The Ruggles Family

Ray's new truck

2011-04-27T07:04:00.000-07:00

We have been talking about getting a truck for a while now so Ray got rid of his mustang for a big gas guzzling truck. He bought it Friday and Saturday we loaded it up for a trip to the beach. We brought our bikes and Tala. Ray got to use his truck at the beach towing someone out of the sand. He was more than happy at how easily it towed this stuck vehicle (see pic) out of the sand. Men and their toys!

My Kids :)

2011-04-22T20:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday while I was at Triston's school, his assistant principal came up to me to tell me what a good boy he was. That made me feel sooo good. I left Triston's school and went straight to Rylee's school and her teacher pulled me to the side and told me how she asked the students if they knew what Easter meant. She said a lot of them raised their hands-almost the whole class. She said its not about Easter bunnies or candy, etc. She said that most of them put their hands down. She said that Rylee was able to explain to the class what Easter was and she said that she used correct terminology. She thanked me for doing such a good job teaching her. Now Tray's turn, a couple weeks ago I went to Tray's school to eat lunch with him. One of his teachers walked up to me to tell me what a good kid he was. These compliments make me feel like maybe some of the things that Ray and I say/teach to our kids are sinking in. We have the best kids in the WHOLE wide world.

Easter

2011-04-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

We made resurrection rolls & dyed eggs after church.

The kids had fun at their Easter parties. I made their teachers Easter bunny Smores in a jar.
Recipe:
7oz of graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1 1/2 cup of Easter m&ms
8 Peep bunnies

They add 1/2 cup of butter & 1 tsp of vanilla. They can chop the bunnies up & mix them up with the rest of the ingredients or lay them on top. Bake @ 350 for 15min.

Spring Break Cruise 2011

2011-04-22T20:21:00.000-07:00

We took the kids went on their first crusie during spring break. We went on a five day cruise that left out of Galveston and went to Progresso & Cozumel. The kids had such a great experience that they can't wait to go again! Ray's birthday was while we were on the cruise-I almost surprised him with a cake at dinner time! (the kids told him)

Update

2011-04-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

I don't know where to start........College is keeping me busy. I'm happy to report that this semester is almost over. Can't wait to bid physics a farewell! I joined an honor society Phi Kappa Phi in hopes that it would give me an edge in the teaching field with the way it is right now. I'm feeling great anxiety about whether or not I will be able to get a job teaching when I graduate. I will student teach in August and graduate in December. I remind myself that Heavenly Father has a plan for me. I know that I have work so hard and have come so far and I am grateful for the opportunity to go to college and earn a bachelor degree.
I was released as valiant 9 teacher on Sunday and called into the primary presidency. I feel truly blessed to be able to work with in the primary presidency two women that are truly examples to me. I have a lot to learn from them. I have never been in the primary presidency before but am super excited and kinda nervous about my new calling.
The kids keep me busy and I will blame college and the kids for being such a bad blogger. Triston is playing t-ball. Ray is helping coach his team. He loves it! Rylee is taking guitar lessons. She is learning how to play a Taylor Swift song. Tray is in boy scouts. Although he isn't super excited about always going-he usually has a good time. Tray tried out for athletics this past week at school and will be in athletics next school year.

Team Caroline

2011-01-16T16:28:00.000-08:00

Rylee and I made our team Caroline shirts last night. We are so excited about little Caroline's arrival. She is making quite the debut now. My poor sister will probably never have another baby because this pregnancy has been so rough on her. She is averaging a kidney stone about once a month. She has gestational diabetes, and we had to call off her baby shower & family pictures because she has the flu.

Sick kids

2011-01-16T16:18:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of Trsiton taking one of this breathing treatments.

I have been out of school for almost a month and haven't had any sick kids. It never fails, my first week back to school someone is sick. Tray was having pains in his kidney & Triston had a terrible cough. I took them both in for a doctor"s appointment between my classes. (This is my last semester before I student teaching in the fall so I have a weird schedule.) I was surprised to learn that Triston had pneumonia, & Tray- still no answers after a urine analysis & ultra sound but he is feeling better.

Mom & Ry get pedis

2011-01-16T16:08:00.000-08:00

The day that Ry got bite by the dog, we had planned on getting pedis with my sister in law & niece. (My sweet brother in law got me a certificate for a pedicure for Christmas.) I promised Rylee that we would go after she got her stitches out. Unfortunately, my sister and law and niece weren't able to go with us but we had a good, relaxing and much deserved on Rylee's part day.

Rylee's Dog Bite

2011-01-02T20:11:00.000-08:00

My Favorite Birthday card-ever

2011-01-02T19:55:00.000-08:00

I love Dr. Seuss. Ray & the kids got me cutest card Dr. Seuss card for my birthday. This is what it says : Who's another year older? You do not show it in your face. You do not show it any place! You do not show it in your hair, eyes or thighs or derriere! You do not show it in your mood. (You've got a youthful attitude!) Golly gee! How can this be? You're older now, but who can see?

