The Ritter Family

A Visit to BYU's Paleontology Museum

2010-07-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

Brooke and Jack came for a visit while their mother and Aunt Jaycee went shopping for Jaycee's upcoming wedding. We decided to go to BYU and visit the Paleontology Museum and the Bean Life Science Museum as well as eat at the Creamery. It turned out to be a very fun morning.

Since Grandpa is the Chairman of the Department of Geological Sciences, we got to go back to the work area and work on the dinosaur bones.

Brooke working on a dinosaur bone with the abrasive micro-drill.

Carefully removing the dirt and rock surrounding the bone.

Jack's turn to work on the bones.

Using the abrasive micro-drill, Jack removes dirt and rock around the bone.

Jack loved the Dinosaurs, but when he say this little lifter, that is when his eyes started to sparkle.

Brooke and Jack petting the skeleton of the saber-tooth cat.

We were able to tour the storage room with thousands of bones and skeletons.

Taking a break by sitting on the ancient horns.

Grandpa Scott and Jack, Grandma Kathie and Brooke

Brooke and Jack next to the dinosaur femur bone.

"Look at that one."

Brooke and her beautiful smile.

Jack studying the wall mural full of dinosaurs.

Brooke knows a lot about this dinosaur that was found in Utah. It is the Allosaurus also known as the Utah state fossil

Getting a boost from Grandpa to see a little better.

A Fun Day at the Zoo

2010-04-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

Scott, Megan, and I took advantage of the GREAT weather and 1/2 price tickets this weekend and visited the Zoo. Stephen and Lyndsy were taking a much needed and deserved mini vacation and so we had Brooke and Jack with us. The kids were SO fabulous and we saw a lot of fun animals. Although, we were sad to not see the Zebra in his field.

Grandpa has the Golden Touch

2010-02-15T14:12:00.001-08:00

Don' make a sound, we just got Ben asleep. Need we say more?

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-15T14:03:00.000-08:00

We had a fun Valentine's Day. Jack and Brooke were spending the weekend with us (only afternoons) while their parents, Lyndsy and Stephen, were working. Ty, Megan, Scotty, and Ben came over to join us (Jack, Brooke, Grandma Jane, Amy, Scott and me), I was so busy with the meal and activities that I forgot to pull out a camera. Megan took one photo of the boys in the new Jazz uniform they got for Valentines Day (Grandpa Ritter). We didn't get a photo of Brooke in her first sun dress of the season. She looked so much like a princess that that is what she became for the next hour.

Athletic and Musical! Wow what talent.

Happy Birthday Darling Brooke

2010-02-15T13:33:00.000-08:00

Brooke turned 5 years old January 29th. Where has the time gone. She is such a beautiful, bright, talented, happy girl. We are all so lucky to have her in our family. The following are highlights from her family birthday party.

Happy Birthday to Brooke...

Brooke opened a present from Aunt Amy. It is a Cake Decorating kit. It uses a loops and hooks method to make the decorations stick to the cake.

Grandma and Grandpa are going a little crazy with the baby dolls. They couldn't make up their minds on which one to give Brooke for Christmas, so they bought them both and gave one to her for her birthday. Oh my.

Mom and Dad gave Brooke the gift all 5-year-old girls dream of...Barbie dollhouse furniture. It will go well with the doll it came with along with the Barbie Grandma and Grandpa LeClaire gave her.

Aunt Amy and the Birthday Girl. This is the TinkerBell journal that Uncle Ty and and Aunt Megan gave Brooke.

It was fun to have cousins come. Aunt Megan and Uncle Ty were in Mexico, but Ben (breaking grandma's arms) and Scott were able to come 'cause they were staying with Grandma and Grandpa Ritter.

Scott Martin enjoying both remote controls. (Uncle Stephen keeps a few extras around that don't work just for this type of emergency.)

Grandpa Ritter (who provided the harmony during the Happy Birthday Song) and Ben and Scott Martin. Everyone is so happy to be at the party.

A birthday party is not complete without your younger brother Jack, right Brooke? Brooke was so sweet to let Jack play with her new Cake set. Jack was so happy to play with Brooke's gift.

Cousins Jack and Scott having fun together.

The sweetest part of the night is when Brooke opened the second gift from her parents and with sparkling eyes ran over and gave first her mom a hug and then her dad a hug and said, "Thanks so much for the presents and party." Wow, now that is a wonderful 5-year-old!

Jane Ritter's Birthday

2010-02-15T13:26:00.000-08:00

December 29, 2010

Happy Birthday Mom!

Glad you could spend it with us this year. In early December, Mom came to Orem to stay with us for an extended time. She is very patient to put up with our busy, noise schedule and does it with a smile. We are happy to have her here. She adds such warmth and "texture" to our lives.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-06T18:31:00.000-08:00

We started the night with a family dinner of ham, potatoes, turkey, stuffing, and all of the trimmings. Then Scott read the traditional "Christmas Story" from Luke.

Traditionally, siblings and cousins open their gifts to each other on Christmas Eve so that the act of gift giving does not get lost in the middle of Santa gifts. This year Lyndsy worked at noon on Christmas day so Brooke, Jack, Lyndsy, and Stephen opened from Scott and I on Christmas Eve also.

The first gifts of the night. Potato Heads for Scott and Ben.

