Just in time.....

We got Bug's pictures before we leave for Wisconsin. I hope that these will tide our loyal family and friends over until we return!

Kendall's 3 year portraits

(and my personal favorite)

10 months old

I simply cannot believe that Isaac is already 10 months old. The time really does fly even if it doesn't feel like it at the time!
Isaac is currently sick. (He goes to the docotor today but we are thinking ear infection.) We leave tomorrow for Wisconsin so I can imagine that a flight with a baby with an ear infection is going to be crazy!
He says Dada, mum-ma, and a few other syllables. He has mastered crawling and is into everything! He likes to tool around in his walker and pull up on things but will not move his feet to walk unless he is in the walker!
Isaac still has 2.5 teeth. (That first one has still not descended!) He like his big sister LOVES to brush his teeth.
Speaking of his big sister, Isaac lights up when he sees Kendall. Heaven help her she is going to have a little shadow here in the not too distant future!
Besides all of that, Isaac has an adorable little dimple that comes out when he smiles or giggles.

The only pictures from the 4th of July weekend

Ben trying to keep the kids entertained

A family walk on Thursday before I doubled as one of the couch cushions for the weekend.
We started off the weekend trying to mail Bethany's birthday present....after 2 unsuccessful trips their faces kind of sum up what I wanted to do!

Blog hop

One of my favorite pictures of Ben and I

I was very resistant to starting this blog because I was afraid that it would be hard but it has become such a fun journey for me. I love my family and friends so this is a fun and easy way to show them that. (Not to mention we have family and friends flung far and wide due to the Marine Corp so it makes it easy to keep everyone updated.) This is my first time participating in the blog hop so bear with me!

This week, on TUESDAY, 7/7/09, the theme is A FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPH. Post up one of your favorite photographs and a caption that tells the audience about it. Here is a sample: http://mcklinky.blogspot.com/2009/07/mcklinky-photo-blog-on-tuesday-sample.html Do not change any part of this snippet of code except for this paragraph only.... replace the text that falls between (and includes) the opening and closing asterisks. Be sure to enter your own link to your own blog hop post as soon as the blog hop starts!***

The blog slacker

Hey all!
So long time no post....I ended up being way sick this past weekend so I had to bow out gracefully of putting anything creative up here. I am feeling better but my poor little buddy is feeling under the weather now.
We had a low key 4th with me being down on the couch or in the bathroom. Ben's friend Jared had invited us to a BBQ that we were planning on going to but obviously fell through the cracks. We sat on the front porch and watched the fireworks in the distance. Kendall was super excited and has requested that she have them at her next birthday party. What a girl!
Speaking of that little gal, Kendall had her 3 year well check up today. She did great esp since she got her BP done for the first time and a few other things. The PA rocked! I absolutely loved her & I am super glad that they have started getting some fresh blood in there. Kendall is 38 inches tall (80%) and is 31 pounds (75%). Healthy as a horse!
Speaking of horses....hee,hee. The animals had their well check-ups today as well. Geronimo is tipping the scales at 122, Jordan at 77, and Kahlua at 13 pounds. Now that our circus visit is done we are extremely grateful!
Let's see what else.....hmmmm that has me stumped so I am going to sign off for now!

"The way we get by"

The Way We Get By - Trailer from The Way We Get By on Vimeo.

I just came across this and wanted to share the movie trailer. I am sure that y'all have seen the commericals of the airport where the troops are greeted with salutes, hugs, free phones, etc. This happens in Bangor, Maine & they are making a movie about it. I am not sure how the movie will be but I know that every time I see one of those commercials I cry. Hope you enjoy the trailer!

Giving Thanks

As I was just sitting out on the yard swing this morning holding Kendall in my lap, I was thinking how peaceful I felt. I came inside to tackle the mounds of laundry that we had left over from the beach last week & started to get grumpy. So then I thought about it and decided I was going to be Thankful today.....

Thankful for....

• laundry left over from fun times with my family
• packing to go and see Ben's family in less than a week
• cleaning up MANY toys because it means that my kids are happy
• crawling babies (even though he is into EVERYTHING now) because it means Isaac is healthy & hitting his milestones
• odds and ends left out by my husband because he is here and not deployed or detached somewhere
• And as always my family and friends because you guys rock!
  
