Texas Life

Spurs

2012-01-23T14:53:00.000-05:00

Love $5 tickets to see the Spurs

Loved seeing Jimmer (he didn't play much)

Loved going with friends

Love free XL tee shirts that our section all won

Did not love Brooks's huge tantrum over a stuffed dog

Long weekend = Austin

2012-01-18T19:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for the long weekend you provided us, among the other things you did for the nation. We took advantage of the long weekend and explored Austin. It is a beautiful city and we really had a good time. The kids love hotels and packing so they were excited from the very beginning. We stopped at the outlet mall on the way there for a few hours. It was fabulous! We also toured the Capitol Building which was amazing. The building itself was awesome and the grounds were fun to explore. Afterward we were able to walk and drive around downtown. Loved it all.

Austin Chilren's Museum

2012-01-18T18:04:00.000-05:00

The Children's Museum in Austin was a little smaller then we hoped, but the kids had a great time.

Last of Austin

2012-01-18T17:00:00.000-05:00

We "hiked" to the top of Mount Bonnell. It is the highest spot in Austin. I was expecting a little bit more then just 4 flights of stairs. The web sites may have exaggerated the climb a little. The homes on the river were awesome!!

Our new plan after military retirement is for James to teach ROTC at one of the nearby universities and live in either one of these homes.

After our trek back down Mount Bonnell we went over to Zilker Park. It is such an awesome park. There were so many runners there and it made me jealous of such a great place to run. They also had a pool/lake fed by a spring that looked so inviting. We wish it had been warmer so we could have canoed on the lake. We rode the Zilker Zepher train and saw a lot of the park. After that we played on the playground for awhile until it was time to head back to real life in San Antonio.

Other trip notes:

-Mia didn't have a single accident on the trip and used public toilets for the 1st time!

-Wish we could have seen my friend Krystle who lives in Austin and her new baby, but timing didn't work out. Just gives us a great excuse to go back again.

-Mia was really concerned that we left her backpack in the hotel. She wanted to take it with us everywhere she went.

-Mia did not like sleeping in her pack and play. She screamed unless she slept sideways in between James and I. We didn't sleep much.

Big Girl!

2012-01-02T12:26:00.000-05:00

Christmas Day

2011-12-29T13:51:00.000-05:00

Christmas Trains

2011-12-29T13:35:00.000-05:00

Texas Train Museum

Highlights: a train ride to the North Pole, hayride, cool old cars, Christmas train displays, and spending a fun evening together.

Gingerbread

2011-12-19T14:28:00.002-05:00

I love the smell of gingerbread!

Snow... in Texas?

2011-12-19T14:24:00.002-05:00

We live in a great neighborhood! The annual Christmas party was so much fun. They made SNOW!! The kids were in heaven. Hayden played on the hill until he was frozen and we made him go home. Mia thought it was hilarious to throw snow at James and have him toss it at her. Brooks also loved throwing snowballs at everyone. We decorated cookies, made an ornament, saw Santa, drank hot chocolate, ate yummy crepes, and talked with our neighbors.

I was one of the few who participated in the Polar Bear Plunge! It said you would get a fabulous prize!! It was a major shock jumping in but it wasn't that bad. My fabulous prize was 2 tickets to see the Rampage.

It is always hard picking a new home every time we move, we sure feel blessed with this house.

For my dad

2011-12-13T17:09:00.003-05:00

Bass Pro-Shop

2011-12-13T17:09:00.000-05:00

Mia would not ride the carousel.

Mia would not duck hunt.

Mia would not hunt.

Mia would not pose by the antlers, but aren't these two so cute!!

She would not ride.

She would NOT sit with Santa.

She was terrified of the raccoon.

She peeked through her hands the entire time we were even near Santa and clung to James with all of her might.

But, she loved the fish!

Visit from Grandma

2011-12-13T16:55:00.000-05:00

Grandma Colleen was able to come visit us for almost a week this Thanksgiving. The kids loved every minute of grandma time. We went to Sea World, shopping for a special new toy, read lots and lots of books, played spy, did puzzles, tea parties, and just enjoyed being with family. Our Thanksgiving dinner was fabulous and it was perfect to share with family, friends, and 2 basic trainees. I was kind of anxious about the 2 airmen we would get paired up with but they were 2 very nice girls and one of them reminded me of my dear friend Lenae, so it was fabulous.

Thanks for coming Grandma!!

Kids

2011-12-12T13:02:00.000-05:00

Hayden 6

Brooks 4

Mia 2

My 1st Race!!

2011-11-21T16:01:00.000-05:00

Neither of these pictures have me in them, but we didn't take any pictures that day. I really wish we would have but hopefully I can buy some later.

I really wanted to run a half marathon but didn't want to do it alone. So, I talked my sisters into doing it with. Mary took a little more coaxing then Elizabeth. We all live in different states but we trained together. We had the same plan and talked each week after our long runs. It was so fun to train with them through the aches and pains. We picked a race near one of us and all met up in Arizona to run the Shun the Sun 1/2 marathon.