Jack got a Duplo Truck from Ben and Scott.

Brooke was so excited to get a new baby doll and accessories for her.

Amy made an awesome "Welcome" sign for Megan.

Amy's tree ornament this year was none other than the Jonas Brother in a pewter heart.

Brooke got a "Flirty Apron" from her cousins Scotty and Ben. Lyndsy also got a matching one from Ty.

A Flip Video for Lyndsy and Stephen. Meg and Ty got a FlipShare TV (not pictured since we forgot to take pictures on Christmas Day).

Other photos on Christmas Eve:

Christmas Day

Talking to Geoff on Christmas Day all the way from Pau, France! The Best hour of the Holiday Season.

Lights at Temple Square

2009-12-13T20:59:00.000-08:00

Stephen, Lyndsy, and family invited the rest of us to eat at Sweet Tomatoes and then walk around Temple Square to see the Holiday Lights. The food was yummy and the company great, but it was very cold and difficult to find a parking spot. The kids didn't seem to mind the cold and we all had a good time once we found a place to park.

Meeting at the Visitor Center to bundle up and get ready.

The Kids are so excited to get going.

First Stop, The Manger Scene

Best Buddy Cousins

2009-11-29T21:52:00.000-08:00

Best Buddies enjoying the wonderful Thanksgiving weather.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-29T21:38:00.000-08:00

Here are a few snapshots Amy took on Thanksgiving Day. Thank goodness she did because I would not have remembered to do it. I wished we would have gotten the whole group.

Brooke Wearing Make-up (Meow)

2009-11-12T21:15:00.000-08:00

Building Towers

2009-11-12T20:42:00.000-08:00

2009-11-12T16:41:00.000-08:00

Scotty Has Learned the Social Art of Saying Good-Bye

2009-11-07T12:48:00.000-08:00

Spooky Cuties-Halloween "09

2009-11-07T11:22:00.001-08:00

Scott and I put on our scary "Grandma and Grandpa" costumes (funny we looked about the same as we did before we put them on) and headed out to find some spooky cuties. Oooooooo! The first stop was to the Martin's Pumpkin patch where we found the littlest and sweetest pumpkins in the whole patch.

Next we headed to Lehi and found a CAT poised and ready to pounce...

...and a Pirate heading out to loot the town.

the End!

Halloween

2009-11-07T11:14:00.000-08:00

Northridge Elementary has a costume contest at Halloween for Faculty and Staff. I typically do not do much for Halloween, but this year I decided to throw my Harley leathers on and add a curly 'do along with a few other accessories. I actually got a runner-up prize, a free meal at Cafe Rio. Not bad!

A Visit From Jana and Joey

2009-10-17T08:53:00.000-07:00

Jana came to see the newest member of the family, Benjamin Ty, when he was only 3-days old. It was fun to see "Dr. Jana" check Ben over and give him the "A-okay". At the same time we got to meet Joey. It was fun to get to know him and we look forward to spending more time with them. What a cute couple they make!

Check Out New Emails From Elder Ritter

2009-09-29T18:29:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone. I just wanted to remind you that I post all of Geoff's emails (edited for privacy and grammar) on his blog. You can access his blog at www.eldergeoffritter.blogspot.com OR go to "view my complete profile" (right bottom of this blog) and click on it to find a link to his blog.

This is the ONLY image that Geoff has sent since his mission. I find it funny that it is of him defrosting his fridge on P-day. He looks good though doesn't he!

Spending the Weekend at Grandpa's and Grandma's House

2009-09-21T21:22:00.002-07:00

While Mom and Dad were busy getting my baby brother, I got to spend some serious time with Grandma and Grandpa and Amy. We had lots of fun and ate good food.

Welcome to the World Benjamin Ty Martin

2009-09-21T21:22:00.001-07:00

Little Benjamin Ty Martin was born September 18, 2009 at 6:49 pm. He weighed 8 lbs and 12 oz and was 21.5 inches long. He is as sweet as can be and very handsome. He looks a lot like his older brother Scott James and his daddy Ty. We are all so glad he is here.

Lavapalooza

2009-09-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

Scott and I hopped on the bike last weekend (September 12-13, 2009) and headed to Lava Hot Springs, ID for a charity ride to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. It was a lot of fun and we saw a lot of bikes.

Cousin Fun

2009-09-10T21:44:00.001-07:00

Brooke Loves Corn on the Cob and Cucumbers

2009-09-10T16:26:00.000-07:00

Jack's Birthday Party

2009-09-08T22:03:00.000-07:00

My Time in Texas

2009-09-08T21:40:00.001-07:00

Celebrating 30 Years of Marriage

2009-08-19T19:49:00.000-07:00

Scott and I wanted to do something a bit different for our 30th anniversary so we decided to see what this "Cruise" thing was all about. We chose a 5 day West Caribbean Cruise on Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas Ship. We left from Ft Lauderdale and headed to Key West. There was quite a pirate theme going on at the shops and dock.

Day Two: We went on a 2 tank drift dive off of the coast of Cozumel Mexico.

Day Three: We rode the zip lines under the canopy of the Belizean Rain Forest.

Day Four: We enjoyed a day on the ship.

Day Five: We returned to Ft Lauderdale and lounged on the Beach.

