Just Us!

Football!!!

2011-10-03T04:00:00.000-04:00

Will and Dade finally got to go to one of the West Point Black Nights Home Games. The Daddy/Dade time was much needed!

Michie Stadium

The Cannons that go off every touchdown that ARMY makes

The Cadets at the game

GO ARMY!!!

the greatest woman that ever lived

2011-10-02T04:00:00.002-04:00

This past June, My great Grandma was laid to rest. She had battled for many months, and had many ups and downs. This in my opinion was the best woman I ever knew. She raised me, and because of her I am who I am today! She was a person who was always there for you, NO MATTER WHAT, she never let you down. She was very honest, even if what she had to say was rude, but I didn't mind because I knew she told it like it was. This woman had been through so much in her life. She was married twice, had two children, was drafted to the Waves which was the female version of the Navy, while her husband was in the Navy. The stories that she told were always amazing, and they seemed like such journeys. I know I wasn't the only one that would say I could sit for hours and listen to them. I also know I am not the only one who will miss her. She was the sunshine int he lives o many. Great Grandma Haymond, you will be missed dearly, but I know you are healthy and no longer in pain. I knwo that you live with our heavenly father now, and I will see you again in the future, athough I feel like you are with me at times! I love you!

Rest In Peace dear angel

Jo-Ann Dailey Haymond

Born December 3, 1918 in Philadelphia, PA

Entered into rest June 12, 2011 in St. Petersburg, FL

<3 My great grandma holding my twin boys January 2008. That's 5 generations right there. <3

Finally to June of 2011... YAY!

2011-10-01T04:23:00.002-04:00

A girls day out.... Yep, just mommy, Nevaeh, Aunt Tiffany, and Savannah. We went to a Best Dressed Doll Tea Party. These girls always have such fun at these. This year Nevaeh and her dolly sported matching dresses!

Betty her dolly

Nevaeh and Betty

Nevaeh and Betty again

Vannah with her baby

The girls at the lunch that was prepared for them.

Vannah

Sorting her jewels

A bunch of the girls, their moms and Mrs. Jodi from the community office. She puts all these great things on for the community...

She LOVES cherries.

All made up... too bad she wouldn't let mommy help...

Tiffany and Vannah doing nails

Vaeh getting her nails done.

Yep, your GORGEOUS!

She is so darm cute!

Reading time... They read "Fancy Nancy"

All the girls that came!

Yes honey, thats Betty, I am sure she doesn't want a close up!

Nevaeh wanted to take a picture of her mommy and her Baby.

HIspanic Festival...

2011-09-30T16:09:00.000-04:00

I love living in a place that we are surrounded by history and different cultures. It helps us to teach our kids about both... Every year we atttend the hispanic festival and the Native American Festival... My kids LOVE both! I love that about my kids, they are so interested in so many different things! Cultures being one of them! Here are the pics we got of the Hispanic festival,

Dade, playing it cool, sitting back relaxing and drinking his bottle of water!

My kids love this stuff, I don't make it up!

Look at him tearing it up!

Best friends right there!

Gavin had no clue!

Ty tried to go rob everyone of their candy at the pinata.

All the kids up there getting their share!

Hahaha, needless to say, 3/4 of that candy ended up in the trash!

They are getting so big!

Treking back up the hill! Man that thing seems steep when pushing 60-some pounds in a double stroller... LOL!

A bunch of us standing around watching the dancers

The professional dancers that were hired.

He looks so little here...

Such best friends! This picture was def caught off guard!!!

FRG meeting

2011-09-29T16:04:00.000-04:00

Ha finally caught up! LOL! We have bi-monthly Socials. They are tons of fun, and we always have great food! Here is one that we did this summer...

Austin... Isn't he adorable!

Tiff was concentrating hard on making her buggy! LOL!

Doing what I do best.. Supervising!

The kiddie table!

FRG Christmas Party of 2010

2011-09-28T04:42:00.000-04:00

This was such a great event. Our "Cookie with Santa" really turned out great! I am so happy I had the chance to put this on, and I think our families enjoyed it too!

Our Santa was played by our dear friend Drake... He was a great santa, even though his own didn't like sitting on his lap! :( Sorry Bella...

Our 2010 Christmas Tree

Santa Chair and Decor

Dade and his BFF Shayden

More of our Christmas Decorations

The cookies part for the "Cookies with Santa"

We had all of our families that came decorate and sign an ornament.

Friends having conversation!

We had all of our kiddos decorate cards for troops, they ended up writing them for Santa...

Ty showing off his.

Sisters working together

We had a guest reader come and read a "Twas the Night Before Christmas"... Our guest reader Will... LOL! He enjoyed it and so did the kids!

Ty and Santa

Nevaeh and Santa

Aiden and Santa

Our little Elf!!!

She would make a beautiful Mrs. Clause

Standing thin... LOL! I miss her!!!

Dade with Santa Clause

Isn't she gorgeous!

Me with all that attitude... IDK what I was doing here...

All in all, it went great!

