Christ-is-Lord

Our 5 year anniversary!

2010-03-28T22:46:00.033-05:00

So 2009 marked our 5 year anniversary. I decided since we hadn't REALLY celebrated an anniversary except for our 2nd one, but that started off awful, that we should make this one special. Our 1st anniversary we started a Bible Study with some folks from the church we attended in San Antonio,which we didn't mind b/c we love people (all of our "dating" relationship we had people constantly around) & love sharing the truth of God's Word. Oh & I was also two weeks recovering from emergency ovarian and fallopian tube removal. Our 2nd anniversary we did attempt a little getaway. The weekend before our anniversary we went to visit some dear friends in Oklahoma, and then on the way back to TX, to go to our bed and breakfast we had to make a detour to Temple, as Chris had to be a pallbearer in his aunt's funeral. This funeral also happened to be the day of our anniversary. It wouldn't have been so bad, but I had a hard time not thinking about Chris's family and all the emotions of the day, that I had a hard time relaxing and enjoying myself for the first day and a half, causing us to get in a big fight mainly cuz expectations weren't met. Thankfully the last day and a half were great. We spent plenty of time reading, exploring the bed and breakfast location (it was overlooking a lake and there was a golf cart we could rent to go explore the rest of the land), and hanging out. We also got to visit with some of my dear friends who were getting married within the next couple of months! (Yep had to make sure other people were in there!) Our 3rd anniversary occurred 16 days after our first son was born, and he was colicky, so we had a nice meal in and then a neighbor randomly called and had found out it was our anniversary and came over and literally kicked us out of the house to go get ice cream. We had some yummy Baskin Robbins, and it was a night when it was on sale. Can't get any better than that! Needless to say being first time parents and having a baby who screams all the time that you don't want to make other people have to suffer through, we only stayed out 40 minutes! Our 4th anniversary we had Bible Study on the actual day, but Chris surprised me a day early by sending me flowers with a note saying to be ready by 4. He also took off from work early that day, and had set up babysitting for John. However, a minor kink in the plan, I was gone when he got home, and the flowers had yet to be delivered. He ended up getting them and setting them where I was sure to see, when I walked in, but being oblivious, and just tired and excited he was home, it took me a while to notice them! It probably didn't help that I was nearly 7 months pregnant at the time! So I hurriedly changed and dropped John off at our dear friends Kevin & Laura's house (mentioned in a previous post) and went and had a fabulous sit down dinner at Shiloh Inn. He surprised me with a new camera! I think it was one of the first times we had a great conversation by ourselves on a date. We were so used to having other people around. Don't take me wrong, we have plenty of awesome conversations at home, just not used to having them in public on a so called date! I guess I have this stigma in my head that things need to be different/special on a date and so I never knew what to talk about. But I realized that I just need to be me, and just talk about whatever!
Anywho, back to our 5th anniversary. So, I decided to send Chris on a scavenger hunt, starting with a note on a heart taped to the front door. He had to go all through the house looking for little hearts with the next clue.
I think this was one about food

something about TV/entertainment

something about clothing

I love the look on his face

and I love that I captured this!! I surprised him with tickets to see George Strait. Unfortunately he wasn't playing on our anniversary, but oh well. Chris has said in passing a couple of different times since we met, that he WILL see George Strait in concert before he dies. So, for the past year, I've been waiting to see if George was gonna do a concert anywhere near us on a night when we could go. There was a slight scare when Chris almost had to be in the field the night of the concert (I kept asking over and over and over again about his field dates before I purchased the tickets), but thankfully we were able to go. More about that in a minute.

Our actual anniversary fell on a Friday and I REALLY wanted to go dancing b/c that is one of the things Chris & I did every Friday night when we were dating. We'd go to In the Mood Ballroom in Temple where it was $5 admission and BYOB and no smoking, and we'd dance to country music til midnight!! Unfortunately, In the Mood started doing country dancing every other Friday, so we didn't get to go on our actual anniversary, but we did get to go the next week. On our actual anniversary, Dylan & Leslie kicked us out of the house, and made us go out to eat! We went to Red Lobster (I let Chris pick. I'm not a big fan of seafood) and then got to go to a coffee shop and hang out and talk. It was great!
So, in turn, we made them come with us dancing. Eric & Steph also came with us, cuz it's just not the same when you go just by yourself!! :) (Again with the people!!!)

Here are some pictures from that night. It was crowded. Some teeny bopper was having a birthday party there:
I braved the macarena! This is me trying to remember how to do it!

Do I embarrass myself?

Eh, yeah! Got Steph to join in!

Really getting into it!

and even Dylan & Leslie got into it!!
Go Dylan! (notice he had to look behind him to figure out how to do it!)

Now you've got it!

Awww, they are just too cute!

Capturing 5/6 of us who went!

Awwww! I only wish we had gotten a picture of us dancing!! It was a blast, but boy I realized how out of shape I was, and how old I was! I was ready to go home long b4 midnight, and I could no longer do the polka for hours on end. Sorry Mustafa (he used to be my crazy polka dancing partner!) It was a blast nonetheless though!

So the George Strait concert story! The concert started at 8 in Austin, and we left the house at about 6:50, leaving our boys in the hands of their Pappi & Zsa Zsa, stopped and grabbed some food at Jack-in-the-Box and headed out. The drive was a lot of fun, lots of neat back roads, and some good conversation, and some country music to put us in the mood! As we neared Cedar Park we noticed the traffic getting thicker and thicker. It was about 7:45 at this time, and we were right where we wanted to be in the long line to turn in to park at the new Cedar Park activities center. The time kept ticking as we kept getting closer and closer to the turn in. Then we started noticing that very few people were being allowed to turn in. Police were turning them away. As we got closer, we learned that the parking was full, and overflow parking was being set up up at movie theater in a strip mall a couple of miles down the way, where they would bus you to the center. So we scurried over there, snagged a seat on a bus that was just about to pull off and headed to the center. Well, they didn't plan very well, b/c the buses weren't given special access to the center. They had to wait in the same line as everyone else who was trying to get into the center (who unbeknownst to them weren't going to be able to). We waited at a light for 6 changes without moving, and Chris was getting antsy. He kept saying, "I'm gonna go ask if we can get off and walk," and I kept pulling him back. Finally he just did it, and I'm actually kind of glad he did, otherwise we woulda been waiting there for another 45 min. (By this time it was after 8:30) And he started a wave. Not only did everyone on our bus get off and walk (including the old people) but everyone on the bus in front of us did (yeah we caught up to a bus who had left 10 min b4 ours did), and we booked it to the center. When we got inside I had to use the bathroom, and Chris got us water. We made it just in time for me to hear the only Leann Womack song I knew, "I hope you dance," and one other one. We got to our seats just in time for a 20 min intermission. Yay!

Here's a pic of the center scoreboard, I guess. Chris had to get a good pic of George!

So, this next picture represents the beginnings of the "drama" that we experienced at the concert! Chris tried to sit down and as you can see there was maybe 4 inches between the end of his seat and the beginning of the row in front of him. He was ridiculously uncomfortable, but endured sitting during the intermission by putting his leg over the empty seat in front of him, which thankfully stayed empty the entire concert! I'll explain in a minute!

So, I'm retarded and couldn't pic one I liked the best so posted all of the pics of us trying to get a pic together b4 the concert started!

And the excitement begins!

The band coming out

And there he is, Mr. George Strait!

I love how this captures the cowboy saunter!

Greeting the audience

The crowd is still going wild at this point, at least a couple minutes after he walked on the stage!

As much fun as it was to watch George Strait, this guy was fascinating. I loved watching him play this steel guitar?? He always had the straightest expression on his face, and he was just fascinating!

This is the expression that never changed!

So, remember I mentioned drama. Apparently there's a whole bunch of older people who really like George Strait, and apparently they don't like to stand an entire concert when they paid, um let's just say a lot of money for seats (I guess they took that literally), and they kept yelling at us to sit down. Well Chris and the people next to him were standing, I found it easier to sit and hear the words better, than if I stood, so I was already sitting. Chris got seriously annoyed that he paid good money for this concert and he wasn't allowed to enjoy it how he wanted. That and the fact that he got some serious cramps if he actually sat down due to the above picture of 3 inches between his chair and the one in front made for a little of a mood downer. These next pictures are me trying to get him to cheer up. I kept taking pics of him, so he just started being silly!

All in all it was a great time! We even got to see George come out backstage towards his bus! Chris ran up to the gate and yelled Thanks for a great concert! I love my man!

Summertime fun

2010-03-28T22:46:00.023-05:00

As we enter this summer (or have already been in it full force for over a month now!!!) I thought I'd post a few pictures from last summer!

Ben enjoying our swing, which this summer is out in front in our tree!!

My cutie, looking for something to spray!

crazy kiddo!

John & Kebap enjoying some cold water refreshment in both the pool and sprinkler!!

Being silly

and so it began! The I'm not getting my way face!

aren't I cute!

Playing together! And Tess tolerated John holding her for just a brief moment!

Move, you are on my drawings!!

ok, you can stay, I'll just move!

John & Kebap found it quite fun to play in the bed we were taking apart!
Helping

Hmmm, what's over there?

The evolution of the crawl:
See a ball farther away than I'd like

Lean forward after it

Pause and cheese for the camera

Scoot your bottom a little

and then reeeeeeaaaaaacccccchhhh!!

Got it!

Aren't you proud?!

A new form of entertainment! Push brother around in a clothes basket! Through the living room

into the kitchen

outside the door

and to the edge of the porch!!

Playing with daddy!!

Playing on a bed together!

meeting baby Danny

2010-03-28T22:33:00.015-05:00

One of the weeks that Chris was gone (Aug 09) either in the field or TDY the boys and I decided to go meet baby Danny. We drove down through Austin and picked up Sarah & I's mutual friend, Laura & her two girls (who were good friends with John before they moved) and headed out. We had a great time. I got to practice my Spanish with Laura's cousin's grandma (who the kiddos loved cuz she loaded them up on bananas and fruit, and she had some yummy tea she had me try!), had some good conversations, the kids did pretty well on the car ride, and of course we got to meet our new nephew, and cousin. One thing I learned that trip, through Laura, was that kids are gonna be wild, crazy, off their schedule, and you are going to be tired. You just have to expect that. It has definitely helped in future trips that we have taken, just to know that it's not gonna be the same as it is when you are at home. I say that, b/c not only were the boys a little wild at Sarah's house, but when we left they were tired, and hungry. We stayed at Lackland Air Force Base's OBQ's, which was a wee smaller than the ones that I had stayed at in San Angelo. We had great plans as how it was all gonna work, but nope, didn't happen. The kiddos had a hard time settling down. I was gonna have John sleep in the closet in the big room, but he screamed when I put him in there, but when I brought him out to the foldout bed in the living area he decided it was play time and jumped around not listening to me. The whole time, Naiah wasn't falling asleep either, cuz of all the commotion, and I was exhausted, so I got really frustrated and just wanted to cry. Thankfully watching Laura taught me how to be patient and give of myself even when I didn't want to. She taught me how being a mother is truly selfless, especially when you are wanting to be selfish the most (ie when you are tired!)
being cute as mommy was packing

Mikaela & Kiera loved the pool table!

Baby Danny!!!!!!

Since it was like over 100 degrees (if you can see on the thermometer) we set up the kiddy pool and everyone hopped in!

John checking on Danny
Precious

Kiera checking on Danny

Naked boy alert!!

John & Kiera, "What are you doing, Ben? You are taking up all the space!"
Much better

Mikaela wondering the same thing as John & Kiera

I loved all these faces, couldn't pick just one

Ben checking out his cousin
Thought I'd post a closeup for idea of size difference!

The next day we stopped back at Sarah's and attempted to take a picture of all the kiddos, and some of the three cousins. This is what we ended up with:
Not too bad, but missing a few!

Ben was fascinated by his cousin, and Danny loved the attention!

John looking, but Ben busy "helping" Danny do something

Mikaela looking, but nooone else, and John is trying to escape

The girls and Danny looking (of course it would be my two who would "ruin" the perfect picture!!

Almost got them all til John tried to escape!!

Well, at least 2/3 cousins isn't too bad!!

Now John gets squirrely, and Ben gets distracted. Here he is by Mikaela, and then

on top of the couch, distracting everyone else!

Mikaela is still posing, but everyone else has lost interest

Well got the 3 cousins, and Kiera

Now the boys are starting to fight

Probably the best of the 3 of them, even though noone is looking!

And we've officially lost control!!! :)

Danny decided to nap in the midst of it

Yeah getting 5 kids under 3 to look at a camera is quite a task!! At least it made for some fun memories. The drive home went much too quickly, at least the drive to Austin did. The boys were pretty crazy by the time we got home, and I was pretty exhausted!! But it was all worth it!

Random stories/words from the boys

2010-03-14T22:03:00.002-05:00

Wow, found this in my drafts. Didn't realize I didn't publish it.

John's favorite Bible Story at the moment is Zaccheus. He loves reading it every night, and then we have to do the song with the actions right afterward. Well, on our walk a couple of days ago, John started climbing a tree. When I asked him what he was doing, he said, Zaccheus climbed a tree. He was acting out the story of Zaccheus. Too cute. Then yesterday he said, too short, can't climb tree (at a different tree)

John is starting to associate words that he hears with words that he has heard before. Saturday morning Chris has the guys from Bible Study over for some disciple time, and prayer time. Dave Haefs ended up staying over, b/c his daughter was going to have her first softball practice just down the road from us at 9. Chris was giving directions, and said turn left at Stan Schleuter. All of a sudden John started mumbling something, and kept saying left. We weren't sure what he was saying until he went to go get his Dr. Seuss book, "Oh the Thinks you can Think" and turned to the page where it says "Left, think of left, and why is it that Beft always go Left." So proud!! :)

The other night we heard him yelling in his room, "Don't fall, don't fall." When I went in to see what was going on he was standing at his window, trying to stack his paperback books in a tower in the window, and was getting frustrated b/c they kept falling. I told him that the books weren't supposed to be in the window, and that's why they fell. I had to snicker to myself as I left the room, after I told him to get back to bed.

So, there are a bunch of weeds around this area this year. John was trying to help our neighbor Amanda pull weeds, and she said, "Be careful, that one has stickers." John got a confused look on his face, and I had to explain that he gets stickers for going peepee in the potty, and that was what he was thinking when she said stickers, and he couldn't find any stickers. So we had to use either owies or pokies, or thorns to describe the "stickers" on the weed. It was too cute.