The Matterhorn

2009-07-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

When it is not storming, Scott has a great view of the West face of the Matterhorn. It is a mountain that he has loved all of his life, but only this year has he been able to gaze on it. The veiw is making this trip spectacular.

A Phone Call from the Swiss Alps

2009-07-19T22:11:00.000-07:00

Scott called and talked for about 5 minutes on Saturday. He said that the helicopter dropped them off on the glacier, but after a few minutes of scoping out a camp site, they realized that camping on the glacier would not do. There was not a level area on which to set up camp. There were many pits caused by the heat of the sun warming the rocks in the glacier, which made the rocks bore down into the glacier. There were also cracks and areas of melt and re-freeze. They decided to move their camp to the moraine (accumulated glacial debris), but that took hours and many trips to haul all of their equipment and gear to their new sight. They even had to recall the helicopter to come and move the items that were too heavy to carry. They did eventually get camp set up and to bed that night.

The next morning they woke around 4:00 am (they need to work while the glacier is completely frozen). It was snowing heavily. They ate breakfast, hiked to their work area, and put in a full 10-11 hours of cutting and drilling the ice, setting up a weather station and other equipment. Scott is on the drilling crew since he is the tallest there. Being tall makes it easier to pull the 5 ft. cores out of the ground, but it is exhausting. He said the hardest part, though, was that every step is a potential slip and fall since both the glacier and moraine are very slippery. It takes a lot of energy to keep up-right. After a long day of work and cold, they made dinner and were about ready to climb into a sleeping bag for the night. During the night they hear the moraine moving and adjusting. It is quite unstable this time of year. Scott said it sounds like a jet engine flying over the glacier. Kind of erie and cool at the same time. I asked if they were in danger, but he said they are camping in a stable area. The group is in good spirits and the work is coming along. He says "hi" to all and he will be back in Utah in about two weeks.

These images are from the web. I can't wait to see the images and video Scott is taking!

Elder Ritter Sighting

2009-07-19T21:12:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, Amy and her friends Whitney and Hailey Halford were driving past the MTC on their way to Seven Peaks Water Park. The light turned red just as they approached the crosswalk leading in to the MTC and guess who was crossing as they were stopped at the light? Of course, you can guess. It was Geoff. Whitney and her sister Hailey were in the front seat and they rolled their window down and yelled, "Hey Elder Ritter!" Geoff looked up and smiled and waved. Amy was in the middle seat of the van and Geoff did not see her, but she saw him quite plainly. It was a very emotional experience for her. She called me immediately and told me that she had just seen Geoff. We both cried. It actually surprised us both how quickly tear came. Whitney called her mother to tell her and she cried also. She had just sent her son (Geoff's good friend, Skyler) to the Brazil MTC last Tuesday. She cried because she would never get the experience to see her son walking from the Provo Temple to the MTC and that Skyler is soooo far away. What makes this experience funny is that we got an email from Geoff later that day, since it was his P-day, that explained how he saw Whitney and Hailey. He had no idea that Amy had been in the car and that I had heard the story from her before I heard it from him. I think he will get a kick out of the fact that there are two sides to this story. He told us before he left that he would not greet family members any differently than just someone off the street if he were to bump into us in Provo, so I think Amy played it just right.

(See Geoff's email on www.eldergeoffritter.blogspot.com )

First Communication From Scott

2009-07-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

Scott is in Switzerland for the next two and a half weeks. He is with a group of seven BYU professors and students. They will be camping on a glacier in the Alps drilling ice cores, making thin sections, collecting water samples, and mapping and taking data. He has been gone two days and I just received the first and possibly only email from him. I have copied it below.

"Hello from Zurich:
It is 5pm local time, but with jet lag feels much later. We arrived early this morning, rented a van, and headed to the Sterner Hotel. The day has been a bit of a chinese fire drill trying to find needed camp food, isopropyl alchohol, tools, tarps, etc. etc. It would be easy back home, but lacking a Walmart we had to ferret out 4 or 5 individual stores and then figure out how to drive there, and of course these are little shops on one way lanes with no parking. But, we now have got it all packed in the van for an early AM departure. Five member of the group head to Zermatt via the train. Summer and I drive the van, which should be scenic, but we have to get to Zermatt and turn in the rental truck by 5pm. I am the only driver, which is too bad since I will probably still be feeling the effects of jet lag. At any rate, it is nice to be in Switzerland again. It has lost somewhat of its novely, but perhaps that will return when we get out of the city and into the Alps.
This may be the last time to send an email for awhile, so I love you all and will be thinking of you. By the way, I am having french bread, Gruyere cheese, Perrier water, and chocolate for dinner (all of the 4 basic Swiss food groups).
Love Scott"

This email came the next day:

"Kathie:
The drive was long on curvy roads, but we now have all of our gear at the Air Zermatt heliport for an early AM recon of the glacier and then they dump us and the gear on the ice. We spend tomorrow setting up camp, which should take some doing and be ready to beginning sampling on Friday.
I love you and am thinking about you and Amy daily.
Love
Scott"

Amy's Surgery and Recovery

2009-06-19T15:59:00.001-07:00

We spent about 6 hours at the hospital, two of which were when Amy was actually in surgery. They had a hard time getting the IV placed, but eventually did. Amy was given some medicine that helped take the anxiety down. The doctor was trying to avoid an asthma attack, which happened with her tonsilectomy. The surgery was successful and she is recovering nicely.

