Battle Scars

We had an interesting Friday Afternoon. Trace had the day off and we were planning on attending a BBQ. Trace and the little man were getting ready to go and Beckett fell in the bathtub and busted his lip. He somehow managed to drive his top tooth completely through his bottom lip. I could tell right away that it was probably going to need stitches. So we cleaned him up and took him to the nearest children's hospital. This is our 3rd visit to this particular ER in a one month span. When we entered, the nurses had recognized Beckett from our prior visits. Trace asked if we could get a name plate to reserve a spot in the parking lot. The Doctor came in and examined him and explained how he was going to treat him, the next thing I know Trace and the Doctor are trying to one-up-one another by showing off their "Battle Scars" we were also listening to McCain announce his running mate on the TV which coincidentally was literally going on right down the street. They both start to weigh-in on what they like and don't like about each of our presidential candidates. when the Dr. leaves to go check on his other patients, Trace Say's to me...He's a little too laid back. Ha! You could have fooled me, You would've thought these two were good friends by the way they were carrying on in conversation. A nurse came in and numbed Beckett's wound with some numbing gel. I assumed they would have to papoose him to keep him still. Surprisingly Beckett laid there perfectly still with the doctor on one side, Trace on the other, he didn't make a peep, or try to get in the doctor's way. I wouldn't have believe it if I hadn't seen it myself. He's such trooper. Fortunately, it only required 4 stitches and only on the outside.(they had talked about stitching both inside and out) From the location you cant tell by looking at him that he even has stitches. so even if there is some scaring it won't be noticeable.

We Have Spirit....How about you?

Every Friday at Alden's school they have what's called "Spirit Friday". All the children are encouraged to wear the school colors, by doing so each class is awarded participation points by how many wear "Red". Later the points can be redeemed for class parties. This week my friend Heather made the cutest bows and gave them to Alden. It completed her outfit perfectly! (Thank you, Heather!) Alden commented on how they made her look like a cheerleader. Speaking of cheerleaders The night before our neighbor who has a daughter on the high school squad and had filled us in on a fundraiser they were doing at our local McDonald's and mentioned if we didn't already have dinner plans would we consider dining there to help the squad earn some money. The Cheerleaders were in front of the restaurant doing their cheer routines (I suspect to bring in more customers) as we were leaving, on our way to the car they asked if the girls were interested in learning some of the cheers. Alden jumped right in on this opportunity.She's been doing them ever-since. Maybe she'll follow in her Grandmother's footsteps. Both her Grammy Steyaert and Grandma Jonnie were cheerleaders. Mariah was interested but didn't have the confidence Alden has to do it in front of everyone. Of course I hadn't thought to bring my camera along so I didn't get any pictures. :(

My Visual DNA

Who let the dogs Out?

Saturday we took the dogs to the annual doggie dash-n-splash festival here in town where the pooches were the guests of honor. They were able to roam leash free and do some canine swimming. The boys (Toby and Hunter) were in dog heaven! We had a good time too! It's amazing no fights broke out, I was very proud of them! We had one dog in particular that kinda adopted us. He was a Black Labrador and reminded us of our beloved Jake. I would like to think that he really liked us...but the more I think about it, I think it may have been that we had a ball in hand! ha! I didn't get any pictures of Hunter he was too busy scoping things out.

Friday Night Lights!

There is nothing that says fall like FOOTBALL! There is just something nostalgic about high school football games. where music from the band fill the air, Popcorn can be smelled from the parking lot and excited fans sport their colors. It takes me back to a much simpler time of life. In the spirit of wanting to root on the hometown team we packed up the kids and went to our first football game here in Ohio. They are no strangers to the game, I think we've supported all our hometown teams in every place we have lived. What can I say... we love football! I had NEVER experienced anything like we did here when we pulled in to the parking lot and saw a BIG TRUCK used to transport the opposing teams band equipment! I knew we were in for a treat! We were impressed to say the least...the performance was stellar! I actually felt bad for the home team marching band to have to perform after such a grandiose performance. However, they held their own and put on a good show. Alden was mesmerized by the cheerleaders and would mimic their every move. Beckett would bop his head when the band would play and clap his hands and yell YAY on Que with the audience. We left during the 4Th quarter to beat the rush in the parking lot and we had to practically pull the kids away. They were having so much fun! I look forward to the days of knowing the kids that are playing in the game!!

Welcome to 5th Grade!

Welcome to 2nd Grade

Back To School...

