The Shuman Shuffle

Past Few Months..........

2011-06-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

I am finally getting around to posting the Easter pictures of Riley. She had a blast this year. She is becoming a pro at egg hunting. She was so excited to wake up and see what the Easter Bunny brought her. She got a new Minnie Mouse doll, she takes it everywhere, some candy and some new books. She loved it! Later that day we got together with the family and had an Easter egg hunt. She could spot them like no other! It was a little cold but she didn't care she just wanted to run around.

Paul started his summer classes at Weber State and is looking forward to only taking one class at a time during the summer :) He is enjoying school as much as he can. Riley is talking more and more everyday and now can have a conversation with you. She is a talker and a joker. She always has some cute poses or comes out of her room with a new outfit on!

Yesterday we took her to Thanksgiving Point to go to the petting zoo. She LOVES animals! Especially horses, even though when we have taken her before she would never do the pony rides. This time she kept asking and asking and finally I asked her do you want to ride and she yelled YEAH!!! So she went right in and got on a horse and rode like a pro. She held on tight and did it all by herself. I couldn't believe it. I am so glad though cause she loves horses so much. She had a blast! They had a few places that you could go in and one was a jailhouse. She was cracking me up with her faces she was making when she was in the jail cell. She has such a big personality! She is a bit of a Diva if you can't tell by this picture..... She usually has to have some sort of bling in her outfit, if not on her clothes then its in the accessories, she is a Texan!!!

With the weather warming up here, in the 60's and 70's thank goodness, we are looking forward to our trips to the canyon and more outdoor activities. Can't wait to post pics of her running in the canyon! She is keeping us on our toes :)

Deet's (A.K.A. Riley's) New Grill!

2011-03-08T19:05:00.000-08:00

RILEY MORNING OF SURGERY!!!

Wow, the last week has been insane! Riley went to the dentist and we found out that she needed some work done on her teeth. Her front 4 teeth were not going to grow much more than they had so we had to put caps on her front 4 teeth so that her teeth would be spaced correctly and for her permanent teeth to have room. Because she didn't have full sized teeth they were more prone to cavities so she had a few cavities on those front teeth also. I have to admit that I was so nervous because she had to go under general anesthesia for the procedure and for the past week was driving myself crazy with worry. I sometimes feel like in her 2 years she has been through so much with her epilepsy and having to have tests and medications that when she has anything else done it makes me worry like crazy. But after this morning I was reminded just what a strong little girl she is. She was a trooper and went in at 6am to the surgery center and even though she did not want to get out of bed. Once we were there they took us back into pre-op and the Dr.'s came and introduced themselves to her. Once it was time for her to go back to the operating room they asked her if she would like to ride in their wagon. She jumped right in and they took her back. She didn't cry one bit and enjoyed the ride! I had prepared myself for a screaming fit, but she was such a brave little girl and just gave us kisses and off she went. The nurse came out once she was under the anesthesia and said she did awesome. She didn't cry one bit and is a great patient. I will admit that made it easier on mom and dad that she was not scared. The procedure took about 45 mins. and then they brought us back to recovery where she was not a happy girl at first. After turning on her favorite tv show, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse she perked right up and started laughing and eating and drinking. She did amazing! I am so proud of how brave she was. The Dr. said that for the rest of the day she should be pretty groggy and sleepy. Not our Riley....she came home and ran around and played with princess and laughed like nothing had happened. She amazes me everyday with her strength!

Paul and I are working hard to decide about his next move with school. This next semester will be the last before we start applying for Nursing Programs. I will say that if I have to read one more schools nursing program info I will scream. I feel like choosing the program is more stressful than him being in school! I just keep telling myself once we decide it will be done! He is on his spring break this week and has been meeting with schools the past few days to talk to counselors and get a plan ready. I am so proud of him. He has been working so hard at school and has been doing an amazing job.

Riley's new pass time has been dress up..... Here is a picture of her and the new outfit her Aunt Haley got her for her birthday!

