Stuck n Paradise

A Long Time Coming

2012-01-06T13:37:00.000-08:00

I know, I.know.... It has been decades since my last blog post and NO I have not fallen off the face of the earth....(hence my current post).

With the inspiration of the New Year and the motivation it has brought with it, I have vowed to be proactive when it comes to our blog.....among other things, and 1.) keep our posts up to date on family and friends, 2.) provide you with useful OR not so useful crafty stuff, 3.) share some great recipes with you and 4.) whatever else I find to throw in the mix!

So, until my next post......which will be soon....farewell!

Just a Little Bit of Texas

2011-06-23T05:35:00.000-07:00

So, during our trip to Texas, even though I was born and raised there, it seemed as though I had my camera in my hands from morning till night. The up side of that is I was able to get some really good pictures that I would not have been able to otherwise. Not to mention I am addicted to taking pictures but, sshhhh.......don't tell anyone! Anyway, I decided to add just a few of the critter pictures I took and a couple of "non critter" pictures just for color. Hope you enjoy!!! (I almost needed tomato juice for one of them..lol) Also, don't forget you can click on any photo in any of the main posts to enlarge the pictures.

This is a passion flower....

Wild hogs at my parents in Floresville....

Do you see it?? (click the picture)

"Country Kitty"

I Hope You Dance

2011-06-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

For a man who never ceases to amaze me... A man with strong hands and a kind heart. A man that might not always give you what you want but, will make sure you always have what you need. For the countless sleepovers, endless phone calls and too many secrets to count.....with all my love....

"This one is for you Pap"

Keep on dancing....

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder

You get your fill to eat

But always keep that hunger

May you never take one single breath for granted

God forbid love ever leave you empty handed

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean

Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens

Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance

Never settle for the path of least resistance

Living might mean taking chances but they're worth taking

Lovin' might be a mistake

But it's worth making

Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter

When you come close to selling out

Reconsider

Give the heavens above

More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance

Feeling Crafty

2011-06-03T07:47:00.000-07:00

Every now and then I get the urge to ~~create~~ or "attempt" to be crafty and try to create something is more like it! It does not always go as planned and I usually trash what ever it was I started before anyone has the opportunity to see my disaster and I pretend that I am just starting the project that I really messed up and trashed hours ago..... Shameless, I know...... but it's true!!!!

So, I have been "thinking" about making a pillowcase dress for a while now. Notice I used the word "thinking." And thanks to my very crafty sister-in-law, Shelby, and her beautiful poodle skirt.....well....I was inspired and based on that inspiration......

TA -DA!!

Just an FYI--- They really are easy to make!!!

Bad Hair Day

2011-05-10T11:03:00.000-07:00

How many times have you stumbled out of bed, looked into the mirror and just knew you were going to have a bad hair day? Have you ever used moose or hair spray to try and fix the spot that was giving you problems to begin with and just ended up with a rock hard messed up spot? (I have..lol) Well, we are going to need ALOT of moose for this hair........

She was jumping on our trampoline ;)

(If you click on the picture it gets a little blurry, sorry, I took it through our dining room window.)

Photography Journal #4

2011-04-21T06:32:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures I took while we were on spring break in Texas!

Spring Break at the Lake

2011-04-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

Once again, we were fortunate this year to be able to go to Jerry's parents house at Lake LBJ for the kids spring break. I can say the water was just a "little chilly" but, as you can see from the pictures, it did not seem to bother the older kids. Truth be told, had I of "let" Madison in the water, it probably would not have bothered her either but, it was really cold.....burrrrr!!! You will probably notice a strange child in a photo that does not belong to us, and you are correct, he is not ours.....(I promise). Sage took one of his friends from school, Andrew, with us on our trip!!

To Laugh or Not To Laugh.....

2011-03-06T13:09:00.000-08:00

Why is it SO hard to discipline a 2 year old without laughing? Today, Madison decided she was going to test her 2 year old authority (as if 2 year olds really have any) but, nonetheless she was going to try. All morning long she was being really testy. She did not want to say please or thank you, she did not want to get into her highchair to eat breakfast, she did not want to get out when she was done and so on.and.on.and.on. This process continued all morning with various things. The final battle was with her little toy mop (thank you Gran) that somehow kept touching the TV.