She had three handsome friends come to wish her a quick recovery and bring her balloons. It made her smile.

Scott James' visit from Texas

2009-06-19T15:38:00.001-07:00

Amy took some adorable images of Scott James while he was visiting from Texas earlier this month. SJ doesn't stand still for even a second so I was impressed that Amy got such up-close shots. Check them out!

Stephen's 27th Birthday at Fox 13 New Station

2009-06-19T15:19:00.000-07:00

Scott and I decided to visit Stephen at work on his 27th birthday. It happened to be our 30th anniversary as well and we could think of a better anniversary gift to ourselves than to watch Stephen direct the weekend 5:00 news. We found out that Lyndsy was going to surprise him and bring homemade pizza, fruit salad, and soda pop up along with the kids. We had a great time watching all of the behind the scenes production. Scott and I got a little nervous with some of the last minute things that happened, but Stephen just calmly directed and made adaptions and was so professional. It really was a treat. And then Lyndsy and kids joined us and we had a nice celebration. We didn't think to take pictures of the adults, but take a look at Jack and Brooke. They look pretty comfortable with all of the electronics.

News Alert-5 Days until Amy's Surgery

2009-06-11T23:08:00.000-07:00

Amy will finally have some much needed surgery in about 5 days (June 17, 2009). She will be having her sinus passages opened up, drained, and reconstructed. Her poorly formed sinuses have been bad news for a long time causing pain, congestion, infections, nausea (post nasal drip) and the reason behind many missed school days. Prayers and positive mental energy in Amy's direction would be very appreciated as she goes through this challenging and painful surgery.

Sometimes it is a lot more fun for Amy to tell curious people that she is having a 'nose job' done instead of sinus surgery. (She not only looks like a Murdock ['slash' Dalley], she teases like one too!)

Elder Ritter's First Letter Home

2009-06-11T22:51:00.000-07:00

Here are a few excerpts from Geoff's letter. "...since I don't have any addresses, let people know as you see them that I say 'bonjour' and maybe give them my address. I love receiving letters, but I also completely understand if people don't have time. So far we Elders and Soeurs (sisters) are trying desperately to learn French because we already have a progressive investigator named 'Jean Claud" (who is one of our instructors). Yesterday we had a chance at teaching him in French and it was very hard and a bit discouraging, but I have to keep reminding myself that I have been learning the language for only two days because it feels like a lot longer. Another crazy thing is that they don't really do any instructing when teaching French. We are expected to learn on our own for the most part. It seemed impossible at first but the language is coming better then it ever has before, as is expected. But that definitely doesn't mean I can speak it, but slowly and with the Lord's help I am getting it. At this point I just want to thank you for all of your support. Not every missionary out here has that. It definitely helps. I'll write to you again soon and hope to hear from you sooner.
Love,
Elder Ritter

2009-06-05T17:23:00.000-07:00

Elder Ritter has been a missionary for 3 days.
Wow, 3 days down,727 days left!

MTC

2009-06-04T08:56:00.001-07:00

6/3/09. Around 10:30 a.m. we drove to the MTC. Scott, Amy, Geoff and I were in one car. Megan and Scotty were in their car and Stephen, Brooke, and Jack followed in their van. We were aware of the drop off change that was implemented just that week, where missionaries would be dropped off curb side and enter the MTC without family members, but we thought that we would have some time on the grounds to take pictures and say our final farewell. Our mistake was in pulling up to the luggage unloading curb before we stopped for pictures and hugs. They would not let Megan and Stephen's cars follow and before we could go and get them, Geoff was whisked off to get his name tag and then off to the MTC. We did ask them to stop long enough for a small group photo and to hug Geoff good-bye. We like the new drop off procedures because it does not prolong the agony of separation (like when they had us sitting in the auditorium watching mormon ads etc. with Stephen), but I wish we would have squeezed Megan, Stephen and grandkids in our car so they could have been there.

Breakfast before the MTC

2009-06-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

Stephen, Brooke, Jack, Megan, Scotty, Amy, Geoff, Scott and I went to Kneaders for breakfast before going to the MTC. (Lynsdy was at work.) 6/3/09

A final farewell to Friends

2009-06-04T08:29:00.000-07:00

Ty had to get back to work in Dallas Texas so he said his good-byes to Geoff Monday afternoon. 6/1/09

A few close friends came to the house just before we went to the Stake Center for Geoff to be set apart as a missionary.

Wei, who will be leaving on his mission soon, was invited to the setting apart.

Geoff's Farewell

2009-06-03T12:34:00.000-07:00

Sunday May 31, Geoff gave his missionary farewell at church. Many friends and family came. Geoff bore strong testimony of Christ's atonement and convincingly spoke of gaining a personal testimony and "knowing for yourself". After the meeting, many of those attending came back to the house for lunch and to visit. We had well over 100 people there, but regretfully didn't break out the camera until many had left. We were so grateful to all of the family and friends that came to support Geoff and his choice to spend two years in the France, Toulouse mission sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the French people. We would like to thank all of you who attended along with all of you who wanted to attend but were unable. Thank you! 5/31/09

Geoff hasn't stopped grinning since he opened his mission call letter.

