Phines Family Updates

LET THE FUN BEGIN!!

MY SISTER STEPH AND HER FIANCE CURT

MY SISTER CHELS AND HER HUBBY JOEL

OH THE THINGS THAT HAPPEN LOL.

BROTHERLY LOVE

KACI AND HER AVERSION TO FEET...I THINK CHANT WAS HELPING HER TO GET OVER IT :)

CIERRA IS READY TO GO BOARDING!!!

I AM PRETTY SURE UNCLE ED WAS IN ACTION HERE LOL

GRANDPA AND HIS KIDS!

ENDING THE NIGHT WITH MUSIC

JAKE, GRANDPA AND I

GRANDPA WATCHING OVER ALL THE FUN AND ENJOYING HIMSELF

Life....

2010-04-02T15:15:00.002-04:00

Life has thrown lots of fun things our way while we have been living here. From a helping a new baby come into this world to watching my babies grow, to spending time with my 82 year old Grandpa and time with my cousins and aunt and uncles, sisters and BIL's and of course my Mom and Dad it has been a time of growth and reflection for all of us. Baby Emma (my cousin's baby) made her entrance into this world, Savannah did a cheering routine, JT has made lots of new friends, and Jake is starting to read. We spent a ton of time watching my cousin Cierra play basketball (her senior year) We have graduations coming up and of course a visit from Josh. Along with all the fun things, the kids have been growing like crazy! It seems like every time I turn around I am buying new shoes or clothes. The weather is warming up a little and we have even gone out on the boat. I have a feeling that before we know it, a new chapter will be starting in Ft Riley, KS, and so we are going to try to fit as much into this chapter in our lives as possible! My goal is to now keep up to date and write the story of our time here in Montana.

From Baby Emmas Birth

From Savannah's 7th Bday

From First Day on the Boat

From Cierra B-ball

Winter Wonderlad

2010-04-02T13:52:00.002-04:00

Well when we left Alabama/Georgia it was raining and not all that great. By the time we hit the midwest we were seeing a little more snow. Then we got home!!!!!! Out come the snowpant, on go the boots, hats, and gloves. Of course moving from the south to the Rockies we had no snow gear except for what my mom had saved which was enough to make it to Christmas :) The kids are now outfitted in Bogs, North Face, and Columbia. Thank goodness they have warm clothes because a lot of time was spent enjoying the outdoors!

From Jan 2010

December 2009 Update

2010-04-02T13:29:00.002-04:00

Lots of cookies...playing...and family. One of the best decisions we have made was for me to move home! The smile on my kids' faces as they are surrounded in love is the best gift I can have.

From Christmas Time 2009

Savannah got her American Girl Doll, JT got his knife and Jake...well got everything he wanted LOL.

From Christmas Time 2009

WOW!

2010-04-02T13:26:00.003-04:00

It has been MONTHS since I last posted. Lots of life changes happened after we put the house on the market. The kids and I are now living in Montana. We decided to move home to help the house sell...the few days before the movers came, a collapsing retaining wall was discovered. So home I came anyway. I am now headed back down next week to get the house ready to rent. With the market the way it is, we feel it is better to rent and keep it then sell it for a loss. Josh will be home soon on R/R...well in a couple months anyway LOL...I guess that is soon in the grand time frame of things. The kids are growing and I am now going to be posting LOTS of updates!

Well 2 months later...

2009-11-14T19:33:00.002-05:00

Things have changed dramatically. Josh has been gone for 2 1/2 months and we are all well adjusted to him being gone. Our communication is unbelievable and we talk almost everyday sometimes 2 or 3 times a day depending on how late he stays up and if he has missions the next day etc etc LOL. It is SO much easier than last time in that sense. Josh re-enlisted indefinite on Sept 22nd and so we have 8 1/2 more years left in the Army LOL. It has been decided that we will be staying at Ft Riley, so our plans have drastically changed!
We have our house on the market!!!

From 2009-10-23

The movers will be here on the 9th of December to pack up our stuff and the 10th or 11th to pick up. My cousin flies in on the 12th and we will start driving on the 15th or 16th to Montana. Yep thats right I am going home!!! I have always sworn that I would NEVER move home during a deployment, but this seems to be the best for everyone. The kids will be going to the school I grew up in and Savannah will have my Auntie as her teacher. My mom is right there too so it should be an easy transition. I will be able to continue my school work and have some help with the kids. We will then move to Kansas next summer sometime!!!

So soon we will be living in the land of snow instead of land of heat hehehehe.

Now to leave you with picture catch up!!!!

From Halloween Weekend

From The Fight in Our Yard

From A Lazy Sunday Afternoon

A Major Update

2009-09-07T03:00:00.002-04:00

Well as some of you may know Josh is officially gone. It has been almost a full week of not hearing from him now :( We have all settled into our routine fairly quickly since he has technically been gone since April. Not being able to talk to him 20 million times a day has taken some getting used to, but I know soon he will be settled and we will establish our communication and life will move on. Communication I found is so very important now that the kids are older. He missed Savannah loosing her first tooth and still doesn't know. He doesn't know that JT and Nan will be testing next month for Jui Jitsu belts. Doesn't know that Jake has decided to actually learn his letters. All little things that shows that life really does move on without him and all in a weeks time...it makes me sad to realize how much he will really miss in a full year.

Anyway enough down....we have decided to sell our house!!!! Yep we decided that it was best if we try to sell. If it sells before May AWESOME..I am moving the kids home to be with my family in Montana. If it doesn't, well renting is an option and we WILL be moved to Ft Riley when Josh comes back. Living apart is not an option at this point. So we could really use some prayers that our house will sell quickly so that I can move my babies to be with their Grammy and then to their Dad (not to mention I miss living w/ my best friend LOL). So now we are busy getting the house decluttered and everything ship shape to sell. That is a lot of work for just me LOL. Oh yes and I am supposed to try and sell the drag car also LOL. That would be a HUGE help to get things rolling on the house!! Hopefully that will happen soon :)

Please keep Josh and all those guys in your prayers as they head out to do their jobs. I will be posting pictures probably next weekend as it is late and I will be busy busy this week!

Trash Fridays

2009-08-21T13:16:00.002-04:00

From Trash Can

As the next year progresses, you will see this picture on the side of my blog. Every week we will be marking an x to show one more trash day gone!!! It is much easier to count 54 trash days than 380 some days!!! Hopefully before we know it we will have a page of mostly red X's :)

From Trash Can

Montana Home

2009-08-20T21:14:00.002-04:00

Here is where we were for 3 weeks enjoying our beautiful surroundings and "relaxing" while planning for my sister's wedding :)

It was a VERY cloudy day :)

Looking out over the valley.

Just our outhouse in the field LOL

Yes people still have wagons :) and use them!!!

The Tobacco Roots in all their glory!

There is nothing like a sunsest in the Big Sky State...one of the most beautiful things you could ever experience!!!

As We Face Our New Adventure

2009-08-19T22:33:00.003-04:00

I found this poem/prayer. How perfect it fits...I know as that day of actual feet leaving US soil actually arrives we will have another day of sadness. But as the time approaches we have no choice but to know that God has a plan...a plan that we can handle with his help and love. Whatever road lies ahead I look forward to the challenges and chances to lean on him, even though I will be missing my best friend and love of my life.

Military Wives Prayer

At night when I crawl into bed,
My lonely pillow 'neath my head,
I close my eyes and say a prayer.
"God keep him safe way over there,
And make me strong so I won't cry.

