Home Sweet Home

As much fun as I always have visiting family I must say it's finally nice to be home with my own family. I spent 6 weeks in Minnesota (sill need to blog about that trip) before Sean returned and came back to Texas for one month before he got here.  He got home September 6 and we left for another vacation just a couple weeks later.  Our trip to California included stops in Arizona and southern California before we made it to Placerville and Camino. 

We didn't have good luck hunting at all but I must say we had an incredible time :)

This is only SOME of the pictures from the trip! Way to many to blog!

Arizona

Swimming at Pano's and Denise's house (in September)

Our favorite place to shop CABELAS :)

Stuffed African Mammals

Newport Beach on a rainy day

Watching the Pelicans

Our hotel across from the Ocean!

Stopped to see his Dad on the way up the hill... he hadn't seen his mom or dad in over a year

Reading with Grandpa

Great Grandma Doris took us to Apple Hill

The kids had a blast in the hay bale maze and pumpkin patch

Planned to go on a run.. but I don't think it happened that day :p

When we were hunting we drove an area that was being logged.

 The piles were HUGE!

 Camo Buddies :)

 Spending an hour at the river was by far the most fun we 

had with "just us" we feel at home in the forest!

We celebrated Sean's 30th Birthday and his dad's birthday at Cattlemans with his parents, grandma

and grandpa, brother, and aunt Lisa and Uncle Chris and cousin Gavin.

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Colton and Sean's cousin Gavin (colton's 2nd cousin)

 Sean's favorite riding horse... He spend over an hour in the pasture

working with her and getting her to come to him. She was shown and broke to 

death.. but pins her ears when you catch her. She is coming along but still 

doesn't trust us enough.

Stetson had a blast running around on the farm.

We met up with our great friend Kim Herren Near L.A.

our cheapest but nicest hotel room that didn't even charge for the dog :)

 

 

 

 

 

 He gashed his eye and then I think he took this picture himself :p

Next is just random pictures from the World Zoo in Surprise Arizona where

we also had a blast!

My Man is HOME!

He's been home a week already and I finally got a video together today!  Check it out.. it's on the bottom of the page! Just turn off my other music that is playing first!

This day was long awaited and we couldn't be happier!


Welcome home to all the soldiers and Thank you so much for your service and sacrifice! God Bless you All!

Stetson Turns 2

We actually just celebrated both Colton and Stetson's birthdays. Colton's was last month but since Daddy wasn't home we waited to make the cake and celebrate both at one time. We didn't have a big party or invite any friends, since Daddy had only been home a few days and was still recovering from  really nasty cold/fever.  

I had taken Colton shopping last month.  So, we took all the kids out and got all of Stetson's toys and then Daddy picked up a hunting game for Colton that he had been wanting for quite awhile.  Needless to say, he's been sharpening up his shooting skills every since.  

I just keep looking over old pictures and reminiscing about all the memories. I just can't quite get over how fast they grow up. I love them ALL so dearly and then I wonder how much more does Jesus love them than I do??  And how on earth could anyone love them more than me??  I know as a mom we all get tired, irritated and cranky at time.  But I think about how sometimes God may be disappointed in us and how He still loves us. No matter what my kids do to drive me crazy... I still love them.  I try and trust Him, that know matter how many mistakes I make as a parent. They will still grow up and love Jesus. To me that is the most important thing a parent could ever teach their children. Love God and Love others!  IF I can do that.. I will feel as though I've done my duty as a parent.

Anyway.. I put together a short video of some pictures and videos of (click here) Stetson and turn off music at bottom of page!  I'm going to try to do one for each kid soon. But here is my baby... growing up way too fast~ 

Time is drawing near..........

Well, I still can't say when he's going to be home.  But I can tell you this... the time is drawing near!  And I am driving myself crazy trying to stay busy.  But then when I'm too busy I can't keep up with the house. So this viscous cycle starts 'cause when things get out of control in my home.. I go crazy!  SO.. my plan for the next several days is to stay close to home and get caught up.  I want to have the house in perfect order.. not because I need to impress my husband or anyone else.  BUT so that when Sean gets here... "I" can relax and spend quality time with Sean and not have anything to worry about. I know the kids will mess it up anyway.. but if the deep cleaning is done then the surface stuff wont take long to pick up. Sean keeps telling me "honey, I am not going to be looking at the house, I'm going to be looking at you".................ahhh he says the cutest things sometimes!  And it truly does help me to relax and remember what's important. Thank you Babe!

 So, I'm trying to decide if I should start freezing some meals and what foods is he going to want when he gets home!  His all time favorite is Mexican.. so I'm definitely stocking up those types of ingredients. Which is nice because they are EASY meals. Carley is excited to help me make the goodies and decorate!  Should be lots of fun and hopefully the time will go fast! I just can't wait to see the looks on the kids faces when they see their Dad for the first time in months!

 Church was amazing today. Several people accepted the Lord as their Savior! Last week I guess there were seven... not sure how many today!  But it's so exciting to see the Lord working!  There is nothing like seeing the hand of God move people! In Sunday School We celebrated our one year anniversary from when we started our class "The Overcomers"  I think every one of us teared up today.  W were talking about how the Lord has worked in all of our lives through the last year, with deployments, kids, marriage etc...  we were all able to see the big picture and how the Lord brought each one of us together in this group of supportive ladies. I could not have gotten through this deployment with out some of the amazing women. Recently one of our ladies had to PCS (permanent change of station) with her husband to Ft. Bliss.  We all missed her today dearly.  

After Sunday School and Church I went to pick up the kids from class.. to my wonderful surprise Stetson had a DRY PULL-UP.  Oh, the joys of parenting!  I see the light at the end of this tunnel and do I dare say I think he'll be trained by the time Daddy gets home?  oooh I hope sooo.....   He's so cute.. now when he has to go.. instead of saying potty or poo.. he actually says "Bathroom, Mommy"  but it sounds like Bah-froom! soo sooo cute!