Geoff's friends:
(We regret not getting the camera out earlier to capture the many others who came to the house.)

Geoff's Family:

Kathie is totally worn out!!

Champion Gymnast

2009-05-26T21:19:00.000-07:00

Amy and I experienced a real treat last Wednesday. We were privileged to accompany Brooke to her Gym Exhibition. We did not have very much memory left on either of our cameras, but we got two photos and two video clips of one event and the medal ceremony. We had sooooo much fun watching her. She is incredible! (Do I sound like a Grandma or what). We were sorry that little Jack was sick that day. It would have been fun to have him there too.

Mt. Timpanogos Temple

2009-05-26T21:03:00.000-07:00

Tuesday May 19, Geoff received his endowments at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. We had a very special morning. Mom Murdock, Jill Halford, and Tami Nelson joined Scott, Geoff and I that morning. We are looking forward to Saturday May 30th when we attend the Salt Lake Temple as Skyler receives his endowments.

Dinner at a "Mom and Pop's Diner"

2009-05-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

Booke, Jack, and Scotty were visiting Saturday afternoon. When 5:00 p.m. rolled around, their busy-busy day caught up with them and they became very hungry. Based on past dinners I have made for these three, Scott (Pop) and I (Mom) immediately pulled out the Pastaroni. That was gobbled up quickly so Scott made Macaroni and Cheese. The pasta was served with pears, pineapple chunks, and cold milk. No one was interested in the green beans and since it is a "Mom and Pop's Diner", no one was obliged to eat them. Little Scotty saw Brooke and Jack eating with a fork and decided he really really wanted to try a fork. I found a plastic fork that wouldn't cause damage and helped him load it up. He loved it and was able to get several forkfuls in his mouth. By the time Scotty was in full-fork mode, Jack abandoned his fork for the "hand to mouth" method. Brooke, as always, was a perfect lady and ate without one noodle getting away from her. These are precious days that go by so quickly. We love being close to these beautiful children.

No placemats or center pieces at the "diner". They would just get thrown on the floor.

Now how does this fork work?

We love to eat!

Second servings of each. Playing is hard work and makes you very hungry!

"Don't get too comfortable Grandma and Grandpa. We will be done with this before you can even sit down and put your feet up and then we will want you to play with us some more."

Amy's Fashion Show Features a Familiar Face

2009-04-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

Every year the THS Fashion Team choreographs a fantastic fashion show. Every year they go out into the community and borrow merchandise from different stores in exchange for advertisement. One of these stores is Timpanogos Harley. Not only does Timpanogos Harley provide clothes, they also provide "Harley Dudes" and bikes to ride on the stage and model with the High School students. It's always been a highlight of the fashion show. Well this year they didn't respond to THS's phone calls. So Amy volunteered the only "Harley Dude" she knew, her father. There were other motorcyclists (young things on little bikes), but only one "Harley Dude". This is how it turned out. Also, watch for Amy in the first group with the hat and boots.

Geoff Has Been Called to Serve

2009-04-18T23:52:00.000-07:00

Geoff's mission call came Wednesday April 15th. The mailman brought it to the door, personally handed it to me, and grinning from ear to ear said. "I have a mission call for this home." I felt like kissing him but squealed instead. Later that day, friends and family gathered and shared this special experience with Geoff. Amy and Ty were out of town and were missed very much. A special thank you to Tami Nelson for taking the following images.

The envelope from the Office of the First Presidency

Megan getting Ty on the phone. (Amy was at "Wicked" in NY and unable to participate via phone.)

Opening the Envelope

Reading the letter from President Monson

Hugs for mom

A part of Scott's mission is now in the mission Geoff will serve

Stephen, Lyndsy, Brooke, and Jack wish Geoff well.

Meg and Scotty came for the exciting news. Ty was there in spirit and by phone.

SOME OF GEOFF'S FRIENDS THAT GATHERED

"Where, Oh Where will my Little Boy Go?"

2009-04-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

The papers have been submitted and now the wait has started. Join in the fun as we wait to find out where Geoff will be called by emailing your guess to ritter.s@comcast.com or making a comment on this blog site. You should choose one foreign mission and one state-side mission. We will let you know who's guess is the closest.

Happy Birthday Scott - April 5th

2009-04-12T14:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Scott! You are a "big boy" now. Thanks for being in our family. We love you!

New Office

2009-04-12T13:49:00.000-07:00

The new office is done. Here is a peak of Scott's work station. Now he needs to get busy and write the new edition of his Historical Geology Lab Manuel to finish paying for it.

Fun in the "box" house!!!

2009-03-10T20:44:00.001-07:00

A few furniture boxes, packaging tape, and some makeshift furniture is a formula for hours of fun. Take a look!

A Fun Afternoon with Jack and Scott James

2009-02-15T11:27:00.001-08:00

Valentines Day is Coming

2009-02-06T09:05:00.000-08:00

I always look forward to Valentines Day. I really never had a "Sweetheart" on that day until I met Scott. For the past 30 years he has been creating romantic moments to celebrate the "day of love". On our first Valentines Day (we were just dating at the time) he gave me a stuffed dog named Bentley as a watch dog (to make sure no other guys came around) and some coupons to do fun things like rock-climbing, going down the Alpine Slide in Park City, dinner, etc. I decided then and there he was a keeper and sure enough every year since he has made Valentines Day a day to anticipate. I remember a few years ago, he filled a basket with items that all start with "V" like "vino" (sparkling cider), "Vibs" (a CD with music) to name a few. So I am looking forward to Saturday February 14. I am also looking forward to the 13th because Brooke, Jack, and Scotty will be here celebrating Valentines while their parents get away for their own romantic liaison.