It's kinda hard to be alone and
teach the kids when they're half grown,
without the strength of a father's hand
to guide them in this troubled land.

So I'll need a little help from you,
to let me know what I should do.
And God please will you let him know,
How much we love and miss him so.

And then I feel across the bed,
To where he used to lay his head,
and I close my eyes so very tight,
so I won't cry again tonight,
and whisper to the evening air,
"Good night my darling way over there."

JT can...

2009-08-19T22:24:00.001-04:00

SKI!!!!!!

Yep he learned to waterski while we were in Montana!!!

Uncle Ed helping him go!

Oh boy here we go!!!! I wish when we had learned, we had trainer skiis like those!!!

Takes a lot of concentration :)

WOOOHOOOOO SOOOOO Happy to finally go...and go he did...it was not fair that he had to let other people have turns. Now he can't wait to grow to start wakeboarding!!!!

It Has Been A LOOONG Time!!!

2009-08-18T12:16:00.002-04:00

Well we have had great adventures lately! We took a trip to Montana for my sisters wedding that I will post on later. The kids had a blast w/ Grammy and skiing and all sorts of fun adventures. We came home to get ready to see Josh one last time before he heads to Iraq. He came home this last weekend and we had a wonderful time spending time as a family. Our Skittle Jars are full again and Trash Day countdown is on!!!! 54 Trash Days until this deployment is finished!!!! Here are some pictures from this last weeked!

From Josh's 4 day

LOL We had fun with this picture!!!

From Josh's 4 day

Daddy and his babies

From Josh's 4 day

Finally a normal picture LOL

Our Skittle Count Just Increased!!!

2009-07-19T17:27:00.002-04:00

Our Skittle Jars have gone back to 30 until we see Josh again. This time we will be visiting him in his new place. We will be heading to Ft Riley to say our goodbyes until RR. This was a WONDERFUL two weeks. We had so much fun hanging out and being a family. It is amazing how quickly we can adapt though. Today lie returned to normal like he had not even been here. He left at 5 AM and we were all up and moving about 9. We all returned to our previously established schedule and found that it was an easy adjustment-THANK GOODNESS!!! We will not be filling our Skittle Jars to see him b/c ...
WE LEAVE IN 2 DAYS FOR MONTANA!!!! WOOHOOOO!!!!

I will be updating from Montana as much as possible but it is going to be an INSANELY busy time with a wedding and visiting :) Here are a few of my favorite pictures from our time with Josh!!!!

Josh Playing Football w/ The Boys

From July 2009

Josh Showing Jake How To Go Under

From July 2009

When Josh Is Home The Rules All Go Out The Window...AKA A Lake Was Formed Under The Trampoline!!!

From July 2009

A Tadpole to Frog

Watching Airplanes

Watching His Babies

Helping Jake

Off to the Beach We Go!!!!

2009-07-17T16:02:00.004-04:00

We decided that we would take a small day trip to Panama City Beach. What a wonderful time we had. The sun, the water, the laughs and the smiles all made for a beautiful combination that was a much needed distraction from the coming moments. The kids had not been to the beach since they were TINY...Jake was about 5 months old and it was winter on Pismo so no swimming in the water...it was more like this
Yes this is JT and Savannah LOL They were so little :)

From Drop Box

This time is was hot and sunny and time for some swimming!

Jake immediately was sat down for throwing sand after being told not to LOL.

From Beach 2009

Josh sitting with Jake while hes in trouble :)

From Beach 2009

Ooops LOL Time to be dunked!

From Beach 2009

Catching waves together.

From Beach 2009

Waiting for waves

From Beach 2009

Definitely not still in trouble LOL

From Beach 2009

Oh No Its A Wave!

From Beach 2009

I guess it wasnt so bad :)

From Beach 2009

HELP there's MORE

From Beach 2009

Well I guess we aren't afraid anymore!

From Beach 2009

Jumping Waves

From Beach 2009

Jake getting wet

From Beach 2009

This is SOOO staged! I had to MAKE them sit and pretend to make sand castles

From Beach 2009

The end of a LONG 3 hours at the beach LOL

From Beach 2009

Today

2009-07-17T15:55:00.002-04:00

Outside my window...is my now empty front yard LOL. No more tree :(

I am thinking...that Sunday is going to be here much too quickly and that Josh needs to get the books on video done tonight.

I am thankful...for my hubby being home with us even if just for a short time.

From the kitchen...is the sound of the dryer and the smell of brownies :)

I am creating...a list of things to accomplish during the next year!

I am going...have to get things finished up so we can go on vacation on Tuesday!!! Thank you to Margaux for keeping my crazy puppies ;)

I am hoping...Josh decides what he wants for dinner...I am thinking maybe a night out with the kids is in order.

I am hearing...the kids and Josh playing a game and giggling at each other. There is nothing like the sound of Josh and the kids laughing together!

Around the house...are half packed suitcases, dogs sleeping, and piles of clothes that need to be packed.

One of my favorite things...snuggling on the couch with my sweetheart.

A few plans for the rest of the week...swimming in the river, saying goodbye to Josh, swimming w/ Tasha, flying to MONTANA...then visiting old friends, a bridal shower, a fitting for the boys, watching my babies waterskii :) It is going to be a VERY busy week ahead!!!!

I would love to hear about your today!

MIA 4th and Jakes birthday and more!

2009-07-14T11:57:00.004-04:00

Well we have been having a blast having Josh home. We are down to 4 1/2 days left of being a normal family. We are going to have a busy couple of days and then it will be time to get down and get things prepared for that lovely thing we call "deployment." On the 4th AKA Jake's Birthday we attended a wonderful party. It was sooo much fun. The kids had a blast being in the water all day and having Dad home was still new as he had just been home 12 hours LOL. Instead of going to watch the fireworks we loaded up on the boat and took off down the Chattahoochee to watch the fireworks up and down the river. It was absolutely amazing and relaxing and we all enjoyed hanging with our friends.

From July 2009

Jake was not a happy camper that day...staying up late has its problems LOL

From July 2009

Standing in line for the tube rides.

From July 2009

Jake using his birthday present...he kept stealing mine so I had to get him his own LOL.

From July 2009

JT and Dalt playing football...You know we can't just play touch it has to be full on tackle LOL

From July 2009

Josh playing w/ the boys.

From July 2009

Swimming with Daddy

From July 2009

OH NO Where did he go??? LOL

From July 2009

Jake's Cake!!!

SKITTLE COUNT!!!!

2009-07-02T00:20:00.002-04:00

From FD2

WE HAVE ONE SKITTLE LEFT IN OUR JARS!!!! ONE MORE NIGHT AFTER TONIGHT!

For those of you that don't know...the kids eat one each night before bed. Even though we still have two days left since he isn't getting home until LATE Friday night, they only have one night left after they wake up :)

SKITTLE COUNT!!!!

2009-07-01T00:46:00.002-04:00

From FD2

WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Thats how many skittles are left in our jars!!! Two nights and 3 days b/c he flies in late Friday night!!! Thank goodness it is time for block leave. I so can't wait to see my hubby again...even if it is only for 15 days!

Lots of Excitement

2009-07-01T00:05:00.002-04:00

Well we have had lots of things going on...But more importantly Murphy has decided it would be a good time to visit...Of course it would right, after all it was only 5 days before Josh came home. Some of you are wondering WHAT in the world is she talking about!!! Well we had a wonderful adventure on Sunday. A CRAZY storm blew through our neighborhood. I got up to the door to watch the water whip down our driveway when Savannah says, "Um mom the tree is on our house." I replied "Yeah you are funny." JT says, "No Mom she is serious its on our house!!!" LOL Sure enough the tree had decided to fall on our house...no MAJOR damage but definitely damage to the shingles and rooftop.

