Proud Army Wife and MOM!

Father's Day gift!

2011-06-27T15:58:00.000-07:00

This Father's Day, I wanted to make my dad something for the ranch...a place that the entire family loves visit. The kids love to go ride "their" horses arund the arena and out in the field. I am so blessed that I have such amazing parents!

A new family member!!

2011-01-02T16:08:00.000-08:00

We ended up getting a new dog in early November....kids named her Ruby and she is such a lazy dog! LOL She is a great addition to the family and the kids love her so much!!

And it makes 7 years!!

2011-01-02T16:02:00.000-08:00

On December 23rd, my hubby and I celebrated our 7th Anniversary!! I love him so much!

Our kids still know how to make us laugh!!

School pics again!

2010-10-31T11:03:00.001-07:00

I cannot believe that I have a 1st and 3rd grader! Time is flying way too fast for me! I am so thankful for my kids LOVING their school and wanting to go....and the fact that I get to work there and see all the kids having fun and giving me tons of hugs is awesome!

We are truly a BLESSED family!

This ones for Shelly!!!

2010-07-03T23:22:00.000-07:00

My friend Shelly has been at me forever to update my blog!! I have been so horriable about posting!! Are you happy now girl??!! :)

Richard and I took a little day trip to San Francisco so we could walk around Chinatown..we had a great time! It was a beautiful day and we ended it with a fabulous pizza!!!!!

I love this man so much!!

Yep, we are pretty fabulous!! ;)

Beautiful!!

Things have changed in our house....Cayleanna graduated Kindergarten!!! She was so happy about this accomplishment but I truly am not sure how she is going to live without this teacher! I am so blessed at the teachers my children get!! Thank you so much Mrs. S for the amazing year and ALL that you taught my baby girl!

Christmas & A New Year!

2010-01-03T21:38:00.000-08:00

Our first Christmas in our new home was so relaxing and wonderful! The kids let us sleep in, were able to open gifts, make a great breakfast and relax a bit before heading off to family!
I am so blessed with all that I have!
Happy New Year to all and may this year bring you all of the blessings that you could ever imagine!

SCHOOL PICS!!

2009-11-15T09:06:00.001-08:00

My beautiful babies in their school pics!

I am such a proud Momma!!

My Prince Charming!!

2009-11-11T19:21:00.001-08:00

Yep, isnt he wonderful?

And handsome?

And he is all mine!!

Beautiful Belle & Brave Bumblebee

2009-11-11T19:03:00.000-08:00

The kids had a great Halloween this year! They enjoyed going trick or treating as much as they did handing out the candy to their "customers"!

Aren't they just so cute??!!??

My SSK Girls!!!

2009-10-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, you read that title right, my SSK girls! This is my group of scrappy girls. Some of us met on a message board or two, were friends in life but there is no doubt that we were meant to be friends!

We all bring something different to the table scrappy wise and life wise...and we have an incredible time together.

I am so thankful for this group of women...life would just not be the same!

And I have to thank my wonderful husband for taking care of everything for me while I was gone having my girls weekned!

Changes, changes, changes....

2009-10-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

It seems this family is going through the changes lately...nothing bad! I am getting used to having both of my babies in school and the extra work that takes, working 12 hours a week, being at the school three times a day instead of two and Richard working more and more.
Both kids are playing soccer and are loving it!! Cayleanna scored her first goal two weeks ago and Dominic was so close at two different times I thought they went in and was cheering! Oh well, everyone just assumed I was cheering for him no matter what!
In two short weeks, I will be in Sacramento with my SSK girls!! I cannot wait to hit the Scrapbook Expo with them and then scrap the day and night away. Love those girls and getting together once a year just isnt enough!

My mom's foot is healing after her crazy surgery this summer...I am healed up from mine as well.

We took the kids to Disneyland this summer for the first time. I celebrated my 30th birthday there..only my second time being there! We had a great time but I could so do without the crowds and crazy people running you over. It was good we had the stroller for Cayleanna because she was getting trampled at times.
The best rides according to the kids were the roller coasters! They could not get enough of them and had NO DESIRE to go on any of the "baby rides"! Well, look who thinks they are something!

It was a bit hard for me to turn 30...no idea why. Maybe thinking about all the things that I wanted to have accomplished by now but sitting back and "looking" at it more, I am where I am supposed to be. One day I will have my shot to do what I want and to travel where I want to travel but for right now, I am supposed to be wife and mom....

PHEEWW!!!