FRG Halloween Party

2011-09-27T04:31:00.000-04:00

We decided to throw a killer Halloween Party for our Keller family and our Military Police families as well. We had games, and costume contest, etc. Even spooky foods like Mummy dogs, Bat wings, Brain and crackers, etc. We had so much fun, and the best part was, the familes we invited even had fun!

Musical Chairs facilitated by our own Mayra "the pirate"

Dessert table

More of the dessert table

Our wicked witch made by the MP's 1SG's wife! She is amazing!!!

This was the mad Doc that she made too!

Me...I was my own witch!

Soem of the adults! The costumes were great!

Aiden... My little grinch!

Some ofthe teens!

More of the teens

Liam the Elephant

The little's catagory!

All of the kiddos! Didn't they really look great!

FRG Picnic on Trophy Point

2011-09-26T04:28:00.000-04:00

This was a great way for the Adults to get out an enjoy a picnic under the stars, over looking the Hudson at night!

International Dinner

2011-09-25T04:22:00.000-04:00

This was 2010 International Dinner.. I know I am behind, but I am trying to get caught up! I couldn't thank our families enough for coming out and enjoying the great food, and even better company! It really was a great turn out!

FRG is at the Community fair!

2011-09-24T04:19:00.000-04:00

We decided what better to reach out to all the new families, and some old families than to set up at the Community fair. This is one of those vendor fairs that everyone sets up at, and the new residents of West Point can come out and check it out... It was a lot of fun!

Just some other events that happened forever ago...

2011-09-23T04:35:00.000-04:00

I am the FRG leader in our company. I love doing it, and meeting some of the people I meet, working with the families, and definitly enjoy putting together fun activities for our families to join. This is a sneak peek of a few we had this past year...

Oh the fun we have... Stay tuned for more events!!! More to be posted... MANY, MANY, MORE!

End of the school year already???

2011-09-22T04:46:00.000-04:00

Yes, May came and went to fast... The nest thing I knew the kids were out of school for the summer... Now starts the fun! Although I am one of those mommies who LOVE having my kids home with me, not one that counts down he days till I get rid of them again... I enjoy every minute I get to spend with them, I knwo how valuable that time is, after all it goes by WAY too fast! The next thing I knwo we'll be celebrating graduations from college, or marriages. Here were Dade's End of school year activities to include a concert and a picnic! We will miss great teachers like Mrs. Braun! We really enjoyed her class, and I felt Dade has flourished in all of his classes. We have really been lucky and was blessed with AWESOME teachers!

The begining of the Jazz Concert

4th grade

3rd and 4th grade

3rd grade

2nd grade

1st grade... Dade is right up front in the Dark Blue collared shirt with the Yellow stripe across it to the left...

Kindergarten

All of the West Point Elementary School

And then the first grade classes all had a picnic outside in the park. It really was fun! Here's the pics from it!

spencer's mom came and made homemade icecream and let the kids churn it... They had a blast!

Mrs. Braun and Spencer's Mom

Gabe is another friend of ours... this is him and his mom, Kristen

Nikki, been our friend since we got here in 2008! Allan is Dade's Best friend!

Three boy have been Dade's best friends since we got here in 2008, Allan, Spencer, and Shayden. I know he will remember them forever! This is two of his best friends!

This is hie whole first grade class, sorry the picture is so poor, I didn't check my settings before I took the picture, you know how kids are, WAY TOO EAGER to get up and move! LOL! So I had to be quick!

Boat Ride down the HUdson with Friends

2011-09-21T04:19:00.002-04:00

We were invited on a boat ride with some awesome friends in May. This was our frist this year, so we were excited! We went North up the Hudson River. Jason and Family went with us, and we truly had a GREAT time, Thank you Marinos and Family for inviting us! You guys ROCK!

Our Dear Friends that invited us!

Me and my boys!

Savannah ^ and Austin Below...

I love his smile, it's so contagious!

Brother and Sister Pic, we don't have many of these! I can't wait for the day I have all my brothers for a pic, the last one with ALL of them in it, was way back in 1996 (I do believe).

Can you believe I got them all to sit still TOGETHER for a picture! Only missing 7 cousins...

Three of my boys... and Dade with no teeth... LOL!

The next few pictures are of what we are lucky enough to call home! The castle like structure is West Point. It is the academy on the post where we live. Isn't it gorgeous from the water... Wish it was better pictures...

Newest Bridals

2011-09-20T04:10:00.001-04:00

To mark Our Ten year anniversary of being married, My best friend took some bridals for me {Since ours from our wedding sucked...} Bec is an amazing photographer, and has amazing talent. Shei s also an amazing friend! Thank you Bec for taking such great pictures well and for many other things as well!! You are amazing!

Broken and Old all in one month!

2011-09-19T09:02:00.000-04:00

So May marked William's 31st birthday... I have to make fun of him while I can because I am right behind him! LOL! Here are the shots from his birthday... {don't worry there isn't many}

Yes, it was a really LARGE pan of frosted brownies!!! He is such a fat kid at heart!

Then later on in the month, well exactly a week, we had this huge storm and our basement flooded, so Will and Jason were trying to bucket the water out, and Will's boot slipped, and CRACK! He broke his ankle really good. I guess it's true he can't just break it, he has to go all out... He had what the Doc called a perfect jump fracture... Here's the pics!