Well...

2009-06-24T02:11:00.001-04:00

The skittle count is at 8...for those of you that don't know about skittle counting...it is the BEST thing ever for my little ones LOL. They get to eat ONE skittle right before bedtime at my house and that is one day down until we see daddy. After all that way Jake can see the days dwindling!
We have been spending time at Flatrock Park, the river, ju jitsu...all over the place so I figured it was time to catch up in a picture blog before Josh comes home and we have lots to blog about LOL.

From Jun 2009

From Flatrock Park

Fathers Day

2009-06-21T00:04:00.003-04:00

Well we will spend Father's Day apart this year. We will probably Skype and talk to him of course. He was supposed to be home this weekend but due to circumstances out of our control (AKA ARMY) he isn't LOL. We have 12 days any my husband will be back in my arms. I can't wait to see him again!!! For now these are what the kids and I look at in our "Daddy Book."

From Flatrock Park

Happy Father's Day!

The Fun In The Sun...

2009-06-14T00:59:00.003-04:00

on Lake Oliver! We have been spending a lot of time with friends of ours and enjoying being back on the water. I have decided that Josh will be deploying for the sole purpose of getting us a boat hahahaha...hey I have to look for a positive in it right, and a boat well that is a MAJOR plus in my eyes LOL. Anyway, the kids have been having a blast and they can't wait to get home to Montana and ski and tube w/ their Big Erik and their Mo Mo. Here is how they are warming up for their next big (ice cold compared to here) lake adventure...

LOL It was a GREAT ride LOL

Savannah Never Got Dumped LOL

He is becoming a rock star LOL...I have NO CLUE where he picked this up LOL.

He had SO much fun with his buddy Madison LOL. He would live on the tube now LOL.

For those of you that know Jake, know that he would never leave the boat if it were up to him...he was sooo happy to be back on the boat and back in the drivers seat!

From May 2009

Summer Hot Days!

2009-06-13T01:46:00.002-04:00

From Water Play

We Were Thirsty!

From Water Play

Ring Around The Rosie

From Water Play

Kindergarten Graduation!

2009-06-12T01:15:00.002-04:00

Yep this is VERY late LOL. Savannah graduated from Kindergarten this year. It was a great fun day and Grandpa and Grandma (from here) even made it out for the occasion!!! It was an adorable program and full of monkeys :)

From Graduation

Savannah and Mrs. Poole...she was JT's Kindergarten teachers also and I hope she is Jakes when the time comes!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE her!!!

From Graduation

Savannah's class...Not a very big one :)

From Graduation

There she is!!!!!

grrr NO Internet is no fun

2009-06-08T02:51:00.000-04:00

ok so we have no internet until Thursday the 11TH! Thank goodness for my cool phone lol...I will be updating on the 11th with pictures and stories....
I do have some amazing news! Josh has a 4 day Fathers Day weekend and is coming home! I am soooooooo excited I couldn't call someone fast enough with the news lol. 2 1/2 days is just enough to get us to block leave..woohoo...so we have not disappeared just been out of internet lol....Oh yes and this is my 100th post lol from my phone...how sad I can't even do a picture!!

Baseball Games and Pickle Pops!!

2009-05-23T21:27:00.002-04:00

For those of you that aren't in the south, you may not know what a Pickle Pop is. Well it is exactly what it sounds like...FROZEN PICKLE JUICE!!!! YUCK for me...but yum for the kids LOL. Baseball games mean it is pickle pop season!!!

Here is what most kids look like that are sitting at games...even in the dugouts LOL..

From Daltons Ball Game 2009

Then there is Jake!!! This is what happens when Jake has a pickle pop...

From Daltons Ball Game 2009

I am glad that pickle pop season is over!!! No more game and no more salty treats LOL.

Memorial Day Weekend!

2009-05-23T15:08:00.005-04:00

Growing up, this weekend was always a signal that school was almost out! It was a time for camping and BBQing and in Montana a sign that summer would soon really begin (not just a tease here and there) even though most of these weekends it was snowing LOL. As we all got older it became a 4 day weekend and an excuse to play and for many an excuse to party. Now as this Memorial Day falls upon us it is a time to remember. A time that our family now remembers those we have loved and lost. Living our life we have loved and lost quite a few loved ones...

I remember Josh bringing home this guy..he soon was coming for lunch and JT soon had an Uncle Dave that he treasured and loved as much as his own Dad. Dave was so wonderful to JT and such an awesome friend to Josh. He was an amazing friend and an amazing Uncle to my children. He is one that I will hold close to my heart forever. To this day thinking about loosing him brings tears to my eyes...

Sgt David Anthony Mitts, December 4, 2004, KIA Mosul, Iraq

Mo was another dear friend. He was one that always made us laugh with his loud and boisterous personality. Oh the memories of days at the park, and balls where from across the room he would say something and everyone could here LOL.

Salamo Tuialuuluu, December 4, 2004. KIA Mosul, Iraq.

They both were amazing soldiers and were amazing friends to those around them. They lost their lives saving others around them and are true heroes.

This Memorial Day take time to remember those that have lost their lives for our freedoms. It is a time for fun and relaxation, but most importantly a time for reflection and remembrance.

And Then There Was....

2009-05-22T10:55:00.002-04:00

WATER DAY!!!!!!!!

From Water Day

Of Course Jake was in on the fun!

From Water Day

I promise I send her to school with her hair done!!!

From Water Day

Slip and Slide!!!

From Water Day

Popscicles at the end of a VERY long day!!!!

Next Up....

2009-05-22T10:47:00.002-04:00

2nd Grade went on a field trip to the Montgomery Zoo. JT has been very lucky...the week before he went on a 3rd grade field trip to the Space and Science Center....The 2nd Grade was supposed to have gone that day as well but got rained out. So JT ended up going on both!!!

Our Group Entering Asia

JT is such a goober!!

Jake came along for the fun!

That day was FULL of kids!!!

This is the same baby monkey that we saw the last time we went. It has grown a little LOL. It was fun to see how it had changed since the last time.

Man Of The House - Chuck Wicks

JT and Trinity...his really good friend...they are military too and totally bonded last year in 1st grade. Hopefully they will be together again next year as they have really helped each other through some crazy times LOL. Trinity's dad was gone and JT "got" it...now Josh is gone and she "gets" it. They are like two little grown up sitting together discussing experiences when they think no one is watching. It is the sweetest thing ever!!!

Well....

2009-05-21T23:36:00.003-04:00

LOTS has been happening in the last couple of weeks. We have had activities almost everyday! I had finals last week so I was busy working on those instead of blogging (Bad me LOL). I am now going to catch up...or attempt to. I really should be folding laundry, but blogging sounds much more appealing...I have ever mentioned how much I hate laundry....I think I miss Josh partly because he was SO awesome and folding the laundry. I will wash and dry no biggie, but folding and putting away UGH...I'd rather scrub toilets! LOL Anyway, the first event....

FIELD DAY!!

The kids had a blast during this and did really well! It was a beautiful day for it!

From Field Day 2009

Savannah being herself LOL

From Field Day 2009

An update and trip!!!

2009-05-11T00:40:00.002-04:00

From Dahlonega

Well we have had lots of adventures these last few weeks. We have had ballgame after ballgame and storm after storm LOL. I haven't taken many pictures lately because well for awhile my battery was dead and now my camera won't turn on. I need to see what in the world is going on tomorrow because this next two weeks has many important events coming up which I will share more about later :).

