Gesch Who's Got a Blog!

Colin's First Day of "School"

2010-08-23T21:33:00.001-07:00

Well, it was really Mommy's Day Out, but we called it school at our house! Colin was so excited he was running around the house all morning repeating, "It's my first day of school! It's my first day of school!" Of course, I had to serve him his breakfast on the red "You are special today" plate that his brother ate off of last week on his first day of kindergarten.
He wore his backpack all morning, even while eating his breakfast! He was soooo excited

The obligatory "first day of school" pictures on the front porch!
Look at my big boy!

Outside the front door of the church where Mommy's Day Out is held!

Posing in front of the class bulletin board in beside his new classroom! He was so engrossed in playing "race cars," he didn't care that I was leaving. Mr. Independent!!

When I picked him up 3 hours later, he was playing outside and proudly sporting the new crown that he made that morning!

Looks like he had a great day! So did Mommy, but I must say, the three hours just flew by!

We have a K!!!!

2010-08-13T12:58:00.000-07:00

A kindergardner that is! For his first day of school I decorated his chair and breakfast area with balloons and served him his breakfast on the "You are Special Today" plate! Such a fun tradition that my parents started with my brother and I! I tried to make his pancake in the shape of a K...it didn't turn out that great! Oh well, Gehrig seemed to love it!

I packed a little note in his lunch box. On the car ride home he told me that he got his note and read it himselfand loved it. And then asked me if I could put a note in his lunch everyday! Awwwww!

The obligatory first day of school pictures on the front porch! Another tradition started by my mom!

Seriously, how grown up does he look here???

Soooo excited!

Gehrig and Evan before school in front of their new lockers!

Just like last year, Colin thinks that he fits right in. He is always so surprised that he has to leave with momma!
I could have just walked out without saying good-bye and he wouldn't have noticed...I didn't, of course!

After the pledges (to the American flag, the Christian flag and to the Bible) Mrs. Curry had the parents and student hold hands in a circle around the classroom and said a prayer over the kids, the parents and the school year...what a wonderful little school Clovis Christian school is and what a wonderful teacher Gehrig has. I just know that it is going to be another fantastic year at CCS!

Evan, Jadis and Gehrig after their first day of school..you can tell they were pretty tired.

We asked Gehrig what his favorite part of the day was to which he replied, "EVERYTHING!!!" I guess that you could say that it was a successful day!

I've been missing!

2010-08-02T14:22:00.000-07:00

Wow!! I have been a terrible blogger lately. It has been well over a month since my last update, and truly, I have so much to share with you, like our trip to Houston, our trip to Arizona, visits from grandparents, Colin's surgery, and Gehrig's golf camp and tournament. So, why the slacking? Well, I must admit, we have been super busy, just enjoying summer and all of our little trips, but something else has had me occupied.

I have started up a new blog. Why? Well, go check it out and see! I am really excited to share it with you!

www.lilplainjane.blogspot.com

Saying Good-bye to Jackie

2010-06-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

"So who is Jackie?" you may be wondering! Well, many of you did not know, but we had a pet turtle for a few days. Daddy went for a run last week and heroically rescued a turtle from the middle of the road. He brought him home to the boys, and they quickly went out and bought him a little tank, some turtle food and a plastic rock formation. Gehrig named his new pet turtle Jakckie, after Jackie Robinson, the baseball player.

A few days later, Chris was researching on the internet about this turtle and learned that the little tank that we bought for him was way too small and that he needed more water and more dry surface as a well as a heat lamp and a myriad of other things. We decided that the best thing to do for our little turtle was to take him to the park and release him by the pond. We knew that convincing Gehrig would be a challenge, and it was.

However, after a morning of tears, and propmpting from both mommy and daddy, he reluctantly agreed that it was what was best for Jackie.

So, later that afternoon, I loaded up the boys and Nicholas, Gehrig's friend, into the car and off we went to the park with a mission.

So far, so good! His buddy helped him carry Jackie out to the pond.

Jackie's last moments before "freedom."

After being released from his cage, Jackie crawled around in the grass for a minute,.....and then made a bee line for the water and dove right in. I watched to see if he would resurface, but he didn't.After that, I looked up and Gehrig had walked off, his friend, Nicholas went after him.

He was SO upset and I think that he was fighting off tears and trying to put on brave face since his friend was there.

Poor thing!

As soon as we got home, he cried uncontrollably. He is a very sensitive guy! But we know that we gave Jackie a better life and a more fitting environment where he can be happy swimming around with his turtle friends!

Back-to-back visits!!!

2010-06-16T05:18:00.000-07:00

We were so lucky to have both sets of grandparents come visit us, one right after the other! We tried to show them a good time in Clovis!

Gehrig was beyond surprised when Grandma Joan and Grandpa Dub showed up at our house sporting their new shirts! It was so great to see have his fan club here for his last T-ball game. While they were here, we went to Casel-Land, a family fun center that had batting cages, putt-putt, bumper boats and more! Gehrig was so brave and got in the batting cage.

Next we headed over the the putt-putt course!

Colin had a great stradegy. He would whack the ball off of the starting line and then go get it from where ever it landed, pick it up, place it about an inch from the hole.... ...and then tap it in.

One last picture! It was so great to have Grandma Joan and Grandpa Dub visit! We can't wait to see them again in a few weeks!

The same day that Grandma Joan and Grandpa Dub left, Grandma Carole and Grandpa Jerry arrived!!! We, of course, had to go back to Casel-Land for some more putt-putt!

I couldnt, for the life of me, get a picture with both of the boys looking! We went to Lubbock for the day so that Daddy and Grandpa Jerry could play golf at the RAWLS course at Texas Tech while Grandma Carole, the boys and I ran errands. We had a picnic lunch in the park and Gehrig climbed a tree!!
The next day Grandma and I took the boys to a brand new waterpark that opened in Muleshoe. It was small, but perfect for the boys. It had a zero entry pool, a lazy river, a diving board, and a waterslide.

So proud after he went down the waterslide!

Sno-cone break!

I thought that these next two were funny "Baywatch" poses!

We went to a little old fashioned soda fountain and ice cream parlor...the only place in Clovis that serves Blue Bell ice cream!!!

It was so great to have you, Grandma Carole and Grandpa Jerry!

Gehrig's T-Ball Season Finale

2010-06-08T12:25:00.000-07:00

LOOK WHO SHOWED UP TO SURPRISE GEHRIG FOR HIS LAST T-BALL GAME OF THE SEASON!!! IT'S GEHRIG'S FAN CLUB!

Grandma Joan made these awesome t-shirts for herself and Grandpa Dub to wear to the big game. Boy was Gehrig surprised when they walked in!

Gehrig's fan club waiting for the game to start. Throughout the season, Gehrig mostly played 2nd base.
He was so intense. He always takes t-ball so seriously.

Posing for a photo op right before his last bat of the season.

On first base, ready to go!!

At third base, waiting to score!

Every time Gehrig crosses the plate, he slides. Without fail. Even when the play is no where near home plate. This is what his slide usually looks like.

However, this is what it looked like during his last game

I think that he was trying to avoid colliding with Allie, the catcher from the other team!

He played first base, too!

One last team cheer for the season.

Marlins on THREE! ONE, TWO, THREE....

MARLINS!!!!!!Here comes the team after one last victory lap!

After the game, the team and their families headed over to the park for an "End-of-the-Year" picnic. The coaches handed out trophies to each of the players. They made the trophies by writing the names of each of the players on a baseball and attaching it to a plaque. Here is #4 showing off his first trohpy ever!!!

The team all pitched in to get their wonderful coaches a gift. We uploaded the team photo and the Marlin's logo onto a mug and had it personalized with their name!

Then we filled them with Cracker Jacks and Big League Chew...

and wrapped them up with a tag and ribbon.

The little ball player enjoying his hot dog at the picnic.

Coach's mom made baseball cupcakes!!!

Memorial Weekend

2010-06-05T19:07:00.000-07:00

We hope that everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and remembered those brave men and women who sacraficed their lives while bravely fighting for the freedom of our great nation.

We had a wonderful time with friends hanging out outside and eating good food. We went over to our friends' Chase and Lisa's house for a BBQ. And what would a Memorial Day picnic be with out a traditional flag cake??? The boys had fun helping momma decorate it.

As soon as we arrived, the boys hit the pool!

Our wonderful host and hotess, "Chaser" and Ms. Lisa!! Thanks for having us! We had a blast!

