Trip to see Family in February

We met up with my family in February for a few hours and it was so great to see them. My niece of course stole my heart once again and really can not get enough of her. Here are just a few pictures of our afternoon together.

Her precious shoes.

This picture is just the sweetest thing. Emma Grace loves my dad (Pops). She just laid her head on his shoulders peeking her head out from time to time.
Emma G. with Uncle Jess. We get to see them at Easter and can not wait!!

Putting the Pieces Together

Jess and I always have so much fun together. I love that we are a couple that does not have to go all out for a date, we can have a date right at home putting a puzzle together. We went to Target looking for a new board game, but came back with a puzzle. It was so much fun sitting down together putting the puzzle together and watching The Great Performances of David Foster on PBS. haha! I enjoy the simple things with Jess.

It only took less than 24 hours to put it together. Jess really did most of it, 3/4 of it really.

I have not posted in forever, so I thought I would do a post.

Here is a list of what Jess and I have been up to in 2009.

1. Went skiing with great friends, Laurie and Wes, in January.

2. Attended an 80's Skating Birthday Party with great friends. Jess totally took the 80's look to another level. It was quite fun!

3. Enjoyed snow sledding with the kids from work. We have had 2 good (for NC) snows this year.

4. Been enjoying getting together with friends for The Office every Thursday.

5. Jess has been playing intramural basketball most Tuesdays and Thursdays. I have enjoyed watching him and spending time with the wives on the sidelines.

6. Made a trip to Nashville to visit family. We stayed with Jess's family, but met my family in Paducah for lunch. It was so great to see everyone and make good memories!!

7. Jess and I have been spending much time planning, talking, and day dreaming about our vacation coming up at the end of May. We talk about it everyday and can't wait to get way for 9 days!!! 10 1/2 weeks away!!!

8. We went to a UNC basketball game! That was really fun! And the tickets were free. (I think we went in 2008 though) Oh well, just thought I would throw that one in there.

9. Jess and I had a competitive game of minature golf this past weekend. Even though I lost by 1 (only 1 Jess) I was a good sport and I had a great time spending a wonderful evening in 80 degree weather with my husband.

I am sure we have done much more than the 9 things I listed, but I am too tired to think about anything else. We are continuing to enjoy where we are in life and the life we are making in North Carolina. We are looking forward to summer and all the things we will experience and do during the summer months!

Trip Home to Illinois and Tennessee

Jess and I were able to go to Tennessee to visit his family the week before Christmas for a few days, then off to Illinois to see my family for a few days. It was such a great time - We miss everyone so much already. Here are a few pics from the trips.


Trip to Illinois
Here is Uncle Jess with our niece Emma Grace.

Jess, my parents, my sister, brother in law, niece, and I all went out to a nice Italian restaurant on The Hill in St. Louis. The food was delicious and the company was even better. These are just a few pictures with my mom and dad after we got home from eating.

My mom and dad got Emma a new wagon for Christmas. She didn't know what to think of it at first, but then loved it. We didn't think she would ever get out.

Precious Emma! She was so sweet the whole time. She loves to kiss, hug, and tickle you. She is so perfect and I love her to pieces. She was much more interactive than the last time we saw her and has a lot of personality. She is going to be a handful that is for sure. :)

Sarah, Bryan, and Emma Grace

Our Trip to Nashville
My wonderful in-laws.

Jess and I hanging out after opening up all of our wonderful gifts.

All the Rainer kids. It was so great to see everyone since we don't see each other all together very often.

Jess and I are so blessed to have the most wonderful families ever. They spoil us and make us feel special every time we come visit. We are thankful for the time we had at home even though it was way too short.

The Year 2008

1. Jess and I celebrated our 1 Year Anniversary in FL where we went to Disney World and Cape San Blas. It was wonderful!

2. My family celebrated my Grandma's 100th Birthday with a party in IL at my parent's house. It was so great to celebrate with her and my family

3. Jess ran his first 1/2 Marathon! He did such a great job and met his goal to run it in less than 2 hours. I was and am so proud of him!!!

4. Jess was able to attend 2 Alabama games, both times being able to go on the field before the game. I was able to go to 1 with Jess and his family. The games are always a great experience. Jess has turned me into a Bama fan! 

5. I completed life guard training (for my job). It was two horrible weeks, but I got through it! I was the oldest in the class and the only one that never was a part of a swimming team. Definantly  the minority. 

6. Jess got promoted at work a few times and also finished 2 semesters of Seminary. 

7. Jess and I were able to celebrate Christmas with our families and able to be with family on the actual day of Christmas this year! 

Jess and I are truly thankful for all of the blessings of the year. The Lord has been faithful and continues to give us more than we could ever ask for. We have had a fun year full of laughter and tears. We have said good-bye to dear friends, made new friends, taken a lot of trips to see family, seen friends get married, seen a lot of precious babies born, worked hard, decided to serve in our church, and the list goes on and on. Jess and I have had a big year of growing in our relationship with one another and in the Lord and I am so thankful for the lessons we have learned and the lessons the Lord has taught us. I am grateful the Lord is in control. I am so glad I have a God that forgives, is patient, and loves me no matter what.  Jess and I are stronger than we have ever been and I fall in love with my husband more and more everyday. 

I hope everyone has a great year!

Love,

The Rainers

Nativity Scene

Every year for the past 4 years Jess can not wait to give me my birthday present. My birthday is 2 days before Christmas and he just gets so excited to give me a present that he ends up giving me at least one present before my actual birthday. He was studying last night and he kept asking me if I wanted my present. I told him to wait, but he just couldn't, so he talked me into it and gave it to me. For a couple years now I have been wanting the Willow Tree Nativity Scene. About a month ago when my parents were here I decided to buy one of the sets with my Christmas money from last year (I know - crazy -I still have money left over from last year). I was hoping that I would get more sets to add to the scene, so sure enough that is what I opened, the Three Wisemen!! I was so excited! I love Nativity Scenes! (Brook yours is up in our house too that you gave me last year! I love it as well!)

I have the greatest, thoughtful, loving husband who spoils me beyond measures! My birthday is still a few weeks away and he can't quit talking about what we are going to do and how excited he is that is my birthday! I am so blessed to be his wife! I am so proud of all his hard work. Even with working full time, going to school, and studying he finds the time to make me feel special, be a great example, and help out as much as he can! Love you Jess!

Love,
Rachel

Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree

Thought I would post a few pictures of our house decorated for Christmas. Kari, hopefully this will help you get in the Christmas spirit and Libby you have inspired me to post my pictures of my decor that I have had uploaded and ready to post for 2 weeks now.

Jess and I decorated for Christmas the weekend before Thanksgiving. He begged me and begged me for weeks to decorate and I kept telling him "no" because we had to do it after Thanksgiving. After much thought I gave in because 1. I am trying to be more laid back and not care about "rules" and 2. I like seeing Jess's eyes light up when we put up the Christmas tree. So, we put Christmas music on, drank hot chocolate, and had special one on one time.



















Jess had been wanting a train set for weeks and he and my dad finally found one. Let me just tell you - He was so excited to put it under the tree!!! I will have to admit it looks really good and it is fun to play with!

We are so excited that we will actually be able to be with both families before and during Christmas this year. We have a little over a week before we go to Jess's parents and then on Christmas Eve flying to see my family! We can't wait to be with Jess's parents and all of his brothers and wives all at the same time!!! We can't wait to see our niece and my family!!! It is going to be such a great time!

I am almost done with all the Christmas shopping and have sent out a few Christmas cards, so when the time comes to leave I will be all ready without any stress!!!
Hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday Season!

Love,

Jess and Rachel