2009-06-22T22:08:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy week of working on the house....we painted and put up a border in Richard's "man room", put a border up in the kitchen, got paint for the downstairs bathroom, rearranged the living room, cleaned up my scrap room, got all my decorations for Christmas and Thanksgiving arranged, hung up tons of pictures, etc. and ended the week with explorative surgery.
Yes, you heard that right surgery...I was to have a hysterectomy but my insurance thought that it would be better for me to have this explorative surgery to see if my doctor was really telling the truth about what I have....and guess what........he was RIGHT!! So I have to have another surgery....ok, lets pray that the insurance approves me having a hysterectomy..I dont want to live with this adenomyosis anymore.
Adenomyosis is described as: a condition that occurs when the cells that normally line the uterus grow into the muscular tissue of the uterine wall. Its painful and not fun for me or the family to deal with..
My mom took the kids with her for a week so I have time to recover and get a few more things done around the house. I am hoping that I can get into that scrap room and have some fun! ALso, I am hoping to have a date with my husband and go see a movie!

2009-06-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

I cannt belive that it as been two months since I have blogged anything! ACK! I got so wrapped up in Dominic's school that I just totally forgot about most everything on the web!
We are finally starting to settle in to the house and staring to get it all arranged how we want...

Dominic finished his first grade year and Cayleanna is going to be going into Kindergarden! I cannot believe where the time has gone!

I have not been able to scrap too much but I was able to get this layout done for National Scrapbook Day...its me and my sis in 1983 0r 84...
Used Sassafrass or this layout!

Easter!!!

2009-04-14T21:56:00.001-07:00

Easter was great this year! We had a wonderful morning hanging out at home playing with what the Easter Bunny brought before we headed over to Aunt Candice's house for dinner and more egg hunting.

The smiles on the kids faces, the laughter, the absolute joy written all over them makes all the hard work worth it.

They truly are the best thing about me and the best thing I have ever done!

A new family member!!

2009-03-23T18:14:00.001-07:00

This last Saturday we went and got a dog from a man that was just not able to take care of him anymore....

It was love at first sight for all of us and we are all adjusting to having a dog. Dominic is doing great with him and is starting to understand why he had to be a little bit older to have a dog and what responsibility means....

Shadow is adjusting to us as well, it will take time but we very happy!! He is definatly loving all the attention and walks he has been getting!

And what they say about a boy and his dog is so true!!

AAAAACCCKKK!!! I was tagged!!

2009-03-18T20:52:00.000-07:00

So my wonderful and talented friend Susan tagged me about a week or so ago and I just now saw it....so I better do it or she will be on me like bees on honey!!!!

Rules: It's harder than it looks! Copy your own note, erase my answers, enter yours, and randomly tag 10 people (including me). Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions. They have to be real... nothing made up! If the person before you had the same first initial, you must use different answers. You cannot use any word twice and you can't use your name for the boy/girl name question.Have Fun!!!!!Whew... Here goes:)
1. What is your name: Callie Jean
2. A four Letter word: Cool
3. A Boy's Name: Colton
4. A Girl's Name: Cayleanna
5. An occupation: carpenter
6. A Color: cobolt blue
7. Something you wear: cuff links
8. A Food: cookies
9. Something found in the Bathroom: conditioner
10. A Place: Calistoga
11. A Reason for being late: car wont stop
12. Something you Shout: CUT IT OUT!!!
13. A Movie Title: Care Bears
14. Something you Drink: cold water
15. A Musical Group: Coldplay
16. An Animal: cat
17. A Street Name: Creekside Lane
18. A Type of Car: Caravan
19. Something Scary: cougars
20. Ice Cream Flavor: chocolate chip

Now I am tagging:
Anyone!!!! If you want to do it....then do it!
It is harder than you think....just do it!

Someone turned five!!

2009-03-17T20:21:00.001-07:00

Our sweet little girl turned 5 this last week! She is so excited to hold up a whole hand when asked how old she is!!!

She was so excited to have her best little girfriends over, her Nana come down and of course pink candles on her star cupcakes!

Time has truly flown by and I am proud to say that I will be that mom that is crying when she drops her "baby" off at Kindergarden....I have truly loved the time at home with her!

They say Thursday...

2009-01-26T20:48:00.000-08:00

Is the day that we will get the keys to our house! I am just praying that they are not wrong! I am so excited about getting the keys in my hand!
Richard and I truly have worked so hard for this, not unlike anyone else, so we are very proud of ourselves for making this step in our lives. We have fallin in love with this area so much that we want to raise our kids here...what more can you ask for?

I have to say....I have never been so excited to actually get out the paint brush and get some paint in my hair! I cannot wait till I have my own scraproom and yes it will be in the color PURPLE!! The creative juices will be flowing....

Pics of our house!!!

2009-01-12T20:09:00.000-08:00

Master bedroom looking into the bathroom

My tub!!!

Half of the kitchen...the inspector was in the other half and said "he wasnt in the picture mood". LOL

Formal family room, dinning room and the butlers pantry.

Staircase as you walk in...