Welcome to the World Precious Little One

2010-05-31T20:30:00.000-07:00

Avery Grace Gossner was born this morning at 9:51. She weighed 6 lbs, 12 oz, and she is absolutely adorable! Avery, I can not wait to meet you and introduce you to your cousins, Gehrig and Colin!

You are such a blessing to your mommy and daddy, and, even though you don't know it yet, you are so blessed to have them as your Mommy and Daddy!

Kindergarten....Here we come!!!!

2010-05-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

Well, here he is!!! My little preschool graduate!!!!

Every year growing up, my mom would take pictures on the first and last day of school, so I am continuing the tradition. See posts here and here. One with Colin, too!!! That morning, to celebrate their preschool graduation, Gehrig's class had a pancake breakfast!

Colin shoving pancakes into his face! It does my heart good to see this child eat!

I swear, Colin thinks that he is part of the class.

I made clip boards for Ms. Cato and Mrs. Holt for end of the year gifts to thank them for all of their hard work and dedication to our little ones.

Front Back

Front

Back

Last week, to celebrate the end of the year, Gehrig's school had "Fun in the Sun" day! It was really similar to the field day we used to have when I was growing up. His class went around to various stations participating in fun activities, games, and relays. Another mom and I were in charge of the Balloon Pop station, so I didnt get pictures of all his whole afternoon, but here is what I did get.

Doing the Limbo in the gym...looks like his neck is broken!!

At one station, they had their faces painted and Gehrig chose to have a bat and baseball. Big shocker there!!! Inflatable slip and slide!!! I think that his favorite station was the watergun station. All the moms that were out on the battle field trying to take pictures got soaken wet!!!

I bought a some cheapie guns to have for extras...Colin loved them! Plotting his next move???? Riding the train with his 4th grade buddy.

A little break for a Freezey Pop!

Of course, Colin got in on the Freezy Pop action! One of the stations was a hair spray station.

Gehrig chose to have his hair sprayed red, orange and silver!

The bouncey houses were HUGE hits with the preschoolers!

And, of course, he had to show me how he had mastered the monkey bars!

Time sure is flying by! I truly can not believe that my little guy is headed for Kindergarten in the fall. We have decided to keep him at the Christian school. We just love his precious, little school, and ,Mrs. Curry, the teacher that he will have for kindergarten is PHENOMINAL!!!!!! Until then, we are ready to have a blast this summer!!!!

Soooooo Silly and Bible Verse Friday and Talent Show Preview

2010-05-14T07:34:00.001-07:00

Today Gehrig's preschool class is having "Silly Day!" We got Gehrig an oversize party hat to wear. He is wearing his jeans inside out, his shirt backwards, and a clip-on tie. He also has on unmatching socks and two different pair of shoes. We rolled his jeans up so this would be obvious. To complete the ensemble, he wore his puffy Mario gloves, His "Super G" super hero cape, and his "Under the Sea" glasses that he made last year at Colin's first birthday! A super sill pose!

His class looked so SILLY! Even Ms. Cato dressed up!

Silly pose!

His buddy Evan came late, so we lined up again!

Also, it is Friday, so I videoed Gehrig saying his Bible Verse.

Give thanks so the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever." Psalm 136:1

And, as a special treat, here he is singing the song that his preschool class is singing in the talent show today. They have also been working on the sign language that goes along with it.

Standing in the Need of Prayer

"It's me. It's me, oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer.

It's me. It's me, oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer.

Not my father, not my mother, but it's me oh Lord, standing int he need of prayer.

Not my sister, not my brother, but me it's me, oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer!"

'>Click here to see the video

Relay for Life

2010-05-08T07:26:00.000-07:00

Wow!!! What an amazing event!!! I took the boys to relay with me for Relay for Life. I could not believe the turn-out from out little town. It was so amazing to see the support from so many people, businesses, organizations, squadrons, and churches in the community, all in the name of cancer research, awareness, and fund-raising.

Our squadron, the 3rd SOS Dragons, put together a team, The Relaying Dragons. One of our very own squadron spouses, Laurin Stamps, is a cancer survivor. She was not only our team captain, but she was the 2010 Honorary Chair for the entire event!!! For more information about this awesome event, check out the Relay for Life website!!!

Julia, Laurin and I painted the team banner. The theme for Relay for Life this year is "Celebrating Another Year!" You can't see the dragon really well in this picture, but his flames are lighting the candle on the birthday cake; a birthday cake which reads "Celebrating Another Year" in pink frosting.This cake was designed to match the cake on the banner.
The boys were given party bags filled with candy! They were in sugar heaven!

We saw tons of people that we knew. Here we are with Charlie and Henry! How adorable do they look in their Relay for Life shirts???The Opening Ceremonies were conducted by DJs from our local radio station and included the posting of the colors, the National Anthem, an invocation, cheerleaders, belly dancing, a survivor's laps, teams pictures, and a parade of teams. But the most moving part of night for me, was the speech that Laurin gave (as Honorary Chair) in which she talked about her battle with cancer. She talked about how she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at age 18, right as she was preparing to leave for college. She talked about how her world came crashing down on her and those she loved. But she also talk about how she fought back, went through chemo, and defeated cancer!!!!! She is now happily married and has an adorable stepson and a beautiful 4-month old baby! Praise God!!!

As part of the Opening Ceremonies, the survivors and their families walked a "Survivor's Lap." Here are the Stamps on their initial lap! After the survivor's lap, the teams each lined up and took a lap as a team with the team banner. For the rest of the night, until 10 this morning, the teams all had atleast one person out relaying on the course at all times.

Of course, we took a little break for some playground time! You know I had to snap this one of Miss Ree with Colin!

As it started to get dark (and chilly) we bundled up, got some hot chocolate and kept walking!

The boys absolutely LOVED the entire evening. Each time that we got back to our squadron's "campsite," Gehrig would beg me to go around another lap. Which we did, until almost 10pm!!! Once it was completely dark, they held the Luminary Ceremony. The lap course had been lined with paper sack luminaries, upon which the names of survivors, as well as those who lost the battle to cancer, were written. As the thousands of names were read (in "memory of" or in "honor of"), the volunteers lit the candles!! How moving it was to see!! The pictures do not even do it justice!!

Laurin's Luminary. Laurin, I praise God for your life and the stuggles that you have been through!!! I am so honored to know you and to call you my friend. You are such a beauiful light shining in this world!

We {heart} our Teachers

2010-05-07T08:34:00.001-07:00

It's Teacher Appreciation Week, and we had a great time showing our teachers just how much we appreciate them!!! I know, first hand, that teaching can often be an under-appreciated, underpaid, and thankless job, so I wanted to show Ms. Cato and Mrs. Holt just how much we appreciated them and all that they do by doing something small for them each day!

On the first day, one of the other mom's from Gehrig's class and I got together to decorate the classroom door! We had each of the children write their name on a flower and stuck them around the wording, "Ms. Cato and Mrs. Holt, thank you for helping us bloom." For more cute ideas for door decorations check out Skip to My Lou's ideas here and here.

Sharon and I thought that it would be cute if we had each of the students walk in the next morning with a single flower for each of the teachers, and then, by the time all of the students had arrived in the morning, their teachers would have a full bouquet!! I thought that it would be even more fun if the teachers had a decorated vase to put their bouquets in.

So, I started with a plain glass vase.
And then I decorated with scrapbook paper, a ribbon, and a little tag that my friend, Lisa, designed for me!

I placed the vases on the teacher's desk and had each student walk in with a daisy stem. By the time all the students arrived at school, their desks had a bright, sunny boquet!! Ms. Cato and Mrs. Holt quickly figured out what the empty vases were for!!!

When searching for Teacher Appreciation gift ideas, I hit the JACKPOT when I stumbled across one of my n0w favorite blogs, Eighteen25.

She had shared a tutorial for a variety of seriously cute gifts and even uncluded free printable gift tags!!! Click here to view her "Quick and Cheesy Teacher Appreciation gifts!"

I used her "You are SENT-SATIONAL" gift tag to add to these jar candles that I decorated with scrapbook papaer and a ribbon. Easy peasy!!

For the next day, I tranformed this Symphony chocolate candy bar using the tag and tutorial from Eighteen25

Seriously cute, right???? For the last day, I made these adorable teacher supply and survival boxes following the tutorial on, yep, you guessed it, Eighteen25!!

I started with a plastic craft box.I decorated it with scrapbook paper...can you tell that this is my new favorite paper???

After I made them, I realized that I forgot the ribbon! Oh well!

Next, I filled each of the compartments with various teachers supplies, chocolates, mints, and hand sanitizer. Can you believe that I found all the cute designer supplies at Wal Mart???