All of the training and preparation went smoothly, but when it came to the race, life gave us trouble. The night before we were going to leave Mary's son came down with appendicitis which burst and led to nothing but trouble. Good and bad timing. Elizabeth and I were able to help watch her girls which was so fun to hang out with my sweet nieces and help Mary, but the sister's weekend had to be altered.

Elizabeth and I got up early on race day. They told us to plan on traffic, there was no traffic so we sat in the car together for awhile. Port-a-potties are gross. I was pretty nervous waiting for the race and was so glad Elizabeth was there with me. I didn't know what to expect. The race started and we were off. I was feeling great and loving the experience. I know it is lame but I loved getting handed water and then getting to throw the cup on the ground. However, I spilled most of the water, how do you drink from a cup and run at the same time? I was feeling pretty good up until mile 10ish. Then I struggled for a bit. Elizabeth is the only thing that kept me from sitting down and crying. She grabbed my arm and told me I was ok and that I could keep going. Thank heavens for sisters. We finished strong and crossed with the exact same time of 2:13:03. I am so grateful I was able to do the race with my best friend and missed Mary being there but was so glad we were there to help her during a really rough time.

After the race both Elizabeth and I said we would never do another one.... but we have to do one all together.

My 2nd Race
Our neighborhood had Turkey Trot this last weekend. It was super informal and only 2 1/2 miles, but I won for the women and got a gift card to Target!!

Perfect

2011-11-05T10:22:00.000-04:00

Brooks had Perfect Attendance for the first 9 weeks of school. He was so proud of himself as he walked up to get his ribbon. He now gets to have an ice cream party with the principal and vice principal. Love you Brooks.

Halloween

2011-11-05T10:17:00.000-04:00

Brooks had 3 costumes that fit him so for the ward trunk-or-treat he was a super fast race car driver.

Hayden is a very handsome skeleton. He looks so old to me, where did my baby boy go?

My little Hawaiian Princess. She only kept her leis on by bribing her with candy.

For Halloween night he wanted to be Spiderman!

Halloween night we went around the neighborhood with the F. family. I'm so glad they came over to help because James was freezing in Ohio. Stupid TDYs. The kids had a great time and we have candy to last us for months.

Pumpkins

2011-10-29T15:08:00.000-04:00

Hayden loved cleaning out his pumpkin.

Brooks and Mia would NOT stick their hands in theirs.

I roasted the pumpkin seeds for the first time ever and Hayden, Mia, and I are loving them.

Brooks was bribed with a jelly bean to try 1 seed.

Brooks designed his own face.

Hayden carved part of his own pumpkin for the first time.

Mia liked moving around the table looking in every ones pumpkin and saying, "ewww."

Until we meet again

2011-10-29T14:14:00.000-04:00

My beloved grandma passed away on Oct. 27.

She truly was an amazing woman and I loved her very much. As I ran this morning I thought about her and all of the things she taught me. So many of the things me and my family have are because of her and her hard work. I will miss her dearly.

New... to us!!

2011-10-25T16:57:00.001-04:00

Thank you Grandma Colleen!!!

It took quite awhile to get a piano from Utah to Texas.

We LOVE it and it will be used for many years to come.

Helotes Festival

2011-10-16T20:17:00.000-04:00

We went to the Helotes Pumpkin Festival on Saturday after soccer. It was pretty fun but I really wanted to be in boots and a sweater not sweating in 90 degree heat.

Getting ready for a hay ride!!

B. Hayden and Brooks

Mia being a big help feeding baby B.

They could have stayed here all day.

Train ride

That's my girl!!

2011-10-10T19:26:00.000-04:00

#9

2011-09-27T11:04:00.000-04:00

Happy Anniversary to us!!

9 years ago today I got to marry my best friend.

I love him and can't wait for our date tonight!!

Soccer starts again

2011-09-25T14:08:00.000-04:00

I love his face in this picture, not quite sure of the emotion in it, but it makes me smile. He is so much improved from last season.

Brooks is finally old enough for soccer. He wasn't super excited about it the day we went to sign the boys up, but we told him it was either soccer or learning to swim with sharks and he chose soccer. He loves it now and is so cute out on the field. And, he has the best coach out there, his dad.

She is happy in this picture, but 2 1/2 hours out at the games was too much for her. Thankfully Bret was with us and helped keep her entertained. I also forgot sunscreen and we all have red faces for church today.

Ramp Jam

2011-09-25T13:57:00.000-04:00

we are super spoiled living so close to sea world

we have gone more times then i can count

it is still fun every time

hayden did a different pose for me each time he went around

kept me laughing

ramp jam came to sea world

we knew the boys would LOVE it

and they did

Off to school

2011-09-01T12:01:00.000-04:00

1st day!

2011-08-27T14:58:00.000-04:00

Hayden just finished his first week of First Grade! He loves it. His teacher seems great and he sits at a table of all boys which he thinks is awesome. I am so excited for him. I won't let him walk to school by himself but he wishes he could. Maybe next year.