This weekend the kids and I took a break after a VERY long week and headed north to visit our great friends in Dahlonega (thank goodness Margaux's camera works :) We got there late Saturday afternoon, leaving after JT's ball game. We headed straight to the strawberry fields and then home for a BBQ. Then today we headed off to the Dahlonega town square and then back to get more Strawberries. We all had so much fun and I am so glad I went to visit. It is so nice flip flopping houses so that one of us gets a much needed break! I am looking forward to Bryan having schools this summer so I can visit her and keep her company :).

From Dahlonega

The Boys

From Dahlonega

Cohen wondering if it is red enough.

From Dahlonega

YAY I got one!!!

From Dahlonega

What happens when Miss Payton gets the bucket!

From Dahlonega

Margaux and the kids.

Flashback Friday...

2009-04-24T13:42:00.001-04:00

From 2005

Sweet Erik and Jake...Spoiled from the get go!! Jake was held from day 2 until he was about 10 mos old LOL.

A Look Back...

2009-04-23T00:03:00.002-04:00

"Hmmm Where To Next???
Well here we go. The fun starts now LOL. Things are actually going great here in Georgia. I just really wish that we knew where we were going next. It is driving me crazy not knowing what the Army is about to throw our way. I mean come on now can't you plan things more then 2 weeks in advance???? November will be here before we know it and Josh will no longer be a drill sgt. Now don't get me wrong...I don't like this job...... but I have seen more of my darling husband in the last 2 years then I have the first 6 years of our time together!!!!! Not to mention that extra $$ is nice :) I can sit here and say "Yep I am ok with deployments and seperations" and for the most part I am. But Dang I have grown attached to Josh LOL. Anyways, so we are waiting for what our lives are going to be like next. I am thinking it is going to be the kids and I here while he heads off to play in a sandbox like his 2 yr old LOL. I guess Michelle and I will have to drive and visit b/c we will both be in the same boat for a few months LOL. Life now is full of baseball and softball and more baseball and softball LOL. We are keeping very very busy between JT and Savannah and it is making time fly. I can't even imagine what it will be like when Jake starts AAAHHH...Like Leslie said, I will need a rent-a-mommy."

Wow!!! Little did I know that a couple tryouts and an extension would be put in place LOL. Amazing how much can change in a year! Yep I have been blogging for a year...absolutely amazing hahahaha. We are back to baseball and softball and well I NEED A RENT-A-MOMMY!!!!!! LOL...and here we are facing that deployment. Hmmm...am I still ok with it ? I can now honestly say "BRING IT ON!" I am now ready for it and no it is on its way...no more waiting for those silly Army orders..just the silly Army date!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-22T21:26:00.000-04:00

From 2003 Pics

What a Week!!!

2009-04-22T21:13:00.002-04:00

Well here all this time I thought I would have tons more time to blog after Josh left....HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Was I wrong!!! I have been so busy I haven't had time to really even comprehend what has all gone on. From PTA fundraisers to baseball to Birthday Parties it has been very chaotic. I have decided that I am going to slow down though. With school, kids, work, ball, and now yards and housework something has to give. The only thing would be my housework :)...oh wait that is my dream...reality is that work is going to have to be put on hold for awhile. I am looking forward to getting things in order and getting a strong routine going here (just in time to mess it all up by getting out of school hehehe).

We are all hanging in there and returning to what was once our normal lives. Amazing how you fall back into the old routines and don't really realize how much you missed bits and pieces of it!!! Like my bed to myself, the fact that cereal for dinner is enough for the kids and I, and of course the fact that I have COMPLETE and TOTAL control over the remote!!!!

Now as for this last week here are just a few pictures to share!

From Rex's Birthday

JT has decided that he has an interest in photography (surprise surprise LOL)...here are some pics he took...

From Rex's Birthday

This next week will be filled with more baseball and maybe some playing LOL and LOTS of yardwork...I will have to make sure and charge my camera batteries!!!!

Well the time has come...

2009-04-13T23:15:00.005-04:00

Josh has finally left. In a way it is nice to have our schedule started, but I know that as the next couple of weeks go on it will get a lot harder before it gets easier. Having him 16 hours away is frustrating because it is too far for a weekend trip, but close enough to drive me crazy that he is still in the States LOL. The kids did really well. We kept them home from school because we didn't know how Savannah would do. Yesterday she broke down in the middle of a bite of French Toast at Breakfast... so who knew what she would do today. Turns out she was ok. JT well he just says he is really bummed but will be ok. Jake...now that is the one that is going to be tough. He had a rough day with attitude because he knew something was going on. He says he lost Dad and he can't find him-even though he has talked to him on the phone LOL. Crazy how little kids minds work. I heard him asking JT if he would be home tomorrow and listened to JT explain to him it would be a long long time...oh the words of JT..so comforting...I am a very lucky Mom to have a child with the wisdom and words that he does. Josh will be arriving to Riley soon...I am waiting for the call...still a couple more hours to go LOL. Our next chapter has officially begun and I can't wait to see what adventures it is going to hold. I know it will have lots of trips to visit Margaux. I can't wait to see what adventures our kids will get into!!! I am so blessed to have her as one of my best friends. I only hope that I can repay her the favor of putting up w/ my crazies and our visits!!! Oh yes and we have a trip home in the works!!! WOOHOOO TIME FOR THE LAKE!!! Forget family...we don't go home to see family..we go home to ski, board, and boat for days on end LOL.

Our Most Precious Moments Over The Last Few Weeks

From Zoo March 09

From Savannah

Easter Fun

2009-04-13T23:08:00.003-04:00

From Easter 09

So hard at work...

From Easter 09

How dare my hands get dirty!!!

From Easter 09

Savannahs favorite egg...

From Easter 09

JTs egg....

From Easter 09

Even Daddy had fun!!!

From Easter 09

This is what happens when the boys decide they are done doing eggs...

From Easter 09

Our Eggs

From Easter 09

LOOK THE EASTER BUNNY LEFT PROOF!!!!

JT

2009-04-13T23:04:00.002-04:00

Well JT has started ball too...I posted pics of Savannah but not him...that is because I hadn't gone to any games until this last week!!! Here are some from last week....

From JT Baseball 09

Getting Ready

From JT Baseball 09

Catching a Pop Fly!!!! Look at that form...as Curt says...perfect hahahahaha...Daddy taught him well...

From JT Baseball 09

My sweet baby is growing up too fast!!!

Atlanta Aquarium Trip!!!

2009-04-13T22:52:00.002-04:00

A couple of weeks ago we headed to Atlanta for a family trip. We had a wonderful time hanging out and spending time together. The kids had a blast...except for the fact that they think we tried to starve them while we were there :) We refused to feed them at the food court and they were most definitely starving by the time we left!!!!

From Aquarium

Visiting the Jellyfish...

From Aquarium

A Cute Fish saying Hi...

From Aquarium

Whale Shark

From Aquarium

Manta Ray

From Aquarium

Touch Pools!!! He had to almost go swimming himself to reach LOL.

From Aquarium

Getting ready for the 4D show!!! That was Jake's favorite part :)

From Aquarium

Watching fish....we could have sat there all day!!!

From Aquarium

So Sweet

Just A Quick Update...

