Strawberries!!

Yes, it's that time of year again. I always get excited when it's time for strawberries! It's been so rainy here lately that I was worried this season was going to be a washout. There were a lot of berries that were lost due to the weather, but there was also still plenty for picking! I went out one day last week by myself when they were having a pick 2 get 1 free sale - rainy day special - so I picked 3. We ate on those for a few days and made some yummy treats.

Last night we went back for family night and picked 10 more!! And I spent the next two days(with the help of a few volunteers) making jam and syrup for our yearly supply of strawberry yumminess!!

We ended our trip with some delicious homemade ice cream!!

I'm sure we'll be back for at least one more picking party!

Coping

The one question I have been asked the most these last 6 months besides how Casey is doing is how am I doing? I really appreciate all of the love and concern we have felt from everyone, but I remember the first time someone asked me that question - my first thought was, I'm fine. I wasn't the one in an unbelievable amount of pain, facing what seemed like the unimaginable task of recovery. It was compounded when Casey and I both went to our family physician soon after the accident and the doctor addressed Casey's needs and then turned to me and mentioned if I needed anything to not hesitate and call. I knew we had just experienced the hardest, most difficult trial of our married life, but all I could think of was how much worse it could have been. It REALLY could have been so much worse, and I knew how close we had come to that reality. I really was fine. Was I physically and mentally exhausted? Yes! Was I wondering if life would go back to normal, ever? Of course! Was I coping? If you search the internet you will find a variety of suggestions for coping with any sort of problem imaginable, but I've always been one to find coping mechanisms in my life - thanks (in part) to a mother who always bought herself a piece of clothing or chocolate when things weren't always easy in her task of raising a family of 7 children - haha! We all have our own ways of coping, and I found mine in a variety of activities over the course of the days, weeks, and months that we were traveling this unchartered new way of life - each one taking me to a place of comfort and peace that I needed at that particular time. I loved my morning runs. They were/are my meditation times. I have felt more promptings and inspiration on my runs than in any other times or places. I also received many texts and phone calls from friends and family members checking to see how things were going, as well as a few lunches out-Sometimes it's just nice to talk and have someone there to listen. On some days comfort came while immersing myself in making(and sampling) chocolates - the most delicious coping strategy, and I used it many times! Music was also a source of comfort-taking me to a happy place, or I had many times when I was led to a scripture that brought understanding, or feeling the loving arms of my Heavenly Father as he sent me messages from Heaven reaching out to let me know I was not alone. As hard as it was, it was also the most uplifting and awe inspiring time of my life. My family was and continues to be my greatest source of strength. They are my treasures on earth and in Heaven. I know we were watched over and lifted by those here and those who have passed. I felt that we had experienced a miracle of sorts and we were lucky to be where we were in our lives. I'm so very thankful for my faith, family and friends. You all have been such wonderful examples of service, kindness and love. Thank you for helping me cope!!

Bye-Bye Blood Thinners

As of Tuesday of this week, Casey is no longer on blood thinners. Woohoo!! They did a scan, shot some dye into his veins and everything is A-OK, and we are VERY thankful!!

However, he did gain a new "toy" to help him regain full rotation back in his wrist. He is to do it 3X/day for 30 minutes. He's at 75%...only 25 more to go!

Ryan also thought it was pretty cool and had to try it on - It's always more fun if you aren't the one who actually needs to use it.

Senior Pictures

It's really hard to believe Kaitlyn will be graduating in less than a month. She has worked so hard and will graduate Summa cum laude - Woohoo!!

A few weeks ago we went out around Athens to take her senior pictures. It was a perfectly sunny(but cool) day. We had so much fun!

She's our Art girl and will graduate with an Art History degree, minoring in French. So, we went to the Art Museum where she's been a docent and took some photos.

We had to get a picture with the famous Arch. Myth has it you cannot walk under the arch until you graduate or you won't graduate. She's close enough - I think she's safe!

And our picture taking wouldn't be complete if we didn't get a few shots with downtown Athens in the background! It's really the best place to live!

This last picture is the chosen one for Kaitlyn's announcements. Looking forward to celebrating a very well deserved graduation!!

Congratulations Kaitlyn!!

Easter

We had a fun Easter weekend spent with family. There was an Easter egg hunt, lots of playtime, and a delicious Easter dinner. The weather was beautiful, so it made for a perfect few days of fun.

We also received pictures from Cody in Canada showing us that he spent some time carrying on the egg coloring tradition.

I will share Cody's testimony of the Atonement he sent to us in his weekly email. After-all, that is the true meaning of this beautiful Easter weekend. We sure love our cute missionary. His words continue to uplift and inspire us.

"Romans 5 is one of the most well written chapters in the scriptures that talks about the Atonement (in my opinion), and I have really grown to Love the teachings of Paul in his different epistles. The Bible bears such a strong witness of the Savior and his divine mission and the more one reads it, the more they can see how it fits directly in line with the testimonies of the Book of Mormon prophets. They all testify of one thing: Jesus Christ. In the Bible dictionary it talks about the Atonement being the setting "at one" with those who have been estranged. Sin is what causes the estrangement. And no matter what has happened or where we are, we all have need of the same Atonement. I have seen it work in my life- and I continue to see it work every day for me- and I have seen it work in the lives of others. And I am so blessed to be able to help others learn about and understand how they can apply it in their lives- there is nothing more rewarding than that. I have seen it change people that I have been blessed to be able to work with thus far on my mission, and I know it is changing me in the process to become better. Granted we will never become perfect- it's not about that. "God doesn't expect perfection, but he does expect progression." And it's through the Atonement-understanding it more and more each day and in learning about the Savior's life-and using it's power continually that changes us as we do our best to "become a saint" And I loved the quote from conference "A Saint is a sinner that keeps on trying" How true that is. I love my Savior and Redeemer, I love His work. I love this time that has been given to me to help others come unto Christ, I love y'all- my family and friends, and I love the people here that I am able to teach in their own language. There is no greater happiness than that which is found through living the Gospel of Jesus Christ."

Love, Elder Cody Warren Ritz

Kaitlyn is 22

Kaitlyn's birthday was last week, and she is 22. It's hard to believe she is 22 already. I feel like just yesterday she was 2. Where did my little Miss Kates go???

We had fun celebrating her birthday with a dinner(out) of her choosing and a party at home.

This was a milestone birthday of sorts, as it is probably the last one she will have at home. She graduates in May and is job hunting, so this summer will be a busy and eventful one for our girl! We are so excited and proud of her and cannot wait to see what the future holds!

Happy Birthday Kaitlyn!! We love you!!

Hubba Bubba

What happens when we buy a pack of "real" bubble gum??

A bubble blowing contest, of course!