Now, I am sure all of you parents know how the process goes...."Do not put the mop on the TV please." "Madie, please do not put the mop on the TV." (in a firm voice)

----- So here is how our next conversation went:

Mommy: I am going to count to three and if you do not move the mop, I am going to take it away.

Madison: Take away?

Mommy: Yes, I will take it away. (Mop still on TV)

Mommy: One

Madison: (interrupting) two....... freeeeeee.......again mommy.... again!!!!!!

Mommy: Back turned, hand over mouth trying not to laugh!!!

Photography Journal #3

2011-02-14T10:16:00.000-08:00

The sun shall rise!!

Homecoming

2011-02-14T09:27:00.000-08:00

Sage had his first *real* homecoming date last Friday, February 11th. Yeah!!! We prepared a week in advance with clothes, tie and shoes and had to send several pictures via cell phone to Betsy (his date)while doing so. You know, we couldn't get the tie if it did not match her dress, which of course had to match his shirt which without a doubt had to match her shoes??? WHAT??? Anyway, being a mom you know you have to take a million pictures to share with everyone and to remind them of their past when they are our age in the future! Looking good son!! We love you and we are so proud of the young man you are!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

2011-01-24T07:55:00.000-08:00

YEAH!!!!! We have officially had our first snow day in Kansas. The weather has produced flurries before but, nothing that actually stuck to the ground. I have to say it is nothing compared to Alaska but, the kids were excited just the same. School continued as planned for Sage and Allie the day it snowed yet, they were out for the next two days because of the -14 degree windchill, burrrr... When the older two were at school Madison, Max and I decided to go out and have a little fun. Actually, I went out to shovel the driveway but, as you can see by the pictures, that is not an option with Max outside. I guess he has decided the snow shovel is his new *outside* toy.

Photography Journal #2

2011-01-13T09:47:00.000-08:00

1, 2, 3

2011-01-13T09:34:00.000-08:00

Here is a short video of Sage's wrestling match at Northwest High School on the 8th of January!! Sage had four matches during the tournament and won all four. Way to go Sage!!!

Christmas in Texas

2011-01-13T09:20:00.000-08:00

This year, at the very last minute, we decided to spend Christmas with our family in Texas. We left Kansas on the 23rd and asked Santa to come see us at the lake at Grandma and Grandpa's house. We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at Lake LBJ and spent the remainder of our time (3 days) with my parents in Floresville. We really enjoyed our visit with family this year and could not have asked for anything more!

My turn!!!

Rocking with Grandpa...

Christmas at Gran and Paw-Paw's

Love that hair sister..

Patiently waiting.....kind of......

Photography Journal #1

2010-12-21T13:57:00.000-08:00

I have always ~~liked~~ loved taking pictures for as long as I can remember. It did not matter what I was trying to take a picture of, as long as I was able to get the perfect shot. Now, I realize there really is no *perfect* shot as each frame is unique and each picture has its own story to tell. I have decided to start a photography journal and will post a few pictures each time I update our blog. When you look at the pictures, what story will you hear?

Christmas Crafts

2010-12-16T14:01:00.000-08:00

Wow...the Holiday Season is here already and with no time to spare my girls have been busy with Christmas crafts. They have already made over a dozen cinnamon ornaments (which REALLY makes the basement smell good), they have made pine cone ornaments and pine cone Christmas trees. We have salt dough ornaments in the works and will hopefully have them painted by weeks end....HOPEFULLY.

The San Antonio Children's Museum

2010-12-16T13:00:00.000-08:00

Another outing we took on our journey from Alaska to Kansas was a stop at the San Antonio Children's Museum in Texas, while we visited family. I love.love.love this museum! Allison and Madison *really* had a great time and I am pretty sure Sage even found a few things interesting, even though the museum is really geared toward the younger bunch. I tried to get him to shop in the grocery area and push a little basket with the girls but, that was a no go for sure!

Ever wonder how you measure up?

Fiiishh

Gran and Allie at the bank!

Like father like daughter...

Ummm, yeah...not sure on this one!!

A little help from Gran!!

