Merry Christmas Fool!

I received a really Cool Christmas Present from My Boss this Morning.

Tom and Marina

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to you love-birds!

Happy Birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Bradley...#19 it's gonna be an exciting year. Love your guts~

McDonalds

Has anyone seen the new McDonald's Latte Commercial? The one with the two guys talking in a cafe? Give a shout out if you think that the one that says, "I like sitting and watching football" reminds you of Bradley? The first time I saw it and couldn't believe how much he looks and sounds like Brad.

Bongo Baby Mitch - My Daddy plays the Drums!

Thanksgiving Rice Family Style

Now it's your turn to post your favorite pictures from this year's festivities! It was great to see everyone and squeeze those babies!

Wow! 27 years. Happy Birthday Nick. How come I still look 29??

Happy Birthday, Nick!

Feliz Cumpleanos, sobrino...have a snammy day!

Oh I forgot...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO NICK!

Temple Names

If anyone is going to the temple and wants family names, let me know. I have one male that needs Initiatory and Endowment...and 2 sisters, Edith and Doris Bennett, needing Initiatory and Endowments. Let me know and I can get these off to you.
The Minnich's are off to Michigan Tuesday to spend a few days with Charlene on Thanksgiving. So we wish everyone a beautiful Thanksgiving Day. (Don't worry we'll be back on Friday to shop and the weekend to visit Larkin and Allyson.)
Love to all.
Suzanne

Thank You Thank You!

I just wanted to put up a quick post to Thank our whole family for always supporting us in all of our endeavors (Mom & Dad, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, everyone you guys are the best).

I wanted to Thank James for being pretty much the most supportive amazing husband to a very stubborn, lazy, emotional wife :) Starting school again has been a gigantic adjustment, often times too much for me to bare. But with James at my side and my whole family's support, I know and I can do this.

And last but NOT least Tony & Greta. As you all know, there were times that Tony & I didn't always get along (gasp!). But ever since we moved to Columbus, they scooped us right up and have made sure we've been fed and a warm place to hangout. So thanks to them, my husband has a home cooked meal almost every night of the week.

Heavenly Father sure knew what he was doing when he put us all together, didn't he?

I love you guys!

Our own Jackie Hurt on TV News

Don't know if everyone got to see our own Jackie on the TV news or not ... but here it is for all to enjoy!

Priesthood Preview

We attended our Stake's Priesthood Preview for Sam last night. There were 10 boys and parent's from the stake receiving instructions from the Stake leadership about the priesthood they are to receive in the next year. They instructed the boys what they and we as parents have to do to help them receive the priesthood and all responsibilities entail. All the speakers spoke on preparing for a mission. And it hit me. hard, both of my boys are to serve missions. My eyes filled with tears. I am so grateful for Sam. In just 6 months he will be able to serve me the Sacrament. Then all the ordinances of the Priesthood will follow in years after that. I am grateful for the example Matt sets for Sam in practicing his priesthood. That led me to think, I am grateful for his uncles and cousins all he has seen using their priesthood in one way or another. I want you to know he notices you all and I know is well prepared in fulfilling his responsibilities.

While the Cat is Away...

...the mice play. Tony is traveling for work this week. He is currently a popsicle in the upper border between Maine and Canada securing our borders. Anywho, Abuelita (my hero) is here spending the week with us. Currently, Ethan is emptying all my cabinets (to each his own) and the others are involved in a heated game of Boom Blox on the Wii. That's right! Abuelita is playing the Wii! I love her more than words. What am I doing? Scrambling to finish as many projects as possible while there is someone to entertain my kids.

See you next week! Can you believe Turkey Day is right around the corner? YIPEE!!!!

Ricelandia Calendar Dates

I would like to get our Ricelandia Calendar Dates and events listed for end of 2008 and all of 2009( updated as added). Shoot me an email of your family dates, This can be anything on your family calendar for 2009. Birthdays, anniversaries, Family parties/ get togethers etc.