So as of 16 1/2 months Benaiah has quite the vocabulary,and it's growing every day. It helps having a big bro who we are constantly talking to. Here are some of his current words (at least the ones I can remember):
ball, stuck, uh oh, cat, Tess, meow, bow wow, Bap, cow, moo, poopoo(for poop, pee, and belly button), book, drink, water, juice, please (Mease), kick, Kix, more, hot, tap tap (for what a hammer does), lawnmower (for lawnmower, vacuum, broom), truck, apple, church, snort, light, lights, on, off, up down (for both up there, and hop down), Whoa, Yay, miss (as in missed a basket), go, nose (and he'll point to where his nose is), nat (for nasty), mama, dada, papa, all gone, bump (for when we go over a bump, or if he bumps his head he'll say bump (boop) and pat his head), no, cracker, taco

John's 2 year old b-day party!

2010-02-21T08:13:00.010-06:00

So as John is about two and a half months shy of turning 3, I figured I should catch up and post pics of John's two year old birthday party! Being born in July means of course you have to have some kind of water involved in your party, so we had some buds of John come over and splash in our backyard in two pools (one with a slide) and a slip & slide. Funny how most of John's buds at this party are girls. I think Jarrett & Ben were the only other little boys there. Hmmmmm. Already a lady's man! Chris's folks made it, but my family was all with my sister, eagerly awaiting the arrival of my nephew who unbeknownst to us would start coming later that evening and arrive the next day, the 27th. John's b-day is the 29th! How fun that they have b-days so close together!

Emma, Lily & John splish-splashing in the pool.

Natalie & John timidly walking down the slip and slide, while Lily showed us how it was done by sliding on her belly.

Emma having a blast in the puddles of water created!

Again, Lily showing us how it's done, sliding down the slide into the pool! Unfortunately John & Jarrett were looking at something else.

Emma styling in one of the boys's hats

She spent most of her time playing in the pool at the end of the slip 'n' slide

John & Ben enjoying some time in the kiddy pool!

Brothers!!

Erin, Jarrett's mommy was such a big help feeding Ben so I could scurry around making sure everyone was taken care of. We had tacos, since at this time they were John's favorite meal!

The birthday cakes! Much better looking than last years. I figured out how to do the frosting where it wouldn't run near as much, and I expanded my artistic ability and drew some of John's favorite things on the cake: balls! Chris did have to do the football, cuz apparently I can't draw a funky oval football shape.

John's cake- made in a mini bundt cake pan. I think this is the last time I'll make him a special cake, b/c he barely ate any of it. I'll just give him a piece of the big cake next time!

Ready to blow. He loves blowing out candles, so he was super excited to blow out his very own!

Listening to everyone sing "Happy Birthday!"

In action

Ta da!

Such a big boy eating with a fork

Ben, next to his buddy, Erin!

Emma was fascinated with our books! When I would watch her all she wanted to do was read. Apparently it's not much different at her house! Travis & Amy say they have to go get her new books all the time, cuz she loves reading so much!

Jarrett patiently waiting for some cake

See what I mean. He barely touched his cake, just moved it around his plate.

Evie Pflug made it too!

Sisters, Natalie & Lily from across the street! So fun having neighbors who have kiddos to hang out and play with!

He doesn't eat his own, but he'll go around and beg. Go figure!

Chris's dad & JR made it. Penny had to work. :( I think she had to work last year too. Boo. We've gotta plan better!! :)

The birthday boy!

Presents!

Cool!

The other kiddos had to help show him what he got! It was too cute!

Ashley getting a taste of being a mom of two/three would be like! Kept trying to convince her b/c she did so well, that they need to have more, but she wasn't convinced!

Action shot of opening a present

He had a blast!

Saying thank you!

Opening one of his big presents from Nana

Daddy putting together his racetrack.

Showing off his toy to Natalie!

So John gets all these toys, and what does he do, the minute everyone leaves. Finds one of daddy's screwdrivers and goes to work figuring out how his lawnmower works. He loves tinkering with things and figuring out how they work.

Such a mechanic

Happy Birthday my dear, sweet John! The past two years have been full of life, as we watch you love and embrace every moment to the fullest (sometimes a little too much!!) We love you!

Excursion to Nana's!

2010-02-21T08:08:00.003-06:00

So last summer a couple of weeks before John's b-day we went out to visit Chris's mom and Jerry who live just a little outside Temple. They live out in the country a little ways, so they can have animals. Well they have chickens for the moment. They used to have goats. Their neighbor Tom, has cows, and pigs, and goats, and chickens, & dogs, & bunnies, & horses, so every now and then we go over there & visit their animals too.

Nana showing John the chickens, particularly Eagle, her favorite!

Ben & PaPaw hanging out. He loves Jerry!

John was fascinated by the chickens. He didn't want to leave!

Nana & Eagle!

Ben thought it was great to pet him, although he was a little too grabby, and almost started beating him!

It's so nice to have family close by to go visit!

Summer fun & the loss of the beard!

2010-02-21T07:54:00.004-06:00

So, alas, all good things must come to end. Not only our wonderful vacation to MT, but Chris had to go back to work, so the handsome mountain man beard, had to go byebye too. I did cry, not gonna lie. I had a hard time kissing him for a little bit, cuz I felt like he was a highschooler. :)
My handsome man!

Being silly before the razor

Yep, the looks on John & my face show everything

John thought he'd be helpful, and got the electric toothbrush to help daddy trim his beard.
And b/c I couldn't handle the thought I didn't take an after pic, but I suppose I should've, so you could've seen my highschooler hubby.

Instead, here are some random summer pics
John having a blast in the water

Kebap loves to attack the water, so John had a blast spraying him and watching him bite at it.

Just a cutie on a couch! Wow he looks a lot like me when I was his age.

Kids say (and do) the darndest things!

2010-02-07T19:44:00.004-06:00

Today when we got home from the Super Bowl party, John laid on our ottoman and started whimpering. I asked him what was wrong, and he pointed at his belly, and said "Belly, owie." "Did you eat too much?" I asked him. "Uh, huh." Then when he was getting ready for bed, he did the same to daddy. When, daddy asked him why his belly hurt, he said, "Baby in belly."
In the midst of all this, Ben is patting his belly, saying "poopoo!" Then he went to John's belly and patted it and said, "poopoo." Yep, Ben that's where poopoo is.

Last night was a first for Ben. He was standing up in the bathtub, and then all of a sudden we heard a noise like a faucet had been turned on. Ben looked pleased with himself, and we looked down, and he was peeing. Whod've thunk he would be the first one who started peeing standing up?

Ben has learned a new word, "No" and says it to everything. Chris got into him, and said, sternly,"We don't say that word." So Ben responds by pointing his thumb and finger at Chris and sternly says, "TACO." We cracked up laughing.

John is learning synonyms. The first time I noticed this was last week. I told him not to touch something b/c it was disgusting. He repeated me, and said, "Disgusting." Then he said, "Icky, nasty." Yep, John! A few days later, I said something was "Gross," and he said, "Icky, nasty, Disgusting." Yes, John. Now it's a continual thing. Everytime I say one of the words, he will say all the other synonyms! Too cute!

John received a new book for Christmas, "Snuggle Puppy of Mine." It's a book you sing. He was holding the book, and I started singing the song. He looked at me and said, "No, mommy, read it," and handed me the book. I said, "John, I don't need to read it, I have it in my head." He looks at me quizzically and then sticks the book on my head!

Hanging out with Jill

2010-01-06T20:22:00.009-06:00

Tues evening before we left, one of my buds who I grew up with stopped in to say hi. She no longer lives in Bozeman, but was visiting her hubby's family who lives in Livingston for the 4th, so we made sure we connected. Her oldest is 3 months younger than John, and her youngest is a month younger than Ben, so we had fun talking while our boys were entertained in my parent's basement, with mom's stash of toys she has kept since we were little! We got to commiserate on the joys and hardships of having two so close together! It was fun to meet her hubby Marc as well, since last time I'd seen Jill we were working at a camp in MT, in between my sophomore & junior year of college, 10 years prior! It's fun cuz even though we've both gotten married and had kiddos, I don't think we've changed much! (You'll have to ask her, her opinion! ;) )
a picture of the boys all playing together while Jill and I were talking. Somehow I didn't make it into the picture. Hmmm-Chris was taking these!

We moved outside. Dexter & John playing on my parent's porch. I also got a picture of Katie (well her backside in there!)

Chasing a ball!

Jill holding baby Jax with Marc keeping an eye on Des

Caught her laughing!! :)

Marc & Jill Graham and their kiddos

All the boys!

All the boys minus the dads-and they all looked near the camera!

And we are done, ready to play now folks!

Jill & I

Jill asked him to bring her the ball, and he was so obedient and brought it right to her!

What a great time we had. So sad it had to be so short.

Dinosaur Park & saying bye

2010-01-06T20:17:00.008-06:00

Our last day in MT we toured the town. One of my neighbors down the street went to MSU back in the early 70's, and said he lived on the corner of Black & Tracy, so I promised him I'd take some pics of the area since he left. I made sure to include some of the rest of the town including the university. However, I probably won't bore you with the pics, so I'll show you a pic of my boys playing at the newly developed Dinosaur park. Bozeman is known for its study of dinosaurs. Our Museum of the Rockies helped clean the bones from the largest T-Rex find (can't remember where-you can tell how much they excite me!) So anyway, they decided to create a park that tells about Dinosaurs as you play on the swings and slides and climb the rock wall. These first two pictures are rather random. This bunny is what my mom used to see on her walks, and it would remind her to call John, and now Ben.

Random pic of my fine hubby!
And, now the dinosaur park pictures:
John often has to be coaxed to go down the slide. This one he did by himself, but very slowly. Notice the legs stretched out to hit the sides to slow him down!
Exploring the tunnel!
Um, really, must we taste the swing?
I figured I should probably be in at least one picture
What is with my children and tasting the swings?!

Going exploring
He climbed this rope ladder by himself. I was just there to spot him.
I was pretty impressed he did this tunnel slide all by himself
Of course mommy had to be there to catch him!

Can you tell he was busy? It was a fascinating park!

Ben, not to be outdone, decided to climb the climbing wall!! With Grandma's help of course. In the background you can see a little girl playing in a sandbox where it has dinosaur footprints, and "bones."

Not sure why I don't have any pics of Chris or my dad. They were both there. After we left the park we ended up driving out to Gallatin Gateway to eat. It was really yummy food, and all to soon the night was over, and we had to drive home pack, get the kids in bed, and get ready for a very early departure back home. It was a great vacation, much needed, and I'm excited to do it again sometime!

Rock Chuck

2010-01-06T20:14:00.007-06:00

Mon after we returned from Oregon, Chris got to go hiking Baldy Mtn, almost the highest peak of the Bridgers. He made it all the way to the top, and they started at like 5 pm. Anyway, the excitement before that was when Katie & I spotted a critter eating her flowers. She jumped up (we were at the dinner table talking) and ran after it. She scared it under my parents shed, and thus ensued the adventure.

This is the critter. We looked him up later online and found out he's a rock chuck, in the same family as a woodchuck!
Chris & Katie took charge. Well Chris did all the manly work to save us poor women from distress. John was right there to help. He first tried to shew the little bugger out the side of the shed, but then someone brought up the point, what if he gets out and then gets into something else, so we decided to trap him.
Chris found a box, and worked on maneuvering the animal into it, but he was stubborn. He'd either run the other way, or bite & hiss at the stick when Chris would come near to him.
Another view of the little guy.

"Daddy can I help?"
Chris finally figured out to board every possible escape route and then put the bag from a lawnmower up to the biggest hole, and was gonna gradually make the animal's space smaller and smaller to where he had to go into the bag. Here's John helping!
And I stayed well enough away!! I was keeping Ben occupied, yep that's what I was doing!
Katie was brave! They caught the guy and she helped put the board over top, so that he wouldn't get out.
Then we had to put him in something that we could transport him somewhere (to the foothills of the Rockies, good idea!). So the plan was for Chris to gradually open the bag and shake the guy into the bucket, and I was to trap him. Well, apparently I don't have fast hands, or I was too scared, b/c the minute the guy was in the bucket, he jumped out, ran through Chris's legs, across the street and into the engine of the car. I so wish we hadn't lost our video of this, b/c it has Chris jumping at least 2 feet in the air and screaming like a school girl. It was awesome. Totally Youtube worthy. Oh well.
There he is in the engine of the car. Now how to get him out.
Chris had the brilliant idea of lassoing him and trying to pull him out. He got it around the guy's neck, but he wouldn't budge, just kept hissing.
The guys started showing up who were gonna go hiking, so they got enlisted to help. Here's Cody holding the string, while Chris is trying to shew him out.
Banging on the bottom to scare it.
We attracted quite the crowd!
So, since pulling him out didn't work, the next best thing was dousing him with water. You can kind of see the water coming over the top of the car.
And the booger's free!! He was writhing, and hissing, and squealing the whole time Chris dragged him across the street and into the bucket.
The retelling of the story to my parent's next door neighbor's son, who also used to be my brother's elementary school teacher, Mr. Spady.
They had to get him out and show him to the Spady's
There he is in all his wet glory.
Putting him in the bucket for the final time. The boys ended up taking him to the foothills of the Rockies and letting him loose before they began their hike. What a crazy 2 hours, yep it took nearly that long to get the little guy. But man, so many memories came with it!! :)

HIking the "M"

2010-01-06T20:12:00.014-06:00

One of the hikes we made sure that we did while we were in MT was to hike the "M," cuz everyone does it. Well, probably not the most brilliant thing we did. The trail was entirely gravel, so our strollers did not fair so well on it. Woulda been best with a backpack carrier. Maybe next time! We did this Weds, so Chris would have ample time to recover from his Baldy hike, which he did Monday night with some of the guys from my parent's church! :) He made it up 9.54 miles in 3 hours and 50 minutes going from 5215 feet up to 8728 totaling 4734 climb in elevation, so he was well deserving of a rest before he went hiking again!! :)

This is at the bottom of the hill. There are two ways up. One is a straight up, direct to the M, no stops. It's a shorter distance, but it is straight up, so we opted for #2, which was a roundabout 2 mile hike around the mountain with lots of neat views!