All the inspections on Friday went wonderfully!!! Besides one or two broken sprinkler heads there is not a thing wrong with the house! We are so excited about moving, almost the whole house is packed and the poor kids have hardly anywhere to play. They are ok with it since they know if two weeks, they will have their own room and PLENTY of space to play.

Tomorrow is the day..

2009-01-08T18:42:00.000-08:00

for inspections at the house we are buying. I am so nervous and excited and stressed and every emotion under the sun.
The home is only 3 years old so I really am not anticipating any problems but you never know. Think positive thoughts for us!

House for us!!

2009-01-07T08:58:00.001-08:00

Yep we are buying a house! This process has taken us over two years to get to! We have been looking for a house to buy off and on since we moved here. Prices have been to high, then everything was getting gobbled up, we were outbid, the list goes on and on....but finally we are i contract for a house and are doing all inspections this Friday! We are super excited!

Heres a pic of the outside!!!!

Wish us luck! And now off to pack more boxes..gald I will never have to do that again...told Hubby I was never leaving!!

MMMMM...coffee

2009-01-07T08:38:00.000-08:00

Isnt coffee just wonderful?! Put some grounds and water into this lovly maching and Viola! Out comes this inticing aroma and this wonderfully smooth drink....aaahhh and hear that? Silence, yep, love enjoying my coffee in utter silence around me so that I can just sit at my computer drink away and catch up on all my favorite people in cyber space!

A gentle fairwell

2009-01-02T00:13:00.000-08:00

to 2008 that is...
It was a year of many changes, challenges and triumph's for this family. Our son graduated from Kindergarten, our daughter was bumped up in gymnastics, my loving husband joined the Army Reserve and I became stronger. I felt a love for my husband so deep that I was amazed by it. It has shaken me to my core and made me so happy.
This year, I have made many new friends and thankfully I have not lost any. My friendship with few has grown stronger and I think of them as my family here. It is amazing how motherhood can allow you to create such an amazing bond with others.
I still think of those that I have lost, those I didnt get to know, those I wanted to know more. I think of my best friends that do not live near me and wish that with the snap of my finger we all can be together again. But there is a time and a place for everything and only God knows why things happen the way they do.
I have hopes for this new year...2009. Richard and I have dreams for this year; ones we feel are worth working hard for and struggling to get!
I pray for those friends of mine that are hurting right now, those that have found their way, those struggling to find an answer & obtain something special to them. I pray for my siblings for they all have a journey of their own they are on, for my parents that they continue to be happy and healthy and for my nieces and nephews that they grow up to understand the love around them and cherish each other.
I wish for my children to continue to grow and amaze me, to understand the love their father and I have for them, and to still love us unconditinally.
For my husband I hope for him continued success at his career, for his advancement in the Army and for him to always feel the love I have for him.
And for me, I pray that all of my wishes and prayer for those I love come true.
May 2009 bring you many blessings, smiles, laughter, and anything your heart is wanting.

New Layouts!

2008-12-15T22:43:00.000-08:00

Just some layouts that I have done lately! I had a huge rush of inspiration...

To All A good night!

2008-12-15T22:29:00.000-08:00

This was emailed to me and I had to share it.
God Bless the men and women who fight for our freeedoms everyday! May we never forget them! Thank You!

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight. My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve. My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear. Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then thesure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight. A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here! Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's lightThen he sighed and he said "Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.""It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me. My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile. Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,The red, white, and blue... an American flag.I can live through the cold and the being alone,Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat. I can carry the weight of killing another,Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..Who stand at the front against any and all,To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,Your family is waiting and I'll be all right.""But isn't there something I can do, at the least,"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?It seems all too little for all that you've done, For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,"Just tell us you love us, and never forget. To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,To stand your own watch, no matter how long.For when we come home, either standing or dead,To know you remember we fought and we bled.Is payment enough, and with that we will trust, That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

Keeping busy...

2008-12-13T09:24:00.000-08:00

Kristine asked me how to keep herself busy while her husband is gone for nine weeks! He just joined the guard..I know that feeling of what you are going to do when your husband is gone! Since my husband is in the Reserve, I am blessed that he was only gone the once so far! But those five months were enough! What kept me going was lots of playdates with my kids friends, BBQ's with family and friends, and my hobby of scrapbooking! The nights were the hardest, they do get lonly but I came up with a routine that worked for me as far as what I would do once th kids were in bed. I would clean up the kitchen, do some scrapbooking, read or take a bath, call a friend to just chat and email and of couse this blog!
Keeping the kids busy was hard too! I got some great advise of taking the kids to McDonald's for a sundae and then letting them play....my kkids are totally into arts and crafts to we colored, painted and drew a ton! We went to the library more than normal, swam in the pool a bit longer, all the stuff we normally would do just a bit longer or more often. Plus, having those nights that you would just sit and watch a movie together and just relax was great too.
Hope all this helps and I hope others reading this can add to the great things you can do while the husband and dad is gone! Keep in contact Kristine! It will go by fast!