Brooks just finished his first week of Pre-K. The pre-k here is done through the elementary schools but this year our school didn't have enough kids so Brooks is bussed to different school. It is just half day and he goes in the morning. He has to be on the bus pretty early and he has already been close to missing it twice. He likes the bus in the morning better because it doesn't have seatbelts like the one in the afternoon. His likes his teacher and is making lots of friends. So fun!! I can't believe he is old enough to go to school.

Mia is 2!!

2011-08-27T14:49:00.000-04:00

I can barely believe my baby is 2. Her birthday was last Sunday but we celebrated last Saturday. We went to a neighborhood carnival in the morning and swimming in the afternoon. She loves going down the slide with her dad. Everytime we go down she holds up her finger and says "one more."

She loved all of her girly presents! She is fully embracing anything princess and pink which is a nice change after 2 boys. She loves her purse, blocks with animals hiding in them, her backpack, dress up shoes, wings, wands, skirt, puppy, and her princess cell phone.

Here are some things about Mia right now that I never want to forget.

-She still loves to dance and still makes us dance with her

-She loves to shop, especially for shoes

-She loves having her toenails painted

-She can be super bossy towards the boys

-She loved her big girl bed at first, but now prefers her crib

-She must be a part of everything the boys are doing

-She is getting much better at talking, but it is still something we are working on

-She snuggles her babies and puts them "night-night"

-She must pick out her own spoon or fork for each meal

-She is interested in potty training-- which is awesome!! I am pretty sick of stinky diapers.

-She hates nursey and has only stayed by herself once :(

We love this little girl and are so thankful she is in our family. She sure can make me crazy with her stubborness and strongwill but I love her and always will. Only one more year until she starts ballet!!

Last random bits of Utah

2011-08-27T14:28:00.000-04:00

Miss Mia and Miss Ruth! So cute.

Love the pool.

The kids all piled in grandpa's truck ready to go check the church.

Hayden became a tree climber after watching his cousins.

Utah or bust

2011-08-20T18:49:00.002-04:00

We drove to Utah. We drove and drove and drove. All of my family was there and we all stayed together in my parents house. It was awesome and crazy and amazing. I got to meet two neices and a nephew for the first time. We had kids sleeping (some were not so sleeping) everywhere. I took so many picutres but now I realized I missed so many. I have no pictures with my siblings or my parents. Really, how did I miss that?? Lame. We drove in on a weekend and James had to fly out to Vegas again for TDY. He was still able to spend a week in Utah with us though. We got to see lots of family and friends but 2 weeks is just not enough time to see everyone. I loved staying up late with my mom and sisters and just being together with everyone. Family is pretty awesome and it is always so hard to leave, espcially when leaving means driving and driving and driving.

Thanks mom and dad for hosting ALL of us. Thanks to all of my siblings and their families for coming.

Solitude

2011-08-20T18:40:00.001-04:00

All dressed up and ready to go to James's cousins wedding dinner at Solitude. Mia was less then pleased about taking this picture, even with gummy bear bribes.

Laura and Micheal, love them

Wish he picked them for me, but they are for his aunt Sarah.

Aftermath of the the delicious dessert fondue.

I can't believe my baby is almost 2.

The Fair

2011-08-20T18:30:00.001-04:00

I think Brooks missed the memo on the "FUN SLIDE"

Hayden and Ruth loved the pony ride. Brooks refused to get on and Mia tried for about 2 seconds. If you can't tell, Brooks is my more timid child.

All of the kids fight over who gets to ride with grandma. Brooks and Ruth were dominating her lap, this is little Jane who finally got a ride. Isn't my mom beautiful.

Boating

2011-08-20T18:23:00.001-04:00

Oh how I have missed boating. Having a boat growing up was the best. Thanks mom and dad. We went boating with Elizabeth and her girls. I was kind of an overprotective wife and wouldn't let James ski because of his broken leg and all. Hayden loved every second of being on the boat, Brooks wanted to get off from almost the beginning of the ride, and Mia tolerated it all very well.

I was so sore the day after.

Brooks was bribed onto this tube and wanted to only go at the slowest possible speed. We finally went a little faster and due to some rope issues the tube started to submarine. I have never heard him scream so loud. Needless to say, he was done after that.

Mia was such a trooper on the tube. She wimpered and cried a little but when I asked her if she was having fun she kept saying 'yes.'

James was on the boat, but he was taking all of the pictures.

All the Kids

2011-08-20T18:11:00.001-04:00

Here are all of the cute grandkids!! So much fun to have them all together even with the close quarters and chaos. I hope they will remember it. I have lots of memories growing up with my cousins close by and I really want these memories to last for my kids. They are few and far between. Wishing on San Diego June 2012!!

Also, why didn't we think to get a picture of my siblings together or with my parents?? It would have been a good idea.

Church History Museum

2011-08-20T18:05:00.000-04:00

We went downtown to the children's exibit at the Church History Museum. It was really fun and the kids loved exploring, building, dancing, and just being together. We also walked around temple square which is so beautiful.

Dancing with the cousins.