Welcome 2009

2009-01-12T21:28:00.000-08:00

I am excited for the new year. Over the years, our family has been blessed in so many ways. Even our trials and challenges are counted as blessings. They make us stretch and grow and give us opportunities to live larger than we normally would.

As we look back on 2008, we are thankful for and delight in the memories of the year. As we look forward, we see a brilliant new year. WELCOME 2009!

Here is a sneak-peek preview of just a FEW things to come:

Our 30 year anniversary

This unidentified women will be turning 29+21 years young.

Geoff should be getting his mission call sometime in the spring.

Amy will be going to New York, NY over spring break with the fashion team.

And a big surprise in the fall. Keep scrolling to see a hint of the big surprise!

I'll keep you updated on "Ritter Happenings".

Christmas at the Ritters

2008-12-30T21:52:00.000-08:00

"Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

It all changed in a blink of an eye when it was time to open gifts.

We had a wonderful Christmas. Little Jack (not pictured above) was sick, but was a great sport by opening his presents and flashing that brilliant smile once in a while. Brooke was her usual darling self, so happy for Christmas Eve to have finally arrived. Scotty was wide-eyed and excited on his first Christmas. He caught on to ripping open wrapping paper pretty quickly. It was great to have Geoff home for a couple of weeks and for Megan and Ty to spend so much time at our home. We felt lucky to have Stephen for our Christmas Eve feast knowing that he was working both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We also were so grateful to have Lyndsy and kids all afternoon and evening on Christmas Eve. They headed to Washington on Christmas afternoon. Amy is growing up so fast, but she still was very excited about Christmas and all of the surrounding traditions. Thanks family for a fabulous Christmas, especially to Scott who truly is the leader and anchor of this family.

Fear Not-Good Tidings of Great Joy

2008-12-14T19:08:00.000-08:00

Luke 2:8-16. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them;

and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.

And the angels said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger".

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God, and saying. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us".

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

Shepherds: Jack (15 months) and Scott (9 months)
Angel: Brooke (nearly 4 years)
Mary: Brooke (nearly 2 years)

Christmas Will Soon Be Here!!

2008-12-10T16:16:00.000-08:00

Can you believe how quickly the Fall came and went. I am amazed that it is December 10th and I still haven't put up all of our decorations. I usually do this the day after Thanksgiving, but not this year. I was hoping to move the piano down to the family room and rearrange the furniture in the front room so that I could put the tree up in the bay window like we did before we got furniture. (Wow, talk about a long sentence.) The piano is soooooo heavy that I will have to hire professional piano movers, so we will have the tree in the corner again. Maybe next year! After I came to that conclusion, I began the tree decorating, but I have only set up the trees and put lights on it. Tonight perhaps I will finish both trees and maybe put a photo on this blog for all to see the BEAUTIFUL Christmas trees I created. Until then, Happy Holidays

Time for a Break

2008-11-23T18:17:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are involved in education (student, instructor, or parents), the first part of this video reminds me more of the first of the school year (instead of Friday) and the second part feels more like now (instead of Monday). In other words, I am ready for Thanksgiving break and shortly after, Christmas Break. Can anyone relate?

I am looking forward to a delightful Thanks-giving with the family. Megan, Ty, and Scott James will be here. Lyndsy and Stephen will be working on Thanksgiving Day, although we will have Stephen here in the morning and early afternoon, Lyndsy will join us in the evening, AND of course Brooke and Jack will be here all day. Geoff will come home from BYU (all the way from Provo-HaHa) bringing his appetite and one of his roommates, Nozomu, with him. Nozomu is most recently from Kentucky, but a native of Japan. Bottom line-Amy will be so happy to have her siblings, their spouses, and her nephews and niece here for the day and so will Scott and I. Sometimes it feels bitter-sweet because I miss my childhood Thanksgivings with my siblings, parents, and home. We always had such a great and happy time together. The tide has changed and now I am the main cook and OUR home is the gathering place. It is my childhood memory that sustain me and make it easy to create fabulous new memories, along with my husband, for our children, "adopted" children (Ty and Lyndsy), and Grandchildren!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF YOU.

Happy Birthday Daddy!!

2008-11-11T19:07:00.000-08:00

Growing up I never understood how come dad and Steve got to have flags put up for their birthdays, but I didn't. Now of course I understand the reasons they do. so with that. Thank you to ALL that have served the United States of America.

This year dad isn't even home for his birthday. I think for a punishment I think he should give me all of his presents (good thing I ended up getting him the Taylor Swift CD ;) )

Well..

Happy Birthday dad!! I hope you have a good one even though you are off to the field. Thanks for everything!! I LOVE YOU!!!!
-AmyKatherine!

