Mini Miller Moments

sizing it up

2012-01-28T15:29:00.000-08:00

Most birthdays for me have always been about basking in the joy of having my own special day. Who doesn't like the attention, gifts and all the fun stuff that goes with birthdays...really they are just a lot of fun if you let them be. As I have gotten older I have been blessed with a loving husband that spoils me rotten with wonderful surprises and attention on my special day. He always know how to make me feel loved. I am so thankful to have that in my life. I can't say that enough, I really love that he lets me love my birthday.
This year, like the past few, it is hard to have a day all about me when you have two little ones that think every day is all about them. :) But we try anyway. Having my family around me is my present. Sure I would love to be on a sunny beach with my toes in the sand, a drink in one hand and no worries, but reality is that isn't my life. I have a great life...but it is a tad different than the sunny beach picture.
Birthdays are strange. When you are little you can't wait to grow up, to get to that next number. You turn six and you start telling people, I am six and a half as soon as you can or, I will be seven on my next birthday. You are always ready to be older. That is until you get older. Older is the other side of the fence, the grass is always greener type of thing. You are sure you want it, until you get it.
I never put much thought into getting older or the idea of aging. I didn't worry about gray hair or wrinkles, getting fatter, my body changing or any of the "fun" parts of aging. But now...sigh...this birthday I am thinking...I am noticing...I am Sizing up 35.
I am older, that I can now see. I don't look in the mirror and see the same girl. I now see wrinkles, gray hair, dark circles, signs of my age all over my face, my body, me. Not in a bad way, but it is there, it is obvious to me now in ways it wasn't a birthday or two ago. Or maybe I wasn't looking. Either way, I walked with my husband in a sweet little Texas town last night and I was quiet. I was thinking. 35 years of life. I am thankful for each one, thankful for my family, my children, my health, my life. I know I am blessed and I have more than I deserve. I can't help but to feel like I haven't accomplished a lot. I haven't done very much in my 35 years. I know, I know....I can hear the buts from here. But seriously...It is how I feel.
I am so proud of our life...being a military spouse, having two amazing children and getting to stay home with them is a privilege to me. I have a lot to be proud of and a lot of things in my life I do each day. But, I also know there is more in my life to do and accomplish and that time will come. I look forward to setting some goals and accomplishing them. Maybe 35 is a great birthday to reflect, look forward, and to be excited for more things to come. And maybe it is a time to stop and enjoy each day that I am 35...not hurry to be anything but who I am, right now!

overload...

2012-01-17T21:33:00.000-08:00

Right now that is how I feel...
Our move is a few months away, but I am on the computer 5 times a day looking at the same rentals and wondering if anything new will pop up, what can I do without, what can I tolerate? Have you looked at rentals on line...really looked. Some of them are so disgusting and scary...the decor, the uncleanliness, the strange things people do to a home...all of it is mind boggling and makes the process that much more frustrating.
Add in that I am very picky about the children's school. Erin will be in kindergarten and Zach in 3rd grade. I want them both to be in a great place, a good school and around an environment that makes them feel good, flourish and excel. I refuse to have this year be one that I say, oh we moved and they are transitioning. No. Kindergarten needs to be great for Erin...she is little and not where Zach was at this age...she needs a great school, teacher and environment to learn. Zach is so special. So smart, sweet and capable. But he needs a school where he won't be overlooked, a behavioral problem and he will be appreciated. He needs to be challenged.
I have been looking at specific schools in Beavercreek, only two that I feel okay sending the kids to...but the houses are few and far between in that area and what I have seen is to be honest, not good. Then I have looked in an area farther away...still nothing great. I found one house that I loved...LOVED. Called and it sold 24 hours before, paid cash. UGH.
So today I got online again, opened my mind to some other options. Trying to listen to some advice and ignore other. I know people are well intentioned, but I know my family. If we live 5 minutes from base or 45, Brandon won't come home for lunch. If one more wife tells me that he can next year I will laugh out loud...no, that isn't him. And why would he? Both kids will be in school all day and if I want to have lunch with him, I say eat out. His commute can be 25 minutes, but the kids can't be in a class where the ratio is 25 to 1...not if we have another choice for them. So...tonight I started to look at more houses and I am realizing, if we go for the best schools, we will be in a small house in an old part of town...I am nervous about cutting back and storing things. But in reality, I love old homes. I can do anything for a year. Things are just that, things.
So...I continue to pray for things to fall into place and ask that you say one or two as well if you wouldn't mind. We are so thankful for the time here in San Antonio and in reality we have grown so spoiled with this house and all we have. I am reminded how much we can be enriched in other ways...

New Year....Resolutions? Goals!

2012-01-05T21:14:00.000-08:00

I like the idea of having goals/resolutions, whatever you choose to call it, each year. I think it helps me look back on the last year and see where I "failed" to complete things I had wanted to do or to be proud of what I did do. Either way, I like setting some goals...sadly I seem to look back each year and always wonder why didn't I do that.
So...
Last year I didn't stick with several things, but some things I did and a few things that weren't on my list are accomplishments I am proud of too. I quit soda last spring...sometime around March, but it wasn't a Lent thing. I just decided to see if I could go without and now almost a year later, I am soda free. I was a soda junkie, so for me, this was huge. I have always needed to drink more water than I do...mostly for my colon that isn't the best at doing its job. :) I hoped this would force my hand. I still need to drink more than I do, but I am way better than I was a year ago.
I completed a 5K with some friends. I still hate running.
I joined a gym last spring and went a lot....loved the classes and had so much fun. But in the summer it dwindled. A big reason was child care. I loved having Erin there, she was in a safe fun room and most of my friends that went were moms from her preschool, so she had friends with her a lot. Zachary's child care wasn't the same. No real regulation, supervision...I never felt like it was a good fit for him and wasn't comfortable going. We loved the splash pad and used it a lot. After my beach trip I couldn't get into the groove of going...so by October I quit. I am sad about it, but it was a good choice since I wasn't using it enough. I am putting my money into other personal improvements. :)
I didn't catch up on scrapbooking.
I did read, but not as much as I had hoped.
I did try to do better about my personality traits...we are all works in progress.
So this year....my goals are a bit of the same and some new.
2012 GOALS
1. I did quit the gym, but I have a goal for keeping fit. I looked back on times when I was most fit or thinner and all where when I was walking a lot...Living at Edwards I walked a ton and I was in good shape there...so I am back to walking. I love walking and it is a great for Sally. So my goal is walk her every day. On days we can't bc of weather I will try to use my treadmill or head to the base gym. It isn't the Y with my friends and close to the house, but it is free and an option I can turn to now.
2. Catch up on my scrapbooking!
3. Continue to read...a book a month is my goal!
4. Learn to Sew! I have signed up for like 5 sewing classes and never have had it work out....so I have a friend that is a great seamstress...going to have her give me some lessons...
5. Work on having my nails taken care of...no weekly manicures, but do it myself, clear coat, clean looking nails.
6. Make time to do fun things with my family. We spend so much time on school, therapy, work, etc...I need to make it a point to make time for fun. Enjoy all the moments we have as much as we can.
7. Continue to work on being a patient, loving, compassionate mom and wife. To tone down. Lower my volume. Think before I speak and before I act. Apologize for my mistakes. Be present!
8. Spend less, shop less...save more. Pretty simple, but oh so hard!
9. Find more ways to give back and volunteer...I miss that and enjoy it whenever I get to do it.
10. Be better at communicating...text less, call more. Send mail. Surprise someone with a little token of love or friendship. Go for coffee with a friend. Take time to talk and listen.
I hope that in 2012 I can accomplish a lot of things on this list and above all, try my best to make myself the best me I can be.

More Christmas....

2012-01-04T19:19:00.000-08:00

Since I didn't get any photos up the other day, after I said I would, I thought I would take some time now to do that...
We had a great time at Christmas having my parents in town. Such a treat for us and the kids since we don't live near family and our visits are less frequent than I would like. The kids were so happy to have my parents here, show them all the new things they can do, new toys, games, etc. Most of all to have them around to hug and kiss and talk to...it is sweet to see how they interact.
So here are some photos...

My mom and I on Christmas Day!

Brandon and my mom...the two of them really are the cooks that put together our meal. Brandon was quite proud of his yummy turkey.

Zachary...love his sweet face and sincere love of all of his gifts...even clothes. He honestly just was thankful....

But some items were pretty big hits. ;)

All Erin wanted was a baby doll high chair...well she got one!

And a princess scooter. :)

And someone else got a big boy scooter this year.

And Sally got a stash of new goodies. She was particularly found of the Santa.

Their sweet faces as they saw the gifts for the first time. Love this.

Our tree...

My parents and the kiddos.

My sweet girl and her Santa Key...since we don't have a fireplace the kids make magic keys to let Santa come in the house. They make two, one for the front and back door, because you never know which Santa will use.

His key was so good this year...he took his time and it was done so nicely.

Making sugar cookies.

Erin forever being silly...

Mom and Zach playing words free together.

Erin!

The bakers...

I love this child...

The sweetest treats are actually the ones making the cookies if you ask me.

My mom and her little buddies...

It was a great Christmas and I am so thankful again for the time with my parents and for the opportunity to make wonderful memories.
I was sad the weather didn't cooperate with some of my plans, but hey, it was better than being sick with the stomach flu for most of the time like last year. We saw lots of lights at Windcrest one night, had lots of yummy dinners, played board games, went to church together on Christmas Eve and enjoyed each other...A wonderful visit.

Christmas 2011...

2011-12-29T07:08:00.001-08:00

So many photos I want to share from christmas and I will work on getting them all up later today when I have some more time. I just wanted to express on here how much I enjoyed this Christmas. Last year I was sick as a dog with the stomach bug and basically, missed Christmas. It was not fun to plan so much for your family and have your parents come only to get sick. So this year, I am glad to say, minus some sniffles here and there, we were healthy on the big day. We did miss out on some fun activities due to unseasonably cold weather here in South Texas. We had planned on Sea World with the kids and with the temps only at 43 for a high with rain for about 3 days, we didn't get to go.
My mom and dad arrived on the 22nd. The kids were beyond excited to have them here and to spend time with them doing anything at all. They haven't seen them since the begining of August. We really do hate how long the time was between visits, but this year has been busy and we chose to stay home for Thanksgiving for a lot of reasons. Having my parents here has been great. I feel so lucky that they get along so well with Brandon and that my children have such a great relationship with them. Distance sucks, but my parents have made it a point to be as active as they can in their lives and it shows. I am so thankful for that.
We had a very fun Christmas, lots of gifts, laughter and love. I am beyond thrilled that everyone seemed to enjoy the day, the dinner and the time together.
I wish I could do a million things after my parents leave...I always look back and think I wish I took more pictures, we had more outings to fun places, we went here or there, but you can do that through life and miss out on all the fun you did have. Memories are so special and made those. I am so thankful we had the chance to do the things we did and next time I will work on the rest. :)

Here is one photo from Christmas and I will share more later. I am always sad to see them go and today is no exception...I miss them...no relationship is perfect, but I really do love my mom and dad and I love having them here with me...

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T13:46:00.000-08:00

This year I wrote a Christmas letter, but only put it in a few cards since I felt so many people keep in touch through things like this or facebook. But, then I realized it would be a nice chance to share the letter on here, for future reflection if nothing else.

So here is our picture and letter we used this year for our cards...Merry Christmas everyone!!!!

Dear Friends and Family,

Happy Holidays! We hope that everyone is blessed with a wonderful holiday season. After taking last year off from writing the family Christmas letter, I am back and ready to report on our year.

We have had a really good year here in Texas for all members of our family. We can’t say enough how much we have loved our time here in San Antonio. Three years has gone by way too fast for us and we hope one day we can return to call this area home. Right now the Air Force has other plans for us and we are going to be on the move in late May. Brandon was accepted to AFIT at Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. We know we will be there for the one year of school, but after that, your guess is as good as mine. Brandon will move up in early May and the children and I will follow later in the month in order to let them finish school.

Speaking of the children...Zachary and Erin are growing and changing so much, too fast if you ask me. Zachary is in 2nd grade and doing awesome. He is continuing to score off the charts and tested into gifted and talented. He tried soccer and t-ball and enjoyed both a lot. He continues to work very hard at all of his therapies...he goes 4 days a week on top of full days of school in a regular classroom. He continues to amaze us with all he has accomplished. He is an amazing boy, but I am a bit biased. Erin is in 4 year old pre-K this year and doing great. She has grown to love school, her friends and teachers. She is a social, sweet, loving, compassionate and fun little girl. She also tried soccer this fall and was quite good despite being so much smaller than her teammates. She is still doing gymnastics and loving it. She is just full of life and love and is learning new things every day. I am simply amazed at how much both of them have grown and changed during our time here in Texas.

Brandon has had a great year, enjoying work and chances to fly. He just had eye surgery and is looking forward to being contact and glasses free. He is excited to head to Ohio and go to school again too for his second masters. I have continued to stay busy with my mom duties. You can usually find me folding laundry, cooking, cleaning, driving my taxi, volunteering and most certainly late...just like my Christmas card this year. :) I have loved every minute to being home with the children and the opportunities it has given us as a family. We have made so many great memories and friends here!

We have so much to be thankful for this year and it doesn't go unnoticed that so many people aren't as fortunate. We are thankful for so much, including the men and women serving our country overseas during the holidays and wish them a safe and quick return. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and a Happy New Year. May you all have a safe, happy and healthy holiday season and know you are in our thoughts and hearts not just at the holidays, but throughout the year. Happy 2012 to each of you.

Love,

Susan, Brandon, Zachary and Erin

Thanksgiving 2011...

2011-11-29T16:24:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving we stayed at home, here in Cibolo, TX. We didn't have any visitors from out of town, so we chose to go eat at the club on base. I am not sure if I ever posted about my unfortunate Thanksgiving disaster a few years ago, but I had a mishap and ended up with 7 stitches and a few hours in the ER...since then I have not been to keen on cooking unless we had a good reason. Two small children who are picky eaters, is not that reason. :)

So this year since we had no plans to cook at home and be busy in the kitchen, we decided to do something we have talked about for quite some time...Meals on Wheels. It was a wonderful and rewarding experience. I am so thankful we had the chance to do this, to take the children and share this with them and to spread some love and joy into the lives a few people. It was a great way to start a day that is really meant not to stuff your faces and get ready to shop, but to be Thankful...something I think we all forget from time to time.

It was a very emotional day for me...I just couldn't stop the tears. I felt so thankful to be able to do this for others. I felt so sad for the people we brought meals to and wanted to do more. I felt an ache to get back to doing social work...after years being home with the kids and wondering if I would go back to that or find something else, I think this sealed the deal on where my heart is.

I am not sure how much the kids really understood...we did our best to make sure they knew the meaning of what and why we were taking meals to people. I do know we will do this again, hopefully soon. I want us to never forget how lucky we are...how blessed we are...how fortunate we are.

I am thankful for a lot this year. I know how much I have and how often I forget to be thankful for it all. How much I have taken for granted and how much I don't show my gratitude for. I know that there are people who I don't say I love you to enough and say thank you to as often as I should. I know that I want to work on that and make sure the people in my life always know I love them.

But most of all I am glad that on a day called Thanksgiving, we did both. We were thankful for so much and we participated in giving back...I think that is the best I have felt about this holiday in a long time.

Here are a few photos from our day...

The children delivering the first meal...

At the club after we ate...Zach was posing, mostly to hid the pumpkin pie he was wearing all over his pants...

Photo by Erin...Look how good Brandon looks! Lost 20 lbs and I think gave it all to me. ;)

Me and my blessings...

With their daddy....

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Santa Surprises!

2011-11-27T13:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went out to run some errands at a nice shopping place in San Antonio. I had some returns, the kids wanted to spend money at Target on some toys...we have told them no new toys until Christmas, so they had to use their own money if they really wanted anything. So...we did our shopping and when I ran into do my last return I saw some people caroling...in old clothing and it looked beautiful. So I went and got the family out the car to see them sing...next thing we know, Santa pulls up in a sleigh...no joke. So we got to have a horse drawn carriage ride with Santa...it was awesome...Love random moments like this. It wasn't what we had planned, but super fun!

Just something cute...

2011-11-22T19:12:00.001-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPzQ0tEpYTQ

I love that my kids come home from school with things like this...

Gig Em Aggies!

2011-11-20T19:45:00.000-08:00

I am not sure how two graduates of the University of Arizona have raised a son who wants to go to Texas A&M, but it has happened. I grew up in NC and during basketball season I still cheer for beloved Duke, unless they are playing the Wildcats. Brandon and I love our college, we took the kids to the campus two years ago, they each have U of A attire and Brandon, well lets say he tends to wear his AZ pride often. :) But, non the less...we have a real Aggie fan in the house.