Voila!!!

One last picture of Gehrig and his precious Pre-K teachers, Ms. Cato and Mrs. Holt! We appreciate all that they do for the little ones!

Bible Verse Friday-The Sideways Edition

2010-05-07T08:12:00.000-07:00

It was a really rushed morning and I have no idea how to rotate the video, so just rotate your head (or your monitor) to view this week's Bible verse.

"Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you." James 4:8

Double Header Bible Verse Friday

2010-04-30T07:14:00.001-07:00

Last week I videoed Gehrig's verse with Chris' phone and couldnt get it to email, so this morning, Gehrig recited both last weeks and this weeks!

Last week his verse was, "Honor your Father and your Mother, and love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 19:19

This week his verse is, "The Lord crowns the humble with salvation." Psalm 149:4

Little League T-Ball Opening Day

2010-04-25T13:14:00.001-07:00

Well, the day Gehrig had been waiting for finally came. You may remember this post reporting that we had signed Gehrig up for T-Ball. No sooner had we signed him up, he was on the phone with both sets of grandparents inviting them to Opening Day! So, you can imagine how special it was that all four of them were able to make the day-long road trip to come out and cheer him on! It was a special day for Gehrig!

Here he is posing for a few pictures before the ceremony began.
Gehrig with his Grandma Joan and Grandpa Dub!

Gehrig with his Grandma Carole and Grandpa Jerry!

We were so sad that Daddy had to miss his opening day, but lately Chris has been having such a crazy work schedule!

After his obligatory photo shoot, he headed over to the dugout with his team to get ready! He was so happy to score the #4 jersey. You can't be named after Lou Gehrig and not wear the #4 jersey!!! All set, waiting with his team in the dugout.

Colin was all set to go, too! Hmmmm, when is this thing going to start????Guess I will take some ground balls while I wait.

Gehrig's biggest fans and cheering section.The Marlins were the first team to take the field! The announcer introduced the team and called each player out by name. The head of the association gave them a high-five and handed them their official Little League pin.
Number 4....Gehrig Gesch!!!!After receiving his pin. He looks so proud.

Marlins on three! ONE!!!! TWO!!!!! THREE ........

MARLINS!!!! Taking a knee in the outfield to enjoy the rest of the ceremony. They were the first team called, so they had a long wait out there. Gehrig was chosen as the T-Ball representative to say the Little League Pledge.

Look who was able to show up!! DADDY!!!One group shot!!After enjoying the free hot dogs at the stadium, the Marlins headed out to the outfield to take team and individual pictures.What a good looking little team!Of course, I made Gehrig pose for one more!

Thank you so much to Grandma Joan, Grandpa Dub, Grandma Carole, and Grandpa Jerry for sharing in this special day with us! I know that it meant so much to Gehrig to have you here! We love you!

Bible Verse Friday

2010-04-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

Wow! It has been a week since my last post. I need to get my Opening Day T-ball pictures organized and posted and then, of course, get the Doggie Party posted, too!

Until then, enjoy this week's Bible verse. "Cast all your worries upon Him, because He care for you." I Peter 5:7

Bible Verse Friday

2010-04-09T07:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I cut off thebeginning part, sorry. This week's verse is, "I will do whatever you ask in my name so that I might bring glory to the Father." John 14:13

Happy Birthday

2010-04-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

TO MY HANDSOME LITTLE PRINCE!!
It was just two short years ago, today, that Colin entered this world, blessed us beyond our wildest dreams, and made our family complete! What fun, sweet, fiesty little boy you have become, Colin. Your little tooth-filled smile just lights up our life.
With Daddy working nights, we didnt have any family time to celebrate the occasion, but we do have a little shindig planned for Sunday, complete with both sets of grandparents!
Tonight I took the boys to Burger King and let the run around to tire them out. I snapped this picture of the birthday boy and just had to share it!

Today's post has been brought to you by CANDY!!!

2010-04-05T06:26:00.000-07:00

Or, "Nan-nee" as Colin would say it! The Gesch household has been infultrated by Easter candy this week. Colin asks for it first thing in the morning and doesnt stop thinking about it until he goes to bed at night. He actually probably dreams about it too!
The reason we have so much candy might be directly related to the fact that we went to THREE Easter Egg hunts this week!

EGG HUNT #1
First we had Chris's squadron Easter Party. There was a lot food, fun, a photo op....and an egg hunt! Colin was in the first group to go with all the little kids. It was first time he participated in a real egg hunt, but he had a lot of pracitice and coaching from his big brother at home ahead of time.
Off he goes!

He liked to inspect each one and check out what was inside before he put them in his basket...makes for a slow hunt, but he had a good time!

Gehrig's turn...Gerhig was in the 4 and older group!

On your mak....Get set....

...GO!!!....

I didn't get too many of Gehrig because he was too quick!

The boys after the hunt...as you can see, Colin has already started to enjoy some of his loot!

I am just including this picture so that you can see how TERRIBLY windy it was that day! We were supposed to have a bouncey house, but we decided that it wasnt such a good idea!

They had a prize drawing. Colin picked a puzzle and sidewalk chalk.

And Gehrig picked a frisbee and sidewalk chalk!

EGG HUNT #2

I have been so impressed with local library here in Clovis. Each Wednesday, Miss Crissie holds a storytime for the little ones. In addition to story time this week, she held a practice Easter egg hunt. Each of the little ones decorated their own Easter bag with crayons and stickers. Then Miss Crissie put some Easter grass in the bottom of it.

Colin's decorated Easter bag

After decorating their bags and leaving them on the table, they went out into the childrens' section of the library to hunt for eggs. Colin only found one, but he was fine with that

He would rather look at the fish anyway!When they finished the hunt and got back to the room they found that a little surprise treat had been left in their bags. Of course, it was none other than......CANDY!!!

After waiting in line so patiently, he finally "claimed" his cupcake by sticking his finger in the frosting! That's one way to make sure you get what you want!

EGG HUNT #3

Our final egg hunt took place at the Hillcrest Zoo her in Clovis, and let me tell you, everyone and their grandmother was there!

They had the kids surround the grassy area where the eggs where hid.

Waiting is so hard!

I got a few shots of Colin, but it was such total mass chaos, that I didnt even see Gehrig go (Chris had his eyeballs on him though).

The hunt literally took less than a minute!

I wanted to get a cute picture of the two of them, but all I could get was the tops of their heads because they couldnt resist checking out their eggs. Inside they found plastic animals, animal tatoos, jelly bracelets, tops, and, yes, MORE CANDY!

As we sat their enjoy the beautiful day, a reporter from the Clovis New Journal came by and interviewed Gehrig. She said that the interview would be on their website that evening, but we have yet to find it.

For some reason, I can see a career with the microphone in his future.

What a Blessed Easter!!!

2010-04-04T21:40:00.001-07:00

The Easter Bunny was so good to the boys this year! He left quite a loot behind! Gehrig's baseball basket Colin's doggie basket!

Gehrig was so excited about his new Blu Ray disc, Alvin and the Chipmunks, the Squeakquel! Colin LOVED the chocolate bunny! He has been talking about "nan-nee" (candy) incessantly all week!!!!

A few shots in the front yard..their little ties have baseballs on them...so cute!!!!

Modeling their linen blazers!

The Gesch Family before church in front of the blossoming trees!

We hit the links as a family for the first time ever! It was such a gorgeous day and Chris had an amazingly impressive round!

My handsome boys!

On the back 9, Gehrig left Chris and I with our jaws hanging wide open when he sank this 40-foot putt!

What a special day! In addition the the celebration of the resurrection of Christ, Easter has a meaningful memory for Chris and me. It was on Easter, 7 years ago, that Chris proposed by putting a ring in an egg in my Easter basket!

Bible Verse Friday

2010-04-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

Gehrig actually had today off for Good Friday, but our internet has been down. So, here is his Bible Verse from yesterday. "Be kind to one another, and forgive, as Christ forgave you!" Ephesian 4:32

Our Journey to See the Easter Bunny

2010-03-29T12:38:00.000-07:00

So, apparently the mall here in Clovis has decided not to have the Easter Bunny this year. So, we had to make a two-hour trek to the mall in Lubbock just to see him! I was so disappointed in the Easter Bunny there. He (or she) just sat there, obviously annoyed that he (or she) was in a bunny suit. There was hardly any interaction with the boys at all! I asked if I could take my own picture with my camera since I was planning on purchasing a picture from them anyway, and they refused to let me! So, two hours and $20 later, this is what I got! I was thoroughly annoyed, but the boys love it and had a great time, so that is all that matters. You may notice that there is an extra person in the photo this year. I was so nervous that Colin was going to be upset, so we eased up their slowly...talked to the bunny, patted the bunny, but when I asked Colin if he wanted to sit on the bunny's lap, he shook his head. I didn't want to push it, so I had him sit on my lap. After all the effort, I certainly didn't want a picture of him in tears!