After surgery

Before surgery

This is after surgery... after I think 2 weeks in a cast... I don't remember it is all a distant memory now...

But I can say he is up and walking, and healed pretty well if you ask me! He actually obeyed the Doc and his wife about staying on the couch too, EVEN though I know it was hard for him to do. I give it another month and he will be jogging small distances! He's a trooper thats for sure!

The Museum {Part 2}

2011-09-14T04:22:00.001-04:00

So our journey continued... Sorry I know there is a lot of pics... just imagine if our camera would have died!

{L-R}Austin, Savannah, Dade, Nevaeh, Gavin, Ty-Austin, and Aiden

Are you done looking at pictures yet???

The Museum

2011-09-13T04:07:00.003-04:00

Our trip to the museum was interesting... We learned a lot about our kids in that short trip... They hate to sit the stroller, Dade wants to be soldier, Gavin loves the Native american, Aiden was in love with the little minitures they had set up, and they LOVE history, and war! I think that sums it up!

These are the minitures that Aiden was in love with!

See, thats Dade and Aiden. Dade is narrating the story to him!

They loved the different uniforms, and had tons of questions.

The native american that Gavin was in LOVE with! I think he wanted it to run around in!!! LOL!

Part two to come up next!

A park trip, a Museum trip... Ohh laa laa!

2011-09-12T11:07:00.000-04:00

We have had family visiting for a month! It has been a riot! I love having my family with us! So this month we took a trip to the West Point Museum (post to follow this one), and to the Rowe Park for a picnic, and of course many other adventures!

Vannah playing on the slides

Aiden is my little Daredevil... it was right after this was taken that he went down while standing!

Austin and his baby blues!!!

Gavin, he is such a cutie patootie!

Ty looks so concentrated here!

Gavin looks mad!

hahahaha, and then there's Zoe!!! We love her!!!

Aiden bug!

The Mommy and Daddy!

Jason and Austin...

Dade, showing off his skills!

Ashley modeling our favorite cupcakes!

They are such fun girls!

The dad person!!! We love him! <3 <3 <3

Easter {Picture Heavy}

2011-08-11T11:22:00.000-04:00

Being in the millitary takes us all over the US. So it is unlikly to have family with you on holidays! This year we were very fortunate to have not only one family, but two with us! WE WERE LUCKY!!! It was such a great time having Jason and his family, and Toi and Jamison with us for such an awesome time during this great holiday! This gets pretty picture heavy, but enjoy!

Us dyeing eggs!

Our Baskets

Ok.. More to come in a another post!

A great period....

2011-08-11T10:48:00.000-04:00

Of nonexistence for me on this blog!!! This lady has been very busy though! I will catch you all up in the next blog days! For now... This is my apology for the long blog-drought!

Hope you can except my apology, and read on!!!! :)

~Love, ME!!!

Weight loss goal!!!

2011-06-05T01:26:00.001-04:00

This year I saw my weight loss goal come and leave again! It has been frustrating, but not much I can do right now. I feel myself slowly coming back, and I feel real soon I should be able to get back in there, and lose the rest so that I am back at my goal! Here is some recent pictures:

I know huge difference right? I can't wait to get back down to my goal weight! That will be one happy day!

Prayer

2011-06-04T04:18:00.001-04:00

My daughter who is now 4 almost five has been asked to say more of our prayers. One day she asks me, "Mom, how do you know what to say?" I told her, "well, you talk to him like you talk to your friends". It dawned on me right then that my dinner prayer, and family prayer was almost always the same. It had its variances, but for the most part always sounded the same as if it was rehearsed. Although I LOVE that my kids love to pray, I don't want them to think that there are certain things you HAVE to say each time. {Does that make sense?} Otherwise, I don't want thier prayers to be rehearsed. I found this picture this week on an LDS site I was on, and it spoke just those same words to me. So we printed one for each room in a 8x10 frame. So now, right there on thier bedroom wall, is the answers {along with tons of artwork, scribbles, etc} Thought I would share!!!

Ashley Sweet 16

2011-06-03T13:16:00.001-04:00

Can it be, that sweet girl is now 16 and ready for the road?

YES, it can be... Time goes by way too fast!

But as it be, she turned sixteen in April {I know a little late on getting these up, but my Aunt Cyndi would appreciate these}.

She really wanted a fun birthday, filled with friends, and memories, because this was supposed to be the last year here {BTW, plans changed and we are here for another year!}

So we went with RAINBOW everything! That seems to be the trend that she is sporting right now anyways. She LOVES anything rainbow!!! So I went with these cute little handmade invites, and rainbow colored decorations, and food! But we of course, stayed in style with a teenage life!!! Didn't want it to look to kiddish, after all she is 16 {Yikes I still shudder at that thought}.

this was the base for the invite, then we put party details along the side, in neon green writting!!!