Ruth and Mia

Big Cottonwood Canyon

2011-08-20T14:58:00.001-04:00

We all went up the canyon to roast hotdogs and make smores. It was so nice to be in the cool mountain air and watch the kids hike and climb everywhere. I really miss the mountains, but not the snow.

Mia loves her grandpa. She would wake up in the morning and watch cartoons with him for about 1/2 and hour before wanting to find me. When I was out one day and she woke up screaming he was the only person who could calm her down.

This was the best hot dog I have ever eaten, EVER. If you live in Utah you must try the all beef giant hot dogs from Sniders Meats. They must be cooked over an open flame. So good.

My boys with their cousin Miles. They were so sad when they had to leave.

The kiddos and Grandpa.

Visiting Grandparents

2011-08-20T14:46:00.000-04:00

My grandma Aurelia, I love her

Uncle Carl

Grandma & Grandpa Newey, I love them too

Grandma and Grandpa with most of their great-grandkids from our family. Just Andrew's kids are missing. We were also able to see our cousin Emily and son and Aunt Diane.

My Mia

2011-08-16T17:45:00.000-04:00

I don't need to nap

2011-07-18T13:40:00.002-04:00

Right, you are so tired you just fall asleep on the landing of the stairs, but you are NOT tired and DO NOT need to nap you say, right.

BurritoBabies

2011-07-18T13:33:00.004-04:00

They are probably too old for this...

Also, the other day someone asked me if they were twins? Really?

the 4th

2011-07-07T10:03:00.002-04:00

We decided to go to San Angelo for the 4th. About 2 hours into the 3 hour drive I realized I had forgotten my camera. James would not turn around to get it.

Here are a few of my favorite memories from the trip so I won't forget.

-Listening to the kids play for hours without a single incident (that never happens)
-Meg and Hayden pretending to go to New York and Hawaii together
-Brooks and Kate building train tracks with spectators to watch
-Going to our old wards pancake breakfast and seeing lots of friends
-Swimming at the Wardles pool where James and I dominated the races we made up and Hayden learned to us a snorkel and flippers
-Having a yummy bbq with the Jeppsons, Wardles, and Skidmores and getting to see their adorable 2 week old baby
-Watching the kids on the tire swing
-Having so much fun talking with the girls
-Missed the Harters and Hollobaughs
-Watching fireworks on the golf course and laughing as the kids ran off into the darkness so all we could see was glow sticks off in the distance

It was a perfect weekend and I am truly thankful for our amazing friends in San Angelo. Thanks guys.

Father's Day

2011-06-23T13:37:00.003-04:00

A new office chair- needed but kind of boring

2 soccer jerseys- a much better present and surprise

**Thanks Aaron for finding the jerseys and helping me pick. He would have been very disappointed with the ones I was looking at**

My mom & dad

2011-06-15T08:42:00.007-04:00

Always so fun when they come and always so sad when they leave. We had a great time with my parents at the Riverwalk, Alamo, Seaworld, the pool, just hanging out, and trying a new restaurant which was gluten free and was super yummy. Thanks so much for coming. Can't wait to see you later this summer!!

A Vegas Wedding

2011-06-01T20:46:00.005-04:00

We were so lucky to be able to go to Sarah & Eric's wedding in Las Vegas over Memorial Day weekend. The ceremony was beautiful. I wasn't expecting it to snow, but who cared, it was beautiful.

We had a great time at the traditional Pittsburgh cookie party, the rehearsal dinner, and the reception. The reception was such a fun party with delicious food and awesome company. The rehearsal dinner was a buffet so we let the kids try whatever they wanted. They each ate clams and loved them. Brooks had to bring his shells home. We also took the kids around the strip to see all of the kid friendly sights. They loved all of the lights.

Our good friends, the Harters, from San Angelo are stationed in Vegas. We were able to spend some time with them, which was awesome. It felt just like old times.

Kindergarten Awards

2011-05-25T16:00:00.004-04:00

Hayden won a Citizenship Award for Following the Pillars of Character. Not quite sure what that means, but great job Hayden!! When his teacher announced him, she said Hayden Lunt. It took her a few seconds to correct herself but she got it. He also got a Kindergarten Completion Award, Perfect Attendance Award, Math Award, and a Music Award. What can I say, those teachers love to give awards.... oh and Hayden is awesome!!

his baby girl

2011-05-25T15:59:00.005-04:00

So sweet. Getting some daddy time before he left tdy. Don't worry, he is already home again.

Forced Fun

2011-05-25T15:52:00.004-04:00

James had to go to Paradise Canyon for a "forced fun" work day. It was gorgeous and the kids loved throwing rocks in the river. The food and great and it was nice to meet some the people James works with. We will definitely go back for some camping and tubing down the river.

Eggs

2011-04-26T09:58:00.005-04:00

We went to our community egg hunt where Brooks was so upset that he didn't get as many eggs as he wanted. Thankfully the Easter Bunny left plenty of eggs in our backyard.