John was such a trooper. He hiked a good amount of the hike, and had a blast!

John showing another woman where to go! He's so helpful

The hikers!

the view about 1/4 of the way up

some of the houses near the mountain. I'd love to live in one of them! What a glorious view!

taking a break! Chris is talking to John, not getting onto him! :)

So, John got a little too close to the edge of the walkway, and slipped and rolled down the hill about 10 feet. My mom went chasing after him as she was closest. He was fine, and only cried for a few seconds. He was more shocked than anything! Thankfully he did it there where there was a lot of flowers and brush, and not a straight down, and rocky slope!

Me getting a chance to push the stroller up (man those wheels kept getting stuck in the gravel-made the going a little rougher)

got a phone call in the middle of the hike from a good friend Jenn asking a pregnancy question! I have to stop and take time to answer such questions!

A family picture. John got a break and rode in the stroller for a while! Notice how only Chris & I are looking at the camera. Hmmmmm, happens a lot in our family picture attempts! :)

Another view about 1/3 of the way up

John wanted to walk again, so grandma walked with him.

and then he talked her into carrying him!

Then she got a chance to push Ben!

and yet another view about halfway up

Peek a boo

I had to pause, so I made everyone turn around and look at me so I could take a picture!

This hike is never going to end! Everytime I thought we were close, there'd be another long turn and more uphill with more gravel, and more pushing. The closer we got to the top there was less trail and more roots and dirt to climb over. So Chris is looking a little annoyed. Plus, Ben was not enjoying it to much anymore! So the solution:
Everyone is much happier!

We made it to the top, hooray!!

the view down from the "M"

A family picture at the bench by one of the legs of the "M"

All of us made the pic this time!

The "M" as much as can fit in when you are right under it

So, it was after 12 noon when we descended down. We went down the first two curves the way we came up, and then there was a fork in the trail, and we took the one that looked familiar, well, it turned out that it was an off road trail, and we were going down steep hills, over rock cliffs, and through brush. So, no pushing a stroller. Chris ended up being sherpa. He carried the two strollers and a backpack. I put Ben in the sling and attempted to carry him down most of the way. There were a couple of sections that Chris & mom slid down, so Chris & mom would go down first, then help John walk down, then pass Ben down to my mom, and then continue on. It was craziness. I wish I had taken a picture b/c it was hilarious! We laughed quite a bit after that!
John fell asleep in the car on the way home, and remained asleep, even with a stop to pick up some makeup for me, and stayed passed out for another 2 1/2 hours! I now know how to get the little man to sleep! Just go climb a mountain!
Plumb tuckered out

VIsiting with extended family

2010-01-06T19:28:00.007-06:00

On our way home from Oregon we arrived in Avon (where my dad grew up and my grandparents used to own a ranch) to eat breakfast with my Uncle Dan & Aunt Jeanne, and cousins Josh and his wife Sarah, and Cortney. Grandma Senecal was also there, along with my folks. We were going to tour Avon after breakfast, since I had spent most of my summers (at least two weeks out of them) there, helping my grandparents hay. Chris & Ben napped after breakfast while my mom and dad took John out to look at the ranch, and I talked with my Grandma, Cortney & Uncle Dan.
After Chris woke up, my cousin Josh let us ride his horse, and taught Chris how to shoe it. We also got to ride their 4 wheeler over part of the ranch.

Daddy & John. Before John got up there, Chris showed off his cowboy skills and galloped the horse out in the open field. I was pretty impressed with my cowboy!

Yep, I too got up there, and I even made my way out to the pasture, but I was not near as good as Chris, even though I grew up around horses. Probably cuz the last major horse riding experience I had was at camp, where we took the horses out to run them, and mine started galloping, then jumped one way and I fell off the other. Got a nice concussion and have been a little less gun-ho about running a horse from then on.

John even got to ride with Papa, which was the first time I saw my dad on a horse, even though I've seen pictures!!!

And had to document my mom on a horse too!

John got to ride up and down the "driveway" (about a mile long gravel road) and into some of the pasture, with his daddy on the 4 wheeler

Then Chris & I got to ride all over the ranch! It was a lot of fun!

When Ben woke up he also got to meet the horses. He thought it was great to be able to pet it!

My little cowboy!

My cousin Josh was kind enough to take Ben for a ride. He had a blast!

And John & daddy learned everything they ever wanted to know about horseshoing. Chris was fascinated!! John was a little distracted! (They had a "snort" with a horn that he loved playing with!)

And, I had to have a snap of my grandma and her little apartment in Helena!! :)

After we left my uncle's ranch, we stopped to checkout downtown Avon, eat at the Avon Cafe, and see my grandparent's old ranch, and my grandfather's grave. Unfortunately we had some mixup with our pictures and we lost all our Avon pictures. Avon a town of 125 ish people, is where my dad grew up, and where we used to go twice a year to visit my grandparents and help them on their ranch until my grandfather passed away.
It was really neat to show Chris around. He was fascinated by the stories from my dad & grandma. Dad showed us the school he used to go to (the playground equipment was still the same, and the shortcut he took to walk home was still there), the church that he grew up at, the old post office, and the old trading post turned grocer/all in one store. Dad & Grandma kept meeting all these people who had heard of them, or were related to people who Dad grew up with. We went by the gathering place where there used to be something happening (talent show, bingo, potlucks, etc.) weekly, but had been shut up for a long time. Dad explained that after Grandpa had died, pretty much most of the life of the town died as well. Everyone loved my grandpa, and he carried the town. We drove by the old ranch, but weren't able to go up there, b/c the people who live there would shoot trespassers even if we told them we used to live there. The people who bought it were mean, ruthless, all for themselves people, and only cared about their money. They were afraid that anyone who stepped foot on the property would take something that was theirs, or cause them to lose money in some way. My grandma told us a story of my uncle returning some cows of theirs who escaped and they accused him of not returning all of them, and had to go look and took some of my uncles b/c he said they were his.
Anyway, after we "snuck" a picture of the ranch from the highway, we went on to see the Avon cemetery. Pretty much every Senecal who has ever lived is buried there. In fact, not sure if there's very many other families there!!! :) Actually the land was donated by one of my family members for a cemetery.
After the cemetery, Chris & dad left straight for Bozeman, while mom, Grandma, the boys & I went to Helena, to look at Grandma's apartment and meet my Aunt Anna Marie and her boys. Grandma had to show me all the crossstiches she had completed, all her new fabric, around the kitchen, and gave me some yummy chocolates! We met my aunt at Walmart, cuz she wanted to meet Benaiah, and wasn't able to make it out to my uncle's that morning. It was short, but it was good. Then began the "long" drive back to Bozeman (1 1/2 hrs). It was only long because I was so tired. I don't think I slept much on the drive back from Oregon. We made it back just in time to turn in the van, and then head to my parents! What a great road trip!

So I don't forget

2010-01-04T14:30:00.002-06:00

So, I've been sorting an organizing mass amounts of pictures over the last week, in hopes that I can get them all organized, so that I can spend one night blogging of all the happenings over this last year. We shall see how that goes. So, while I don't have any pictures, I will leave you with some Johnisms:

Ben is quasi lactose intolerant, so I bought almond milk for him to try, since I'm not big on giving a whole bunch of soy (estrogen) to boys. Well, Ben wasn't too keen on it (made a grimacing, this is nasty face), and pushed it up the table. John thought it was juice and wanted some. The moment he tried it, "Mommy, mommy, icky." I guess neither one of them is too fond of almond milk. Guess mommy will be drinking the rest of the carton.

Yesterday while we were walking (it was trash day) John spotted a Miller Lite box. "Mommy, go, go football," he said. Hmmmm, perhaps we are watching way too much football these days.

I've been taking prenatal vitamins, and everytime John sees them, he says, "Baby." "Yes, John, mommy is feeding the baby." Although now he thinks I need to take them at every meal. I guess he doesn't want the baby to go hungry! :)
Along those same lines, Chris was showing me how his belly looked in his smaller sized uniform and was thus pushing it out. John said, "Mommy, daddy baby," and pointed to his belly. Hmmmm, guess daddy is growing a baby along with mommy!

John has become really into his daddy. Yesterday he wouldn't eat his breakfast taco (no amount of persuading, coaxing, encouraging, standing on my head would work) because his daddy wasn't at the table (Chris was putting his boots on at the couch-he had bought the tacos for us and wasn't going to eat any). The minute Chris sat down, John ate all of his taco.
And this afternoon, we had to pray three times b/c he wasn't holding daddy's hand. He kept asking, "Daddy, hand, pray?" I kept telling him daddy was at work, but he wasn't ok with that. Finally, I said, "John we've got to learn how to pray sometimes when daddy isn't here." Wow, gonna be an interesting year when Chris leaves!

And a cute Ben moment that happened today. I put him down for his morning nap, and he has started to NEED his elephant to sleep with. I handed it to him, he patted it, closed his eyes and went to sleep. Too cute. (He often wakes up screaming cuz he can't find his elephant, and when we check on him at night, he usually is snuggling with it. So precious)

Oregon-the rest of the time

2009-12-14T22:07:00.003-06:00

The last day the boys and I went to a park while Chris napped as he would be driving over 12 hours that night.

These pics should probably be in the post before, b/c that's when they happened.

Steph's dogs were big enough to ride, and they for the most part let you ride them. John thought that was great, cept he kept trying to ride Kebap when we got back!

He loves to drive!

He started to learn to hold on correctly to the swing this trip, but still preferred to lean to the front and be superman!

John exploring the park. It was pretty amazing. It had a couple of fountains that kids could play in, a mud area, multiple different play gyms, and some old timey looking structures (a saloon where there were little benches and chairs, a train car where there was places to play in, and an old fashioned water system throughout the park, that you could pump water, and make it run down the gutter) that they converted to play areas

John climbed to the tippety top of one of the structures, up one of two ladders that went to the turret. He unfortunately was too afraid to go down the slide, and I couldn't fit up the hole, so I had to help him back down, and he went up again, and then I had to help him back down. I finally put a stop to that and moved to another play area!!!! :)

Here's an example of one of the old watering systems.

Neil, Ben, & John on the couch right before we took off on our drive!

John passed out as we were nearing Avon. I love how he's holding his feet!!! :)

Oregon-Boating/Tubing

2009-12-14T21:56:00.008-06:00

Yep, still catching up on our summer vacation!

The next day Justin came home (he works away from home 4 days out of the week and comes home on the weekends) and took us for an unforgettable ride in their boat on the lake.

Ben was all excited til he had to get his life jacket on!

Our family in the boat. John wasn't feeling good, and actually looks it, but he thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

The one fairly decent picture of Ben where he's not screaming. That's Justin in the back.

Yep, can definitely tell he's not feeling good (we found out the next day that he had pink eye and a double ear infection).

A family picture on their inner tube behind the boat. It was a 3 seater, that we all rode on!

Here we go!!!

Ben wasn't enjoying the tube ride, so he and I got out and Daddy and John got to go on a ride together.

John had a blast!

I wish the surroundings were this pretty at our lakes in Texas!! It was amazing to be on this beautiful blue (albeit cold) water surrounded by hills and pine trees. Absolutely glorious!

Trying to wave!

A random content moment!

Yep, this is pretty much how he was the entire boat ride. The pics before were just capturing his few good moments!
Daddy riding the waves

John scared for daddy! I think the paci helped calm me down, rather than my kiddos!!! :) It's been in my mouth the last 4 pics

Steph and I getting ready for our turn
Making the first wave

We managed to hold on!!

Daddy has the touch!

After we docked, John climbed in the back of the boat and "played."

Our family pic at the lake

Oh, and that night, Steph made the most delicious meal, YUMM bowls. They definitely fit their name. Pretty much a concoction of whatever you want to put in (rice, chicken, cilantro, onions, etc.) and topped with YUMM sauce. Delicious!

Funnies

2009-12-06T20:57:00.003-06:00

So, today John came and woke me up from my nap. Tess was sleeping with me, so he began petting her, and when she jumped off the bed, he followed her, where he saw the dirt on the floor from the plant she had knocked over earlier (as she was trying to eat the leaves). "Mommy, dirt!" he exclaimed, and then he saw a big chunk of dirt, and said, "Mommy, Antpile!" I chuckled, and said, I don't think it's an antpile, but he was insistent. He then proceeded to grab the broom and dustpan and attempt to sweep it up!

In Ben news: So when we nicknamed Ben, monkey, it was b/c he clung to us, and wanted to be held like a baby monkey. Well today he earned it officially. He had left the living room and was quiet for a little bit. I go to find him in our guest room, navigating the cd player on the floor and using it as a stepping stool to get up on the guest bed. He was so proud of himself. And later he did the same thing, and ended up sliding off the bed, and getting stuck in the pile of boxes at the foot of the bed! Crazy kiddo. (Oh, and bananas are his absolutely favorite food, wants them with every meal-so that plays into his monkey status!)

Sorry no pics this time, forgot to capture the moment!

Oregon- the coast

2009-11-20T21:53:00.013-06:00

So we arrived in Oregon after a very long drive (5 hours in which neither boy decided to sleep, or at least sleep longer than an hour). Thankfully our rental minivan had a DVD player, and so we stuck Ratatouille in. I was more into than the boys I think! I was slightly bummed when we arrived at Steph's house 10 minutes b4 the movie was over (Good thing I saw the last 10 minutes at my sis's house like a year ago!), but that all changed when I got to see her, and hug her sweet little boy! Neil is a little over a month older than Ben. That night we even got to see her mom and bro, who moved up there shortly after she did!
This was the first thing Chris noticed when he got out of the car. The recycling bin is the bigger of the two trash cans. He thought that was silly and had to take a pic of it!

My 3 boys excited to be out of the car!

Pretty much after dinner we gave the boys their baths, and put them down, and then we weren't too far behind them.
Neil joined the boys in the big boy bath! Apparently it was his first time in the actual bathtub! Got to be there for one of his firsts!

Steph and Justin own an RV and they brought it to their house and parked it outside, so we got our own little area to stay in. It was so much fun. Ben enjoyed playing in the overhang above the driver/front seats where we stashed our clothes!

The next day we were there, after the boys took their naps, we headed off to the Oregon coast! Chris thinking it was like any other coast, didn't exactly dress for the occasion. It actually dropped almost 20 degrees from Eugene to the coast, and it was drizzling when we got there. But we still had fun! Especially John!