Zach has been talking about A&M for a while and Brandon decided as a big treat and surprise he would take him to a game. So we waited until the morning of to tell him. Otherwise my sweet son would have been so wound up he wouldn't have slept for nights. At 6 AM Saturday Brandon woke him. When he got to the kitchen we told him he needed to get dressed and eat so they could be out of the house by 7. He looked flustered. He reminded us it was Saturday. Brandon then handed him the tickets. His eyes went from glazed over to bursting out of his head. He was thrilled, beaming and said a big Yes...then he got dressed in record time. He was so excited it was awesome to see his reaction...honest and sincere. He and Brandon met up with a friend who is an A&M alum. They tailgated and then went to the game. They enjoyed the whole game, the Aggies won big...WHOOP WHOOP...and hung out after before heading home. It was a fun, long day that Zach enjoyed so much...Brandon enjoyed and will be forever remembered. How fun would it be if he ends up going there one day and we can show him this?

Zach and Dad pre game...great memories.

A month of being thankful...

2011-11-16T21:39:00.000-08:00

Each day this month on facebook I have tried to make my status something i am thankful for...be it big or small, I put something out there that is on my mind or heart. Some days it is pretty silly, like my DVR or Ebay...mind you to me they are very important...but I am sure it seems superficial to others. Reality is I am not sure 30 days is enough to say all I am thankful for...But, I will try here on my blog, to give some of my top 30 most thankful things, honestly included. ;)

1. Thankful for my health and that of my loved ones.

2. Thankful for a house, clothing, food, and not going without. If anything, I have far, far too much.

3. Thankful for two children that love each other and are friends.

4. Thankful to be married to a man I can say I am proud of and admire all of his achievements.

5. Thankful for the opportunities to move, meet new people, see new places and have new experiences.

6. Thankful for Facebook, email, text messages, free long distance and all the ways I am able to keep in touch with people who live far away.

7. Thankful for my DVR, I won't lie on my own blog, I love TV and love getting to watch my shows when I have time.

8. Thankful for ebay. This one is very true. I LOVE ebay. It is a great thing in my life.

9. Thankful for all of the services we have for Zachary, his support groups, therapies and amazing people that work with him. His progress and achievements are owed to so many wonderful people.

10. And, thankful for the families I meet through those groups....It is an amazing feeling to be surrounded by other parents who get it. Who deal with the same struggles and concerns. No matter how different kids on the spectrum are, we all seem to circle the same issues. It is nice to not feel judgement or pity and be able to share with those who simply get it.

11. Thankful for great friends near and far, who don't get it first hand, but try their best. They give me love, support and smiles when I need it and remind me that I am doing a pretty good job most days.

12. Thankful strangely for autism. With it has brought many changes to our family, good and bad. But it has shown me so much.

13. Thankful for the chance for both of my children to be in great schools with wonderful teachers. They both love school and that is a gift for life.

14. Thankful for Sally. When I quit the gym last month to save money, she stepped up and became my walking/workout buddy again. I love it.

15. The beach, especially my beloved Atlantic Beach. I feel at home every time I am there and I love that feeling.

16. Thankful for surprises. Some of the best things in life are surprises or unexpected events. I love them!

17. Coffee...my one sure vice...I love coffee.

18. Thankful that I get to be a stay at home mom. I can go to lunch with Zach whenever I want, I have time to do fun things with Erin and just enjoy the kids...I am very thankful for that every single day.

19. Thankful for all modern devices that make my life easier...dishwasher, washing machine, computer, dryer, microwave, keurig, tv, dvd player, etc. It is amazing how much we depend on them when one of them breaks...

20. Thankful to our assignment in San Antonio. Until this assignment we hadn't had one that we really loved. I love it here, so much I could see us coming back one day. Thank you AF for this assignment.

21. Thankful to be an American. Proud to be one too!

22. Thankful to have gotten to work in a career field I loved, even for a short time. I learned so much and met some amazing people that still make me smile and feel proud of what they have accomplished.

23. Thankful to have my parents in my life and my children's lives.

24. Thankful for books and my love of reading...I love to read and get lost in a good book.

25. Thankful for my walks...I love my long walks outside...time to think, unwind, exercise...love it.

26. Thankful for the opportunities I was given by my parents...no matter if I failed or disappointed, they supported and loved me unconditionally. They gave me wings and roots...even when it was hard to let me use my wings, they did. They have taught me so much and always been there for me no matter what.

27. Thankful for Brandon...he is my best friend and rock. I am so glad he puts up with me! He is a genuinely good person and it doesn't hurt that he can fix anything. :)

28. Thankful for my Erin. She was one of the BIGGEST and best surprises in my life. She has been such a wonderful blessing to me and our family. Her beautiful smile, personality, sweetness and big heart make me so happy and proud to be her mom. I love her to bits and I am so thankful she came into our lives, right when she did.

29. My Zachary. He has shown me so much about myself, being a mom and about life. He is so smart it amazes most people. He is kind, sweet, loving and quite funny. He is also someone that has come so far and done so much. He is my hero in many ways. I am beyond proud to be his mom and I honestly don't feel worthy enough most days...he is wonderful...

30. Life....most of all I am thankful for my life...my chance to experience all of this and so much more. Each day, each sunrise and sunset...just thankful for that.

My wonderful blessings....never could be thankful enough for these two.

Halloween photos...

2011-11-03T20:38:00.000-07:00

I have been asked to post and I know I am late, so here are a few Halloween photos...

Sadly I didn't have my camera when we went trick or treating at Brandon's work and Zach didn't do his school parade...so not as many photos as we normally have...

Next assignment is....

2011-11-02T16:33:00.000-07:00

The List came out yesterday and after weeks of sort of knowing, we can now officially say, we are heading to Ohio!
Brandon was accepted into the AFIT program for school...Air Force Institute of Technology. It is at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. He has to be there on May 17th, so he will head up there mid May, the kids and I will follow after May 25th. We are excited to move up there...it is a great opportunity for Brandon, a great area for our family with good services for Zachary. And we have some friends up there already, so that always softens any move. We are however, me specifically, very sad to leave San Antonio. We have grown to LOVE it here in ways I didn't expect. It is an amazing area for us. Our children have thrived in the time we have been here...we have been so blessed with great schools for both. I have met so many amazing people and fun friends. I have had time to be involved and enjoy being a mom. We will miss all this area has to offer and the people that have been a part of making it so special. I look forward to coming back here one day and settling down...we are dreaming big!!
So until May, I am going to enjoy the heck out of this area and my friends! I am so thankful for our time here and will always love San Antonio.
Watch out Ohio....get Ready for the Millers in May. :)

Bracken Pumpkin Patch 2011

2011-10-31T14:23:00.000-07:00

We love this little pumpkin patch on a hill in front of a preschool and church...it is in Garden Ridge, TX. Never fails to be a family favorite.

My pumpkins in the patch...

As always a fun time and I am loving the great pictures we are getting from our camera. But I do think you can't go wrong with such cute kids as the subject. Happy Halloween!!!

Acknowledgements...

2011-10-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

Last week was a busy week for sure. On Thursday we had another ARD for Zach at his school...Texas term for IEP (individualized education plan). Part of the fun of having a special ed kiddo. :) This one was painless and actually good. We went to review speech goals since the speech pathologist this year is new...she retested him and set up new goals based on that. His speech time is dwindling, but thankfully he still qualifies based on the fact he can't perform the tasks in real life situations that he can on a test or when asked by a teacher. In other words, he knows what to do and how to answer, but can't impliment in real life. He also finally got picked up for OT (occupational therapy). He has been tested at school since he was 4 and never qualified. It is hard one in school, because you have to show how it impacts him on an academic basis. Since he is so smart, no one thought it was an imparement. He is sturggling with writing tasks and crying a lot when asked to do daily writing prompts. He is having hte hardest time with creative writing. Zach's world is black and white, imaginative play has never been a big thing with him, so this is no shock to us. He is also becoming more and more sensitive to his surroundings. For me this was hard to hear, but good to know they are noticing and trying to help instead of ignoring his needs. He is getting what he needs and that is what is most important.

Before the ARD his grade had an awards ceramony. He was recognized three times...perfect attendence, the Responsibility Award for his classroom and the All A Honor roll. So proud of him and all his hard work. I can't believe how fast time has flown and how big he is, but he is growing up and making me so proud of the person he is.

Here he is below...

Hearing his name called...

Looking at his inclusion Teacher, she has been a big support and help to him this year...she visits him daily and helps him during rough spots in the day. Fabulous lady.

And his super Teacher Mrs. Webb. She is also his best friends mom and my good friend. She is a great teacher and has a huge heart. She genuinely loves Zachary as he is and I am so thankful for that each and every day as I send him off in her care.

Here is the first 9 weeks, lets see how he does as the year goes on...

WINNER!

2011-10-26T06:24:00.000-07:00

Zachary went with Brandon and my dad to see Ft. Macon this summer while we were at Atlantic Beach. He had wanted to see it so badly and I am so glad my dad, a huge history lover, went with him. What a treat for a little boy to do that with their grandfather. As soon as he got back from Ft. Macon he said he wanted to be a civil war soldier for Halloween...this was July, so I wasn't sure if the idea would stick. He said he wanted to be a union officer, not confederate too. So months went on and he still wanted to be a civil war soldier. So I searched and found him a costume and a corresponding book, Magic Tree House Civil War on Sunday. They have to be a story book character for their school costume parade. Last night he was given the chance to wear his costume to his social group he attends on Tuesday nights. He was so excited to wear it. Brandon took him and sent me the following video. Such a wonderful night for a sweet child...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwETjzO-wn0

Pictures...

2011-10-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

The pumpkin patch wasn't what we had hoped or expected, but we went, we saw and we marked it off the list. :) It was so very hot and there was little shade...very busy and no pumpkins you could get without taking a long tractor ride that cost extra money....So we plan to hit our usual patch this weekend and know that it will be a success. Then the kids and I can paint our pumpkins per our annual tradition. So fun!
But a few photos from the trip to share...we did have fun and saw something new.

Waiting in line for the slide...she loved it.

Shooting a corn canon...total boy!

Miss priss in the corn maze...

Alone on the tractor ride, she loved that thing...

Enjoying her roasted corn...it was YUMMY!

Little man....So very tired this day from a big weekend!

In the corn maze...thankfully we made it through. :)

BAA BAA!

Oink Oink...

Down the slide they go....

Love those smiles...

On the tractor together...

Full of spunk...It was so darn hot out there I am not sure how they could jump around. 88 in mid October is HOT!

Running across hay bails...

My boys...

My little man...

Oh my Erin...

The girls...

I love her to bits...and she totally knows it. :)

Deep in thought?

Fun, fun...

Goings on around here...

2011-10-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

I don't have any fun photos to share, but promise to share some after the weekend...we plan to travel to Hondo, Texas to a fun pumpkin patch and corn maze this weekend...something new we haven't done before, I hope it will be fun and worth the drive.
We have been super busy around here lately and that is always a good thing, but makes it hard to keep up with the blog and lots of other odds and ends that I need to get to each day.
Erin is loving school...she really loves her lunch bunch days where she goes from 9-3...who would have thought? I would love to send her every day, but it is expensive and selfishly, I like having her around with me too. She is really starting to show some interest in reading. She is sounding out words, talking about what words start with what letter, asking lots of questions on how to say and spell things. She is constantly drawing and "writing"...thankfully on paper and not her walls right now. :) She is at that remarkable fun age where it all seems to just click. I love it. I am also a bit sad to see my baby start to become such a big girl...where did the time go??? She is a ball of joy, energy, fun, laughter and lots of loves. We are so blessed every day with our Erin Taylor...She is becoming a bit more defiant and outspoken, but when push comes to shove, she is a great little girl. Loving soccer and doing pretty well considering at this age I am not sure any of them know what is really going on...she is usually happiest with her family and big brother.
Zachary is busy. No way around it. He is also playing soccer and has 2 practices a week and games on Saturday. He has therapy 4 days a week directly after school for an hour and his social group on Tuesday nights. He has been busy with school things too...events at school seem to pop up this time of year. He went to his first high school football game with Brandon last weekend and LOVED it. He is going to his first slumber/birthday party on Friday night. I am a bit (okay A LOT) nervous about it, but it is with a family we are good friends with and I know he will be okay. I have faith in him to make good choices. He is super excited about it. He went up the street last weekend and played with a boy in the neighborhood. I usually never let him go alone for several reasons....Our street is right off the main road and even though they can go ride bikes at the end of it, the slope in it leads right to a busy road. The boy that always comes down to invite him out usually does so at awful times and it is a bit wild. But Sunday I chose to step out of my usually over protective mom box and try...I asked him if he wanted to go and reminded him of why I don't like to let him. He said he would follow all the rules, stay on our street, watch out for traffic and be super safe. I asked him what would would happen to me if something happened to him...he told me, I know you would be heartbroken, so I will be careful. I was sold on that. He did great and I only wore a small groove in the floor pacing.
He is doing really well in school and loving it! He has some great new therapists at the new facility that are all working together with him and I am loving what I am seeing. All in all good things...
Brandon is busy, but doing well too. He is gearing up for his eye surgery next month. He has chosen to go ahead and get his done, so no more glasses or contacts. He is super excited, I am totally freaked out by eye drops, so I have no idea how he can be gung ho on this, but they are his peepers not mine. He has been working so hard lately and got put in for field grade officer of the quarter again...so proud of him. We should know soon...or should I say...we should be able to announce our next base and his school selection very SOON!
I am busy too...running kids here to there...working up at the school doing lots of volunteer work. Getting projects around the house done and working on cleaning out so much stuff right now. With a move around the corner it is hard not to feel the need to clean out.
I promise pictures soon!!!!

Not a real blog post...

2011-10-05T17:29:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine posted this link on her FB page and I was so excited about it, I had to share. I never wanted to wear scarves because honestly, the act of tying them scared me a bit...here is a lady demostrating a bunch of ways to wear your scarf...ENJOY!

http://jonesdesigncompany.com/fashion/this-is-fun/

Quiet...

2011-09-30T18:29:00.000-07:00

I know it seems as if I have been quiet and maybe I have. Nothing specific going on, but I have been busy and not in the mood to type as much as I wish. I have lots of things going on and things I feel the need to do or I am obligated to do...and when all of that is on my plate, I often let the want to do items go by the wayside. My blog, being one of them...
The kids are both in full swing of school. I am in turn, in full swing. I am much more active at Zach's school, but that isn't for the fact I don't adore Erin's preschool. It is awesome and for any person moving to this area with preschool age kiddos, I would pound it into your head that you must send your child there. But, I haven't gotten involved with as much of the parent activities. I have made a ton of friends through that little preschool and for that I am super thankful. I attend all that I can, but I tend to spend much more time giving back to Zach's school. Maybe because I pay for one and not the other, not sure how my mind has processed it, but it is how seems to have turned out whatever the cause.
She is now going 4 days a week, all at one school. Last year she split between two schools and it was a headache. I never got the good vibe from the other school and made no friends there. She is at school Tuesday thru Friday and stays all day from 9-3 on Tue/Thr. She loves it and I love her teachers. I feel so lucky to have a place like that for her.
While she is busy there I take those long days to get busy myself. On Tuesday I am mainly at Zach's school, all day. I volunteer in his class in the afternoon and in the AM I do work in the teacher workroom, library and also am working with the school social worker. I love it, I feel busy, purposeful and I get to spy a bit on him too. :) Trying to make Thursday my appointment day and day to get other things done that are not kid friendly...when in doubt, I will be back at his school too, it seems to be working out that way now. Wed/Fri I am trying to be at the gym, but wondering if my Y membership is going to continue. When the weather cools down, as it has been in the 90's and 80's the last few days, I find myself always wanting to go for a long walk and not be in the gym. The amount of money I spend on my membership could also go toward my new wish item...I showed Brandon at the BX today. :)
We also switched all of Zach's therapies...it was time and needed to be done, but a long process and as always never easy. I really like the fact that all three therapies are in one place...OT, Speech and ABA. He goes to a place in Schertz, so closer to our house, the base, etc. He will go Tue-Fri after school from 3-4. So, we won't have late nights or not be able to do other things because his therapy is right after school and only one hour long. It does mean I have to get him early from school almost every day and shuttle back and forth to get both kids at different places at very close times, but it is worth it to have him see people that all work together. Share information and seem to be more in tune with things I want to work on with him. So far he likes it too. Monday and Wednesday nights he has soccer, Erin also has it on Wednesday after him...LONG night. :) Tuesday night Zach goes to a social group at a local middle school from 6-7. Great thing we got him into this year and it is run through the school district. So...we are busy. He is busy. My days are busier than I think most people realize...stay at home mom is not a very accurate term. But, it is all for the greater good and I am willing to do the work. He is my job right now and I am working!
The sad part is our time here is drawing to an end. By next June we will be gone...we should get official word soon to where Brandon got selected for school, but we are pretty sure we know. It was a top choice and a place we are excited about, but with all things there is good and bad. If it is the place we think, Brandon has to be there mid May. The kids aren't done with school until May 25th. I will most likely let the movers take our stuff in early-mid may and stay back with the kids to let them finish school. It isn't ideal, but I know they deserve to finish their year here and I deserve it too. I love it here. They love it here. Heck we want to move back and retire here when we are done...moving won't be easy no matter where we go next. So as I look at the calendar and know that there isn't another September in Cibolo
So I will keep being busy, living in the moment, trying not to focus on May, but now. Here comes October, ready or not. ;)

Just a cute moment...