Thanksgiving!

2008-12-02T19:04:00.000-08:00

My Thanksgiving was great! Suprisingly, it wasnt too hectic and we were able to really hang out and enjoy each other! I so love my family and am glad that we got to spend it with them!

My son and his cousin giving funny faces!

My parents....arent they cute!

My and my love before we left for our family reunion.

I am so thankful for my husband, my children, my family, that my husband has a job, for our Armed Forces, scrapbooking, books, my friends in real life and cyber, for Jesus in my heart and life.
I am so thankful that I have the right and freedom to be who I am and to say how I feel!

I have so many new layouts that I have created...I hope to get them up and on the computer soon!

So many new layouts!!

2008-10-31T16:43:00.000-07:00

I have been really busy lately scrapping away! Along with helping at my son's school, carting both kids to school, karate, gymnastics and church!

The third weekend of October, I met up with some ladies I had met at Allyscraps and went to the Scrappbook Expo in Sacramento. We had a great time and I got tons of scrapping done!

Enjoy all my new work... And Happy Halloween!!

My husband came home from his first weekend that he had to report to his unit and when he got home he left his boots our to dry and I took the opportunity to take a pic and scrap it!

My dear daughter and her best friend after a tour of a local fire station.

When my husband came home, the kids didnt leave his side.

My son at the Aquarium...he loves that place!

My dad and my daughter riding my dad's horse...

A fun night at home with my husband giving the kids horsey rides...

That is all for now....

2008-10-03T19:42:00.000-07:00

I created this layout the other night while a friend was here scapping with me while all the kids played and the men watched baseball...

My son had to take this picture for his dad, when we were taking first day of school pictures..he loves his daddy and looks just like him!

Head over to Allyscraps to join everyone for a month long of challenges, games and prizes! It is already so much fun!

One more for him!

2008-09-22T17:07:00.000-07:00

I did another layout and it happens to be another one of me and my husband! You would think that we dont have kids!

Sept. 11th...

2008-09-12T04:18:00.000-07:00

On this day, we always go and have a tour of our local fire department. We take the firemen homemade goodies and thank them for their service. So to all of those that have served our country, serve our country, our police, firemen and all of those that keep us safe...thank you!

The day has come!!

2008-09-12T04:14:00.000-07:00

For Richard to come home! We pick him up at the airport tonight!! Since he is coming home so late, we are going to have to take a small nap this afternoon so that we are not zombies tonight....look or new pics to come soon...

My last saturday....

2008-09-06T19:07:00.000-07:00

Without my hubby! Yes, he is going to be home next Friday night! I dont know what time yet, but he did call me at 4 in the morning the day of his final PT test to tell me that he passed! I am so proud of him! Not that I threatened him if he didnt come home!
Been a pretty lazy day here since football has now started and my NOTRE DAME was playing! I cant go anywhere if there isnt a TV to watch them! I can definatly get pretty crazy when they are playing...just ask my family!

Stress not needed!!

2008-08-26T23:51:00.000-07:00

Have you ever gone through a situation where you right in the middle of something you dont want to be in?! Oh my goodness! I am right there!! I hate when you have to deal with someone or something that is not ethical, not nice, and just plain out wrong!
I want to step away but at the same time belive that what is going on is wrong and need to help take care of it. Cant wait till my hubby is home to help out more!

My dad did find another horse!! YEAH! He is still so sad about losing Martha but seems to be happy about finding a new horse...I cannot wait to meet Mona!

On the flip side, D-man is doing awesome in his new school, really getting good at his karate and is getting more animated everyday.

Baby girl won a metal at gymnastics last week for her acomplishments. She told me it is because she has the best "Ta-Da"! Whatever the case I am proud of her and she really is accelerating.
Hello Summer Olympics of 2020!

I am still trying to get used to D-man being in school until 3 in the afternoon! And now, our Baby Girl will be going to her second year of Preschool..what is this posible? Only one more year until both are in school full time..guess its time for me to go get that second degree I want!

Ok, dont ask what I want it in, but I am thinking about a BA in Criminal Justice. I would love to work as a profiler and learn all what makes someone do what they do. More of a sociology mixed in with criminal justice.

So I have to give huge props to people in my life...my sister who is almost done with her Doctorate and my friend Tisha that is going into the Grad program for Psychology. Both are moms, and persuing their dreams at the same time! Both are truly inspiring....and their husbands are great supporters...cant forget about them!

First day of school!