Texas Oh Texas

2010-11-22T11:25:00.000-08:00

Okay, so a little history here. Since Jerry is in the military and it has been *years* since we have been stationed close to home, when we get the opportunity to visit family we REALLY VISIT family. We always have many places to go and a ton of people to see, not to mention squeezing in lunch or dinner or well...both at Don Pedro's! Anyway, we always spend time at Lake LBJ with Jerry's parents and family and then in Floresville with my parents and family. So with that said there is always a plethora of pictures and way to many to post. The pictures that I have chosen are a few of my favorite that were taken at the lake and in Floresville. I will do a couple of individual posts following this one of a few activities we were able to accomplish during our stay. I hope you enjoy and just as a reminder you can click on individual photos to enlarge them!

Jerry's mom (Terry) coloring with Madison.

Jerry's dad (Jim) blowing bubbles with Madison.

                  The above three pictures were taken at the lake on
                  Father's Day and they are of Joshua, Madison and
                  Jessica. Joshua and Jessica are my nephew and niece
                  whos parents are Jacob(brother) and Shelby(sister in law).
                  Out of the entire day, these are the only pictures I took......hmmm?

The above four pictures are of my dad (Charlie) and
of my other mom (Joyce) and the kids of course...

My grandfather with Madie (my favorite photo).

My mom (Marty) with Madie and a baby bird.

*A little signature difficulty.....I think it has been fixed*

A Long Time Coming...

2010-10-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

Wow!!! This post has been a long time coming. When we left Alaska, the end of May, my intentions were to record our travels on a day by day basis and to post them in the same manner. That was until.... I saw how many pictures we had actually taken. So, I changed the plan a little and decided to post a few pictures of this and that, a few of a couple of special places we stopped along the way and a few of my favorite views! I hope you enjoy all that you see and are able to get into our 13 DAY journey with us!

This picture blew my mind when I first saw it. Then I realized where we were and that it was actually kilometers and not miles per hour!

This turned out to be one of our luxury stops. We decided to stay in Edmonton over night, went to look for a place to eat and discovered the West Edmonton Mall. Needless to say we added an extra day to our trip and most of it was spent at the mall. West Edmonton Mall is in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It is the largest mall in North America and the fifth largest in the world. It has OVER 800 stores and services. A few being several theme parks, a couple of amusement parks and over 100 eateries!!! We spent in the upwards of 8'ish hours there and did not complete a tour of the entire mall! Granted most of our time was spent at Galaxy Land, Water World, touring the Santa Maria and watching the sea lion show! It was a great time and a well deserved break from the RV.

This turned out to be a great stop also. We all enjoyed the museum and being able to see how everything was preserved in time. It was a great history lesson for the kids, and for us as well, to see how things (technology) has changed from the early 1900's to now. Sage and Allison both made a comment about not wanting to go to "that" doctors office! I cannot say I blame them.

Thanks for sharing in our travels from Alaska to Texas!!

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T14:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to everyone!! Just a few pictures of our Easter morning. Our egg hunt was inside again this year as it was 32 degress outside with snow on the ground. The only spring flowers we have at this point are the ones we have planted in the house... :)

My Little Helpers

2010-04-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

My little helpers were making a ~~mess,~~ I mean cupcakes as a special treat for Easter. Madison's job was to help mix the batter and Allison's job was to ice and decorate the cupcakes. I think Madison might have done a bit more tasting then mixing! Great job guys!!!!

Craft Project

2010-04-04T12:02:00.000-07:00

So, I decided to start a craft project of making Madison a few headbands....and one turned into two that turned into three which, lead to about ~~twenty~~ fifty or so is more like it! She looks really cute in them when I can get her to leave them on!!

T Minus 62 Days And Counting

2010-04-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

For those of you who may not have heard we have been assigned a new duty station, "KANSAS." I have already called the moving company to schedule our household goods shipment, gotten Madison's passport pictures, found renters for our home in Alaska and have started packing! Well.....not the packing part yet but, the rest is all true.... To say the least we are all excited about our move. Kansas is a lot closer to Texas which will ALWAYS be considered our home and closer to our family and friends. Jerry will be saying goodbye to the C-17 and hello to the C-135. I am pretty sure he is excited about the change! Although we will miss Alaska's wildlife, outdoor adventures and beautiful mountain ranges, we welcome what out next adventure will bring.