Ray's new wolf dog-Tala

2011-01-02T19:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2010 @ the Ray Ruggles Crib

2010-12-28T08:39:00.000-08:00

Canton Weekend-A Weekend full of laughs & shopping

2010-12-28T08:35:00.000-08:00

Tray's First Band Concert

2010-12-28T08:27:00.000-08:00

Tray is in the beginner band this year. He plays the trumpet. He is very good. His teacher requires them to practice twenty minutes a day during the week at home.

My 31st Birthday

2010-12-27T08:42:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful birthday. Ray and the kids served me breakfast in bed. I got to go to College Station for my birthday trip where we visited my sister & brother-in-law and got to go to Grand Station for laser tag, indoor mini golf & arcade games!

My sweet mother sent me a fossil watch for my birthday. The story behind the watch: At Thanksgiving, I was showing her my Fossil watch that I have had since I was 16 or 17. At the time she thought that I had spent way to much money on it. I made her apologize because I still wear it to this day. I think that I have gotten my money out of it. I think the new watch was a peace offering, lol. I love saying: Mom, I told you so!

Fresco Shopping weekend/hospital

2010-12-26T20:38:00.000-08:00

We had planned a girl's shopping weekend in Fresco for the first weekend in December. We spent the weekend at Lewisville Medical Center with my prego sister who was battling a kidney stone. I'm glad we were there to take care of her even though we didn't get to do much shopping. We were able to squeeze in a visit to the Cheesecake factory & a trip to Sam Moons.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-12T17:33:00.000-08:00

This year we spent Thanksgiving back home with the Peacock's.

Triston's Bday

2010-10-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

Triston's birthday was September 20. He turned 6.He got a bike from his BeBe, PawPaw, & Uncle Billy for his birthday. He likes to ride his bike after school every chance he gets. He lost his first tooth a couple days before his birthday and has lost one more since then.

More Crafts!!!

2010-10-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

I made a hairbow for Rylee to wear during the Primary Presentation Sunday. I made spirit gifts for Rylee's cheer squad. I blinged a hat out for cheer competition this weekend and I made Halloween teacher gifts all today. I'm feeling very productive ;)

GO LAMAR!!!

2010-10-20T19:59:00.001-07:00

Homecoming 2010/ SJFL 2010

2010-10-20T19:53:00.001-07:00

Happy 11th birthday, Tray!

2010-09-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

Tray spent his 11th birthday with a few of his closest friends & family, bowling & watching a movie. (Don't recommend the movie Vampires Suck!)He racked up on the $$$ and we gave him a cell phone. (Rylee and Triston seem to think that they need a cell phone as well now.) My first born baby is growing up way too fast!

Gettin Crafty

2010-08-12T21:31:00.000-07:00

Mini Vacay

2010-08-04T13:39:00.000-07:00

We took a mini vacation to Galveston. We took the kids to Schlitterbahn and the beach. It was short & sweet. The kids enjoyed it. I think that Ray enjoyed it the most because some how on the way home we bought a mustang. Still trying to figure out how that happened hum.......................

Random summer pics

2010-08-04T13:09:00.001-07:00

Pictures include Rylee's cheer camp, piggin out on muy bueno Mexican food, loading up on pastries @ a Mexican bakery in Houston, facials, midnight showing of Eclipse, and Rylee's 1st achievement day activity. Enjoy.

Farewell 2 my Hummer

2010-08-04T12:57:00.000-07:00

I gave up my Hummer for a more fuel efficient & cheaper car. I got an 07 Honda Accord. I really miss my hummer but I am enjoying my Honda.

It's Great to be Eight

2010-08-04T12:23:00.000-07:00

Rylee turned eight on June 5. It seems like it was a celebration all weekend! She ended up with 3 birthday cakes. Her baptism was very special and we are so thankful for all the family that was there to share it with us!

End of School

2010-08-04T12:04:00.000-07:00

Tray and Rylee received many awards and Triston graduated from pre-k. Triston has already told me that he doesn't want to do homework when he starts kindergarten-should be an interesting year! Tray starts middle school which freaks me out and Rylee will be in 3rd grade. I didn't take a close up picture of Rylee with all her awards but she totally rocked at field day in the hula hoop competition-1st place! Must run in the fam - that's one of my many talents-lol :)

Mardi Gras weekend in Galveston

2010-02-07T16:44:00.000-08:00

Ray has worked Mardi Gras in Galveston for the past couple of years and this year we were able to accompany him. They call in motorcycle officers from nearby areas to work crowd control. He was able to land us a free condo for the weekend. We arrived Friday evening and after settling into the condo, the kids decided on the location for dinner which was of course, Rain Forest Cafe. Actually we were gonna eat at Landry's but of course the Rain Forest Cafe is right beside it,UGH! Although, we did enjoy our food.(Ray didn't enjoy the bill.) Saturday morning, Ray took us to his fav place for breakfast which is a little Mexican bakery on Broadway. We bought tamales, donuts, and cookies. We may have over did it! He left after breakfast to report to duty. The kids and I were left to navigate around Galveston by ourselves. I was nervous but I did a good job with the kids helping me. I feel like a pro getting around Galveston, now. We made it to the first parade. I learned not to get there early. My poor kids were tired and sunburned before the parade even started. It was so fun, seeing them get excited about catching beads. Tray and Triston were both hit in the head with beads. Did I mention that we have never been to Mardi Gras before?? They left the first parade with lots of beads! We picked up a pizza and headed back to the condo for lunch and a nap. The night parade was alot busier. We didn't show up until Ray called and said the parade had started. And we still had to wait for it to make its way down to where we were at. We enjoyed watching fireworks on our drove to the parade.The kids enjoyed enjoyed getting more beads and became pros at holding their hands up in the air and making lots of noise in order to get beads. After the parade, we went to kroger for groceries & movies. We enjoyed a homemade meal thanks to our kitchette in the condo and movies. Now, I am wondering what we are gonna do with all those mardi gras beads??????

