Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Day 243 of 365

Today AJ came over at 9:00am. He is 7 weeks old today. At 9:30 Emma, Parker, AJ and I headed over to the park for a MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) informational get together. There were over 30 kids at the park- newborns, infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Emma and Parker had so much fun playing at the park with all the other kids. We were there for about an hour and a half. AJ slept the whole time- he is such a good baby. I met lots of new moms. I think I will join the group. They meet 2 times a month for breakfast, activities for the kids, and mommy talk. Once a month they have a mommy night out. I think it will be fun and great for Parker and Emma. Cooper and Carson had good days at school. We had dinner and then watched "Marmaduke". AJ went home around 5:30. Then it was homework time. Oh my, Carson has a lot to do every night. Goodbye August.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Day 242 of 365

Today was my first day watching AJ. He came over bright and early at 6:00am. He was full of smiles, definitely a morning baby. Parker and Emma were so excited to have him here. We all had such a great day together. He didn't cry the whole time he was here. Such a good baby! After he went home around 3:15 we picked up the house a little. Of course by 3:45 everyone was ready for dinner, yes, dinner. We are now eating even earlier. Carson gets home at 3:00 and is starving. His lunch is at 11:15, so we are eating early and having a snack before bed. We watched Minute to Win It and then everyone was tucked into bed.

Our first day with AJ

Today we had such a fun day with AJ. It was so much fun having a baby in the house. He was a perfect angel- no crying at all! Parker and Emma had so much fun showing him all their toys. They were so sweet and gentle with him. AJ is such a sweetheart!

The Difference between K & 1st Grade


Cooper- 5 minutes
Carson- 30 minutes

Sunday, August 29, 2010

All of us!

Day 241 of 365

Today we were up early for Church. Parker of course cried as soon as we pulled into the parking lot and screamed when I dropped him off. But, for the first time he cried when I picked him up, not because he was scared or upset, he didn't want to leave. He was having too much fun! We came home, I went grocery shopping and we had lunch. After Parker's nap we headed outside. Josh washed the cars. The kids rode bikes and played with a bucket of chalk. We have loved these 2 days of cool weather. However, it's not going to last, 90's the rest of the week.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Day 240 of 365

Today we had our usual donuts and coffee. It was cool today- only 74! It was amazing especially after a week of 100's. I attempted to clean up Emma's room a little, however, what's the point. An hour later it was destroyed. We ate lunch and then wrapped Cameron's presents. We walked over to the Bassett's around 12:30. The kids were so excited to celebrate Cameron's 6th birthday. We had a great time, ate some great food and the kids had an awesome time playing. Around 3 we walked over to our neighbors, Abbi & Daniel for AJ's open house. It was great meeting their families and getting to know them. The kids had fun playing but they were getting tired by 4. It had been a long day. We came home, ate, watched some TV together and then it was time for the kids to go to bed. We are so happy to finally have some friends here!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Day 239 of 365

Today everyone was excited for Friday. The boys had a great first full week of school. This afternoon they were pretty tired. We rested for a little bit until Josh got home. We went to Target and got Cameron's birthday presents. Then we had pizza and frozen yogurt. The kids were all asleep pretty early.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Day 238 of 365

Today was another hot day. The boys had a fun day at school. Cooper had cupcakes for someone's birthday again, so that is about all I heard about his day. Carson fell during recess and skinned up his knee. He said he didn't cry until he saw the blood. This evening I went to Carson's back to school night. His teacher, Mrs. Hermle, went over homework, expectations, and goals. Wow, Carson is going to be a busy boy this year. Everyday they get a behavior report. They start their day at green- ready to learn. They either move up the chart or down with red being the highest and gray the lowest. The other day Carson's was orange. I said good job but didn't really think too much of it, Carson is always well behaved at school. Tonight I learned that he was the first person in class to make it all the way up to orange. What a good little student! I'm so proud of him and how hard he works at school. Now only if that could be applied at home. The Cub Scouts had a table set up and we are thinking about signing Carson up. There is a meeting in a few weeks he can go to and see if he likes it.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Day 237 of 365

Today was so hot, 107. Oh fall, where are you? I took some cute pictures of Emma. She had fun dressing up in some of her old dresses. However, they are all too short. She really needs some new dresses! The boys had a great day at school. They were tired this afternoon. Josh stayed home again instead of working out. It was nice to all hang out together.