  

Birthday party & ChickFilA

Kendall had a very happy and blessed birthday! Thank-you to all for your well wishes, cards, presents, coming to her party, and for just being awesome friends! Here are a few pictures from her special few days.....

On her actual birthday Kendall got her 3 year portraits taken. (I will post those when they are available.) When asked where she wanted to go for lunch, she immediately said "I know....ChickFilA!"

Enjoying ice cream
Of course we had to play at ChickFilA too!

The pinata at Kendall's party....isn't it amazing that whacking your favorite character is a big part of children's bday parties?

Concentrating hard on getting those candles out!

Poor girl was so cold from the pool!

I think that the adults enjoyed the bouncy house just as much if not more than the kids!

Ben got me in action....his were too blurry!

Kendall and I have put this puzzle together a few times now. Thanks Sarah, Judd, & girls!

The infamous Dora cake!

Kendall not happy to have her picture taken before church and her party!

Happy 3rd Birthday sweet girl

From the moment you were born you have brought light into our lives

With every passing day you bring a new emotion & favorite memory

Happy 3rd birthday Princess Kendall!

Mommy, Daddy, & Isaac love you!

Little girl pigtails

dimples and hugs

nothing quite like

a little girls LOVE.

I loved you from the very start, You stole my breath, embraced my heart. Our life together has just begun, You're part of me my little one. As mother with child, each day I grew, My mind was filled with thoughts of you. I'd daydream of the things we'd share, Like late-night bottles and teddy bears. Like first steps and skinned knees, Like bedtime stories and ABC's. I thought of things you'd want to know, Like how birds fly and flowers grow. I thought of lessons I'd need to share, Like standing tall and playing fair. When I first saw your precious face, I prayed your life be touched with grace. I thanked the angels from above, And promised you unending love. Each night I lay you down to sleep, I gently kiss your head and cheek. I count your little fingers and toes; I memorize your eyes and nose. I linger at your nursery door, Awed each day I love you more. Through misty eyes, I dim the light, I whisper "I Love You" every night. I loved you from the very start, You stole my breath, embraced my heart. As mother and child our journey's begun, My heart's yours forever little one.

You're the end of my rainbow, my pot of gold.
You're mommy's little girl, to have and hold.
A precious gem is what you are.
You're mommy's bright and shining star.
You're sugar, you're spice,
You're everything nice,
And you're mommy's little girl.

You know you love your husband when.....

you let your son wear this outfit!

Since I adore Ben so much & Kendall and Isaac have a bunch of Steeler & Pirate gear I thought that I would show you this isolated occurrence that we have a son wearing Cowboys!

A few of my favorites from Emerald Isle

Stay tuned for our memories & a slide show of the rest of the pictures

Kendall was excited for pictures for a change
With Grammy and Pappy

Hot tubbing

Just us

At the aquarium

This one is for Andrea! Kendall loved having planes on her shirt and wanted to make sure everyone could see Isaac's too! Thanks again!

Goofy family portraits

"Swimming"

Sunbathing

Playing in the sand is serious business

Back to life.....

.....back to reality!
We are home from the beach and full swing into the last minute details of Kendall's birthday party for tomorrow. Am I crazy? Hmmmm.....yes I think that I might be!
We had a blast with my parents, sister, and brother in law. I think that my sister was a little leery about Emerald Isle at first (even though it is still part of the outer banks). She gave her seal of approval & agreed that it was much better and the beaches less crowded.

As this adventure comes to a close, we are gearing up for our Wisconsin trip in less than 2 weeks to see the Schwalbe/Denton side of the family. Stay tuned for more memories and pictures to come from Emerald Isle.

Happy Father's Day!

Just wanted to wish all of the special men in my life a Happy Father's day!
Benny, Dadoo, Pa Beach, and Pappy

Vacation

We are pleased to say that our vacation to Emerals Isle, NC with my parents, sister, and brother-in-law begins today. Pictures to follow!
Thanks JT and Kelly for watching the animals and house!