2009-04-03T21:53:00.002-04:00

Well we are one week and 2 days away from saying goodbye. Yep it is almost time to say goodbye to the love of my life. Time has flown by. I will post pictures of all our adventures after he has gone. For now we are all enjoying our last days together as much as possible. We now know that he won't be able to return home until block leave before the deployment which will be sometime in June/early July. As JT says not a big deal just another deployment...we will be ok. He is trying so hard to be strong but I know he is hurting like never before. Savannah well she has been sleeping with us and snuggling her dad every night for the last week and wakes up every morning and counts down the days. Jake...well he really has NO clue. I just wanted to let you all know that we are all still here, just trying to spend lots of family time together and spend quality time before the fun begins.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-25T15:53:00.002-04:00

From Night Boating at Harrison Lake

Thunder In The Valley

2009-03-23T12:31:00.002-04:00

On Sunday we went off to the airshow! It was a great time but most definitely next year I am packing chairs, camelbacks and everyone sunglasses!!! It was HOT HOT HOT LOL. It was naptime for Jake too so we didn't stay for very long...just over an hour. It was fun though and we got to see all sorts of fun flying machines!

This is Jake's Picture to blow up and hang on his wall :)

From Air Show

All sorts of tricks were happening in the sky!

From Air Show

Savannah was using my glasses and was rockin the look!

From Air Show

JT can't sport the look Nan can in my glasses LOL.

From Air Show

Just For Laura!!!

2009-03-22T11:32:00.002-04:00

From Zoo March 09

More Zoo Adventures...this was the funniest part of the WHOLE trip b/c it was mating season for the giraffes hahahahaha.

Spring Break in Alabama

2009-03-21T21:32:00.003-04:00

Well for the last week we have been on Spring Break. It went by way too fast. Josh is officially done here at Benning and we are enjoying a great leave time! Wednesday we went to Dahlonega to see Margaux for Trenton's Birthday. We had a wonderful time and guess what I turn on my camera and sure enough my CF card was in my printer at home!!! So no pics for that LOL.

We came home Thursday just in time for Savannah's first softball game of the year. She did so well! She loves playing ball and is turning out to be quite the little baller!!!

From Savannah Softball 09

It was then Friday morning and we were off to Montgomery. It was time to go back to Build A Bear for some new Daddy Bears. I will post pics of those tomorrow. Before we did the bears we headed to the Montgomery Zoo. This zoo is a wonderful day trip and we are planning on making it a very well visited place for us LOL. Here are some pictures from our day of fun at the Zoo.

From Zoo March 09

Wordless Wednesday-All in 24 hours

2009-03-11T09:45:00.001-04:00

From 2005

Silly Kiddos!

2009-03-07T23:12:00.003-05:00

Yes these are from baseball again but they were being goofballs at this point.

It is amazing to me how much JT and Daddy look alike...Hmmm it could make for a long deployment waking up to a mini-Josh everyday LOL. I mean my gosh...LOOK AT THEIR HAIR AND THE WAY IT LAYS!!!! SERIOUSLY...attitude, looks, sense of humor...good thing I am totally head over heels in love with his dad huh LOL.

From Baseball 09

JT WAS THINKING HE WAS TOTALLY THE COOLEST THING EVER HERE LOL...OH THE FUN REALLY BEGINS AT THIS AGE!!!!

Baseball Baseball and More Baseball

2009-03-07T23:06:00.002-05:00

Yep that is the schedule at our house....What will I do when Josh leaves :) It may be time for a rent-a-mommy (thank you Leslie for that saying LOL). Today after 2 practices we came home and decided to....Yep practice some more!!!! So here are some pics (b/c I wasn't going to be playing ball LOL)

From Baseball 09

Snow Days in March!

2009-03-07T16:45:00.003-05:00

Well it isn't as bad as a Snow Day in June like at home, but for March it was a lot of snow. The kids were thrilled to see snow until they went to play in it. They came inside and said "Its not enough and its too wet." LOL Well what did they expect 3 feet like in Montana...yep...they wanted to build a snowfort...forget the snowmen that is just not cool enough they wanted a fort!!!! They still went out and played and best of all they got their snow treats!!!

From Snow March 09

Flash Back Friday

2009-02-26T18:34:00.000-05:00

From Drop Box

JT and Savannah on a beach walk at Pismo in 2005.

My Cupboard Invader!

2009-02-25T20:09:00.001-05:00

Yep Jake has been up to his old tricks!!

From Feb 09

Savannah's Birthday!

2009-02-25T20:06:00.003-05:00

We had a very small birthday with just Regan over. It had been a LONG day by the time we had cake so she looks very rugratty. :) She started out the day great but playing in the woods will do that to you LOL.
And no I didn't make her cake :( This was the second celebration that we had since it was the weekend.

From Feb 09

Valentine Valentine

2009-02-25T19:46:00.002-05:00

Monday night was a PTA program for the Kindergarteners. Savannah got to hold the A right alongside her buddy Regan. It was very short, but very sweet. Here are a few pics...

From Feb 09

Thank you Stephanie.

2009-02-19T22:13:00.005-05:00

Well tonight my sister informs me that she has heard a song. A song that will pull at my heartstrings. A song that will bring tears to my eyes. Some people may not understand, but those of you that do...fully get it at its fullest impact. There is NOTHING like watching you little child attempt to be the "Man of the House" while his dad is off doing his job. Those of you that know my little JT know that is a wise old man in a little boys body. I really don't know what I would do without him. We do our very best to make him NOT the man of the house but he has a way about him of taking things under control in a manner that you won't even know he has done anything out of the ordinary. This song is most definitely my sweet little precious JT...I hope you all enjoy.

6 A.M and Bobby’s wakin’ up
Rolls outta bed with sleepy eyes
Goes to his sister’s room across the hall
“Hey Daisy rise and shine”
He pours two bowls full of Captain Crunch
Puts a fresh pot of coffee on
He wakes his momma up off the couch
"The bus is here, we love you mom"

He made the breakfast
He did the dishes
So she wouldn’t have to

Oh he’s only ten
Just comin’ of age he oughta be out playin’ ball
And video games
Climbin’ trees
Or on a bike
just ridin’ around
But it’s hard to be a kid
When you’re the man of the house

It’s late at night and Larry King is on
Momma’s up on the couch again
Bobby hears them all talk about
That awful war his daddy’s in
So he runs off, straight up to his room
Don’t want his momma to see him right now
He climbs in bed and says a silent prayer
Then he cries his little blue eyes out
Don’t wanna let her down

Oh he’s only ten
Just comin’ of age he oughta be out playin’ ball
And video games
Climbin’ trees
Or on a bike
just ridin’ around
But it’s hard to be a kid
When you’re the man of the house

It’s finally Saturday
Bobby gets a phone call
Another world away from home
He says, “I love you dad”
Daddy says it right back
“Wish I could reach through this phone
And hug you, and Daisy, and your mom
I’m so proud of you son.”

He’s only ten
Just comin’ of age he oughta to be out playin’ ball
And video games
Climbin’ trees
Or on a bike
just ridin’ around
But it’s hard to be a kid
When you’re the man of the house

It’s 6 A.M and Bobby’s wakin’ up
Rolls outta bed with sleepy eyes

Well The Day Has Finally Come ....

2009-02-19T17:54:00.003-05:00

The day Josh has definite orders...somehow even though I have known he was leaving I have kept it held at bay. Yesterday he told me he has a definite date...Report to Riley April 15th. UGH it is so far away and in some ways I wish he could just report next week so we could get it started and over with....then in others I just want him to stay home and be with us and never leave or deploy or do all that crazy Army stuff LOL. I guess I must have gotten really spoiled with him being home everyday and being able to actually be a part of our family full-time.