John LOVED the sand!!!

Following his daddy's footsteps.
Ben "hanging out" literally!
He went into the water for about two seconds, and then ran out when the water started chasing him to the shoreline!

I think that phone needs to be surgically implanted in his ear, with how much he's on it. Even on vacation at the beach he can't get away from it! (notice how frozen he looks-and is) I think without the wind it was 50 degrees on the beach. Makes ya wanna sunbathe, huh?

John climbing the rocks.
Yep, still on the phone
Family picture

Playing with my boys

I love this picture!

Chasing seagulls

Steph and I with our babies. Not sure why my hand is behind my back.

John is so trusting of his daddy. He will jump from any height into his arms. Why can't I trust Jesus this way? Why do we lose this uninhibited trust as we get older?

Chris enjoying the view

The view on our drive. I love how green and treey it is.

More beauty!

My baby is One!

2009-11-04T22:19:00.006-06:00

(This was written on his first birthday, but I didn't put the pics in til today-20th)

Happy Birthday Benaiah Seth!!! It is so hard to believe that you are officially one year old. It feels like just yesterday we had you, and you were our low key easy baby who hated sleep. Well you are still our low key easy baby (except for the shrieking that your brother taught you how to do), and you still hate sleep, but thankfully you have finally at 10 months, learned how to sleep through the night. You still have a funky nap schedule. One day you take 2 really good naps. The next day you take one really good nap, and one not so good one, or you don't take the 2nd one. The following day you either take 2 really bad naps (30 min or less) or you refuse to nap at all. And then the cycle starts all over. Crazy kiddo!!

You are our kiddo who is prone to being sick. You were sick for two whole months of your life, to the point of requiring nebulizer treatments. Then again when you got your 4 top teeth in all at once, and once again, you are sick. Poor guy.
You love life

You love to smile-now have learned the gutteral laugh.
When you are done eating you throw your food on the floor.

You know what a dog says "Wo wo wo wo"
You can clap, wave bye, do "So big."
You can climb up a slide and up the stair leading to the slide.

You respond to "I love you" or "Night, night" with "Mmmaw"-the sound of a kiss. It's really adorable.
You have started greeting your dad at the door.
You may say "Mama, but it also may be "More, More" cuz you say it most often when you are in your highchair.

You know what "Uh uh" means, and will shake your head back and forth and say "Uh uh" and stop doing what you weren't supposed to.
You love to throw things on the floor and say "Uh oh"

You lift your hands up when you want to be picked up, or point at people to pick you up.
You pull up on anything, and have on occasion let go, only to realize you aren't holding on, and you immediately squat.
You think Kebap & your brother are the best thing since sliced bread.
You have 8 teeth, and are attempting to pop 4 more, so you have been affectionately nicknamed "Drooley" by our friends.
Our favorite nicknames for you are "Monkey," "Booger," & "Boogs"
You are often found having a blast hiding behind a curtain. This can entertain you for hours!
If your brother is awake, you are often found underneath him,as he loves to wrestle you.
You love to cuddle.

You are quasi lactose intolerant, so finding foods you can eat (since I cook with cheese/cream stuff a lot) has been an interesting challenge!
You have such a sweet spirit, you love people and you get easily offended (ie you have a tender heart). We pray that God would use these qualities to mold you into a man after his heart. We love you Benaiah Seth Morgan, and are so proud that God decided to bless us with you.

Fort Lewis!!!

2009-10-24T22:51:00.011-05:00

So Tuesday (June 23rd) morning before we left Washington for Oregon, and after we bid Scarlett and the girls goodbye (after Ben's morning nap) we went up to Ft. Lewis and drove around LDACistan, where Chris spent 5 weeks training in between his junior and senior years of ROTC. It was fun having him point out all the locations where he lived, called me, was in the field, did exercises, ate,etc.

We almost got them all to look. Of course Ben was infatuated by Kaitlyn

Much better,at least he was looking forward if not at the camera

The kiddos...and Annabelle gets lost!

Yay, we managed to get 4 kiddos 2 & under to all look at the camera and smile(ish) at the same time!! Definitely a great pic!

So, these cattle cars, actually carry cadets, to and from wherever they need to go for the day, not cattle. I think if you click on the picture, you can actually see some of them in the windows.

Some cadets planning out their drills for an exercise later that day.

The line of barracks where cadets live for 5 weeks.

We stopped in a parking lot while Chris got out to take some pictures, orient himself (ie where was he in the field, where was he at the range...)and I got Ben out cuz he was fussy. He makes some of the cutest faces!

My happy boy!

Skookum's. Chris has some funny stories about these things. Only at Ft. Lewis are they called Skookum's and not port-a-potties.

This the building Chris stayed in. There's a phone on the outside that he used to call me on, when he was given permission (they take away all cell phones).

Chris's room was the 2nd one from the end, top floor.

Mount Rainier. Chris saw this amazing site nearly everyday he was there, thanks to no rain/cloud coverage for most of the 5 weeks. We got to hike parts of it when I went up for his graduation!

I loved hearing all the stories he told as he pointed out different buildings. He got so excited reliving it!

Since Nils had to go to work early, we stopped by to say goodbye (he works right near the cadet land) and to get a pic

Since our boys were acting up when we went to visit Ron & Susan, and we didn't get a picture, they met with us at Panera Bread on the way out of town, and we got a family shot.

Ron, Susan, & Ben!

The boys finally slept on the drive down to Oregon. This was the only "long" drive that we didn't do in the middle of the night.

The beginnings of sleep (he hated to sleep in the car)

And we are getting more comfortable (rolling)-yes I know bad mom,taking the seatbelt off, but I was desperate for him to sleep.

And the final roll, nose pressed into the seat.

Puget Sound

2009-10-15T21:08:00.008-05:00

So Monday morning of our trip to Seattle (22nd of June) we decided to head to see Puget Sound since it was only like 10 minutes away from Nils & Scarlett's house. We found that out from Ron & Susan, whom we had spent Fathers Day afternoon with. It was beautiful. Ben had a blast playing in the sand, and John kept trying to chase the splash, and throw rocks into it!

Checking out the splash!

I LOVE this picture!

Did I mention Ben was playing in the sand?!

This little "stream" trickled into the ocean. The cove was beautiful.

Daddy teaching John how to throw rocks. Can you see that speck that he threw, and the follow through!

Mommy & John skipping/throwing rocks.

Panoramic view of the cove

I loved this island. So,strange, yet so perfect a location.

This is how you do it mommy!

So, since John had a minor meltdown/tantrum the day before, we had to come back the next day to get a family pic in front of the cove.

Also, Monday evening, we got to hang out with one of the guys who was in our Bible Study in San Antonio, Chris Black. He got stationed in Washington shortly after graduating flight school. It was really neat to see him, and catch up on what was going on in his life. He was still the same old Chris, which was neat to see!
So, one was too far away, but pretty much everyone was looking (well Ben didn't look at anything but the ground the entire time!), one Chris & Chris must have said something to each other, and John is starting to get frustrated, and the last one, well we are all looking (almost). Bonus, front of Nils and Scarlett's house in the background!!!

So, a brief note about Father's Day. We went to Nils & Scarlett's church which was pretty good. Nils even won a grilling apron for being the dad with the youngest baby there. Too bad, Ben wasn't born a wee bit later!!! Those aprons were pretty cool if I do say so myself. We decided not to brave any crowds for lunch and rather headed to Quiznos, and got some sandwiches to go. After lunch the kiddos all took naps, as did Nils, as he wasn't feeling well. Meanwhile, one of Scarlett's friends dropped her dog off to be watched for a few days. The dog had really long toenails, and her dew claw was almost growing into her paw, so since Chris knew how to trim dog's toenails, he did. I married a man of many talents, I am finding! A better way to spend Father's Day, I think not!! (We did end up spending some really neat time that evening -until the kids went crazy-with Ron & Susan & Lydia, and had some delicious food!!)

Pics as promised

2009-10-05T21:04:00.004-05:00

So, I finally uploaded the pics from my camera from the last two months, so I have tons more pics to post, but these are the ones I promised from my time visiting Kathryn & Zaky!

Sitting on the back porch which overlooks Belton Lake. John is busy in the background throwing rocks down the hill behind her grandma's house.

Chillin!

Aunt Lisa got a chance to hold both babies!!

I think this was the best attempt at getting them both to look at the camera. Although, I do believe Zaky was fascinated with Ben's hair!

Again, fascinated with the hair. This was the best pic I could get of John with us.

And he is off my lap to go explore, and Zaky is still after Ben's hair!

An orange picture of Kathryn & I. This is what happens when you are silly and try to take the picture yourself, instead of letting one of the numerous picture taking capable people around you take the picture!!

And a much better picture! It was a great reunion! Can't wait to do it again!

Seattle/Ferry Ride

2009-09-26T22:01:00.012-05:00

Ok, so I'm back to catching up again on our vacation to Montana/Northwest. I think in the last post about the vacation I mentioned us heading out Thursday night the 18th of June for Ft. Lewis, WA to visit some old friends, Nils & Scarlett and their girls. We arrived in Washington, after an all night drive at 6 in the morning. Scarlett was waiting up for us, as Nils was at PT. Unfortunately, even though mommy and daddy didn't sleep much, the boys did, so they were ready to go once we got there. I let Chris nap since he did most of the driving, and stayed up watching the boys and talking with Scarlett. When Nils got home I woke Chris up, and he stayed up so that I could nap with Ben. Most of that first day was us swapping naps with watching the kids. Surprisingly it worked out well.

Saturday we decided to head up to Seattle and see the sights. I had never (or at least didn't think that I had) seen Pikes Place Market, and thought the kiddos and Chris (we tried to go see it when he graduated from LDAC, but it was closed) would enjoy all the sights. I always thought Pikes Place was a place full of fish, but had no idea it was a huge market area, where people were selling everything from paintings, to t-shirts, to jewelry, to flowers, to honey/jams, to amazing (delicious) fruit, to the fish that I had envisioned. It was nice and crowded so it was a little hard to navigate two strollers and 4 people. Chris bought us some raspberries and strawberries. I miss the northwest so much for their yummy (and inexpensive) raspberries. The strawberries were as big as John's fist, and delicious too. He enjoyed an entire pint of them. Boy we regretted that decision when we changed his diaper the next day!! Ben spent a good portion of the morning looking around before being lulled to sleep in the sling. I was pretty shocked as he doesn't usually fall asleep in the sling anymore. My favorite part of Pikes Place was the infamous Fish Market where they throw the fish that is purchased back and forth from customer to the wrapper, to the guy weighing it, back to the guys out front, and back to the customer. It's especially exciting when they throw a big fish. It was a lot of fun to watch, although John had more fun watching the doggies that surrounded him, and like I said, Ben was asleep, so he missed the whole ordeal.

Walking up to the market. We parked a few blocks away!

The original Starbucks. Nope didn't even stop to get coffee there. Chris was determined to make it his entire trip without drinking any Starbucks coffee. He almost made it except the day before we left Montana to return to Texas we went to the mall, and they had no coffee shops, except for a Starbucks in Barnes and Noble. He was disappointed.

The Seattle skyline with three of us.

And now with the 4th one!!

I just loved this "park" with all the pretty flowers and the ocean behind it.

Starting into Pikes Place.

Ben was fascinated

Not sure if you can tell how ridiculously large the strawberry is that he is eating. I love the Northwest! Yep, one of the ones out of the pint we bought.

And he finally fell asleep

Making sure we got a pic with the sign in the background to legitimize that we were actually there!

The fish throwers. Unfortunately we didn't get a video of them throwing fish, b/c we just forgot to turn it on. When we did,nobody wanted to buy anything they were just standing around waiting for someone else to buy so they could get pics of the flying fish.

We decided not to do the Space Needle as the boys wouldn't enjoy it very much, and we didn't want to pay boocoo bucks for scared boys! The other thing that we knew the boys would enjoy was a ferry ride, so we decided to ride one on the return trip. Not before we had stopped and eaten some of the famous fish (or chicken for me) on the Pier. Nils & Scarlett wanted to take us to a restaurant where we could eat overlooking the water and watch the ships come and go, but the wait there was over an hour, and the boys were getting cranky, so we decided to see what they had along the pier. Funny cuz it was deja vu from when my family had gone to Seattle for a missions trip over Spring Break back when I was in highschool. I ate at the exact same place as I had back then. (We had a free night where we rode the ferry, and ate at the pier). Brought back so many memories of the homeless shelter we helped at, the people we served, the group, the lessons we learned about serving and loving people. I want my kids to have the same experiences I did, and learn how to love people and serve those to whom others wouldn't even give a second glance.

Chris & John walking up the pier

After lunch, we hopped in the cars and drove to the ferry dock. Of course John fell asleep on the 10 minute drive over there. We decided to let him sleep as long as possible and then wake him up with enough time to enjoy the splash. Nils & Scarlett and their girls went up to the main deck and watched everything while we stayed in the car. I think we were in the middle of a discussion about discipline and kids. Yay. Ben enjoyed playing with his daddy and pretending he was driving.

The many faces of Ben

Yay toes!

We felt bad that he had to sleep sitting up, so we laid him down on the floor and let him sleep. Still doesn't look that comfortable!
Seagulls hoping for some food.

A view out the back and the Seattle skyline!

Playing with daddy

Let's see what does this do?

Hmm,and this?

AAaaah watch out world here I come!

Some of the sights we saw on the ride.

We woke John up and he was fascinated!

Another family pic

John pointing out the splash to Kaitlyn

Aren't they cute?

Like I said he was fascinated!

By the end of it all we tuckered this little guy out!

