Organized Chaos

A New Year, A New State

2012-01-14T11:41:00.000-08:00

My poor blog...so neglected. In my defense, life has been busy. Since my last post I was busy with: a surprise 40th anniversary party for Brad's parents, Thanksgiving, stomach bug, packing, moving, unpacking, holidays, unpacking, unpacking, new school, unpacking etc.

These are both excuses and reasons why I haven't posted in so long. So now that I find myself with a rare twenty minutes (that I should be unpacking) I have decided to touch base with my blog. One more excuse is that I've been waiting on updating my header before I became faithful to my blog...but my creative friend who has done my blog also moved over the holidays and experienced short term apartment living as well so I completely understand why she has been too busy to worry about the look of my blog!

So for any of those that are't aware of our changes via Facebook...we are now in Mississippi at Columbus Air Force Base. Returning to this base has been surreal...we were hear from 1998 to 2001. We were a very different family then...a family of 2 humans and 2 dogs. Now we're 2 humans, 4 kids and 1 dog. More and more this is starting to feel like home and we look forward to making more friends and getting plugged in at a church.

I'm taking baby steps so that is all for this post. More to come soon...I hope!

Halloween

2011-11-13T12:44:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Halloween was already two weeks ago...seems like it was a few days ago.

This year I had a karate kid...

A hippy...

My bumble bee...

And a Michigan cheerleader...

My gang. Because we're living in an apartment right now we went to our church for their fall festival. The girls enjoyed playing the various carnival games to earn candy. Everyone was having a good time until we realized we had lost Morgan! We essentially walked away from her after a game...making us the parents of the year! She was only "missing" for about 2 minutes...but it was long enough that we all decided we were ready to go home afterwards! When we found her she just wanted to be held by Daddy.

Be Afraid...

2011-10-17T22:10:00.000-07:00

We're trying something new while we're in San Antonio...karate! All three girls were excited about the idea and were able to participate in the same class, so I was sold!
I figure this is good training in self defense for when they start dating.

Back To School!

2011-09-19T19:49:00.000-07:00

This year is a first for us...home schooling! In order to spend the fall with Brad in San Antonio it obviously meant changing schools. Considering we would be moving again around Christmas we made the decision to home school this fall. It has allowed us the opportunity to see a lot of Brad the the flexibility to go to Cleburne, TX a lot to see Brad's family.

Despite not being in a traditional classroom we had to take the obligatory "back to school" pictures! This fall starts Kindergarten for Brooke! Hard to believe...it will be sad to have her gone all day with her sisters in January. Morgan loves having all her sisters around to play with and she will have a rude awakening in a few months.
Brooke picked this lunch box because it had a matching ice pack that looked like the doggy...she was sold!
Mckenna's 2nd grade year! She just turned 8 and continues to keep us on our toes...next picture proving my point.

This is the result of her accident on August 1...rollerblading and kicked over a glass vase in the garage and fell on it. 14 stitches and now we're off to see a plastic surgeon tomorrow to see if there is anything more they can do to help its appearance.
Doesn't stop her spunk, beauty and enthusiasm...
Last but not least...my 4th grader! Almost 5ft and wearing a size 6 shoe, yet only 9!!!!! Imagine by her teen years. I am enjoying kissing her forehead while I can...soon I'll barely be able to kiss her chin.

Three of the four...

The present

2011-09-19T14:32:00.001-07:00

I'm so far behind on this blog that I keep trying to figure out how and when to catch up...I finally decided today that there is no time like the present. Today. Now.

Short summary.

Brad has been home almost 2 months.

One month ago we said goodbye to VA and we moved across country into our temporary home in San Antonio.

I'm home schooling the girls until we make our "permanent" move to MS...sometime around mid to late December.

We're keeping busy and enjoying the family time.

Geesh...two months in 4 sentences! Very uncharacteristic of me!

Current day...Morgan is potty training/trained. She is doing great and I'm anxious to be past the phase where I'm visiting every bathroom in the greater San Antonio suburbs.

Older 3 girls are doing karate twice a week and love it...pictures soon. Morgan takes a tumbling class and listens so well to her teacher.

Brad is about to hit the flight line in the T-1...wrapping up academics and simulators.

We're enjoying the time together as a family, but it feels like a vacation, not a move.

We miss our VA friends.

Here are a few pictures from Brad's return that I never posted...we were fortunate to have someone from Operation Love come to the homecoming and capture the moment.

I also hope to have a few pictures from a going away party that friends threw for us...waiting on pictures from a friend (ahem...Desi!;)

Welcome Home! Goodbye!

2011-08-11T12:07:00.001-07:00

I haven't published in several weeks for a few reason...the primary being that I couldn't! I was having problems with my blog and couldn't publish my posts.

But I'm back...obviously.

In the past two weeks Brad returned home! Yeah! Pictures to follow soon.

The reason I can't post pictures at the present moment is that the CD is in a box...
because we're moving.

Thus the goodbye.

As I type the movers are loading the truck...ironically that means I finally have a few minutes to just sit and wait and as a result Brad had a chance to look at my blog and was able to correct the issues that had plagued me for weeks.

Tomorrow our residency in VA becomes history.

This move is very surreal at the moment. I've been "selling this house" since January...since I bought and assembled a new desk for Brad's office in anticipation of staging the house. Since I started shopping realtors in March. Since I started making sure that the garbage can was completely full every time I set the can at the corner in order to start the process of decluttering. Then the realtors. Meeting them. Interviewing them. Selecting them. Then the cleaning. The staging. The listing. The offers!

It truly has gone smoothly for the most part and we really couldn't ask for more. Brad's hard work payed off andthe house was easy to sell. But the process is still long and exhausting...and I am ready to be done with it...yet not ready to leave.

We've truly enjoyed these three years. This is Morgan's birthplace. This is the first move the older girls will really remember. This is the house we remodeled. This is where we've made great friends.

This is going to be hard to leave.

This is not goodbye...we like to say this is "until next time".

MI Vacation Recap

2011-07-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

Over the fourth of July I took the girls up to MI to visit friends and family. This is the third year we've had the priviledge of doing this trip...I'm not sure it will be possible next year once we move so I was soaking in every moment and enjoying it in spite of Brad's absence.

We took the scenic way to MI and made a visit to Taylor University. The girls have heard stories of my college years and it was really fun to spend time with them on campus.

We enjoyed the fourth in my friend Tricia's new pool while watching the Blue Angels flying over...

The girls continue to love tubing and seem to never grow tired of it...

Fingerprints

2011-07-13T17:47:00.000-07:00

I was a monster tonight!

So much so that just moments ago I finished the "good nights" and felt the need to come straight to this keyboard to confess.

My girls spent the final hour of the evening up in one of their bedrooms having a dance party. I made the decision at the time to let them carry on in exchange for some alone time. I can't say "quiet time" because all I could hear was the pounding bass of their music and so much stomping and pounding that I seriously thought my four young daughters must have somehow managed to sneak in dozens of Irish dancers through their bedroom window.

When it was time for bed I discovered they had decorated for their dance party. I feel in part that I am partially to blame for their obsessive need to party prep, but despite both that strength and character flaw I was frustrated to discover much of my earlier efforts towards cleanliness had been destroyed. I confess it wasn't something that would take more than 10 minutes to rectify, but based upon my dramatic reaction you would have thought that an exterior wall of the house was missing.

My girls quickly scattered to escape the wrath of monster mama...I continued to rant and rave while tossing baby dolls in the air and kicking cute little party conversation areas apart like I was a big bad giant. While the creativity of the snack station that included tea cups filled with water and small saucers with crumbled up granola bars wasn't lost on me, all I could see was the bits and pieces of granola stuck in the carpet on the house we previously owned and now rent! For several minutes I continued my tirade. The girls all miraculously found their pj's and brushed their teeth and hid beneath their covers in record setting pace.