These were the decorations:

As for activities, we got rainbow colored t-shirts and lots of t-shirt paint, and let them go at it... We played twister, and then I got this wall sized peice of paper, and let her friends draw all over it, so no matter where we go she can hang it up and always remember them! I think that was her favorite part!

you gotta love these guys!!! They are all so adorable! We had so much fun! Thank you for celebrating Ashley's sweet 16 with us, Brad, Sarah, Amanda, Zane, Corey, Zoe, and Jake!!!

Potty training!!!

2011-05-04T09:03:00.000-04:00

Oh is it true... can it be... My boys are old enough to be potty trained!

OH WOAH IS ME!
ok so I can stop belly aching right? LOL! It really has been a dream, as in ~time goes by and then you wake up one morning and they are old enough to potty train way! But to be serious, they have been my easiest to potty train! I started with all three!!! I know you think it is crazy, but there was reason behind the madness! Besides, no more diapers! LOL! That reasons enough for me!

Week one went awesome, by the time week two hit, the baby quit trying, so back to diapers he went. He peed in his bed, on my couch (thanks to him I now have a very clean spot where I scrubbed and scrubbed), on my rug (which went out the door into the trash), and numerous times on my floor. This mommy had enough! But the boys continued to do well! I am happy to say we are week.... I don't know, but its been like a month right? And we have only had a few accidents. Now that is prgress! So I now have two- three year olds that are potty trained, and one- two year old that is partially potty trained! Man thats awesome! we are using a third of the diapers!!! WHOO HOO! Just in case you wanted to know, this momma is doing the mini celebrationg dance! LOL!

First visits to the Dentist

2011-05-03T00:04:00.001-04:00

There are many first that happens in ones life. Some of these are only memories to us. I made it my one focus to make sure that I journal all memories! I made sure to get pictures of my babies having thier first visits to the dentist! They LOVE the dentist, which is weird for me, because I have such anxiety to the dentist! But makes this mommy happy!

I thought this was gonna be a chore taking all four little ones to the dentist all in one sitting, but this dentist office have to be the best EVER! That isn't any joke either. They made it super duper easy! Makes me sad that we finally found a great dentist and now we have to leave. Here are the pics of my kiddos and the dentist! Ty and Gavin saw Doctor Chaley, and Aiden and Nevaeh saw Doctor Neiman. Doctor Neiman is the doctor that the kids call the singing dentist! LOL!

Gavin was one cool cat!

Gavin getting his teeth cleaned!

Aiden with Doctor Neiman getting his teeth cleaned!

He looks nervous but he wasn't. He was mad because he dropped his cow.

See, all better now!

Nevaeh was nervous at first and wanted mommy to hold her, but was quickly comforted when Doctor Neiman told her the story of when Cinderella came in to get her teeth cleaned before the ball! She is a princess, so she loves to hear princess stories!

Mommy holding the princess

But to get pictures of her pearly whites, she was a big girl and did so all by herself! And they only had to get one pic per side! Can I SAY YEAH!!! Go Nevaeh!

And the bottom line was NO CAVITIES!!! This momma is doing the mini tribal! All that hard work to get them into the teeth brushing and flossing routines paid off! :)

God Bless the USA

2011-05-02T00:02:00.000-04:00

Tonight while on facebook updating things, and reading post, I came across the first of many post that said "Obama dead- WOW"... then another popped up later, and more and more. Curious, I turned the TV to the news, and sure enough was a whole thing about it. A few minutes later our President came on to verify that yes, our armed forces shot and killed Osama, and his body was recovered. This is a day of relief for many I am sure! I know I can breathe a breath of fresh air being a military wife. Will this change anything, maybe, maybe not... There will still be deployments, and there will stll be war. But the man that was in charge of many lives lost in the 9 years, 7 months, and 20 days since the attack on the US, is DEAD! I say this is one happy day for our country! I walked outside tonight to hear celebration from all around me. The cadets of West Point Academy could be heard for a mile or more cheering, USA...USA...USA... HOOAAH!

ONE NATION, UNDER GOD!

Oh, My Oh, My

2011-03-20T04:16:00.000-04:00

Dade turned 7 this year! I am amazed at this big guy. The first thing out of his mouth on his birthday was not "When is my party", not "can I open presents", instead it was "I get to be baptized in one year". Do you know how exciting it is when your little guys and little girls accept the spirit and have a relationship with our heavenly father? It is amazing at this big guys testimony of God and the gospel. He told Nana (my mother) that he wants her to be baptized with him on his birthday, and my mom gladly accepted. She has been praying about the gospel and I think has accepted it, and wants to be baptized! THAT IS PURE AMAZING! Dade is already my little missionary! No doubt that he will make a great missionary one day!
So on to the his birthday party! He really wanted Batman theme. So we went with what he really wanted. Mommy made it happen and of course as always Daddy just payed! LOL! Here are the pics!

The Batcave cake mommy made

Presents

We had a great time, and almost all of Dade's best friends came. We were missing two! :( Next time I guess! LOL!

The Twins are THREE!!!

2011-03-19T11:09:00.000-04:00

When you have kids, you plan on them making certain milestones. But do they have to come so quickly? Three years ago, I gave birth to a 2 pound 7 ounce baby Ty-Austin and a 3 pound 4 ounce Gavin. After the doctors scared the heck out of me, by telling me how dangerous it would be for my babies to make it in the world being 10 weeks preemie, and so small, they decided it was time. I guess babies really do decide when it is thier time to come. Now I could go on and on about the highs and the lows that followed thier birth, but I will get back to the real reason of this post.... Thier third birthday!