YAY for me!

2010-01-20T10:21:00.000-08:00

This past semester, I made the president's list. This is the first semester since I have returned to college that I have made all A's.I know that I couldn't have done it without my Heavenly Father's help.

Guess who turned 30?

2009-12-31T08:42:00.000-08:00

These are pics from my surprise party that was truly a surprise.

Bring on Christmas

2009-12-09T20:07:00.000-08:00

We finally got our tree up and are ready for Christmas. Bring it on!

My kiddos making memories-Gingerbread houses

2009-12-04T18:44:00.000-08:00

My beautiful wreath

2009-12-04T15:23:00.000-08:00

I don't have a Christmas tree up yet but I do have my Christmas wreath up that mom and Dad bought me. I guarantee that it will cost more than my Christmas tree. I love it and am grateful that mom and dad bought it for me because Ray would have never let me spend that much money for a wreath. When I told him how much it cost, he told me that no wreath is worth that much money. (That's what he thinks! MEN!)

Loving the Snow!

2009-12-04T15:19:00.000-08:00

Its has been snowing here since before 2pm. The kids love it and enjoyed it being the eason they got out of school early today. It feels like we are inside a snow globe.The snow is big pretty white flakes, so beautiful.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-28T20:35:00.000-08:00

The Peacocks, Hales, Coats, and Ruggles spent Thanksgiving all together this year! We ate, ate, and ate some more. We watched the UT/ A&M game, played our fav game, Catch Phrase, laughed until we cried, and of course did some black Friday shopping!

My Favorite Things-November

2009-11-28T20:26:00.001-08:00

Each month my sisters, sister in law, and mother get a favorite thing package. We each have certain months in the year and for that month we sent everyone our favorite thing. I came up with the idea from Oprah's favorite things episode she does every year at Christmas. We have so much fun getting packages in the mail and enjoying each other's favorite things. This month my baby sister gave us all monogrammed aprons. She gave us them at Thanksgiving since we spent it together this year. They are totally cute! Love it, Thanks, Chrissy!

New Moon 2009

2009-11-23T20:26:00.000-08:00

Yep, We crazy girls were there at the midnight showing of New Moon!

Rylee's cheer competition

2009-10-29T16:44:00.000-07:00

You can view the video on my facebook. Rylee's squad won 1st place. YAY! All the many practices paid off. Rylee loves cheerleading!

Triston's snowman pumpkin

2009-10-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

We made this snowman for a pumpkin decorating contest at Triston's school. No, he didn't win.

Homecoming parade

2009-10-29T15:54:00.000-07:00

Rylee's cheer squad did a float in the homecoming parade. The theme was peace, love, and tigers.

September's Book Club Madness

2009-09-29T20:08:00.000-07:00

This month was a special book club because it is one of my best friend's last book clubs before she goes off to the army and we discussed one of my favorite books, Catching Fire. Of course, when me and my besties LOVE a book we have to design a t-shirt and this time we did a cap too. We were plesantly surprise when our buddy Stephanie had the same idea and designed a t-shirt as well. Welcome to the madness, Steph! Good times!

Rylee's cheerleading bucket

2009-09-19T20:24:00.000-07:00

Chrissy- someone donated the buckets with lids and they also added a cushion on the lid. I took it and had it air brushed. It turned out really cute. They use it as a seat and storage for their pom poms.

Triston's Birthday Party

2009-09-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

Triston turns 5 tomorrow but we celebrated Triston's birthday today. We had a busy day with family visiting from out of town, Rylee cheered this morning, and Tray had a football game this afternoon. Happy birthday Triston!

Sushi and Pedis with my Sista

2009-09-19T18:34:00.000-07:00

Tiffany came for a visit Friday. We had good quality sista time!

I'm OBSESSED!

2009-09-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

My new favorite books by Suzanne Collins. Can't wait for the next book and movie of the first book to come out!! And yep, I'm trying to come up with something creative to "sport" at the book club and movie!

Football & Cheerleading

2009-09-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

Tray and Rylee are enjoying football season. Tray has won his first two games and Rylee absolutely enjoys cheering. Go Tigers!

Astro's Games

2009-09-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

We were given really expensive, club seats, to the Astro's game on Friday. We had a blast watching them play the Philles. We really had to pay attention to the game because we had three foul ball land close to us. The Astros won 7-0. Woo-hoo!The best part was staying after the game for Friday night fireworks.

Triston's 1st day @ pre-k

2009-08-25T07:52:00.000-07:00

Tray and Rylee's first day of school

2009-08-24T06:08:00.000-07:00

This is Tray and Rylee's first day of school. Tray begins the fifth grade, scary! Rylee begins the second grade. Tray will be switching classes this year like last year and I didn't think it would be cool to take a picture with him and all this teachers. Triston was along for the ride. He will start pre-k tomorrow. More pictures to come.