Lulu's

2011-04-26T09:51:00.002-04:00

I have wanted to try Lulu's ever since I saw the 3lb cinnamon roll on Man v. Food. The food was pretty good and not very expensive but we were all looking forward to the giant roll. Unfortunately, it was dry and had no flavor. Big FAIL. We all took a few bites and were done. You know it is bad when you don't even want to finish it. Oh well, we tried it.

Riverwalk & Alamo

2011-04-26T09:43:00.005-04:00

Perfect weather and perfect company!

Seaworld

2011-04-26T09:34:00.003-04:00

Such a great day. Hayden got to go to the special penguin encounter with his grandma. Penguins have been his favorite animal for awhile now and he loved being able to touch one. What a great birthday. We love you Hayden.

Big Birthday Weekend

2011-04-25T14:44:00.005-04:00

Hayden turned 6 this last Friday. We were so lucky to have grandma Colleen, aunt Sarah, soon-to-be uncle Eric, aunt Judy, and uncle Don come to celebrate his birthday and Easter.

He wanted to be measured first thing in the morning.

He opened all of his presents in the morning and then we spent the entire day at Seaworld with everyone. We ate pizza at Double Dave's and came home for cake. But we were all to full to eat the cake, so we just did the candles and saved the cake for the next day.

Easter Pics

2011-04-25T14:29:00.003-04:00

They only had so much patience for posing. The boys just wanted to explore the gardens and Mia didn't really care for the entire situation. But I love them in their new Easter/Wedding clothes.

Pilates

2011-04-25T14:23:00.001-04:00

So helpful as a 20lb weight.

Storm Trooper

2011-04-25T14:05:00.002-04:00

Fiesta

2011-04-15T14:38:00.000-04:00

Fiesta is a big holiday in San Antonio. They had a week long celebration and Hayden even got a day off of school for The Battle of the Flowers. I have no idea the significance of any of it. James helped Hayden build a football themed float. The little kids and I watched all of the kindergarten and 2nd grade classes parade them around the school. He was so proud of his float.

Spring Break

2011-04-08T14:08:00.000-04:00

James was able to take Monday and Tuesday off for Hayden's spring break. We had planned on going camping but there was a burn ban and I do not want to camp without a fire. (and we need it to cook on) So we went for a hike and made smores on the bbq. We got out sleeping bags and watched a movie in the living room. It was almost like camping. We also took the boys to see all of the airplanes at Lackland. They thought it was pretty cool counting all of the markers on the side of the planes that indicated how many bombs/kills they had.

We also got to see Cami and Brett for an hour which was so fun. On Friday we got to go to Seaworld with the Skidmores. It was super crowded but so fun to see them. I love that we still get to see some of our friends from San Angelo.

Go Spurs!

2011-03-27T09:46:00.003-04:00

We took a family trip to a Spurs Game. So so fun! Brooks and Hayden just loved being there and Mia was content with the giant bag of popcorn we bought. I think she ate half of it. The kids played Just Dance on the Wii and shot basketballs for Buddy Bucks.

Hayden loved every second of the game. He was cheering so loud and knew what was going on, when to yell defense and when to 'get loud.' He was bummed when we had to leave at halftime. But it was a school night and way way past Mia's bedtime.

Mission San Jose

2011-03-02T14:16:00.007-05:00

2 San Antonio missions down, 3 more to explore

He's got it!

2011-03-02T14:10:00.001-05:00

So proud of him!!

Nursery

2011-03-02T14:00:00.003-05:00

Mia all dressed up for her first day of Nursery. She did not like it. The teacher suggested we just leave right away and see how she did. It was only about 10 minutes into Sunday School when we heard her screaming down the hall as they came to find us. James spent the rest of the day in nursery with her and I am thinking he will be for awhile now.... I would but I got called into primary last week.

Scary Eyes! Love it.

18 months

2011-02-24T13:15:00.003-05:00

My baby girl is 18 months. We went to the doctor today and she has moved up to 6% for her weight at 20lb. 14 0z. She is 45% for height at 31 1/2 inches, and 20% for her little head at 44.6 cm. I love this crazy little girl.

I love when

she spins until she is dizzy
wants me to read the same book over and over and over to her

she shakes her head 'yes' so hard that she tips over
gets so excited for daddy to come home

dances and makes me dance with her

waves her arms as if conducting the music whenever she opens a hymn book

randomly steals the towel off the stove and wipes up imaginary messes off the floor

must have her hair hair sprayed

she will not be left out

every time I shower she takes off the door-stopper knob and puts it on the shower ledge, everyday

she still loves to cuddle and lets me rock her in her rocking chair

Back to Georgia

2011-02-06T13:47:00.002-05:00

My Christmas present from James this year was a trip to Georgia to see my friends. I went over Jessica's birthday and surprised her!! I miss her ALOT and was so glad to be able to go. Also, flying alone is amazing--just saying. I snuck into her house while they went to run an errand and when she came home I was sitting on her couch. We had such a great weekend of staying up late, a sleepover with all of my friends who I miss so much, pedicures, yummy food, and lots of talking and molding into her couch. Rachel was able to drive in for an extra surprise and I am sad that Shari left only 2 weeks earlier. James gave me a fabulous gift and Adam was awesome and took their kids the entire time. Can't wait to do it again.

