My kids

Here are some pictures of the kids from this last week.

Stetson is 4 1/2 months old. Carley is 23 months and Colton is almost

3 1/2  months.

Grandpa Hewitt

Uncle Carson

Earthquake

Well, the troubles with me and my sick children last week are minute considering that so many people in Haiti are suffering at this very moment! I can not even fathom what my sister and the people of Haiti are going through. It's got to feel like the end of the world to see and witness so much chaos! They are doing all they can to help anyone in need. Every life saved and every life helped is important! If I didn't have three children of my own, I'd be there in a heart beat! Please, anyone thinking of actually going there, I encourage you to step out in faith, do whatever you can. If you don't have a passport... get ONE! If you doubt what the Lord is doing, think about all the missionaries there whose homes are miraculously still standing!!!!! How else does that happen? Do you think that is a coincidence? I don't know the Lord's plan or why this happened. But, I do know that good can come out of anything. Let's pray and believe that this is going to be a new beginning for this small country! That the lives that were spared will go on to make amazing differences in this world. The Lord has a plan and a purpose for each and every one of us!

Please consider donating as much as you can to help the people and children of Ruuska Village. I posted a link on the side of my blog where you can send money through paypal which will directly go to the mission. Thank you so much for your prayers and support!!

God Bless you all <><

It's a new and exciting year!!!!!

(click pictures to enlarge)

on Uncle Bill's snowmobile

Stetson - 4 months old

Relaxing with Daddy


Sibling happy times.

Sleeping in my seat!

At the hotel near Minneapolis.

Enjoying every last moment!

Just wanted his picture taken :)

Bath time all at once now.. (sometimes)

Our family was together for 14 days! I can't believe Christmas came and went so fast! I can hardly believe it's 2010 already; so much has happened the last 10 years of my life! It was just 10 years ago that I moved to Colorado to pursue my dream of being a professional horse trainer. I've had the opportunity to work with many wonderful people;: new friends and old! For those of you who don't know- I spent the last five years in California, where I trained horses, worked for an Equine Veterinarian and most importantly- met my husband at Green Valley Community Church. After we got married we made several long trips around the states delivering horses together, started having babies of course, and now find ourselves in the beginning of our next phase in life as an Army family!

Two weeks from now we should be finding out Sean's orders!!!!!!WHOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOO Did I say that? TWO WEEKS! The suspense is killing me!!!!!!!! Do I want to know if he's leaving for 15 months?  .. not really! But I'd love to know if we are going to be stationed somewhere together! At least I could prepare myself for what's to come, or again? do I want to know? I am kind of getting use to the whole NOT knowing anything... being patient and just going with the flow. I guess I better if I'm in this for the long haul. So back to the last 10 years! I just wonder what the next 10 years will bring. Wow.. 2020... YIKES! I'll be almost 40 instead of almost 30! I will have been married 15 years! My oldest child will be 13 going on 14...I'll have a teenager in the house~! Who knows where we will be... Hawaii, Alaska, Germany???? Time will tell....

Here are some cute pics of the kids I took the last two weeks. They are growing fast right before my eyes! Stetson will be four months old on the 8th! I'm enjoying every moment.. ok maybe not every.. but most moments! They are all sick right now.. so it's been a long day!

I started making time for "ME" every day! Doing post-natal work-outs while the kids are napping... I've lost 3 1/2 pounds in the last two months. I've pretty much lost all my baby weight from Stetson.. but my goal is to be what I was at our wedding and to be toned! Although, that can be challenging when it's cold outside and I can not run! So, I guess I'll stick to my work-out and eating healthy!

Christmas 2009

Was a wonderful Christmas for the King family. I had a hard time refraining from the thought that there is a possibility we wont be together next Christmas. But, I keep thanking my wonderful Jesus for ALL the time we have together. Each moment is so precious. As of tonight, I only have two more nights with Sean before Saturday morning when I drop him off. This will be our fourth goodbye since August 17th. Colton, Carley, and Stetson have enjoyed their time with Daddy very much!

Carley is constantly trying to keep everyone's eyes on herself; by either being darn cute or very mischievous! She is learning how to share and how to "be nice" to her little brother. The two things you don't want to mess with are Carley's blanky and "baba-sippy". She thinks she is a real big girl now that she can go potty by herself.. including pulling her own pants up and dumping her "potty" into the big potty chair. The only time she'll let me help her is when she is completely frustrated and unable to get her two legs out of one pant leg! Then, she'll happily let mom help! I'm still trying to figure this little stinker out! It's good she is about the cutest little thing I've ever seen! She is also learning that pony tails are cute and get her some attention. She will actually sit still long enough for me to fix her hair.. as of last week!