A Blast from the 80's

2008-11-11T18:31:00.000-08:00

Dallas Robert's hair school had a fashion show last thursday. They asked my fashion team to do a routine as a filler in the show. We had the big hair and the major amounts of makeup. It was a lot of fun though. Of course being the girls that we are we took about 200 pictures. Here are some of the 200:

of course i had to have some fun with my look afterwards.
me and kristee again.
me and whit.

me kylee and karlie!!

urban outfitters.

Whit and me getting some food.
Kristie and me.

getting ready.

okay so these weren't from the fashion show but i thought maybe you would like to see how i looked exactly one week after I got my wisdom teeth out. My cheeks were huge. Cross that- ONE cheek is huge, the other is just big.

With Love:
AmyKatherine.

More Fashion Photos of Amy

2008-11-09T17:22:00.000-08:00

As promised here is a sampling of the rest of Amy's Fashion Team photo shoot.

Amy is at the top right side with the scarf.

Amy is third from the front on the left.

Good Friends.

Carla, Ana, Kellie, Whitney, Amy, Jenessa and Naomi

Sitting on the tracks.

Whitney, Amy, Kellie.

Halloween Night

2008-11-09T16:53:00.001-08:00

It's always fun when the grandkids come! Brooke was a beautiful butterfly. Scotty was an adorable bear, and Jack was a darling giraffe! They came to our home and we went trick-or-treating together.

Brooke, Scotty, Grandma Kathie, and Jack ready for fun.

Grandpa Scott and Jack the Giraffe!

Jazz Megan and Jazz Bear.

Scotty the smiling Bear!

"Come on! Lets stop taking pictures and get going!"

Brooke loves pulling faces!

Once in a while she will give us a beautiful smile.

"Hippie" Amy giving Scotty a "Bear" Hug.

Amy and Brooke satisfied with the "treats" that were secured that night.

Amy and Jack after a long night.

"Look at our awesome Pumpkin! It looks great with candle light."

"I'm not sure what happened tonight, but I have a big bag of candy and mom's letting me play with it and eat it and that is cool!

Dog the Bounty Hunter

2008-11-09T16:49:00.000-08:00

My classroom is next to the Kindergarten classes. Every year the students take a paper doll home and dress it as they are going to dress for Halloween. My favorite this year is the following:

I would have loved to see Slade on Halloween night in his costume.

Fun Motivational Bulletin Board

2008-11-09T16:30:00.000-08:00

I love creating bulletin boards in my Speech-Language therapy classroom. My boards are actually motivation boards. In other words, the students get a "piece" at the beginning of the month (in this example it would be a bat) and as they come to class and work hard on their goals, they get to move their piece across the board to the next pre-set section (you can't see the sections in the picture)

Whole board. Don't you love the orange carpeted walls in my classroom. You can tell the school was built in the 70's.

Look closely to the right and you can see the white dashed line that divide the sections.

The kids really liked the trick-or-treaters!

I added this house this year along with the witch because the custodian found a larger board to put up. (I was pleased to change my 4 foot board for one that is 8 feet. Anything to cover up the orange carpet on the walls.) I need to add more fence also next year.

Loving Cousins

2008-10-26T21:36:00.001-07:00

It is always fun when the cousins get together. They love the "Lion King" blanket to roll around on, laugh, and have a lot of fun.

Brooke keeps things going.

Jack and Scotty are just now discovering each other. It is so funny to see them interact.

Amy's photo shoot for Advanced Fashion Team

2008-10-26T21:28:00.000-07:00

Amy's Fashion Team had their first photo shoot. They went to the new world famous Harley Davidson store. The store is famous because it was built completely from materials salvaged from the old Geneva Steel Factory. If you haven't seen it, it is worth checking out (exit for 16th north in Orem).

I am waiting to get the session at the railroad tracks. I will share when I get them.

First Trip to Chuck E. Cheese's as a Grandma (for Brooke, Jack, and Scott too!)

2008-10-26T20:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday October 18th Brooke and Jack stayed with Grandma Kathie and Grandpa Scott while their mom and dad worked. We decided to go to Chuck E. Cheese's and invited Scotty.

First we found the perfect table that allowed us to see the action on the stage. Then we ordered drinks.

Sprite for Brooke.

Fruit punch for Jack!

Water for Scotty!

Next came the pizza! Yumm Yumm. Jack and Brooke each had three pieces along with some of my salad. Great appetites even with everything that was going on.

Pepperoni pizza for Brooke. She was up and dancing to the music.

Pepperoni cut into one inch squares for Jack. He was much more interested in the food than the music.

Hey, where's my pizza. What do you mean I get milk?

Next came a visit from Chuck himself and then fun on the rides...

We didn't get a picture with Chuch before he went back in his "mouse hole" in the wall. Maybe next time.

All three started out in the "Monster Truck" ride. But when the token went in and the truck started to move up and down and side-to-side then...

Jack was the first to want out!

And soon Scotty was the only one left. He didn't seem to mind all of the motion.

Finally we were full, had exhausted our ride tokens, and noticed it was time to go home.
Brooke shared her tickets with Jack. She got an activity book and they both got a "dumdum" sucker. They both seemed as Happy as could be. Scotty again settled for his bottle.

P.S. Thanks for coming with us Megan. I couldn't have done it without you! We really missed Lyndsy. Next time we will go when she is not working. Finally, Thanks Brooke, Jack, and Scotty you keep Grandma Kathie young!