Not your typical favorite

2009-09-23T14:26:00.000-05:00

So, even though it was slightly drizzly today, I took the boys and Kebap out for a walk. I was just going to walk up to the drainage ditch, so that John could throw some sticks in the "splash." But then it wasn't raining that bad, and it felt good to get out and about, and Ben was having a blast, and John was pointing out everything he saw, so I decided to go a little bit further, and then turn around when it really started raining. Well, I decided to go on a route that I don't take often to see if my Indian friends were outside. I keep trying to catch some of the family outside so that I can talk to the women. I didn't figure they were out due to the drizzle, but I walked by their house anyways. Then I turned down the street that winds up at the corner with the doggies. John was pointing out the blue cars, and the white cars, and the silver cars (well, actually he would say car, and I would say what color it was, then he would repeat me.) Then, out of the blue, John starts saying "Noah, Noah." I couldn't figure out what he was talking about, until I looked across the street and in one of the yards, I saw a statue very similar to this:

I said, "I don't think that's Noah, but I suppose it could be." I then started singing, "Who built the ark? Noah, Noah. Who built the ark? Brother Noah built the ark." John repeated after me, "Noah built the art." Then not even two seconds later, he hollers out, "Other Noah." I looked at where he was pointing and it was a statue of an angel.
Now when you ask most kids who their favorite Bible character, it's usually: Jesus, Mary, David. I rarely hear Noah. But apparently Noah is John's favorite Bible character as he pointed out two random statues and called them Noah.
There could be a lot that plays into this. When we were in Montana this past summer, for Sunday School, John learned all about "Noah built the ark." Here at home, we have a Bible for kids, which simplifies each story. John is always turning it to the Noah story. Maybe cuz he remembers Montana, maybe cuz he likes pounding on everything, and the story says "Pretend like you are building a boat." Who knows? But, I am still trying to figure out why a statue of Mary and a statue of an angel remind him of Noah. All the pictures that we have showed him of Noah look nothing like the statues. Ahh, the imagination of a 2 year old!!

Update (Thursday)
So, John comes up and starts "talking" to Chris, and says something about Noah. Chris asked him what Noah did. "Noah built the art." He has never responded correctly about ANYTHING when we ask him (unless it's what does such and such say), so this was pretty exciting!

Fun in Language Learning

2009-09-17T22:01:00.004-05:00

So, last night I took the boys out to Morgan's Point to visit a friend of mine. As we were driving through her neighborhood, I pointed out some deer to John. He was fascinated. Then, I saw one peeing, and I said, "Look John, that deer is going potty."
"Deer potty?"
"Yes, John, deer is going potty."
We watched it for a few more minutes, then drove on to find more deer (we were waiting til the workers finished paving their street)
"More deer?"
"Yes John, we are looking for more deer, do you see any?"
"More deer?"
"Yes John do you see any?"
We found a few more groups of deer, some with babies, and I pointed those out to him.
"Baby Deer?"
"Yes John baby deer."
"Baby deer?"
"Yes John baby deer."
"Deer un potty?"
"Yes John deer went potty. Let's go see if we can find it again."
Alas, it wasn't there when we drove by, but we were able to go see the snorts and make it to Kathryn's grandma's house.
When we left, the whole drive home (25 straight minutes)
"Deer un potty?"
"Yes, John deer went potty."
"Deer un potty?"
"Yes, John, deer went potty."
"Deer un potty?"
"Yes, John, deer went potty."
"Deer un ......

I guess repetition is key in remembering how to say something. Or maybe my son is obsessed, I don't know. I will probably post pics later of our time with Kathryn & Zaky, so stay tuned.

Oh and also on the way there John kept saying "Itty baby." I couldn't for the life of me figure out what it was. I knew it wasn't baby kitty, b/c he said that clearly when I woke him up from a nap he took in the car on Tuesday. He got frustrated with me, and "sulked," and the next thing I heard him say: "Uh oh, bag of trash." I couldn't figure out what he was talking about until I looked and saw big orange bags of cement or sand holding down the road construction signs. Too cute. "Yes John, those look like bags of trash don't they!" was all I could say while chuckling to myself.

today was a first

2009-09-14T23:05:00.006-05:00

So, just today, John became fascinated with a bear that we have. Chris's dad & Penny got it for him a long time ago. It's a mama bear with a baby bear in a pouch in front of her, and when you push her hand, she sings, "Momma said there'd be days like this, there'd be days like this momma said." And the baby echoes, "Momma said, momma said." And then she repeats herself.
So, today I see John playing with her, pushing her button over and over and over and over. Then all of a sudden I hear him tell her, "Shoes on. Go outside." (Apparently he does listen cuz I am always telling him he has to put his shoes on so we can go outside)
Then, he goes and actually gets Ben's Robeez shoes and tries to put them on her. I asked if he wanted some help. He said, "Help,please," and brought her to me. I put the shoes on her and he wanted to go outside, so as soon as I got Ben ready (I decided to go on a walk), we went outside. He tried to strap her into Ben's seat, but I told him that Ben had to ride there. He was just going to carry her, but knowing how absentminded he can sometimes be, I suggested she ride in the storage area below so that she could still see everything. He thought that was a great idea, but first he had to put her on his tricycle and see if she could ride the trike!
Of course, once we were on our walk, he wanted to take her out every time he got out, to show her things, especially the splash. I just had visions of her ending up muddy and in the splash, so I somehow convinced him to leave her where she was. Once we got home she ate dinner with us.

Funny, cuz earlier that day he had found his Mickey stuffed animal and I saw him take him to the time out chair, and he set him in there, and said, "Sit, no no...(repositions him) sit, no no...(repositions him again) sit." Pretty much repeated what we have to do with him EVERY time he goes to time out. Then, he started to put him in his booster chair for lunch, and tried to put his bib on Mickey. He had found an oatmeal bar and I had opened it for him. I helped him get Mickey situated, and I look over and he's feeding Mickey his oatmeal bar. Too cute!!

And of course I forgot to grab my camera and capture the moment.

Funny thing, just two days before when it was ridiculously wet and rainy, I was reading in a book my sis gave me about how to keep toddlers busy and safe, and one of the suggestions was to give them a baby doll, and some of their old clothes and let them dress their doll/stuffed animal. I thought, "Nope, John would get so frustrated and bored, not even gonna try that." Hmmph, he showed me.

***Update, Wednesday Sept 16th.
So, today he was back again playing with the bear. Not that he really stopped, but today it was priceless. He again got the shoes and put them on the bear almost all by himself. He also put her in the highchair and fastened the straps, but the thing that took the cake. I see him lay her down on the ground and say, "Diaper." I asked him if he wanted a diaper, and he nodded. So, I went to get him one of his cloth diapers from the diaper bag. He puts it under her, and said, "Uh oh mommy, wipes."
You need the wipes?
Nod
I tried to give him a dry wipe, but he said, "No, other wipes" So, I got him the package of wipes and he wiped the bears bottom, and then put the diaper on. I helped him put the cover on. Of course once the cover was on, he wanted it off and the diaper off, and he was done with playing with her, but it was still too cute.
I remembered to capture the moment & got some pics, but I will have to post them when I get them uploaded. Soon. Really.

Montana Vacation-Hyalite Canyon

2009-09-09T21:04:00.021-05:00

Finally, I have a few free nights to start catching up on my blogging!! So, June 16th we left San Antonio for Montana. The boys did surprisingly well on the flights. I was nervous about keeping John entertained during the flights, but my mom came fully prepared. He had tape to unravel, cards to thread, wallets to remove all the "credit cards," coloring books, stickers, cereal, cars, and various odds and ends to play with. He ended up wearing himself out and was asleep as we landed in Denver. Chris took us to the USO where John remained passed out on a pile of pillows, while I tried to get Ben to go to sleep, and catch some z's as well. I had never been in a USO. It was amazing. Free food, free beverages. All sorts of video games, books, magazines, toys, internet access, and even comfy chairs to lounge in and a room to sleep. I can't believe I never took advantage of these. I guess I haven't flown much since Chris was active duty. But I most definitely will be using the USO's whenever I fly again.

So, Ben fell asleep for about half an hour, and then was wide awake again, ready for the next adventure. We hurriedly left for our gate, only to sit at the gate b/c our plane hadn't landed yet. My mom thankfully took John to go look at the airplanes as both Chris and I were staring into space from being so tired (I think we got 3 hours of sleep).
The next flight ended up being a lot smaller, two seats on both sides instead of 3. I had the pleasure of sitting next to a lady who wore the worst shorts she could possibly wear. No they weren't skin tight and half her bootie hanging out. They were flannel, and came down to her knees, but they had a billion colors on them, and Ben found them fascinating, thus he didn't sleep. She loved him playing with her, and even didn't mind the drool. She was on her way to pick up her grandkids to bring them down to her place for the summer. John didn't fall asleep this ride, and got a wee bit more fussy, but with all the distractions, managed to not make everyone on the plane crazy!!
We finally landed in Bozeman in time for lunch, and of course we went to my favorite place, Taco Time. Needless to say Ben konked out right before we arrived at the place, so he took a nap in his carseat while we ate. Hasn't done that in FOREVER!
The rest of the afternoon we relaxed. Both boys napped again, and hung out with my fam.

My mom kept a lot of our old toys, so John had a field day. His particular favorite was this yellow "trumpet like" thing that if you hit the bottom, it would "pop" the ball out. He would chase that around for hours every day, and bring it to you, wanting you to "pop" (said while he demonstrated popping ) the ball out.

Here he is chasing the ball across my parents deck

Papa and Ben having a deep discussion about something, probably the taste of pine cones!

"Am I going to be able to catch the ball? Or where did it go?"

Ben thinking he was hot stuff at the dinner table.

1st chicken bone. Definitely hot stuff!

His old man face! He actually used to go "Mmmbaa" and open his mouth really big, and then do it again.

Thursday (we arrived on Tues) was our first big excursion. I think we were recovering the day before, and just enjoying not having anything pressing to do. Mom and I did take the boys on a walk around the neighborhood (she pointed out all the houses where we used to know people!)and to my old highschool. So anyway, our excursion: Hyalite Canyon. Last time we were in Montana over Christmas, we went here and got some amazing pictures of the lake frozen, so we had to show Chris (& John & Ben) the lake unfrozen.

Isn't Montana amazingly beautiful? Heaven must look something like this.

Ben pooped at the beginning of the hike. Not so fast buddy we have a long way to go!

John was super excited!

Family pic as we hike

John hiking with Grandma

Yes, they had so much rain/snow/precipitation, whatever you want to call it, that there was actually a stream floating down the mountain across the trail that we got to walk right through.

John enjoyed riding on daddy's shoulders when the going got a little steep.

"What have we gotten ourselves into?"

"Rocks, over there"

A family picture at the top of the trail. Ben & John found the water beneath them more fascinating than posing for a picture

Chipmunk!! John kept calling it a squirrel, (which maybe I started, oops.) and tried to chase it everywhere.
Daddy & Son

A view of the falls, and if you click on the picture, you can see Chris & John way up almost underneath them. And my dad halfway up there.

This is actually pretty much right underneath the waterfall. Brian (one of the guys who lives with my folks) and Chris stood on rocks in the stream caused by the fall and handed John across.

They made it safely across, hooray!

Trying to get John back across so that Chris could go hike some more. Papa sacrificed a wet shoe and pant leg in order to help Chris get him across.

My happy boys

The rest of us.

I had to recreate this picture. One of Chris's favorite pictures of me is me making a strange face in front of this exact waterfall, when I was about 3rd grade. It even made it into our wedding video. I wish I had the laptop, so that I could put the two side by side. I will try to do so later.
Chris decided to hike to the top of the waterfall! Crazy boy!

While daddy was hiking, Papa and John went searching for rocks...

...and then John decided to do some mini off trail hiking himself. Like father, like son!

And, of course life doesn't stop when you have babies. They need to be changed regardless if you are at the top of a mountain or not!! :)

Chris & John studying the rocks and trees.

We had a blast and got the boys sufficiently worn out for our long trip to Washington that night. See proof below:

(However, it was not the smartest thing to do for Chris, as he hit a wall at about 4:30 in the morning, and I had to take over driving.)

A Productive Week?!?!

2009-08-29T15:36:00.011-05:00

So just a little taste of what goes on in our house on a day to day basis, which is primarily why I have gotten so behind in blogging!! :) This week John was really into learning new things. Unfortunately he is not really into being photographed now, and so I didn't capture any in the moment actions, or after actions for that matter!

He learned about painting...himself with toothpaste while he was sitting on the big boy potty attempting to go "poopoo, potty." I had left him there with some books to read while I went to get Ben who had just woken up. Even though he was on the big potty, and not his little one on the ground that he can get on and off of, he still managed to do this. I have come to not be very fond of sinks right next to toilets right about now!!! He did have a nice practice session for this occasion two weeks prior when he woke up ridiculously early and I hadn't let him out of his room yet. He got into some diaper rash ointment that I forgot to put up (I had been meticulous about putting it up before then, b/c he had eaten some once upon a time) and painted the entrance to his room with diaper cream. I did manage to get a picture of the tube of toothpaste (no I haven't cleaned it yet, b/c I'm frugal, er "cheap"and have actually been using the toothpaste!! Can't let it go to waste now can you!)

John has also been trying his skills at cooking, or rather learning about spices...
Later that same morning, while Ben was napping and I was cleaning the kitchen, John was going back and forth between his "toy room" and the living room bringing all his toys out to the living room. I let it slide because it was keeping him occupied, even though we were having people over for Bible Study that evening and the floors needed to be vacuumed, and all the toys put back up. Soon I noticed that he hadn't come out in a while and I figured he was playing with some of the toys still left in his play room. I started hearing some sneezes, but thought nothing of it. I finally decided to go check on him. (I do this either when things are too quiet, or when he hasn't been around in a while, sometimes to make sure he's not getting into anything, but sometimes just cuz I like to watch him play) I found him on top of his little art table swishing around all of the contents of my large Tony Chechere's Creole Seasoning bottle. He had made himself a little sandbox on top of his art table and was having a grand old time, swishing the "sand" back and forth. Poor guy kept sneezing and his nose was running, but he was determined to enjoy his "sand." When he saw me, he kept pointing to his mouth and saying hot. Yeah buddy, that stuff does burn when you move it around so much. Crazy kid. I only know this, b/c again in my frugalness I attempted to pick most of it up and save it and everytime I swept it or moved it, my throat would get hot. Here's a pic of what I haven't yet picked up b/c I gave up when my throat started burning.

John has also learned how to go pee in the bathroom...on top of the potty chair. The next day (Weds) he had been sitting on the potty, "trying to go pee" and then decided he was done, and wanted to wash his hands. I had to leave him standing on his potty chair stool and go get Ben who was getting hungry. I placed Ben in his highchair with some Kix. All of a sudden I hear John screaming, "Mommy, poopoo, potty." I finish what I am doing and go to check on John who has continued to scream this. I look down on the potty chair, and there is definitely pee on there and on the floor in front of him. Well, at least he got the right location!! (Disclaimer: he has since actually peed in the potty, not consistently but he has done it at least twice when we have taken him to the potty to try) Sorry no pics to post of this one.