Emma at 4


- She loves to dress up in all her jewelery, put on makeup and paint her nails.
- Her room looks like a tornado went through it within minutes of her playing in there.
- She loves to be tickled.
- She is really enjoying her big brothers being at school.
- She loves to paint and color.
- She is very shy around strangers.
- She changes her outfit 3-5 times a day.
- She loves looking through magazines.
- She hates getting her hair brushed.
- She is a pretty good eater although for the most part veggies are gross.
- She loves to sing, the current song is "I like frosting, frosting is good, I like frosting cause it's good."
- Before bed you have to sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" to her.
- She still loves her blankie.
- She loves to copy whatever crazy saying Daddy has for the day.
- Her knee hurts in the middle of the night at least twice a week.
- She gets up almost every night at 2, walks in our room and asks to be tucked back in.
- She is very smart and has no problem using the computer or iphone.
- She loves pink and pink, and more pink.

"Boys vs. Daddy"

(Pictures from August 2008)

"Hulk Forever"

(Pictures are from August 2008)

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Day 236 of 365

Today the boys had another great day at school. Cooper started counting in the car and made it all the way up to 50 with only a few mistakes. Last week he couldn't make it past 16. We made homemade lasagna and breadsticks for dinner, even though it was 107. Josh stayed home and didn't go to the gym or running so we all had a nice afternoon and evening together. It was great!

"Emma is 3"


Finally got to Emma's 3rd birthday pictures, now if I could only print her 4th birthday pictures, someday!

(I used American Crafts Blue Skies collection)

Monday, August 23, 2010

Day 235 of 365

Today the boys started their first full week of school. Cooper was really excited. We started taking Cameron in the morning and Nicole will bring Carson home in the afternoon. It will be nice only going to the school in the morning and to pick up Cooper. Driving there 3 times everyday would not be fun! The boys both had a great day at school. Carson went to music class and got to sing some songs, which he loved. We made dinner and then I went to a Women's dessert at Church. It was alot of fun. There were about 80 women there and it was great hearing about all the different Women's programs they offer. Josh made the kids brownies and had everyone in bed and asleep when I got home.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Day 234 of 365

Today we had a great morning at church. We came home and Josh ran 10 miles. The kids played and pretended to be camping most the day. Josh and I fell asleep on the couch during Parker's nap. The kids were so nice, they left us alone for about 15 minutes and played nicely in their rooms. It has been years since the last time I took a little nap. The boys are looking forward to a full week of school. It should be a busy week.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Day 233 of 365

Today Josh was up very early to run his 20 miles. He is crazy! He ran it in 2 hours and 47 minutes! We all spent the day resting and hanging out. We all went to Target to get a few things. I went grocery shopping. The boys were tired today. Cooper says he already misses Mrs. C and can't wait to go back to school!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Day 232 of 365

Today was the boys' 2nd day of school. We all took them to school again and walked them in. Both boys had a great second day although they were pretty tired by this evening. We had pizza and rested.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Day 231 of 365

Today Carson and Cooper had their first day of school. They were both up early. We had breakfast and then took showers. Josh ironed their clothes and they were set. First we dropped Cooper off at his class. He was nervous and said, "But Mom, I will miss you". Such a sweetheart! Then we dropped Carson off at his class and met his teacher. He has his own desk! Cameron sits in the row in front of him and Abbi sits in the row right behind him. He was really excited but quiet. I can't believe we have 2 in school now. I watched AJ today for about and hour and half. He was perfect. We took him with us to pick up Cooper and he did great in the car. Cooper loved his first day. He loved the snack, told all about the "Oops" system, and told me about all the kids in class. After Parker's nap we went back to the school to pick Carson up. He had a great day, especially since he has 3 recesses. He liked eating lunch at school and said the day went by fast. I'm so proud of Carson and Cooper. They had a great first day!