During my outburst I found myself having one of those out of body type experiences you hear about. Maybe a better way to explain it was the visual of the good angel and devil on each shoulder. Part of me felt justified with my response and wanted to continue to unleash on my girls in a manner unfitting for the crime...the other part of me was being reminded of what a wise woman said to me over our recent vacation.

While in MI for the 4th of July holiday we spent a little time with Nana II. Nana II was Mrs. Hovis to me growing up...or even better known as Tricia's mom, one of my dearest friends. Last year my girls asked her what they should call her...she sweetly said, "you can call me Nana, too" since that is how her own two grandchildren refer to her. My girls interpreted that as Nana II since my own mom is Nana...so now we have Nana and Nana II.

Nana II has always made her home feel like my home. And since I have almost 30 years of memories in her house it truly feels like home and holds more history for me than any other house in MI where I now visit. This was the first opportunity we've had to stay with her and as I crawled into bed in my friend's old childhood room I recalled several of our sleepovers in that very spot. I thought about how long ago that was and how it seemed like yesterday. I thought about the 6 months I've been a single parent in theory and how in 6 years I'm sure this period will seem so long ago and yet it will seem like yesterday.

My mind went back to a moment earlier that day at lunch when I told one of my girls to keep her dirty hands of the window. Nana II quickly piped up and said not to worry about it at all...she said how she misses fingerprints on the windows. I've heard similar phraseology before...but at that moment I was suddenly silenced. A true feat if you know me.

I thought about my reaction to fingerprints all over the window. Usually frustration or exasperation. Not appreciation.

Tonight as the mamma monster was unleashed a small voice inside my head was telling me to appreciate the fingerprints. To shrug off the sticky granola on the carpet. To smile at the decorations. To realize the fingerprints will be gone before I know it. A memory. Like this deployment. Perhaps not always a chapter I want to repeat, but at least the wisdom and acknowledgment that each phase has its beauty in its own way if I can just learn to look beyond the ugly.

The good angel won tonight, after momma monster had a private melt down and was dismissed in the confines of the laundry room. I went back to each daughter and laid on her bed and apologized. I explained that I have a lot of reasons for my frustrations but truly no excuses and I was wrong. If there is anything I want my kids to be able to say about me when they grow up is that I was able to admit when I'm wrong and say I'm sorry. I think its pretty empowering for a kid to hear their parents confess their own weaknesses. Each girl forgave me and also apologized. Of course these sweet tender moments at a time of shear emotional and physical exhaustion means lots of tears. And of course they are still kids ages 9, 7, 5 and 2 so the tender moments were interrupted by giggles about gas, comments about stinky breath, sheer random thoughts on how your body knows when to sneeze and complimentary boogers thoughtfully picked and offered to me by my two year old.

While bedtime is usually my downfall in daddy's absence and a part of a routine I know the girls look forward to when he returns, I tried to step up my game to compensate for my earlier downfall and try to reassure my girls that they are loved. That they are cherished. That I appreciate their fingerprints.

My Cathartic Experience

2011-06-22T18:43:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a cathartic experience.

In January I signed up for the DC triathlon.

Sunday I completed the triathlon.

Sunday was about so much more than a race. It was about more than crossing a finish line.

It represented a journey. It was symbolic of hurdles overcome. It provided a sense of completion.

Back in 2006, Brad was deployed and I treated myself to some gym hours with a trainer to help me loose the baby weight from kiddo number three. This trainer was into triathlons and encouraged me to train for a race. The idea of having a goal to achieve became a great distraction from the deployment. Instead of just living to survive the months of Brad being gone I found myself working to achieve something greater.

When I learned Brad would be deploying for the first half of 2011 I knew I needed to find a triathlon. It had been 4 years since my last triathlon. I never anticipated taking such a long hiatus but life got in the way...we moved, remodeled a house, had another baby etc. Suddenly it was four years later. I had said before that I wanted to do at least one triathlon while we lived in the DC area and now was the time!

I knew it would be challenging to train while juggling the girls during Brad's absence. I was right. Actually, the training became just about as difficult as the triathlon! Morgan's decision to throw a fit at the gym about two months prior to the triathlon didn't help at all! I found myself hiring babysitters and dropping the kids off with helpful friends so I could swim, bike or run. It wasn't really how I wanted to spend my solo time but it was necessary. I still had not trained as I desired but I got to the point where I just had to accept it and do my best.

Race day I was organizing my staging area in the transition at 4:30am. Despite the ridiculously early hour and my dislike of early wake up calls...I was trying to appreciate the beauty of the quiet morning and the Washington Monument illuminated against the dark sky. I was thankful that I wasn't having any pre-race jitters...I don't think I was truly awake enough to be nervous.

The race in general went well. The swim was crowded but the water temperature was comfortable and I was able to keep my breathing fairly steady. The bike course took us through the city and took me by such iconic sights as Kennedy Center, the various Smithsonian museums, and down Pennsylvania Avenue. It was a fairly flat course and despite my frustration that it seemed like everyone was passing me I was still enjoying myself to some degree. The run was...well, its running, and I hate running. And the normal 5k run you find at the end of a sprint triathlon was 7.6k...booooo.

I found myself doing a lot of thinking on the run. Considering what a slow runner I am this means I have a lot of time to think! As I passed the various landmarks of the city I started reflecting on this deployment. I thought back to January and the emotions we felt when we said goodbye to Brad. I thought about the girls and the different ways they've coped with Daddy's absence. I thought about the friends that have stepped up to support us. I thought about our highs. I thought about our lows. I thought about our sweet dog, Jonah, who we said goodbye to in April. I thought about our 3 years in Virginia. I thought about moving to this area and still being pregnant at that time with Morgan! I thought about Brad and all the things he has experienced while he has been gone. I thought about the ways we both may have changed from this time. I thought about the challenges we'll face as we transition to being a family unit again. I thought where the heck is the finish line!!!! I thought about the ways I feel I've failed. I thought about how often God had enabled me to experience his presence and comfort in unique ways. I thought about myself and the ways I feel I've grown.

As I made the last turn in front of the US Capitol and saw the finish line ahead of me I was overcome with emotion. The time of reflection during the run took its toll and I did all I could to keep it together as my timing chip was removed from my ankle and my medal was placed around my neck. I accepted the complimentary water and quickly slipped away from the crowd. I sunk to the ground on a secluded spot on the steps of the United States Court House and I lost it. I started to bawl. I seriously felt like I was hyperventilating and would have gladly accepted a brown paper bag if someone offered. I was so overcome with emotion. It was like a floodgate of relief overcame me. Everything seemed to flash before me in my mind. Despite feeling discreet I was noticed by another racer who came to see if I was okay and offered to take me to the medical tent. I thanked them but insisted I was okay.

After a few more minutes of blubbering I pulled myself together. I managed to get back on my feet and set out to find the other women that had done the triathlon with me. I was still feeling emotionally raw from my cry. I shared briefly about my finish line experience but the impact that moment had on me hadn't even registered yet.

I'm still not sure it has.

I still have one more month of this deployment left. But after that triathlon I somehow feel like I can see the finish line. I'm sure it will also be an emotional finish.

Last Day of School

2011-06-17T06:19:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that today is the last day of 1st and 3rd grade for the girls. It is hard to believe that we've been here for three years of school! This truly feels like home now and I was sad today as I know that the girls have made great friends and that this move is going to be tough.