Our other son has also been doing some growing and changing and being productive. Ben is consistently earthworm crawling if you will and going from tummy to sitting and actually has been found twice standing in his crib. The days I dread when we have to lower the crib mattress and its a longer way down to reach them and that means they are growing up too fast. Here are some pics of his changes, abilities, productions, whatever you want to call them!!
He hadn't been able to go from laying on his belly to sitting, until I walked in after his nap, and he was doing this in his pack 'n' play

sitting up in the bassinet. When did he get to be so big!
Trying to climb out! We did remove the bassinet promptly after that nap.
and being in the crib didn't stop him. I found him sitting up playing with the side rails after another nap, and thus the crib was lowered as well!

Ok, so I had two other videos that I wanted to post, but the blogspot is not letting me post them. Been trying for a week now. One was of Ben doing his headstand to go from on his belly to sitting up, and the other was of him just being cute. So, if I can get them up later you will see them, if not sorry.

The week leading up to our vacation

2009-08-15T20:44:00.009-05:00

Well, the week leading up to our vacation was a VERY busy one! We said goodbye to some dear friends, I babysat a girl, who is exactly 7 1/2 mos in between my boys for 4 days, and we went to San Antonio for the weekend, partly to hit up my sister's baby shower, and partly cuz we were flying out of there!!!
Wow, as I look back at these pics, I see why people thought that Ben grew so much while we were gone. He has no hair in these pics and he came back with lots of hair!!! :)

Emma was so great with Ben, and he loved her. Not really sure why his shirt is half hanging off him in these pics. I must have been changing him!! He is way too young to already be trying to pull the "I'm too sexy for my shirt nonsense!!"

She was so patient with him

He even grabbed her hair and she didn't get upset.

Kisses

John got along for the most part with Emma (a rare thing for an almost 2 year old). I guess he was fascinated by her, and she's pretty easy going so it's not too hard! He actually missed her when she was gone. He would walk through the house calling her name.

Playing peek-a-boo with the bouncer

Adorable smiles for the camera

Sharing

Helping the Berge's move. One of the families who helped start the small group left us the first week of June. Our group got together to help them load the truck and to pray over their journey. It was a bittersweet time.
Ashley and Evie supervising
John directing traffic

loading the truck

Even the kiddos helped

We might have had too many people and not enough to do!!! :)

Ice cream, when all else fails to keep kiddos entertained give them ice cream!

Baby Shower
One of Sarah's dear friend and close friend of the family, Jenn, threw Sarah a baby shower. It was so good to be able to go to one of her showers, and my mom even got to come. Jenn and Sarah were pregnant at the same time, both with boys and they ended up having their boys within a week of each other. The boys (Chris, Dave, and T) got the experience of watching 3 kiddos while we were away as Laura's girls stayed back at Dave & Sarah's house. Ben came with us, as he refused to go down for a nap before we left. Thankfully everyone had just started waking up when we returned (and we stayed after and talked for a while!) and so the boys weren't too overwhelmed.

Sarah opening a gift, with Jenny & Laura looking on

Some of the presents and the back of the room

Some of the mom's in the room looking on.

Some more moms and soon to be mommy's. Charis on the left was due two weeks after the shower, and was itty bitty.

Some of the cuteness Sarah got!

We had a really good time hanging out with family and friends and helping Sarah & Dave get their house ready for their baby!!

You know it's time...

2009-08-15T20:22:00.002-05:00

You know it's time to mow your lawn,

when you nearly lose your child in it!!

This was taken a while ago (Ben has much more hair now) but our grass is just about as high, and I made this comment to one of my neighbors as Ben was sitting in grass up to his shoulder blades, so I just had to post this!

Daddy made it through!

2009-07-31T21:54:00.007-05:00

So, the EFMB course that Chris was at, is pretty much the hardest badge to get in the army. They are tested on numerous different skills, including day & night land navigation, a written test covering the different skills required to correctly care for a wounded soldier, a litter obstacle course (where they simulate carrying wounded soldiers through different obstacles they may find in battle), the ability to demonstrate survival techniques in a nuclear, biological and chemical environments, competency on field radio and radio techniques to prepare and transmit a Medevac request, evacuation of sick and wounded using correct carries, and finally after a week of competing these grueling tasks, they must complete a 12 mile road march with a 40 lb ruck sack on their back, and complete it in 3 hours. Those that don't complete it in time, fail, regardless if they pass everything else. If they fail any event they are done with the program and have to try again the next time it is offered. Only about 15-20% of those who go out for it, actually qualify and receive the badge.

We all decided to go down to San Antonio, just in case he passed, so we could be there for his graduation. It turns out we had to be on the road to get to the graduation site before we even found out if he crossed the finish line in time. As we were driving he called, and said he had made it through. He was the only one of the five guys who had been with him through all the steps that made it in time, and he made it with only 3 minutes to spare. We found out later, that approximately 3/4 of the 20 people that made it came in within the last 5 minutes.
Anyway, we come up to the theater where they were graduating and there were a bunch of soldiers standing around. We saw Ron, who had come down to march with Chris to give him encouragement to keep taking the next step, and he pointed out where Chris was. I was trying to figure out how on earth we were going to find him, when all of a sudden I hear John shriek, "Daddy, daddy, daddy!" At first I thought he was just calling the soldiers daddy, but then I saw a guy covered in sweat and grime coming running towards us!! And again, John squealed, "Daddy!" Of course he got the first hug!! It was precious! I was so thankful, b/c all week John had been almost angry with Chris for being gone. He absolutely refused to talk to him on the phone and would pitch a fit if we even tried. He didn't want to point out pictures of him. I was afraid it would carry over to when we saw him, but it didn't!!!
We arrived right as they were lining up to file in so we made our ways to our seats. John was soooooo excited. He was giddy. It was too cute!
The stage

Sneaking a pic of daddy while he waited for the ceremony

Listening to the band play. It was almost more fun to watch John take everything in as it was to watch Chris cross the stage and get his award.

Look, there's daddy! (He would go "Oh" and then look and point at everything new that happened!)

clapping for a graduate

There's daddy (he's the 4th one in line!)

getting ready to cross the stage

getting his badge pinned on

I'm so glad this turned out. Chris always signs "I love you" as he waves goodbye, or if he can't "talk" to us!

The candidates who made it from Ft. Hood. Chris is the tall one!!

All the candidates who completed EFMB!

We are so proud of you daddy!!! :)

Four Generations

2009-07-31T20:21:00.006-05:00

So while my grandma was here with my folks, we decided to get some four generation pictures. Of course it was ridiculously hard to get everyone looking at the camera at the same time, and when we finally did, someone's head was cut off!!! :) Here are some of the best (mind you we took about 55 pics or more trying to get some where most of us were looking and some of us were smiling!)

This started out good. Both looking at the camera and smiling

Then we added John and somehow there was something fascinating on the ground.

Grandma lost interest, but the boys were still fascinated

Attempting to get Ben to look up from the ground

The best of this pose, still not great so let's try

placing the chair with the sun at the back

Well, we got John to look, but Grandma's looking at Ben, who's looking at John. Ay!

Well we got John to look and Grandma to smile, and Ben to somewhat look

So, then we added two more people, and:

dad got cut out, and I'm trying to get Ben too look

Well, dad made it in, but only Grandma and I are looking and John is starting to have a meltdown!

The best we could get with all of us. Unfortunately John is yawning and dad is frowning

My folks needed a new facebook picture, so we took some updated ones, as the last profile pic was in this same location with just John when he was around a year old. Aw the joys of getting two under two to cooperate. And of course now John refuses to look at the camera, and would rather be the one taking the picture, so I get back or side shots of him. Ay!

I'm 2!

2009-07-29T20:55:00.006-05:00

These two words have been practiced all week long in honor of today. Yes, today our John Bug officially turned two years old. It's hard to believe it's been too whole years since our lives were forever changed by this bundle of energy!

When did he go from being my little baby to being my big boy? All of a sudden he just grew up. He is now roughly 3 feet tall, and can no longer be held in my arms without a little muscle (although he still loves to be picked up and snuggled if he has a bad dream or wakes up for some reason in the middle of the night). He is officially sleeping in a toddler bed, (has been for about 6 months). He answers yes or no if he wants something (although his favorite word is definitely NO-ugh). He is developing his speech and tries all his new words (some unintelligible unless you look at the context) and his eyes light up if you figure out what he's saying. He loves to be outside running or playing in the water (splash as he calls it).

He is my big helper, bringing me wipes or toys or pacis for his little brother, moving the sprinklers around where I tell him, carrying the bag of trash outside, unloading the dishwasher, handing me clothes to hang on the line, "cleaning" his eating area (this consists of handing me the plates or pushing them off his placemat!). He loves anything to do with batting a ball (sometimes kicking it) or hitting something. He loves noise and anything that makes loud, crashing, banging noise is the best (particularly the drum set at his Uncle Dave & Aunt Sarah's house. He loves that so much that I often find him air drumming when we return home from a visit). He loves to sing and will often just start singing a song he's made up with a few of the words that he knows interspersed. He loves "fixing" things or figuring out how things work (although if something isn't working quite right after a number of times trying it, he will often shriek in frustration and get mad). He loves to organize things in a line or a stack, often based on color. He also loves to open and shut things over and over again (ie a pop up lid).

He loves being loud, squealing through the house chasing Kebap or Tess! His vocabulary is ever expanding, but the words that are the most clear include: Mommy, Daddy, Niah (Benaiah), Kebap, ball, choo-choo, up, down, round and round, bear, flag, star, fruit, cracker, more, please, NO, stay, go, splash, basket ball (said bassetball), football, baseball, soccerball, kitty, doggy, Papa, Nanny (for both his Nana and a banana), cheese, bread, juice, water, lawnmower, truck, shoe, stop, apple, tv, night night, pacifier, Elmo (not really sure how he learned that one b/c he only has Elmo pjs and never watches it on tv), birdie (pronounced birdeye), helicopter, airplane, motorcycle (which often gets called helicopter by mistake), cookie. I know there's more, but I can't think of them right now. He knows the sounds for almost all the animals (except for maybe a giraffe, penguin, rhinoceros -those that I have no clue what sound they make!) He loves saying I love you, byebye, to his daddy when he leaves. He loves his daddy so much and asks where he is constantly throughout the day. (I hear its the same when I happen to leave). He loves his little brother, and even though he doesn't always love letting him play with his toys, he often will try to make Ben laugh.

I love the way his eyes sparkle when he is happy! I love that just the other day he was saying "Bye bye" to me as he walked up the sidewalk with his lawnmower, and then came back just to give me a kiss. I love how thoughtful he is of his little brother, and how he longs to help with everything. I love how he loves to figure things out. I love how he gets concerned and wants to protect mommy or daddy when he sees things are amiss. I love how he loves life.
I love you my "little" John Bug. I can't wait to see the boy and man that you become. We pray that you will come to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and that you be like John the Baptist & the prophet Isaiah (whom you are named after) and not be afraid to stand up for your Lord, and for right and wrong. We love you so much and can't wait to see what is in store for you.

Trip to Houston/Mothers Day!

2009-07-27T21:10:00.015-05:00

So, since I was going to be by myself with the two boys on Mothers Day, my folks "made me" travel to Houston to go see T & Sarah. I say made me cuz I was wavering back and forth whether or not I should go, cuz the boys had been having a rough time sleeping and a rough time staying in their schedule, and John was starting to act out (partly due to Chris being gone, and partly due to all the change). My mom, basically said she wanted all of us to be together on Mother's Day. That coupled with the fact that I slept maybe 4 hours the night before the trip, and not wanting to handle a weekend with two under two with minimal sleep, I decided to go. For the first two days I was so frustrated with my decision. Ben didn't sleep a wink (well maybe 20 minutes-after Grandma Race constantly stroked his cheek and singing to him) on the drive down there, and John was really ornery, and neither of them slept well (one of them was up every hour of the first night).

After a long ride, Grandma playing on the floor with Baby Ben

Stealing kisses
(even though he doesn't sleep much he sure is happy!)

Great Grandma playing with the two boys

... and looking at the camera

My bro sporting his police academy outfit! Wow, he's all grown up!

John sporting uncle T's hat

Ben enjoyed a bath in the sink Friday evening, cuz he had to go to bed, and John was still eating!

So, I was really frustrated on Saturday. Thankfully, the day turned out really great. We met up with my Aunt & cousins at Olive Garden, and I got to catch up with Lisa and how life was with her. Then after the boys naps we got to go swimming in T & Sarah's amazing pool!!
A four generations picture
Great Grandma and Ben at Olive Garden for a pre Mother's day meal. Grandma was going back with my Aunt Linda to San Angelo on Mother's Day, so we celebrated early.

my cousin Lisa and Ben enjoying some cuddle time

Ben telling her all his secrets
Saying bye :(

Ben all alone as his playmate (my grandma) left

This is the coolest pool ever. It's in their apartment complex. It has a ledge with fountains, which John loved:

a gradual descent into deeper water, perfect for babies and mommies who want to get wet but not go under!!

and an actual "deeper" (I think the deepest part was 5 feet)part where you could actually swim and do water aerobics (as my Grandma Senecal decided to do!! My bro stole Ben for a while so I could play with John too.

not to fond of the chlorine in the water!

John became fearless at this pool. He has always jumped off the ledge into Chris's arms, but here, he decided to start running and jumping into the water away from my arms. I had to be on my toes to catch him before he went under (thankfully he didn't go too far out of my reach!)

Ben practicing his back stroke. I do believe he will be the next Michael Phelps!!! ;)
Ben thought sitting on the fountains was hilarious!!

MOTHERS DAY!!!!
Me and John when we first woke up

Ben & I when we first woke up (with Grandma S in the background!!)

Grandma and John. I believe John is showing my mom the "ish" on the bottom of his feet from his sandals!