I am also sending out invitations to use Google Calendars and sharing the Ricelandia calendar with you. This will allow you to update the calendar on your own. You will receive an emailed invitation.

Matt
mervson@gmail.com

Jones family news update.
Because Nick won't tell you, I will. He has been offered an internship at Rock Capital Sound, Corp. (www.rcscorp.cc). The company and responsibilities are in direct line with his desired field, live venue sound. This is great news as an internship is required for his program and RCS searched him out. It's a step toward fulfilling a passion he's had for years. Congrats Nick and Sarah!

A time of gratitude

Greetings, Ricelandia! Better late than never!

In response to Grandma's instructions we're going to steal the spotlight and share our list of the little things in life that we're grateful for.

Sarah: Holiday Wreaths - The smell of rain - TV shows on DVD - Indoor Pluming - Warm, Sunny Days - Cherry cordial ice cream - Blankets - Our functional cars - When my morning alarm DOESN'T go off (Cell phone AND/OR Mitchell)

Nick: Free Refills - Ample access to hot water- Ctrl/Apple + S - Campfires - Shared Knowledge - The Pacific Northwest - All 5 senses functioning properly - Jam Bands - Days that peak at 60 degrees - Fast drying ink -

Mitchell: BOTTLES! - Those puffy food thingys mommy gives me - the corner of my house daddy doesn't want me to get into - Morning hair - Remote controls - Bath time - Miss Marimar from daycare - Liz from daycare - Faith from daycare - Megan from daycare - Angie from daycare - Molly from daycare - The look on mommy's face when daddy hangs me upsidedown by my ankles - Gushing spouts of water:

A Time for Giving Thanks

It's that wonderful time of year! Wouldn't it be fun to hear a note of thanks for something or someone in your life from everyone? Now I know it's not for me to put rules on gratitude expression, but this comes with a challenge... We all know how grateful we are for our families, for each other, and loving parents, so the challenge is to share something that is not family related!
(I love my family, ooppps, that slipped) Okay, I'll start. I'm grateful my husband researched and purchased a hearing aid for me. Now that's love, or he was tired of repeating himself.
Who's next...

Imagine this...

Imagine Mom...one hand on her hip, the other with her finger waving in the air, and the annoyed look she would get in her eye..."If I get one more political phone call..."
Now I understand~

Our Little Goblins

Sarah and Nick write:
Greetings from Great Wolf Lodge!

All is well here in Sandusky. We've been busy swimming, splashing, napping, eating. It took some time but Mitchell warmed up to the water. We hypothesize that since the Water park is in a big, noisy room it might have been too much for him at first. So we took him for a few laps around the lazy river and he was alright after that - daddy knows best...of course. This is best supported by the included pictures. We were going to put them up on ricelandia but our invitation to join the blog has expired. Emailing pictures to grandma is the next best thing. We also have a few short video's shot from the camera. Hope all is well. Talk soon.
Love, us 

Yup...This IS my costume...whatever!

This year I'm going as a cranky grandpa! So There!

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Hopefully we'll get better pictures tonight when we go up to Idaho Falls for Halloween. The kids just weren't very happy to be up past their bedtime and dressed in funny clothes. (Well, Will wasn't happy anyway; Anna loves her ruby slippers!) Happy Halloween!
(Check out Le Sueur Street in a few days to see better pictures!)

Ninja Masters Steph & James

Don't be afraid, we are here to protect you. We are ninjas of the night...keeping the streets of Columbus, Ohio safe. I have to admit, James makes a much more believable Ninja...don't you think?

Happy Halloween Everyone!!!

Halloween 2008

Don't forget to post pictures of those who dressed up for Halloween! We want to see out goblins!