We decided to go with the curious George goes to the Circus theme. After all the curcious George is their favorite set of books! Mommy invited thier friends, planned the party, made the cake, cleaned and decorated for the party. I do believe they enjoyed it!

The party favors, and the cake that mommy made!

the birthday boys and Aiden! L-R: Ty, Aiden, & Gavin

Ty-austin, Happy third birthday buddy!!!

Gavin, Happy third birthday baby!

Sissy and Kiya

Uncle Jasonand Tiff got to come too! :)

they balloons!!! YAY!

the oldest, Ashley

Austin!! He was eatting cake!

Time to blow out the candles!! Make a wish!

Opening presents

It was alot of fun to visit with family and friends, and to have those who we love the most around us to celebrate our babies third birthday! Happy Birthday little guys!

The great Blizzard of 2010

2011-01-11T04:41:00.001-05:00

So thats what they called it anyways. I think the worse one for 2010 was back in March, but whatever! LOL. So a day after Chrsitmas we get this horrible snow storm. It only poured a totaly of 22 inches here, bt I heard it was worse in other cities! The next day we lost power for 10 hours. It was actually nice, if that can be? It is amazing at how much less stress there is when there is no power. I think I want to go powerless a few nights out of the month, every month! LOL! We pioneered a meal, and kids ate every bite! GO MOM!!! I did get some pics, they are dark, and some might be a bit blurry, but enjoy!

Holiday Ball!!!

2011-01-07T15:19:00.001-05:00

YAY! I got to go to my first military ball, and it was so much fun! It was held at a very elegant place, and the food divine! The music could have been better, but eh, who cares right! We were surrounded by great company as well!

We took some pics of our friends we were there with too! We all looked so SMASHING!

The Damas'

The Parker's... I know gorgeous right?

the Prewitt's

The DesOrmeux's

Us again!

our table

Mayra, Me, and Wendy

Amanda and Wendy

Amanda, Me, Kristina, and Wendy

Aren't we the cutest you have ever saw! :) It was very much fun, and I can't wait to do it again next year!

Christmas at Jason's house as well!!!

2011-01-06T14:54:00.000-05:00

We got to visit With Jason and the family at his house in PA. I am so proud of them for what they have overcome, and what they have made for themselves. I got pictures of the kids opening thier gifts with us! I am so glad they enjoyed the gifts the Parker's gave them! :) Here are the many pictures form that adventure! I might even post more later, I think Ashley got some on her camera too!

Christmas here and Christmas there....

2011-01-05T14:03:00.000-05:00

We remembered Christ and that without him there wouldn't be a holiday. We spent Christmas eve over at the Castles eating potato Chowder, Bread Bowls, and Cheesecake. We ended the night with the movie "Joy to the World". It is a video about the birth of Christ. We have a tradition usually where we put out a manger one week before Christmas. As the kids do good deeds in that week, they get to put a handful of hay into the manger. The theory is, that the more good deeds (being Christlike) they do the more comfortable the bed will be for Christ on Christmas Eve. When Chrsitmas Eve comes, and the kids go to bed, We put a baby wraped in towels in the manger, so that Christmas Day when they wake up they see what a comfy cozy bed they made for baby Jesus. Plus it helps remind them before the tear into the gifts to think about Christ on his birthday.
So we spent our Christmas morning as a family as always, I made them eat breakfast, get dressed, and then well.. Of course pictures! They gladly set for the pictures!

After pictures The kids with such glee found a heap of presents under the tree! This is what the woke up to....

This was the mess that happened after!!!

And of course it comes with being a parent, putting things together and taking ohters out of packages. My fingers still hurt from all those pain in the butt wire ties. Why do they put them on there anyways? Really?

The kids really enjoyed the Chrsitmas Season this year! They got everything they asked for plus some! Plus points for mommy and daddy.... I mean Santa Clause!! LOL!

Cookies with Santa?

2011-01-04T13:22:00.000-05:00

Since I am a key person in the FRG, I do all the planning. One of the family events I planned for this holiday season was a Cookies with Santa Social. I got the Santa, and the cookies, adn then just had to get RSVP's. When all the list were checked, The day had arrived. Everyone was so excited! mommy was away int he kitchen baking cookies, and the kiddos were excitedly awaiting the Santa. Our guest started to arrive to a cookie table that looks like this:

We had card making and had them all sign a family ornament that they got to take with them!

After all the cards were made, most of the kids gave thiers to Santa when he got here, we had a story. Will read T'was the Night Before Christmas tot he group.

I think the kids really enjoyed it! Atleast the ones who stayed still! LOL! It was tiem for Santa to come, so the kids all lined up, and Our elves came over with thier boxes from santa. One with candy and candy canes, the other with small toys.

My elf!!!

Dade and one of his best friends Shayden

Ty-Austin with Santa

Neveah with Santa

Aiden with Santa

Dade with Santa

Gavin with Santa

Ashley... She is so cute!