A Few To Share

2010-04-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

A few pictures I thought I would share. The first picture was taken about 3 blocks from our home in Eagle River. The second and third picture was taken off of our back deck around 8:50 pm. The days are getting longer and darkness is becoming a prized possession. In the next month or so, it will be daylight around 4:30 - 5:00 am and will not truly be "dark" again until next winter.....which is in about 4 to 5 months.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl

2010-02-16T15:55:00.001-08:00

Happy 1st Birthday Madison!!! One year ago to the day you blessed our lives. You were born in Alaska on Elmendorf AFB at 8:51 am, weighing in at 7 lbs 8 1/2 ozs and measuring 21 inches long. Head strong from the word go, tenderhearted since birth and never ceasing to amaze us, you are perfect in every aspect of the word! From your big baby blues to your little sparkling toes you are EXACTLY who you were meant to be. We love you lady bug!!! Happy Birthday!

All Dressed Up

2010-02-16T15:45:00.000-08:00

Allison "finally" had her winter dance recital. The recital she has been waiting months for. The recital she could not wait for so she could wear her new dance costume. And at last it is here! Hair, make-up, costume, dance shoes and off we go! The performance was great. She loved every minute of it and cannot wait until the next one.

Library Time

2010-01-12T15:02:00.000-08:00

During winter, in Alaska, there is not a whole lot you can do with an 11 month old baby (big girl) without catching pneumonia. So, we choose to do ALOT of indoor activities. Not to mention I am a sissy when it comes to cold weather. One of our many activities is going to the Eagle River Public Library. Allison really loves to read and Madison loves to be read to which, I might add is also enjoyable for me. So, thanks to their Aunt Shelby who came across a great web site called Shelfari, we are able to share the books we have recently read with all of you! At the very bottom of our blog you will find a bookshelf with Allison and Madison's latest and greatest adventures in reading! Thank you Aunt Shelby!

Christmas Morning

2009-12-30T11:05:00.000-08:00

Santa was good to me!

Hiding out with a bow.

Hmmm...

Merry Christmas to everyone! I really have to get a grip on completing my postings in a timely manner. Better late than never I guess...

Santa visited our house about 2:30 am, Madison was tucked back into her bed about 3:00 am and Allison came dashing into my bedroom about 3:30 am, setting the carpet on fire behind her, to wake me and let me know Santa had already made his stop at our house AND had brought her a new bike. Well, me being the good mom that I am had to play around with her and tell her there was no way Santa could fit a bike through our fire place. She informed me that he could, that he did and I needed to get out of my bed to see for myself! So, I went downstairs, looked and exclaimed, "NO WAY," we poked around to see what was what and then went back to bed. We all got out of bed AGAIN around 7'ish called Jerry on Skype and were able to share a little bit of Christmas morning (before his internet started acting up) together! From Alaska to Baghdad we were together as a family!

Madison, Allison and Sage

2009-12-27T10:10:00.001-08:00

The latest pictures of Madison, Allison and Sage. I had their pictures taken just in time to get them out for Christmas....nothing like waiting until the last minute. I was not sure how the photo session was going to go as we (they) did an outfit change, had to wait 45 minutes past our appointment, which I might add threw us into Madison's nap time but, it was not too bad. I think the only one who had a melt down was me!!

Some Ride....

2009-12-23T17:52:00.000-08:00

In Texas some ride.....
In Colorado some ride.....

In Alaska we ride.....

I could not pass up the opportunity to share the last photo. The girls took this picture with "Hank" the moose over the Thanksgiving Holiday. I would have posted the picture then but, I sent a copy to Jerry in Baghdad in his Christmas package.....couldn't ruin the surprise!

A White Christmas & A Visitor

2009-12-18T11:50:00.000-08:00

I was on the computer the other day and out of the corner of my eye noticed a brown blob, I turned quickly and what to my wondering eyes should apear......NO.....it was not Santa's reindeer.....it was a yearling moose!!! It is really neat to watch wild life up close and personal as opposed to on television. It is that time of year when there is a large amount of snow on the mountains that moose start making their way down to try to find more to eat where there is less snow. With that said, it is usually on city streets and in housing subdivisions that we see many of them. And with the amount of snow we have we are sure to have a white Christmas. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Our Own Little "Monet"

2009-12-18T11:39:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would take you on a tour of our art museum. Our little artist (Allison) has produced some nice pieces to add to our abundant collection. She really loves to paint and draw and does mighty fine work if I say so myself. I think our next adventure will be a canvas and some actual acrylic paint....