So I guess it is time to start my To Do List and post it soon. I will need about 300 things to accomplish before my time is over LOL. Wish me luck!!! I am about ready to jump back into the life as a Real Army Wife...my life as a Drill Wife has ended

Here is one of my favorite sets of Pictures from our last journey into this world of separation and deployments. It is taken a couple of weeks before Josh left to Iraq and then a couple weeks after he got back. What a HUGE difference a year makes... in our case from 2 kids to 3 LOL!!!!

From Blogger Pictures

WOW!!

2009-02-16T11:28:00.003-05:00

It has been forever since I have had a chance to update. Things have been very busy around here. We did however take yesterday to have some fun. There were boys here that Josh was with in Washington. It was a great time!!! To see them all together it is truly amazing to see the bond that is created between them. They haven't seen each other in YEARS...but yet they see each other and it is like they saw them yesterday. It was a WONDERFUL day full of old memories and new ones. Watching all the kids get to know each other and seeing kids we havent even seen yet. It is truly amazing how much the Army makes your family so much larger than just your blood. As we were talking yesterday it was amazing to me how many "Uncles" my kids had when we were in Washington...So many laughs and giggles over silly little things....like teaching JT his name was "Pimp Daddy Phines" along with a few other select sayings. Now they have kids of their own and think what in the world hahahaha. Here is a little of what the stories entailed yesterday as it was a walk down memory lane...
Tribute

Well my Army Family...

2009-02-02T12:08:00.003-05:00

Has officially been expanded...to include my cousin LOL. This last week has been busy with Turning Blue, Graduation and hosting my Aunt, Uncle and Cousin. It was a great time! A little sad because well....I know what he is going to do LOL. He will be stationed at Ft Stewart (and close to me :) and that little boy that I remember so well as just a little tiny kiddo is now growing up to be a soldier. I saw him for the first time in almost 6 years over Christmas break and was amazed at what a wonderful young man he has become. This last weekend as I watched him graduate made me proud to be a part of his family. Of course my hubby has already taken that oath...well many times LOL...but this is the beginning for this young man and I hope that although the road may be a little rough at time his time in will be full of fun memories and great friends like our has been so far. Here is the beginning for PV1 Colton Johnson...

So Happy to Be Done!!!

Being "Turned Blue" by Dad!!!!

Aaah one soldier to another!!!

MOM!!!!

Sister!!!

YOU JUST THOUGHT YOU WERE DONE!!! TIME TO GET SMOKED!!!

I'm SO sorry drills LOL I know you all hate pics LOL

The companies entering!

May God Bless all of our Military and the United States!!!

Things I've Done

2009-01-25T23:20:00.002-05:00

I saw this on Brandys Blog and it looked fun!

Here's the rule: Bold the things you've done & post on your blog!

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt-I lived right by it :)

From Montana Pictures

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma.

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards at Arlington National Cemetary

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year's Eve

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

JTs B-day Get Together

2009-01-19T18:55:00.002-05:00

JT's cake

JT and his buddy Trenton...they are less than a year apart and look at the difference LOL.

This would be why Margaux and I get crazy looks when we go shopping together LOL...and Payton is missing!!!

These two have been buddies for a LONG time

Wow!! 8 Years already!

2009-01-19T17:54:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was JT's 8th birthday. It is truly amazing how time goes so quickly. It seems like just yesterday I was calling Nancy in a panic LOL. Oh the time we had for awhile. I could NEVER have imagined what a wonderful sweet boy I would get. I am excited to see what the future holds for him and watch how God works in his life, but yet a little sad because my sweet little baby has definitely in the last few months grown up to be a big little man.

From 2001

My darling boy at 7lbs1oz and 18 inches he was SO tiny.

From 2001

Heading home in -32 degrees!!!! BRRRRRR

From Christmas Eve

Still not all that much bigger at only 45 pounds at the age of 8 LOL.

I'm It!!!

2009-01-17T23:33:00.003-05:00

I've been tagged by Brandi! So according to the rules I have to go my 4th folder and pick the 4th picture.

From 2002 Pics

This is an old one!!! This was JT!! We were at my mom's house and she was making his birthday cake LOL. He was a year old here. My sweet little darling boy. It was funny this was the picture because tomorrow my sweet baby boy will be 8 years old! Oh how I miss him at that age. He was the sweetest baby and so easy. Michelle didn't like me much with JT LOL. He was too easy she said LOL. Now check out those counters!!!! And in the bottom left hand corner...that green...yep that is my mom's sink hahahaha. I LOVE my mom's house...orange counters, green sinks, and up until a few years ago green stove and fridge to match!!!!

So now I tag 4 people:

Nicholle

Margaux

Laura

Ally

Here are the rules:
Go to the fourth folder on your computer where you store photos. Select your fourth picture (no exceptions)Post the picture with a story and a link to the person who tagged you tag 4 people to do the same.
Let me know if you played!!!

Flashback Friday

2009-01-09T22:51:00.001-05:00

From 2005

This was Jake at 5 weeks old. I should have known then that life would be interesting from then on!!!

WW At the Monster Trucks!

2009-01-07T13:05:00.001-05:00

From Blogger Pictures

What a Break!

2008-12-31T19:46:00.002-05:00

So the New Year is almost here and this break has flown by. What have we accomplished??? Well not much LOL. Josh decided to start a new HUGE project with his car and I think I may be wishing it was Michelle's-at My Two Army Brats- husband instead of me under the car LOL.

From Josh's Car

Yep that is me helping ever so kindly! Kirke might actually be more help than me though LOL.

He started out with this

From Josh's Car

and is now to less than this!!!!

From Josh's Car

Seriously look what Drag Racing has started in our house hahahahaha.

Along with practicing some mechanic skills we have all had our turn at being sick in one form or another. We made it the WHOLE first part of the school year with only two kid being out sick for one day each!!! The day after school is out though oh boy let is roll LOL. I guess at least we can all just stay home and be bums and play games! Our new favorite game to play is The LadyBug Game Jake is loving being able to play on his own since I was a TERRIBLE mother and left Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders at school!!! OOOPPPS!!!! Speaking of which...
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Moms teach your children to play these classic games LOL. It was absolutely amazing to me that out of 5 Kindergarten classes of 13-15 children only 2-4 in each class knew how to play these games!!!! YIKES!!!!

What Happens When...

2008-12-27T12:53:00.003-05:00

The kids stay up late to watch a Christmas movie!

From December Pics

Our Christmas Eve Traditions

2008-12-27T12:35:00.002-05:00

Most families have many traditions... at home it is ribs and family. My Grandpa, my parents, my 3 sets of Aunts and Uncles, 11 cousins, and my family since I am the oldest and the only one married and kids LOL. Yep it is a houseful...full of love and laughter...some years sadness mixed in...and a whole bunch of silliness. We all share presents with one another and enjoy ribs, lefse, cookies, salads, and much more. Now that we do not return back home for Christmas we have made our own traditions. Instead of a houseful, it is just us...instead of ribs, we have enchiladas (thanks to Margaux)...we still go to Christmas Eve service...

but then it is time for s'mores....

From December Pics

Open up those PJs and Slippers....

From Christmas Eve

Hot Cocoa and Christmas Stories...This year JT read "Polar Express" to them and then I read the "The First Christmas", "The Soldiers' Night Before Christmas", "You Can Do It, Sam" and "You Are My Miracle." Every year these stories are read. Soon each one will have a story to read. "You Are My Miracle" will always be mine to share with them.