After that, I took the liberty of taking pictures of the boys in front of their "Spring set."

A Little Behind Here!

2010-03-27T06:15:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I have been so far behind. Here are some pictures of our trip to....... ARIZONA!!!!

We headed west for a little time in the sun, some baseball games, and to see our wonderful family!

However, does this look like spring training weather to you???

We spent most of our time bundled up, but that didn't stop Colin from enjoying ice cream!

He really enjoyed it!

Yummy!

Oh, is there a baseball game going on behind me????

After the game, Uncle Gabe took the kiddos down onto the field! We all just LOVE it when he does that!

He had his hands full with all three little ones!

It was so great to see cousin Allie, too! We hadn't seen her since Thanksgiving!

My goal was to get a really cute picture of the three of them at the baseball game, but I was so disappointed that I didn't!! Sadly, this is the only one I have of the three of them! We also got to meet up with Gehrig's best buddy from Tucson, Tyler! We met Tyler, Kadi and Miss Dawn at the Children's Museum in Phoenix. The kids had a blast there, and then we headed to a game! My camera battery died while we were there (of course) so I am waiting to get pictures from them.

I was so fortunant to be there with all our family for my birthday! We went out to dinner as a big group and they all pitched in to get me a Kitchen Aid Mixer! I can not wait to start putting it to good use!!!!

Uncle Greg, Aunt Sarah (and Cousin Avery)!

Chris and Lindsay

Grandma Joan, Grandpa Dub and Gehrig!

Uncle Gabe, Aunt Kelly and Cousin Allie (and baby Gross, TBA)!

US!

The last day was really nice, however, I missed the game because I was getting my hair fixed. The boys sat on the grass and had a great time!

Bible Verse Friday

2010-03-05T06:56:00.000-08:00

Here is this week's Bible verse. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." I Timothy 1:15. And we are so thankful that he did!!!

The Color Factory!

2010-03-02T13:05:00.000-08:00

This morning we went to The Color Factory with my MOPS group. The Color Factory is a pottery studio in down town Clovis (yes, Clovis has a down town) where the kids can chose from a variety of pieces, paint them and then the studio fires and seals them. I left the smart card to my camera at home, so I am very thankful that my friend Ree snapped some pictures of Colin for me.

Colin chose a mug that said "DAD" on it. (Shhhhh...don't tell, but we are going to give it to him for Father's Day...maybe he will forget by June.) He got right to work painting the outside and the inside of the mug! Not sure if he got more paint on the mug or on his shirt. Oh well, the gentleman working at the studio assured me that the paint comes out of clothes.

It was messy, but fun! The finished masterpiece...well almost. We had to leave it there to be fired in the kiln. It will be ready for pick up on Saturday

Health and Hygiene

2010-03-01T16:30:00.000-08:00

Busy, busy day today! This morning Gehrig had his 5 year old well-kid check.

Here he is getting weighed and measured! He was in the 50% for height and the 25% for weight! Momma was just happy that he was still on the charts! They checked his blood pressure and the oxygen in his blood.
They checked his eye-sight. This was the practice round with the shapes, and then they made him go to the back of a long hallway and read off the letters. He did great! 20/20 vision!
Waiting for the pediatrician to come on and check him. She thought that he looked perfect and gave him a clean bill of health. And, he didn't have to have any immunizations. Turns out that he is all caught up on shots until he is 11!

In addition to his doctor's appointment, Gehrig also had a dentist appointment as well. He got to wear these cool shades to keep the bright light out of his eyes.

The hygienist cleaned his teeth with bubble gum flavored paste.

All clean! Check out those pearly whites!!!The dentist said to go ahead and start flossing! So, we will be working on that. It should be interesting

"I Built It" Project Day at Lowe's

2010-02-28T16:24:00.000-08:00

This weekend we went to Lowe's for the "Build and Grow Kids' Clinic!" The boys, including Daddy, had such a great time building the "Lowebot," a car that transforms into a robot!

The boys recieved aprons (that they got to keep), a hammer, and a kit with supplies and instructions! We found a spot in the lumber section and set out to work building. Colin wasn't much help, but he sure was ADORABLE in his little apron! Just getting started!

Working hard.......but having a great time! Hammer! Hammer!Break time for a photo op!

Helping Daddy with the directions!

The carpenters and their finished product!Colin was very impressed with the handy work!

They even received a certificate and a patch that can be sewn onto their apron. I am so glad that I got a sewing machine for Christmas for such occasions.

WE'RE DONE WITH THE RAYS.....

2010-02-27T10:47:00.000-08:00

...NOW WE CHEER FOR THE A's!!!!Uncle Gabe signed a contract with the Oakland A's this season, so, for his birthday, Unlce Gabe, Aunt Kelly and Cousin Allie sent Gehrig this awesome A's jersey!! Can't wait to (hopefully) go watch him play some spring training games in AZ!!!!

On Friday Gehrig wore his new jersery to school for "Show & Teach." "Show & Teach" is similar to "Show & Tell," however, his teacher wanted the class to not merely bring in a toy and tell about it, but to bring in something that they could "teach" the class about. So Gehrig wore his new jersey and decided to teach his classmate about the positions on the field, So he learned all the names of the players on the field and where they stand. Of course, becuase I am "that" mom, I went to watch his presentation, and he did SUCH AN AWESOME JOB!!! Below I have a video of him practicing his presentation at home, but I just wish so badly that I would have taped his actual presentation to the class. He was talking about the infield in the outfield, who catches grounders and who catches pop flies. At the end, he got a big 'ol smile on his face and ask, "Questions????" Not once did he sit down, ask mommy if that was right, or announce that he "had to pee so badly" (you'll see on the video, LOL!).

Afterward I saw little Shaylee walk over to him, give him a big hug and tell him that he did such a good job on his presentation!!!!!

Bible Verse Friday

2010-02-26T07:21:00.000-08:00

Ok, we re-shot the video after school. Here is a much clearer version...and you dont have to turn your computer on its side to see it. This week his Bible verse is "Before a word is on my tongue. You know it, O Lord! " Psalm 139:4

A super Super Mario Birthday Party!

2010-02-23T19:20:00.001-08:00

This past weekend we celebrated Gehrig's 5th birthday with a party with his preschool friends!

Here is the invitation that we sent out. Since Gehrig was Mario for Halloween, I included a picture of him in his costume on the invitation that I made on my computer. Due to the large number of invitees, we decided to hold the party in our neighborhood community center. The decor was a little outdated, so the cloud balloons were the perfect decoration to draw the eye away from the drab curtains and couches.

As each guest walked in, they found this table with these reversable Mario/Luigi hats that my mother-in-law and I made using a tutorial I found on coolpartyblog.com. To complete the look, I made chocolate mustaches. At the end of the table was a mirror, so they could each admire their "new look" before devouring their delicious stache!Don't these look just like Mario and Luigi's mustaches????Of course, I tried to snap a picture of each of them. Here is the birthday boy! And here is a little montage of the little Marios and Luigi's proudly sporting their hats and chocolate mustaches!

The community center had a gaming room, so we had the Wii set up and the guests played, what else, Super Mario Brothers and other Mario Wii games!

We only played one game, but the Yoshi Egg Smash was a success. I also got the idea for this game from coolpartyblog.com. Each egg was filled with confetti. Two "special eggs" also contained gold stars.
The guests took turns throwing their egg at this Yoshi poster, smashing them opening to see if their egg held the gold star. If so, they were the winner!!! The two winners won a Wii remote filled with candy. Unfortunantly, I didnt get an pictures of the kids playing the game.

I really, really wanted to make Gehrig's cake, but never, ever having worked with fondant before, I was very intimidated. So, I cheated (a little). I ordered a two-tiered cake from Mary Newell of Sweet Cakes that was merely covered in blue fondant, and I did the rest. Here is what it looked like when I picked it up.

I made the fondant from scratch and colored it myself using this tutorial/recipe. I ordered the Mario character figures on-line. And here is how it turned out!

He looked like he loved his cake, so I was thrilled! As each guest left, Gehrig gave them a Yoshi favor bag and thanked them for coming to his party! I made the Yoshi favor bags using this tutorial from coolpartyblog.com. Yes, I used this site a lot!!!! Each bag had a favor tag that read, "Thank you for making my birthday so special."

