Growing Family

Our family got a little bigger yesterday with the birth of Ryan and Shelly Walters' baby girl, Sara Elizabeth. Mommy and baby and doing great. Congratulations Shelly, Ryan, and Nolan. And, welcome Sara Elizabeth!

Urgh!

So, I'm writing to vent about television and my recent frustrations. I don't watch a lot of t.v. but when I do, I have my favorite shows. Some of which include: Ghost Whisperer, Desperate Housewives, and Lipstick Jungle.

Last week I became annoyed when the writers of Ghost Whisperer decided to have "Jim" the main star's husband die. He's been such an integral part of the show and to now have him die is ridiculous! I watched the recent episode last night only to find out that he will now be living in someone's else body! I mean really! I would expect this if I was watching Days of our Lives where people die and come back all the time, but not with this show!

Second, I learned yesterday that Lipstick Jungle is being cancelled and it seems that everytime I get interested in a show it gets cancelled. I'm left scratching my head to understand why reality shows always survive and keep coming back each season! Have we really become a society that thrives on watching other people live their lives, see if they can survive in the wild for 30 days, or try to figure out which guy or girl they will propose too? What happened to those good quality family shows that I so fondly remember watching on Friday nights with my family when I was a little girl? Those shows brought families together for a hour or two a night and for me built memories that will last a lifetime.

Is it too much for me to ask for some good television shows that make me happy when I watch them, make me feel like I can relate to them, or allow me to forget about the crazy day I've had and for a brief time step into the world I'm watching on television? Just some food for thought!

Almost 6 Weeks Old

It's hard to believe, but Jack will be 6 weeks old this coming Sunday and is absolutely growing like a weed! He had his one month check-up this past Tuesday and weighed in at 8lbs 5oz and 22.25 inches long. The doctor said he looks absolutely great!

My time spent with Jack thus far has been great and I wouldn't trade these days for anything. Being a mother is better than I could have ever imagined and look forward to the next 6 weeks with my little man! Hope you enjoy the latest pics of our little guy!

Who Needs Day-Care?

Dexter has proven himself to be a very good babysitter (literally). Now, if he can only learn to change diapers and administer feedings.

National Teach Your Friends To Brew Beer Day

That's right. It exists. What a great idea. And, to celebrate, my cousin Craig Gruelle (who has become a fine brewmaster himself) invited us out to his house November 1st for a day of brewing dunkel (or a brown ale, depending on how it turns out), sampling "Ike's Ale" (which he brewed during the windstorm), good eats, and good times.

Catching Up and Introductions

A couple of weeks ago our dear friends Daniel and Mykala Brown traveled from Paducah, Kentucky to spend the weekend with the Riddells and meet Baby Jack. Despite Daniel and Brian's harrowing experience at Hooters (which entailed a thrashing of UK at the hands of Florida, a pushy waitress, our eyes being bigger than our stomachs, and Daniel fighting a spell of heart-burn), it was a fun and relaxing weekend.

Jack Says "No" to the Paparazzi

BE SURE TO VOTE ON TUESDAY, NOV 4TH!

Halloween 2008 with the Riddells

Jack enjoying a mid-afternoon nap.

Cousins Jack and Sawyer meet for the first time.

Jack and Uncle Chad spending a little quality time together.

All the excitement has Dexter worn-out.

Dexter and Daddy getting the jack-o-lantern ready to take over to Gammy's and Pa-Paw's.

Jack handing out candy for the first time with Mommy and Daddy at Gammy and Pa-Paw's house.

What happened to Daddy's face?

More sleepy time for the Jack-O-Lantern.

Mommy and Jack spending the afternoon at Gammy and Pa-Paw's.

Jack's "scary" jack-o-lantern.

Jack's "baby" jack-o-lantern.

Bubby trying to persuade Pa-Paw that there's room in the chair for three.