Next Monday Riley and I are leaving to go to Texas for 2 and half weeks. Honestly it will be nice to be in warm weather again. I feel like I haven't been warm in months!!!!!! I know that Riley is excited to see all her cousins and aunts and memaw and paw paw! Her cousins are planning what to do with her everyday and can't wait for us to get there. It will be nice to have a little break from the past month!

Riley is 2!!!!!

2011-02-19T21:55:00.001-08:00

Riley turned two a week ago and we had her party today. She has been really into Tinkerbell so we had a Tinkerbell themed pizza party. She had a great time playing with her cousins and showing them her dance moves. She was so busy playing she almost didn't want to stop to blow out her candles but finally gave in! Since she is not a big cake eater I made her favorite, a huge Sugar Cookie! She has been practicing blowing out the candles for a few months and is pretty good at it. Her Aunt Briana and Uncle Todd gave her a baby doll that can take a bath with her and she did not let go of it from the time we opened the box until she basically passed out from exhaustion for her nap! But when she woke up it was right back to the baby. We got her a little cradle for her baby and all night she has been rocking and singing to it and kissing it night night! She is too cute and growing way too fast.

Paul is in his second semester at Utah State and is enjoying being in school but I don't think that he is enjoying the homework! We are so proud of him. He is working so hard. Riley and I are working on her talking. She learns new words everyday and sometimes surprises me how much she picks up. Her new favorite movie is Toy Story so she is saying Buzz and Woody and other little cute things from the movie. She is doing well with learning her animal sounds and is quite the little singer. I hear her so many times in her room singing little songs to herself and her baby dolls. She definitely keeps me on my toes and keeps me laughing!

March Madness!

2010-03-12T08:42:00.000-08:00

Wow, it is March already. I feel like we just celebrated the New Year! Paul and I have been keeping busy as usual. I have started to make a lot of cookies to start practicing for the spring festivals and farmers markets. Here is some I made for St. Patty's Day. The box is a packaging idea I have for the farmers market and festivals. Emily took them to work today to test them on her co-workers. I think they were good because the extra I had here at the house were gone by the end of the night! :)

Paul is going to finish up the interview and orientation I guess you could call it for a new job. It is with Whipple Services in Orem. He is really excited to work there and we are praying that all works out. I think that not working has made him a little stir crazy. Riley has loved having him home all the time because Daddy spoils her! I know she won't be happy to see him go back to work :( She is growing like a weed. She is saying a few words now. When she is eating and one of the dogs comes over to her she puts her hand out and says "NO NO". She is pretty protective of her food. She loves when it time to say prayer. She folds her arms and bows her head and when we are done says "AMEN" really loud! She loves to bring us things. At least once a day she will bring me every shoe from the closet and then take them back. Her favorite show is now Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. She loves the music and dances up a storm every time it comes on. She loves to read books and will bring you one and say "More". She is too cute! I am excited for Spring to get here. It will be nice do more things outdoors. Riley loves it outside and I can tell she gets cabin fever after a full day inside the house!

We took her to the park the other day and I realized just how big she is getting. She was running around everywhere and loved the swings. She loves to go down the slide and crawl through the tunnels. I will keep posting as much as I can and I hope everyone is doing well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Big News! Riley is Walking!!!

2010-02-24T21:43:00.000-08:00

I know it has been a long time since we have posted and a lot has happened. Let me start with Christmas. Riley's first Christmas was awesome. She was so excited to visit Mi Mi and Grandpa in Utah. She got to meet all her uncles and aunts and visit all her cousins. She even loved the cold weather! She made out like a bandit this Christmas. She got books and toys and clothes. The essentials! Mi Mi got her a kiss the cook apron so she can help mommy in the kitchen! It was too cute.

While we were in Utah we went to Temple Square with the family to look at the lights and it was freezing. Paul and I found her a snow suit that was too cute to pass up. We call it her marshmallow suit.

