sit here and reflect on the men in my life. It all started because of my dad and I want to wish him a Happy 50th!! I love you!

Let's give this a try...

I have to admit that I have been one of those who have snuck around and looked at other people's blogs. Now I have decided to create one for our family...
We are the Rigoulot's and we live in Princeton, New Jersey. Our hearts are in Texas (where I wish we could be...) but we are enjoying the east coast while we can. Kenny (my husband) is a M.Div. student at Princeton Theological Seminary and enjoys learning every day. I (Jennifer) am a stay at home mom and I tutor in the evenings at a learning center in town. Our son is Kennan and he is 18 months old. He is all boy and loves to play outside.

Well...that's our family! Stop by and say hi, we would love to catch up with old friends!