Colton is just adorable. I must brag just a little. Tonight he had to walk around the room and give every single person a gentle hug and say "I love you"... he couldn't forget one person! He helps me do everything from put away clothes and dishes, to entertaining Stetson with toys and giving him his pacifier. He is busy with his siblings, helping Mommy, and also likes to learn. He is learning his alphabet  and almost has it mastered! He's learning shapes, colors, and all that fun stuff. He enjoys being praised for doing well. A little of that goes a long way with him...but even if I forget...he continues to try his best. He still looks up to Daddy and thinks he hung the moon. He loves him and tells him constantly. He is already saying he wants to be a soldier too!

Stetson is 16 lbs, 1 oz already and 25 1/4 inches long. He is changing daily. He is starting to like to hold things in his hands and smiles so easily. He loves to watch his brother and sister play and loves to be kissed and loved on. Even though I've had three babies so close together... I feel like when he smiles at me.. it's the first time all over again. His dark hair is turning light. I still wonder if it'll go back to dark. I'm sort of hoping.. so that I can have a blonde boy and a dark boy- both with blue eyes.

Well, Sean was home and we enjoyed spending two whole weeks together as a family in our new apartment. It's been cold in Northern Minnesota. During the storm last week the weather was nice, but this week is below zero. Sean has been having fun snowmobiling with my uncle Bill. Colton keeps asking to go too.... he won't let dad forget how fun that was. I think he likes to go fast just like his daddy. I'm enjoying staying indoors where it is warm and cozy; although, I'm having to figure out better ways to lose weight. I've lost all my weight from Stetson, but if I could lose six more pounds I'd be back to where I was before Colton was born. Hopefully, I can continue to work out and eat good to accomplish my goal. I just don't have a treadmill and am NOT going to run outside... so we'll see what I come up with!

We still have not heard where we will be stationed. We should be finding out shortly! We can't wait to know! I'm continually learning to be patient. 2010 will continue to bring many changes to our family... I can't imagine. Sean and I are praying that we get to stay together for the adventure, but will take each phase one step at a time; even if that means fighting for our country!

Happy New Year to ALL!

Love the Kings~

Mom and Stetson Visting Daddy!

I'm up to twelve thousand miles in three months on my new mini-van. Stetson and I drove to Missouri to see Sean over Thanksgiving. The little guy did awesome in the car. We drove to my aunt Kim's house in Guthrie Center, Iowa the first day... it was a 10 hour drive and I only stopped four times to nurse Stetson. So, we made pretty good time. I got to Ft. Leonard Wood the next evening at 4:30 p.m. and checked into the hotel on post. I got to see Sean for a few minutes at the barracks, but he couldn't stay with me until Thanksgiving Day. I picked him up at 12:30 pm after he had his meal with the rest of the group on Thursday. We spent three full days together! It was really nice for Sean to have the time to bond with Stetson. Sean had pretty good luck getting him to smile and giggle! I had mixed feelings about leaving the other two home.. but, I'm really glad I did as Sean, Stets, and I had a very relaxing time. We rented movies, went out to dinner, had some long walks, and worked out at the gym. Needless to say, it went way too fast, but I'll be picking him up in Minneapolis on December 18th and he'll be here with my family and I until January 2nd. His graduation from AIT is on the 27th. Hopefully, this month we'll find out about his orders. I can't wait to actually KNOW where we will be living! I'm still learning to be patient..... never ending.

With talk of sending more soldiers to Afghanastan, I thought I would really start to stress but the Lord has given me complete peace in this situation. I know He will take care of us and has a perfect plan. I know life is never predictable, and I am willing to accept whatever the Lord has for us. I believe we are following His plan... in saying that, I also believe this was part of His plan long ago for our family. My love for Jesus and my love for my husband is only getting stronger. I know deep in my heart that I have married the man God intended for me! Each time I see him I am reminded how very wonderful he is, not just as my husband, but as the father of our children. It's amazing to me (coming from a large family) that Sean is so good even with the babies, since he didn't grow up taking care of them. I guess the Lord knew that we'd have lots of children... .. I thought we may be done, but when I have such content babies I know I can't possibly be done after just three. :-) God might have other plans!

Stetson weighed 16 pounds this week, he'll be 14 weeks old already on Tuesday! He is so calm and happy, as you can see. It's hard to remember the other two at this age, I just don't remember them smiling this much! He is just a pure joy to have around!

Family Day at Fort Jackson, South Carolina

Our trip to see Sean after being apart for three months!

Got my hair colored... can you even tell?

After driving for two days... we finally took

the time to stop at a Cracker Barrel for breakfast.