1st Day of School




To see more pictures click HERE

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Cooper Checking out his Classroom

Day 230 of 365

Today the boys had their last day of soccer. They had a great time of course. We had lunch and then went through all the school supplies and got them organized. We watched "The Adams Family" while Parker took his nap. After naptime we all went over to the school so Cooper could see his classroom (which of course is the same one that Carson was in). He had a great talk with Mrs. C. Cooper is really excited for tomorrow. We had dinner, got their clothes laid out, tags cut off the backpacks and Carson's lunch made. We read a few back to school books and then at 7:00 everyone was tucked into bed. It is now 7:30 and I still hear whispers in the boys' room, but at least it's progress.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Day 229 of 365

Today we didn't do much. We went to Target and got a few last minute school supplies, like 36 more glue sticks. I tried getting everyone into bed earlier, didn't really work. Not a very exciting day.

"AF Blues"



Isn't this the greatest paper for Josh's job?? Pictures from Sept. 2008.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Day 228 of 365

Today we enjoyed one our last few days of sleeping in, 7:30. We played most of the day. Josh has swings this week. For dinner I made homemade pizza. I think I have almost perfected my crust, I just need a pizza stone to make it a little crisper in the middle. We watched "Mousehunt" and then went on a walk with Nicole, Cameron, Tanner, Abbie and AJ. It was hot but it was a nice walk. After getting the kids into bed, Abbie and I discussed me watching AJ. Starting Aug. 30th I will be watching him 2 1/2 days a week!!! I am so excited to have a new baby around. He just turned 5 weeks old today and he is just so sweet and little. Today Josh learned that he will be taking over a crew October 1st and it's going to be a pretty big crew, 20 or so people he is responsible for. It will be a huge undertaking with lots of extra stress and work, but he is excited about this opportunity!

"Little Squirt"

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Day 227 of 365

Today we got up early and went to church. Carson is now in the 1st grade class, Cooper is now in the Kindergarten class, Emma in the 4's & 5's class, and Mr. Parker is in the 2 year old class. Parker of course screamed when we got there, but when I picked him up he was sitting at the table with lots of little girls eating his snack. Yay! I think he will like the 2 year old class much better because the toys are bigger boy toys. After church Josh went running and then I went grocery shopping. We talked to Grandma and everyone on Skype for a little bit. The kids loved talking and seeing Jack! We played on the slip n slide after dinner and then it was time to get ready for bed. Only a few more days until school starts!

50 Great Memories on your 50th Birthday- Love you MOM!

I REMEMBER . . .