Baileigh has had a huge growth spurt this year...especially since Christmas. She is the tallest girl in her class and tied with one boy for being the tallest in general. She is 4'10 and wears a size 5.5 shoe and a women's extra small! Mckenna started school without her two front teeth...but now they are in and she has new missing teeth.Back in September...Today...September 7, 2010

Preschool Graduation

2011-06-04T18:54:00.000-07:00

Can't believe Brooke just finished her 3rd year of preschool/pre-K at Lake Ridge Baptist. She is the only one of our kids to attend one preschool and as a result of being in the same place for 3 years she has made some great friends, like Lilly! They have been in the same class together since they were Morgan's age! That is crazy to think about!Singing with her class during the graduation program...This picture makes me jump ahead mentally to 13 years from now...graduating class of 2024! I'm sure it will be here before I know it!My sweet graduate...

My girls...

Luray Caverns

2011-06-03T18:15:00.000-07:00

I have a list with a few places I want to go before we move from this area. Luray Caverns is on that list so I was happy to take advantage of the girls having Memorial Day off so we could make the 1.5 hr drive to Luray.I don't feel like giving a full explanation on the history and formation of Luray...its been too long of a day, but google it if you're interested. They are truly amazing and worth the drive to see at least once.

One of the unique formations...

Papa was in town over Memorial Day so he got to come, too.

Growing Up Too Fast

2011-05-24T18:02:00.000-07:00

I feel like Morgan is growing up faster than her sisters did! I don't know if its Brad's absence and my being aware of how much he is missing, or perhaps its her desire to keep up with her sisters despite being two, or maybe its just that she is my baby so every day she steps towards independence and away from being a baby I'm keenly aware of each milestone.
She is very into mothering her babies these days...

She is also at the stage where she likes to ham it up in front of the camera...Showing off her domestic side in her apron...just like mommy!

Miss Him!

2011-05-20T14:18:00.000-07:00

Light at the end of this tunnel...

2011-05-11T18:31:00.000-07:00

We were in the car today listening to Third Day. The song "Tunnel" was playing and we were singing along. Baileigh spoke up and said, "Hey mom...this song is like how we can feel about Daddy coming home. That we need to keep holdin' on because Daddy is going to be home soon and that is the light at the end of the tunnel."

Just remember what I've told you
There's so much you're living for

[Chorus]
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
For you, for you
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
Shinin' bright at the end of this tunnel
For you, for you

So keep holdin' on

You've got your disappointments and sorrows
You ought to share the weight of that load with me
Then you will find that the light of tomorrow
It brings a new life for your eyes to see

So remember what I've told you
There's so much you're living for

So keep holdin' on
Keep holding on

So remember what I've told you
There's so much you're living for

There's a light at the end of this tunnel
For you, for you
Shinin' bright at the end of this tunnel
For you, for you
So keep holdin' on
Keep holding on
Keep holding on, now.

You've got your disappointments and sorrows
But I'm gonna try and give a little hope to you

5K

2011-05-11T17:51:00.000-07:00

Baileigh's been in a running club this spring and they finished their last meeting by running a 5k. It was a beautiful afternoon, perfect for a run.
Cheering on her sister...reluctantly.

Crossing the finish line...

Words of encouragement to herself...

Proud of her for working so hard...

Mother's Day Tea

2011-05-11T17:40:00.000-07:00

Annually the first grade at Mckenna's school puts on a Mother's Day Tea. Its hard to believe that it was two years ago I sat in a similar classroom while Baileigh served me tea! Mckenna waiting quietly with her class until all the mothers arrive.
She was first up as she gave the welcome to all the mothers and explained how the program would run...

The kids read poems and letters they wrote to their mothers. Then they each served us cookies and tea.

Proud to be her mom....

Mckenna is a lot of work...but worth it all.

Mount Vernon

2011-05-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was lucky enough to have my 2 wanna-be-sisters visit for my birthday! We did a bunch of things...including dinner in Union Station, some shopping, a child free night on the town in DC at Founding Farmers, an afternoon at Mount Vernon, breakfast in Georgetown at Dean and Deluca and a stop at Georgetown Cupcakes.

We had a beautiful afternoon at Mount Vernon...Morgan making friends with George Washington's son.
With Shelly and Tricia in front of Mount Vernon.
Checking out the cattle...
Morgan chillin in front of Mount Vernon...

With my girls...

Mount Vernon lollipops...
On the back lawn goofing around...

Morgan got ahold of Aunt Shelly's bag of chocolate Easter eggs and took off to be alone...

On the Potomac River behind Mount Vernon...

Morgan's favorite part of the day...chasing goats!

Easter Day

2011-05-01T11:32:00.000-07:00

Easter Day definitly highlighted Daddy's absence. I tried to make it a fun day for the girls regardless and to give them a mix of the Easter bunny fun with the true reason for Easter day.

It was a warm morning so it was perfect for an egg hunt...
On the hunt...

One year sure makes a difference...this year Morgan was a girl on a mission and all about finding eggs!

Our last egg hunt in this back wooded back yard...

Their baskets...

Ready for church...

Spring Break Recap...

2011-05-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

Last week was spring break...we juggled some fun activities with trying to get the house ready to sell.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in DC...
The girls with the Jonas Brothers...

I would take them seriously...

Since this museum is in DC it has all 44 presidents...it was both fun and pretty educational for the girls.

On another day we went to the circus. A favorite was all the motorcycles in the cage...
Some very interesting acts!

A rainy morning bowling...
Caught them being nice to each other? Nah...

This was Morgan's first time bowling...she of course wanted to be a big girl like her sisters and carry her own ball. She bowled a strike her first time up...with Mommy's help.

She wasn't sure what to think of her new shoes...I guess she liked them because she was upset when it was time to take them off and return them.

Brooke...slowest bowler. Ever. But she was pretty accurate.

It turned out to be a busy week as we cleaned like crazy...lots of trip to Goodwill and lots of full garbage cans around here...

Roller Coaster

2011-04-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

The past week has been a roller coaster of emotions. The highlight was Mckenna making a decision last week to ask Jesus into her heart. Our church performed a musical called, "On The Third Day" which told the Easter story. She was really impacted by the performance and the result was a great conversation at bedtime that ended in her wanting to pray. On the opposite end of the feelings spectrum was the heart breaking experience of having to put our 12 year old Golden Retriever, Jonah, to sleep. We learned he had a cancerous tumor in early December. Our sweet Jonah...

The vet thought he would only make it to the New Year...we managed to get a few more good months out of him but this past week he started to go downhill. The day truly was one of the worst in my life. I cried just about continuously and the fact that I had to do it alone since Brad is gone and that I had to break the news to the girls was just about all I could handle. I'm still numb and find myself calling for him at dinner time and filling his bowl...force of habit after so many years.

His poor brother, Ranger, is starting to realize Jonah isn't coming home.

Pacifier Free

2011-03-27T14:24:00.000-07:00

I decided the day had come for Morgan to give up her pacifier. Two was always my cut off age but I was feeling attached to it myself between her being my baby and daddy being deployed. Of all the girls she has truly been my pacifier addict compared to the other three and I knew this wouldn't be easy. Mysteriously all her pacifier's "broke"... First nap without her pacifier...not happy!

Still crying...still not happy! What was I thinking...

I knew this wouldn't be easy but needed to be done. By bedtime she was pretty tired so she cried about 20 minutes and then fell asleep. She did great all night but woke up about 30 minutes early asking for her pacie. Today's nap never included any sleep...but she didn't cry, either. I'm hoping she is so exhausted by bedtime that there is less crying. I think another day or two and we'll be okay.

National Zoo

2011-03-26T20:02:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was sunny and relatively warm so we decided to enjoy an afternoon at the National Zoo since Nana is in town for a visit. There were a lot of lion cubs and they were active and playing and put on a great show! Brooke was attempting to climb up this statue and Morgan decided to lend her a hand...she was grunting and pushing Brooke and saying "go, go, go". The people all around us were laughing...

