Seven months...

Kelly is now seven months into his deployment. Or, 217 days if you prefer. Only (only? yeah right) 148 to go.

Not that I'm like, ya know, counting or anything...

Pookie

This is Pookie, my parent's cat. (Well one of them, hee hee). He is 16 years young. He was born my Senior Year of High School. His mom dropped him while trying to cross Fresno street, and my dad rescued him. He is my mom's baby and runs the house.

Easy Riders

My kids are crazy about my dad's Harley. It wasn't starting, so he let the kids help him out getting it going again. This helping entailed Kenneth holding the wrench, and I think Julia got to clean off some cables. Then he let them get on it to take some pictures (trust me he doesn't let many people do that, hee hee) I think they are naturals, must be in their DNA.

If this is any indication of what we have in store for us, we are SO going to LOVE the teenage years!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. We were able to spend time with both sides of the family, which was great. We started off with my mom and dad, and had an amazing dinner and such a great visit. My mom's pumpkin pie is truly epic, as my rear end also feels quite "epic" after all I consumed that day. Back on the healthy lifestyle boat though and moving on. A big thank you to my beautiful daughter Julia for making the table decorations.

Late in the afternoon we went over Kelly's sister Joyce's home and spent time with the other half of the family. So many people to visit with, it was fun to catch up. Kelly was able to call and speak with many of his family members so that was great.

It was tough being without Kelly for sure. I was able to focus on the fact that he will be here for his R&R in a few short weeks, and we will all have a wonderful Christmas and New Years together. Then he will go back to finish up the final stretch of his tour and we will have the end in sight.

Pismo Beach

So my mom, the kids, and I got to have a mini-vacay last weekend. My mom's company owns properties along the central coast (and beyond) and makes them available to the employees throughout the year. This is our 3rd year going over to the beach with my mom for a few days, so it is starting to be a bit of a tradition I guess.

We had 80 degree weather, clam chowder, and salt water taffy. The kids loved the beach and digging in the sand with their shovels. We also went to the "Butterfly Grove" where they estimated there were 12,000 monarch butterflies that day.

Unfortunately I only have pictures from the 1st day, as my camera drowned in the Pacific after these pics were taken.

Veterans Day

My mom, the kids, and I celebrated Veterans Day by attending the big parade in Fresno. Apparently Fresno has the biggest Veterans Day parade west of the Mississippi and it was televised on national TV.

It was really cool because the parade this year honored the U.S. Air Force. Yeah!

I am thankful for the men and women throughout our history who have served our country.

I am proud of Kelly for being so dedicated to the service of his country and for the sacrifices he is making right now.

I am humbled and amazed every day by the bravery and optimism of my children. It is important to remember that military kids serve this country as well.

I am thankful for the family and friends that are getting us through this.

Presenting....

The Youth Soccer League Under 8's "Silver Medalists"

THE SHARKS!!!

Julia's soccer team worked so hard and made it all the way to the championship match on Sunday. They all received Silver Medals from the League and masses of junk food from all the parents. I don't know what they were more excited about - but I am pretty sure Little Debbie was up there with the medals.

We are SO proud of our team - not just for coming in 2nd. Their teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication was remarkable for kids so young. Very, very supportive parents as well - not pushy and hyper (trust me we saw quite a few of "those" types on the other teams) just really "there" for all of the kids.

Thanks to Moses, Aundrea, and Marcos for being such excellent coaches for the kids.

Since the cats out of the bag... ;)

Wasn't completely forthcoming in my last entry. We had a very special visit from Kelly this weekend. He was only with us about 36 hours, but it was awesome. We were able to go trick or treating with him and he was able to come out to Julia's soccer game. It was wonderful to have those precious few moments with someone we love and miss so much.

I guess it's still a little emotional for me, and I wasn't quite ready to share it with the world yesterday when I made the entry.

Halloween Fun!

We had a blast! Julia was a "mermaid princess" and Kenneth was dressed in his desert BDU's - he dressed up as his Daddy. They were too cute!

We went with Chuck, Terrie, Melissa, Parker, Emma, and Sophia and some of their good friends. We had fun talking and trekking the neighborhood with them. Thanks guys!

More craziness!

Friday was crazy hair/mismatched clothes day at Julia's school. We had a lot of fun being creative. Julia even won a special prize for her crazy hair and clothes! She was so happy!