Tray celebrates turning 10!

2009-08-20T09:22:00.001-07:00

Our sweet, Tray, turned 10! He had a wonderful birthday that involved his bestest buddies and family, and all the gifts that he wanted: xbox 360 live set-up, over a $100, an xbox game, and a wiggle racer! Oh yeah, he had three birthday cakes!

Summer Fun

2009-08-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

After a long day of fun in the sun, I found Tray asleep outside on the trampoline. Isn't he so cute?

Our Visit to Uncle Jeff and Aunt Mel's

2009-07-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Flower Mound late Friday night/ early Saturday mornimg. (We were a little side tracked by Bucee's. We were very surprised to find a Bucee's in Madisonville that just opened in May. We love Bucee's! We enjoy the clean restrooms, jerky, and my personal fav, pecan chewy!) We spend most of Saturday on the lake, Lake Grapevine. The kids enjoyed tubing, and swimming. Tray and Ray even gave wake boarding a try. After a day on the lake Uncle Jeff and Aunt Mel treated us to dinner at Red Robim....yum. Thanks for a fun weekend!

Our "WOO-HOO" Cruise

2009-07-13T15:23:00.000-07:00

Our first cruise was great. It was a little rocky at first. Ray and I had caught a virus from Triston. (We never get sick. What perfect timming it was when I wake up on Thursday morning at the motel in Baton Rouge, LA (our half way point) feeling very ill. We also got a call from my mother-in-law that morning saying that Rylee and Tray were sick as well. ) I have no idea how I made it 3 more hours to Mobile, AL without up chucking. We went with Art and Jessica(fam/friends). If we had drove we would have probably missed the cruise, that's how bad we felt. We spend that first day/night in our room sleeping. Thank goodness that it was only a 24 hour virus. We got up the next morning feeling much better and we were so thankful that Art and Jessica didn't get sick. Let me explain the "woo-hoo". Our cruise director always said woo-hoo after she finished making an announcement and that's what we did all cruise long. We would yell "woo-hoo". (You had to be there to get it.) We enjoyed the food, service, & shows. We loved Cozumel!!! We went on a guided snorkel tour. Once I figure it out, it was fun. Ray, Art, and Jessica were all pros. We went to two different reefs. The fish were beautiful just like the fish you saw on Finding Nemo. We even saw a sea turtle. Back to real life. It was so nice being on the cruise where we lost all track of time. WOO-HOO! Disclaimer: Yes, all the drinks are non-alcoholic.( I know you are wondering...lol)

Rylee + bike = BEWARE!!

2009-07-01T21:52:00.000-07:00

Rylee has officially mastered the fine art of bike riding with no training wheels. HOORAY for Rylee! I took her on her first long ride today and this is a picture I took before we left. We rode 2.59 miles!!! She didn't complain the first time. We are looking forward to many more rides. My bike trailer will be a lot lighter now with only Triston in it.

Busy Summer

2009-07-01T21:25:00.001-07:00

This is a terrible picture from my cell of the "me too" group that I helped out with at cub scout camp with Smokey the Bear. Can't figure out how to download the picture of Tray's group.

It has been a very busy summer for the Ruggles Family. I'm behind on posting and haven't been faithful at taking pictures. We haven't had a chance to get that bored yet. We have had a birthday party, family reunion, bridal shower & wedding, cub scout camp, the kids got to spend 3 days in Bloomburg with Meme and PawPaw, a trip to the temple with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law, girl's night out with some girls from church, and book club meeting that my mother-in-law was in charge of and I was asked to help out with, so far. We still have a cruise, a trip to Uncle Jeff and Aunt Melanie, and one to Aunt Tiffany and Uncle Joe(hopefully the house will be ready soon,,,,no pressure) and if we are lucky another visit to Aunt Chrissy and Uncle Stevie. This summer Ray and I didn't get a full week together while the kids were at Mom and Dad's. We had to get the kids early for cub scout camp. (Poor planning on my behalf.) Ray worked most of the time, but we did manage to take our bikes to Galveston and ride almost 10 miles along the seawall.

My Yellow Box Sandals

2009-06-06T14:44:00.000-07:00

This is for you, Chrissy. Here are the pics of my yellow box sandals. Aren't they cute?? Thanks for discovering them, Mel. Too bad they hurt your feet. They feel great on mine, LOL.

Rylee's slumber party

2009-06-06T14:03:00.000-07:00

Rylee decided that she wanted to celebrated her 7th birthday with a slumber party. All I can say is .............what was I thinking?????? The things we do for our children. Ray left me high & dry, working any and all extra jobs, or so he said....Many thanks to my friend Gayle who stayed and helped until midnight. We had a fun filled party that included face painting, ring making, karaoke, dress-up, smores & stories, pedicures, movies & popcorn, make-up application, and lots of jumping on the trampoline. Did I miss anything? We had all the elements of a true slumber party. We had a little drama (some tears shed) and my friend Gayle put a mask on and snook outside to knock on the door to scare the girls. They did let me get a little bit of sleep, thank goodness! They went to bed at 2:30am and woke up at 8:30am. I can only hope that she doesn't want to have one next year, LOL.