"The O-Line"...this is where the Orangutans cross over the zoo and make there way from one habitat to another. The girls always love this and it was even more exciting because one of the Orangutans peed in the air! Glad we weren't standing beneath them!

Back to watching the cubs...

Nana and the girls...

Me and my gang...

2nd Birthday Bash

2011-03-19T18:23:00.000-07:00

How did my baby turn 2!!!!

Getting ready for a big birthday bash...celebrating not only Morgan's birthday but also 5 of her friends also sharing a March birthday.

Gifts...way too many from very generous friends.

The birthday girls... Avah, Lizzie, Morgan, Kate, Leah and Evie.

Enjoying chocolate covered strawberries...

Lots and lots and lots of kids!!!!!!!!!

My sweet girl giving me some birthday love!

The real deal is on the 20th but we'll be winding down the celebrating and having a low key birthday dinner as a family (minus daddy :).

Brooke's 5th Birthday

2011-03-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

Celebrating her 5th birthday by bringing a special snack to preschool...Morgan was thrilled to act like one of the big kids.

Brooke with her buddy Lilly...I took the two girls to Build A Bear and then out to lunch.

Pampering their new buddies...

Ice Cream at Baskin Robbins...

Continuing to celebrate with friends over pizza and cake...

Brooke's cake...this was nothing like I envisioned and I find it to be comical...but she loved it.

Morgan was having a hard time letting Brooke open the gifts...she wanted them for herself.

Beautiful!

2011-03-04T14:33:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of hosting 9 of my college girlfriends a few weeks ago (that post to come)...one of my girlfriends is an incredibly talented photographer and took a few pictures of the girls Sunday morning.

They are beautiful...the girls and the pictures.

Rough Night

2011-02-27T19:19:00.000-08:00

Mckenna had another gymnastics meet on Saturday night. On Friday morning she woke up sick and by noon we were at the doctor with a diagnosis of strep throat. Her fever broke around 2:00pm so by meet time she was 24 hours fever free and on antibiotics.

Warming up with stretching...

Singing the National Anthem...Baileigh was trying to teach Morgan to put her hand over her heart...this was the result, too cute!

Mckenna started off on the vault and did okay...something like an 8.95. Not great, not bad. But she kind of fell apart after that...nothing obvious happened (like falling off the beam or the bars), but she scored really low on the remaining events.

Needless to say she didn't medal in anything. She was very upset and started crying during the awards. While I hated to see her hurting, I was also really pleased that her coach was patient and compassionate yet firm with her. She reminded her that she was part of a team and they won first place all around. Then she encouraged her that everyone has good nights and bad nights and she won't always win medals.

Our Saturday evening meet ended up being a bigger lesson in life...failure is never fun but it makes success even sweeter. Hopefully Mckenna will have a good meet next time and appreciate the feeling of winning...and be sensitive to those who had a rough night.

Keep Calm and Carry On

2011-02-20T18:43:00.000-08:00

This poster was initially produced by the Ministry of Information in 1939 during the beginning of World War II. It was intended to be distributed in order to strengthen morale in the event of a wartime disaster. Planning for the posters started in April 1939; by June designs were prepared, and by August 1939, they were on their way to the printers, to be placed up within 24 hours of the outbreak of war.

The posters were designed to have a uniform device, be a design associated with the Ministry of Information, and have a unique and recognisable lettering, with a message from the King to his people. Two-and-a-half million copies were printed, although the poster was distributed only in limited numbers.

It taps directly into the country's mythic image of itself: unshowily brave and just a little stiff, brewing tea as the bombs fall.

It is our deployment mantra...it is on my t-shirt. It is on the wooden plaque in the kitchen. It is on the kids bookmarks in their Bible. It is on my blog header.

I'll be unshowily brave, brewing tea (or coffee) as the bombs fall. As the tree branches break. As the toilet clogs. As the car battery dies. As the mailbox door hinge rusts out. As the dog is sick. As the babysitter cancels. As the fish dies. As the kids fight. As the fever spikes. As the bills arrive. As I grow weary.

Daily it is said around our house. Daily I remind myself to relax. To not get worked up. To choose my battles. To focus on the bigger issues, the task at hand. To keep swimming. To take baby steps. To do my best, and let God take care of the rest.

To Keep Calm and Carry On.

Swim Meet

2011-02-20T18:22:00.000-08:00

Baileigh had another swim meet this weekend...she has become quite the fish and loves being in the water.

Her 3 events...
Getting ready to warm up...
Swimming the butterfly for warm ups...
And now its time to wait...
She swam a great freestyle and finished second in her heat...even better was she discovered that Daddy was on the phone and she was able to tell him personally about her great swim!

Through the eyes of a 9 year old...

2011-02-08T16:32:00.000-08:00

Recently someone had the great idea of suggesting that I let my daughters write on this blog occassionally. It instantly brought to mind a "book" that Baileigh began to write as Brad's deployment approached. She gave me her blessing to share this with you...I'm typing it as it, no editing.

"A Book for Christian Kids with Deployed Parents." by Baileigh M. Hall

Are you going to have a parent deploy? Or do you already have a parent that is deployed? Well I know how you feel. I am only nine years old right now but I bet I could understand you and your feelings. You see my dad has gone away before for four months, and in a few days he will go away for six months. This is a great book for Christian kids with deployed parents. So read and enjoy!

The day after your mom or dad left did you feel like a chunk of your heart fell off, or you have a huge hole in your heart? Well that is how I felt when my dad left. And even before my dad left. Because, to me my dad is my hero. I want to be just like him when I grow up. He is determined and he always tells me you can do anything. He runs marathons just to prove to me and my sisters you can do anything as long as you keep to it and don't give up. I didn't relize then that God gave us a free contrey. And since he gave us a free contrey we sacerfice for that. And our sacerfice is letting our parents deploy so they an keep our contrey free and safe.

Our New Normal...

2011-02-06T19:12:00.000-08:00

Nearly 5 years ago this blog was created as a means to keep Brad connected to his family despite being deployed to Kyrgyzstan. Since then the family has grown, the assignment has changed, the location is new, technology has evolved...however, this blog still exists and is being used once again as a way to document our journey as we're faced with the challenges of another deployment.

My consistency with this blog has waned throughout the years. Facebook, although phenomenal for keeping in touch, has been detrimental to the blogging world, myself included. My personal intent for ever starting a blog was as a means to document our journey for our children. At times it has served as an outlet for my thoughts. More often it has recently documented the various milestones my girls achieve. But in its infancy it was a source of comfort to me as it enabled me to have conversations that may have never occurred in any other forum.

I decided that as I figure out our new normal in Brad's absence it was time for a new look and a renewed commitment to this blog. Thank you so much to my friend Heather for her design work! I used to be motivated to write as I knew there was an audience reading. I now have no idea how many still follow or read but I'm now motivated by my girls. They are old enough to read and we have spent hours on the couch reading portions of my blog that I have already published. They love it and have asked me to write more...and so the journey continues.

My Sisters

2011-02-04T19:09:00.000-08:00

I found myself in MI for a few days unexpectedly as I wanted to support a wonderful friend whose mother had passed away. The silver lining to this trip was the chance to spend a little time with Tricia and Shelly...the two sisters I've never had. Here is our crew...
Our second playdate found us at Nana II's house...Tricia's mom hosted all the kids and we had a blast as always.

Special snowman cookies to make the occasion even more special.
The girls...

Aunt Tricia and tired Morgan...

NJ Fun

2011-01-28T20:24:00.000-08:00

Brad left on the Thursday night before MLK weekend. I decided instead of spending the long weekend at home being sad we would go to NJ and visit friends and distract ourselves.

There was more snow in NJ than VA so the girls were excited to go sledding...

Brooke and our friend, Lila...