1. You getting soaked at Six Flags in Florida, your pants shrunk, and attacked your legs while dying them at the same time.
2. You directing Dad through Beverly Hills in the big van, saying the whole time, "Oh Jerry, we will fit, just a few more houses".
3. Getting to go to the cross-stitch convention with you and Norma, all the way in Sacramento, no boys allowed!
4. Visiting ASU- oh my, what was I thinking, that didn't stop you from taking me down there to visit. Oh boy, that was not the place for me!
5. Getting you suckered into becoming the 8th Grade Promotion party planner and the backyard full of balloons for the party.
6. When I made Varsity Cheerleading my freshman year and you were shocked, almost thought I was mistaken.
7. Going wedding dress shopping.
8. The amazing surprise baby shower you had for me when I was pregnant with Carson. I was so surprised!
9. You letting me pick my graduation trip with the family, Disneyland of course, you taught me well!
10. You having no problem with me going to Nebraska when I was 12 to visit our relatives.
11. Staying in New York City, across from Madison Square Garden, freezeing cold weather, but windows open so we could hear all the commotion, oh and the great taxi cab fight.
12. Freezing our butts off in Washington DC.
13. "Phillip Morgan and Chocolate Cake"
14. Driving through Yellowstone and stopping at every animal or possible animal sighting.
15. The giant box of food we shipped to Hawaii with us full of snacks, great idea!
16. Driving on the "Road to Hanna" to see the 7 pools, only to get there and find out there was a drought and they were all dried up.
17. You taking me to the New Kids on the Block concert.
18. Your constant search for the perfect black shoe.
19. Me always saying I was never going to have kids, you always would say that will change, you were right!
20. You always trying to get me into gardening and flowers- face it, that will never be my thing.
21. You helping me pay for my trip to Europe and giving me some extra spending money.
22. Moving down to Oregon State, carrying everything up 5 floors because the elevator was broken.
23. You coming down the following weekend to take me home for the day, it was just over an hour away, but that seemed so far away from you.
24. Telling you Josh and I decided to get married, I think you were surprised, but very happy.
25. Later telling you we would be moving Little Rock, AR after we got married- not so happy.
26. Our many camping trips at Flying M Ranch.
27. "So, what should we do today" the question Dad fears the most.
28. Deciding in the middle of winter to pack up and drive to Disneyland, from Portland, we were on the road within 3 hours with Carson, Cooper, Katie and baby Jack, never stopping and wondering if we should, just going.
29. Our many craft stores trip and making our circle anytime I am up there.
30. Telling you I was pregnant with Carson- you were so excited!
31. Telling you I was pregnant with Cooper- you were shocked!
32. Telling you I was pregnant with Emma- you were so happy!
33. Telling you I was pregnant with Parker- you were so excited for us!
34. You driving for me anytime we go somewhere together.
35. When you and I took the boys to Coronado and took them to Disneyland for the first time.
36. You and your broken ankle, that didn't stop you from taking us kids & Josh on vacation to Six Flags and Magic Mountain.
37. Josh dumping you out of the wheelchair at Six Flags.
38. You taking me to all the aquariums on the west coast because I swore that was what I was going to do when I grew up.
39. Driving hours and hours just to see the amazing Corn Palace, then onto the badlands, and Mount Rushmore.
40. Your berry pies : )
41. Your poor sunburned, blistered lip.
42. Back to school shopping and how much fun it was to go out with you, just us girls.
43. When you helped re-roof the roof and how hot it was.
44. Going to the country bar with you, Dad and Josh.
45. You showing Nelson for the first time.
46. Your love of Michael Jackson, so much that we got the concert on pay-per-view and got to stay up late to watch it.
47. The many times you took the kids for a week or two at a time so we could have a break.
48. Trying to get back to our hotel at Disneyland, laughing and laughing, what was so funny? I think it was pure exhaustion!
49. You dragging me up the Space Needle for your birthday- I was terrified and I will never do that again!
50. All the times I have been able to live with you while Josh was away. You helped me with the kids, kept me occupied, and stood by my side while he was away.


Mom- you taught me how to be a great mother. You taught me to be spontaneous, to hit the open road and see where it takes you. You taught me to love traveling and to experience the world or your own backyard. You taught to be strong and loving. You are the best mom in the world. I love you so much!!!

Happy 50th Birthday Mom!!!!

We all love you so much!!!

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Day 226 of 365

Today we just hung out and relaxed. Josh did some yard work and got my car all washed, inside and out! We watched Minute to Win and tried to get the kids to get earlier. It was a very nice, relaxing day, something we haven't had in awhile.

"Sweet Memories"



Finally, I got a page done. It seems like it has been forever. I finally broke down and used some of my most favorite K&Co line.

Picture from Labor Day 2008 up in Portland.

"The Military Wife"

"The Military Wife"

Lots of moving…
Moving…
Moving…

Moving far from home…
Moving two cars, three kids and one dog…all riding with HER of course.
Moving sofas to basements because they won’t go in THIS house;
moving curtains that won’t fit;
moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours.
Moving away from friends;
moving toward new friends;
moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories.

Often waiting…
Waiting…
Waiting…
Waiting for housing.
Waiting for orders.
Waiting for deployments.
Waiting for phone calls.
Waiting for reunions.
Waiting for the new curtains to arrive.
Waiting for him to come home for dinner…AGAIN!