My baby brother graduated

2009-06-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

Ryan graduated from high school. He is the last of us five kids to graduate from high school. What are Mom and Dad gonna do with themselves now that they wouldn't have to attend anymore high school basketball games ??

Award cermony and last week of school fun

2009-06-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

The last week of school was busy for us. Rylee's school had something going on everyday. These are pictures from field day, award ceremonies, and last day of school breakfast. Rylee got an award for AB honor semester and Tray racked up on awards which included, AB honor roll semester (one B all year long), a Reading award, and commended on the math and reading on the TAK test. To be commended, you have to miss less than 2 problems on the whole test.

false alarm

2009-06-06T13:19:00.000-07:00

We found out that Tray's ankle is fine. The doctor misread his xray and there is no fracture just sprained. He is doing fine and back to normal.

Tray's trip to the ER

2009-05-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

Tray came home from school with a swollen ankle. Mind you that the nurse didn't send him home or call this time like she has in the past so he toughed it out at school. Ray took him to the ER when he got home Friday from work. He has a sprain and fractured ankle. He has a temporary cast and a referral to Beaumont Bone and Joint. Poor Tray, this week at school, he was suppose to go play at the park for being a top tiger and also go to sports connection for passing the TAKS test. I wonder how that is gonna work out for him. For now, we give him a hard time and call him skippy.

Rylee's field trip to the Lufkin Zoo

2009-05-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

Rylee had some friends over to play afterwards and this is a picture of them playing dress up. Triston joined in with this pink cape.

Moms & Muffins

2009-05-15T06:44:00.000-07:00

This morning we went to Rylee's school to eat breakfast with her. Her friend Camryn ate with us and took a picture with us, her mom wasn't able to come. The other day, we went to her school to eat lunch with her and it just so happened that they had a impromptu talent show. Rylee raised her hand to perform and to my surprise was chosen to go up in front of everyone and perform her talent. They gave her the microphone and she sang Apple bottom Jeans.(Just some of the chorus--this is the only part I let them listen to) She did good. On her way up to the front, one little boy turned around and told me that she could sing good. (Apparently this wasn't her first time to perform.) It was hilarious. One boy did the worm. Another boy said that he was gonna sing the chipmunks-he sang the song--don't you wish your girlfriend was hot like me....don't you wish your girlfriend was a freak like me...(in his best chipmunk voice)! I couldn't figure out how to work the video camera on my cell phone. I tried to record it, I hate that I couldn't figure it out----STUPID NEW HIGH TECH PHONE, THAT I HAVE NO BUSINESS WITH! That would have been priceless.

The Results are in.............

2009-05-15T06:36:00.000-07:00

I made an A in intro to teaching, B in chemistry, A in speech, and B in statistics. I made the AB honor roll-LOL-(dean's list). Hooray!

The Big Catch

2009-05-10T22:43:00.000-07:00

Ray and Billy took the boys fishing a couple of weeks ago. This is what they caught. While they were fishing, Rylee and I went to see the Hannah Montana movie.

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-10T21:43:00.000-07:00

I love Mother's Day! To me, Mother's Day is an all weekend long celebration. We went out to eat last night and the hostess said, "Are yall celebrating Mother's Day?" I said, "Yes, we are celebrating all weekend." I told Ray that I wanted a new bike for Mother's Day. I have a bike that I purchased from Walmart at an after Christmas sale for thirty or forty dollars. I definately got what I paid for. One of the pedals has came off during a ride down the neighborhood before, the brakes aren't that great and it isn't that comfortable. Ray took me to The Bicycle Sports in Beaumont to look around. I told the saleman that I was looking for something that I could sit up straight on aka granny bike, I wanted it to ride around the neighborhood with my kids, and for light exercise. He suggested a Townie. I was alittle overwhelmed with the price but once I rode it I was SOLD. Needless to say we walked out with me a bike and cart for Triston and Rylee and Ray a bike(early father's day present). I never thought that we would spent that much on bikes. The Ruggles Family just got themselves a new hobby. Today for Mother's Day, we went to visit Ray's family in Kirbyville and brought our bikes along for a nice ride. Can't wait to go riding again. We plan on going to Galveston soon for a stroll in our bikes along the sea wall. Give us a call if anyone has bikes and want to go with us!

Update

2009-04-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

Ok..........My sisters are always getting on to me for not updating.....so here goes........We enjoyed Aunt Tiffany & Megan's visit last week. Triston really enjoyed getting picked up from school early, going out to eat, and getting a toy. Thanks, Tiff. School is getting kinda crazy. This semester is almost over, and statistics and chemistry are kicking my butt. I got my official letter from the college this week accepting me into the teaching program. YAY! I've already registered for the fall. I'm taking 5 classes. I'm enjoying our favorite things monthly packages. I hope everyone else it to. (Me, my sisters, sister in law, & mother are each assigned a month out of the year and we send each other our favorite things for that month in the mail.) I just ordered another one of my favorite things for everyone today. (So maybe I'm getting a little carried away.) I've already got my favorite things for my assigned months for the rest of the year. I'm so excited about the ones that I ordered today that I hope that I can keep it a secret. SO, DON'T ASK!

