God Bless Skype

Monday, August 30, 2010

So, if you are unaware of Jake's coming home at this point, then you probably are reading this by mistake. We've shared the pictures, we've uploaded video, and expressed our relief at having our family complete again. Before redeployment (them coming home) we had heard many remarks on how kids will respond. A lot of the books, videos, experts warn parents that your kids might take a while to warm up to you, especially if they were babies when you left. We knew that the older kids and Gage would respond well, but we're unsure of Boyce. Boyce often talked to Jake on Skype and would always come running when I said we were going to talk to Dad. He often approached men timidly questioning, "Dad?" At the welcome home ceremony another soldier came and stood next to us and Boyce dropped his trains and said, "Dad?" yet again. When Jake finally was released I walked towards him carrying Gage and Boyce in my arms. When Boyce saw Jake, it was clear that he knew that this was his dad. He began squealing, saying "Da-da, Da-da, Da-da" over and over again and practically jumping out of my arms to get to Jake. When Jake took him Boyce wrapped his arms around his dad and gave him a huge hug. It was amazing to watch and can only described by the following pics that are perhaps my favorite of the day...

Whatcha Eating Under There?

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Enjoying some summer sun (finally) in our absolutely wonderful back yard!!!!

Losing track of time

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Life has been crazy lately. We've been stuck in a whirlwind of activity, which has successfully made it miraculously turn into the middle of July. We are quickly checking boxes off the calendar and anticipating the beginning of September. So, I've been really far behind on our blog but here are some pics from one of our current time suckers. What could possibly be so exciting?

Watching Karmen run of course!

Trying her skills at the high and long jump. She has gotten remarkably better over that last several weeks. Here she is running the 200. She usually places in two events each week. I don't take too many pics of Karmen though because she likes to smile at the camera as she is jumping or running so I had to stop!
Gage decided that he kind of liked running too and so I entered him into a few races and he loves it. Here he is with Manuel running the 100.
So Jake told me that I had to dress him up for his next track meet so here is as the running star. He also really enjoys standing behind the placement cones.
Poor Boyce just hangs out for five hours doing nothing except getting pieces of astroturf stuck in his eye!

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice!

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Poor Karmen! She spends her days surrounded by football, baseball and basketball...

none of which she cares for. She plays with trains and blocks and longs for someone to take interest in her barbies. Her mother is far from "girly"

This was a special night for Karmen. She has been in ballet since the fall. I know she is

not headed to Juliard

any time soon but ballet is "her" thing.

These pics are from her recital and here is the performance. Manuel isn't quite as talented with the video camera

so sorry for the turbulance.

Why my house and kids are never clean...

Sunday, May 30, 2010

I spent this last week making a cake for my friend's baby shower. I had so much fun doing it. I took the colors/theme from her bedding

and came up with this...

*Toot Toot*

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Yes, that is the sound of me tooting my own horn!

As is the point of this post. Here are some of my latest crafting ventures.

These are cupcakes that my friend and I made for another friend's baby shower using marshmallow fondant

I finally remembered to take a picture of the baby blocks that I've been making. This is the sixth set I've made and first that I've remembered to take pictures of.

This is a baby book that I made for a dear friend who lost her husband in September and gave birth to a baby girl in February. I didn't show the inside but I printed pictures onto fabric of Dad for Baby E to carry around with her. So the whole book was cloth and very baby friendly (even the buttons that were sewn on extra, extra carefully!)

And finally a chalk bag for my neighbor's little boy. He loves dinosaurs and they go rock climbing frequently so I wanted to incorporate the two. I got the pattern from here!

I have so much fun making these things that I am kind of sad when they are finished.

Not much time to spare though, I have a baby shower this weekend to prepare for!

Momma Mia!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Mother's Day is a tricky one when your spouse is gone. Fortunately Manuel picked up the ball on this one. He let me sleep in and made me waffles

And a locket he won at one of those games at the mall. He then tried it on his wrist and wondered how anyone would actually wear this and we decided to hang it from the rear view mirror on the van and then I'll save the earrings for a fancy occasion.
After church and naps we went to Point Defiance for a picnic dinner from Tatonka Takeout and enjoyed our warm, sunny day.

P.S. I made them wear their Easter outfits today since I was so horribly ill on Easter. I got some great pictures of them all together coordinating that will be shared at a later date.