Morgan didn't mind watching but wasn't really in the mood to participate...
Mckenna and our friend, Emma...

We had a great weekend being spoiled and loved on by wonderful friends...it was a great way to spend the first few days of the next 6 month!

D Day

2011-01-28T20:17:00.000-08:00

These are the last few pictures I took of Brad and the girls as we headed to the airport on his deployment day. My friend came to the airport and took some beautiful pictures that I'll soon post...

Nap time...she is tired and confused.
Picking the girls up early from school to go to the airport...

Everyone is smiling despite how we were all feeling...troopers.

Her First Meet

2011-01-28T19:26:00.000-08:00

Things have been so hectic since Brad deployed that I'm just now getting around to posting pictures of Mckenna's first gymnastics meet. She just joined the team in December so she has been catching up with the rest of the girls who have been learning the routines since September.

Lining up for "parade" prior to the start of the meet and the National Anthem...
Her floor routine...very serious and focused and intense.
On the beam...her mount.

Waiting for the green flag for the vault...this was her best event.

On the podium...so happy and proud.
With Daddy...she was so happy to have one meet before he left so he could watch her progress.

Great Wolf Lodge

2011-01-06T18:22:00.000-08:00

We pulled the girls out of school for 24 hours to go to Williamsburg and play hooky at the Great Wolf Lodge....considering Daddy is leaving for 6 months in a few days we felt justified in this fun filled family time.

The place was EMPTY so we had a blast enjoying all the pools and slides essentially to ourselves! Morgan started off a little timid of all the water and noise but eventually relaxed and had a lot of fun. Brooke modeling for the camera...she is starting to look so mature.

Dancing to the beat of her own drummer...literally!

Baileigh and Mckenna getting dumped on by the huge bucket of water...
My chronic goofball...
Flowrider was a favorite ride of Baileigh, Mckenna and Daddy...this thing was powerful and we witnessed a few people loose their suits! The girls were exhausted that evening because this thing is a lot of work, but they loved it and started to get really good at being able to control themselves and move around.

At 8:00 every night they encourage kids to come to the lobby in their pjs for storytime...

A picture with their mascot...forgot his name.

In the morning the girls were spoiled with donuts in their kids cabin!

We enjoyed a few more hours of fun in the waterpark on day 2 before we hit the road and headed home. This trip was sort of a last minute idea and we're so thankful we did it...it was a nice distraction from the 24/7 focus on the deployment and a great family time.

Morgan kept up with her big sisters like a trooper...she didn't get a nap for 2 days but survived and even slept in a big girl bed at the hotel! Our baby days are limited!

13 Years Later...

2011-01-01T17:37:00.000-08:00

8 moves, 4 kids, 2 dogs, lots of TDY, soon to be 2 deployments...and 1,000 things to note in between. Its never been boring . Here is to the next 13 years!

Christmas Morning

2010-12-25T18:57:00.000-08:00

Humoring me with a picture in front of the tree before presents!

Santa presents...Morgan got a baby, Baileigh an Ipod Shuffle, Brooke a Barbie camera, and Mckenna got Just Dance 2.

Morgan loved her stroller from Nana and her baby from Santa...
Brad and the girls started designing this necklace for me back in October. I had told him years ago that once we were done having children I wanted to do something with their birthstones that wasn't traditional and was subtle. He had this made with the 4 girls birthstones on the bottom, my birthstone is in the middle and Brad's is son the top...his is the only one that isn't a circle (its an oval) since he is the only boy in our family.

The girls all got pillow pets from Grandma Hall. As I type they are each tucked into bed asleep on their pillow pets.

We ended our night by driving to look at lights from this great website we found that listed some wonderful light displays in Fairfax County. We loaded up in our pjs and had a lot of fun...now let the snow begin!

Merry Christmas Eve!

2010-12-24T19:39:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve Day Skating

2010-12-24T18:40:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas Eve day skating with some friends at Pentagon Row. Baileigh and Mckenna have both taken lessons so they are old pros...
Brooke freaked out last year and refused to try skating...this year it was a big victory to get her in skates and on the ice...

Pentagon Row is a cool setting...

Daddy skating with the girls...

Morgan hung out with me and enjoyed some Starbucks and hot chocolate...

Mckenna showing off...

Once Brooke got the hang of it she couldn't be stopped...thanks to her bucket!

Look Alikes

2010-12-23T14:17:00.000-08:00

Lots of people make comments about which sister Morgan looks like...when you compare her with pictures of Mckenna at a younger age there is no doubt they have a strong resemblance. Mckenna is almost 3 in this photo...about a year older...but you can tell that Morgan is going to look a lot like her big sister, well, one of them at least.Its the eyes and nose...Mckenna's mouth is unique to all our girls...very big! I could mean a lot of things by that, but literally...we say she has a Julia Roberts smile that goes ear to ear. Maybe she'll grow into it someday.

Christmas Play

2010-12-22T19:29:00.000-08:00

The girls came up with an activity to distract from their assignment of cleaning the basement. How was I able to argue with this play?

Despite the fact that Brooke was given the role of "Wise Woman" she felt the need to have a beard...this black marker still has not completely come off her face.

Snow Day

2010-12-19T06:31:00.000-08:00

We had our first snow day of the season. While Morgan was napping her sisters went outside to play. When she woke up it was almost time for them to come inside...plus she had a cold so I just decided to not take her out to join them in the snow. She wasn't really pleased with me and disappeared to return with hat and gloves and shoes and then proceeded to stand in front of the window and say "Outside, PEEASE".
She figured that maybe really cute would help...
"Cheese" "PEEEAASE Outside!"

My Old Men

2010-12-12T18:56:00.000-08:00

This is one of the other men in my life...Jonah. He has been in the picture for 11 years. But he is struggling and we don't know how many more days we'll get to enjoy this sweet dog.
Brothers...we got Ranger in November of 1998. We got Jonah in December of 1999. They were instant friends. They are such different personalities, but compliment each other well.

An afternoon walk with Jonah...
Someday when Jonah is gone there will be a big void in our house and in our hearts...

Morgan with "No-Nah" (aka "Jonah)...she loves him so much and chases him all around the house.

Thanksgiving Texas Style

2010-12-03T14:34:00.000-08:00

First flight with four...

Thanksgiving day...playing in the backyard with cousins while we wait on dinner...
Playing in the park in town...Daddy and his girls.

The guys went hunting one day so the girls went out and had a fun day...train ride, park, Smash Burger and Tangled.

We went to the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine and met our great friends, the Maddox family who currently live in OK and drove down to meet us.

We went to 'ICE' at the Gaylord...this years theme was Charlie Brown. Not sure if Morgan liked the ice slide or not...

Skating like Charlie and his gang...

You know your in TX when you see shotgun shell Christmas lights...

The lobby of the Gaylord...

One afternoon we went to the Stockyards in Fort Worth to watch the daily cattle drive...only in TX.

Waiting on the Longhorns with Grandma and Grandpa

Our little cowgirl...

Boots. Boots. Boots!

Morgan's first trip to TX...we have this exact same picture with Baileigh back in 2002.
Trying to blend in to the local culture...but they were born in NJ, VA and WA.
Visiting with the cowboys...

Preschool Feast

2010-11-23T10:17:00.000-08:00

Brooke...this year in Pre-K at age 4 at her preschool Thanksgiving feast having a great time.
Brooke...in her first year of preschool at age 2...not enjoying herself too much.

His 2nd Marathon!

2010-11-22T06:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Brad ran his 2nd marathon! This race was in downtown Philadelphia and had a pretty backdrop in the art museum!
Brad was running with our friend, Ryan King...here are my girls with the two King girls waiting on their daddies to run past.