Matching shirts

2009-04-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't resist buying Rylee and myself matching shirts. Although, the scarfs are different colors. We had fun wearing them yesterday. This is one of the many perks of having a daughter.

Tray places second in the district pine wood derby

2009-03-28T12:52:00.000-07:00

We were very surprised to hear Tray's name called at the district pinewood derby award ceremony. He didn't do well in the pack pine wood derby on Wednesday. He was discouraged and said that he didn't want to participate on Saturday at the district one. We added a little more weight and graphite and apparently it helped. We are excited and learned a lot thanks to Lisa Fonnesbeck, the pinewood derby queen! Can't wait to next year!

Pine Wood Derby

2009-03-27T19:19:00.000-07:00

This year is Tray's first year to participate in the pine wood derby. His car won a award for the most realistic car.

Grandparent's Day and Western Day

2009-03-27T18:40:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed Mom and Dad's visit last week. They came to visit so that they could come to grandparent's breakfast at Tray's school and it just so happened to be western day at Rylee's school. They got to come to that too.

Spring Break is here!!!

2009-03-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

Spring break can officially start now that Ray has assembled the trampoline. We also brought a load of dirt in and the kids have enjoyed playing in it.

Happy Birthday Baby

2009-03-09T12:21:00.000-07:00

My handsome hubby's birthday was Friday. He wanted a crawfish boil for his birthday and that's what we did and we topped it off with two dairy queen ice cream cakes!

The Nurse Strikes Again!!

2009-02-26T21:08:00.000-08:00

Tray informed me that he was completely out of tylenol at school. I brought him some more tylenol to school the other day and dropped it off in the nurse's office. The nurse said, "Tray is so cute." I said, "Yeah, he is a character." She said, "oh, I don't know anything about his character, he is a beautiful child." She tells me this every time I see her. We agree that Tray is beautiful inside and out! We are so proud of him for earning his marble beltloop yesterday at the blue and gold banquet.

Mawmaw Gate

2009-02-19T20:50:00.000-08:00

A week ago Tuesday, my great grandmother died. She was 97 years old. She is my mother's, father's, mother. Me and the kids went back home for the funeral this past weekend. I felt privileged to be able to say the closing prayer at her funeral. I learned some things that I didn't know before. My mom told me that she was the one who introduced my mother and her family to the gospel. For that I feel deeply in deeded. I also learned why we called her Mawmaw Gate. My mother called her husband Gate and since we had more than one Mawmaw we called her Mawmaw Gate and maybe it used to be mawmaw and Gate and then shorten to just mawmaw gate. I remember that when we went to her house when we were growing up, we had to wash our hands without the use of running water. She had a bowl, soap, and a pitcher of water and thats how we washed our hands. Other fond memories, included being fascinated by her rings. She wore rings on every finger except her thumbs. She always had her hair done and makeup on. My mom told me that she remembers that Mawmaw would light a match, blow it out, let it cold down, and then paint her eyebrows on with the black soot of the match. It's always said to lose a loved one but I'm comforted by the thought that life is much better where they are at now.

Sugar cookie recipe

2009-02-08T20:34:00.000-08:00

I love a good sugar cookie. I've finally found a recipe on the back of a gold metal bag of flour that I really like. Plus it is super easy!
"To Roll or Not to Roll" Sugar Cookies
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 egg
2 1/3 cups Gold Medal all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla, almond extract, and egg. Stir in flour and baking soda. Bake @ 375 for 9 to 11.

Check out Triston's cool shoes

2009-02-05T21:02:00.000-08:00

I ordered these shoes for Triston today. They are so cute. They light up red & blue. Triston said that he wanted woo woo shoes.(That's the sound he makes for a police car's siren.)Still no luck finding my shoes. My sis told me that these are last season's Mudd shoe. I have found one pair on ebay but they are a size 8. Wonder if I can squeeze my foot in. LOL. Don't think that I haven't thought of it. I wish I would have never seen them!!

Unexpected call from the school nurse

2009-02-05T20:24:00.000-08:00

I should be doing my statistics homework but I'm relieving my stress through blogging. So beware of longer post than normal!! Rylee's nurse called me yesterday. She said, "Mrs. Ruggles, I just wanted to call you and tell you that Rylee is fine but she swallow a rock." I'm thinking ok.....The nurse went on to say that some kids were throwing rocks on the playground and somehow one ended up in her mouth and she swallowed one. (My thoughts..... Hummmmmmmmmm..... That sounds weird.....freak accident....wrong place, wrong time.....this only happens to Rylee) So I ask the nurse if I need to be concerned. She assured me that they have very small rocks on the playground and that she would pass it and probably not even notice it. Apparently, she told Rylee the same thing because Rylee told me there had been no sign of it in her poop. I did laugh because if you know Rylee stuff like this happens to her. Since I'm on the subject of school nurses, Tray called me from the nurses office today to tell me that his nurse said he could call me to come get him because he had a fever of 99. something. This wouldn't be the first time that Tray has gotten the nurse's permission to leave school because of some not so serious health problem. In fact, he hasn't acted sick at all since I've picked him up from school. She as told me on more than one occasion how cute Tray is. I think Tray has the wool pulled over her eyes. Tray had figured out from a early age that if you tell the nurse that your stomach hurts or that you have diaherra that you could get sent home without having any questions asked.