So as December ended and January started Paul and I made a huge decision. We were going to move to Utah. So after many many nights of prayer and fasting and pondering Paul turned in his notice and we made plans to head to Utah. Even though it was going to be a huge adjustment for me being away from my family I was ready and willing if it was what we were supposed to do. But before we left Texas there was one place we both knew we had to take Riley, The Bluebell Creameries. She loved it even more than her Daddy did! We had a blast and she sampled so many flavors and loved all of them.

We both got the answer of Yes and we are now living in Utah. We got here almost 2 weeks ago and so far things are going very well. A few days after we got here Riley decided that she needed to be a big girl and start walking. Paul and I were sitting in the living room and Paul says hey look at your daughter and she was just cruising across the room. She has been running ever since.

Sorry the quality is kind of dark. I haven't unpacked out video camera cord for the computer. So I had to use our digital camera. I hope you can see it.

So that is all that is going on with us so far!!!! It is a lot and we are adjusting but things are going well so far. Riley is keeping me busy and I think with Paul being home he is itching to get a job soon. He says Riley wears him out more than a job does. We will keep everyone updated on how things are going. Here are some random cute pics of Riley doing some funny stuff. She is always doing things that crack us up!

Here is Riley chilling with Daddy watching TV.

Riley loves her toy chest. I call it her rummage sale, she will sit for 45 minutes and rummage through it and empty it and then put everything back in! I walked in the living room the other day to find this. I guess it's just easier to get inside it! :)

Riley at dinner tonight learned that if she opens her mouth really wide she can fit more food in. Now when we say open wide, she sure does!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

2009-12-04T13:50:00.001-08:00

WOW, I am sitting here looking out the window at about half an inch of snow on the ground and white flurries falling from the sky! IT'S SNOWING, IN HOUSTON!!!! It has been snowing all day. Paul and I thought that Riley wouldn't get to play in the snow till we came to Utah but she loves it! I bundled her up and took her out and she loved crawling around in the crunchy snow.

She looked so cute in her winter clothes. This is making me even more excited for Christmas and being in Utah. We are counting the days till we leave, and it is coming up on us fast.

Riley is now pulling herself up and walking along EVERYTHING!!! She grows too fast. She has two more teeth. She now has two bottom teeth and two top teeth. She is getting over a sinus infection so I am glad she is feeling better. Between teething and the sinus infection I feel like she has been sick for a month! She is getting so tall and is into everything. She is so curious, and we have discovered that she loves music. She has her own dance style she loves to show off and anytime she hears music she crawls over so fast to dance. It's too cute.

Paul and I are doing well. Paul is working hard, he has been working on a big job at work for A&M University so he is gone a lot. But it is coming to an end so it will be nice to go back to normal for everyone. I am just getting all of us ready for the Holiday's and for the traveling. We can't wait to see the whole family and have a great and fun holiday season!!!!!

Halloween

2009-11-02T05:47:00.000-08:00

Halloween was great! We had a big party for our Ward and Friends. Everyone had a great time dressing up and eating a ton of junk! There were a ton of kids, we had popcorn machines, pumpkin painting, costume parades and tons of food and music and dancing. Everyone had a blast. Riley stayed up the whole time charming everyone in her pirate costume. Now that Halloween is over the holidays will be here in no time. We are excited to have our first holiday season with Riley. She is getting so big and is becoming more independent it seems everyday. Here are some pictures from our Halloween Bash!!!!

Here are some pictures that my niece Lauren took of Riley while we were putting up all our Halloween decorations yesterday.

Hula Baby!

2009-10-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

My sister brought this back from Hawaii for the Rileybug!

Update!