They call her ‘Military Dependent’,
but she knows better:
She is fiercely In-Dependent.
She can balance a check book,
handle the yard work, fix a noisy toilet, bury the family pet.
She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts.
She can file the taxes, sell a house, buy a car, or set up a move……..
all with ONE Power of Attorney.

She welcomes neighbors that don’t welcome her.
She reinvents her career with every PCS.
Locates a house in the desert, the Arctic, o r the deep south.
And learns to call them all “home.”
She MAKES them all home.

Military wives are somewhat hasty; they leap into: decorating, leadership, volunteering, career alternatives, churches, and friendships.
They don’t have 15 years to get to know people.
Their roots are short but flexible.
They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after them.
Military wives quickly learn to value each other: they connect over coffee, rely on the spouse network, accept offers of friendship and favors, record addresses in pencil…

Military wives have a common bond;
the military wife has a husband unlike other husbands.
His commitment is unique.
He doesn’t have a ‘JOB,’ he has a ‘MISSION’
that he can’t just decide to quit;
he’s on-call for his country 24/7.
But for her, he’s the most unreliable guy in town!

His language is foreign: TDY PCS OPR SOS ACC BDU ACU BAR CIB TAD
and so, a military wife is a translator for her family and his.
She is the long-distance link to keep them informed;
the glue that holds them together.
A Military Wife has her moments:
she wants to wring his neck;
dye his uniform pink;
refuse to move to Siberia…
But she pulls herself together.
Give her a few days, a travel brochure, a long hot bath, a pledge to the flag, a wedding picture…
And she goes. She packs. She moves. She follows.
Why? What for? How come?
You may think it is because she has lost her mind.
But actually it is because she has lost her heart.
It was stolen from her by a man – a man who puts duty first,
who longs to deploy, who salutes the flag, and whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her military husband,
she will remain his military wife.
And would have it no other way.

I found this great poem HERE

Friday, August 13, 2010

Day 225 of 365

Today was a great Friday. We played and relaxed until Daddy got home. Parker watched "Alvin & Chipmunks" a few times. The boys played the wii and Emma played Barbies. After Parker's nap we went to the Spray park. The kids had a great time running around and getting wet. After playing we headed over to the boys' school to see the class list. We already knew Cooper had Mrs. Cuthbertson, Carson's kindergarten teacher. Carson found out he has Mrs. Hermie (I'm assuming its a woman, but not sure yet). But the best news is that Carson, Cameron and Abbie are all in the same class! Carson was so excited. Both boys are really looking forward to starting school. In other news, Josh recieved an award at work, Shift Supervisor of the Quarter. Pretty cool! He is such a great Airman!

My First Scrapbook Feature

My project was featured at one of my favorite online scrapbook stores.

You can see it HERE

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Day 224 of 365

Today we spent the day getting ready for Parker's birthday party. We made three types of jumbo cupcakes and got everything ready for dinner. The kids of course had a great time playing with Cameron. I got to spend some time with two handsome little boys, 7 week old Tanner and 4 week old AJ. Parker had a lot of fun, especially since we let him stay up late. We all had a wonderful evening!

Parker's Party

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Day 223 of 365

Today the boys had soccer. They had so much fun! We played at the park for awhile and then came home and had lunch. When Josh got home we went and had frozen yogurt and ran to the store. Before bed we went on a walk with Nicole, Tanner, Cameron, and our new friends Abbi and her 4 week old AJ. It is so nice finally having some Mommy friends here.

Sheepdog Party

Carson is on the front page of the Greater Portland Old English Sheepdog Club website!

Click HERE to see the pictures.

Comments

Everyone always tells me they can never leave a comment on the blog. I think I have fixed it so that anyone can comment. All you have to do is click on the "Comments" below the post. A box should pop up to leave a comment. You can choose "anonymous" if you don't have an account set up. I hope this helps.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Day 222 of 365

Today was a much better day. The kids got a good nights sleep and were in better moods. We spent the day playing barbies, the wii, and watching some of shark week I had taped. For treat we made peanut butter filled chocolate fudge cupcakes, so yummy!