4!!

2011-01-31T21:37:00.004-05:00

How did my baby get so old? I need to freeze time.

Happy 4th Birthday Brooks!! We started the day going to the Doctor for his annual checkup. He is 32 lbs. (15%) and is 40 in. (25%). He is not the biggest kid. The doctor was very impressed with his drawing of mommy. She said he drew like a 5 year old. He had to get 4 shots..... not the best birthday present. Then we went to his gymnastics class where he ran around like a crazy 4 year old. When James got home we went to Chuck-e-Cheese!!! He requested a brownie/cookie cake and ice cream. He loved all of his presents and cards, thanks everyone. We love you Brooks. I am the biggest sucker for you and your cute little face.

seaworld & bbq cookoff

2011-01-30T11:07:00.005-05:00

To kickoff the San Antonio Stockshow & Rodeo they had a huge BBQ cookoff. It was in the parking lot of Seaworld. We really wished we could have sampled some of the BBQ. It smelled so good. How do you get to be a judge in one of those things? They opened part of Seaworld too which was really fun. We dropped $6 for 4 little fish so we could feed the dolphins. It was worth it.

Random January

2011-01-26T13:06:00.004-05:00

Hayden is trying so hard to ride his bike with no training wheels. He will get there but as for now, the bike is winning.

So fun.

My pretty pink sherpa girl.

He wanted to give it a try. He hasn't asked to do it again.

Just love them holding hands. So sweet.

I almost forgot...

2011-01-07T14:39:00.002-05:00

How could I forget these pictures?

This neighborhood appreciation day at Goodfellow AFB was hilarious. We went with the Harters and we had so much fun. For some reason I found all of the mannequins everywhere hilariously creepy. We saw demonstrations from all of the different training that they do at the base; combat, dogs, fire, rescue, language, climbing, and other random things.

Doug

2011-01-01T14:33:00.002-05:00

After 6 years of battling cancer, James's dad passed away December 27, 2010. A few weeks ago James was able to fly out to Utah and spend a long weekend with his dad. Then the day after Christmas we all flew to Utah and James was able be with his family during the last few hours. The service was beautiful. He loved his family so much, especially his three little grandchildren. Doug was an amazing man and will be missed by all.

Christmas 2010

2011-01-01T14:23:00.002-05:00

I love watching the kids at Christmas. This year we were able to share the fun with some friends who were able to spend a few days with us. Thanks Jeppsons!!

Real Santa

2011-01-01T14:18:00.003-05:00

We went to the Riverwalk to see Santa and all of the lights. I didn't know the real Santa was going to be there. The boys were thrilled and the river was beautiful. I am loving our new city.

New School

2011-01-01T14:14:00.002-05:00

Hayden started his 5th new school. Yes, he is a military kid. We love his new teacher and school. It is in walking distance and I love it. The last day before the Christmas break he had a huge party. James was able to go and he came home as Spiderman!

New Backyard

2011-01-01T14:08:00.002-05:00

We moved into our house December 1st. We got our stuff that same day. The best thing about doing a forced DITY was the 2 movers we hired. They got our whole pod emptied in less then 2 hours. We are all moved in and love having soooo much space. Come visit us anytime.

Brooks's Preschool

2011-01-01T14:05:00.002-05:00

We all loved Brooks's Preschool at Sierra Vista. Mrs. Sandlin was so sweet and he had such cute friends in his class. We miss you Kylie!

Graduation

2011-01-01T13:52:00.004-05:00

James graduated from Intel School on November 30th. We were all so ready to move. Due to lame lease issues we had to be out of our rental Oct. 31st so we had been in TLF for 30+ days. I use to like hotels.... that is until we had 3 kids crammed in a tiny space and had no oven. We survived. Goodbye San Angelo, for the 2nd time.

Thank you Hannah

2010-12-10T09:15:00.002-05:00

Thank you Hannah for supporting me through this hard time, and all the other times. I know it's hard being alone in a new city where you don't know anyone, again. But I know you do it because you love me and would do anything for me. Thank you for caring for the kids and doing all the hard stuff that comes with the temporary single-mom life. I love you and will be home soon.

Love,
James

15 months

2010-11-29T09:58:00.002-05:00

Mia just had her 15 month check up. She has had a fever for the past few days and it is because she has an ear infection. Awesome. She is 19 lbs (4%) 29.3 in (15%).

thankful

2010-11-28T20:10:00.007-05:00

I am so thankful for these 3 beautiful children.

I am thankful for friends who invited us over so we didn't have to spend

Thanksgiving in our Temporary Lodging Facility.

I am thankful for TLF so we aren't in our van down by the river.

But I am super thankful to have a house to be moving into on Wednesday!!!!

Brooks's Feast

2010-11-28T19:52:00.004-05:00

Brooks's Preschool Feast.

He did such a good job and I am pretty sure he was the loudest singer in the room. He was so excited for us to come and see him perform. Tomorrow is his last day at this preschool. We will miss his great teacher and he will miss his friends. But on to the next school....

