This n' That

 Howard took the last week of summer break off.  We did some fun things, worked on a project, and took it easy. 

 

 Howard built an extra shelf in the laundry room.

 

 We went to the water park as a family and got a sunburn. We all wore sunscreen, we just forgot to re-apply.  I don't have any pictures of the water park because I didn't think it would be a good idea. Also, now that our kids our old enough to enjoy the big rides, we had a blast! Howard and I took turns with the big/little kids and had so much fun! Although, I think I had more time with the big kids, which meant I had more fun!

 Jack started pre-school.  No tears from him or I, it was a good day.

 

 Everyone was ready for the first day of school.  It was nice for Howard to be home and a part of all the activity in the morning. Luke even had a backpack on in this picture. He was MAD when everyone was dropped off and he wasn't!

 

 Ever since I took the kids to get their annual pictures taken a few weeks ago (it was a disaster for Luke), he has hated getting his picture taken. He's yelling at me for taking his picture here.

 

My helper.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

We were given baseball tickets a while ago and finally used them at the end of July.  OKC has a minor league team and their field is downtown. It's a really nice ballpark. I liked it because it wasn't huge like the Dodger's Stadium in California. I like to get in and out of places quickly.  Our seats were originally behind home base. I'll be honest, I don't really like baseball (or sports in general). I would much rather spend 3 hours in a museum than be at a sporting event.  I think the kids feel the same way. They enjoy plays, musical events, and museums almost as much as I do. It was hot and boring, so after the second inning, we decided to call it quits and go home. Half-way out of the park we noticed a knoll across the field...and it had a playground. We ventured over there and ended up staying the whole game. There were fireworks at the end, but they were right over the knoll, so we had to move. Instead of going back to our seats, we sat in the nosebleed section (it was empty) and we had a great view of the fireworks (and a wonderful breeze). We wanted to sit close to the exit so we could get out quickly. With 4 kids, you always need an exit plan. Sometimes I feel like Jason Bourne searching for a quick escape.

The grassy knoll

It's easier to enjoy the game when you are not confined to hard seats.

Playing with Daddy.

 Our sanity!

Jack met some teenage girls and he chatted with them all night. He's a ladies man!

The fireworks!

Happy Birthday & Baptism

  2 weeks ago we went to my sister's house and brought home her girls for the week. We planned it so they would be here for Erin's birthday and my sister came to pick up her girls and came to Erin's baptism. This was not a "birthday party year", but we had an enjoyable time. 

Erin only received a couple of presents, but her Taylor Swift concert tickets (for October) really sent her into a whirlwind! Shock, excitement, happiness! Good call on Mom and Dad's part. (It also means we have less toys to pick up.)

 She requested chocolate cake this time. Thank you Duncan Heinz for making it special!

Howard's father, Sam, is visiting for Erin's baptism.  The kids adore him and love the stories he tells.

I loved having my sister and her family visit, but their visits are always too short. They each have a little thing called a job, so I guess I'll let it slide.

Erin was radiant in her dress! I'm so happy Lisa french braided her hair (since I don't know how to). It made life easy after she was dunked.

Our attempt at a family picture. Luke was on the other side of the foyer. Who knows what Jack is trying to do? Howie was trying to avoid Erin. This is a typical family photo!

 Erin's dear friend, Danielle, was also baptized. It was her actual birthday and I'm so happy they could share this day together.

Summer Fun

 Several weeks ago I took the kids down to the Chickasaw National Rec. Area. We had a nice time! We've done lots of other things this summer, I just gave up taking my camera everywhere.

What I've been up to

Clearly I'm not the greatest blogger these days, but I'm a pretty good Mom.

EXCEPT when I let my brother-in-law babysit...

...or when he passes gas.

 

 ...or when I'm distracted by 5 other kids and the littlest one gets into the makeup.

I just got back from my sister's the other day and brought home two souvenirs; her daughter's. We love having the girls here, but it has given me a taste of more kids.  It's testing my limit slightly.  I went to the Natural History museum today and it seemed like I spent the whole time counting six heads to make sure no one got left behind in the previous exhibit.  We had a nice time and I loved not having a stroller to push around. Luke is a great walker when it comes to things like that.  I get annoyed when I see 4-6 year old children being pushed in a stroller. They have legs and should use them!

Happy Anniversary, Father's Day, and Birthday Howard!

So this is my life, every year between June 17th-22nd. 

Anniversary

Father's Day

Howard's Birthday

All of these photos are "old", but since I didn't take one single photo this past week, it'll have to make do. Enjoy!

Anniversary

This is from our trip to Tokyo in 2008.