Watch Her Waddle

2009-12-08T18:32:00.000-08:00

YEAH!!! I am SO excited and very proud to present (and just in time for Christmas I might add) baby Madie is now walking. It is hard to believe she is not even 10 months old yet! I could not help myself so, I just had to post the video to share. Way to go baby girl!!

Cool Christmas Craft

2009-12-07T11:40:00.001-08:00

**I came across this craft project and it was just too cute not to share. I hope you and your little one(s) enjoy it as much as we did!**

This cute reindeer is made from your child's handprints and footprint, cut out of construction paper. It makes a cute Christmas decoration.
Supplies:
Brown and tan (or orange) construction paper
Pencil
Scissors
Glue
Googly eyes (optional)
Trace around the child's foot using brown construction paper. This will be the reindeer's head.
Trace around the child's hands using tan construction paper. These 2 pieces will be the reindeer's antlers.
Glue the handprint "antlers" to the top of the reindeer. Add a bright red paper nose, a paper (or drawn) mouth, and googly eyes (or paper eyes) to the reindeer's head.
You can now decorate your house for Christmas with these cute reindeer's. Don't forget to put the child's name and age on the back of the reindeer.

2009-12-05T23:15:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

"Don't Squeeze the Charmin"

2009-12-04T11:06:00.000-08:00

What is it with kids and toilet paper? I have never understood the fascination of unrolling a full roll of toilet paper and shredding it into a billion pieces! I mean, they don't play with it afterwards, they don't try to eat it (at least mine never did) they just hone in on it and seek to destroy. Really....Madison "knows" when the bathroom door gets left open. It is like a secret force that all of a sudden hits her and off she goes. Don't stop for pedestrians, don't yield to on coming traffic just get to the bathroom as fast as you can and destroy that toilet paper!!! It is like she has tunnel vision and is totally focused on the mission at hand. KIDS.......gotta love 'em (and must take as many pictures as possible when they are doing something they shouldn't be doing.)

Gran and Paw-Paw come to visit!

2009-11-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

Below are just a few random pictures that were taken by either Gran, Paw-Paw or myself during their visit from Texas. During their visit we were able to take in a little sight seeing, Christmas tree decorating, snowman building and of course we shared the Thanksgiving holiday! We REALLY enjoyed their visit and were sad to see them go. We miss you Gran and Paw-Paw!!

Hmmm...can you guess who is taking this picture?

Smooches!!

Her first Oreo cookie! Her daddy would be so proud!

And yes.....even Paw-Paw partakes in a little Nascar pastime.

Claudia and Claude

2009-11-30T10:25:00.000-08:00

What can I say..... A day in the snow is just not complete without a snowman and/or snow woman. Gran and Sage took the honor of bringing to life not one but two beautiful snow people, AKA "Claudia and Claude."

Texans v's Eskimos

2009-11-29T13:52:00.000-08:00

I never knew the Alamo was also located in Alaska. Sage and Paw-Paw decided to build a fort and well....it turned into a mini version of the Alamo. Great job guys!!

Gran decided to build an igloo so she could take refuge once the snowball fight began. However, the snowball battle was put on hold until everyone was able to thaw out their fingers and toes!!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T13:28:00.001-08:00

Although a lot of hard work, endless hours and lots of love went into the preparation of our Thanksgiving dinner. I seemed to have failed at documenting the momentous events. However, I did manage to capture just a couple pictures of the before, during and after.

Gran making the homemade pie crusts!

Paw-Paw and Allie making the dressing for the broccoli salad....which I might add she will not eat. I tried to tell her that all great chef's have to at least taste their masterpieces...Yeah...didn't work.

Gran adding her magic touch.

Our beautiful turkey and all of the fixings...

Capturing the moment and giving thanks!

Paw-Paw doing the honor of carving the turkey.

Allison..

Sage..

And....the aftermath... Hey! Who is doing the dishes??

A Holiday Tradition

2009-11-29T12:42:00.001-08:00

It has ALWAYS been a family holiday tradition that we decorate the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. From as far back as my memory will take me, this is one tradition that I loved growing up and have continued with my children as they grow. This Christmas is extra special as it will be Madison's first AND Gran and Paw-Paw were visiting from Texas and were able to join in on the fun. During the tree decorating event it seemed that as many ornaments as we put up....Madison took down! In the end, we managed to get 'er done!! Although we had a great time, the memory of this holiday season will be bitter sweet. Jerry is STILL in Baghdad and will not be able to make it home. We love and miss you and put a few ornaments on the tree for you!!!!