2011-09-24T06:48:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned at least once or a million times how much my sweet boy loves school. I mean LOVES school. Really, it is awesome. The night of meet the teacher we had a horrible, rotten, no good, terrible day. And poof...we walked into the halls of Wiederstein and all was better. It was like watching him awaken. He was just happy. No other way to phrase it or describe it. He is happy at school with all the cool things to learn and do. He is happy with the rules, order and schedule of the school day. He is happy with his friends...He does have some and let me tell you, the ones he has are amazing kids that literally have been gifts from God to him. He isn't crazy about writing activities, but that is a hard thing for him, so we are just going to keep working to make it fun and easier. But the love he has for school is awesome. Yes, this school is great and I will be beyond heartbroken to leave at the end of the year, but since he was in Pre-K he loved school.
So when I go into his room and see this, I smile...I can't help but to feel so thankful, proud and honored to be his mom. His sweetness makes me feel like I did something right with this boy. He really is remarkable. For all the things we work so hard on with him daily, his heart is pure and that is something that is all him.

This is him teaching his collection of build a bear dogs and other stuffed animals...he filled out and graded all their papers too...Poor snoopy got a 70. :)

Having a best friend is so special...

2011-09-11T11:35:00.000-07:00

We have been so blessed that Zachary has made a very special, best friend...Max W. He has had two Maxes in his class (grade). They both are super sweet boys that are so kind to my son. Max W. is also the son of Zach's 2nd grade teacher this year. Their whole family has been super special to us and we have enjoyed their friendship. Max had Zach over for his first slumber party at the end of the summer too. It is s special friendship between these boys...here are some photos I took at lunch last week. I was able to go up and bring Max lunch on his birthday and eat with them. :)

Max and Zachary...two super sweet boys!

Mrs. Webb (zach's teacher), Zach and Max.

Erin's first day photo..

2011-09-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

Erin's first day of preschool was on September 6th...She returned to her little preschool by the base...it is a great school with amazing teachers and sweet families. She loved going there last year and I met some great friends through this school. She was all dolled up in her birthday outfit from my parents and ready to go. My apprehensive daughter walked right into school with a smile and no fear. So thankful I have two children who love school...

Ice skating...

2011-09-05T19:46:00.000-07:00

We decided to take the kids ice skating this weekend. There is a big rink not far from where we live, and they had open skate hours Sunday afternoon. It has been windy here and Zach's allergies are acting up, so it is a good indoor option on a hot day. :) Both kids were so excited and had fun. Erin did really well and for being so tiny, she really held her own. Zachary looked a bit like a newborn horse out there, but God bless him, he tried his hardest and didn't give up. He never cried and he was so proud of himself when we were done, asking to go back. I am sure it isn't easy for him to see Erin do it easily, but it was great to see them both cheer each other one and try something new.
Here are a few photos and videos....
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tlS-OMJChM&feature=share

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3fyKoGmcfE&feature=share

image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
photo_2.JPG

A few more NC photos...

2011-09-05T13:52:00.000-07:00

After the beach we were able to spend a little over a week with my parents in Greensboro, NC. Brandon flew back to TX to work and we stayed behind to have some fun. It was nice to be able to enjoy some fun activities with the kids while there...lots of children's museums close by, a great pool, time with my nephew and sister...getting to see an old friend from high school and being with my parents...

Well as the news shows, Texas hasn't seen rain in so long none of us know what it looks like. My children were beyond thrilled to get to see and play in rain while in NC...

The 4 of us...

Nowie and Grandpa with Erin and Zach...

Such love with these two...

At the Sciworks museum in Winston...fantastic museum and free to military. We had a ball!

Visiting one of my best friends from High School....

All four of our children, Alex, Isabella, Zachary and Erin...

My parent with Zach and Erin...

pool time...

Playing dress up with Jacob...

So now...I am caught up on photos I think. :)

Well, well, well...

2011-08-29T21:10:00.000-07:00

So for those of you that checked this again and again and it was the same old post...SORRY! I am a bit in shock that it was such a long time since my last post. I don't have some amazing story of why I dropped off the blogging planet for months. One thing snowballed into another and before I knew it felt like too much to catch up and I honestly didn't want to even try. So now, I am feeling guilty and neglectful and overwhelmed and sort of willing to try...I will do my best to catch you up on my summer and life as we know it now, almost in September.

Our summer was honestly great...We had several bumps in the road, but we are as always looking back with lessons learned and happy we are on the other side.
So...Here is the run down...Erin had her 4th birthday on June 18th and a great birthday party planned at J&R gymnastics where she used to take dance, then gymnastics...well things didn't go as planned on a lot of levels. A huge accident happend on I-35 that backed up traffic so badly that some people basically made it to the last ten minutes of the party. We had to have the party at the time we scheduled since another party was due after us, so we lost a ton of the play time and it stunk for the kids, us and all around. Durning the party a friend of Erin's fell and broke her arm...oh yes, at the party. So we offered to watch their son while they took her to the ER. I forgot the candle and all cake cutting items...it was just one of those days. But Erin had fun and was none the wiser to the many issues. After the party Brandon and Erin went to the base for a father daughter dance and I watched Nathan and Zach and tried to pack....I was about to go out of town alone for a week...
Her party and great group of friends...minus the two boys in the middle (Zach and Nathan), they are all her age...she is tiny!

But, super tough!

On her new bike!

Showing us her age!

Yeah Erin....so sad she now doesn't want to do gymnastics...fickle little girl.

With her dad on date night...can you tell she was excited?

So the next day, father's day, I left and went home to NC to see my parents...my mom was having surgery that monday and I was lucky enough to be able to go home. It turned out to be perfect timing...I went back a week I had enrolled the kids in a summer camp at Erin's preschool. They both would go Tues-Fri from 9-3. Brandon would only have to take off Monday and be done with work at 3...The kids had a great week at the camp and home alone with dad. Brandon learned a lot about our kids, me and as the saying goes, you appreciate people when you walk in their shoes. I am just so thankful he was willing and able to do this for me, so I could be with my mom. Her surgery went well, but the recovery was hard. She is still recovering to be honest. I stayed with her in the hospital and so glad I did. While she was drugged a lot of the first day and doesn't remember much, I am glad I was there to be her voice and make sure she was okay. I am so thankful I had that chance to do for her what she has done for me so many times.

I came back to TX and got back into the groove of mom and a busy summer with crazy kids. Zach's therapies were crazy this summer and not as structured as they should have been. We did double up his OT and speech, but it made for a lot of driving for me and long waits...we did three VBS camps....the kids loved them all and learned so much. It was so wonderful to hear the conversations at home about God, loving themselves and others...I am glad we did them and look forward to more in the future. We did a lot of days at the pool and are so thankful we have a neighborhood pool. A must here in Texas (it was 111 yesterday here and 107 today, it is a touch hot). We had a lot of play dates and fun things to fill our days. We also had a lot of time to hang out and just enjoy each other. All of it good. As always the lack of structure and boredom is hard on Zach as the weeks go on, but he did really well and I learned a lot. I have no July 4th photos to share, fireworks were cancelled and we didn't even tell the kids...they were fine with a day at the pool.

At the end of July we headed to NC for the second year in a row. We drove again, which we are so thankful we did. It is a great opportunity to see the country and enjoy our time. Honestly, we do love it. We went to Atlantic Beach, NC (yes the place that just got hit by Irene). We went there a lot when I was a little girl and it really is my favorite place...I love that island...I love the whole area really. I can't help but say I love NC and enjoy going back. We had a great week at the beach this year...we did new things we didn't do last year and both kids enjoyed it so much. Erin finally became a fan of the beach, the ocean, the water...YEAH! I loved our week. Now I must figure out to curb my shopping issues and ebay enough to be able to buy a house there when we retire. :)

Here are some pictures...

My boy...he loves the beach as much as I do....maybe more. :)

She was getting warmed up...

Dinner out...

Mini golf at the condo complex...it was a great place.

I am happiest at the beach...

Erin and I at the pool...it was an awesome pool...

With a waterslide!

The girls!

Me and my handsome boy....

My dad and Zachary touring Fort Macon...

Zachary....

OH my Erin...she is a nut!

She loved the tubes, but not the slide....

He was trying to surf on his boogie board I think...

My daughter is in the ocean...one of the best moments of the trip!

Another fabulous moment...my son tasted and LOVED souther pork bbq! My very favorite and he is a fan...life is good!

I swear I am just a happy person at the beach with southern food in my belly. ;)

One of the many horses that live wild on the outer banks of NC...a very favorite memory too, getting to see them with the kids.

Our trip to Cape Lookout Lighthouse. So beautiful! The boys climbed to the top and took a tour...Erin was too young, so we hung at the beach...

And my daughter played in the water with me the whole time.

Dad and Zach on the top of the lighthouse. Such a cool memory.

My favorite photo....He loves the beach. I love the beach. I love him...Nothing better than time spent there with him...I cherish the memories we made and the time we have there and look forward to the chance to go back again and again...

My gorgeous kids! Inside and Out...

Me and my mini me as she is often called...a very fun age!

My special boy...

A favorite sight of mine since I was little...colorful umbrellas lining the beautiful Atlantic Beach.

And we were lucky enough to have my parents drive down for a few days to say hi...They both didn't feel great, but made such an effort for us and we appreciated it so much.

After the beach we headed back to NC for a week...I will have to upload those photos tomorrow and share some fun from that trip. We stayed for a week while Brandon went home to TX and then we got to all drive back when he was nice enough to fly back to NC...

We returned to get back into the swing and start school...and haven't stopped since...

Tomorrow I will post some NC part 2 photos...stay tuned....

Summer time...

2011-06-13T19:15:00.000-07:00

Sorry...no pictures tonight...I know, most of you check in for photos, but I just haven't been good about taking them the past two weeks...
I am happy to say that we are staying very busy this summer and I am glad I made some changes in my plans for the summer...opting to be more "free" with our plans. It was a hard transition on week one for Zachary, I can't lie. He basically imploded. I had taken down the daily schedule and since we had no set day to day plan, just had the big family month calendar up for him to view. Our days are all different. Monday he has Occupational therapy for an hour at 1, then ABA at home from 4-6. Tuesday (year round) Speech and OT from 4-5...Thursday at 4:30 we have piano. Add in some fun play dates at the pool, the Y, birthday parties...we were busy. But I didn't stop and think about his needs as much as I usually would have. I think I got complacent. We are in a "good" spot with him in many ways...so I was not expecting the worst as I used to do on a daily basis.
Well, the poor guy needed more. We went to the Y a lot of AMs in a row, for me to work out and let them play. His play area is not as structured or adult supervised and therefor a hard place for him to stay for a while and still be focused when we are done. I can't stop my Y time, it is a big part of life for me now and I love it/need it...but he needs stuff too.
So the next day, after massive implosion of my son...we started using a dry erase board...a small 8 x10 one, and writing that days schedule on it...we are careful to leave quiet/nap time in there and time to flex a plan if we need to, but for the most part, we make the schedule and try to stick to it. It helped a lot. This week they are at VBS at our church....we love our church, so it is nice to send them there for their first VBS experience. So far, day one, so good.
We have had some fun pool play dates with a few friends so far...it is nice to have the chance this summer to do that and enjoy our friends, the pool and summer vacation to the fullest. I can't believe how much I am enjoying it.
Erin will be 4 this weekend, I am not sure how I feel. Part of me is sad that she is getting to be such a big girl and my baby is growing up. She is a sweet, sensitive soul, full of smiles, imagination, silliness and energy. She changed our lives and has been a blessing like no other. We are so thankful for her every day, even days she tags her room gangster style with a ball point pen and almost makes me ebay her. Even then. I will always say, Zach is my purpose and she is my gift. I will forever feel like this and be grateful for these two amazing kids.
I had an AH HA moment today while at Zach's therapy. I had two moms in there with me that were newer to the therapy, diagnosed kid on the spectrum world. I was the wiser mom that had been there, done that and had a kid doing really well. It was odd to me to be that lady, but as I was talking I realized, we have been at this for more than half his life now. At 3 he got the diagnosis...two weeks out from Erin's scheduled c-section we went to UCLA for the painful, gut wrenching, I never talked about, evaluation. We were told to do, A, B and C and come back in 6 months. In the mean time we took him to get another evaluation...awful place and horrible person that made me feel so hopeless....then the school on base did an evaluation...the full monty to test for autism. I was ready to know, I thought. I sat in the IEP, with baby Erin in my arms and was told he tested on the Autism spectrum...You think you can prepare yourself for those moments. But, you can't. It hurt. As I looked down at my new baby in my arms and thought about my other baby who was off at a friends house, I honestly thought, how will I do this. Will we have a "normal" life. Will he be okay. Will he date, be married, have a good life. Then I got to bussiness. I figured out no one there was going to give me shit. 15 minutes of speech twice a week was what I got. So I read book after book. Found a speech therapist in town that rocked and got Tricare to approve it. Drove him 45 minutes each way to a private preschool to let him be around his peers and then the other three days be at his PPCD program on base for special ed. We got more evaluations and tried to do a lot at home...floor time, flash cards, breaking habits, setting limits...it was hard. But, as I have said with the AF life of moving and deployments...it isn't a can do attitude, it is a have to do one. He is my baby, therefor I just have to suck it up and do it.
After talking to two moms today I realized what a different place I am in that I was 4 years ago. I also realized I might never have been in their place. I welcomed the diagnosis. I longed for the help in learning how to understand him, get him to enjoy his life to the fullest and be all that I knew he could be. I felt strange today being the wise mom that I had been there, done that. That isn't me. But in fact, it might be in some ways. We have been at this a while. Erin knows nothing else than this life...Zach I am sure doesn't either. We adapted to this life and it is know what we know and I wouldn't change it if I could. I am so proud of him. All he has accomplished, achieved and learned. The person he is. He has grown so much in the past 4 years. Leaps and Bounds!!! I wouldn't change him if I could. He has made me a better mom, a better person and changed my life in ways I can't articulate.
No he isn't cured. We aren't out of the woods. We still have a long road ahead with changes and bumps I am sure. He will have Autsim for the rest of his life. But he copes with it daily and is thriving in so many ways. We as a family are. Four years...amazing how much your life can change in such a short time and how looking back you can't imagine living it any other way.

Zach's Birthday!

2011-05-31T20:57:00.000-07:00

It is really hard to believe he is 7. I see the changes, the growth, the progress each day...I know how hard he has worked over the past few years and how much he has really grown up in so many ways. It doesn't go unnoticed by me, not for a minute. But, as wonderful as it all is, it is hard to see my baby growing up too.

He had a fantastic birthday and for that I am thrilled...he has been so excited, for months, about turning 7. I promised him if he learned to tie his shoes he could have a laser tag birthday party. I think bribery is awesome...he can tie his shoes. He had a great party and a lot of people came...almost everyone he invited came and most of all the kids he really cares about and likes came...that was the best part. Some you know are there just because it is a party, but some, they come for the child and we knew who those were.

He had a big day...his exact words as I walked into his class holding cupcakes, "This is the best day ever mom". He had lost his first tooth at lunch the Friday (the 20th), before his birthday. He was the last child in his class to lose a tooth, he was over the moon. He bit into an apple at lunch and I guess it became super loose and a teacher helped pull it. He was grinning ear to ear...photos below.