It was a great night, and it was so nice to spend it with friends! I am so thankful for the friends we have made here!

Holidays with the Parker's

2011-01-03T12:40:00.000-05:00

So this holiday season has been fantastic in the Parker house. We were happy to have the Mister home this year! The quality time spent as a family and with friends was phenomenal! We truly enjoyed every minute. To start off the holiday season, we had our traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. We had our family, the Castles, and Jason and family over. First we watched the parade, and then FOOTBALL!!! Our family are such football enthusiast!!! We love football season!

Shortly after Thanksgiving we received our first snow fall that stuck! Well I say snowfall, the Mister says BLIZZARD. LOL! We got 23 or so inches, and lost power for 10 hours. We made the most of it though. It was quite humbling actually. It is amazing how stress free it is. The kids were alot less cranky (not that they are cranky kids but lately they have been stuck in the house so they were a little stir crazy), mommy and Daddy were alot less stressed. Will had to go set up a EOC (for those who don't understand Army acronyms, that stands for Emergency Operation Center). So he was gone up until Dinner time. We pioneered a dinner of hotdogs, mac and cheese, baked beans, and fruit. We ate by candle light (first candle light dinner in a long time I have set through).

Sorry they are so dark. I hope you can still make them out.

This actually made me think about a story that our Prophet shared of Gordon B Hinkley's childhood. It was on a Thanksgiving day more than 50 years ago, and his family had just gotten power on their farm. He states: "Gordon indicated, however, that the Thanksgiving he remembered most thankfully was the year they seemed to have nothing for which to be grateful". Thanksgiving came, and what was usually a large feast was not. Instead his father walked in with a Jackrabbit and laid it at the table for his mother to cook for the feast. She grudgingly cooked it. Rains ruined the crops so when the jackrabbit was done, it was served with just a few turnips which survived. The Children including the beloved Gordon refused to eat, and his mother cried. At that moment his father got up went into the attic and fetched a old oil lamp. It was lit and all the power was shut off. President Monson states: "When there was only the lamp again, they could hardly believe that it had been that dark before. They wondered how they had ever seen anything without the bright lights made possible by electricity.The food was blessed, and everyone ate. When dinner was over, they all sat quietly." 'Wrote Gordon: In the humble dimness of the old lamp we were beginning to see clearly again. … It [was] a lovely meal. The jack rabbit tasted like turkey and the turnips were the mildest we could recall… [Our] home … , for all its want, was so rich [to] us"
This story came to mind when we were eating by that candle light. It was humbling to see all my little ones more than happy with the modest meal provided for them. It truly was a memory that will always be with us. Makes me almost want to eat like that every night.

Aiden is already 2???

2010-12-18T22:02:00.000-05:00

I must be sleeping through the years becuase it does not seem like my baby should be 2 already!!! When did this happen?

He is such a big boy now, he is doing things far beyond his age, and is so smart! We truly have our hands full with this little man!

For his 2nd birthday we threw a monkey themed party! It was so awesome! He really loved every minute of it! His best friend Liam came too!!! YAY! Here are his pictures!

Mommy makes all the cakes!!! They have actually been getting really good! I am surprised at my talent!

I love to make cupcakes!!! So I am glad they work for kiddos birthdays!!! I LOVE CUPCAKES!!!

The food table! We had wings (Aiden's fav) crackers and cheeseball, veggie platter, chips and salsa, homemade snack mix, and other snacks!!! The kids all loved the food!!!

Bowling! mommy made the bowling pins too! I think we will save these for rainy days in the house!

make a wish little man!!! Still can't believe he is 2 already!

Some of the crew!!!!

We made these cute little binoculars for he kiddos to go monkey sighting! They loved them! Top is Ty

This one is Gavin and the one below is Aiden!!!

Opening presents! he loves his art stuff, and has played with his little potatoe head and friends a ton! Thanks everyoen for such great gifts!!!

It was such a fun two year old party! I am sure he will agree!!! Now next month will be our three year lolds party!!! I can't wait!

Nevaeh turned 4 this year!!!

2010-12-18T21:43:00.001-05:00

Because my little princess and I almost share a birthday by two hours... We celebrated together as a family. We went to Chili's for dinner, and it was awesome! Chili's has always been one of my favorite restraunts! Yummy! Then for her Birthday Party, we celebrated it by having a few friends over for a Princess Tea Party. This would be number two (tea Parties) for her this Summer. Actually I take that back, in April we had another for her Best Friends Birthday! So this makes number three for this princess! :) I can not believe my baby girl is already 4! I remember it like yesterday she was a screaming colicy baby! I swore I would never have more kids, (Little did I know that the lord had a different plan for me only 15 months later)! But now she is a beautiful four year old! I can not wait to see what this next year brings us with her! Here are some pics from her birthday!

Thanks to all those who came to bring our little girl into her new year! We greatly appreciate all our friends, and all that they do!!! We have truly been blessed with amazing friends!

Summers are full of fuN!

2010-10-11T11:18:00.000-04:00

This is one lucky little girl, Two Princess Tea Parties in one summer!!!