 We've been married 11 years now and in spite of our short engagement and some skeptics, we're still married! So there [sticking out tongue]!

Father's Day

Howard's a great Dad. He loves his kids and isn't afraid to show it!  

Here are just a few things that make him a special Dad...

He has given all of our newborn babies their first "bath" in the hospital. One time a nurse was going to do it and after some coercing, Howard finally got his way and took over!

He teaches the kids how to tie their own shoes.  

 He teaches the kids how to ride a bike.

He is very involved in Cub Scouts and supports Howie very much in this endeavor.

Happy Birthday

Howard recently turned 34. I love him dearly and here are just a few reasons why...

 He is my personal handy man and is very good about completing his "honey-do" lists.

  

 He serves his country proudly and does a great job supporting his family too!

He buys things for me...like a house.

He's there for me when I need him most and loves me unconditionally.

Adoption Update

Many of you have expressed an interest in our adoption journey.  So here you go...

We were having home visits with a sweet young girl, age 11.  She was well behaved,  kind, and got along well with the children.  On paper she was perfect for us.  We ended up having about 4 visits with her, 2 day and two overnight visits, as well as meeting with her therapist.  Even though everything seemed right on the surface, something just wasn't "clicking".  I still can't quite explain it, but after careful thought and prayer we have decided to stop visits with her. 

Of course there are underlining issues that are private that were a factor and with those we felt we were not equipped to handle the amount of attention and care that she deserves.  It is our hope and prayer that she is matched with another family quickly so that she can have the family life she desires.

As we began this journey, we have constantly reminded ourselves that it is the Lord's will and not ours.  We will do our part (and endless paperwork) and the Lord will provide...or he will not.  Sometimes "not providing" is His answer.  Time will only tell and we will accept whatever the outcome. 

With this we are considering the foster care route as well as traditional adoption.  Once again, we will have more DHS appointments and paperwork.  Hopefully we can make some progress before another deployment slows us down.

Under the Bed!

I was putting away clean clothes in the boy's room during nap time...but Luke was no where to be found.  It must be a two year old boy thing...because Howie and Jack would do this same thing!

Jack under Howie's bed, 2009.

  

Howie under my bed, 2004

This is a picture of a picture because 1) my scanner is not working and 2) our computer crashed in 2007 and I lost the digital copy.

New Mexico

Our nephew, Tobey, graduated high school last week, so we took a trip down to Las Cruces, NM for a quick visit with family.  Most of the trip consisted of hanging out at the pool with family.  The Parkes family is really trying to get rid of our terrible farmer's tans.


 

 

Pic #1, Jack getting ready to hit Luke
Pic #2, after the fact
Pic#3, keeping Luke quiet

  

Luke LOVED the pool.  He had no fear by the end of our trip.  To some extent, I wasn't happy about that, because I think that a healthy dose of fear can keep kids safe.  We had to watch Luke extra to make sure he stayed safe!

Here Luke is counting on his fingers with Howard before he jumped into Daddy's arms.

Notice Jack...he hung out near or on the stairs the whole time.  He has an unhealthy dose of fear when it comes to swimming.

I have a feeling Luke will be swimming independently before Jack.

Erin had a blast!

 Silly boy!

 My favorite picture of the grad with his brother, Tommy.

 Luke did so well potty training on our trip.  I wasn't going to press the issue, but he insisted.  He actually stayed dry they whole drive home.   I can't say the same now that we are back home.  It's like he forgot what a toilet is!   Luke is mad at me while I took this picture...he's not going #2.

 One morning we went down to Old Mesilla and looked at the shops.  This mini mug is in memory of my mom.  She had a huge mug collection.

 Jack was so excited when he saw this picture frame.  He thought it was a TV leapster. 

Another day we drove out to Elephant Butte Lake.  It was AWFUL! The wind was so bad that we left after about 45 minutes even though it was a 90 mile drive each way. Howard said it was comparable to the wind and sand in Iraq. We ended up getting stuck and having to be towed out (so thankful for the angels who had a tow hitch to get us out), and had our picnic in the van because it was unbearable.  We salvaged the rest of our day by swimming in the hotel pool and going out for Chinese food.  If you notice in the above picture, the wind is really pushing on the tents and I took this picture from my van.  Luke and Jack were out of the van for about 5 minutes before they got back in.  You know it's bad when a toddler and preschooler would rather be in a vehicle than play in the sand at the lake.

The Organ Mountains as we left Las Cruces on highway 70. What a sight!  This picture doesn't do it justice! 

Sorry to the family members who were on the trip to NM and I didn't post your picture.  I tried to include everyone, but some of the pictures I have either didn't turn out or they were not flattering.  I thought you would appreciate that.  Sorry!