2008-08-25T20:55:00.001-07:00

This is in the car on the way to his new school! He was so excited but at the same time a bit scared so Bananas had to accompany him! It was so cute to see him step out of the car with his Nemo backpack and lunch pail holding a monkey dressed up as a surfer...I cherish these times as they are going to go by so fast!

Book of Me page

2008-08-23T16:13:00.001-07:00

I was asked over at Allyscraps to come up with a prompt for the Book of Me. Here is the prompt I came up with:

Since the Olympics have been going on, I have been thinking about how many proud people are out there that are going to watch someone they care about compete..so it got me thinking and I want to know when you have been the most proud of yourself. Did you accomplish a dream, a goal, stop or start something, whatever it is tell us about it!

My proudest moment was when I knew I had to marry my husband! So my journaling reads:

SO Proud of ME!

So proud of myself for listening to my heart and becoming your wife!

Sounds a little different for the proudest moment of my life, since I do have two wonderful kids, a degree, and am a Stay at home MOM but I couldnt imagine doing all of that without my husband by myside. For those that know me, you know how hard Richard and I made things for each other in the beginning (wonder we ever got married ) but we pulled togther, had some big heart to hearts, made some serious changes and now we have been married almost five years!

Some love for Cousin Tom!

2008-08-17T21:24:00.000-07:00

Yep, its true...these two love their cousin Tom! Silly faces and all!

A Salute for Daddy!

2008-08-17T21:21:00.000-07:00

What is cuter that this? Dominic had to salute his daddy in a picture!

50 Things I love!

2008-08-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

This layout was to be about my favorite things but it ended up being the 50 things I love...and they are in no particular order!

Just a few things are: kisses from my husband, my kids, my parents, my siblings, Target, scrapbooking, photography, reading, coffee, my nices an nephews, my Jetta, bedtime, getting cards in the mail, flowers, suprises, getting my hair done, Christmas lights, baking, my kids laughter, decorating my house, horses, football...well, you get the picture!

Another great prompt from ALLYSCRAPS!

Today marks only one month till my husband comes home!!!! Yep, only 30 days until my hubby is back in my arms!! And no I cannot not wait, like a kid in a candy store!

Another one!

2008-08-12T00:28:00.001-07:00

Just a quick layout of my husband...yep, I have been doing those alot lately. I guess that is what happens when he is gone for so long.

I told him that it looks like someone just ran over his puppy and my brother corrected me saying "No, that is him telling you that he is going to run over YOUR puppy!"

Love you baby!

Sad day for our family!

2008-08-10T13:37:00.000-07:00

I know that most people have "fur babies" and couldnt imagine their life without them...well, for my family we have horses as our "fur babies". And this morning one of our babies had to be put to sleep. My dad's friend that lives at his ranch found his horse, Martha, out in the field with a leg broken in two places, we called the Vets son, who was someone that had been around Martha and could handle him and he called us to say that there was nothing that could be done and he would take care of it for my dad. We all know what "take care of" means when you are talking about animals.
Martha, a boy with a girls name as the grandkids say, was a very special horse to my dad and our family. He was given to my dad from a great friend, Martha, before she passed away from cancer. So while Martha was a bit of a stink to the rest of us, he was a great horse to my dad. And my dad was very proud of him; they were amazing together. My dad was even asked to by a photographer to ride Martha so he could photograph them.
So yes, today is a sad day for our family...I truly thank my dads friends Lane and Drew for taking care of things for my dad, as this is not easy for anyone to handle...
Now off to comfort the kids as they loved all of Boppa's horses!

My last travel adventure!

2008-08-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

This layout was for a Prompt for My Book of Me at Allyscraps. For me, my last travel was to see my husband graduate from Boot Camp at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. I was more than happy to do this page and was so amazed at how short of a time it took me! I love my husband and had to share this wonderful travel for me!

My journaling reads:

July 9,2008, Fort Jackson has been my latest travel. I flew from Sacramento to San Francisco to D.C. to Columbia just to see him! I would never regret this trip, he made me so proud!

As he graduated boot camp on the 11th of July he made us an Army family.

South Carolina was so beautiful, the people were so nice and the humidity was totally new to me. BUT, I loved it there for the short time I was there!

Next time I want to visit Myrtle Beach and maybe Charleston.

I am telling ya, The Palmetto State made a good impression on me!

Crazy, hectic...

2008-07-29T21:55:00.000-07:00

Crazy and hectic is a good way to describe our mini family reunion we had this lat weekend. There were six grandchildren, six parents, two grandparents and one cousin! Yep, that is alot of Chiefs and not enough Indians as they say...

All of the cousins had a great time playing together and the "older" cousins, meaning my kids of course, were trying to "take care" of the littlest ones! I am not sure that Bella and Logan minded since being 17 and 15 months old they were able to ignore them a bit..