Am I overwhelming you with pics yet? I hope not, I have many more to go! LOL

The Parade!!!

2010-10-10T10:48:00.000-04:00

We live in such a small town, that the parade wasn't much to look at, but the point that we were there with family and friends, made it awesome! :) Plus the kids really enjoyed it, so thats all that matters!

The Fireworks!!!

2010-10-09T10:23:00.001-04:00

BANG! BAM! CRASH!!!

I know, stunning pictures huH! Man I love this camera!

Back Post!!!

2010-10-08T09:31:00.001-04:00

So as I was thinking about what to catch up on, I totally forgot that I never did our families visit, and forth of July!! As Dade says "that is more improtant than school pics mom!"

so here it is....
We were blessed to have our family up for the Forth to celebrate it with us. It was a nice change. I loved getting to see evryone even for a few days. We took lots and LOTS of pics, it was so hard to sort through to put only a few up. But here are some we took!
First trip was to walk around post and show them the sights! Man was it a nice day!

Everyone at Trophy Point

Then we visited a few of the "famous" grave sites here on West Point.

Then home to grill out, and play!!! WE were also waiting for the concert and fireworks at Trophy Point!

Then we headed back up to Trophy POint, to find that our spot was gone! So we found a new one... we liked this one better anyways!

Wow look at this view!!!

playing before the firworks got started!

our family! Well a very small part of it! Love these people!!!

Then some new friends gave us all glow sticks, man wer they fun! Will then discovered a manual setting on the camera where he could capture the trails the lights gave off... So this is what kept them busy the rest of the night!

Finally Dan spelled out 2010 and Joe spelled out JOE! It was so much! We are so happy htey could join us! They are welcome anytime... I look forward to having them over again!!!

We now have a HighSCHOOLER... AHHHHH....

2010-10-07T09:35:00.001-04:00

For real though, she as been great! She studies hard, and works hard while she is at school, and is fitting in great after all that concern she had! I never thought twice she wouldn't, she is a bright and intellgent, gorgeous and friendly young lady! She is gonna go far!!! I guess I should get some great pics of her too! I will have to post some later!

JROTC

2010-10-06T09:31:00.000-04:00

Ashley joined JROTC in highschool this year. She loves it, just not the uniform. Here is a good pic I got, I will get better ones soon!

Nevaeh went to school too

2010-10-06T09:29:00.001-04:00

Here she is on her frist day! My gorgeous baby girl!!!

WHAT, nobody told me my kids would grow up so fast! Where did time go? My baby girl is now in school.... She looked gorgeous her first day though!

WOW, its been that long!!!

2010-10-05T09:29:00.000-04:00

So, yeah, I haven't really updated much! Guess I should be getting better huh? So lets see.... Where to start?

We had a lot of back to school pics, I will start there...
Dade is in the first grade this year! (Yes that was a small tear roll down my cheek)

Dade the first day of first grade!

Dade and his best friend Allen, Dade was excited to hear that they are in the same class!!!

Mrs. Braun- his first grade teacher!

Two beautiful girls, and a Graduation!

2010-07-19T16:15:00.004-04:00

Just for fun!

Our shadows make for a cool pic
My Fav 2010 Graduates!

She's a stand on the line kind of girl!

"I walk the line"

Thier "high School Musical" jump

I know... She is stunning!

Yes it took some of that too!

Aren' t they pretty!

GORGEOUS!

The "real" Love Story!

2010-07-14T15:18:00.001-04:00

Lets just admit it, this fits more than Taylor's version! LOL!

My middle school Graduate

2010-07-14T14:47:00.006-04:00

Congratulations to our little Middle School Graduate!

Ashley Rene

One of Ashley's Best friends (she has a few) Elizabeth.

GO Ashley!!! We are super proud of you!

Very proud of her for all she did! Can you believe she mad straight A's on top of track, and young womens, church, Household chores, and teenager stuff!

The girls!

Ashley's friends and her on Graduation Day!

Two of her teachers

A couple more friends!

The reception after the ceremony!

All and all... Ashley, Honey we are so proud of you, words can't express that! I am so happy to have you in our life! Love you!

Another 1st Birthday!

2010-07-14T14:41:00.004-04:00

My buddy Mr. Liam celebrated his first birthday in April! We enjoyed a spaghetti dinner together, and cupcakes! It was so fun!

Happy BirthdayLiam!!!

My little buddy!

Savannah's First Birthday

2010-07-14T09:51:00.007-04:00

We had a few first birthdays so far this year! Princess Savannah had her first birthday in March. We love having Jason and Tiff so close because we can celebrate joyous things like birthday's and holidays with them!

The Birthday Princess

Savannah Koren

The cake:

Made by Bec

The decor!

Princess Birthday Hats... But not for everyone!

Eating the cake!

The Princess' Dad

Playing with Balloons

Random Sillyness!

This is why I don't get into cake fights with Jason! HE WINS... By a headlock!

Presents!

Lost Teeth? Anyone seen them....

2010-07-14T09:23:00.003-04:00

Yes it is true, Dade lost some teeth, I think the Toothfairy will go broke! He lost two on thier own accord, then one morning while getting ready for school, he was wrestling with the dog, and she lunged, and knocked out two more.