Mariah was so nervous. Rightfully so! She's the new girl in town and in our town 5th grade is considered "Middle School" Which is scary enough! When I dropped her off my motherly instincts kicked in and I just wanted to stay and hang out with her for the day, Make sure she could find all her classes, Make sure she could open her locker, Make sure she made friends, Make sure she had someone to eat lunch with. Make sure, Make sure, Make sure... I know she will be fine, she's very well adapted, and she's very friendly it's just a matter of time before she has friends. I know this is just a growing pain that she'll have to endure (esp. being a military BRAT). But, it's not easy watching it from the sidelines!! Alden on the other hand could care less!!! I had to ask for a kiss goodbye as she was too busy for me!! humph. It's so quiet with just me and the B-man! I am enjoying every minute of it!!!

Unofficial Last Day Of Summer

We went to this amazing park yesterday as one last hurrah before school is back in session. It was so much fun. They had this awesome slide that was built up upon a small hill. The girls would sit on wax paper and FLY down to the bottom and run back up for another turn. They were treated to lunch at McDonalds and then all three went in for haircuts. It never fails, Alden always leaves the salon upset. She's growing her hair out to donate to locks of love so she basically just got the dead ends removed and her bangs trimmed. So, how bad could the poor lady mess it up. Her bangs are too short! She's also not shy about letting it be known that she's unhappy. It took a lot of coaxing and a bribe for some new cute hair accessories to convince her that she would be presentable for the first day of school!! I think we're ready...
New clothes....Check!
School supplies....Check!
New lunch boxes...Check!
New Shoes....Check!
Haircuts...Check!
Yep, We're all SET!!

I've been Tagged...

by my friend, Kiyoko!

What was I doing 10 years ago?
I was living at Beale AFB in California Celebrating my 26Th Birthday. Mariah was 6 months old and Trace was preparing for a remote tour to Korea.

What are five-non work things on my to-do list today?
Well, since the day is almost over I will list what's on my list for tomorrow.
Go to Church
Out to Lunch
To the Mall for shoes to finish off the back to school shopping
Target
a nap (hopefully!!!)

Snacks I enjoy?
Cereal
watermelon
Freeze dried Blueberry's from Sam's, (thanks, Cindy!)
Buttered Popcorn
M&M's
Cookies
Brownies

Things I would do if I were a billionaire.
Pay off our debts and the debts of our close friends and family
go on a nice vacation and invite all of our friends
Invest! Invest! Invest! and live off the interest.

Places I've Lived.
Cottonwood, AZ.
Duncan, AZ.
Flagstaff, AZ.
Tucson, AZ.
Yuba City, CA.
Beale AFB, CA.
Aztec, NM.
Las Vegas, NV.
Ellsworth AFB, SD.
Dayton, OH.

Jobs I have had.
Walmart Cashier
Bank Teller
Credit Union Teller
Receptionist/file clerk for an insurance office
Substitute teacher
2ND grade teacher
MOM

Who am I tagging?

Cindy
Heather

Queen for a day!

My family has gone above and beyond in making me feel like royalty on my birthday! It started with a delicious breakfast with Strawberry Waffles, Bacon and Eggs. I asked if I could forgo the "Breakfast-n-Bed" so that we could eat as a family. Mariah conferred that eating breakfast in bed when you're the only one there is pretty lonely. (I agree) I had many surprises that they had thoughtfully planned out for the day and spoiled me way more than I deserved, for sure! After they had prepared me dinner fit for a King (steak, potatoes,corn, Mexican cornbread) and every dish was cleaned I reflected on the day and thought how nice it was to not have to do ANYTHING from the planning and preparing of the meals, to cleaning the kitchen, to not having to change one single poopy diaper! Ahhh, life is GOOD! I asked if everyday could be my birthday?!?! Mariah replied...You know, mom, all princesses turn back into cinderella at the stroke of midnight to which an EXHAUSTED Trace added---except in your case, it's after the birthday cake. Everyone knows that the party's over once the cake has been eaten. he.he.he. O'well! It was fun while it lasted. Thank you to all the well wishers for your calls, cards, and emails, you have truly made my day more special. I am so blessed!

Happy Birthday, Grammy

We wish we there to help celebrate YOUR day! You're a beautiful person, inside and out! we're so blessed that you're a part of our family! We Love you very much!

Happy Birthday Valvee

My sweet, sweet, friend...How I love and Miss you, I hope you had a great birthday and all your birthday wishes come true!! MUAH!