Early Friday morning we made our very small treck our to the ranch so that we could ride the horses. I am not sure that Terry and Buck, the best horses ever, were totally thrilled with the agenda but they were on their best behavior! At this point in this picture, it looked like Buck was asleep with the girls on his back! Hence, the suprised look on Natalia's face and the smile on Cayleanna's!

KIYAH!

2008-07-21T21:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, you are seeing this right, my son is breaking a piece of wood! Last Friday, he took a Karate Kid class when he learned how to do this. He was so happy afterwards that the second we got into the car he asked to call his Daddy! Of course, he brought the pieces of wood home with him so that he can show him when he gets home! I am so proud of this little man!

But then again, who can refuse a face like this?!

Some new scrappy goodness!

2008-07-19T21:57:00.001-07:00

I deceided to do a challenge over at Allyscraps and make something that is not just a scrapbook page. So I made these two little wall hangings...go over there and check them out! Best scrapbooking place on the web!

Of course, one I made was of me and my hubby! The bottom of it says You hold MY heart...and its true, it is all his! I know all that mushy stuff...eeeww
I hated all that mushy stuff until I met the love of my life. And normally I am not that mushy but I miss him so much and just feel the need to let everyone know!
These are my best friends since we all started college together 11 years ago! Was it really that long ago? Selah and Michelle make me so happy everytime I look at pictures of them. They truly are the people that you want in your life forever! I could not have made it through many things in my life without them...this will be hung up at over my scrapbook table so that I can see it everytime I sit down to scrap!

US ARMY Boot Camp Graduation!

2008-07-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

I just got back from my Husband's Boot Camp Graduation from the US ARMY in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. I had a wonderful time and was so happy to see my husband after 10 weeks! He looks so wonderful and has really gotten into shape! Us after his graduation and right before we had to say goodbye for the last time.
Right before he had to go back to his barricks, the night before he graduated...
The proud MOM and her US ARMY Boot Camp Graduate! It was wonderful to see Julie and for her to share this wonderful time with us!
Me in the hat my mother in law bought for me! I think the hat says it all!
Richard is still and always be the most handsome man to me. I am so proud of him an the sacrifices he has made for our family. I miss him greatly and cannot wait until he is back home with us!

4th of July!

2008-07-07T20:14:00.001-07:00

Sparklers were the highlight of the night! The kids could not get enough of them and couldnt stop throwing the poppers! They truly had a great night hanging out with the other kids and eating all of the great things they dipped in the chocolate fountain! Oh yes, a chocolate fountain. My aunts neighbor had bananas, strawberries, marshmellows, pretzels, waffers, brownies, madelines, and so much more to dunk in the sweet chocolate! MMMM....

What big kids there really are becoming. I only had to tell them once to stay back from the big fireworks. Cayleanna fell asleep on the couch "taking care"of JOJO the dog and in the end I think it was JOJO that was protecting her!

18 days left...

2008-06-22T23:43:00.000-07:00

Till I get to see my husband! I get to fly to South Carolina to see my his graduate from boot camp... I am so excited about it! Totally bummed that the kids cannot go with me but they get to go to the zoo for their cousins birthday party! I dont even think they are going to miss me at all.
It is still hard to believe that it has been over two months since my husband left for the Army. It feels like that long and at the same time, time has flown by....good think I have been keeping myself busy!
I am so thankful for all of my friends who have let me talk to them for hours, cry on their shoulder and just vent when I cant get the kids to listen! It has meant the world to me!

Kindergarten Graduate!

2008-06-15T15:49:00.000-07:00

Dominic graduated from Kindergarten last week! He was so sad to go! He loved his teacher and friends. I am so proud of him to do as well as he did this year. He has learned so much and is so happy to learn more.

I could not of asked for a better year and teacher for him! And what they say is true, once they start school it goes so fast!

My sisters by choice!

2008-06-14T21:46:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I was able to go see my two best friends from college. Even though it has been two and a half years since I have seen them, nothing has changed. We still get loud and crazy, talk about old times, present times, and everything inbetween. I love these girls like they were my sisters!

Selah and Michelle have been frineds since grade school and I entered into the mix in College. They were the best things that happened to me in college..well them and my husband!
Michelle graduated from law school! I am so happy and proud of her, it brings tears to my eyes. The first day I met her she told me that she was going to be a lawyer and now her dream has come true. Congrats my dear friend!

It harder than I thought!

2008-05-27T12:51:00.000-07:00

It has been 22 days since Richard left and I did not think it would be this hard. The kids are really missing their daddy and we pray for him every night. It is really cute to listen to them "talk" to their daddy about what they have done during the day, how they want God to keep him safe, and what they are going to do with daddy as soon as he gets home.

So for everyone out there...please keep Richard, the kids and I in your prayers.

He is almost 6!!