We took him out to Texas Roadhouse for dinner per his request...he loves their steak bites. My horrible eater is now a picker eater, but a good eater...if he likes it, watch out. He got to ride the saddle while he was sung happy birthday...Photo below also...he had a blast!!!!

Brandon and I talked a lot about our special boy...we laughed and joked and I cried too. It is amazing to me how far he has come, especially the last 3-4 years. He is a remarkable little boy. I won't say we haven't been challenged, but we have been given so much more in return. He is really a joy in every sense of the word. He is full of light, smiles and love. He is so excited to do things and always giving huge hugs. He is my buddy and a good person. I am thankful every day for the gift of him in my life. More than anything else in my life, he has given me a purpose and brought more joy to my life than I had thought possible. I am forever thankful that I was given the honor to be his mom. I hope he always knows how much he is loved and how thankful I am for him.

Here is the fabulous birthday in photos!!!

Me and the birthday boy!

Lucky me with both my babies...

The boys

He had a blast!

Showing off his tooth.

Yes, he was super excited!

Having his class sing to him...

Mrs. Sides First grade...

He loved his huge # 7 balloon...

Not the cake I ordered, but the one we got...still cute and tasted good.

At laser legend.

Making a big wish!

Atta boy!

You did it.

You are 7...hope this year is all you dreamed and more!

Just need to say it...

2011-05-19T06:38:00.000-07:00

Getting older really is starting to be something I think about...I NEVER thought I would be saying this at 34. I am the person that only 3 years ago in California got ID'd on my birthday dinner with my husband, ordering wine. I usually have people say, "No way." when I tell them my age, most assuming I am still in my twenties. So why I am having a crisis now?
Reality check. I am not 20 anymore. My body for sure isn't. I have been so good for the last few months going to the gym...joining a gym was awesome enough, but I went to it. I have been eating well (I am a decent eater as it is). But still I am 8 lbs more than I was when we moved here two years ago and more than I want to be. I am stuck. I gave up soda this week....for the 100th time in my life, but hey, I am all about try, try, try again.
I am so done with doing all this work and seeing no results that I told Brandon it was time for him to deploy...nothing drops the pounds like the deployment diet. I would take up smoking again, except for the fact that most ex smokers learn to hate smoking and the smell of it...I think it is how you convince yourself to stop...so that road is closed. I would love to find the metabolism fairy that came in the night one birthday and stole my friend. I had good metabolism....that bitch gave me no warning and now I am here, in the land of I want to lose 5-10 pounds that most women dwell in once they get to be a certain again...it is not the land I had signed up for or thought I would arrive at right now. Yes, I am bitter. But, I am continuing to suffer and try to lose this darn jiggle and pudge. I do however wish all seats were either higher up or cushioned so the day after body pump wasn't so painful for me.
Several friends here are going to the gym with me and have more to lose than me...I know they think I am whining and being silly, but really I refuse to go up a size in clothes, I refuse to feel yucky. One friend even started those HCG shots...she lost 22 pounds and was only 8 pounds heavier than me when she started...if they didn't sounds scary and not FDA approved, I would say sign me up.
So now, I get ready to head back to the gym, suffer some more and hope for the best. Is this what being in your 30's means. Constantly looking in the mirror and finding new things to work on...Well I refuse to take this sitting down...basically because I can't today after being tortured in body pump yesterday...I will keep fighting and hoping one day I will see results or my metabolism again. If you see me and I am hunched over eating motrin don't be shocked. :)

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

We had a nice mother's day this year....nothing fancy, but very nice. We headed to church in the morning. I actually teared up because the sermon was really great. After, I went and got a pedicure and did some errands. Ironically I did most of the kids birthday shopping. Then we had a wonderful brunch at the O'Club on base. It was nice and I felt so blessed to have a great family on such a special day. Many people dream of growing up to have a certain job, but I always knew I wanted to be a mom. I am so glad my dreams came true and I have two awesome children who I adore. I couldn't have asked for more and not one day goes by that I don't know how blessed I am. I am very thankful!

Best Buddies

2011-05-09T06:14:00.000-07:00

I can't lie, I am pretty lucky that Zach and Erin love each other so much. It has really always been this way...even when they fight and bicker, all siblings do that, they still get along better than I could have hoped. Most days they fight because someone took a toy, or broke a toy or is using a toy...you get the idea. But when they are left to play alone and given free reign to do what they want, I often find things like this...

Zach busy building a lego creation after church last weekend and Erin lined up all of her stuffed animals to be his audience. Sweet moments...moments I really treasure. I know that in our life, with moves in our future that will be more frequent, this friendship is so important. I am thankful for it every day.

Easter 2011

2011-04-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter...the kids both ahd a lot of fun doing the annual egg hunt and enjoyed Brunch at the O' Club on base. We all enjoyed service at church last night and are thankful for our blessings.

Photos...

Family photo before church last night...hating my dress choice because the flowers make me look huge...but oh well...

Easter hunt this AM.

Egg hunt photos...

Brunch this AM at the O' Club...me and my guy...

Happy Easter!!!

Bucket List...

2011-04-10T15:32:00.000-07:00

A runner I am not. A big fan of hitting the gym and working out has never been me. Four years at the U of A and I never went into the student rec center...a wonderful facility that was free to me and I never even stepped foot into it for 4 years.

About 2 months ago I started going to the YMCA here after I got a groupon. I was shocked when I ended up liking it and wanted to actually pay to keep my membership when my time ran up on the groupon. Who would have thought? Certainly not me. I felt better, I was sleeping better, I had more energy and I had a ton of fun going with my friends. I can't lie, the last one might be the best part. I have some great, fun, supportive friends here and every chance I get to do things, I am really putting myself out there to do it. I try to not say no to opportunities here. So when one friend invited me to join her for the Shape 1st annual Diva Dash in Austin, I said yes. Then I said, "What the hell am I thinking?" I hate running, I don't think I can fathom doing a 5K, oh and it has obstacles.

But, I went. I didn't chicken out (I really wanted to though). I ran more than I thought I would or could. I didn't fall or get hurt and I finished! It was hard and the hills were a killer, but I actually had fun and at the end of it felt a big sense of accomplishment and excitement. I did it! And I even, sort of, liked it.

One thing off my bucket list! One thing I am sure no one, including me thought would ever be crossed off that list.

I had a great time with my friends, Laura, Carrie and Jessy...so thankful for ladies who were willing to try something that we all had never done before, challenge ourselves and have fun doing it. We went down the night before, got a hotel, made shirts, stayed up late talking and got to know each other even more. It was a lot of fun.

Here is a photo of us below at the finish line...all smiles! I am already signing up for my next 5k in May...I know, who am I? Someone who wants to see if I can do a little better next time and if I really do like this. I liked that it challenged me and that I was willing to take on the challenge. May 14th is a month away, so I better get ready. ;)

Off the Radar

2011-03-28T06:40:00.000-07:00

So I have been bad about blogging as of late...for those that check here on a regular basis...sorry. I just haven't made the time to sit and write much lately. Nothing bad going on, but keeping busy with other things and just lost track of my blog for a bit.
I cleaned out a lot of toys and items to put into another consignment sale...cleaned, organized, labeled and took to the sale...we brought it all over last night and then went out to dinner on the way home. It was farther away than I would have normally gone for a consignment sale, but we made an event out of it, so it was fun. The kids were so good about "donating" items to sell and very helpful when we were placing them on the sales floor. I wasn't expecting that. It was nice to clean out some things that we didn't use anymore, but admittidly some were hard to let go of...mostly little toys and puzzles that were Zachary's and then Erin's. It simply signifies that they are big kids now, not babies and the baby toys aren't needed. I packed up many toys and held back tears...I know it was the right thing to get rid of them, but it is also so hard too...I hate that.
The kids spent most of the day with their dad riding bikes and at a park. I am glad they had a fun time while I was busy...Brandon had been gone Friday night and Saturday and will be gone a lot the next week...so it was good for them to have some alone time with just him. I have been feeling the need to do some spring cleaning and tackling little projects here and there in the house. It feels good to get some things done and cleaned out, but what a process. Once I start one project, my mind fast forwards to the 7 other things I need to and should be doing...amazing what just doesn't get cleaning or attended to in normal weekly living.
Another week is starting and I am having a rough time realizing it is the end of March..how fast has this year flown by? I don't want summer to get here...I love summer normally, but not this time...I will then have a a 7 and 4 year old...so depressing to me right now...
I am off to get ready to take Erin to gymnastics...I will post some photos later...

11 Years...

2011-03-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from our family anniversary dinner last night...it was a lot of fun to take the kids out to fancy place...they loved being at the Towers of America in downtown San Antonio...it has a view of the whole city and sits high in the air...rotates slowly while you sit and eat. Each child had their first shirley temple and loved them. It was a great night!

Canyon Lake

2011-03-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

Here are a few quick photos from my camera that I took at Canyon Lake...we have a few more on the other camera too...will upload those later...

They were ready for smores when we got there...silly kids!

View from our cabin (they are actually called shelters...they are very tiny!!)

Example of how tiny with Zach on the porch...fine for camping and for the price though.

Inside to the left...double bed...tiny fridge sink and micro in back...it had heat and air thankfully....it got into the low 40s that night...

Otherside was bunk beds....bathroom with shower and toilet behind door...

Looking super cute...

On the pier fishing...

Being Brave and checking out the worm....

We will for sure go back, it was a lot of fun for the kids...weather was colder than forecasted and therefor what I had packed....also both kids have bad coughs and snotty noses, so we chose to stay for a short time and head back...being sick isn't fun on a trip. :)

Milestone...

2011-03-13T19:16:00.000-07:00

For anyone that knows our story and situation you know that a lot of big things to us, are little to many others. Milestones in our house are different, especially in reference to Zachary. I have no idea when or how he learned to read, I simply know that by the time he was 4, he was reading and telling time (not on a digital clock). He has no problem grasping academic stuff, it is a lot of the other parts of life that have been a struggle...making friends, fine motor skills, language, understanding simple concepts (like giving people personal space)...and one big one. Toys. Since he was little he has never really played with toys. Not in the traditional way that you and I probably did as kids or even as I watch Erin. She plays with her dolls, the train set, blocks, you name it. Alone, with me, she plays. Zach...not so much.
When he was little I was in denial I am sure...I would continue to buy toy after toy, convinced that it was the toy, not him that was the problem. It never changed. As he got bigger he grew to love books, the computer, workbooks, the Wii, DS...you get the picture. Toys, not on the list. We bought, they sat.
So tonight I was done...making my usual sweep of rooms to clear out things...I had just discovered that while the consignment sale I used in the fall was cancelled for the spring sale, there is another one on the other side of town next month...YEAH! The pile in the garage is huge and I am ready to purge. I didn't want to do the consignment store bc they take so much...the sale, you price it yourself. Anyhow, I digress...I explained that some of his Imaginex toys would be in the sale pile since he never plays with them. This after hours of whining and going on about how bored he is (he is grounded from all things electronic after an awful two weeks of behavior at school). So, i told him, if you want toys, you have to play with them...I took out some Lego sets we have had for years and started to add them to the pile and stopped...he showed interest...I asked if wanted to sit and try to build something...4.5 hours later this is him....

I am tickled pink..I can't tell you how much this trills me...fills my heart with such happiness. He is taking his time and working so hard to follow the directions...using his fine motor skills (skills that are a challenge for him)...he is so proud of his work and what he has done...I am too...Most of all to see him engaged in something that is not a computer for his long is beyond a thrill...Milestone day for us. Sometimes the garbage bags have to come out for us to move on and that is okay. We have had a rough few weeks, so today is huge...
So for some, watching their kids spend 4.5 hours on the floor building Lego's might seem like nothing to most, but here, this was a monumental day for us and I can't wait to see what this new love brings...

Photos...

2011-03-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share some photos of the kids over the past few days...nothing super exciting. We have been just doing our usual daily life around here...The kids are both off of school all next week for spring break and we are heading to Cayon Lake for 2 days to camp...should be fun! Otherwise we are sticking close to home and will enjoy some down time...cleaning, organzing and projects are on my list for sure. I am enjoying the Y a lot and thrilled to be able to go with some great girlfriends...it is always fun to suffer with friends!! I have never been one to enjoy the gym, so this has been huge for me to find something I like. I have gone to several classes and found some that I enjoy more than others. I am in a lot of discomfort today from my body pump class on Friday...but I am going back tomorrow for more torture. :)
Here are some smiling faces...I will post camping ones for sure when we get back.

Sister Sally...

2011-03-06T20:30:00.000-08:00

Enjoy this funny video of Sally this AM. Any time I get out my tennis shoes and baseball cap, she knows. She starts running around in circles and howling...it is hilarious and super cute too. Hard to believe on days like today, she is 10 1/2. We love our dog!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9bsynOjDAU

Reading!!

2011-03-05T08:20:00.000-08:00

Zach had a wonderful treat this week..he was invited by Erin's teacher to read to her class. I picked up Zach from his school at his lunch time and brought him to Erin's school. He got to enjoy snack time with her class and then read them two books. He read, "Giggle Giggle Quack" and "Who Can Fi It". He did a fabulous job and had so much fun reading to them. They all listened well and enjoyed his books a lot. The second book he read was written and illustrated by a dear friend of mine when she was 9...the cutest part was how he told them he had met her, like he was talking about a rock star. It was adorable. I was so proud of him and glad he was able to go and read. I love this little guy!

Erin listened and laughed...she was very proud of him too...

He got a huge round of applause at the end and his whole face lit up...it was a good day!

Time for T-Ball!

2011-02-26T19:27:00.000-08:00

Feels like we have been waiting forever for it to start again...Zach really enjoyed T-ball last year and loves watching baseball on TV with us. We even got to go to a San Antonio Missions game last year that the kids loved. He had his first practice today and was most excited that his dad is one of his coaches. He will be playing on the Mets team this year (although he wore his Yankees hat to practice...old habits die hard around here). He did really well at his first practice and was very engaged...I hope that he is off to a good start this season and a fun time!

Rodeo Time in San Antonio...

2011-02-26T19:20:00.000-08:00

Rodeo is a big deal down here in San Antonio...a big deal. Both kids schools do special things for it, but Erin's preschool is very into teaching the history of Texas and talking about Rodeo. Here is Erin all dressed for her singing and dancing at school...

Enjoyment...

2011-02-21T18:54:00.000-08:00

We have had a very nice weekend...enjoying the time together as a family...enjoying days of having fun things to do and everyone having fun, getting along and being in good moods.
Zach finished out the week on green and purple...had a rough start, but great finish. I turned in my YMCA groupon and went the rest of the week. Took a yoga class Saturday that was awesome...loved it...too bad they only have two a week that are just yoga...I will go again next Saturday for sure, but will miss Thursday night because Brandon is TDY this week and Zach has piano that night. I didn't get the family deal, so for now, I have to go when the kids are at school or at times Brandon is home to watch them. Tomorrow I am meeting my friends there (gym buddies)...so excited to be doing this and with friends makes it easier, more fun and gives me that accountability.
Saturday night Brandon and I had a date...we tried a new place in Gruene, TX...right in New Braunfels basically. It was called the Gristmill...so yummy and great atmosphere...we walked around the little historic town of Gruene for a bit and enjoyed the time out...then went to see "No Strings Attached"...Our first movie in a while and it was good. The kids had fun with their sitter that night, so that always helps.
We went back to church Sunday AM, the traditional service seemed to be the winner for us and 8:30 is a good time...we had a nice time and I like this church a lot.
Then tried to go bowling but the place in town was full for league...so we hit IHOP for some food, then home to get changed and gear up for the base bowling...had a blast...both kids really were into it and in good moods...they ate there again...hungry weekend! We then hit the park on the way home because the sun had come out and we were in the mood to enjoy it.
Today we took Erin to her gymnastics class and then stayed after to let the kids do free time up there...I never do it with them because A. Zach is in school the two days a week they offer it. B. He is now past the age he is eligible, but looks young enough to pass for 5, so we went today C. It is too hard to chase both of them across a huge gym with lots of scary equipment they could climb on and get hurt. So with Brandon there, I was brave enough to do it. They had a BLAST. Wore Erin out though and she was a pill through lunch...but we got home, she got a nap and Zach had a fun time doing chores with me and an outing with his dad. So it was a good day for all of us.
Tomorrow Brandon heads to Fl for a TDY until Friday night. The kids and I don't have much planned other than usual stuff...for Zach's ABA therapy this week we are going to try a play date...Nathan is coming here and Erin is going to his house to play with his sister Alyssa (her BFF). Zach and Nathan have never played one on one, only with their sisters or in a group, so I pray this works and is a good fit. I love the mom, Brandon likes the dad and Erin and Alyssa love each other...this would be great for Zach to have a pal he can hang out with and for me to have one that I feel like is a good influence on him. I would trust my kids at this house and with their parents...so I hope this works!
I am going to go get some things done, but will put some photos and updates up soon...