So, since Ben had to take a nap, due to waking up at a ridiculously early time (6:15), right as first service started, so my mom, grandma, John & I stayed back at the apt while T, Sarah & dad went to their church. We left with what we thought was plenty of time to get there, but apparently the church is on a main street and we hit just about every red light on the half hour drive there. We were about 15 min late and we parked in the visitors section. We were the only car there. When we walked in the door (right in front of the visitors parking) there was a welcome booth with information and people behind it. No one said anything to us. The greeter at the door to the sanctuary handed us a program, but didn't offer to help us find a nursery, as we very definitely appeared overwhelmed, mostly b/c we couldn't find T & Sarah & dad. We finally asked him where one was, and he had to go find someone else, to tell us. It was really wierd. I don't know if I've ever felt so unwelcome. The nursery was a little odd too. They looked at us, like why are you here, and weren't really sure what to do when we showed up. The sermon was definitely Bible based, and the singing was pretty good, but it made me realize more and more how much more there is to church than Sunday morning. How important it is to make outsiders feel welcome into our church, our homes, our lives so that they will want to keep returning to see & meet the One who has changed our lives. It made me thankful for our church in Killeen who has always been fairly welcoming. It made me thankful for my husband who is always quick to spot new people and go meet them. It made me thankful for God taking me out of my comfort zone and putting me in a place where I had to meet new people (ALL THE TIME!) so that it wasn't wierd and I actually enjoy doing it now (unless I'm tired!!) It was a really interesting perspective on life outside the military and what I'm sure I (and my church) looked like.
Anyway, after lunch we went out to eat, b/c of course you HAVE to go out to eat on Mothers Day, right?!?! Apparently everyone and their mom thought the same thing, and b/c not only do Chris & I close down churches (by that I mean are the last ones to leave) but apparently every one in my family is that way (I've seen Dave & Sarah do it countless times, and T & Sarah did it this time). So, needless to say we had to wait about 40 minutes to be seated. By this time it was nearing 1:30. John did well for a while, and then started nodding off.

He finally just ended up being placed in my dad's lap as he couldn't stay awake any longer. Unfortunately, he stayed asleep in the transfer to the car, for the 30 minute drive back to T & Sarah's house, and while we loaded the car, and about 20 minutes into the 4 hour trip, he was done with his nap.

This little bugger again pulled the I'm not going to sleep no matter what card, and slept maybe 20 minutes on the drive back to the apartment. He did learn some new tricks though.
Holding the bottle with his hands
... and with his feet!! He is so talented isn't he?!?!
And not to be outdone, John learned a new trick: straw in between the toes. He thought he was hot stuff as he twisted and twirled the straw with just a flick of his toes!
And what better way to end a long day then for Papa to read you a story before bed!

First Rice cereal

2009-07-18T20:28:00.006-05:00

We always make the 6 mo "birthday" mark a special occasion by celebrating the first consumption of rice cereal. Chris was gone on Ben's official 6 mo b-day, and I just wasn't quite ready for my baby to grow up, so I put off feeding him cereal for a couple of days. Part of me wishes I would have done it on his b-day b/c he would have had a party. We were over at the Waden's and the Skoogs and Pflugs were there, so we could have thoroughly enjoyed him. However, he also was in a funk that day, so I felt it best to wait til he was in a better mood.
So, two days later, Benaiah enjoyed his first rice cereal. He actually did pretty well and didn't push too much out of his mouth, and didn't make a funny face with it!

Chewing on a spoon in preparation

1st bite
Hmm that was interesting
Let's try it again
A zoom out shot to show it was really me feeding him

WHOA!
John wanted to "help" or rather get in on the attention, so he climbed on my back as I was finishing feeding it. Grandma Race watching in the background

Wow, that was cool, let's do it again!

John
Ben loved his Grandpa. Grandpa had just the right touch to always get him smiling & giggling

An Early Birthday present

2009-07-18T14:36:00.006-05:00

While Chris was gone at EFMB, my folks decided to come help me out for the two weeks (plus they hadn't seen their grandkids since my grandpa's funeral, so it was a nice excuse. They even brought both my grandmas so they could see the boys. My Grandma Race fell in love with Ben, and was always on the floor playing with him. My Grandma Senecal fell in love with Kebap. Well, not so much. In fact she probably pretty much hated, "that dumb dog" and his "tail that gets in the way of everything." She definitely kept me highly entertained with her comments about things!! Both were a great help to me in organizing my house and helping me get to things I hadn't had a chance to get to, but have been wanting to for a while. It was so fun to see how great they both got along (they always have). I told them I could see them being roommates when they get older. I suppose one would have to give up Texas, or the other would have to give up Montana, as they are on opposite ends of the states. It was really neat to hear their stories about life (grandma Senecal shared a lot about what happened to the ranch after grandpa died, and why we aren't allowed on the property anymore), about my grandpas, about how things are now. It was neat to be able to have heart to hearts with my grandma Race about how she is doing. She is the most amazing foot rubber, and she has this special cream that is amazing. My feet have been killing me for a very long time, and she was gracious enough to rub my feet every night she was here. It was quite humbling. I did get a chance to rub her back for her though. My grandma Senecal did give me insight as to why my feet were hurting. She said that she has really high arches. My uncle Tom has really high arches and has to wear special boots, and that walking around barefoot (which I love) is hard on feet with high arches. It was really only then that I noticed that I really do have high arches. I guess I always thought they were normal cuz Chris's are flat footed, so anything arched was higher than his, but after comparing them to my grandma, I realized my problem, and decided I needed to find some good shoes to support my arches (which I did end up finding on vacation, but more about that later).
Alas, I digress. My parents shortly after they unloaded, wanted John to see something they brought for him. They knew they probably weren't going to be here for John's b-day as my sis is due right around that time, and they were most likely going to be with her, so they brought his b-day present early.
Here's John looking at it.

helping PuPAW (said in a deep John voice)

getting out the materials to put it together

showing off a part (probably should have cropped Grandma Senecal's legs out of the pic, whoops!)

enlisting help

remember the wheel fascination...

The finished product

Trying it out for the first time

"What do you think mom? I'm a big boy now." Ben is watching wondering what is this new shiny thing. His feet barely reached the pedals, but boy he was out every day my folks were here on that thing, getting pushed by PuPAW or grandma. He still loves to get on it every day after our walk and after we move the water. Once Ben is down for his morning nap, we go outside and he pedals this up the "hill" to our neighbors two doors over, while I steer (and assist with getting him up the hill) and then I hop on back and he lets go of the pedals and we go fast, fast fast down, down, down the hill. (Can you tell we are learning words? Everything is said in triplicate!) Its a lot of fun, and thankfully it's only a balmy 95 instead of 102 at 9/10 in the morning, so it's not too bad!!! ;)

Playtime with Nana

2009-07-09T19:16:00.007-05:00

So, the first two days that Chris was down at EFMB, we hung out and caught up on things around the house. Chris's mom came over Tuesday morning to hang out with the boys. She kept John distracted and out of my hair while I got ready for Bible Study that evening. Her solution: prune our bushes!! There are 4 bushes along our back fence line that Chris cannot stand. They are just close enough to the fence to keep him from being able to mow effectively, so he's been begging me to let him get rid of them. But for some reason, I like the darned things. She actually did a pretty good job. There was only one that got a wee bit sparse!! John loved following her around and learning how to prune (unfortunately, now, he thinks everything with leaves needs to be "pruned" and plucks the leaves off!). Here's some pics of the day:
Nana showing John how to pick "only the red leaves"

"Did I do it right??"

This poor bush ended up losing all but the main branch. It looks like a twig with foliage on top (aka Charlie Brown Christmas tree) sticking out of the ground.

"Mom what is she doing??"

checking to see what Nana was doing

making sure she was doing it right (for a while, after this, he would try to get the clippers so he could go prune!)

"Here Nana, you missed some"
When Ben woke up, John gave up helping and decided to play on his toys. Ben decided he wanted to come watch.

After pruning and somehow before lunch we decided to go to the park, b/c Nana really wanted to take the boys to the park. John had so much fun with her. He loved being pushed on the swing. She even taught him how to hold on the correct way instead of his superman way.
I finally captured a smile while he was swinging!

trying to go back to the superman "hold" or rather no hold

swinging like a big boy

we brought bubbles and John thoroughly enjoyed chasing them, especially as it was rather windy that day.

returning from the chase

watching the bubbles

trying it himself

He absolutely loves wheels. This is his favorite part of play areas. He runs from one to the next. (His second favorite area is the bars to climb, of course!) He has even been known to use any circular object as a pretend wheel, including cds. Too cute!

EFMB-Preparing for Daddy to leave

2009-07-08T21:16:00.008-05:00

Well, now that we are back from our vacation, I am back to the world of blogging. I still have a little to catch up from May, and then on to all our excitement from the Northwest!!

Chris was gone for the first two weeks in May for the Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) training. We spent the Saturday before he left enjoying time as a family.

John learned how entertaining putting a box on your head can be. He loved showing daddy his new trick.

Chris mowed the lawn, and it's our usual tradition to go out and watch him. John kept getting a little too close so Chris suggested getting out our backpack carrier and stuck him in it. John was in hog heaven!! He loved being that close to his daddy and to his machinery!!! :)
My men

Fascinated!

This is how Ben spent the time, in his stroller watching from a safe distance...
...and being cute

This is one of my favorite pictures of him.

Chris looking at the camera
John looking at the camera.

"MMmm, this bib tastes good!"

Entertaining himself!

Deep in thought

Finally when the job is done they can both look at the camera. Unfortunately John has a nice string of snot going down his nose. Lovely!! I love my boys!

Best buds!

2009-07-06T20:01:00.001-05:00

The month of May was hard. Both of my boys lost their best buds.
Ever since the Wadens moved to Killeen, John & Mikaela have been best buds. I remember us going over to their house when John was still crawling, and he would just follow her around, and she would show him all sorts of things, and they would just play and play so well together. Then John started walking and he was able to keep up with her better, and she would show him even more things, and they would jump on the couch together and fall down on it, and they would read books together, and they would play grocery store together, and pretend eat the food that they made together. It was sooooooo fun to watch them together. Then when Mikaela started talking better and John started talking, they would have little conversations together. We found them both laying on one of Mikaela's pillows on the floor once. They could get each other laughing so hard. It was adorable! I've never seen John play so well with anyone.
***On a side note, Kiera, Mikaela's little sister was like John's arch nemesis. The two fought like cats and dogs. I think probably b/c they were so close in personality, both very strong willed determined little people. I joked with Laura that they would probably be the ones that end up getting married b/c they don't hardly get along now!
Mikaela and her family left us May 29th to move to Australia, via Pearland, TX for 18 months, to plant a church. Unfortunately I only had my camera with me once of all the times we were together, so I captured these pics while they were playing in my backyard. They just ran around playing and copying each other, and talking to each other. It was so adorable.
Kiera's in the background. Notice who John is near!

John loves to run swinging his arms high into the air. Mikaela was copying him at one time, but I didn't capture it. :(

Having them leave was also hard for me, b/c Laura became my closest friend here. She was always there with a listening ear as I shared my woes of parenting two, and she kept encouraging me that it can be done, and good days do come! She was like minded as far as missions go, and it was so nice to have someone that loved the world the way I do. She was always willing to have John over to give me a break both before and after Ben. I was always impressed that she was willing to add another child to the mix when she already had two. Since our kids were so close we would try to have play dates frequently. She was always willing to not only listen but to open herself up and share what her thoughts and hurts and concerns were. I love how she completely trusted God, and how she taught me a lot about prayer and loving my husband well. I definitely miss our times.

Not only did John's best bud leave, but Ben's best bud, Trey, left as well. Trey is 9 days younger than Ben which gave his parents and us just another excuse to get together more!! Ron & Leslie (Trey's parents) were some of our first military friends here. Ron was Chris's commander when we first moved and Leslie was the company's FRG leader. We developed a quick relationship, as we are all very down to earth and very similar. It was really neat to watch God work through us, and reach out to them. Chris was constantly sharing Christ with Ron, and encouraging them to come to church. Chris was there for Ron when their soldier committed suicide. He was there for him when he was asking questions. He (we) was there when they were struggling as a couple. Ron was there for Chris as he learned to be a new lieutenant. He was there as he made mistakes. He was there training with Chris for EFMB. He was there walking beside him through the 12 mile ruck march encouraging him to continue taking the next step. Leslie was there for me when I was sick, she dropped everything to come watch the boys so I could rest. When my grandfather passed away, she willingly offered to drive me and the boys to San Angelo for the funeral. She was always offering her time to babysit, so I could get a break. She & Ron consistently came early to Bible Study to help us finish preparing our house for people. She was always an encouragement on the phone. Ron & Leslie became close friends of our whole family, and it was really hard to see them go. We miss them terribly.

The three amigos (I totally wish I had Ben in his camo shirt for this photo op!!!)

The best buds!

For some reason, Ben thought it would be a good idea to suck on Trey's head.
I love the look Trey has, "What on earth is going on here?"

Playing together.

Talking

Look we grew and can both sit up now!

"Hmm, what did you have to eat, I'd like some please!"

Best buds
Best buds 2

Not really sure why Ben is making this face. I just thought it was a fun pirate-like face that I couldn't pass up putting it here.

Ron & Leslie came over for one last goodbye before we headed down to San Antonio,and they headed off to Virginia via Oklahoma.
John being goofy with his bro

I love that smile!! (and more)

2009-06-07T14:02:00.004-05:00

Ben was extremely smiley (as if he's not all the time. He is my smiley, happy boy)one evening before bathtime, so we took advantage of it!

Look at me, I'm a big boy!!

He found something hilarious!

I love how his eyes smile!

And we found our tongue!!

Kisses!

I think this may be one of the only pics I have of both boys actually LOOKING at the camera and not making an awful face!

Ben grabbed the shower head's hose on his way out of the bathtub and started chewing on it. My little Tarzan!! :)

John was cuddling with his bear! So sweet.