Shoes

2010-11-28T19:31:00.004-05:00

He can tie his own shoes! He tells everyone we meet. The Kindergarten teachers told all of the kids that they would not tie their shoes after the Christmas break... he took that very seriously and practiced for an entire day.

a walker

2010-11-05T14:32:00.004-04:00

Finally at 14 1/2 months Mia decided to walk!! Also, after 5 months of only having her 2 bottom teeth she is getting 4 more.

**** Some other GIGANTIC news from Brooks. He has stopped sucking his thumb. It was not his choice. A boy at his preschool smashed his thumb with a wooden block and it took off a large chunk of skin and bruised his nail pretty badly. He could not suck and so we told him if he just stopped altogether he would get a prize. So he is done!!! *****

goodbye jets

2010-11-05T14:20:00.003-04:00

Another soccer season is over. We got together one last time to take team pictures. Everyone else went to pizza after but Hayden had been sick the past few days so we skipped that part.

Move it

2010-10-31T14:19:00.003-04:00

Everything we own is in there.

Well, this picture was taken right before we put our mattress in and sealed it up.

Poor Brooks had the flu during the last few days of the move. He was a sad little mess. He now lovingly passed it on to his brother.

Trunk or Treat

2010-10-31T13:53:00.003-04:00

Happy Halloween 2010. The kids had a great time at the trunk or treat. This year Hayden wanted to be a skeleton. All of the costumes I found in the stores were kind of scary, so I ended up making it. Brooks wanted to be a red skeleton but once he found the cowboy/Woody costume he was sold. His friend Kylie was Jessi and they were so cute next to each other. I helped Amanda make her costume too. Mia was the cutest little doctor ever. Mia helped James hand out the candy and eat alot too.

Incognito

2010-10-20T14:40:00.004-04:00

Bunco Night

2010-10-20T14:28:00.002-04:00

80's Bunco Night. So fun! So lucky to have great friends and next door neighbors.

This is what it looks like at our house.

30

2010-10-11T13:51:00.009-04:00

James will be 30 in a few days. I really wanted to do something memorable for him. So, we went to Dallas so that he could go to a Cowboys game. His parents were able to meet us there for the weekend and it was perfect. We went to the Fort Worth Museum where the kids were in heaven digging up dinosaur bones, experimenting with water and air, and playing in the children's museum. The Botanical Gardens were beautiful and huge. You could spend days exploring there. We saw the stockyards. When we walked up to the holding pen where the giant Texas longhorns are held-- the boys first reaction was.... "look at all that poop." We unknowingly parked our car on the road they do the cattle drive down. Those enormous horns were way too close to our car for my comfort. Then it was time for James and his dad to head to the big game. They had a great time, even though the Cowboys lost. It was such a fun weekend. We all loved spending time with Grandma and Grandpa and were so glad they were able to come.

Our next adventure is getting the house packed up and moving into temporary living on base for a month. I know you are all jealous. Some parts of the military are no fun at all. Such is our life.

planes on base

2010-10-04T10:54:00.002-04:00

We are getting down to crunch time on doing everything in San Angelo we want to before we leave. The boys love the planes on base so we went to check them all out. Hayden's favorite is the predator-- not sure why. Every time we pass one they both yell, "that plane use to fly."

Wish she would start walking! But she sure is cute.

Our 8th

2010-09-27T20:16:00.002-04:00

Today was our 8th Anniversary. I love James more then ever. Life is nothing like I thought it would be when we got married, but I wouldn't change a thing. Our awesome neighbor babysat and we went to a little Mexican place downtown and enjoyed being together without the kids. We left a little later then we wanted, but James was in the middle of WW3 and had been killed and then brought back to life. He was pretty exhausted. We all can't wait to be done with this training.

I really wanted to post a picture of our 1999 prom picture but James vetoed that one. It is as awesome as you are imagining. We look more like we are 14 and 12 instead of 18 and 16. James sure does have bleached blonde (yellow) hair and earrings (that I LOVED). I sure did have awesome ringlets and an entire bush of baby's breath in my hair. Maybe someday he will let me post it.

He's a Jet

2010-09-20T13:46:00.003-04:00

Hayden is so much better at soccer this year. It is amazing what a year can do. He actually gets what he is supposed to be doing and goes after the ball. We still need to work on his ball control but it is so fun to watch. He loves his team and coach and we are loving the soccer parents role!

Jets 2-0-1

Scooter Girl

2010-09-20T13:02:00.000-04:00

She found it and loves it. The boys love to push her around and she LOVES it too.

chipped

2010-09-15T14:27:00.003-04:00

Monkey bars 1, Brooks's face 0

He walked away with 1 chipped tooth, 1 fat lip, and 1 sad little face.

Secretly, I think he just wanted to look like his buddy Bridger.