Y - M - C - A

2011-02-17T18:37:00.000-08:00

So...this week there was a great groupon...$29 for a single person or $59 for a family - 2 month membership to the YMCA. I was all over that. I have been wanting to join for a year, since it opened. It is a nice facility and lets face it, it is nice to have a place that is family friendly to work out and utilize. But, the cost for a family membership was expensive...I wasn't sure if I would go enough to be worth it...the kids are in school, so i didn't think I needed the family one since I wouldn't be using childcare most days...and I didn't know anyone going to be my motivational buddy. So I didn't join...I kept thinking about it though...
But when I saw the groupon...i was all over it. I got the single person one and actually had a referral credit of $10, so it was only $19...for 2 months at the gym...YES! I went today for the first time as a guest with a friend...4 of us went together actually, our kids are all at Erin's preschool together...we did ZUMBA. It was a lot of fun. Not what I expected, but I am intrigued and want to go back and try again. I also am interested in other classes...tomorrow we are trying body pump...lord help me. I am excited and hoping I can stick with this with the help of my friends. A group of us also signed up for a 5K in Austin in April...again, Lord Help me. But, if I can do it, then I can cross that off my bucket list and be good with the fact I did it. :)
So, tomorrow is another day at they YMCA for me...we will see what happens when my groupon months are up and if I keep going...for now, I am excited to be excited about going...

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-02-16T12:41:00.000-08:00

My Wednesday morning cuteness....How could anyone not adore these two????

Dentist...

2011-02-15T19:43:00.000-08:00

Well it was time for the children's semi annual dental visit...I am not going to lie, I was a bit worried. Last year Zach had no cavities found after numerous cavities in CA...I am pretty sure he maxed out around 10 when we lived there. It wasn't good.
So going in today, I was nervous. Erin had yet to take x-rays, but had sat in the chair for a cleaning. So I wasn't sure what we would get today. Zach has also yet to lose a tooth and will be 7 in May...so....
They did great. He had a clean and cavity free mouth...Thank you God! His x-rays showed his HUGE (seriously one tooth is the size of two of his current teeth, not joking at all!!!!) big teeth waiting to come in..his roots are gone and officially from the dentists mouth, there was wiggling. Oh good Lord. I don't even want to go there...on so many levels. The grossness of the tooth pulling and gappy hole part aside, my baby losing his teeth is just anther milestone people that I am frankly not ready for and not at all looking forward to. Can I go back to potty training? Really he is too little to be this big...
Erin did great also...she got her x-rays done (sitting safely in my lap of course). She got her teeth sparkling, princess clean as well and was super happy to show them off. All in all, a fabulous visit for us...yeah!!!!
Here are some photos of the the dental visit fun. :)

Just for a smile...

2011-02-12T19:31:00.000-08:00

The kids enjoyed wearing their winter clothes the last two weeks with the crazy weather...can you tell he is super excited even though it was 18 outside and windchill 8? We know we are lucky compared to the rest of the country, we know...we just simply aren't used to it.

Had to share his big smile...

All my snow photos were on my camera that died...seriously it was 3 days straight of electronic deaths here...my phone, my point and shoot camera and my hair dryer. I got a new phone because thankfully me contract was within the two month window. My phone had been a piece of %#&@!!!! So I was very ready to get something that worked...all the extra fun of a new phone was just icing on the cake for me. :) I am not a huge user of my cell phone usually, but have started to enjoy this one, especially considering when I need to use it, it works. Imagine that! I got a new point and shoot camera too...we got lucky with a great deal at the BX...I can't live without my camera. Of the above 3 mentioned, it is my most important item. We got a new camera for Christmas, a real nice camera, but I still love my point and shoot. I carry it in my purse most days, I use it daily for photos of the kids, ebay, you name it. I was so sad that my other one just literally died. But I am getting used to my new one and using it a lot, so that is good. My new hairdryer was a on sale at Target the day we ran in there...super cheap and so nice...has 3 heat settings like I like and it is a lightweight model. I love it! So all in all, maybe the "deaths" were all okay, just wish I had more time to have some spacing. :) My wallet is hurting now. HA HA!
Speaking of that. I had big plans to make money at the Munchkin Mart again...a big consignment sale I participated in last fall here in Schertz. I made a good amount on things and wanted to do the spring one. I have been sticking things in the garage for months in preparation. My plan was to use that money toward the kids summer programs...well they aren't having a spring one. I am so upset. I have no idea what I will do with all this crap now, but I am hoping I can still sell it to make the money for their summer stuff. Big bummer...
I have been gladly getting to do some ebaying and scrapbooking. Zachary has been working on a new website his teacher got him hooked on, very educational and he loves it! I have let him work on my computer while Erin either practices cutting, writing, playing on the main computer or the wii...we all have been hanging out upstairs in the guest room and playroom most days for hours. All my scrapbook stuff and ebay stuff is up there, so I am able to sit down, get stuff done and they are happy and entertained too...and no fighting when I am right there. Loving it. I am so far behind on scrapbooking that this has been a very nice chance to get some things done.
Brandon has been playing Bob Villa all day. Our doorbell was broken...not sad about that really since we get so many solicitors...but he is fixing it as I type...the wiring in it was all messed up and he was not happy to see that there had been a small fire in the box...this house is awesome, but some of the things we are finding are making us happier it is a rental. The other issue today...our heater/AC ongoing saga. I have said all winter our house is freezing downstairs...I know heat rises, but my sofa is like sitting in an ice box. I had the heater up to 75 last week, wearing fleece and was still cold. So Brandon had the heater person out and he said it was all fine. I wasn't convinced. So after I bitched some more Brandon investigated. A vent that as supposed to open and close to bring in fresh air was broken and stuck open...leaving a huge hole to the outside and letting COLD air in the house...I knew it. So he has been working to fix that all day and get our house warmer. Have I mentioned how much I love that he can fix everything. He is like having my own MacGyver around. I love him!
Tomorrow we are heading back to the Lutheran Church we tried last weekend...we liked it and are trying the 8:30 service, the traditional one tomorrow...then we can decide which one fits us better. I think Lutheran is the closest we can get to catholic right now...giving Brandon and I the comfort of what we know and feels right to us, while giving the children the experience of church they need and want, to be included. They need that chance to learn about God and to be part of church. I am excited and hope this works for us and we can be done church shopping and settle in there...We spent all last year at a church we never felt a part of, so we are hoping this one is different for all of us. So far, it already is.
So, I better finish up on here and get to bed...

Cold...

2011-02-09T17:50:00.000-08:00

Not sure if the cold weather has frozen my desire to write on here, but I haven't had the time or made the time as of late...so for those few of you that read this regularly...sorry I haven't been better about updating. I have fallen off the workout wagon a bit...the cold weather has made it impossible for me to do anything....too cold for outside or garage right now and even yoga hasn't happened since the kids have been home and inside so much. Blah...So I feel blah and need to get back in my routine...I was doing so well too!!!! I need to stock up on a few items for next winter to be able to go out in the colder temps...one thing is an ear scarf (?). I don't have anything to cover just my ears and I think I would be willing to go out more if I did.
I have been reading, but nothing amazing and worth sharing.
Clearing out last years spring clothes and prepping for Ebay and getting new spring things. I swear it tears me up to see how much they have grown and to get rid of some of the items really is hard for me...too hard. I love that they are growing up in some ways, but mostly it is hard to watch them get bigger and farther from my little babies. So it has been a weepy clean out for sure.
Zach finished his GT (gifted and talented) testing this week at school...we will get his official scores on that in April. Not sure what they will see, but he seemed to really like taking the tests. :) He is doing well and working hard on a lot of his goals. One goal, the tying of tennis shoes is still not going as well as I had hoped, but we can hope it will get better soon...He did all of his Valentine's day cards himself...no whinning....so that was nice. He is signed up for tball too, should start next month. He starts his new piano teacher tomorrow night and is excited...I hope this is a good fit.
Erin is still doing well with gymnastics...she is a determined little one I tell you. I am so surprised at what she is willing to try and what she can do in there. She is loving school still and working hard on learning to write her name and really has taken an interest in me reading to her a lot...also asking a lot about what time it is...she has the hour part down, not the minutes, but hey that is pretty good. I will be signing her up for preschool for next year soon...going to check out the teachers at UCUM next week and see what I think and then hopefully know who would be a good fit for her. I am still considering Wiederstein (where Zach goes) for their prechool program, but a bit torn about that choice...I see pros and cons to both...UCUM is expensive and Weiderstein is free. About the same hours, but I can pay for more at UCUM if I choose. Smaller class at UCUM by about half. I just don't know...
Brandon has been working like crazy with the summer match going on...assignments for summer moves are done now and there are a lot of people in the military that move in the summer...so a lot of work right now...he has been home late for about 3 weeks now...it is 8 pm and he is not even close to being home...
The temps today never got over 30 here, wind chill in the teens with gusts around 25-40 mph today. It was COLD. I am ready for a few warmer days to get some things done. :)
That is about it for now...just wanted to update...photos and more will come soon...

And the birthday goes on....

2011-02-02T14:36:00.000-08:00

Last night I was treated to a wonderful night out by some of my girlfriends here...Another lady I play Bunko with also had a birthday last week and we were treated dinner and fun with friends...I had a great time and so thankful to having made some really special friends here.

Top Row - Jan, Erin, Me
Bottom Row - Jennalee, Kristine, Carrie, Tammy (other bday girl) and Jodi

It was a nice chance to hang out with my friends...after two days home with the kids and Zach being sick I needed a night out....and we have some yucky weather here for a few days...temps didn't get over 26 today so far and it is 4:30 PM as I type...Not that it is bad compared to the rest of the country, I get that...but for South Texas it is very unusual and no one is prepared...
So I think my birthday is finally over....for this year at least...what a great one 34 turned out to be...I feel so loved, blessed and thankful!

Another year...

2011-01-30T19:08:00.000-08:00

34...hard to believe I am 34....sometimes when people ask my age I start to say 26 or something usually in the 20's. I know I am in my 30's, really I do...but I fell like a lot has flown by and really it takes me a moment to think and say, 34.
I had a great birthday. My sweet family always does too much...My mom, dad and sister sent gifts...all called too the morning of and wished me a great day. I skyped with my parents later that day too, a treat. My sweet husband brought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers...I took a photo, but my camera is in my purse, that is downstairs, and I am now typing and not interested in going to fetch it. So, will do later. We had a babysitter come stay with the kids and headed out to dinner.... a fantastic find by Brandon who has a knack for finding off the beaten path places that are great. This was called the Vineyard and it was quaint...super good food. We had a very long and nice dinner together. Then we chose to forgo a movie since they all started around 10:30 and I was tired. I knew the kids had things planned for Saturday and didn't want to be exhausted...we got coffee and wandered around Target before heading home.
Saturday the kids had decorated the house with the babysitter, streamers and balloons...so they woke me up to show me their surprise. We had a breakfast and opened cards and gifts...I got a gift card for a pedicure that AM and then a massage...so I got to head out for a good chunk of the day and be pampered. I got home to enjoy a yummy Italian Cream Cake, my favorite...
Brandon then headed off to run in the Austin 1/2 marathan (which was this AM). I stayed and had a fun night with the kids, movie and slumber party night. :) We had a fun morning...Erin sung at her preschool and Zach and I watched....we listend to half the service and then he was invited to join the other children for children's church...they left, did crafts and had a great time...so much so they are asking to go back next weekend. I enjoyed church too today, I got the chance to listen to the message and that was nice. I was able to enjoy that part and take something away...the kids had fun. I am now sort of church shopping if you will...we are catholic, but I am worried that the kids aren't enjoying church so much that it makes going unenjoyable for all of us. Sitting thru a catholic mass as a child isn't fun. It just isn't. As an adult trying to keep that child happy, isn't fun either and in the end, you miss the point of the service. I have also had my own issues with the church for a bit...My biggest right now being that my children aren't made to feel part of it. Nothing is there for or about them, but we are expected to bring them. So...today made me think...
Brandon did well and ran the time he wanted. I am so proud of him and glad he is did this. I did my two days of long walks last week and yoga the rest of the days...feels good and hoping to stay on my schedule. The yoga hurt, but I am glad I am sticking with it. :)
All in all this was a great weekend. Sadly Zach went to bed tonight with a fever and feeling yucky...so we are hoping and praying he has a speedy recovery, his GT testing is this week. He needs to be feeling 100% to do well...
I am off to bed early...maybe I might have to sneak some cake first. Heck, I might be 34, but I am still entitled to enjoy my birthday!

Not too exciting...

2011-01-26T18:21:00.000-08:00

Some days I just don't have anything that exciting to chat about...I guess that is a good thing.
Both kids are doing well and currently feeling well...Zach had his last piano lesson with his current teacher and we are working on getting him set up with someone closer to our house and less expensive...fingers crossed it goes well. Erin had her 3rd gymnastics class this week and did well again...I think I am going to hyperventilate one day watching, I might have to bring a paper bag. Seriously, she is so much smaller than her classmates and watching her try to keep up has me a bit nervous. I know she is super determined and will try it all and that is fine, but I watch and sometimes see her dangerously close to getting hurt and want to run out there and "help". I guess I am the typical helicopter mom in that sense, hovering around...I have done so much better with her than I ever did with Zach, so not often can I say that with her. Both are enjoying school and seem to be doing well. Zach has his GT testing next week and I hopeful this year he will do well and qualify for that program next year.
I have been working on some of my goals...Walked 4.5 miles Tuesday and plan to do it again tomorrow...i have a nice path from my house through a neighborhood and some trees...It is a nice area to walk and have some me time. I did my yoga dvd Monday and Today...Jillian from the biggest loser is the one on it...WOW....I also have Bob's...both are great and both HURT. I like Jillians's better I think, but I am not sure why. Either way I am enjoying it and trying to stick with it. Until I ever get up the courage to go to a damn gym, this will have to do as my workout regime and I need to just stick with it!!!
I volunteered at Zach's school today...it was not too fun, counting box tops! The women on the PTC are an interesting bunch...I am not sure what else to say about it than that. Women in general amaze me, the personalities and the clickiness...all so fascinating.
Getting lots of stuff on Ebay and hoping I can save up like I did last year to be able to pay for a big thing with it all...always a fun challenge. Almost done with my book, Salem Falls...
I got a sweet email from a friend I play Bunko with today offering to throw a birthday dinner for myself and another lady next week...so sweet and I totally feel spoiled to have friends that would want to do that for me. I feel pretty lucky. I have some sweet people here who are working on a surprise this weekend for me, so I am anxious to see what it is...date on Friday, also a surprise...so fun!
I am off to get some more things done around here so I can fully utilize my morning kid free!!!

Just for Fun...

2011-01-25T09:30:00.001-08:00

I thought I would share this cute forward my mom sent me about grandparents...

GRANDKIDS

1. She was in the bathroom, putting on her makeup, under the
watchful eyes of her young granddaughter, as she'd done many
times before.. After she applied her lipstick and started to
leave, the little one said, "But Gramma, you forgot to kiss
the toilet paper good-bye!" I will probably never put lipstick
on again without thinking about kissing the toilet paper good-bye!

2. My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy
Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and I told him, 62. My
grandson was quiet for a moment, and then he asked, "Did you
start at 1?"

3. After putting her grandchildren to bed, a grandmother changed
into old slacks and a droopy blouse and proceeded to wash her hair.
As she heard the children getting more and more rambunctious, her
patience grew thin. Finally, she threw a towel around her head and
stormed into their room, putting them back to bed with stern
warnings. As she left the room, she heard the three-year-old say
with a trembling voice, "Who was THAT?"

4. A grandmother was telling her little granddaughter what her own
childhood was like: "We used to skate outside on a pond. I had a
swing made from a tire, it hung from a tree in our front yard We
rode our pony. We picked wild raspberries in the woods." The little
girl was wide-eyed, taking this all in. At last she said, "I sure
wish I'd gotten to know you sooner!"

5. My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, "Grandma, do you
know how you and God are alike?" I mentally polished my halo and I
said, "No, how are we alike?''...... "You're both old," he replied.

6. A little girl was diligently pounding away on her grandfather's
word processor. She told him she was writing a story. "What's it
about?" he asked.
"I don't know," she replied. "I can't read."