So excited to see Daddy and show him the sign she made!
Brad texted me once or twice on the run so I knew that about mile 20 he was starting to struggle. Baileigh had the idea of finishing the run with him to help encourage him to the finish line.
As he past us with half a mile left Baileigh jumped on the course and helped keep her Daddy motivated!
Crossing the finish line hand in hand...the big smile on Brad's face is from the comments made on the PA by the race announcers about his young running partner.
So proud of our Daddy!
Ryan and Brad...both finished with great times and should be proud of all their hard training and their race day results!

Playing in the Leaves

2010-11-22T06:04:00.000-08:00

Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T11:32:00.000-08:00

Our hero...

Turning 9!

2010-11-04T10:23:00.000-07:00

Last Monday and Tuesday Baileigh celebrated her 9th birthday with a sleepover. She didn't have school on Monday or Tuesday due to teacher in service and conferences so it worked out perfect! On Monday she had two friends over for an afternoon agenda that she created by herself. Her first request...to play "Just Dance" on the Wii with her friends.

Her next request was to go bowling!

When did my baby get so big!

After bowling she asked to go to Ci-Ci's for pizza and then home for cake. I made a sleepover cake and each girl was pretty excited to see themselves on top of the cake.
After cake the girls opened presents and went downstairs to play and watch movies until way after bedtime. In the morning Baileigh asked for monkey bread. Since this was her actual birth day she had to wear the official family birthday hat.
We took her friends home mid morning and went out to lunch. Brad took a day of leave and Nana was in town so it was extra special for Baileigh. She asked to go to Cheeseburger in Paradise...
The highlight was birthday dessert nachos!

Halloween Festivities

2010-11-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

Halloween weekend was busy...preschool parades, Halloween class party, Trunk or Treat at our church, trick or treating...busy!

Nana was in town so she got to be a part of all our activities.
On the 30th our church hosted a trunk or treat...this is a big annual event that attracts more than 5,000 people from the community! This year we were an eclectic group...a painter, little red riding hood, a bride and our little giraffe. Brad and I were the black eyed "P"s...get it?
My crew...

The sweetest giraffe being so silly...

It was a beautiful night...a little windy but temperatures in the 50's and a gorgeous sunset.

My little ballerina

2010-10-30T18:10:00.000-07:00

Brooke is taking a ballet class this year. She loves 'doing her own thing' while her sisters are involved in swimming and gymnastics.

I was able to sit in her class on Thursday and observe...she takes it much more serious than I imagined.

Her class is going to be the mice in a performance of the Nutcracker in June...she is practicing her mouse moves!
My sweet girl...

Stretching...

Pumpkin Carving

2010-10-28T12:27:00.000-07:00

We finally carved time out of our busy schedules so work on our pumpkins...get it?
Caught her wiping her hands on her bottom...

Daddy and Baileigh busy at work...

My crazy mastermind...

I would like to brag on my impromptu "H"...turned out great if I may say so myself.

Morgan stayed busy trying to eat raw pumpkin and saying "cheese"...
The finished products...

Fall Fun

2010-10-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

Its a busy time of year with preschool field trips and pumpkin patch outings...

The slides are popular with both Brooke and Morgan...

One farm had pony rides, too! Brooke was so excited!
I hadn't planned on Morgan riding, but when Brooke got off the horse Morgan insisted on having her own turn! Look how proud!

The older girls miss out on all the fun because they are at school. We're going to a big plantation for their fall fun in a few weeks as a family (that is a lot of "f"s!).

I'm Committed!

2010-10-14T18:17:00.000-07:00

Well...it has been awhile, but I've signed up for another triathlon! I can't believe this was 3 years ago...the time has come to get back in the saddle. So on June 19, 2011 I hope to once again say I'm a triathlete!

Lt. Col Select

2010-10-11T10:38:00.000-07:00

Brad had his Lt. Col Select party the other night...it was for all promotees in the area so it was a huge bash at the Ritz Carlton. I "stuck" on temporary rank...the real rank and pay raise comes in the spring, for now its really just acknowledgement of his selection.
Brandon and Brad...taking 2 (inside joke).

Brad's great AFA buddy and former football teammate, Brandon and his wife, Angie...

Birth Order

2010-10-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

Don't birth order books say that the baby of the family is often very spoiled and also tends to be a clown for attention?

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

2010-10-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

Brad's birthday was a week ago today, but I'm obviously just getting around to posting some pictures. I realize I've become more sporadic with my blog entries...I'm trying to become more consistent again. I recently just published the first year of my blog...back when posting was a regular event. I'm so thankful I was faithful to the blog during that time period and I'm making it my goal to resume my activity here...if for no one but my own family when they look back and read about our journey as a family.

We had a low key birthday celebration for Brad...his favorite kind! It was a Friday, which happens to be the night we host our small group from church...so the gathering doubled as a birthday party.
Opening some AF football goodies...you didn't think we would let him take the hat off just because of our small group, did you?

Unfortunately Baileigh was at a friend's birthday party on Friday night so she wasn't in any of the pictures...but we continued to celebrate on Saturday when we were all together as a family.

First Full Pigtails...

2010-09-24T14:16:00.000-07:00

Despite a recent haircut, Morgan's hair is now long enough for full pigtails.
This is her new camera face...as soon as I pick it up and aim it at her I get this adorable look.

My little ham.

The Washington Monument

2010-09-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

Going Their Seperate Ways

2010-09-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

I've been fighting it...since birth, really. In the past I've made the girls do the same activities. This is the first year I'm letting them each do their own thing...it was time! Baileigh is doing year round swimming. She swims on Tuesday and Thursdays from 5:00 to 6:00. After being on our neighborhood swim team she decided she really enjoyed swimming and wanted to improve.

Mckenna is continuing with gymnastics...she is on a preteam and practices on Tuesday and Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:00. "Preteam" essentially means that the next step is competitive gymnastics...something I have mixed feelings on based upon the time commitment and price.

Brooke asked to switch from gymnastics to ballet. Thankfully there is a small dance studio in the same location as Mckenna's gymnastics and they had a ballet class from 5:00 to 5:45 on Thursday evenings...smack dab in the middle of Mckenna's gymnastics practice.

So I'm in 3 locations at one time...the pool, gymnastics and ballet. Its a crazy night, but its working so far and we're able to do our activities in two nights.

The Nation's Triathlon

2010-09-13T14:21:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Brad did the Nation's Triathlon for the second time. Last year the weather was beautiful...this year, not so much! It was a gray and rainy morning. I waited for the rain to lessen and then headed to the tri to cheer for Daddy.

The view from the Arlington Memorial Bridge. Can you find Brad? Neither could we...
Playing in the rain on the bridge...strange for it to be so quiet and almost alone on a bridge usually traveled by cars and busy with pedestrians.

Team Hall...cheering the runners on and looking for Daddy!

Just as Daddy spotted us...he ran over and gave us all kisses.

So proud of Daddy!

The bling bling...

Some friends that ran the tri with Brad...Coy, Shawn, and Randy.

First Day of School

2010-09-07T18:13:00.000-07:00

My kids are off and running...literally somewhat. First and third grade...time is flying.

Mckenna...has Mrs. Mills and I think they'll be a good fit!

Baileigh...has Mrs. Kern. She looks like she is about 18...and Baileigh is almost as tall as her!

The whole gang...can't believe that next year 3 of them will be in elementary school!
The beautiful walk to school...

Last picture at school...as Baileigh was complaining "MOM, hurry up!"

First Haircut

2010-09-04T16:40:00.001-07:00

I took all the girls in for their back to school haircuts. I decided this was a good time to see if Morgan was interested in getting her hair trimmed.

She watched her 3 big sisters go first and had no hesitations when it was her turn.
Although she wasn't a big fan of having her hair sprayed...

I love the look on her face in this photo...too cute.