Monday, August 9, 2010

Day 221 of 365

Today was unpacking day. I hate unpacking. It just takes forever. We went over to Nicole's for a little bit. The kids had fun playing with Cameron, they really missed him. It was great seeing Tanner, oh my, he has gotten so big, not really a newborn anymore. The kids were really tired today and crabby. After an amazing 10 days in Portland, they are exhausted. We have to get them back on a routine. School starts next week!

Portland Pictures



Here is the link to all the pictures from our trip.

Click HERE

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Day 220 of 365

Today Parker turned 2! Oh my, how can that be? We packed up and drove home. The drive went by a little faster than normal which was nice. We got home at 4 which wasn't bad. We unpacked, Josh cleaned the pantry, and I went to the grocery store. Before bed we had cake and sang Happy Birthday! We will be having a birthday party in a few days. I still can't believe my baby is 2 years old!

I'm TWO now



Such a cutie! He was 7lbs 2oz at birth and now he weighs 28lbs and 5oz, such a big boy!

Love you Baby!

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Day 219 of 365

Today was the Old English Sheepdog party at my parents. The kids had so much fun with all the dogs. They ran and played and enjoyed the dogs so much! The kids played with Jack the rest of the day. My dad stayed with the kids and we went and saw "The Other Guys". It was really funny! Tomorrow my little man turns 2 : (

Friday, August 6, 2010

Day 218 of 365

Today the kids walked up to the donut store with Grandpa. They played outside and had a great time with Grandpa. In the afternoon the big kids went with Grandma Michele. They got new shoes, backpacks and school supplies. They had dinner and played at the park.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Day 217 of 365

Today we had Parker's big birthday party. I have to say it was the best kids' birthday party we have ever had. There were lots of kids to play with, no fighting and no whining. Everyone played so well together. Parker had so much fun opening his presents and running around. He wasn't shy or scared of anyone. There were about 35 people there. We had an ice cream sundae bar which worked out so well. The kids loved making their own sundaes. It was a great birthday party and Parker loved it!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Day 216 of 365

Today the kids played and played. Emma was in the sandbox most of the day. We got all cleaned up and went over to Nikki's house so the kids could meet baby Holden. The boys loved holding him. Emma wanted nothing to do with him, such a butt. After that we went to the park with Grandma Michele, Grandpa Jim and Aunt Chelsea. We played for awhile and then went and got ice cream.

Mr. Parker when he was 3 days old

Look at that milk mustache- so cute. He is still a great eater- that has never changed!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Day 215 of 365

Today we went to the donut store for a special breakfast treat. The kids played outside again all day. Aunt Chelsea came by this afternoon and played with the kids. We all walked down to 711 for slurpees, which they thought was pretty cool. Then we all went to Toys R Us to look for birthday presents for Parker. After that we headed over to Aunt Nikki's. The kids got to meet their new cousin Holden. Both Carson and Cooper held him, so cute. Emma wanted nothing to do with him. We visited for just a few minutes and then went to the park to meet Grandma Michele, Grandpa Jim and Aunt Chelsea. We played at the park for awhile and then went and got ice cream. Another fun day in Portland.

2 Years Almost.... How can that be?

Monday, August 2, 2010

Day 214 of 365

Today was sandbox day. The kids played outside all day long and for the most in the sandbox. They are having so much playing at Grandma and Grandpa's. They have the perfect yard and the weather has been great, not too hot, not too cold. Today Parker decided he really wanted his picture taken. He kept bringing me my camera and posing for me. He did this over and over all day long, so cute! I can't believe he is almost 2, yikes, where does the time go?

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Day 213 of 365

Today was a day for sleeping in, something that is very rare in our family. Carson and Emma were up at 7:30, very late for Carson. Parker was up at 8:00 and Cooper, our usual sleepy head was up at 9:30. Clearly, we had fun at the beach yesterday. The kids spent the day playing outside in the sandbox. They played and played outside all day long. Finally at 8:30 we got them in the house and they crashed. We are loving the Portland weather!