From Christmas Eve

and then time for bed and Santa to visit.

Lefse!

2008-12-27T12:25:00.002-05:00

Every year, no matter where we are Lefse is a must! Being as I grew up with many Norwegian traditions this is one that I will never give up. Another one that I will be bringing back next year is Krumkake...yum yum. Here is this years batch of lefse...it was a big hit and now my family thinks it needs to be a staple here LOL.

The 3 keys to yummy lefse!!!

LOL Yep it all starts with potatoes!

Hmmmm....Josh says he is pretty sure I just like to make mashed potatoes :)

Finally some dough!

Rolled out really really thin.

Frying up the lefse!

After it has cooled in the towel.

Then cut it into pieces.

YUMMMYYY!!! Butter and sugar...the kids love it with cinnamon and sugar or jelly but I was out of both. Ooops.

From Cooking Pics

The kids favorite way to eat lefse...rolled up!

Christmas Parade

2008-12-27T12:17:00.002-05:00

Finally our lives have returned to some quiet and normalcy and I can update and empty my camera! We went to the Annual Bi-City Christmas Parade this year and had a wonderful time. It was a wonderful 30 degrees out and we were standing on the bridge over the Chattahoochee River so it was a tad bit chilly LOL.

We saw many floats and enjoyed an wonderful opening to our Holiday Season!

BRRR!!!!!

We were wondering if they knew there was a parade going on!!!!!!

The Crazy Kiddos!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-17T20:51:00.002-05:00

Things have been VERY busy this week but I will update on Sunday when I get back from taking Erik to the airport! Here is just a small picture of what I found today after my kids helped me make dinner!!!

Was it Jake??? NOPE it was Savannah!!! UGH...seriously someday I might keep up with them :)

Photo Story Friday

2008-12-12T08:33:00.002-05:00

Josh LOVES pecans and will just sit and eat them. Jake decided he would like to try them LOL.

UMMMM Maybe they will be ok????

I'm Really Trying To Like It....

NEVER MIND...TRASH CAN HERE I COME!!!

LOL...I guess pecans are not a big hit with Jake.

JT!!!

2008-12-11T19:43:00.003-05:00

His little Christmas Program was today and it was so sweet. They don't do an organized one, so his teacher put together a little thing for the parents after lunch today.

WE PUT OUR HOOVES IN... WE PUT OUR HOOVES OUT

Christmas Tag

2008-12-11T19:35:00.002-05:00

1. What is your favorite Christmas Movie? Polar Express
2. Favorite Christmas Song? "O Holy Night" by Josh Grobin
3. Favorite Holiday Memory? My Grandma Ruth and her special Christmas dress...oh how I miss her.
4. What kind of cookie/treat do you like to make? Mexican wedding cookies, Melt In Your Mouths, and Lefse
6. Do you love Starbucks? Yes, Chai and pumpkin spice Lattes
7.What makes the perfect Snowman? Top Hat to make him come to life =)
8. Best gift you have ever given? Probably the scrapbook I made for my Grandpa with all the kids' pictures.
9. Best gift you have ever received? My tool box and tools!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE my tools.
10. What is the snowman's name on Rudolph? Sam
11.Silver or Gold? Silver
12. What is your favorite Christmas decoration? My Christmas Bells like my Mom and Grandma have. I have never been so excited to find an ornament!!!
13. What's your Christmas decorating style? It is becoming more and more snowmanish LOL.
14. Do you hang stockings? Yes
15. How many days do you celebrate Christmas? Right after Thanksgiving
16. What do you want this year? LOL I already got my camera for Christmas way back in May hahahaha.
17. What was your favorite ornament on the tree as a child? It wasn't on the tree but behind the tree...it was the bird that chirped at my Grandparents house!!!!

I tag....Brandi and Michelle

Jake's Antics!!

2008-12-11T18:25:00.004-05:00

These eyes are why everyone wonders why I say that Jake is my extra angel boy!!!!

Today I had more than one cat!!!! Jake decided that he would be a kitty for the day and follow Corona around the house. He was on the table with Cory(Cory was busy trying to escape him LOL)...then to the living room couch...then to this that I captured. I am so glad he has such an active imagination but when the cat jumps on the trash can to the counter that doesn't mean you should follow!!!!

My two favorite kittens.

MEOOOOWW!!!!!

Loving the real cat!!!

From Jakes Antics

The cat did finally get away after this...as you can tell he was real thrilled. Good thing we got him when Savannah was little and he is well trained in the way of children LOL.

'TIS THE SEASON

2008-12-09T20:55:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas!!!

R IS FOR THE RINGING OF THE CHRISTMAS BELLS

2008-12-09T20:40:00.003-05:00

Well tonight was Jake's program for school. He has been saying his part and has been singing the songs, so I wasn't too worried about that (except the fact that there were a ton of people there.) I was more worried about what little plan the two ~~mischievous~~ angel babies would come up with. They all came walking in and it was so sweet to see them all walk in...a bunch of little tiny 3 year olds.

Soon came Jake and Rena (his sidekick)...Rena was not too impressed by it all...

For those at home...YES IT IS ERIK AND CHELSEA ALL OVER AGAIN!!!!

He then was scanning the crowd for us...

And TADA there we were...

Then it was time to say his part...Many little ones didn't want to say it, but Jake got up and although you could only hear R...ringing...Christmas Bells...

He was SOOOOO proud of himself LOL...

It was then time to sing some songs and Away In The Manger was the sweetest song.

He was so thrilled with everyone's singing and saying of the parts that he clapped right along with the crowd.

My Sweet Darling Angel Boy did a wonderful job and watching him with his friends was so fun. Pre-School has been a WONDERFUL thing for him and he is loving it and growing more everyday.

Jake's Little Life

2008-12-06T16:45:00.002-05:00

So all three kids were home today! I decided today would be a GREAT day to clean clean clean LOL. The three head off to their rooms to "clean." I am folding laundry (yes that seems to be my WHOLE life!!) and I hear a terrific crash that keeps going and going and JT screaming "MOM HELP ME!" I walk in and see Jake's dresser at a very awkward angle and stereo pieces everywhere. Where is Jake? Yep under a dresser drawer and half under the bed. Now how he got half under the bed I have no idea! Maybe the drawer that split his lip knocked him under. Now many of you are going to say...that is why you anchor your furniture. I move things WAY too often to anchor anything!!! That dresser has only been there for about 3 weeks as it is LOL. I am in a way very glad it happened because he has told me that he doesn't like climbing things anymore. I told him that is why I keep telling him to stay off of things because he can get hurt. He said "Sorry I didnt listen Mommy" LOL. Maybe now he will stay off the cupboards and the sofa table and the dressers and the closet shelves and whatever else is elevated off the ground!

On a bright note...I FOUND MY CHARGER!!! Where was it?? ?Ummm in the cupboard where it belongs...how both Josh and I missed it is beyond me, but we did LOL. Soooo...pictures will soo be coming along with my Jakey stories!!!

An Add On To Jake!

2008-12-03T22:58:00.003-05:00

I found him sitting on the coffee table again. I asked..."What in the world is happening in my house?" Jakes says, " You let me play up here ever I want" (SOOOOO NOT TRUE) I say "Well I don't let you play up there and today I say absolutely not." to which Jakey replies "Fine but watch this!" STANDS UP AND JUMPS OFF. He turns around and says.."That was so cool. I did a HUGE jump." All while showing me with his hands...