Rylee's award ceremony

2009-02-04T16:43:00.000-08:00

Rylee got two awards Monday morning at her award ceremony at school. She got AB honor roll award and a citizenship award. We are so proud of her!

plea for my sisters & sister- in- laws!!!

2009-02-04T16:09:00.001-08:00

I went to the shoe dept today and found this really cute pair for shoes. Unfortunately they put them on sale and have sold out of my size and almost every other size unless you are a size 6. I've decided that I have to have a pair!! I looked on the Internet for a while and came up empty handed. So if you have a retail store near you that sells Mudd shoes, could yall please look and see if they have this shoe. The style is Amber and I need a size 8 1/2 or 9. I know that Kohl's and the Shoe Dept carry Mudd shoes. I'm gonna check @ Kohl's tomorrow.

Jim's new home

2009-01-31T18:38:00.000-08:00

Our pet albino frog, Jim Jim, got a new home today. Jim has moved on up in the world. Rylee got Jim in June as a birthday present from her aunt Chrissy. We are very surprised at how long he has survived. Tiffany & Chrissy have both had these types of frogs and said that they don't last long.

My Kids Say the Darnest Things!

2009-01-28T06:24:00.000-08:00

The other day, Triston said he had the "hook ups" aka hiccups. I thought that was so cute. He also has his own word for polka dots. He calls them pappa dots. Tray used to do the same thing. In pre-k, he said the he had a little girl in his class named Medicine. Her name was Madison. He said his music teacher's name was Ms. Brookshires. Her name was Ms. Brewster.( Although he still calls the hamper the hamster.) In pre-k, Rylee told us the she had a girl in her class named Itzel. We thought of all the names that she could be like Isa bell, etc but come to find out that her name was Itzel. We are always surprised at what may come out of our children's mouths!

Back to School

2009-01-14T12:01:00.000-08:00

Its that time again. Spring Semester 09! Yesterday was my first day. I have 13 hours this semester. I have an intro to teaching class, chemisrty, public speaking, chemisrty lab, and stats online. After this semester, I will be one class away from a junior status. Say a prayer for me, I'll need it!

Must read

2009-01-02T15:57:00.000-08:00

This is one of our book club selections for January. It is so good. I couldn't put it down. If you are looking for a good book-try this one.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-27T12:38:00.000-08:00

OUT WITH THE OLD.......

2008-12-26T21:14:00.000-08:00

....and bring on the new, motorcycle that is. Ray's new Harley arrived on my birthday(DEC 19)....happy birthday to me!

This shirt is one of Ray's Christmas presents, he loves it!

Christmas parties at school

2008-12-19T11:39:00.000-08:00

Tray and Rylee had their parties at school today. They "sugar them up" and then let you take them home-Thanks!

I'm so relieved!!

2008-12-19T11:30:00.001-08:00

I have finished this semester. I took 13 hours this semester and I happy to say that this semester is finally over. (This was my first semester on campus. Before this semester, I took a few classes over the Internet.) I actually enjoyed it and meet some new friends. I made four A's and one B. (I'm hoping the B will change, before I took the final I had a 87 average, I'm hoping that I did well enough on the final to make an A) I have a grand total of 45 hours now!! And many more to go!!! Hooray for me :)

Amazing!!!!

2008-12-12T11:15:00.000-08:00

Thursday we woke up to a winter wonderland-Southeast Texas style! It actually snowed here. I heard that it hasn't snowed here since the 80's.(I wouldn't know:)) Our kids have wanted to see snow so bad. They know that it sometimes snows back home but we have told them its just too hot here for it to snow.(Ray seems to think that hell has froze over because of our new president elect. LOL) Rylee said, "I can't believe it actually snowed here in Silsbee, Texas." Tray's internal snow alarm clock must of woke him up because he woke up on his own then woke Triston & Rylee up to tell them the good news. Needless to say it was an exciting morning at the Ruggles house. I must say that we were totally unprepared. I couldn't find gloves and some of us don't even own gloves so some of the kids including me had to wear socks as gloves.(Ghetto) They didn't have to be at school until 10am. It's what Sponge Bob says.....ITS THE BEST DAY EVER!(Ray took a picture of almost everything but the kids until the camera died! So that why there is like one picture of the kids and no picture of our snowman.)

A Wise Man, An Angel, & A Present Giver

2008-12-07T18:39:00.000-08:00

....Tray was a wise man, Rylee was an angel, and Triston was a present giver at the Christmas program at church today. Aren't they cute? Triston wasn't originally asked to be in the program but after he saw Tray & Rylee's cool costumes he decided he wanted to be in the program. He was a little disappointed that his costume only consisted of a halo. Better luck next time, Triston.(Can't take any credit for the costumes-some ladies in our ward did an excellent job at creating and making them.)