I have to add.....she is on one knee trying to stand all by herself! Amazing how brave one can be all for the sake of reaching an ornament!

(Just thought I would add this little tid bit. This is the first year that I let my children decorate ALL BY THEMSELVES. Yes, I know the first step is admitting you have a problem so here goes...When it comes to decorating the tree I have a little bit of OCD. I also admit I have re-decorated when everyone has been fast asleep. But, not. this. year. What you see is the true hard work of my three beautiful children and my mom and dad!!)

Winter in Alaska

2009-11-29T12:16:00.001-08:00

Since the Thanksgiving holiday has come to an end and Christmas is just around the corner, I thought it would be appropriate to post a few pictures of Alaska in winter time. Nothing makes the holiday season feel closer at hand then snow (for me anyway). Although the temperature has not decided which route to take, above zero or below, mother nature has produced a fair amount of snow that seems to want to "stick" around! I picked a few of the most recent pictures to share.

This picture was taken in Eklutna, just a few miles north of Eagle River. A big fishing hole during summer.

Believe it or not, the snow in the photo is actually covering a lake. As you can see, many were brave enough to trust the ice as indicated by all of the tracks, however I. was. not. Not a chance!

This breath taking view was taken from the driver side window of our SUV. Not a bad shot hugh? The area you see is of Eagle River State Park.

Another photo taken in Eklutna. The mountains are getting just a little bit of snow.

The next two photo's were taken by my dad, Charlie, in Eklutna as well. Great angles dad!

Once our "true" winter has hit and there is an abundance of snow, I will prepare another post and hopefully be able to produce more breath taking photo's to share..

House of Bounce

2009-11-13T10:35:00.001-08:00

Ok. So, I decided to take Madison out on the town to try and find something "she" would enjoy doing since she is only nine months old. Outside activity at this point is not really an option since there is a foot of snow on the ground and the temperature will freeze you in your steps... Well...not literally but, you get the point. So, I happened to come across House of Bounce and thought we would give it a try. Luckily, we got there just as open bounce began AND we were the only two there! So, we take our shoes off, pay and go in to get our bounce on. NOT....at first, she was not having any part of it. But, once she saw me bouncing(lucky it didn't deflate) she got the idea and it was ON from there. I am not sure who had more fun...Madie or me?? On that note, I am pretty sure we will make it an every Thursday @ 10:00 am kinda thing!

Better Late Then Never

2009-11-12T22:53:00.001-08:00

Happy Halloween

We had a great time trick or treating this year. Sage and Allie ventured into the 27 degree, chill you to the bone, weather all for the sake of seeing who could get the most candy. Needless to say, due to the temperature, Madison and I followed close behind in the nice and toasty SUV. I think we might have actually completed four or five blocks this year and their bags were FULL. Not to mention the frost bite on their fingers and noses. Ohhh....... What kids won't do for a bag of skittles.

Me x Three

2009-11-12T21:23:00.001-08:00

Sage

Fourteen. Strong. Handsome. Energetic. At the age when parents really do not know as much as they say but, "pretends" to listen anyway.

Allison Eight. Funny. Dramatic. Sensitive. Say's she is going to be a banker when she grows up and asked me what I want to be when I grow up.

Madison Nine months. Loving. Innocent. Explorer. Loves adventure and at nine months is not really afraid of much(as long as mommy is there).

The future......

2009-09-19T17:20:00.000-07:00

" The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

Lunch with a little snack came just a little too close to nap time!!

Good-bye Summer....

2009-09-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

As the leaves turn from green to gold it is certain the season is going to change. And with the first sight of "termination dust" (the first bit of snow on the mountain) the temperature is sure to follow. Good-bye 60 degree weather.....Hello 50's, 40's, 30's, 20's and yes......even below 20 degrees. Although it is a beautiful sight to see and a great experience to "endure" all four seasons, I think I forgot to mention I am not a cold weather person? Hmmmm

Midnight Sun Park

2009-09-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

Allie, Madie and Sage posing for a quick picture before heading over to the swings.