7. I didn't know if my granddaughter had learned her colors yet,
so I decided to test her. I would point out something and ask what
color it was. She would tell me and was always correct. It was fun
for me, so I continued. At last, she headed for the door, saying,
"Grandma, I think you should try to figure out some of these,
yourself!"

8. When my grandson Billy and I entered our vacation cabin, we kept
the lights off until we were inside to keep from attracting pesky
insects. Still, a few fireflies followed us in. Noticing them before
I did, Billy whispered, "It's no use Grandpa. Now the mosquitoes are
coming after us with flashlights."

9. When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied,
"I'm not sure..." "Look in your underwear, Grandpa," he advised,
"mine says I'm 4 to 6."

10. A second grader came home from school and said to her
grandmother, "Grandma, guess what? We learned how to make babies
today." The grandmother, more than a little surprised, tried to
keep her cool.. "That's interesting," she said, "how do you make
babies?" "It's simple," replied the girl. "You just change
'y' to 'i' and add 'es'."

11. Children's Logic:
"Give me a sentence about a public servant," said a teacher.
The small boy wrote: "The fireman came down the ladder pregnant."
The teacher took the lad aside to correct him. "Don't you know
what pregnant means?" she asked.
"Sure," said the young boy confidently. "It means carrying a
child."

12. A grandfather was delivering his grandchildren to their
home one day when a fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the front
seat of the fire truck was a Dalmatian dog. The children
started discussing the dog's duties.
"They use him to keep crowds back," said one child.
"No," said another. "He's just for good luck."
A third child brought the argument to a close."They use the
dogs," she said firmly, "to find the fire hydrants."

13. A 6-year-old was asked where his grandma lived.
"Oh," he said, "she lives at the airport, and when we want her,
we just go get her. Then, when we're done having her visit, we
take her back to the airport."

14. Grandpa is the smartest man on earth! He teaches me good
things, but I don't get to see him enough to get as smart as him!

15. My Grandparents are funny, when they bend over you hear gas
leaks, and they blame their dog.

Goings on around here today...

2011-01-23T17:45:00.000-08:00

With the weather being colder, drizzling and all around not desirable, we have had a lot of inside playing going on...Zachary also was grounded from the Wii and DS on Friday night and most of Saturday for poor choices Friday...So he made some good choices in playing the rest of the weekend...a lot of time doing things with his sister. A lot of reading, board games and doing other activities, like practicing the piano this weekend. I found them a few times creating things to do and it was super cute...

Music Band time...

She was all about the drumming...

I walked in and found them in Zach's bed like this...

I peeked under and found this...he was playing his DS and she was watching....hiding in their tent...So cute and something I would have done. :) Love these two and how much they love each other.

Learning to keep it to myself...

2011-01-22T20:45:00.000-08:00

Okay so I have been burned in the past with my honesty. Yes, it is true. I have a voice, I tend to use it and I also tend to get some backlash. I am not trying to be a bitch. I am not trying to stir the pot. Really, I am not that interested in causing an argument and being in the middle of drama. I think I just tend to think, feel and then share. I am really trying hard to not do that as much. On here, my blog, I feel like I can share and say more, but even still, I worry. I know that I can and probably will offend a few readers, who most of you, are friends. People I love, respect and care about. And if I offend and hurt you, that hurts me.
But...there are times, like right this very instant, I want to just share my thoughts. I read a friends post on FB and then the subsequent posts by her friends and I am fuming a bit about it all. I want to say my piece and comment back, but I know that I will only cause backlash on me for taking the obviously not popular side. I am so freaking tired of people being so bold with judgement and persecution of others. That is not your job, my job or anyone's here on earth to be honest. We can have our ideas, our opinions, but in the end we aren't responsible for other people's actions and we should not judge.
I read a bumper sticker while sitting at a light the other day and I loved it. I want a T-shirt made with the same saying on it and I want to wear it daily. "If sitting in a church makes you a Christian, then sitting in the garage makes you a car". Love it! Seriously, it sums up so much for me. People are so willing to think they are holier than thou and spread that feeling, without regard to how it comes across, the other side, or even in the reality of some of their own personal choices. No one is perfect. Some of us are just willing to admit to that more often, freely and willingly than others. To me, those of us that do, should be the ones getting a round of applause, not those who are casting stones.
Everyone is flawed...if we are willing to own up to our flaws, then whose right it is to the pick us apart more for that flaw? I won't get into what set me off on this tirade because I really feel that I will lose friends who won't get where I am coming from or not like my stance. But I am sad that people can't just shut up sometimes and keep their freaking opinions to themselves. FB is an open forum. Sometimes not all things need to be shared or ridiculed. Sometimes we all need to learn what empathy is and get some. Sometimes life isn't black and white and neither are choices. Sometimes we can't understand until we ourselves have walked in someone's shoes. Sometimes we all need to be better humans...

Ode to Sally...

2011-01-19T19:07:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe that it was almost 10 years ago Sally entered our lives, our home and our hearts...ten years! She has become such a part of our life that I can't even imagine her not in it. Mainly because only 6 months into our marriage she joined our family. Brandon worked a ton. Over the next few years every TDY and deployment solidified our bond and her place in my heart. I can't deny I didn't want a dog. Not at all. I vividly remember being so mad at our friends for even entertaining the thought that we take home this poor homeless mutt...then I met her and she just became mine. I love her...she is officially a part of our family. She is a sweet dog. She has been amazing with the kids and my best pal through every move, TDY and deployment. She snuggles with me when I read in bed and always lays at the foot of the bed with whoever is sick. She still digs, barks and confiscates any food that isn't hers to take. But, she is Sally, we wouldn't want her perfect. I really can't imagine my life now without her in it and it breaks my heart to even think of it....so I try my hardest not to. And I try to enjoy moments like this when I remember the first days she came home with us.

Her first night at our house...we had a small dog pen built out behind our house...we had no fence in the condo and wanted her to be able to go outside...it was ghetto fabulous you could say. She had an igloo doghouse (thanks Johnsons). I was determined not to have her sleep in the house and be inside all the time. Remember I didn't want her. Well one look out the window was all it took...It was freezing outside, literally, and all you could see was her nose poking out of the doghouse and puffs of steam from her breath. I ran out, brought her in and told Brandon he wasn't allowed to speak or comment...he was smart enough to just let it go and not rub it in...Sally has slept inside since that night.

I am so thankful for this crazy dog and all her ten years of happy memories in my life...here is to hoping for many, many, many more years with us. We love you Sister Sally!

How can you not love that face?

Running around...

2011-01-18T19:00:00.000-08:00

Busy day today running around and getting things done...mostly errands I needed to do minus kids. I wish I had stayed home and taken a long walk because it was a pretty day. It was sunny...for the first time in about 10 days, but it was windy...really windy to be honest. I am going to try to walk tomorrow after I drop off Erin...a quick run to the post office and then a walk before lunch with Zach at his school. So hard to squeeze in meaningful things on Wed/Fri for me. Erin is at school from 9-11:45. So by the time I drop her off and then add in time to go back and get her, I have very little to work with and get things done. Most Fridays I volunteer at Zach's school, I work in the library and then have lunch with him...I am probably going to be up there a bit more in the next few weeks helping with some other projects...

Excited that in March two authors I like to read both have new books coming out...
This and This
I love to read and there are some authors that rarely disappoint me, those are two I like and think I will be snatching up the new books...

I did some shopping today, Valentine's Day cards for the kids...something I don't enjoy since I am not a huge Valentine's Day loving person...but it is always fun to see the kids get excited about things and that seems to be something they love. Go figure.

A lot of little projects I am trying to get done around the house...scrapbooking being the biggest thing that I am so far behind on...I just need to get focused, make time and do it!!!

I am off to get some things on ebay and read some of my book...currently reading This
So far...so good...about halfway done, interested to see where it goes now...she always throws in some big twists...

That's all for me tonight...

Gymnastics...

2011-01-17T18:12:00.000-08:00

Erin's dance class had a time change due the small number of girls in the class...so we took that opportunity to switch to gymnastics...We had always wanted her to try both and even do both if she chooses, but for now she is still young and it is all about exploring the choices. She is on week two and loving it. By far the smallest in her class...it is ages 3-5 and either all the other kids are 5 or Erin is just really that tiny...She tries so hard and seems to be having a great time during her class. So far I am happy with the switch and so is she. Since it was MLK today we all go to go and watch her.
Here are a LOT of photos from today. :)

My fearless, sweet, determined, beautiful girl. My Erin. I know I brag a lot about Zach's achievements on here and I have said it before and I will say it again, it is not that Erin goes unnoticed or unloved. She is just such an easy going child most of the time, learning new things each day, happy and full of spunk, she is just a treat. I am so thankful every day that I was blessed to have her as my baby. She makes being a mom so much fun. She has a temper and is a determined (stubborn) person. But, she is such a fun child. She goes and goes and goes...talks all the time and has so much to say. She is very much like me, which can be a lot of fun and at moments exasperating. But, I wouldn't have it any other way. I am enjoying this time with her so much. 3 is really a fun age. She is growing up a little too fast for me, but I am so thankful I have her to treasure and enjoy. God really blessed me with two amazing children!

Wooops...

2011-01-13T16:13:00.000-08:00

So I went shopping today...there I said it and got it off my chest. A whole 13 days into the new year and I went shopping...not just to Target, oh no, I had to go big, I went to the Outlet mall. Now in my defense...if there is one...I didn't go after Christmas shopping this year to hit all the deals on winter wear like I did last year. So I was feeling like I needed to restock...it is a thing with me...having things ahead of time...don't ask, it is an issue within an issue. Anyhow...I shopped. I will however say that I went armed with coupons. I left several stores with nothing and left others with one or two items. I shopped only the stores that had items I was actually there to look for...and I didn't even go near Coach, Kate or shoes. Yes, that is progress. But, I still shopped. And I feel a bit bad about it...I can't undo it, just go from here with the knowledge I gain each time I catch myself making choices that maybe I could make a different one...
It is cold here as it is everywhere else, but here, we aren't used to days with 35 as the high...3 days in a row. We aren't prepared for it with clothing or activities. I do however like my winter wardrobe a lot, so I am secretly enjoying this...
Went to get my hair cut...2 inches...looks healthier, but still long. I am secretly enjoying the long right now...I am sure in due time I will get tired of it, but I like it and it is for me, easier than short. My hair is naturally wavy and in the back still very thick...so short means drying daily. Long means pony tails, letting it dry naturally and be wavy and lots in between. So for now, long wins.
Brandon is working late and often right now with summer cycle assignments being done now...the entire AF must move in the summer...he is busy...we are just glad it is down the road and not in another part of the world, but miss him at dinner, bath and bedtime right now...
I am sad that even after all the talk of getting along and agreeing to disagree people are now commenting on the memorial in Tucson and how inappropriate parts of it were...Heck, I was glad they didn't throw tortillas like at graduation. Seriously, in the end they tried, they fell short of some people's expectations of what should be done...but they tried and Tucson has always been unique unto itself, the memorial reflected that hodgepodge that is Tucson. I think taking away anything but the good that was said there is silly and immature...nothing in life is perfect.
I am going to work on some projects around here tonight when the kids are in bed...trying to be productive and hoping it will happen. :) Half day tomorrow, Monday off...productive is the goal!

Fun times even on yucky days...

2011-01-12T16:05:00.000-08:00

This weekend was filled with lots of yucky...I got sick and went to the ER Saturday Am and came home to hear all about the news in Arizona...but while I was sick in bed Brandon and the kids had a very fun day...He took them to ride bikes, to Costco and the grocery store and later in the day they went out again to fun park near our local library. So glad the weather was still nice enough for them to get out and play and that they had a fun day while I wasn't feel my best. Here are photos of their day!

My happy place...tragedy...

2011-01-10T21:32:00.000-08:00

This is me sitting in my happy place...on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson in 2009. I love Tucson. I loved it the first day I went to visit, I loved it for 4 1/2 years of living there and I love it every time I go back. The hardest move I have made thus far in the military was the night Brandon and I drove out of Tucson. I cried until we got to Utah, no exaggeration. Tucson was always a comfortable place where I felt at home...I felt like me.

As most everyone knows, Saturday my happy place turned into a place of tragedy. Unimaginable that it could happen anywhere in our country, but to me so hard to see it there. Maybe because I lived there and loved it. Maybe because my best friend from college still lives there and I know she lives within a few miles of that Safeway....she frequents it and I couldn't help but gasp at the news and pray she wasn't there. Thankfully she had stayed home from going to that shopping center that same day, where she would have surely been drawn to meet her congresswoman, that is just who she is. I am thankful she and her family are okay. I am so incredibly sad for those that are not.
We can argue about the motive of this terrible act. Was it political? What the young man insane? Are gun laws too lenient, especially in Arizona? Does it matter? No motive, explanation or cause will change what happened. No motive will make what happened okay or begin to explain it to me. How one person could destroy the lives of so many with hatred. It won't bring 6 people back to life...it won't heal the wounded...it won't take the fear from the minds of all of those who were there to witness it...it won't stop the people of Tucson from grieving...it won't stop tragedies like this from happening again even more sadly.
I am just so heartbroken that we continue to see these mass killings happen in our country...that people have access to guns that clearly shouldn't. (I am not anti the right to bear arms, but I am pro stricter gun laws). I am baffled that a young man was so clearly disturbed and no one around him thought to get him help, make him seek treatment if possible, but keep him from doing such harm. How can you not know and see the signs that he was deeply troubled and dangerous? How could he get a gun? I am sad that people in our country have gotten to a point that we sling hostile and hate filled comments and insults with no thought or consequence. I don't want to raise my children in a world like that. Where it is okay to hate someone for their beliefs. Why can't we teach it is okay to disagree, to respect the opinions of others? Do unto others as you would have done to you? What kind of world are we creating for our children that they themselves are now terrorists in our own country?
I am just sad. Sad on so many levels. I love Tucson and this horrible act won't change that love, take away my memories or make me afraid to go back there. It is a beautiful city with so much to offer, wonderful people and a rich culture. But I am sad at what has happened there, because it is just a sliver of what is happening all over this country...

Resolutions ~ Goals 2011

2011-01-08T14:46:00.000-08:00

So I looked at my resolutions from last year http://minimillermoments.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-years-goals.html, and really have mixed emotions about them.
First I can't lie, I didn't do so well on a lot of them. My goal of continuing reading has been good. I have read a lot of books this year and continued to read often, but not in a book club. The one I joined really didn't continue and I didn't search for a new one.
Scrapooking...I dropped the ball here. I sadly didn't make the time. I got invited to join a monthly crop with my friend Mindy and never was able to make one of the nights...I didn't take the time at home to dedicate myself to doing the pages I had needed or intended to do. So, now I am still super far behind and sad to report my progress on that was so bad. But, the good news is, I am going to keep that as a goal this year and work toward improving.
The bible reading. I did pretty well with this. I got off track a bit and behind, but I did oaky on this and again plan to do that this year.
Running...ha ha! Well lets say it isn't for me. I tried, I don't like it, my body doesn't like it and it isn't for me. Not at all. But...I am not giving up on my health...
So this year's goals...
1. Saving money, paying off debt and reducing my shopping.
- This one is huge! I don't drink, smoke, overeat or do any gambling. But I do shop...a lot. I love to shop. In fact in CA I think it became an unhealthy outlet. So, I am working hard to stop the excessive shopping. Shop more in reason of need, use coupons and opportunities to get things on sale and to be wiser about what I buy...not so compulsive. I have a stack ready to go the March Munchkin Mart...I sold things in the September one and did well...great way to clean out those big bulky items that don't go on ebay. I am still ebaying and trying to save what I make. Reducing debt...not any major debts...but paying off loans, car payments, etc. Making this a priority and myself a bit more fiscally conservative in the 2011 year will hopefully be a life change...But I can't lie, this is going to be a hard one for me.
2. Scrapbooking...I need to just make myself take time for this. I love it and I love the final product, I just have to make the time.
3. Working out...I am not a gym going fool, a runner or a P90X person. But I love to walk. I like Yoga and have thought about taking tennis and golf lessons. I am accepting what I am and am not and working with that this year. I love to walk. So, making time to take a 4-5 mile walk is what I am doing in 2011...it gives me time to think, a great workout and me time. All are bonuses. I have lost 6 lbs since Thanksgiving and hoping to lose 4 more...
4. DRINK MORE WATER. I think I am part camel. I literally can survive on little to no water. I have some GI issues this year and really have to make this a priority for me, my health and well being. This is sadly harder for me than I realize, but hoping it will become just normal part of my life soon and help me in the long run feel so much better.
5. Continue to eat healthy...we have been working on eating healthier around here for a while and hoping to keep that up...making dinner often and having healthy, yummy meals is a great help to me and something I want to keep working hard on this year.
6. Making special time for the kids to do things with them...together and one on one.
7. Making special time for my marriage...date nights, time together in every day life that is just about us, lunches during the week...making us a priority again. Now that the kids are older and we can go out more I want to put more focus on us and our relationship.
8. Making the most of time with friends and family. Taking the time to go to lunch with girlfriends, play dates, meet people at the pool, make a phone call to an old friend, send a letter, email, etc. Visit people whenever we can and make that effort when we can. We just started skyping with my parents and I can't tell you how awesome it is to see their faces...have the kids see them and be seen. I am thrilled.
9. Sounds silly, but I want to take care of my nails. I have had one manicure in my life when my mom made me for my wedding. I am working to keep my nails nice and hopefully nice enough to be worthy of a manicure once in a while. :)
10. Continue my reading and reading the daily bible again this year...you know what they say, knowledge is power.
I am hoping for a great 2011...taking some time and steps to work on myself on healthier levels...continuing to work on healthy changes. I am excited to see where this year takes us.