I filled the Yoshi favor bags with these adorable personalized chocolates. I purchased the choclate wrappers from E-bay seller Linda Carlton of My Treasures Today. The wrappers had various Mario images on the front and a personalized message on the back that read "Happy 5th Birthday, Gehrig!" They were super easy to wrap around the Hershey Miiniatures. I also found these Mario Kart candy dispenser for the favor bags.

And how cool are these Mario band-aids for the favor bags?????

All in all, I would say that it was a pretty succesful party. The guests and the birthday boy had a great time. So hard to believe that my little man is 5 years old already!!!

Now onto planning his little brother's Doggie Birthday Party!

Grandma Joan and Grandpa Dub Visit!!!

2010-02-21T20:57:00.000-08:00

We were so excited to have Grandma Joan and Grandpa Dub come for a visit. As usual, they came bearing gifts. Both Gehrig and Colin LOVED their Lego sets! They arrived on Valentine's Day, so we took them to one of our favorite restaurants here in Clovis, Shogun. Colin gave us a lesson on how to use chop sticks!
Chop! Chop!

I sure hope that Joan comes back. We put her to work baking, baby sitting, making reversable Mario/Luigi hats and painting. She helped me paint Gehrig's entire room cream and then we added the red stripes to one wall (so far). Eventually this will look like baseball stitching.

We did't get to see too much of Dub because he was visiting schoosl in the area, but when he came back, he of course brought more loot. I know that he and Grandma Joan had such a great time picking out all this T-ball "gear" for Gehrig. Colin loved his Legos truck and Astros jersey.

Inside his bat bag was a bat, some baseballs, two pair of baseball pants, two batting gloves, two Under Armor shirts, socks, a belt and cleats....I think I got it all! Let's just say that he is beyond ready for T-ball.

Colin of course had to pose with his little plastic bat (and no pants).

Doesn't he look like a real ball player?????

We were so sad to see them head home, but we are looking forward to their return in April for Opening Day and Colin's 2nd birthday party. And we are really hoping that Chris gets his leave approved so that we can meet up with them in Phoenix to watch Uncle Gabe's spring training next month!!!

Today Has Been Brought to you by the Number 5!!!!

2010-02-16T18:39:00.000-08:00

Happy 5th birthday to my little boy, Gehrig. What a joy and blessing these past five years have been with you as my little boy. You will always have a special place in my heart! After all, you were the one who first made me a mamma; the one thing that I have always wanted to be ever since I was a little girl. I sincerely feel like that is my true calling from God! I love you to peanuts, Gehrig Bug!

For his birthday, mommy and daddy got Gehrig his own set of left-handed golf clubs. We gave them to him a day early to that he could go to the driving range with daddy!

Here is Gehrig before school on his birthday. He was so excited to show Grandma Joan around his new school and classroom. Unfortunantly, halfway through the school day, the school nurse called and told me that he need to be picked up because he had a croup-like cough and a fever. Poor kid had to come home early and didnt get to pass out his birthday cup cakes to his classmate. Maybe we can try again when he is healthy! After being picked up from school, putting on his jammies, taking some medicine and a "steam," Gehrig open some presents from family memebers.

He loved his Mario backpack and lunch box from Grandma Carole and Grandpa Jerry. He loved the books and kite too, but I didnt take a picture of that.

He also loved his new air hockey table from Grandma Joan and Grandpa Dub! Colin loves it too!

He had pizza for dinner on the "You are Special Today Plate."

One more package arrived later, and he just had to test it out...sorry so dark, but he loved the Three Strike Baseball gift you sent, Aunt Sarah and Uncle Goose!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!

2010-02-14T05:32:00.000-08:00

from my two sweethearts!!!

My sweet Valentine, Gehrig! My sweet Valentine, Colin! I made their shirts using an tutorial from a hilarious blog that I have recently found called Crap I've Made! Such a fabulous site!
I made hand-dipped fortune cookies for Gehrig's teachers for Valentine's Day. I got the cute idea and the free download from No Fuss Fabulous.

YUM!

My sweet friend, Lisa, helped me change the gift card!

Of course I made some for my new friends that I have met here in Clovis, too! I am so blessed to have met so many wonderful ladies here!One quick picture before school. We were all so excited for his Valentine's Day party at school in the afternoon!

I brought cupcakes to his party. I have been wanting to try cupcake wrappers and toppers, and I figured a perfect time for a first try was for preschoolers...a less discerning audience! This pattern I downloaded from Skip to My Lou. She will send them to anyone who donates to the relief efforts in Haiti with her "Love for Haiti" program. Wonderful idea!!!!

I thought that they turned out so cute, "all dressed up!" At school, the kids decorated bags to hold the Valentines that they exchanged during their party. Gehrig and Shaylee showing off their bags!

Colin seriously thinks that he is apart of the preschool class. He just walks right in and sits right down and starts interacting with all of the kids. Funny boy!

Colin LOVED his cupcake!

Gehrig and his precious preschool class with thie teacher, Ms. Cato!

Bible Verse Friday

2010-02-12T06:27:00.000-08:00

This week's Bible verse is Psalms 56:3!

How handsome is my date....

2010-02-07T11:57:00.000-08:00

to the Mother/Son Ball?????? This year Gehrig accompanied me to the Mother/Son Ball at Cannon Air Force Base, but not before we had a lengthy photo shoot!

Gehrig being Gehrig!

Looking so grown up!!!!

Precious boy!!!!!!

Fire side pictures with his friend, Evan, from preschool.

What a charmer!

The tables were set so nicely!

Evan and Ms. Sharon!

Mommy and Gehrig! Balloons from the dance floor!

Evan, Ruben and Gehrig on the dance floor! Heart breakers!!!!!!!

Dancin'!

There were lots of different fun crafts!After they finished their crafts, they thought that they were super heros!The cake! Eating cake!

Quincy, Ruben, Evan and Gehrig are all in the same preschool class. I didnt get a group picture until the end of the night. You can tell that they had been partying hard!!!

And the piece de resistance! Gehrig was all over the dance floor! I was so glad that I had my camera with me. I used up the remainder of my battery, but it was so worth it. Enjoy the smooth moves! Hilarious!!!!

Signing Day!!!!!

2010-02-06T19:54:00.000-08:00

What a special day! Today we signed Gehrig up for T-Ball through the American Little League. Gehrig (and Daddy and Mommy) have been waiting for this season, his first season, for a long, long time now! Everyone there was so nice, friendly and encouraging, so we are super excited!Gehrig and Daddy filling out the paper work!After he was all signed up, we drove over to the field where he will be playing many of his games. Check out that stance!Here is Gehrig standing on the bleachers where Mommy will be chearing her heart out. Behind him you can see the field where he will play. It is covered with snow now, but come April 10th (Gehrig's Opening Day and Little League Debut) is will be dry and green!

Bible Verse Friday

2010-02-05T07:25:00.001-08:00

Since the preschoolers missed two days of school last week, Ms. Cato decided to keep the same Bible verse for this week as last week. Soooooo....here is one that Gehrig had memorized before we started video taping for Bible Verse Friday. Here is John 3:16.

Update on Colin

2010-02-03T05:57:00.000-08:00

Colin had a well-baby check appointment a week and a half ago, and while he has always been on the lower percentiles for height and weight, this time he wasn't even on the chart for weight. The doctor has some concern about this, so she order blood work to be done to test a whole gamut of possibilties. Some blood work came back from the lab immediatetly and showed everything to be normal. Certain tests, like the human growth hormone test, had to be sent out, but last night we got a call from the pediatrician letting us know that all the remaining tests came back normal. So, we have concluded that he is just a little guy. Our pediatric team here wants us to replace a cup of milk with a cup of Pediasure every once in while and come back for a weight check in a couple of months.

Here he is in the waiting room waiting to get his "wee bag' put on. He had to give a urine sample. I think the worst part of his day was taking the "wee bag" off. OUCH!Here he is after they took vile after vile of his blood! What a brave little trooper he was. Mommy was so thankful that Daddy was there to hold him in his lap while they took the blood.

Check out his new bandage!

Bible Verse Friday--The Monday Edition

2010-02-01T07:35:00.000-08:00

Due to the school closure, Bible Verse Friday was delayed until today! But here it is....1 John 4:19

Weekend Review

2010-01-31T20:07:00.000-08:00

Last weekend the weather was so beatiful, so we headed to the park to feed the ducks! We fed them Cheez-Its because we ran out of bread.I don't know why, but Gehrig kept calling this duck "Grandpa." What do you think Dub and Jerry, does it look like you????? Gehrig and daddy also went golfing last weekend!