First tooth gone:

December 23, 2009

I am not sure where with the rest pf the pics went... but... Second tooth lost: January 20, 2010

Third and forth tooth lost: March 3, 2010....

Ok thats so weird, I just noticed he lost all of his teeth on Wednesdays. LOL!

Dance Girl....

2010-07-13T16:49:00.005-04:00

Its hard to believe that my baby girl, my princess is dancing! Someone pinch me!!! She LOVES ballet! Makes mommy just so happy to watch her pulling 1st position and 2nd and everythign else! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!

Oh yeah did I mention I LOVE that she dances!

So baby girl, Put those ballet slippers on and dance! or stand there and look cute so mommy can take a million pics of you! hahahaha!

Ok, so get ready for some of the most adorable Ballet pics you can see! Or maybe its just the dancer in the pics! LOL!

Mrs. Maggy (her instructor)

It's like riding a bike!

2010-07-13T16:45:00.001-04:00

Dade is riding a two wheel bike now! I can't beleive it, but yes, no training wheels needed! My baby boy, my beautiful six year old, is riding with no training wheels.... Yes this is where I get emotional! But Mommy and Daddy are very proud of him! :)

June and July

2010-07-13T16:40:00.003-04:00

I know it seems as though we have fallen off the Earth! but actually we have just been busy! So here is what has happened in the last few months!

Ballet, the end of T-Ball, the beginning of Soft Ball, the end the of Track, one graduation from Middle school, one graduation into 1st grade, a few boat rides, Family came up, forth of July, a parade, and a few other things I am sure I missed!!! Pics to follow this blog! We love and miss all of our friends and family!

T-Ball

2010-04-26T13:29:00.005-04:00

T-Ball and Dade!!!

Spring 2010

can't belive my little man is 6 and playing T-Ball!!!
Learning how to hold bat, and hit the ball.

Coach teaching him how to hold bat, and hit the ball!

This is what Aiden does during practice!

Or runs around, and mommy chases him!

Out at the other field... Dade Running bases!

Ashley turned 15

2010-04-26T13:17:00.002-04:00

We celebrated Ashley's 15th birthday this month. Can't believe she is 15!!! We did a beach party themed birthday party for her, and she was given open range of the basement. here is what she did...

After the cake fight!

The cake!

The birthday girl, and guest!

The food table...

They had pizza, hotdogs, baked chips, fruit salad, rice crispie treats, and sodas.

Our family

2010-03-18T15:56:00.007-04:00

Our Family Photo Shoot

Castle Photography

March 17th 2010

10 1/2 years and still so deeply in love!
The Mom and the Dad!

Just the kids!

Our little (nto so little) family

The kiddos again

Parker's!

It was very hard to choose from all of them! So here were my favorites!

8 years already!!!

2010-03-09T09:32:00.002-05:00

Will and I just celebrated 8 years married (10 1/2 together)!!! I can't beleive it has been that long! He is my world (well next to my kids). I love him and look forward to spending many many more years with him! Here is many more years to us!!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

ME!

2010-03-09T09:27:00.003-05:00

So since November 1st, I have worked very hard to lose weight, on top of everything else. I can say I am to date 46 pounds lighter!!! YAY! I am super excited, and look forward to losing more! So here is some pics of what I have lost so far!!!

The NEW me!!!

Ashley Rene

2010-02-22T16:10:00.002-05:00

Ashley Rene: Isn't she gorgeous!

Dade Alexander

2010-02-22T16:08:00.002-05:00

Dade Alexander James: Our oldest, and our lil' prince

Nevaeh Rose

2010-02-22T16:04:00.004-05:00

Nevaeh Rose-Marie: Our princess and only lil' girl

She is a total natural!!! She loves the camera, and the camera loves her!!!

Ty-Austin Lee

2010-02-22T16:03:00.003-05:00

Ty-Austin Lee: The oldest twin, and the serious one. We often joke that he is our bookworm!

Look at those amazing eyes! He is so adorable! Sorry he only has two pics up, becuase he was being uncooperative.

Gavin Micheal

2010-02-22T16:01:00.003-05:00

Gavin Micheal Owen: The youngest twin, and our comical one!

I love his facial movements! And again he is so adorable, and check out his amzing eyes!!!

Gavin Micheal and Ty-Austin

2010-02-22T15:59:00.002-05:00

Ty-Austin and Gavin Micheal together

Aiden Benjamin

2010-02-22T15:54:00.005-05:00

Aiden Benjamin Joel: The baby of the bunch! So loving, and cuddly!

He is always trying to make someone feel better, its like in his nature! Love this little man!

December- Christmas and such V

2010-01-29T16:12:00.006-05:00

Good food, Family, and Good friends:

Makes for a good holiday!

Jason, Tiffany, and Savannah came to join us along with Nikki, Liam, and Allan!

Nikki and I (we cooked our whole meal!)

Our Dinner

The boys eating

The big kids eating

The adults table... LOL!

Mom feeding Savannah

Dade reminded me the night before that Jesus can't have a birthday without a birthday cake!