When you have a mini van... (part 3)

2009-06-03T21:13:00.009-05:00

Sarah had the day off Friday for Battle of the Flowers, so we hung out all morning. Chris was meeting Dave for lunch, so Sarah & I decided to go visit Richard & Norma (who was recovering from a 2nd neck surgery) and see Jenny's classroom. Since Chris "never gets filled up on Chick-Fil-A" and both Sarah and I love it, we stopped there on the way to Richard and Norma's. We offered to bring them something, but they didn't want us to. It was fun to see them again, and catch up on life. Richard and Norma have always been like 2nd parents to me, especially after my folks moved back up to MT. Having them as next door neighbors was just exactly what I needed. They helped me through all the days/weeks that Chris was gone at his trainings. I could always go over there whenever, just cause, or if I needed help with something, or if I needed "a man" to do something while Chris was gone. They enjoyed seeing how the boys had gotten bigger. Wicket enjoyed the boys as well!! John loved playing with all the toys Wicket had (rather than the children toys they had)
We didn't stay too long b/c we told Jenny we would come see her classroom, and she had her off period at 1:00, plus we didn't want to wear Norma out. Jenny teaches Kindergarten, so John loved all the activities to do in her classroom. He colored a picture, played with Playdoh, played with matchbox cars, and explored every nook and cranny in the room! It was wierd to think in just 3 more years he could be walking up and down the hallways of a school. (Still making up our minds about schooling options! But just the thought that he will be old enough to do so, made me slightly tear up, as my little "baby" is growing into a little boy. :o( ) We actually stayed long enough in her classroom to have all her kids return. They were excited to see visitors, and kept commenting on how much John looked exactly like a sibling of one of the boys in the class. (He actually looked a lot like the boy, so I am pretty sure they were telling the truth!)

We finally left and took the boys home to get some rest.
That evening we went to spend some good time with the Addington family. Jana finally got to meet Baby Ben, 6 months later!! She loved how happy he was, and they both actually went down really well over there. We had some really good conversations. Chris talked to Jana about a certain boy, and gave her the big bro talk. Then we talked with Jim & Jo about church, the one we are going to, and our idea of an ideal church. It was really sweet time fellowshipping. Oh, and we got to meet said boy!! Interesting fella!!! :) Chadley also came over to spend time with Sam, and he was entertaining us with stories of camping through Montana with the Boy Scouts! When we finally left around 11, we found John had moved off his pallet, and underneath the bunkbed in the room he was sleeping. It was pretty funny!

Jana entertaining Ben (or maybe it's the other way around!) ;)

Laura being cute

Anna wanted to join in

Loving his AJ!

We spent Saturday morning with Dave & Sarah, and left shortly after lunch to return to Killeen, as I had a baby shower to go to, Chris had guy time to go to, and then we had a BBQ that evening, which turned out not happening due to no naps for the kiddos and meltdowns!
John figured out (or maybe he was shown!) that if you put a ball in the top of your shirt, it will come out the bottom. He absolutely loves his Uncle Dave's pool table, and will spend most of his time ON the pool table, rolling the balls into the pockets.

Ben slept like this for about 20 minutes on the way home. Pretty much the extent of sleeping he does in the car. Ugh!

When you have a mini van... (part 2)

2009-06-03T19:46:00.006-05:00

So, due to traffic (didn't remember there being that ridiculous amount of traffic on 1604 at 3:30, we got home to Dave & Sarah's right at 5, which is when we were supposed to head over to James & Galyn's. Chris had turned his phone off, so I ran inside to wake him, and then went back to the car to make sure the boys were ok, while he gathered himself (he was pretty much in a dead sleep when I woke him!)
We finally made it out to the Lacewell's around 5:30. Unfortunately we didn't get to spend much time with James as he had to leave for class at 6, but we got some good Galyn time, and John found a new best bud, this time a boy. Why is it that all his best buds live so far away? (More about that in another post) Noah and John hit it off, and were playing like best buds. If one ran, the other did; if one splashed in the water, the other did; if one hid in the closet, the other joined him. It was too cute! I'll let the pictures finish the story:

Galyn was fascinated by Ben and how much he had grown! I barely got to hold him ;o)

Noah introducing Jenny to John, and introducing his backyard as well!

Bryant!!!

Noah showing John his favorite gate, the one to "Aunt Linda's"

"Hmmm, what is this thing. Mommy doesn't have one of these."

Noah: Come over here John. John: No you come over here, Noah

Playing on the swing. Baby Ben got in on the action! John & Noah thought it was great to have a little one in between them.

Swing fun!! I left out the blackmail picture, that maybe will get seen on John's wedding day, maybe not.

Whenever Noah sees a camera, he does this. He loves to cheese!

We were there for bathtime so John and Ben got in on the action! And when I say action, I mean action. There was about 2 inches of water on the floor by the time John & Noah were done splashing each other and dumping water on each other. Ben & Bryant thought it was funny.

I really wish I could have had my camera as Galyn was putting the boys to bed. John jumped right up on Bryant's bed and "read" with Galyn and Noah. Well, he enjoyed looking at all the fun things on Bryant's shelf. Then while I was feeding Ben, Noah went into the closet and closed the door. John opened it and said, "Boo!" They squealed and giggled and did this for a few more minutes, until it became a game of running around the doors in the closet. (They have sliding doors on their closet) Then one would close it on the other, and vice versa. I hated to have to break up all the fun, but we still had yet to see Sarah & Dave, and the Spurs were playing and it was the boys nighttime, so alas, we said goodbye.
The Spurs game left much to be desired. Jenny and her friend left early, and we all went to bed by 10. Wow, that never happens when we go visiting San Antonio.!

When you have a mini van...

2009-05-31T20:02:00.006-05:00

You have to initiate it by taking it on a road trip, so that's just what we did. Chris got off staff duty (24 hour duty) at 9 am April 23rd and we took off for San Antonio. The plan was for me to drive and take care of the kids while he slept. Well, if Ben would have cooperated it would have been great. John, who I was actually the most worried about keeping him occupied fell asleep an hour into the drive. Ben, on the other hand, refused to fall asleep, and was about done with the trip by Austin. Poor Chris spent the rest of the drive down there trying to keep Ben consoled. Needless to say the minute we pulled into Dave & Sarah's driveway, he hopped out and went straight to bed. I knew we needed to be out of the house, so that Chris could rest, so I had made plans to meet two of my former coworkers and their boys for lunch and playtime at the park. So we were back on the road again for another 30 minutes to reach Kara's house.
Ben and John nearly had meltdowns by the time we finally got there. When she said she was way out there, I didn't realize that not only was she on the other side of San Antonio, but when you turn on Petranco, you go until you think you are in another town before you reach her house!! Love you Kara! We beat Judy & Kaleb there, and Camren was napping, so John immediately took it on himself to make himself at home. Camren had just celebrated his one year old birthday a month prior, and had a lot of his toys in the living room, so John sat right down and began to play. I tried to put Ben to sleep, but of course, he wouldn't have it. A new place with new things to see and people to entertain.
Camren woke up shortly after Judy and Kaleb arrived, and of course the boys wanted to play instead of eat, even though the adults were starving! I was impressed though. John had never really been around boys his age, and he actually played really well. Kaleb & John are 2 months apart (our first baby, Pepin, was due a week after Kaleb was due, and we got pregnant with John shortly after we lost Pepin so Judy and I were pregnant together much of our last year at work). Camren being nearly a year younger than the other two , wasn't quite sure what to make of the two boys playing with his toys.
After lunch we walked to the park. Ben fell asleep (finally) on the way to the park and woke up on the way back from it (nearly an hour-hooray!) John also couldn't keep his eyes open on the way back from the park. I guess his hour nap in the car didn't cut it! He even fell asleep on the way back to Dave & Sarah's house. Poor kiddo. Here's some pics from the park:

Both Judy & Kara ended up having the same wagons. John rode with Camren. I was impressed, cuz Kara was pulling 60 pounds of boy uphill most of the way.

John exploring the playset

Camren's favorite spot, the swings

John soon joined him
and stayed in this "flying" position
the entire time. It was really funny. He was as straight as a board and loved going higher and higher!

Judy & Kaleb took a turn on the swings, while John went exploring

Checking out his "new" friends on the swings!

Easter

2009-05-23T20:00:00.000-05:00

Easter was a wee bit strange this year. Last year we hosted people at our house. This year our small group went over to the Pflugs. I'm not sure if it was the fact that we didn't have it at our house, or that we were tired, or that it was rainy, but I had a hard time reflecting on the true meaning of Easter. Maybe it was the fact that the boys and I were having a ridiculously difficult month with sleeping and obedience issues. I think all I wanted to sing that Easter morning was the song, Just You and Me. That song has carried me through these past few months, realizing that these crazy nights of no sleep and days of raising our two under two will pass, and all that matters is Christ, and knowing Him, and making Him known. My favorite line in the song says, "It's just You and me here now, only You and me here now. And You should see the view when it's only You, when it's only You." Putting Christ at the center and focus of our lives puts everything into perspective.
But, alas, I had a hard time doing just that on Easter morning/day. We had invited Chris's platoon sergeant and his wife and daughter to church with us, and they came. I was so excited, but I spent most of the morning praying that God would meet them there. I know she grew up in church, but was turned away do to recent circumstances. He, I don't think has much church experience. It was really neat, b/c we got to go see them the night before and have dinner together and just talk. It was a really neat/relaxing evening. They have a daughter who is just a few months older than John, and are expecting a baby boy in Aug/Sept.
So, I digress. Easter, we went to first service, and then came home, cuz I had to prepare what I was making for the lunch. I started getting really weak and dizzy and tired, and didn't really want to go, but felt like we had helped organize it, so we should go. I think we slept maybe 3 hours the night before due to one of the boys waking up every hour. Once we got to the Pflugs it ended up being a great time. I had some good conversations with Laura & Lisa, and Steph & I played a ridiculously long game of Uno with Lisa's oldest, Taylor. I don't think I have ever played for that long. Both Ben & John ended up napping there which was amazing and wonderful, allowing us some good time of fellowship.
Coming home seemed so anticlimactic. Like there should be something more. I guess Heaven is going to be the fulfillment of the something more. We will never feel that way (that longing for more) again once we are in Jesus's presence. I can't wait!
Before the kids got too cranky, we did manage to sneak in an Easter photo (or 3-when you have two under two it's hard to get everyone looking at the camera at the same time, and sometimes you catch smiles and most times you catch one and not the other smiling).

***notice they are both smiling, but at something on the ground. Go figure!

Fun at Nana's

2009-05-22T19:30:00.007-05:00

So, the weekend before Easter, we went out to Chris's mom's house just cuz. It turned out to be the perfect pre-Easter thing to do. While Ben napped on Daddy's chest, John enjoyed:

Filling plastic easter eggs with candy. He would open them put the candy in, close them, open them again, take the candy out, close them, and start all over again!

Then he went exploring. He loved looking through the barb wire fence at the animals their neighbors had. A horse came right up to him, and John almost got to touch him, but the horse ran away before I could lift him up to pet it.

Then he went on an "Easter egg" hunt, except the eggs were real eggs that their chickens and their neighbor's chickens had laid all over the land. Here he is finding one under a 4-wheeler. If you look really closely just to the right of the front wheel there's a speck of white (that's the egg!)

When Ben woke up we ventured over to Tom's house (their neighbor) and saw his livestock. John was in love with the cows. That was one of his first words to say both the name of the animal and the sound it makes (First was actually doggie and bowwow!). He kept trying to feed them or get them to come near him, but they stayed their distance.

(he was also fascinated by their big pool of water and I believe a few random rocks made their way into it! Oops!)

Next we went to the bunnies. John thought they were ok, but Ben LOVED them. He giggled and giggled with delight. Tom was keeping this cage for Easter bunnies, but was raising the rest for food.

Nana picked up a 3 week old bunny. Unfortunately she probably picked it up a wee bit too early and it's mom may disown it. Oops.

The pigs caught both of my boys attention, John's only for a little bit, until he saw some flowers that he could go run in and blow the petals off of (dandelions!!!). Then he met some neighbor kids and "talked through the fence."

Ben would bounce up and down in excitement whenever a pig would walk near him. It was too cute!

We left shortly after seeing the animals, cuz we still needed to make it to Sam's and home so the kiddos could sleep. It was a great day though, and we will definitely have to do it again!

Note to self...

2009-05-22T19:26:00.003-05:00

...don't get too engaged in talking to your husband when he gets home from work. You might find your explorative, curious, toddler son does this:

I had opened the windows that day (end of March) as the day was gorgeous, and it was a nice breeze. I was sitting in the chair that you can see the blanket on in the pic. I knew John was behind me playing, and the next thing I know it sounds like he's outside. Sure enough he figured out how to tear out the screen and climb out. Boy am I in trouble when he reaches his teenage years!!!!

Transition to Big Boy bed

2009-05-20T19:21:00.000-05:00

So the last week in March, we started putting John in his big boy bed, as Ben was getting too big for the cradle and would soon need to sleep in the crib. We started with naptimes, and a few times he got in and would stay in. Often I would hear him rummaging through the things in his room, and I'd have to go back and put him down. A few times I caught him:
He had a full time of reading books before he conked out on the floor. (I did transition him to the bed after I took this pic!) Since then I have also walked in on him falling asleep while sitting up reading on the floor.

Another day I found him like this:
He had grabbed the baby powder off the changing table (right next to his bed) and proceeded to dump it all over his bed (see below pic). He slept in the crib that naptime and for a few days after that until I had the time to gather up all the baby powder so that we could use it later (yes folks I'm cheap-besides it was 3/4 of a bottle!)

This incident convinced me that Chris was right all along in that we needed to buy a shelf to put stuff on, so that John wouldn't get into it. Well funny thing. Shortly after we installed said shelf, John started climbling up onto the changing table and getting into things. One time I actually walked in on him laying down on the changing pad, almost asleep. The kid hates the changing table for its actual purpose, but apparently it makes a great bed!!

All in all, it really only took a week (max 2) and he was sleeping naps and nighttime in his big boy bed. Now that Ben is in the room, our hardest task is keeping John from going over and climbing into the crib to wake Ben up!!! He does love his brother!

Random cuteness

2009-05-03T23:07:00.009-05:00

John loves "helping" & figuring out how things work.

Brothers

One of my favorite pics of Ben!

John has recently decided that he loves taking pictures with me, and then having me turn the camera around so he can see what the picture looks like. He also now wants to push the button instead of me pushing it!! Oy, he's going to be an independent little one!!

John is our most random sleeper. We have so many pictures of random positions he ends up sleeping in. One of these days I may just do a post about the random sleeping habits of John. This one he's using his bear as a pillow and is almost cross-legged, sleeping across the bed, rather than up and down in it. Crazy kid

Random goofiness!

Brothers, actually smiling and looking at the camera simultaneously. A rare moment that is for sure!

Tummy time!!!

Apparently John has only just recently started saying please, b/c this is a video of one of his first times (taken March 22). I thought it had been a lot longer than that!

This is one of my favorite things Ben does. He's been doing it for a few months now, and I finally caught it on tape!