Quiet House...

2011-01-05T18:14:00.000-08:00

The house feels quiet...I am so sad to have my parents gone after a trip that never seemed to really get going. The excitement of them getting here was fabulous, then I got sick and well, I was sick. I never really got myself back on track until they were about to leave. Sadly so much went undone. I miss them, the kids miss them and the house is far too quiet without them around...really even with two kids, it is amazing. I miss talking to them and just getting to see and hug them whenever I want...A luxury for sure.

Wishing for another visit already...

Never enough time...

2011-01-03T20:38:00.000-08:00

Even under the best circumstances, there never seems to be enough time with my parents. The visits always seem to rushed, too fast and like there was so much undone. This trip might go down as the worst yet and mostly due to me. I got sick on 12/24 with the lovely stomach bug...fever, chills and all the fun that followed with the stomach bug. I felt awful for several days and really had no desire to do much...I even stayed home from the day after Christmas sales and that was a first. My mom and dad were troopers and helped so much with the kids. They made sure they had fun, felt loved and got all they needed while i rested. I can't thank them enough for that. Being sick is never easy as a mom, but at least I knew the whole time they had my mom and dad loving them.
I feel like there was so much I had wanted to do and none of it got done. I feel like this must be a huge let down to my parents and how disappointed they must feel...to come all this way after the month they had and basically watch me be sick. I hate that for them. I hate even more that tomorrow they head home and it will be weeks, maybe months, before we get to see them again...that is just too long and really breaks my heart. My children are so blessed to have them as grandparents and I am so thankful for the relationship they have with them. I know how much of a treasure it is.
I hope that they know how sorry I am for the lack of fun on this trip and how much I would love to undo a lot of it and make it better. I had hoped for so much more. I love them more than they know and never feel like I get it right when it comes time to show them...

Time to drop the ball after dropping the ball...

2010-12-31T08:34:00.000-08:00

So many of you have noticed I have been off the radar on here for a bit and with good reason...the stomach bug reared its ugly head in our home, 4 times, all separated in time and in long lengths of duration. Not fun, but we are now hopefully at the end of it.
After my last post Brandon and Erin were sick with the crud...I fell ill on Christmas Eve around 2 PM my night went dramatically downhill. I got a bad fever, the chills, and all the joy of the stomach bug...I was in bed all night. I missed all the fun Christmas Eve fun, leaving the reindeer food and cookies out...reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas". I missed it all, even putting the kids in their Christmas pjs and off to bed. I woke up the next day hopeful I would be able to do more. I saw everyone open gifts, I think I opened some too and then I was off to bed until 3 PM. Since then I haven't felt too well, but am hoping i am on the mend for good.
So...catch up time since I dropped the ball and was out of the loop...
My mom and dad decided to come and spend Christmas with us...it was planned a while ago, but 3 weeks ago my dad ended up in the ICU with AFIb and we thought the trip was scrapped for sure. He called me later that week, said he bought tickets and they were on for the trip...so we didn't tell the kids. We took them to the airport under the idea that Brandon was going TDY...they were fooled and surprised. It was awesome.

We had a lot of fun prepping for the holidays all together...The kids were so thrilled to have my mom and dad here and we really felt blessed that my dad was able and willing to make the trip. We made cookies for Santa...

I am always so thrilled to watch the kids with my mom and dad...watch relationships grow, bonds tighten, memories being made and traditions being formed. It is a beautiful sight and I love seeing the commonalities between certain people...my dad and Zach are very similar in a lot of ways...

Despite my being sick, we have tried to have fun and enjoy. The weather has been less than cooperative with lots of rain and up and down in the temps. I wish we had more time, but always grateful for what we do have. Life is short and it is never lost on me how blessed I am with a wonderful family.
The children were spoiled rotten with way too much on Christmas...mostly my fault since I am the shopper of the house. :) But, they are only 3 and 6 once, right? Zach finally got his DSi and has been loving it every moment since. He got some other fun thing, a marble science maze, books, lots of fun board games. He was such a trooper through me being sick. He tends to spin out a bit during breaks, but has done pretty well. I know he misses he routine, school, his friends and the stimulation of being busy with activities. But, he has also enjoyed many "panjama days". Erin is very much a mommy's girl and had a harder time with me being sick, but loved the added attention of her Nowie and Grandpa around. She has had a lot of fun showing off for them and being, Erin. She is a hoot and there is NO off switch with her. But we love her to bits. She got lots of doll items...new stroller, nursery baby center, baby clothes, accessories, etc. She has had a ton of fun.
Another highlight of this time was a trip to the Alamo Bowl....Arizona made it this year to face off with OSU....Brandon and I bought tickets the night we found out they got in the game and it was here...it was a lot of fun, even if Arizona didn't do well.

I didn't feel my best, but had a lot of fun rooting for my old school and being at a football game...
Last night we took my mom and dad to the Riverwalk to an Italian place we love, Paseanos. It was a nice adult night out and a chance to talk with no child interruptions....

All in all it has been a nice break and hard to believe that it is almost over and we are about to start 2011. I am excited that a new year is about to start, but a little sad to see 2010 end. I feel so blessed right now with so many wonderful things...a great place to live, wonderful schools for my children to grow and learn, both kids have made great friends and are involved in fun activities...Brandon is enjoying his job and most of all the fact he still gets to fly the B-1 in Abilene about once a month....he is so thankful for that. I love my friends here and the chance I have had to meet such a fun new group of people...so many opportunities to make friends and I have embraced it fully...allowing myself the chances to meet and know people. I have had a great year, but am excited to make resolutions that will be more meaningful to me next year and see where that takes me (for a later post). Right now life is good and I can't complain. I feel so lucky to be where we are and for all we have in our lives. May 2011 bless us just as much and all of you.

Holiday Party...

2010-12-18T06:41:00.000-08:00

The AFPC Christmas party was last night and after much clothing drama we left looking like this...

I had bought a gorgeous red strapless cocktail dress, but after the dress code went from dress to impress to come as you are, I wasn't sure if I would be overdressed...well we saw a bit of everything there. But in the end it was better to be safe than sorry.

It was held at the new Marriott here in San Antonio...very nice hotel, the food was good, but the night was odd. Whenever you try to get a group of 900 people, active duty officers, enlisted and civilian together, it is not always an easy mix. We had a nice night, but it wasn't my favorite party for sure.

Brandon came home and has been in the bathroom ever since...I think the stomach bug got its second victim...lovely...So lets hope I am wrong...

A busy weekend with lots to do ahead....so I am off to get it done!

Photos...

2010-12-16T07:50:00.000-08:00

Okay, since you couldn't see Zach in the video, here are some close up photos...click on the photos and they will get bigger...he is right under that point from the star...green shirt, big smile!

Erin and I fond a snoopy in the school library we had to pose with....

Before the show....

Zachary's performance...

2010-12-16T06:38:00.000-08:00

We had a bit of an issue with the video camera...it doesn't work...at Erin's we were up close to them, so we could use the Iphone, but with this it is harder...Zach is on the second row (he was so thrilled to have made it up there this year!)....if you look right under the point of the right star, that is Zachary...

First grade was awesome...he had a blast!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxFl_e9rQ-Q&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Erin's preschool performance...

2010-12-16T06:36:00.000-08:00

Here are bits and pieces of her performance...super cute stuff!!!!

First up...Jingle Bells...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBZCYZclEDI&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Rudolph...they all made shirts to wear in class...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URX-y4vG5bU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

The Reindeer Song...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu7U9BXIMGI&feature=youtube_gdata_player

The Santa Song...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXirqhB1GqQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player

The Last one is We wish you a Merry Christmas...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYN7TVI-lZE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

She loves this school and as you can tell by the videos, it is clear why. Great kids, fabulous teacher and wonderful environment to learn, grow and have fun. So thankful she has had this school in her life.

Canyon Lake Lights...

2010-12-15T14:10:00.000-08:00

We returned to Canyon Lake this year to look at the beautiful lights...such pretty displays and in a beautiful area near us. Erin of course fell asleep on the way up and refused to wake up to see anything, so missed it all, including seeing Santa...

Zach was not going to miss any of it, but as you can see in the later photos, he was done as soon as we got back in the car to go home. He literally met Santa, had hot coco and fell asleep within minutes.

Erin's Christmas Dance Recital

2010-12-12T06:11:00.000-08:00

This was supposed to occur indoors on a stage set up in the mall...but sadly the mall (which is just an awful mall to be honest) lost the stage and had the poor kids had to do their routines outside. But they did and it was still super cute...
Here is her performance...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuBHb0t9Sno&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Fevers, TDY and the Stomach Bug, Oh My!

2010-12-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

So this week didn't go as planned. I had so much on my "To Do" list. And as always happens, life happens. Our in our case, poop, throw up and fevers. What can you do? You just have to go with it and hope next week you can the stuff done you didn't this week and some things, must get knocked off that list. Like my Christmas card...photos printed, no long Susan info letter included. I just didn't have it in me to write and then print them all, etc. So, I am taking the year off and I am okay with that.
Poor Zachary was sick 3 days last week with a mystery fever. Now this week it was again a fever that brought him to my room at 5 AM Wednesday. That turned into what we now know is the stomach bug. Poor kiddo hasn't felt well at all and I wish there was something I could do. But with the stomach bug, there isn't much. I just have to pray and hope that the rest of us are spared and he recovers quickly. It is no fun to see your baby sick. He is missing a lot of fun things at school and bored. He looks awful. It isn't easy to keep Erin away from him, her best buddy.
Brandon left Tuesday night...he will be back later tonight. So hopefully the rest of my list of things to do can get done this weekend. Erin has a fun birthday party tomorrow and her dance recital after that. I have plans to head out shopping on Sunday to get my final items...I hopeful I can get it all done and not have to rush around next week...there are other things on my list then. ;) SO much to do...but it is a fun time of the year if you don't let the crazy get to you.
The kids both have fun stuff at school next week, we have our Squadron Christmas Formal to go to and then the end of school for Christmas break...hard to believe it is almost here, but I am really excited. I love having them all to myself for a while.
So onto the next week and hopefully none of us get sick too...I am running out of things to cross of of my list.

Thanksgiving in NC - Photos

2010-12-07T20:30:00.000-08:00

I hadn't taken the time to get my photos from NC on the blog yet, so I thought tonight I would put some of them up here to share. We definitely had a great trip and got some great photos of the kids. We did a lot of things on this trip that were less "exciting" than some of our other trips, but had a lot of purpose. We went to Winston one day and ate at one of my childhood all time favorite places, Mayberry's. For some reason each trip back over the last ten years with Brandon and since had the kids, we have gone lots of places, but never there. As a little girl it was a big treat to go eat there. My mom would take me there a lot after visits to the big hospital in downtown Winston...I spent lots of time there for my ears and later growth hormone therapy. They have the best Bean and Bacon Soup at Mayberry's...the best! It was a lot of fun to me to take my kids there on this trip and even better that they loved it...well neither would try my soup, but Brandon did!

We then took them to another favorite place of mine Old Salem. I love Colonial places, just ask my dad sometime how much I loved Williamsburg. We sadly went on Monday and they were closed...we got to walk around and check out the stores and bakery, but not do all the touristy things. Which in reality might have been lost on the kids. They had fun regardless. The most fun was playing in the leaves. When we lived in our first house in CA we had a ton of leaves. We had a few huge trees in that yard (the house was deplorable, but the yard rocked)...we always got tons of leaves in the fall. Zach loved to play in them and still talks about that. Erin never has had fall leaves, so this was a treat for both kids. Hours of entertainment I tell you!

Our trip was so special. It was one of the first times that it was easy to travel as a family. Zachary was like a different child in so many ways. He didn't obsess about the usual thing he does when we travel. He had real conversations with my parents and played a lot with Erin, with us and just was very engaged in everything we did. The kids didn't fight. I am not kidding. The week before we left they fought and they fought once we got home, but that week, they were awesome. Our travel was easy. We had a great time. I am so thankful for these memories and times with them and my parents...it is so special and so treasured.

Tired Pup

2010-12-05T20:09:00.000-08:00

Sally always returns from the kennel tired, but this is just pathetic. The first night home she was so tired that not even a piece of cheese on her nose got her attention.

We were glad to have her back after our week away...Funny how your house feels so empty even with everyone home if your pet isn't there too. We put her in the kennel the Friday morning before we left on Saturday. I must have come in the house 3 times that day and looked for her. Again we returned Saturday night and weren't able to pick her up until 4 PM Sunday. It was a long day for all of us anxious to get her home...really, we missed her a lot. But we had a great week away and so glad she has a great kennel here to go to when we are gone.

One of those moments...

2010-11-29T07:19:00.000-08:00

I had intended to post this and blog about it before we left for Thanksgiving, but things got busy and it just didn't happen. So I will do it now, because I think it is important to document some things and be able to go back in a year or two to look at the changes.

Zachary has always been a very smart boy, there is no question there. His struggles are in areas of focus, communication (socially now, but younger it was the whole ball of wax), fine motor and gross motor skills have always been a challenge too. He often gets frustrated when he has a hard time getting things and this is when the meltdowns usually occur. He always loves to do workbooks, school work, etc. The things he doesn't are usually when I bring out writing, lacing, shoe tying, etc.

A week before we left I randomly handed him a dry erase board with lines on it...found it at Walgreens and it is a great tool for kids because it is lined like they have on school paper. I asked him to write his name for me on it...I went to fold laundry and came back to this...

Now it might not seam like much to you, but it made me cry. Not only did he write his name very well, but he wrote it 13 times after my one time at the top left. I didn't tell him how many times, he filled up the page on his own...no complaining. He was so proud of himself and it took me a week to erase it after. Little steps like this are what we are seeing right now. Maturity. Acceptance. Harder work ethic. Desire to get better. He still has many moments of refusal, whining and frustration, but they don't consume our lives as much and aren't as constant for him...
We are so thankful for these moments, this growth and most of all Zachary.

Special Treat...

2010-11-28T06:50:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving we flew to NC to enjoy the holiday with my family...We were thankful to have our tickets from this summer on SW and were able to apply them to this trip. The weather was perfect...felt like fall, looked like fall and we enjoyed all of it. One highlight for us was the chance to celebrate my dad's big birthday...he turns 70 on December 19th. We knew we weren't all going to be together on that day, so this was our chance as a family to be together with him. We had a great brunch at Grandover Hotel and then gave him his big gift, a new Kindle.

I wish that there was more time to chat and share our feelings that day...with three children at the table, personalities, up and down to the buffet, there wasn't the chance to sit, share and laugh. But there should have been. I am sorry that we didn't get that time to fully praise and celebrate my dad...he deserves it.

What I would have said...

"Dad you are and always have been so special to me. Growing up we were best buddies and I always knew how much you loved me. I felt safe. I felt special. I have always looked up to you to give me advice, to show me right from wrong and teach me. I am so thankful to have such a wonderful father. I know how many people don't have the kind of love and life I have had and I am grateful each day that you did all you could to give us that life. Monetary things aside, you gave us the best gift. Your love, your attention and your values. I don't think I will ever be able to put into words how much I love you. How thankful I am every day to have you as my dad, as my friend. I hope that you know how much I love you and you never doubt that love. I am thankful we were all able to share this time with you, I only wish we had made it more special for you.

Happy Birthday Daddy...you are a remarkable man. I hope that you enjoy this upcoming year and it brings you much deserved happiness, good health, pain free days and opportunities to do all the things you want.