We left Mom and Dad's house Sunday night...so I could

drive while the kids slept.

The kids slept so much in the car that I

have to say they did really well for a 1600 mile road trip!

This is Carley the morning of Family Day! She had a good, long

night's sleep!

After sitting through a briefing two hours long
on Thursday morning, we finally saw each other.
I was on post to get my pass the night before, but Sean
couldn't leave the barracks until Thursday morning. It was very surreal
to finally being there!!!!!!!! I finally felt as though I was part of the Army Family.

Lots of hugs, kisses and smiles!

I couldn't resist buying Colton ACU's like his Daddy!


JESSICA, my wonderful sister who I could not have
traveled without! What a sweet, caring girl!
I LOVE YOU, SIS!

Phase one is finally over! YIPPEE........... :o)

The Sale Barn

Uncles Carson and Marshall

Stetson's first cattle sale

Always lovin' on Momma

Silly Boy

As you can see, we had a fun day at the sale barn with uncles Marshall and Carson. It had been a few years since I drove a load to Bagley. It was fun to haul cattle again. Colton really enjoyed the cat-walk and watching wild bulls and cows try to attack the guy in the ring. He also had fun just hanging with his uncles and munching on good treats! Stets was great and slept through most of it!

Trip to Fort Jackson~ Family Reunion

1st Battalion 13th Infantry Regiment, E Company, 2nd Platoon- "Outlaws".....
Saying goodbye.......

The kids and I had a wonderful four days with Sean. My sweet sister, Jessica, came with me to help with the kids. I could not have traveled almost 4000 miles without her! I won't go on about how long and hard the trip was... I'll just say, we made it there safe and sound!

We got to Fort Jackson Wednesday night and checked into our hotel room. I left Jess with the two older kids and headed to post to get a weekend pass. To my surprise, while pulled over and nursing Stetson, Sean called!!! YIPPEE........... I hadn't heard from him since before I left for the trip. He had no idea how it was going or where I was! I said, "Guess what.... ??? I'm HERE!" He said, "NO WAY! You should drive by..." Well, we kept trying to make plans to see each other somehow... his plan was quite possible... He said I should walk by and ask directions while he took out the trash! But, we figured it wouldn't be worth losing family day privileges or not being able to graduate all together! So............... yes, I had to wait until 10 am the next day to see him. We got there early and had to wait a couple of hours, sit through a briefing and then go outside to find our soldiers among 1400 others. Good thing we have cell phones or I would never have been able to find him. When we first spotted each other I have to say it was like something in a movie.. (well, for me anyway) it was like I was seeing the man of my dreams for the very first time! (remember I've only seen one blurry picture of him the whole time!!!!!!!!) He was amazingly handsome! The worst part, was being a military wife.... or girlfriend.. we can't show public affection. So we had to keep that to a minimal hug... UGHHHHH!!!!!! So ... that had to wait! We had a wonderful day just driving around post talking. It was very surreal for me..... I was thinking, "THIS IS IT! I'm an official army wife... am I ready for this?????? Everyone is so strict and proper. I'm a farm girl who loves her man... willing to support him through everything." Does this mean I HAVE to learn the Army way? I'm already learning a lot of acronyms, etc... but there is so much it's overwhelming. I suppose I will catch on soon.

After waiting in line forever to get our lunch at Taco Bell, we put the kids in the van for their nap and drove around post for a couple of hours. After they woke up we took them to the park where Sean was able to interact with them for a couple more hours. Sean had to be back to the barracks by 19:30. Then, wake early for graduation the next day. That was fun as well.. but of course we had to get there OVER an hour early.. so the kids were great until right when it started. Oh well.. such is life.... kids jumping around, screaming, fighting, crying, laughing, talking and just being kids! Gotta love 'em! As soon as it was over I drove over to Sean's barracks where we waited for him to bring all his things out. We loaded everything up and took off for Georgia. We spent the night at my aunt Karen's house and then headed to MO the next day... we got two hotel rooms in Kentucky... one for Jess and the kids and one for Sean and I and Stetson. The next day we drove to Fort Leonard Wood, MO... not sure it was going to be our final goodbye or not. We found Sean's barracks, checked him in and then we ate dinner together, but unfortunately, he had to stay and we had to get a hotel off post. Saying goodbye was not fun of ... because after talking to one of the sergeants he said Sean couldn't get weekend passes for at least three weeks! But we also found out that he'll probably get a few days off for Thanksgiving. So, that will be my next trip down, even if I can only visit him on post it's better than nothing and I CANNOT WAIT!

Anyway... I'm glad to be off the road, rested up and ready to start running again. Hopefully this beautiful weather keeps coming.