Swinging for the first time all by herself and LOVING it. However, once she realized she had something in her hands, she wanted ever so badly to get it into her mouth.

Her first big girl slide...... However, Sage was standing close by for the, "just in case."

Hold on tight sister!! Not too sure she was in the mood to "hang." However, we sure thought it was cute.

Go Allie, Go!! With her shoe falling off and trying not to let go from laughing so hard, she never made it past the fourth bar. Here is a little secret...........that is where she started out!!! ssshhhh

My three kiddos "trying" to fit into the tire swing all at once. I do not think it worked out too well.

Sage doing his back flip off of the swing. You cannot see it but, I had my cell phone in hand with 911 ready to go! Great job Sage....He actually landed it. A perfect 10!! Now, do not do it again!

Look Daddy!!

2009-09-19T16:27:00.000-07:00

"Look at me daddy.....one hand."

What can I say? It seems like just yesterday she was born, then crawling and now she just turned 7 months and is pulling up on EVERYTHING! Not only is she pulling up on everything but, she is also brave enough to try to stand. SHEESH!!! Before we know it she will be walking (sigh)!

Her 1st Day

2009-09-10T15:01:00.000-07:00

As summer ends another glorious school year makes its way into the picture. Allison will be starting the 3rd grade this year in Mrs. Halfpenny's classroom. Allie is VERY excited on her first day of school and ready to hit the road at 7:40 am. However, the first bell does not ring for another 50 minutes! So, she settles on breakfast and a few cartoons instead. Have a great first day Al.

Boys...

2009-09-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

Jester and Hollywood, AKA, James and Sage.. are posing for a picture before heading off to the homecoming dance. It seems like only yesterday Sage was playing in the dirt with a spoon and his dump truck in the back yard and now...he is going to his 9th grade homecoming dance. Is that really possible?? Where did time go and who gave my little boy permission to grow up?

"Berry" cute...

2009-09-10T11:05:00.000-07:00

With Daddy's eyes and Mommy's nose,

Madison Alexa is 6 months old!

A quick photo before heading off to the doctor for her 6 month check-up and shots. At 6 months old, Madison weighs in at 17.7 pounds and is 27 inches long. She is no longer the newborn we brought home from the hospital, instead she is a bright, beautiful and always smiling little girl. Our bright eyed "little sis" always has time to show a quick toothless smile!

Rub a dub.....

2009-09-10T10:51:00.001-07:00

Rub a dub dub, one cute little lady with some suds in the tub!

This is Madison's first "solo" bath. She has given up the baby bath tub and the water recliner to sit and play like a big girl in the bath tub. With her pink duckie, bubbles and her cup she is having one "splash" of a time!!

Wolves versus Mustangs

2009-08-12T23:26:00.000-07:00

That's our boy!!!! While playing many positions during his first game of the season (punter, QB, free safety) Sage managed to stay focused on the task at hand. What was the task you ask? Well of course it was to beat the Mustangs.....and that they did!!!

Forever Captured

2009-08-07T13:34:00.000-07:00

There is nothing that warms my heart more than the smile on my grandfather's face as he is surrounded by his great grandchildren. Looking back, I can remember the times when "I" was the one occupying his lap, listening to stories, sharing laughs and playing in the dirt at my Pap's house. Although this photo took literally two seconds to snap, it will last a lifetime in my heart and will be a great memory for my children!!

Our Hero

2009-08-04T17:20:00.001-07:00

For all you have done and for all you are currently doing, we salute, "YOU." With two months down and only ten more to go we appreciate all of the sacrifices you and your fellow soldiers have made and will continue to make during your tour of duty. You are truly our HERO and we love and miss you!!!

I've almost got it!

2009-08-04T17:01:00.000-07:00

Madison is 5 1/2 months old now and very ready to be mobile. As you can see, she can get up on her hands and knees but, just can't quite navigate from there. Keep trying sister...you'll get it!

Monkey See, Monkey Do

2009-08-04T16:47:00.001-07:00

Sage has been going to football practice for about 2 weeks now. Of course, he has to bring his football equipment home and gear up to show us....and himself while posing in the mirror. Well, as you all know, one cannot "do" or "get" something without the other two wanting to "do" or "get" the same thing... So, all three got to pose for a picture in big brother's football helmet. "GO WOLVES"