Jack's Birthday September 7, 2008

2008-10-26T20:31:00.000-07:00

It has been almost two months since Jack turned one-year old. I finally downloaded some of the photos we took at his birthday party. Enjoy...

Happy Birthday from Amy!

Grampa Scott thought a nice study kickball would be nice!

Farmer Jack now has a tractor to plow his fields. You can hear him sing "e-i-e-i-o" as he works.

Brooke got a great bike helmet on Jack's birthday. She is showing her tough "biker face" in her beautiful Barbie Island Princess dress. What great talent!

Cousin Scotty joined in the festivities. He though birthday parties were pretty neat! He can't wait for his in April.

I love the way Lyndsy and Steve give their "1-year olds" a cake of their own. (Albertson's provides free one-layered cakes on 1st birthdays.) Jack held back a bit more than Brooke did, but the results were about the same. Happy Birthday Jack! It has been a fabulous year!

2008-10-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready for Halloween in the Ritter home. Scott and I usually sit back and enjoy the kids and now grandkids, but once in a while we fully participate in the fun of the night. The last time Scott and I dressed up as a "Halloween Couple" was when Scott was a Bishop of a BYU Singles Ward. We went to the ward Halloween dance as pirates. I went to get a drink while Scott started to mingle. Every time he went to a group of ward members to say "hi", the girls would slowly move away. At first Scott took it very personally, but then I caught up with him and the ward started to realize that this rough looking pirate was their Bishop. They all confessed that they thought is was some middle age "wierdo" trying to pick them up. HA-HA

Jana's Visit to Honduras

2008-09-07T19:40:00.001-07:00

Jana visited Utah in late August. She will complete her residency in December and was interviewing with several pediatric clinics in the area. While she was here she shared a slide show of her recent visit to Honduras where she selflessly shared her time, skill, and talents with the children in that poverty stricken country. Here are some of her images.
c

Scotty and his Great (and I mean GREAT) Aunts

2008-09-07T19:34:00.000-07:00

"Great" Aunt Robin with Scott James Martin (4 1/2 months)

"Great" Aunt Jana with Scotty (Megan and Ty's little guy)

Getting to know "Great" Aunt Jana.

The "Cake Incident"

2008-09-01T20:33:00.001-07:00

Just weeks before Jack and Brooke moved into their new house (and were still living with Grandpa and Grandma Ritter), they enjoyed a most delicious experience. We had had a family birthday party the night before. There were two pieces of birthday cake left. I guess the temptation for Brooke was too great the next morning and she moved the plate from the countertop to the floor where she unwrapped it and began to a nibble. Before long, Jack crawled up and joined her. When Amy walked into the kitchen a few minutes later, this is what she saw.

I believe Brooke thought she was going to get in trouble. But all of the adults were laughing too hard for her to be worried for too long. Jack just ignored everyone. He had more important things to "dig" into.

Home from our Vacation

2008-08-31T07:41:00.000-07:00

Amy was not able to sleep on the way home from our family vacation. She eventually found something to do as the rest of us slept. Those of you who know Amy well will not be surprised with what she came up with. She Loves the Camera!!!

2008-07-19T23:21:00.001-07:00

Wow! What a great time we had in Pennsylvania. Jana picked us up around 7:00 a.m. at the JFK airport in New York City. Yes, to those of you who mentally calculated the time we had to leave Utah, it was 12:01 a.m. when we took off. (Great for the Teenagers, misery for the "old guys".) Each of us chose one thing we personally wanted to do and several things we all wanted to do. Geoff wanted to run the "Rocky" steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Amy wanted to go to Hershey Amusement Park. Scott wanted to see the birth place of his Harley in York, PA and I wanted to see a Broadway musical. Jana said she just wanted to go on vacation with a family and as long as she got to drive she didn't mind where we went. Other areas we all wanted to see (and got to see) were: Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Jim's Philly-steak restaurant all in Philadelphia, PA; The church history sites such as the Smith cabin and framed house, the temple, the printing press that the Book of Mormon was printed on, The Sacred Grove, and Hill Cumorah/Hill Cumorah pageant in Palmyra, NY; ALL of DANVILLE; and the Orange County Choppers site, New York City Temple, and Time square. It was six very busy days, but a dream come true for all of us. The only thing that would have made it even better is if Megan/Ty, Stephen/Lyndsy, and families would have been there.

Geoff running the Rocky steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Natural Art

2008-07-19T23:04:00.001-07:00

Keeping Up With The Kids

2008-06-23T17:06:00.000-07:00

For many of us "baby boomers", technology just means trying to keep up with our children. This is my weak attempt to do just that. I find that I am unable to make a "comment" on their blog sites unless I have a google-type email or blog site of my own. If I subscribe, I just as well jump in with both feet. I actually love reading, looking at, and/or watching the interesting events on each unique blog. Interesting enough, I learn things about Stephen/Lyndsy's family by reading their blog even though they are living with us at this time (until their new home is finished around mid July) . Also, it would be even harder for Meg/Ty to take little Scotty so far away without Megan's consistent update of script, images, and video on their blog.

SO perhaps this "Ritter Happenings" blog may help keep loved ones connected, touch someone once in awhile, or give another an opportunity to laugh. Only time will tell.