Visits with special friends...

2010-11-24T19:29:00.000-08:00

I have to admit I have been so very blessed in this life to have met some amazing friends and special people. We move a lot and goodbyes are never easy for me. I don't think I will ever get used to hearing the news we are leaving and the impending doom I feel of saying my goodbyes...knowing that far too often I won't get to see my friends again other than on FB, emails or blogs. I feel like this is getting harder rather than easier for me. Maybe since the children have been born it is the change in types of relationships. I haven't until this location made a ton of friends that were all about me...people I met and became friends with based on our friendship not just Brandon's job or my children. I have been beyond lucky that some of the people in my children's life have become super important in mine. Teachers, caregivers, therapists...they have become friends, supporters and extended family to me and our family.

One such special friend is Sena. I was working at Noah Project in Abilene when I met her. I interviewed her for a job as my intern. She was a freshman at ACU, super sweet, sincere and eager to learn and do anything that we threw at her. I really loved her right off the bat and thought she was the sweetest person I had met. The thing with Sena is, she really is that nice. She isn't a show, but she is the real deal. You don't find that often, if ever in this life. She has a heart bigger than most, faith that is inspiring, and kindness oozes out of her. I was lucky to work with her at Noah and when I left there and had Zachary she then filled a new role for me. She helped me so much by taking care of him quite a bit that first year. Brandon was gone a ton and then deployed for several months. With no family and all my close friends moving, I was so thankful to have her by my side. She was wonderful, to him and me. I loved watching her play with Zach, listening to her talk to him and just watching him grow to love her. We have spoken about her so much over the years to him and hoped, really hoped, one day he would get to meet her again. Well that wish came true last week. We were thrilled when she announced that her husband and she were coming to San Antonio for a conference and wanted to make a pit stop to say hi on the way. They had a time line and we were packing to head to NC, so the visit was quick, but wonderful. She is pregnant with her second child, a son. She was the same sweet, kind, loving person I knew. Her husband is just as nice as she is and a perfect match in my opinion to her. And to see her and Zach interact was awesome. I am so thankful our paths crossed again and she was able to see us. I am so very thankful to have someone like her as a friend.

Here are some photos of her on this trip. The last one Erin snapped of Zach trying to see if he could feel her baby move...so sweet.

Baking...yes, I can bake!

2010-11-15T16:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we decided to bake homemade chocolate chip cookies. If you know me, you know I would rather do the package kind any day that calls for butter and eggs and that to me is baking. Well I wanted to bake with the kids, the real deal, so we did. It was fun and both actually participated in the whole thing. And shockingly my cookies came out very yummy too. It was a lot of fun and as the pictures will show both of the kids enjoyed themselves a lot. I might have to actually start learning to bake a few more things. I think I am up for the challenge and I know where I can find some cute helpers.

Zach and I measuring

Brandon helping too...

Fun stuff, we all know what happens after we mix...yes, lick the beaters!

Erin is our sweet tooth for sure, she cracked me up the whole time.

Lots of fun had by all of us...love these moments and memories...

Small World!

2010-11-14T06:18:00.000-08:00

It is a small world. I have grown to recognize that more and more over the years. Being in the military community we move around so much and always find someone that knows someone you know. The whole 7 degrees of separation experiment would be perfect in this world, but I am sure it would be more like 3 or 4 degrees. When I moved here to San Antonio I knew two people from when we lived in Abilene. It is actually pretty comforting to have a big family of sorts to belong to in this crazy world. The fun of getting to see old friends when we travel and move and knowing that you can go many places in the country and find a familiar face.
When I moved here I placed Erin in a Kids Day Out program and her best friend in that class was Alyssa. I finally met her mom toward the end of the year and we got to talking in the parking lot. Ironically she had been station in Utah with a friend of mine about 6 years before. They were best friends then and Amy was one of my best friends in CA. She and I hit it off and are now friends. So funny that our girls would wind up in the same class and become friends.
Well Friday the world got really small again. I have been selling on ebay since Zach was a newborn. I don't sell to make a lot of money or as a job, but as a way to clean out the house and to earn some spending money. It is fun to me. Well I got a payment from on the items that sold and an email to follow...it was from Erin...Erin in CA that basically became part of our family when Brandon was gone. Yes, that Erin. How funny is that? Of all the people on ebay, what are the chances? It made me smile and then made me miss her. But it reminds me of how small this world is and that our paths might cross again soon. More importantly on this month of being thankful, I am reminded of how thankful I am to have her in my life and for her friendship.
Small world...

Gratitude

2010-11-10T20:24:00.000-08:00

Gratitude.

This word doesn't begin to sum up the emotions I have and feel about the brave men and women that serve our great nation. It is simply too small to describe the magnitude of their unselfish sacrifice.

I consider myself very lucky that I know from an up close and personal point of view the life of a military person. I say that in all sincerity. I am glad I know what this world is really about and in fact I don't know much compared to many military wives. What I do know is hundreds of faces of men and women who serve this great country. I have so many friends who are in the military. Some who are currently deployed, about to go, or just got home. I am fortunate enough to not live in a bubble that doesn't let me see the reality of a country at war, the sacrifices made and the heart of soldier, a patriotic American.

My father served in the Army. He was in the 82nd Airborne. He served in Vietnam. I admire him so much and I hope he knows it.

I admire my husband. He has deployed 4 times in service of our country, leaving behind the comfort of home, his family and especially his children. I hope he knows how proud I am of him and thankful for what he does.

To all of the veterans, service members past and present, I thank you. Simply said their love of country and willingness to put their life on the line to ensure the freedom of millions of people they don't know, is remarkable.

"Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die." GK Chesterton.

This country will remain the land of the free as long as it is the home of the brave...that is a fact. We all should take time to thank our veterans and our service members, today and throughout the year. We are all so lucky to have such brave people defending us and keeping us safe. I love this country and the people that help keep it great.

Wordless Wednesday -

2010-11-10T06:06:00.000-08:00

Sweet Sally lounging in bed...it is hard not to love this face.

Night Sky

2010-11-07T06:28:00.001-08:00

Zach got a telescope last year for Christmas and due to a million reasons has had little time to really enjoy it. The summer it is light out until past his bedtime (yes I am a mean mommy and had bedtimes still in the summer, and yes it is still before the sun goes down). We had so much rain last year...a lot...so many nights of cloudy skies. So last night was a rare chance with daylight savings time to have a clear night on a weekend with dad home...all key elements. He was so good and enjoyed it a lot. I hope now that the sun goes down earlier we will have many more opportunities for him to gaze at the night sky.

Oreos

2010-11-06T13:21:00.001-07:00

Erin is our sweet tooth. Hands down she loves all things sweet. I am pretty sure the unhealthy amount of Lofthouse cookies I ate while pregnant with her might be a factor (those nasty lard filled, frosting covered cookies you can get in a pack of 12 at Walmart for like $2). Either way, she loves sweets. So Brandon decided one night to show her how great oreoes and milk are together...Lots of cool points for Daddy.

Here she is learning the dunk move. :)

She is into it now...
Happy Girl!

Erin's school pumpkin patch day...

2010-11-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

At one of Erin's preschools they have one of the best pumpkin patches in town...the one we go to as a family in fact...They do a little "field" trip to it as a class too. I chose to go with her that day and help out...it was a lot of fun, but most of all fun to watch Erin in her element of school, interacting with her teachers and friends and just being Erin.

She had a lot of fun and despite her comments of liking this school less, she seems to get along fine with everyone. She has one special friend that she adores, Jack. He was in her class for Joy Camp this summer and in her class this year...they are best buddies for sure. God Bless him for allowing her to hug him and bug him all day. He is a sweetie. And he might have won me over, he was wearing a snoopy shirt. :)

Here she is during the parachute time...she loved it!
Erin running a relay...she ate it...but got back up and ran back without a tear...tough girl!
The fact I got when I asked her if she fell...
Erin and Jack...
Looking at the pumpkins with magnifying glasses...
Young Love again...aren't they cute?
On the hayride...she somehow managed to ride twice...sneaky this one!
Group photo of her class...not sure what the deal is with the kid in the glasses, helmet and he had gloves on...strange...
Parachute again...
Going under to meet her teacher...she loved it.
A fun day and so glad I went to spend this time with her...she is such a sweet, fun loving little girl.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-02T15:49:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos from Halloween this year. We were fortunate enough to get to go trick or treat with some friends that live in another neighborhood. Alyssa is Erin's BF from last year and super sweet...her brother Nathan is Zach's age too and a nice boy. Her parents are great...Jan is a friend of mine here and her husband is AF as well...so we have a lot in common with this family and always have fun seeing them. It was a fun night and the kids had a good time...it was just enough time out on a school night. All in all a fun night for us and the kids!

Here is Erin and Alyssa...she was sleeping beauty (and that is a wig!)
Erin and Zach in front of a Snoopy sign...can't pass up that photo op.
Miss Erin...
Zachary...
Zach, Alyssa and Nathan...Erin refused to pose for this one...she had just woken up from a nap...we had no idea she was upstairs sleeping before we left...oh well...we learned. :)
Happy Halloween for us!!

Trick or Treating at Daddy's Work

2010-10-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Zach had his big costume parade at school and Erin had picture days at one of her schools...We all decided to meet at his school for the big parade at 2. I had been there most of the day volunteering, so I brought Erin up in her costume and she got to walk hand in hand with her brother through the parade. After they did their round, we chose to leave early and then go to Brandon's work for a trick or treat event there. All the offices decorate and pass out candy to the kids. Zach and Erin loved it and had fun being in Daddy's world for a bit. Here is a photo of them together there. I will post pictures later of Zach's parade and Erin's pumpkin patch day too...I couldn't pass up this cute photo!

Zach the Magician and Erin the Bee. :) Happy Halloween 2010!

Erin's Costume Parade at UCUMP

2010-10-27T20:09:00.000-07:00

As always I try to get my pictures on here in the right order and then it comes out like this...all out of whack. Oh well. You get the idea I am sure.

Erin's preschool that she loves had a costume parade this AM...they did a few laps around the bike area and showed off their cute selves to all the moms with their flashing cameras. Erin had a blast and was so smiley. She loved getting to wear her bee costume and especially her antenna. I love that she actually says that. We had planned for her to be a witch, but I found this costume on a fluke about a week ago and showed it to her. She has never mentioned the witch again, so it will go on ebay next year. :) I love the bee and she seems to as well. She got to wear it to dance Monday too, so she has at least gotten some good use out of it. She will get to wear it Friday to Zach's school to watch his parade...last year I didn't dress her up to go watch and she was like the only sibling not in costume...so I can't do that again. Then we will hit up Brandon's work for a parade and trick or treating and then more fun at a party at her other preschool Saturday night. I think it will be a fun filled week of activities and the first year they both can enjoy this "holiday" together. I am excited to head to the party at her preschool since it is a church and will be calm, safe and fun.

Here are the photos of her parade. Her teachers are the pink crayons...all the teachers wore crayon costumes. Her main teacher is Mrs. Maresh. She is the hot pink crayon and honestly the only person I have ever met that could look that cute in a crayon...she is beautiful and Erin loves her. All the kids looked adorable...Especially my little bee. :)

Making their lap around...

Miss Erin...
She loved it!

Coming out of the room, all the kids were so excited to see their moms, but they all stayed with their teacher and walked around. It was so cute.
There she is!
I love that she is the only child waving like the teachers...Mrs. Maresh said she is a CEO in the making...I wonder...

Fun, fun, fun...Such a wonderful age!

Pumpkin Painting....

2010-10-27T13:13:00.000-07:00

Our annual tradition (since Zach was 18 months old) we have painted pumpkins. He only recently got into the carving idea...so the painting is always a big hit. Both kids love to paint and do arts and crafts, so this was a fun thing they both could do together. We also painted some pictures after the pumpkins that they hung on their bedroom doors for decorations. So much fun to see them use their imaginations and enjoy creating. Here are some pictures!

My Little Man...

2010-10-24T12:21:00.000-07:00

Oh this little boy...I know I spend an awful lot of time on here talking about Zachary. And I know everyone has opinions about me as a parent too. But none of you live my life, day to day, every day. None of you experience my life first hand as the mom of Zachary, the mom of Erin, the wife of Brandon, an AF wife and still in there is Susan.

What most people don't realize is that I am well aware of my flaws and how far from perfect I really am. I know I yell too much. I know I need to be more patient, I know that I need to learn to not get upset over some of the things that upset me. I don't have the best self esteem and I tend to worry much more than I should about things I can't change.

I am well aware of my flaws...I am working on them daily. I see changes and I see when I fail terribly.

I know that I am blessed beyond words. I don't feel sorry for myself. I don't feel like I got a raw deal.

Reality is I like my life. I love my children and I am happy. Every day is full of ups and downs, challenges and triumphs, but it is mine and I am thankful for it all.

Most of all I am thankful for the chance I have gotten to watch this little boy grow. He has changed so much that some times it takes my breath away. Even though I see him daily and the changes shouldn't be so pronounced, they are. I have spent so much time working with him and watching him work toward this progress, it never goes unnoticed, uncelebrated and unappreciated. I am simply amazed at him most days. I am still frustrated at times that some things are still a struggle. That he is so impulsive and makes many choices I know he should know better than doing. He is still fidgety and restless. He gets frustrated easily, but is more able to control that and has coping skills to calm down. He sees the world in black and white. He is often at a loss without a schedule or plan of what to do.

But...he is loving, happy, full of smiles and laughter. He is super smart...reading and math scores are in mid 2nd grade range. He is doing 2-3 grade work in his class so he is kept challenged and focused (God Bless his teacher). He is a good big brother and plays well with Erin. He loves his dog. He loves the ocean. He working hard to try to learn new things and improve on things he struggles with. He loves to read. He is a whiz on the computer. He follows rules well and enjoys doing work at home with me...doing workbooks and school work is a favorite for him. He is my best friend.

For 3 years before Erin was born so much time was just Zach and I. Brandon was deployed or working insane hours, never home, TDY and limited in his time with us. I spent so much time with Zachary and knew him so well. I feel like I still know him so well. I am so thankful to him. He made my time in CA bearable. He gave me smiles and sunshine through many long days. He has taught me more than any book, teacher or class ever could. He has given me the opportunity to dream, to hope and to realize goals that maybe seemed to far away to touch. He opened my eyes to many things greater than me. I still teaches me. He amazes me.

This week at his annual ARD (IEP), I went in without fear or knots in my stomach. I didn't dread what I would hear. I sat ready, hopeful and grateful. I know he has come so far. I know he still has far to go. But, I was for once ready to hear what I was told, good and bad. I wasn't afraid that they could tell me anything I didn't know or anything we couldn't overcome. He still has some areas that he needs to work on, just like me and like everyone. But the amazing thing is that he like me is trying. Each day he works on things. He is aware when it is pointed out that he did something he isn't supposed to do. He continues to improve and most of all try! He also is seeing his improvements and for the first time expressing pride in himself.

His teacher had so much to say about him. Some funny, only to those of us that know him so well. We can appreciate the humor in some of the things others might find odd or strange. We discussed his strengths, the changes we have all seen and areas to keep pushing. She is a great teacher than gets it and is on it. I am thrilled.

So after 3 years of doing this ARD business, I finally left one knowing I didn't get all I wanted from the school. Still no OT, still feel like some things aren't perfect...but I got compliments and a picture of my son that was glass half full. A room full of people sharing my hope, my vision and all of us knowing he can get there, we can help and it will happen.

I am so thankful for this boy...I watch him sit and work on his workbooks full of smiles and I am so full of love and joy...I know that this journey is far from over, but I am enjoying the view from this peak and thankful for a time where we can embrace the beauty for a while. It hasn't always been easy and the uphill battle isn't all behind us...rough spots are waiting around the corner. But, I know that we can handle them. Dare I say we can conquer them. He has grown up and matured so much and maybe, just maybe so have I.

My wonderful Zachary Jay!

Beautiful Weather...

2010-10-22T12:25:00.000-07:00

The weather here has been so beautiful. No, it isn't normal fall weather for sure, but it is great and should be enjoyed. We had so many falls in CA with high wind and the nights got so cold so fast. It has been nice to be able to let the kids play outside in the evenings and enjoy the pretty weather. I am a bit sad all their fall clothes are still in their drawers and closets, but I am working hard on counting blessing these days not complaining about problems. So...thankful I am for the fact they can have dinners outside and play up until bath time. They love eating at the picnic table and enjoy siting alone, chatting and being silly. It is a lot of fun to watch them. I can't get enough of these two...