2009-10-26T15:22:00.000-07:00

Things with Paul and I have been busy! We can't believe that we will be leaving for Utah to go see all the family in 2 months! Time is flying. Riley is growing like crazy and has discovered that if she makes funny little faces we laugh. So she is always making new faces.........This is one of her standard faces that cracks me up!!! She is crawling like pro now and pulls herself up to stand on anything she can. It amazes me each day how much she grows and learns. We are excited to see how she is in Utah with all the family and snow! Paul is working hard as always and I am trying to keep up with Riley. I have been busy with church obligations and such. I feel like there are not enough hours in the day for what I want to get done, but do what I can. It has been getting cooler here in Houston so that is a welcomed change. My Dad comes home tomorrow from Iraq for a visit. It will be too short I know. I am looking forward to spending Halloween with him, his favorite holiday. We are having a huge Halloween bash for the Ward at our house this year and hope to make it an annual event. I will take some pictures and post them. Riley will be a pirate.....such a cute little costume! Of course there is some glitter on it!!!! We are looking forward to the holidays and vacation. We miss everyone and wish we could see you more!

Riley Bouncing!

2009-07-30T09:53:00.000-07:00

Riley Videos!!!!!!!

2009-07-30T09:22:00.000-07:00

Here is Riley laughing with Daddy before her bath!

Riley's Blessing Day!

2009-05-08T19:56:00.000-07:00

Sunday was Riley's Blessing. It was such a wonderful sabbath day. Luckily Riley slept through the whole thing. When she is not sleeping she is a very vocal baby so I'm sure she would have baby talked through it if she was not asleep. I started with the tears before he even started. Just seeing Paul walk up there with Riley surrounded by the priesthood brought tears to my eyes. It made me think a lot about how greatful I am that Riley is surrounded by such amazing and powerful Priesthood. Growing up in my family my parents were the only members so it makes my heart swell as I look at how much our family has grown just from one single decision my parents made. I will forever be grateful to them.

It was so great to have family visit, Mom Shuman and Emily came down for the blessing. It was so good to see them. I know Riley enjoyed their visit. She has started laughing a ton and actually is rolling over like a pro now. She is getting so big. I sometime feel like I wake up and she has grown overnight. Her personality is coming out more and more everyday. I always tell Paul her hair matches her personality, crazy!

Time Flies!

2009-04-19T17:57:00.001-07:00

Its been 2 months since I have posted and a lot has happened! We welcomed our little baby girl to our family on Feb. 13. Riley Lillian Shuman. She is already 9 weeks and is growing everyday. She already got her first sunburn when we went up to Memaw and Paw Paw's farm for the weekend. She loves to be outside and was enjoying the pretty weather. I never knew how much I would love being a Mommy. Paul just adores her and she is wrapping him around her little finger more and more everyday. She loves to sit with Daddy and watch basketball. She looks just like her daddy but I got Mama's hair, it sticks straight up!!!! She is adorable and keeps us busy. I'm gonna try to keep the blog updated more that we have our video camera and camera up and working!

Baby Shower

2009-02-01T18:25:00.001-08:00

Sister Robin, Mom, Me, and Stacey

Yesterday my sister, Stacey, and my Mom threw me a baby shower. It was not your traditional shower! Instead of games and stuff we just had a ton of food and made hair bows and baby jewelry for Riley. Everyone had a really fun time and we got a ton of bows made! Since I have been put on bedrest we figured we needed to to a more low key kind of thing. We got a ton of cute stuff. We got our stroller and a ton more clothes and diapers.

Paul is still in Ohio and can't wait to come home already, I will admit I can't wait for him to be here either. I go back to the Dr Wed to find out how the bedrest has helped my toxemia and we might be inducing soon after depending on the results of the tests and my blood pressure. So far it has been pretty high even with bed rest but not as high as it was so that is good. I feel I am ready for Riley but we will see! We are really excited to meet her and can't wait to send out those first pictures! I will keep everyone updated and let you know what the Dr says on Wed!

Baby Update!