Daddy's Little Caddie!

Poor kid is using a right handed club...don't tell him, but we got him a set of left-handed clubs for his birthday!!!

That was last weekend! This was this weekend.

All Colin wanted to do was eat the snow!

Gehrig's favorite thing to do in the snow...make snow angels!

Poor Ramona wasa covered in a thick layer of ice!

Mmmmmm...snow!

After all that cold fun, we came in for some of Grandma Carole's famous hot chocolate!Drinking hot chocolate from the Snoopy mug that I used to drink from when I was little. Hot chocolate mustache!

My Latest Project

2010-01-29T11:24:00.000-08:00

Sorry, for those of you who tuned in to see Bible Verse Friday, it has been postponed until Monday due to the snow! Gehrig has had two snow days in a row!

But here is a sneek peek picture of the materials for my latest project. It involves these items and Gehrig's window, his bed and his closet!

Love Bugs!!!!

2010-01-28T13:43:00.000-08:00

Check out these Love Bugs! Since Gehrig is home from school today due to the snowstorm, we decided to work on his class valentines. He wrote the name of each of his classmates on the back.They turned out super cute and were so easy to do. We got the idea from Skip to my Lou. She provides the free printable and instructions!

2010-01-22T07:25:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe that it is Friday already! These weeks are just flying by! Even though Gehrig had to come home sick from school yesterday (stomach bug), he was still able to learn his Bible verse. He was feeling fine this morning, so off to school he went. I wonder what he will chose from the treasure chest today.

This week his verse is Matthew 8:27

Help for Haiti

2010-01-21T10:14:00.000-08:00

It is very inspiring for me to see the many different, creative ways that people are rallying together to offer hope and help for Haiti.
Gehrig's school, Clovis Christian School, is raising money to send to the earth-quake stricken nation. One day last week, as Gehrig and I were cuddling before bed, he told me about what he had learned at school about the disaster. He told me about the pictures his teacher had shown his class, about how people had died and how many others were left without food, clean water, or homes. We talked about the victims that were still trapped in the rubble and how important it is to pray for them. Since he wanted to help, we talked about ways he could earn money at home to take into school. We decided that for each chore he did at home, he would earn a dollar, and, that for every dollar he earned, mommy and daddy would match that with $5. For the last week and half Gehrig has been working so diligently making his bed, setting the table, cleaning his room, and cleaning the playroom to earn his dollars! He has also become quite the little prayer warrior for Haiti too, lifting the victims up in prayer at dinner and before bed EVERY night.

In connection with his company, United Airlines, Gehrig's Grandpa Jerry is currently in Haiti, delivering people and supplies to aid the country. Gehrig is very worried that the earthquake is going to "get" you, Dad, so please call us as soon as you arrive safely home!

Bible Verse Friday

2010-01-15T08:01:00.000-08:00

TGIF!!!!! Gehrig has been working hard on learning his Bible verse by heart. Last week he did indeed get to chose a treat from the treasure box. He chose Whoppers which he brought home and shared with Colin and me! Such a sweet boy! This week's verse is Ephesian 6:1

Tumble Time

2010-01-13T10:34:00.000-08:00

Today our playgroup had a tumbling playdate at the cute little dance studio here in town, and Colin loved it!

Bible Verse Friday

2010-01-08T07:59:00.001-08:00

Happy Friday!!! I am hoping to start a new practice of posting a video of Gehrig reciting his weekly Bible verse every Friday. His pre-school teacher, Ms. Cato, assigns a verse that the students practice all week, and if they can say it "by heart" on Fridays, they get to chose a prize from the treasure box. This week his verse is I John 3:23. Enjoy!

It's a GIRL!!!

2010-01-07T07:38:00.001-08:00

We were so excited to learn yesterday that my brother and his wife are having a girl. Congratulations Greg and Sarah! Avery Grace is due May 31st, and we can not wait to meet her! Enjoy the pics!

Story Time at the Library

2010-01-06T10:09:00.000-08:00

With Gehrig in school full time, we have really missed out on going to story time at the library. The story time at the Cannon AFB library is wonderful. The librarian read them books about snowy days, they sang a song about snowflakes, and then they had craft time. They made these adorable little snowmen out of paper plates!
Gehrig and his buddy, Even, showing off their hard work!

The librarian gave them a snowflake necklace to make at home. He worked really hard threading each piece of candy. He even made a pattern with the three colors.

Gehrig worked really hard while Colin sat by and just ate his out of the package!

All finished! So proud!

Ringing in the New Year

2010-01-02T09:09:00.000-08:00

In celebration of the new year, one of my New Year's Resolutions is to better keep up with my blog, so friends and family can better keep up with us here in Clovis!

On New Year's Eve, we went to an Open House and Colin and Gehrig had a blast running around playing with all the kids.
We left early so that we could get the boys to bed, but not before I snapped one last picture of them in the New Year's headbands!Once the boys were in bed, we had some friends come over to hang out and toast to the New Year!
Katherine (our neighbor whose husband is deployed) and I sporting the New Year's headbands!Champagne to toast to the New Year!!

Happy New Year to all of our friends and family! We hope that this year finds you experiencing and enjoying all the blessing that God has to offer you!

A Little Recap (Oct, Nov, Dec)

2010-01-02T06:06:00.000-08:00

I have been so terrible about keeping up with our blog. I have so much that I want to share because so much has happened in the last few months. Here is a quick little recap of October, November and December.

In OCTOBER, we said good-bye to our old house.....and said good-bye to friends at a Halloween partyand drove to Houston to stay with Grandma Joan and Grandpa Dub until we were to report to Cannon AFB. We had a great time going to fun places like pumpkin patches, the children's museum, and the air show.
After church at the Woodlands

Mario and Luigi all ready for trick-or-treating!

Trick-or-treating with Grandma and Grandpa

In NOVEMBER we headed to Clovis, NM and moved into our new home!

Gehrig had his first day of pre-school at Clovis Christian School

For Thanksgiving we drove back to Houston to spend the holiday with Grandma Joan and Grandpa Dub! Kelly and Gabe came too, and we finally go to meet Cousin Allie for the first time! Three little cute turkeys before bed after a fun and yummy Thanksgiving

Upon arrival to Cannon AFB, the 4 new guys were put in charge of the Christmas float for the Clovis Parade of Lights. Since the 3rd SOS squadron is the Dragons, we designed a float with a theme of around "A very Scaley Christmas, complete with a castle depicting the squadron logo all over it!

Tim, Chris and Bill working on the 3rd SOS parade float

The "other side" of the float! Our side of the float. The kids were so bundled up under their dragon costumes because it was SO COLD that night!

One group shot after the parade

Visiting Santa; Take 1...the Santa at the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on base. Colin was a little unsure.

Visiting Santa; Take 2...Santa at the Squadron's Children's Christmas Party. Colin wanted nothing to do with it. After hunting, we found the perfect Christmas tree!

All loaded up and ready to take our new tree home to decorate

Gehrig was one of the Three Kings in his school's Christmas program, "Angels Aware." Here he is on stage before his big performance!

I was so disappointed that he was in the back and I couldn't see him really well. The three kings are kneeling down and admiring Baby Jesus in the manger.

Visiting Santa; Take 3....the Mall Santa. This time Colin did great and the lady snapping the professional pic even got him to smile!It was so great to have our very first visitors to our new home. Grandma Carole and Grandpa Jerry drove down from Denver to spend Christmas with us!

Decorating cookies at the squadron

Playing in the snow

The boys got a letter from Santa in the mail and "Nice List" Certificates!

Christmas Eve Service

After church on Christmas Eve, the boys got to open one present from Grandma Carole and Grandpa Jerry.

It was Christmas jammies! All ready for bed!Christmas morning

The boys and the stockings Let the fun begin!

What a wonderful Christmas it was, and what a wonderful year it has been! We are so thankful for all the friends and family that God has blessed us with!

Our Family is Expanding

2009-11-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

Yes, our family is going to grow here in 9 short months...but it is not me who is pregnant (thank goodness because I have all the blessings I can handle right now with my two precious boys). No, it is my brother, Greg, and my sister-in-law, Sarah, who are expecting their first little one in early June. I can not wait to be an auntie again and for the boys to have another cousin! Greg and Sarah are going to make such wonderful parents and little Poppyseed is so lucky to have them as his/her parents!