Karate Kid

2008-12-04T18:51:00.000-08:00

Triston got his karate uniform today and he is sooooo proud of it. Doesn't he look so cute. (The pose was his idea.) He has been taking karate since September but he reminded me the other day that he still didn't have a uniform yet, so I took care of that today. So its official-all three of the Ruggles kids are karate kids. BEWARE!

I've turned cowgirl

2008-12-02T16:34:00.000-08:00

Ray bought me my first pair of boots this weekend. (Early birthday/Christmas present)Sadly, I've lived in Texas my whole life and have never owned a pair of western boots. I'm officially a cowgirl. Of course,I had to buy a pair of western pants, too. I couldn't bring myself to spend $80-$90 on a belt. Maybe next time. I can't believe how expensive western clothes are. So, here is a requested pic of me in my western get-up. Triston took the picture of me this morning before we headed off to school. What do you think, maybe I'll even put a sticker on the back of my hummer that says "cowgirl up" - NOT!

The Ruggles decorated their ghetto-fabulous Christmas tree!

2008-12-01T18:29:00.000-08:00

We decorated our ghetto Christmas tree for family home evening tonight. I call our tree ghetto because its a pre-lit tree but none of the lights wanted to work so I went to Walmart today and bought strands of lights to put on our tree that already has lights that don't work. Old lights + new lights on top of = ghetto fabulous. The kids were so excited! And they actually think that it looks pretty and that all that matters, right?

Two great Christmas finds

2008-11-24T19:17:00.000-08:00

Today I found an ornament for my ornament exchange. I know this is early for me, I usually wait to the day of. I thouhgt it was so cute. It is an angel made out of a jingle bell for the body and a marble for the head. And I found a Christmas book for the book club this month. This month's book is a Christmas book of our choice. My sister-in-law told me about "The Christmas Sweater". She said it was on the best sellers list and that it was selling out. Sam's had a few copies left. I can wait to read it but I still haven't finished "The Secret Life of Bees". Stephanie, you should be so proud of me. Love you too.

Do you remember?

2008-11-24T19:01:00.001-08:00

Rylee does the same things that I did when I was a little girl. I took a video of her singing a song and dancing. This was so familar to me that I joined in singing and dancing with her when she first performed it for me-lol. Tiffany & Chrissy, did we do this when we were little? What about her hair, remember when mom used to braid our hair and we would sleep with it braided and when we took the braids out in the morning-it was crimpy!(And people only thought we owned a crimping iron!) This is Rylee's new thing. She loves it!

Weekend Get Away

2008-11-23T18:55:00.000-08:00

This weekend, we went to San Antonio to take advantage of our Sea World season passes and relax. Sea World is awesome this time of the world. I highly recommend it. I really liked the fake snow that was falling as we entered Sea World. It really got me in the Christmas spirit with all the Christmas decorations and Christmas music playing. Not to mention, the lines weren't long and we got awesome sitting at all the shows. I liked the 4D movie of the Polar Express. We loved our 4 star hotel-thanks to priceline.com... baby. We ate at this great Italian restaurant for dinner last night. Yum Yum. A man serenaded us with his keyboard as we ate. He invited the kids to help him play. Rylee took him up on it. (That, of course is no surprise to anyone that knows Rylee). She must have done very well, she got a nice applause from the audience.

Crazy Girl

2008-11-21T17:13:00.000-08:00

I left this picture out of my Twilight post.(Can't imagine why???? Maybe I was tired or something.) This is the girl that entertained us before the show. It is a really bad picture. Some one called her crazy girl and that's what I titled my post.

Girls Night Out

2008-11-21T01:01:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is 3am and I'm posting. I just got home from a girls night out. My friends Gayle and Lisa, fellow Twilight addicts, started our night at my house for pictures. Aren't our shirts cute? They say, team Edward cause Jacob doesn't sparkle.If you read the book, you get it if you don't READ THE BOOK! Then we went to the book club where we discussed Twilight & The Secret Life of Bees. Next, we ate at Cheddar's and then to the movies. Some how Gayle was able to purchase 3 tickets to the 12:01 am showing of Twilight. We got there two hours early fearing that we wouldn't be able to sit together. I must say that two hour wait was interesting to say the least. A girl, whom I took a picture of, entertained us for a while asking silly questions like how old was the oldest person and how old was the youngest, what everyone did for a living, was anyone in college, etc, etc, etc. It got real annoying after awhile. The guy in front of me ask for hand sanitizer and then lite his hand on fire with a lighter. Anyways to the movie.......At first, it was cheesy but got better.The actress who played Bella blinked her eyes way to much. The actor who played Edward became more handsome as the movie progressed. I loved the actors & actress who played Esme, Rosalie, Emmet, Jasper and Alice. I didn't like the choices for Carlise and Charlie. All in all, I would give it two thumbs up. So there is my review. Good night.

Mel's b-day party

2008-11-10T06:26:00.000-08:00

My family unexpectedly reunited this weekend for a very sad occasion. My cousin Max died and his funeral was yesterday. My sis-in law's birthday was Thursday so we thought it would be fun to make her a cake and have a surprise party. The cake wasn't beautiful and really didn't taste good but we had fun scheming up a surprise princess party for her compete with princess crowns, plates, and stickers. Mel, we love you and are you thankful that you are part of our crazy, disfunctional fam-lol.