She held so still and did amazing!!

Still being cooperative...

Ta-Dah...such a big girl. Almost 17 months old and her first haircut under her belt.

Busch Gardens

2010-09-02T11:42:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a chance to go to Busch Gardens while Brad's parents were visiting. The first day we went to their water park but since we were wet all day I don't have any pictures. But the weather was great and we had a blast.

We spent the night in Williamsburg and went to the amusement park on the second day. This day made Morgan seem so old because she wanted to go on any and all rides that she was big enough for...where did my baby go?

She is so proud of herself...can't you tell!
She looked a little nervous on all the rides, but threw a fit as soon as they stopped and cried for more!

Brooke hasn't watched a ton of Sesame Street growing up, but she was very excited anyway to meet the various characters and see Elmo.

More rides with her sisters...Baileigh isn't in many of these pictures because she would take off with whatever adult was willing to take her on the fastest and scariest rollercoasters in the park!

Slowing it down for a bit with a river cruise...

Brooke and Grandma having a good time...

The girls and Grover...

Abby and Zoe...not sure which is which! I'm sure they were laughing in their costumes when Brooke yelled, "I have your picture on my underwear!!!!!!"

My wild girls....

I did everything I could to encourage an afternoon nap despite the circumstances...she finally nodded off as we were making the walk out of the park at 5:30!

Happy 7th Birthday Mckenna

2010-08-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

Mckenna requested a spa birthday party. Well actually, she asked to go get mani/pedis with a few friends. I did some research and then we discussed the cost...I explained to her that we could go to the salon but that would spend all the money, or her friends could come to our house and we would create a spa. The upside to the home party was it left money in the budget to get the girls robes as their party favors. Mckenna loved the idea and so I hosted my first birthday party in a bathroom!

Mad masks and cucumbers while soaking their feet in my tub...

Mckenna and 4 friends from school and swim team... Picking out their nail polish colors...

Her pink bubble gum ice cream cake...

Opening presents...

Bryanna, Jordan, Mckenna, Sophia and Abby...in their robes.

The party was a great success and Mckenna was very happy. We continued to celebrate the next day with a trip to the mall to pick out some shoes she has been wanting. We also spent the night in a hotel with the entire family in Maryland since Brad had an off site retreat for his office. All in all I think her 7th year is off to a good start!

Hats!

2010-08-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

Morgan has become my little hat girl! She loves to wear them...even a winter stocking cap in 90 degree temps! Ironically I bet she'll be out of this stage when winter arrives and I actually want her to wear a hat!

Our Week

2010-07-30T18:25:00.000-07:00

Papa has been visiting for the past week. There have been several extremely hot days but when the humidity dropped (slightly) we tried to have some fun.

The National Zoo...
Maryland Blue Crab...

The National Cathedral...

The Marine Corp War Memorial for the Sunset Parade...
Having fun with Papa...

Pep Rally

2010-07-23T18:32:00.000-07:00

Tonight we went to our swim team pep rally...a Friday night tradition prior to home swim meets. It's a fun family environment with music, a cookout and cheers.

Michigan Vacation

2010-07-18T18:35:00.000-07:00

I've finally had a chance to sit down and post about some of our fun in Michigan. The next 5 or 6 posts recapp the fun we had the past few weeks.

We had a fabulous time visiting friends and family. I am so blessed to have some friends that have been in my life as long as I can remember...they are truly family, not friends.

We were lucky that we were also able to overlap with our CO cousins for one day and had a lot of fun at a waterpark with Nana.

The four year olds...Brooke and Aryssa.

Ayanna with Baileigh and Mckenna...8,7,6.
The entire gang...6 very happy little girls!

Cousins...

2010-07-18T18:25:00.000-07:00

My girls with my brother's girls...

Port Huron

2010-07-18T18:20:00.000-07:00

A day on Lake Huron with Aunt Laurie and her family...

The girls on the beach...

Having fun in the sand...

Tubing...the girls would do this all day if allowed!

Morgan...just chillin in the lake.

Laurie's kids...Bryan and Brittany...can't believe how old they are getting!
The girls watching fireworks...so sweet.

Silver Lake...Day 1

2010-07-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

We were so lucky to have a few days with my dear friend Tricia and her family at her mom's lake house. They are always s hospitable and are truly family in our hearts. It is so fun to se our kids together after having been friends since we were the same age!

The sister I've never had...love you Trish!

Silver Lake...Day 2

2010-07-18T17:40:00.000-07:00

Another fun day on Silver Lake with Nana II...
Baileigh and Mckenna with Joe and Elizabeth...

Ready and waiting to tube...

Brooke being silly, as always...

Ending a perfect day with smores...

Boyne City

2010-07-18T17:15:00.000-07:00

We headed to my friend's (Aunt Shelly) lake house for a few fun days up north. The first evening we enjoyed a boat ride on Lake Charlevoix with the Parpart boys...Blake and Quinn.

Love this picture of Brooke...

Enjoying ice cream and a beautiful sunset with Daddy...

Lake Charlevoix

2010-07-18T16:58:00.000-07:00

A beautiful Michigan day on the beach and in a boat...nothing better! So glad the girls can experience summer fun in Michigan like I did as a young girl.

Mckenna and Quinn, busy building in the sand.

Brad and Morgan keeping cool...
LOVE this photo...the colors, the composition, the flip flops, water color etc...and the cute girl.

Baileigh and Blake about to be tossed on the tube...
Baileigh and Mckenna's turn...

Having fun in the sand? Not sure...

Two cuties...

Time for smores...

Clean after a fun day on the beach...

More Up North...

2010-07-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

Another tough day at the office...
Getting used to riding on the boat...
Brooke...with silly Uncle Randy in the background.
Becoming beach bums...

We cleaned up and went into town for a great dinner with my other 'sister'...

A great family picture in downtown Charlevoix...

Mackinac Island

2010-07-18T16:40:00.000-07:00

I was so happy that we had a chance to take the girls to Mackinac Island. Aunt Shelly offered to keep Morgan...we were sad to not have her with us in one way, but it made it easier to do more and see more on the island.

We rented bikes and rode around the island...the girls biked over 10 miles, they did amazing and had so much fun!

The beautiful and famous Grand Hotel

We rented a horse and buggy and got to take it around the island on our own...the girls loved to drive!

Devil's Kitchen...a neat cave area on the island.

We had such an incredible day together and made great memories!

Baltimore Aquarium

2010-06-29T18:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we met my friend, Melissa, in Baltimore. Despite the hot weather we had a fun afternoon enjoying the harbor, the aquarium and an interesting lunch!
Our 6 cute girl...
In the rainforest of the aquarium...

In the inner harbor...
Eating lunch at Dick's Last Resort...known for their rude and sarcastic waiters...thankfully they were PG at lunch, but I wouldn't take the kiddos there in the evening...we tried Hard Rock Cafe, first, but they had a wait. So we ended up at the first place that had a kid's menu, immediate seating and was nice and loud.Lila and Brooke...

Extreme close-up...but with those beautiful blue eyes it works!
The dolphin show at the aquarium...a highlight for the girls.
Baileigh and Emma...seems like Emma was just two and holding newborn Baileigh!

We wished we lived closer to our NJ friends...but we're thankful that we're still close enough to rendezvous for some day trips.

Loyal Swim Team Fan

2010-06-25T14:17:00.000-07:00

Westridge Waves Fan 2009

Westridge Waves Fan 2010

Obama's Bottom

2010-06-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

Since we live in the DC area it isn't unusual to visit a restaurant and find something like this...
I'm debating if this signage makes me want to sit in this chair more or less...guess it depends on why you sit in the chair.

BLOGGERS...where are you?