Brooks goes to Preschool

2010-09-08T20:21:00.003-04:00

Brooks was so excited to start Preschool. He has watched Hayden go for a year and could not wait for his turn. He loves his teacher and has his good friend and next door neighbor in his class. I asked how his first day was and he said he ate snacks, played on the playground, and was good-- but only a little naughty. I wonder what he did naughty? He loved it and can't wait to go again.

Mia and I went to the commissary all by ourselves, it was awesome.

water lilly garden

2010-09-06T13:36:00.003-04:00

We went to the International Water Lilly Garden this morning with the Harters. Why is it so hard to get all 5 kids looking in one direction? They are so cute.

Mia has started making this face when she is happy. Why?

Random... Every time we drive to Abilene I love when we pass the huge windmill farm. It is hard to get a good picture going 65 with the window up. Oh well.

our fate... for the next 3-4 years anyway

2010-08-27T22:54:00.004-04:00

So the drop party has come and gone and we are going to San Antonio, TX. I think it will be great. I am excited to be in a city with a big airport and lots of stuff to do. Except-- I have lived in a small town for the past 7 years and the big freeways and tons of traffic kind of scare me. San Antonio is the 7th biggest city in the US. Yikes, from one extreme to another. Also, I can go to as many BMT graduations as I want!!

James didn't get the job he wanted at Lackland, but hopefully the one he got will be good. We shall see.

Next step is to find a good school that comes with good housing that isn't too far from the base. Any help or suggestions would be greatly welcomed.

Anyone that wants to come visit the Alamo... come on down... we will show you the basement!

Kindergarten

2010-08-23T13:32:00.003-04:00

And he is off! He was so excited to go to school this morning. We are close enough to walk to school, which is great in the morning, but might be too hot in the afternoon. He has a great teacher and I can't wait to hear about his big day. He helped pack his lunch and load his backpack. Every single crayon and marker is labeled with his name, as requested by his teacher. I hope he has fun!

Brooks was excited to play with Hayden's toys while he was gone and is napping in his bed-- that is partially due to the fact that he wet the bed last night :(

Mia didn't really care about the situation. She did enjoy the stroller ride though.

Birthday Baby

2010-08-21T13:46:00.005-04:00

Happy Birthday Mia!

Yes, I need that.

What is it?

What, this is delicious and I get to eat it all!!

Crap, it's all gone.

Balloons, cupcakes, presents, friends-- perfect for our big girl. We love you Mia!

Mia had here 1 year checkup. Poor thing had to get 5 shots and blood drawn. No fun at all. She weighed 17.6 lbs (3%) and is 29.3 inches (51%). Needless to say, she is tiny.

Birthday Girl(s)

2010-08-20T14:48:00.003-04:00

My favs of baby Mia. Shauna took these of Mia before she moved away. Thanks Shauna! I can't believe my baby girl will be 1 tomorrow. I was hoping my sister would hold out and have her baby tomorrow so they could share a birthday but no such luck. Happy Birthday to my new niece- yet to be named!

The LIST

2010-08-16T21:21:00.001-04:00

The list comes out tomorrow! Tomorrow at 2:30 to be exact. We won't know where we are going for another 2 weeks, but we will have possibilities. Hurray!

numbers updated

2010-08-16T10:30:00.004-04:00

6 days of sickness

104.9 degrees is not the temperature I want to see from Mia at 4:00am

95.4 degrees just a few hours later and we couldn't warm her up

2 hours in the ER

9 hours without a wet diaper

10:20 Doctor appointment today

2 worried parents

and it is only 5 days until her 1st birthday

After her appointment today Mia is doing much better and I am feeling much better about the whole situation. She just has a nasty virus. The doctor wants to see her tomorrow too if there is no improvement today, but I think she is over the worst. Poor baby.

2010-08-16T10:25:00.003-04:00

(Amanda, Tiffany, me, Shauna)

These are some of the girls who make life in Texas good.

I am glad I make good friends but it is sad when they leave.

San Antonio with the Gs

2010-08-09T10:20:00.003-04:00

Jimmy and Gerg-- they have been friends since they were little. We met them in San Antonio for the weekend. We got to meet his wife and baby boy who is only 3 days younger then Mia. Thanks guys, we had a great time.

Here we are in The Natural Bridge Caverns. I think the first picture is upside down, but I am not sure. I love how everyone is looking right at the camera. They are so photogenic. You might even say they have "photogenic memories." They told us not to touch the walls or we could spend the night in jail. Mia needs about 4 nights in the pen and Brooks slipped and touched alot during his fall. He might need a week in the slammer.

The San Antonio Zoo was awesome. It was brutally hot but there were a few air conditioned rooms where we stopped a little longer then necessary. Mia and Luke weren't into the zoo so much, but they were very good in their strollers. I refused to go in the Lorikeet room because I always get pooped on. James said I was a baby, but who got pooped on? James sure did have a nice warm stain down his back.

Hayden was so tired and did not want to walk along the Riverwalk any longer. We also toured the Alamo and got snowcones, yum!

One of my favorite things was the Japanese Tea Gardens. They were amazingly beautiful and the boys thought they were having an adventure hiking all through the trails.

Practicing ballet lifts already!