We have known for a while, but they announced it publicaly at a squadron party to which they wore t-shirts proclaiming the exciting news.

Greg's says "Baby Daddy" and Sarah's says "Baby makes the Belly go Round!!! Congratualtions to the Mommy and Daddy-to-be!!!!

If you would like to follow their lives and pregnancy, the link to their blog is www.thegossnerlife.blogspot.com

Apple Annie's Pumpkin Patch--A Family Tradition

2009-10-31T05:46:00.000-07:00

We arrived back home in Arizona the day after Chris' graution, intending to spend a little over a month at home, organizing and packing in anticipation for our impending move. However, our plans were suddenly changed when our property management company called to inform us that they had found renters for our house and that they wanted to move in right away! So, we arranged for the packers to come that week and got busy getting everything ready. We also wanted to make the most of our dwindling time in Arizona saying good-bye to close friends and revisiting places that hold special places in our hearts!

One of our favorite family traditions, one that Gehrig talks about all year long, is to make the one and a half hour drive east to Apple Annie's Pumpkin Patch in Wilcox , Arizona. Each year we take a family picture in front of the pumpkin display, visit the sun flower fields, play in the corn kernals, ride the tractor-pulled hay-ride out to the patch, and select and pick our very own pumpkin.

I know that there are tons of pictures in this post, but I happen to think that these two little blue-eyed blessings are the cutest things on earth!!!

The sunflowers were gorgeous and went on as far as the eye could see!

One of the major highlights of the pumkin patch is playing in the troughs of corn kernals!

Our family in front of the vast sunflower field.

Heading out to the patch in the pumpkin wagon.

Searching for the perfect pumpkin. We couldn't get a ginormous one like last year, since we would be moving in a week, so we needed to find a small, small simple one that would look nice on the porch for a few day!

Gehrig and Chris always cut the together...it won't be long before Colin can participate, too!

Showing off his find

Heading home with our prize pumpkins!

It's been a while!

2009-10-30T05:58:00.000-07:00

So, let's get caught up! It has been a fun and crazy three months since I have last posted! Sorry about the sudden hault in updates!

After Tyler and his family left, I kicked it into high gear planning Chris' 30th birthday. He told me under no circumstance was I to throw him a party, but I wasn't going to let the big day go by with out some major acknowledgement. I think that it was a birthday that Chris will remember for the rest of his life! To see all the pictures from the day, check out this Facebook album here.

We didn't want our time in Vegas to come to a close with out taking advantage of the fact that we were only a short drive from San Diego. We decided to spend a long weekend there in a beach vavcation rental, and it was wonderful little get-a-way. We spent some time at the beach, Sea World, the world famous San Diego Zoo, and even took a boat cruise!

We even met up with Tyler and his family during their 10 day California vacation! That same night we took a boat cruise around the sanDiego Bay with the Bunnows! The San Diego Zoo was amazing! All the hype is true! All the animals were out and active!

For Chris' birthday his sister and brother-in-law gave him a gift card to experience the zip-lines at Boot Leg Canyons! We met him at the last line to take pictures! He had a blast!

Afterwards, Chris and Rob rode the famous mountain biking trails there!

Most importantly, Chirs graduated from the BETA program after nine months of training, 3 different cities, and 5 different bases! My parents and Chris' dad came to support him at his grauation and watch him receive his brand new wings! We were ALL so proud!

The boys were extremely well-behaved during the ceremony!

Our family after the ceremony. Chris sporting his new wings!

The Predator

Our family with the Chief of Staff, General Norman Schwartz, after he spoke at Chris' graduation!

Rob and Jenn McGowan, one of the wonderful couples that we became friends with over the last 9 months.

The whole BETA gang with their wives/fiances/girlfriends at the party after the graduation!

We spent that night packing up and left the next day and headed back to Arizona! It was a TDY

that we will not soon forget!!!!!

Tyler's Visit Day Three and the Adults' Night Out!!!

2009-08-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

On Day Three we "hit the strip!" We also added another member to our motley crew, Tyler and Kadi's dad, Mr. Marc. Poor Marc. He had to experience the picture taking fury of Dawn and me. He says that we need a detox program for people who take too many pictures! Oh well...the way I see it, we are preserving precious memories!!! Enjoy!

We always take our visitors to "the sign" to snap a family picture.

Chris and I were laughing and saying that when Gehrig and Tyler are 21 and they come to Vegas on their own, they will really get a kick out of this picture!One of the things that Gehrig has really been wanting to do ever since we got here, was the ride the gondola through the Grand Canal at the Venetian! Well, he finally got the opportunity to do it, and with his best friend, no less.

Waiting in line....they were so excited!Poor Colin had to sit this one out. He didn't seem to mind. He took a little snack break!And they are off!!! Of course I followed them around snapping their pictures!
They loved going under all the bridges.I snapped this one as they came out from under the bridge and the gondolier flashed a big wave!Here they come!The gondolier sang them an Italian opera, and then he sang them another one because he said that Kadi was soooo cute!The professional pictures came out so cute. Of course, I had to buy the whole package. I bought one of Tyler and Gehrig, one of Kadi and Dawn and then the group shot. I was disappointed that they came out so fuzzy when they printed them up!

All ready to head out and see some sights!
The BOB Stroller Briagade....it is a challenge to hold onto these things when going down the downhill people mover!
A few pics in front of one of the gorgeous fountains outside of the Venetian.

Next we headed over to Treasure Island to check out the pirate ship. At nigh,t they have live shows there.

After that, we headed to the Bellagio to check out their gorgeous indoor gardens. We snapped some really cute pictures of the Bunnow family there!

After checking out the inside of the Belagio, we took the Bunnows to check out the famous fountains of the Bellagio outside!

Waiting for the fountain to start up! Still waiting!

By the time that we got to Serendipity Cafe for lunch, it was late and we had been going all morning, but the kids were still doing great.

I love this shot of them waiting patiently for our table!

Check out the size of this hot dog!!! We thought that Grandpa Dub would especially appreciate this picture. Gehrig and Colin shared this dog and, of course, still didn't finish it!!!

Mmmmmm! I have been waiting for my first taste of Frozen Hot Chocolate ever since the day we arrived here, and I finally got it!

The adults even got to have a fun night out all together. First we hit up New York New York and rode the rollar coaster. Then we gave Dawn and Marc craps lessons before heading to the Rain Forest Cafe in the MGM Grand for dinner.

Here are a couple of shots of us waiting in line at the coaster.

A couple of Land Sharks! Dinner at The Rain Forest Cafe in the MGM Grand!
Such a fun place with a great atmosphere!
The guys were no where to be found, so we took this picture with my timer in my camera! Then we hit up the craps table again, and for the first time since we have been here, I actually did not walk away a winner. Oh well!

Tyler's Visit Day Two!!!

2009-08-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

It's another grab a drink and get comfy kind of post! Enjoy!

On our second day together, we went to a new park and had so much fun. Aliante Park was so beautiful and picturesque that we couldn't resist snapping a few pictures in front of the lake and waterfalls!Colin loved the Canada Geese!Then the big kids went crazy chasing the pigeons........while Colin practiced his new trick, standing up with out holding onto anything! YAY big boy!Once inside the play area, the kids climbed all over this huge play house!

In another area of the park, there was a dinosaur themed sand area where the kids could pretend to be archeologists digging up dinosaur bones.A quick water break! Gehrig and Tyler about to hatch out of a dinosaur egg!

Kadi hatching out of a dinosaur eggs!

A quick snack break with a gorgeous backdrop!After our snack break, the kids spent the rest of the time at the jungle themed splash pad!

After lunch, we headed to Lied's Children's Museum! What a cute place it was. It had two floors of learning, play, exploration and discovery! They had a special, padded play area just for little ones, and Colin was having a wonderful time playing in there until one of the little girls took his paci. After that, he would have nothing to do with that place!

Colin's favorite area was the airplane (like father, like son!). Gehrig was sure a jack of all trades, taking on the role of each aspect of air travel.

First he worked security.

Then he was the baggage handler!"All loaded up folks! Now let me go take my seat in the cockpit!"Captain Gehrig and Co-pilot Colin!Colin was totally in his element. He couldn't get enough of the yolk. When I took him out, he screamed and cried and pointed to go back in.....regardless to say, we spent a lot of time in there!First officer Kadi! The water table was a big hit, too! Gehrig in a giant bubble! Kadi in a giant bubble!

Another fun area was the mechanic shop where the kids could dress up, change the tires, repair the engines, check the muffler and refresh the fluids under the hood!