Hi everyone! Just in case you want to see a few photos of Brad in Idaho, check out my Facebook. I had a great visit with him and his roomies. I rented a car and took them to Idaho Falls for the day. They were like unleashed, caged animals!! (Note to self, after the mission, send his car!!!) They were all a little fussy because it is already snowing! We spent much of Saturday shopping for coats and boots, and food, lots of food :). Brad and his roomies seem to all get along. Funny guys. Thank you to Bob and Chris for making it possible for me to go, it was a great trip.

Party at the Minnich's

All are invited to the Minnich's 2nd Annual Halloween Night! Come whenever you get off work...Bring a "scary" (but edible) treat...Costumes are optional.

Remembering Mom

The Testimony of Mae Rice
May 11th 2008, Mothers Day.
Cleveland 1st Ward, Cleveland Ohio Stake,
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

A few weeks ago, when I talked to brother Pylick I gave him a Rice-ism. This is my Rice-ism. I don't think that mothers should have to speak on Mothers Day. And I don't think fathers should speak on Fathers Day. He didn't agree with me. But since he's a nice fella, I'll do it this one time.
When the missionaries came and knocked on our door, forty eight years ago; I was a mother of four children...three children. I'd just had one which made the fourth one. She was a baby.
I never knew what changes could be made in our lives by the Gospel and other stories of our family.
Over the years we have experienced things, we never dreamed would happen to us. We have enjoyed the companionship of thousands of LDS people through the years. By the truth when my Husband Passed away there were so many there at the service, that I didn't think they were gonna get in. There was true love in life, and we needed true love in life.
We [our family] have had the experience of having almost every calling there is in the church, in the last forty eight years. Including ... Family History Center Librarian to Stake President. We have had Bishops, we have had Branch Presidents..., Elders Quorum Presidents. We've had Relief Society Presidents, Primary Presidents and all the callings you could imagine.
We are so grateful.
When I realized, after we had joined the Church, how important I was to our family. We were blessed beyond measure in many ways. And I think one of the greatest blessings we received was our children, to be able to do the things the Gospel taught them. We have experienced five Temple marriages in my immediate children. Four Temple marriages in my Grand Children, and one that I think is surely on the way.
I think one of the greatest blessings I have received over... Greatest reward you may say that I have received, is to have one of my children say, that somebody had asked them “how did you learn that how did you know to do that?” “Well,” they'd say. “My Mother taught me.” This is the greatest blessing in my life to hear that.
And I want to thank you, for undertaking to hear me this day, and let you know that I do have a testimony of the Gospel and what it has meant to us in our family.
I am very grateful for our friendships, and our sisterhood that we receive in the Relief Society. Because I didn't have a sister growing up, you will never know how important the sisters are to me, in the Relief Society. And Sisters just to let you know, I love each one of you. And I feel a very special connection with these women.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Any other Rice-ism's?

Redstone Candy

I know this is early for the holidays...but does anyone have a phone#, website, or any way to get a Redstone Candy catalog for Christmas? Just kidding my taste buds ready...
Also a family online survey...give a shout out if you like Fruit Cocktail Cookies? Nay or Aye...

Photos that say it all

What is a Rice get together without pictures like these? It was great to see everyone over the weekend. I was sad to leave, but remembered why I love Columbus so much when I saw my kiddos this morning! :) I seriously wish we could all live in on the same street (ok, city at least).

Well Worth It

I can sympathize with Greta on the need for sleep. Although both babies know how to sleep through the night, the past two months have been rough with one baby getting sick, passing it to the other baby, passing it to Larkin, getting better while everyone else (except for me) is sick, getting sick again, etc. Sleep is a much-needed commodity in this house. Right now, Anna is great, but William has a pretty bad diaper rash that makes him wake up in pain everytime he needs a new diaper. That totalled 5 diapers between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. the other night. Yes, we also need sleep here in Provo. But when I look at them as Dorothy and Tin Man (preview for Halloween), I see why I willingly lose so much sleep for them. (I can say that now because miraculously they're both sleeping. Guess now is my chance!)

For Sale: 3 Kids

Today is your lucky day! You have exclusive, first dibs on an incredible offer.