2008-05-14T21:16:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow my baby boy turns six but tonight we celebrated with a few family members. He got four different Transformers and it took all of us to get them together!

A new do for me!

2008-05-14T16:17:00.000-07:00

Here is the new me!!!!!

I had to do something with my hair, it was getting so bad! I wasnt sure what to do with it, so I put myself in my friend Sarah's hands and she went to town! I love what she did to it, dont you?!

I am so excited for Richard to see it when he is done with Boot Camp. I think he is going to like it too!

I have been so busy this last week, we went home to suprise my mom for Mother's Day. Getting ready for my little mans 6th birthday! Is he really six?! How did that happen? Cupcakes for his class, cake for tonight, and cake for his party on Saturday! I cannot wait until the week is over and I can relax!

On a side note, Richard is doing well. I have not been able to talk to him much at all...just a few seconds here and there. He will only get two more phone calls in the next nine weeks! I am going to miss his voice.

He sends good wishes to all and remember to keep him in your prayers. He is a very selfless person and for those of you that know him, you know this already!

Shipped Out!

2008-05-05T19:03:00.000-07:00

Today Richard shipped out to boot camp! It was a tearful good bye as the kids just then realized that daddy was not coming home with us. Our son is definatly taking it the hardest but I think that is to be expected. Before he left he gave the kids each their own Dog tag with the Cubs logo on it. They were excited to have them and have said they are going to wear them everyday!

Keep Richard in your thoughts and Prayers! He is doing a wonderful thing for us, his family. He has told me that once he gets home, I get to go back to school to get my Masters or another degree. For that, I am very excited!

So today, I officially became an Army wife...that is incredibly odd to say!

All I want for my birthday...

2008-05-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

Is my front tooth!

As you can see D-man lost one of his front tooth has come out...it was really ready as you can see the other tooth is already coming in! I still cannot believe that my little man is old enough to loose his teeth, three in all as of now..

You are still handsome my Little Man!

I've been tagged!

2008-05-01T09:46:00.000-07:00

My friend Arlene Tagged me this morning...so here it goes..

1.Last music you listened to - Country and more specific Rascall Flatts
2.Last thing you watched on TV -Today show
3.Last movie you saw -Alvin and the Chipmunks..so cute and funny
4.Last book you read -Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner
5.Last person you spoke to - on the phone, my hubby but at home, my daughter
6.Last thing you ate - a pop tart
7.Last time you laughed -last night when the kids were giving us a concert..ok scratch that just now when my daughter was "dancing" for me.
8.Last place you visited -Home but this weekend it is off to Monterey
9.Last website you visited - Allyscraps of course
10.Last thing you scrapped/crafted - scrapped pages of me and my husband

Yep, I am corrupting her!!

2008-04-24T17:14:00.001-07:00

So, yesterday as I was on the computer and watching the morning news, I see my daughter working on this:

She is totally like me and loves to create...well, both my babies love to "scrapbook" with their mom and they are more than happy to stop at a scrapbook store. I usually have to buy them one piece of oaoer but that is a small price to pay to go scrappy shopping..

Couple more...

2008-04-15T21:45:00.000-07:00

These both are also for my Book of Me. The first is a layout of why I scapbook and the second is a couple of my friends right now. I want to remember those friends that helped me get through moving to a new town, moving to a new house, finding a preschool for my daughter and so many other things.

I got so much done this last weekend and since Allyscraps is down, I had to share here. Hope you enjoy looking at these as much as I enjoyed creating them.

My Latest Work

2008-04-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

A Silly picture of me and Richard. One night we were just having fun taking pictures after the kids went to bed. Since Richard is leaving in just three weeks I wanted some recent pics of us to look at.

This is our baby girl at her birthday party at Chuck E Cheese. She was so excited as this was her first birthday party where she got to choose everything she wanted for her party. She had so much fun, I could barly get her to sit down long enough to eat, but she was able to sit and open her presents.

I did this page for a Book of Me. I am sure that anyone who knows me will know how passionate I am about reading but for those futrue generations that wont know me....

More of the funny pictures of me and Ricahrd. I really love how this layout looks. It is really simple but shows how I love him.

For me, this picture was so cute that it didnt need to be put on a page. I aded a little bit to the picture and am going to frame this one.

Girlfriends!

2008-04-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

Here are my best girlfriends here! Jennifer and Latisha have been my saving grace since we moved. Tonight we went to Latisha and Brandon's to have some snacks, cheesecake, wine and some great conversation. My cheeks hurt from laughing so much!

Friendship is like a circle, it just goes round and round, there is no beginning and there is no end...I am not sure where I heard that but I love it.

And with these two this saying is so true!