2009-01-27T21:47:00.001-08:00

I went for an ultrasound Monday and they said she is measuring in at around 7lbs 6oz. I go to the Dr. tomorrow to see if we need to get thing rolling early based on the ultrasound. If I go the full term till Feb 16th she will be weighing in over 9lbs they think. She is healthy and chubby! I have everything ready and my hospital bag packed and waiting! Paul left for Ohio on Sunday, but might be making a trip back home sooner than later. He said it is really cold and he misses Texas. They had snow all day today and he said when he woke up it was 6 degrees. He is enjoying himself so far and is looking forward to learning all the new stuff. I have been battling an upper respritory infection for the past week and finally got some antibiotics so im starting to feel a little better. I think we have everything ready for Baby Riley....I spent today double and triple checking all the clothes and her crib and packed her bag for the hospital. Hope all is well with everyone else and we will keep you posted!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!!!

2008-12-11T12:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we got snow!!!! Good ole' Houston TX. Its been 4 years since the last snow that was Christmas Eve of 2004. It actually snowed a lot for Houston. It started snowing around 6:30pm and was still going at 10 when we went to bed. It was nice to have some cold weather around Christmas time. Well I went to the dr yesterday and the baby is still growing pretty fast. In 6 weeks the Dr. is doing an ultrasound to see how much longer till she is too big! We are excited and a little nervous that things are happening a little sooner than expected but we can't wait at the same time. Paul is finally getting to slow down a little bit at work with the cool weather but by slow down that means he is usually home before 8 now! We are getting ready for Christmas and getting our tree up so as soon as it is decorated and finish we will post some pics of that. We are looking forward to Christmas and can't wait!!!! We hope everyone is well and staying warm :)

Our Weekend in Naca-Nowhere!

2008-12-07T18:04:00.000-08:00

This weekend we went up to Nacogdoches to spend some time with my Dad before he gets ready to head back to Iraq. Stacey and her kids came with us and we rode the 4 wheeler and Dad told scary stories around the campfire as we all had hot chocolate and listened to the coyotes get closer and closer to camp!!!! Stacey's kids spent most of the time down in the creek getting all muddy and wet........while the adults just sat around the campfire and napped and goofed off. We got some good pictures of the group 4 wheeling and just relaxing. Paul took all the kids on a hay ride. We hooked the trailer to the back of the 4 wheeler and he made sure they had a good time. We also had all 5 dogs! Princess(our baby) ,Sunshine, Tina and Baby ( my parents dogs), and Grindle (Stacey's dog). They loved it just as much as we did. My Dad has a camera we set up over night that we captured some great pictures of raccoons enjoying our leftover chili we left out as bait!!!! I'm also going to post some pictures we just got downloaded of Halloween and a few random ones of my Family. We miss everyone and hope all is going well! Love you guys!

Thanksgiving Update!

2008-12-02T10:37:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Paul and I really enjoyed seeing the family in AZ. It was our first trip to AZ and the weather was great and the company was even better. We miss everyone already and we just got home yesterday. We had fun playing games, eating, playing the Wii, eating, shopping and more eating! We are trying to adjust to getting back to the daily grind here in Houston. I know it was hard for Paul to go back to work this morning. I am doing well, I am 30 weeks now and man do I feel it. Only 7 more weeks till we see if we have to induce because the baby is getting so big or if we can wait it out. Time is really flying by fast. We are already starting the countdown till Christmas and can't believe how close it is. We know it will be here before we know it. Now that I got some tips from Briana I am going to try and update our blog more often! I'm really excited!!!!! I hope everyone is doing good and here are few pictures of the fam from our trip.

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!

2008-10-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

Well, we went for the 20 week ultrasound after a little fall from mama and sent me to the hospital. Luckily everything was good with baby and while we were there we found out it is a Girl!!! Shuman tradition lives on :) We have come up with a name, Riley Lillian Shuman! At my Dr apt on Friday she let me know that the baby is healthy and well...... Very healthy and well. It seems she is in the 90th percentile of babies her age. So in my Dr's word "She is big, very big!" We are having another ultrasound in 4 weeks to get a few more pictures the Dr wants and we will get some print outs and post those. She told me that most babies at this term are between 6.5 to 7inches, Riley is pushing 10 inches right now and boy do I feel it. She is very very very active, our little soccer player already. Paul is really excited about having a girl, I will put up some pictures of some outfits he picked out all by himself! He did good!!!!! We are getting the room ready and have decided on Pink and Chocolate brown as the colors. We are super excited and will put pics up of the room as soon as we can!!!!!