Child #1

Girl, 5 years old, potty trained, talks (alot), can read (hide Christmas lists) and write some.

Child #2

Boy, 3 years old, mid-potty training, loves rocks and all things masculine, asks questions non-stop.

Child #3

Boy, almost 15 months, climbs anything until he reaches highest point possible, loves bathing in toilet and eating dirt. If you love drool and slobbery kisses, this is the kid for you!

Act now and save! Also available as a set.

Please call Groggy Greta at 1-888-NEED-SLEEP-AND-SOME-ALONE-TIME.

Offer valid for US residents only. No returns or refunds. All sales are final. Must be 18 years or older to respond to ad.

ps--i love my children. even when they wipe their snotty nose on my arm and pull my hair until it brings tears to my eyes. they're all mine. thank goodness. of course they are always available for rent.

HORRAY!

(This is what i do at 2:00 AM at BYU-I, I sign up to be a Blog author ..) Awesome! Now I have a website that will remind me about how much I miss Ohio and baby Mitch. Oh, and I guess all you other guys are cool too hehe. Everyone use this site as much as possible, because I want to see what I'm missing!

Daniel's 1st day of Preschool

Ok I know I've been waiting all summer to send Daniel to school, and today was the first. He was so excited and did really well. It's a church sponsored preschool, so God loves everyone! He worked on writing 1's and 2's (2's are a little more tricky). It's a 3 day a week, 2 1/2 hour class. Just enough time to grocery shop, sit in the library without having to be on the childrens section, and there's even a Curves close by on the days I feel like exercising. A real life pony will be there on Friday for a ride and pictures. His turn to bring in snacks for the day is on Halloween!

Mitch in Grandma's Sink

Love this idea! Thank you Minnichs. The Jones' are grateful for our entire extended family, it keeps our empty nest focused on all of our family members so we're not quite so lonely. Nothing new to share. (If I could write a poem, it would include the word care at this point.)
Love to all-
Jeni

Hello Family!

This isn't really a post as it is a HELLO to all my Rice peeps wherever you may be! I am excited to stay connected to the coolest family ever! Love you all!

I just want to say thanks to Suzanne and Matt for getting this together. I look forward to reading everyone's comings and goings!

I have never done this before so I feel a little weird doing this and truthfully ~ ain't nuttin' excitin' happenin' @ The Empty Nest of Abuelita and Papa Tom! So I wrote a little poem about it.

No painting to do,
No walls to repair;
Suzanne ~your home looks so beautiful ~ it shows how much you care!

No kids off to school,
No tuitions to pay,
Jeni & Bob ~ Brad's well on his way.
A fine student he'll be up in BYU Idaho,
A mission will follow ~ he's anxious to go!

No proms to prepare for,
No dating dilemmas,
Becky & Roger ~ Hide Jackie away til she's well in her twenties!
They will come calling,
But do not give in ~ she is too precious for any of them!


Two more left at home,
The numbers are shrinking.
Mark ~ Do not despair ~ it's about you that they're thinking.
They yearn to be near,
To feel ~ the warmth of your comfort and care.

And though OUR home is empty,
No loneliness here.
'Cuz our kids live in Columbus,
They're still very near!
The car is gassed up ~ ready to go,
Is there a reason ~ I dare say no!
But what's that you say...
Our grandkids are sad?
We're coming,
We leaving!
Two hours ain't bad!

Ricelandia Post

Suzie said to me a 11pm last night (25 Sept 2008)
That the Rice's need a Blog so the whole family has one place to find out about everything.

I put this together on my lunch break today. Nothing fancy right now. Just feeds from everyone (that I could find) that has a blog or two.

Now the goal is to have the latest blog entry visible on this page.

If you don't have a blog or would prefer to post directly here I am going to set up family accounts for authors so each family can have one or more authors posting for them. (Families are married couples or individuals on there own. This list will obviously change as time goes on.)

Matt