Sean was so excited to see his new son! He loves his children so very much, it breaks his heart not to be with them every day as they are growing, changing, and doing new things all the time. Colton and Carley were both all over him with constant hugs, kisses and jabbering about everything! It was so nice to have Daddy back for a little while.

We love you Daddy.... see you soon :-)

PS. Sean will be starting his actual AIT on Tuesday. He has nine weeks of training and then another two weeks more of combat training after graduation. So, he'll be done late January.

Slideshow coming soon.....

Halloween Party with Grandma and Bob

Stetson was about 8 weeks old on Halloween this year. Colton, Walker and Hannah all dressed up for a little party at Grandma Bev's house. Had a nice dinner and visit with both Grandma and Bob. It was fun visiting with Bob since he retired from the Army!

Missing my Sean....

I can't believe how long ago it was that I last saw Sean outside the hotel in down town Sacramento. It's been just over 10 weeks! But it seems like it's been MONTHS...... I miss him sooo much! I knew I would.... but it seems like I miss him more with each passing day. I must say it's kind of fun writing letters, it's kind of old-fashioned.... and something we've never had to do before. I think we are getting to know each other on a deeper level. Not to say we weren't in love like that before.. but it just keeps getting better!

Sean suprised me and called on Friday. He said I need to take him to AIT at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. SO... I canceled my plane ticket to SC so that I can drive our mini van. I'm learning how quickly things can change in the military. We never know when things are going to happen, when our next phone call will be.. or how to plan anything. I sure hope this is the final plan! If it all works out... I'll see him for family day on Thursday and graduation is Friday at 10 am for his company. We leave for MO Friday afternoon and hopefully, after he checks in on Saturday night we can be together through Sunday too! That means we'll have four days together!!!!! So after that great news and a 20 minute phone call... he called again on Friday and we got to talk for another half hour. He is still squad leader... he passed his final PT test. Out of 300 he got a 268. He was hoping to do even better but was happy with that. He said he ordered some t-shirts including a onsie for Stetson that says "Future Soldier" He can't wait to meet little Stetson and see the other kids too! He said training was easier than he thought it would be.... he said a lot of guys improved a lot... he stayed about the same the whole time and he hasn't gained or lost a pound. I think it's because he was in such good shape when he left... he was working so hard physically. It was just great to hear his voice again and hear that he's doing so well. It's encouraging to me and reminds me that this is all worth it... we both know this is what the Lord wants for our family. I'm just learning to live one day at a time, every day is a new day and every day is one day closer to being together :-)

I'll be packing up the van in five days! South Carolina.. here I come! I just have to cancel a couple more reservations, I've printed my maps... just need to pack and load the car!

One month old..........and 13 lbs

Today is Stetson's one month birthday and our four year wedding Anniversary. It has been four wonderful years of marriage. I have to say I LOVE YOU SEAN, you are the Love of my life... I am so glad God brought us together and I look forward to every new year to come :o)

I'm really sad that Sean hasn't seen Stetson yet... I keep sending him pictures though and in 25 days they will meet for the first time! I decided to only bring Stetson to Sean's graduation. I think it would be a really long trip for the other two and just to turn around after two days and drive back, would be really hard. I could bring someone with.. but at the same time.. it would have to be someone that could drive since I'm nursing... Also, this will give Sean and I more quality time together. I told Sean today when he called that I'll bring all the kids to MO the next week end. That is a much shorter drive.. but still 14 hours!!!!!!!!! YIKES! Well, I better get used to this... I knew Army life wouldn't be easy.. so what can I say?!!

This is my 50th post on my blog... I know that doesn't seem like many since I've had it for a few years now.. but hopefully I'll continue to update more often now that I'm online every day.

I have to say that life as a mother of three is very busy, different yet not what's its going to be like when I'm living away from family. I can't imagine doing this with out any help. It's still hard... especially at bed time. They are not all ready and tired enough to go to bed at the exact same time! Plus now that it's getting cold outside they can't play outside as much. I think it helps a lot when they can play outside and wear off energy. I am getting time out though and my sister Mallori has been great! She is helping me to get into shape. I am really excited about that. I only have three pounds left to lose to be at my pre-pregnancy weight.. but I was heavier going into this pregnancy.. so I'd still like to lose another 10 pounds after that. My goal was to lose it all by the time I see Sean...hopefully Ill get close to that. I've been jogging a mile every day and then walking a little on top of that.. and also doing some exercises as well. I hope to get up to two miles of jogging in the next couple of weeks. I don't see how I am ever going to lose the loose skin on my tummy.. but Mallori says it is possible. So, I'm trusting that she is right.. I just have to keep doing the things she's teaching me! Thank you Mallori..... I LOVE YOU!