Hurricane Ike!

2008-10-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

3 weeks ago Hurricane Ike came to visit us. He didn't stay long but definitely caused some major damage. Luckily the house didn't get more than tree and a little siding damage. We lost a big tree in the back yard and half of one in the front. The side fence went down and we just had a lot of debris. It left us without power for 10 days and the city is just now restored to about 100% of its power although traffic lights are still out through out the city. Things are finally starting to look back to normal since the city has worked hard to get debris cleared from homes and businesses. Luckily we were very prepared with food storage and we did not have the problems that others faced since food shipments are just getting back to normal and grocery stores are still without some things. We are thankful everyday for the leadership of the Prophet and other Leaders and the guidance they give us. Paul's work is still very busy helping get homes and the city back to normal. He is not working 7 days anymore, only 6! But it is nice to have him home that one day!!!!!!! Here are some pictures of the damage to the yard and of the clean up afterward!

Baby Update!

2008-08-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I am now 12 weeks and I went to the Dr on Wed. She said that she is no longer worried about any complications and this pregnancy looks like it is going to be a good one. I got to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time and it was amazing! The nurse said it was in the perfect range, 165, and that everything is looking great. We get to find out if it's a boy or girl on Sept. 29Th so we are eagerly awaiting that date. It seems so far away but I know it will go fast. I can't believe I am already starting my fourth month!!!!!!!!!!! Paul is getting really excited and we are starting to work on names for girls or boys...... so suggestions would be appreciated. Paul and I can't agree at all on boy name. Paul's favorite is Bruce Wayne........ not sure about naming our son after Batman!!!!! :) I am feeling a lot better. The tiredness is starting to fade and it is so great to have some energy back. I am not sick at all anymore and in fact my appetite is getting better. I know Paul is glad. I know he was sick of fixing his own dinner and he is looking forward to more regular meals! I hope all is well with everyone.

It's a BABY!!!!!!!

2008-07-09T13:59:00.001-07:00

Hi all! I know it has been a long while since our last post, but we have made it a goal to keep it updated. Well, we are gonna be parents!!!! I am 9 weeks pregnant and we are so excited. So far I have not felt too sick . I just got back from a Dr appt and she said that the baby looks good and it is growing fast. My due date is Feb. 16th. Paul and I are trying to figure out how we will handle the delivery since he will be in Kent, OH the whole month of Feb. His work is being very cooperative and understanding and said they will help out with travel arrangments. I just got a part time job. I am working for a pre-school working with the school age children before they go to school. It is only 6:30am-9am M-F, but it will be nice to get out of the house and be around kids. I have always wanted to work with kids so this looks like a good opportunity. I start in August when school starts so I am looking forward to that. Paul is working hard. Summer is the busy time so we don't see much of eachother. He is enjoying his new promotion but also is starting to understand the frustrations of overseeing the work of his employees. He really enjoys it though and is loving all the learning he is doing. Other than working we are just trying to get used to the idea of being a mommy and daddy!!! We will update again soon!!!!

Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T22:57:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!! I hope this year brings everyone happiness and success. Paul and I are doing well. The trip to Utah was fabulous and very cold. A lot different than the Texas Christmas we are used to. We enjoyed the snow with tubing and sledding. Paul has some bruises and a sore bum to prove it! We really enjoyed seeing the whole family and we will miss everyone a ton. So you guys are welcome to come visit anytime!!! We are getting settled in the house and looking forward to not be living out of boxes soon.
Only one more day until we start our biggest loser competition. Paul has been trying to eat all his favorite foods since they will be off limits. We will keep you posted on how that is going. Hope everyone had an awesome holiday season.