We forced our husbands to hang out the first time but as you can tell we didnt have to ask them to hard to hang out again! I am not sure that they knew what to to think the first time that we all got together. The three of us girls and our kids have been getting to know each other for quite some time and it is just fitting that

our husbands get to know each other as well.

I love you girls! You definatly make life here in MO-TOWN (lol) worth it!

A true friend is one who overlooks your failures and tolerates your success! -- Doug Larson

2008-04-04T21:27:00.000-07:00

My kids are so goofy! Anytime you want to take the camera out they will start posing for you. And we are not talking about the cute poses with smiling faces but the total opposite. Yet, always a smiling face.
They had just gotten out of the bath and dressed in jammies way too big for them. I hear some laughing going on down the hall and took the camera to check it out...I could not resist sharing these with everyone.

They really have a love that is amazing for siblings. I was worried about this when our baby girl was born but our son took over the role of being a big brother perfectly. I could not ask for better kids.

Here they are doing their own version of dancing...and singing some silly little songs that they make up as they go..oh the joys of being a kid.

2008-04-03T15:28:00.000-07:00

This is the layout that I did for a photo challenge at Allyscraps. It was so much fun to use this to get me back scrapping after our move.

I hope that Jami likes it and sorry for the glare...couldnt get rid of it...oiy. I need to learn how to use the new camera.

A 60th Birthday Celebration!

2008-03-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, the kids and I went to celebrate my Uncle Rick's 60th Birthday. What a celebration it was! For me, I was so happy just to be there. It was one year ago on New Years Eve that I was able to meet them again after fifteen (I think) years away. They have been such a wonderful addition to my life. They have accepted me, my husband, and my children with no terms or strings attached. I am humbled by their love. My cousin Jenny told me that I was a permanent fixture, and those words never sounded so good to me. I truly love them and feel as if I have known them for more than a year!

To my Lynch Family, thank you so much for welcoming me and my family into yours. I am amazed at the bonds that have been created in such a small time. I love you dearly!

Today was your day!

2008-03-15T22:06:00.000-07:00

Today was all about you and your fourth birthday! We spent three long hours at Chuck E Cheese. You had so much fun playing with your friends, playing with the games, and taking pictures.

While getting ready for today, you had to have your hair just perfect! You wanted pigtails and had to have SPARKLES!! I was so happy when you loved the shirt and skirt that I found for you. You are such a girl in that way! I never imagined that having a girl could be so much fun! I am sure later in life you and I will butt heads the way moms and daughters are supposed to but right now you are MY GIRL!! When ever I ask "Who's my girl?" You jump up and down with your hand in the air yelling "I am, I am!"

I am so glad that you enjoyed your day today! You were such a wonderful girl. I am so proud that you always remember to say thank you to everyone and give hugs! Thank you baby girl, for being mine!

A special bond!

2008-03-14T17:25:00.000-07:00

You and your Aunt Candy have a special bond! You love calling her, going to see her and most of all playing with JO-JO the dog! One person I know I can count on you going to besides your Nana and Boppa is your Aunt Candy for this, your father and I are blessed! No matter where we are in this world you will always have this wonderful person caring for you..what a lucky girl you are to have so many people in this world that love you. Dont lose sight of this love and of who you are my little 4 year old!
Your father and I love you so much! You have been such a blessing to your brother also, your bond is something that you will be so happy for later in life. Forever, no matter how old you are, you will always be "baby girl" to everyone!

My kids!

2008-03-11T19:25:00.000-07:00

My daughter is almost four! It is amazing at how fast this time has come. I can still remember the day we came home with her and how much she has changed over these four years. When she was born she had her daddys hair color and skin color. Now she has brown hair and looks just like her mommy! Amazing how this works! Of the two kids, she is definatly the best mix of my husband and I. Our son is more like me and looks just like his dad! My two kids amaze me more everyday than anything else.

When I was pregnant with my son someone told me that "Once you have a child you will forever walk with your heart outside of your body." That is so true, I couldnt imagine my life without them.

No matter how many times my husband and I talk about what life would be like without them, we just couldnt picture it. They are the light of our world.

Strong and Brave

2008-03-07T22:57:00.001-08:00

I love the idea of Rosie the Riveter. They way that women took on those hard jobs when they were needed. I was always a feisty one and always believed I could do the same job as anyone, male or female. I repeat in my head many times a day "I can do it."

I feel challenged everyday as a wife and mother. I try to challenge myself as a scrapbooker and photographer. If Rosie could do it then I can too!

I am always putting up my arm to my husband just like Rosie did..and I love him for always pushing me to be stronger and braver. It doesn't matter what it is...we can compete with each other or trash talk the others team and we know it is in all good humor.

I teach my children to always be tough, not just physically but mentally. I also teach my kids to be gentle and kind. It is hard make them understand but my husband and I do our best. I hope I am the mother to my kids that mine was to me!!