At one point he said, "Yeah, this whole thing is gonna need to cone out and be replaced!" I knew right then and there that he would make a good mechanic!

"I see the problem here!" My little grease monkey!

The kids really loved playing grocery store. They are really experts at it too! Think of all the trips that they have made to the grocery store with their mamas!

After a quick bathroom break, we headed upstairs in the world's largest elevator! I think that this was Gehrig's favorite exihit. He is hoisting a bowling ball up and when he drops it, the air underneath it is channeled down, across a tube and then shoots a tennis ball high into the air. He did it over, and over and over and over and..........

Kadi and Gehrig had a blast in this wind tunnel! It was so cute to watch their reactions as the wind speed increased! Note the speeds on the side of the chamber!
One last picture outside the museum before Tyler, Kadi and Miss dawn left to go pick up their daddy at the airport!

Thanks for having a look! Come back...on Day Three and Gesches and Bunnows hit the strip!

Tyler's Visit Day One!!!

2009-08-13T07:28:00.000-07:00

I know that everyone's been waiting to see the pictures of Tyler's visit. Between Dawn and me, we took over 800 pictures over the course of 5 days. Don't worry, I wont post all of them on here. But, since I have so many to share, I am breaking the posts down into days. So, grab a cup of coffee or diet coke, get comfy and enjoy the pictures from Day One!

On our first full day together, we started out early. We stopped off at Einstien's Bagels and got our breakfast to go and took it to Butterfly Park! The kids had a blast and were all over the place; the slides, the swings, the playground equipment, and the splash pad!

Eating bagels at the toad stool tables! YUM!

Doesn't she look like she has wings???

Colin knows that it is so important to stay hydrated! He loves his water bottle!

While Colin napped, the big kids helped us prepare a special dessert for after dinner...although, I think that there was more finger/spatula/beater licking going on than helping!

After lunch, we headed down to Mandalay Bay to check out the Shark Reef, an impressive aquarium dedicated to featuring the predators of the open waters!

The kids are standing in front of a projected image that ripples when you move. Pretty impressive that we were able to get four kids to stand still enough to preserve the image and all look at the camera all at the same time!

The aquarium provided us with devices that had audio which explained each exibit. The big boys loved it and were spouting facts at us through out the trip!

The little boy seemed to love it too!

We tried to touch the sting rays....however, they seemed to be laying low that day.
After dinner, the kids enjoyed their watermelon popsilce masterpieces on the back patio! It was a perfect ending to the perfect day!

Thanks for looking! Check back tomorrow for pictures of our exciting Day Two!

Surprise!!! Surprise!!!

2009-08-06T21:25:00.001-07:00

Does this look like the face of a little boy who is super surprised and super excited or what????? We planned on having Tyler ring the doorbell, but Gehrig walked outside looking for me and acutally surprised us! He kept saying, "You sure did drive a long way just to come see me!"

Best buddies together again!

Tyler, Gehrig, and Kadi after the happy renion! We are having such a fun time! Stay tuned for more pictures of the all exciting adventures we are having!

Shhhhhh.....It's a surprise!

2009-08-03T22:41:00.000-07:00

We have been having a great time making new friends here in Las vegas, but Gehrig has been missing his friends at home, especially his "best buddy," Tyler.
Tyler's mom, my friend Dawn, and I have been planning a surprise visit, and I am so excited to see the look on Gehrig's face when he opens the front door on Wednesday afternoon and sees his best buddy standing there! What a fun trip it is going to be!

At 18 months old, Gehrig and Tyler met in a play group and have been friends ever since!

Can't wait to see you Tyler (and Kadi, too, of course)!

Grandma Carole and Grandpa Jerry's visit

2009-07-28T14:20:00.000-07:00

Grandma Carole and Grandpa Jerry came to visit us while we are here in Las Vegas. Of course, the first place that we took them was down to the strip for some day time sight seeing.

At the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada" signWatching the water fountain at the BellagioIn front of the skyline of New York New York

M & M World

Grandma Carole and I took the boys to the playground and splash park. Gehrig wasted no time getting drenched, but Colin was a little more cautious!

Grandpa Jerry built a fire in the fire pit so that he and Gehrig could make s'mores! YUM!

On one of the day, during their visit, we headed out to Nellis AFB to see Uncle Goose fly his F-16. Greg was here at Nellis for a few weeks for Red Flag.

We waved at Greg and he saw us from his cockpit and waved back!

Then we walked through and looked at all the static displays. Here are Grandma, Grandpa, Gehrig, and Colin in front of the F111 which grandpa flew when he was in the air force.

Then we spent some time on the playground!

We took a day trip to the Hoover Dam. It was 118 degrees there! HOT! We saw the construction of the new bipass which looked amazing. It was too hot to spend the time to take the tour, but we did walk across the dam and took a lot of pictures along the way.

Gehrig and Grandpa Jerry in front of the bipass construction

Gehrig loved it when Grandpa Jerry poured water on his head to cool him down.After trekking acorss the dam, we headed to Boulder City Beach at Lake Mead. It wasn't an amazing beach, but the boys had fun and that water felt refreshing. Gehrig had a blast swimming with his kickboard and Colin loved being bounced up and down and in and out of the water! Thanks for visiting Grandma Carole and Grandpa Jerry! We had so much fun with you and can't wait to see you again! We love you!

Happily Ever After

2009-07-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Six years ago today, July 27th, our fairy tale began when we said "I do" in a gorgeous outdoor wedding ceremony in Colorado surrounded by our family and friends! The last 6 years have been full of too many blessings to count, but none greater than our two wonderful little guys, Gehrig and Colin! I thank God every day for allowing me to marry my best friend. These 6 years have been so amazing, and I can't wait to see what the next 66 years have in store for us!

Honeymoon in the BahamasThis weekend we went out to celebrate our special day by having dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, and then we went downtown to New York New York to ride the rollar coaster!

Dinner at the Cheesecake Factory! YUM!

Standing in line at New York New York waiting to ride the rollar coaster!

Happy Anniversary, Chris! I love you!

Our Super Swimmer!

2009-07-20T13:39:00.001-07:00

Last Thursday was Gehrig's last day of swimming lessons for the Pike session. I am considering signing him up again for another two week session in a more advanced class since he had so much fun and learned so much. Here are some highlights of the last two weeks!

This is Gehrig's first time going off of a diving board.

All ready to go!

His teacher's walked them out to the end of the board and helped them off the edge!
Bombs Away! I wanted to get his teachers helmets since all the kids aimed right for them, instead of the water! Ouch!

Growing up, I remember learning 'chicken,' 'bird,' soldier,' but in his class Gehrig learned 'monkey,' 'tree,' 'rocketship!'
MONKEY

TREE

ROCKETSHIP

Swimming with the barbell. They also practiced jumping off of the side into the hula hoop!

Toward the end of the two weeks, he wasn't as hesitant.

Their last day was a combination of "Safety Day" and "Fun in the Sun Day." They practicing wearing and swimming with life vests, calling (yelling to) the life guard for help, they talked about calling 9-1-1, and learned to pull others in to safety.

For part of their "safety training" they learned to rescue a potential victim by pulling them to safety with a pool nooodle. Here is Gehrig getting ready to save Miss Erica! Gehrig practicing his back float...so much easier with a swim vest on!

Jumping off the diving board with no help...he came a long way!

Swimming back to the edge while putting his face in the water.

Another fearless jump!

On their last day, the kids got treats! Gehrig with his stock pile! Gehrig with his Certificate of Completion for his Pike's swimming lessons!

I made these clipboards for his swimming lessons instructors as a thank you gift.

Emilee's clipboard-frontEmilee's clipboard-backErica's clipboard-frontErica's clipboard-back
Gehrig gave his teacher's their gifts, and they really seemed to love them. Erica, Gehrig and Emilee after Gehrig's last session.

Will walk for chocolate!!!!

2009-07-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

So, lately Chris and I have been a little concerned that Colin is not yet walking. He is 15 months old, and Gehrig was walking by his first birthday. He is very good at walking if you let him hold onto your fingers, but the moment you let go, he gets upset and plops down on his butt! So, I was wondering what I could do to motivate him to start walking on his own, and was thinking about what would motivate ME to try something new, and then it hit me!

CHOCOLATE!!!! OF COURSE!!!!!
We gave him a little taste so that he would know that it was well worth taking steps for. Then we held up a piece, set him on his feet and let him go!Not surprisingly, he walked!
Each time, and yes, we did it over and over again, he took at least 3-5 steps to get his "prize!"

And we were even able to get it on video!