Has anyone found my camera battery charger yet????? LOL

Jake's Antics

2008-12-03T16:09:00.001-05:00

Well he has actually been pretty sweet and well-mannered.
This morning he said his part at school!! It took threatening for no more super-tucks from Daddy, Santa wasn't going to come, and "PLEASE do it and you can have ice cream everyday you do it" but he said it finally today LOL. We were starting to get a little worried since it is next week.

Currently he is sitting on my kitchen counter washing his "bad-guys" (aka. little plastic soldiers) He says they need a bath after their last battle. Ummm whatever little dude.

As I was switching around laundry awhile ago I heard the shovel from by the fireplace. Yep you guessed it...he was emptying the fireplace for me. So I had a wonderful pile of ashes to clean up...good thing I just dusted this morning right!!

I seriously am going to just have to start taking pictures of him all day long so I can keep up LOL.

The only problem with that is my battery charger for my camera is missing...hmmmmm WHERE IS IT???? I have looked high and low so if anyone has any ideas please let me know LOL.

Introducing The New Jake!

2008-12-01T22:51:00.002-05:00

Isn't he sweet????
Well he really is sweet but....
Today...
1. Refuses to say his part for the Christmas Program even though he knows it. He says no one else needs to know it.

2. Decides to help clean my kitchen by turning the water on and putting it over a cookie sheet that is soaking on the top of my sink. This ends up in water POURING onto my counter, under the microwave and toaster, and a beautiful waterfall flowing onto the floor. I was in scrubbing the bathroom.

3. Decides that the sofa table that is against the wall is a WONDERFUL place to climb and sit and play with my Yankee Tart burner that plays music. Then proceed to want me to cheer when he can get down by himself and show me how he can continuously climb up and down.

4. Decides he can start his own cookies by dumping 2 cups of sugar into the mixer and telling me to come add eggs to his cookie mix. Needless to say we ended up making cookies.

I can't wait to see what adventures tomorrow will bring. I am going to start a daily posting of Jake's Antics because I have a feeling that most days will be full of them. :)
DISCLAIMER:
JUST SO YOU KNOW I DO WATCH HIM!!!! HE IS VERY QUICK AND STEALTH LIKE.

Well What A Month It has Been

2008-12-01T22:21:00.003-05:00

So we have had a very busy last month and a half! We have had field trips, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and some big decisions.

First off Field Trip. Savannah's class along with the other 4 Kindergarten classes decided to take a small day trip to the Pumpkin Patch. It was a GREAT time had by all. I love hanging out with Kindergartners. It is so nice to see kids who still have faith in adults LOL. After having 4th graders just a few days before who push every boundary there is all day long and consistently try to drive you crazy, the sweetness of Kindergarten is a breath of fresh air LOL. Don't get me wrong I LOVE my 4th graders, but Kindergarten is still innocent. We had lots of fun playing in the corn and running through the small maze. We also got to bring home a silk worm who Jake name Mr. CAT a PIL lar. He survived for a few days in the chaos of Kindergarten desks and I then brought him home to be set free. Mr Cat a Pil lar was a wonderful incentive for the quietest table throughout all the Kindergarten classrooms!!!

Next came Halloween...
Savannah was a witch, JT was a drill Sgt. and Jake was a skeleton...sound familiar??? Yep same costumes as last year!!! They all loved their costumes so we just dug them out of the dress up bucket and, even if Jake's was about an inch too short, off we went. We met up with Leslie and her family for a little game time and candy and then home we came. I was very sick and still had a homework assignment due, so the night was short. It was rather nice to not have tired and whiny kids at the end of it all! We also didn't have an overabundance of candy and it only lasted about 4 days and it was gone WOOHOOO!

Then came a huge decision we battled over and are still wondering if we made the right decision. Some of you may know that JT is a very bright student. For the last three years we have challenged him as much as possible without pushing him too far ahead of his peers. The time had come for us to approach the school about what could be done to help challenge him. Seeing as how he is functioning in every subject on at least a third grade level and some way higher, we chose to see if we could get him into gifted a little early. That option was not able to happen due to state regulations (umm whatever) and we were given the option to push him up for reading. They then realized he was ahead in math and every other subject and gave us the option to just skip him at the semester. Now how wonderful that may sound for some people, we struggled with it, prayed about it, and I cried many tears over trying to make sure we were making the right choice for him in later years, as well as right now. JT is a very very smart child, but also a VERY VERY tiny child. He weighs a whole 45 lbs and is almost 8! He is smaller than many 1st graders and so to put him in a 3rd grade class could be interesting, even if most of his friends are 3rd graders. Then not to mention the challenges of JR. High a year young. Finally we came to a compromise and are now in the midst of implementing it. He goes to a 3rd grade room for reading, spelling, and English. He then returns off and on to the 2nd grade room during the 3rd grade P.E. (because as much as he would like he can't do PE twice LOL). He does math in the 2nd grade room, but on a 3rd grade level of whatever concept they are working on. Because we plan on being at this school until Jr. High this will continue up until that point. It so far is working and he is finally finding some challenges. I have never heard as sweet of words as I heard today when he told me "Well seat work wasn't too hard or too easy, but I did have to think on some questions. I had to re-read the story to answer the question." WOOHOO FINALLY a small challenge and learning something new!!!! I know some of you may be reading this and thinking wow what is she worried about!!! I know I am lucky to have JT and many of you that know him know how sweet, caring, and smart he is, but he was losing a little of that. He was loosing some of his love for school and it was really starting to worry me and not knowing what is right for you child whether they are advanced or behind is still a worry...I don't know if I am messing him up for his future, if I am pushing him too hard, if I am not pushing enough, etc. I just pray that we have made the right decision for him and that things will continue to work.

Now Savannah...she has started speech. THANK GOODNESS!!! It took a long time but she has finally started. Hopefully we will see a difference soon. There are times now with her southern accent she has picked up (Thank you Mrs. Poole :) that I can't understand a word she says LOL. She has quite a few things to work on and I am so glad she has Ms. Parish who will straighten her out!!!!

Jake hmmmm...my sweet adorable Jake. That is a post in itself LOL. Lets just say he is being Jake and I love him more and more everyday. He is my challenge of all challenges, but when he walks up and says, "Mommy I Love You Now" after he has been in trouble just melts my heart. He still loves me even after I have sent him to the ~~dungeon of tears~~ bedroom. I am glad he will be my last 3 year old, but it is also sad in some ways to see him growing up.

Now onto Thanksgiving. Oh what a relaxing day it was!!!! The kids did not even get out of their PJs until right before Dunch (Dinner/Lunch) as JT says. We sat around and watched football and ate until our hearts content. The kids played and played and snuggled. It was just what we all needed to recover from the last couple of weeks.

I am going to really really try to keep up on this now that we have a schedule going and I am actually caught up on life in general...that and I think my sisters my fly out here and visit if I don't LOL.

Well I guess I had better Update

2008-10-15T16:52:00.004-04:00

Things have been VERY busy here. I haven't blogged in what seems like forever. With me having homework and subbing almost everyday, by the time I get home and get dinner cooked I don't have time for much of anything!

First up...I finally put pictures on my computer LOL
Here is Jakes first day of school!!!

SO HAPPY TO START SCHOOL FINALLY

SWINGING TO HIT!

FINALLY HIT IT

JT AS A CUB SCOUT

BOWLING AT FALL FAMILY CAMP

SAVANNAH PLAYING TABLE PING PONG

JT SHOOTING ARROWS

HE HIT THE BULLSEYE TOO!!!!

EVEN JOSH CAME TO JOIN IN THE FUN