2010-06-22T18:56:00.000-07:00

So, I was looking at my sidebar and wondering where you have gone? I miss you're updates! I know FB has changed things...but the blog is more personal and intimate. I won't name names...I don't really need to, just look on the sidebar and you can see who is guilty of neglecting their baby.

Come back...I miss you.

I dare you. I double dog dare you!

First Swim Meet

2010-06-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

Summer has begun...that means swim meets! So at 5:50am Brad was out the door with the older girls and I met up with him at a more decent hour...like 8:30!

Morgan and Daddy...waiting for the next heat.
Mckenna with a good start in her breast stroke heat...

Baileigh jumping in for the butterfly...she is in the lane on the right...
Mckenna fighting for the lead in her heat...

My two little fish...
Backstroke...Mckenna in lane 1 with pink goggles at the bottom of the picture...Mckenna is in lane three with the green goggles and her head down. Racing against each other, creates some issues.
Mckenna had a great start...first off the wall with a clean start.

Baileigh doing the freestyle...
Mckenna with two of her schoolmates and friends...Sophie and Jordan.
Baileigh with her relay team...they took first place. My girls suits didn't arrive in time so she is odd man out til she gets the new uniform.
The Waves (our team) won the meet! We're a small team so that is a big accomplishment! We're off to a good start!

Comparing

2010-06-18T07:29:00.000-07:00

First Day of Kindergarten...

Last Day of Kindergarten...

First Day of Second Grade...

Last Day of Second Grade...

September 2009
June 2010

Sisters

2nd Lost Tooth!

2010-06-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

Mckenna lost her first tooth over Memorial Day weekend. She had another loose tooth and was hopeful to loose it before her last day of Kindergarten. Success!

Spayground

2010-06-15T05:39:00.000-07:00

There is a very cute and simple sprayground down the street from us...unfortunately it is part of another neighborhood association and you have to have membership to use their facility. Thanks to a friend we were able to play over there for a few hours the other day. Our neighborhood has an amazing pool and club which I'm very thankful for...but for preschool age children this was a ton of fun and not too much work for mommy!

Morgan...checking it out at fist...
It didn't take long for her to walk right up to the water and get a face full without any objections.
Brooke was having a blast!

Silly faces...
Double trouble!

This face full of water was a surprise and it took her a minute to recover...

Trying to catch the water...

We have 3 more days to kill before the older girls are out of school. This was a fun day that passed quickly and was perfect for the younger girls.

Pentagon Memorial

2010-06-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

ER vist

2010-06-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

I realize I've been doing a poor job updating my blog. My hopes are to eventually publish my blog posts so I have a journal of sorts that the girls can look through some day. So, with that in mind...I decided to go back and post an event that occurred over Memorial Day weekend.

Morgan developed a cough over the weekend, and then eventually a fever. Her breathing seemed very labored and she just seemed pretty miserable in general. On Sunday morning Brad went to the air and space museum with out of town friends that were staying with us so I decided to take her to the doctor instead of going to the museum. The only option was the ER since it was a Sunday morning. I decided to drive to Fort Belvoir in hopes that their ER would be less busy then the one in our community...it was a good call! We were seen quickly and after an exam they said that she had croup.

Here she is, waiting on doctor...tired and scared she is hiding behind her favorite blankie.
The breathing treatment was 20 LONG minutes...it wasn't painful in any way for her but she screamed and thrashed around while the nurse tried to hold the oxygen mask over her face. After 20 minutes we were both exhausted and sweaty...here is the result!
I didn't look much different...and a nap would have been nice! She finished up the last few minutes of her breathing treatment asleep...look at her sweaty head!

This wasn't anything too serious....but just looking at her in the hospital bed and in this environment made me think about how blessed we are to have healthy kids and how if I never visit the ER with any of my kids again it will be too soon!

Mckenna's 1st Lost Tooth!

2010-05-31T13:23:00.000-07:00

Mckenna has had a loose tooth for about a month now...we anticipated it being her first lost tooth. However, yesterday she hit her mouth on the wall at the pool and knocked another tooth loose. After some aggressive wiggling by her 'cousin' Lauren that was in town for the weekend...she now has lost her first tooth!

Here is the picture before the pulling process...
Ta-da...just minutes later she now has one less tooth! Considering she is 7 in two months she made it a long time with those baby teeth!

Happy Birthday!

2010-05-30T12:55:00.000-07:00

This weekend we have "cousins" visiting...essentially we grew up with this family (the parents) and they came up to see DC this weekend with their kids. Their youngest, Braeden turned 7 on Saturday so we hosted a Ben 10 Birthday party at his request. He didn't know we had decorated and made him a cake...this picture is his reaction as he walked into the kitchen to see his party.
Checking out his cake...

Excited at all the attention...

My friend, Cathy helped me make this cake...it's the Ben 10 watch if you aren't familiar with the cartoon (which I wasn't...we had to google it to learn about the show on the Cartoon network).
We attempted some Fondant...they now sell buttercream fondant at Michale's that is put out by Ace of Cakes...it was really good despite the normal negative thoughts about fondant.

I think he was pretty excited and the girls had a lot of fun decorating for a "boy party"...

Baileigh's Baptism

2010-05-23T14:06:00.000-07:00

This weekend was very special as we celebrated Baileigh's decision to be baptised. On Friday night we had a cake with our small group in honor of the event...Sam, whose family is part of our small group, was also going to be baptised today so we wanted to acknowledge this important milestone. Unfortunately, Sam woke up with a fever on Sunday morning and couldn't participate...but he did get ice cream cake!
Ready and waiting! She was very nervous, but very excited. There were 24 people being baptized this morning at our church...it's very cool how the pastor invites friends and family to come up on the stage and get as close as possible to the baptismal so they can be a part of the event and provide encouragement.
Baileigh and Pastor Ray...he shared that he was also 8 when he made the decision to be baptised...Baileigh thought this fact was very cool!

First they showed a video she had made at the end of her Zone 2 class (prepares them for baptism...makes sure they understand what it is about and why they are doing it)...only about 1 minute interview with her in a rocking chair proclaiming her love for Jesus. She giggled at the end, it was very cute.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit...

Yeah!!!!

So proud...of her and for her.

Ringing out the robe before she takes it off...

Nana has been here for a week and stuck around for this important event...Baileigh was so happy that she was here for the event.
We're very proud of the young lady Baileigh is growing into and the good decisions she seems to be making.

1st Gymastics Meet

2010-05-18T13:55:00.000-07:00

Mckenna is on a recreational gymnastics team, but about 6 girls were asked from her class to participate in a real meet so they could have the experience as well as be evaluated for a competitive team. She did amazing! Mckenna has a lot of natural athletic talent and gymnastics comes very easy to her.
It was hard to capture pictures of her actual routines...especially since I could not use a flash in the gym. I managed to get afew though...here she is in the middle of her floor routine doing a back bend walk over...or something like that. She got a 9.25 on her floor routine and placed 7th which earned her a medal.
Also part of her floor routine...nice form!

Now her turn on the beam...she got a 9.15 and finished 5th overall...another medal!

The bar....she kinda fell apart on the bar. This is her weakest event in some areas, strongest in others. She gets so much speed and height...too much, more then she can control right now. In fact, she ended up going over the top of the bar in a dive...everyone gasped and anticipated tears, Mckenna got up and was embarrased but laughing and said, "that was fun!"...and got back on the bar!

The girls in blue are obviously on a team...Mckenna was the first one to place on vault that wasn't on an official team.

This is when she learned that she placd 8th overall for age 6....out of 17 girls. Not bad considering she is only on a recreational team.

Sporting the bling-bling...she was very excited to have medals to take home for show and tell at school.

Nesting

2010-05-14T13:51:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not pregnant and nesting. And neither is our male dog...but he has created a little nest like a dear in the dirt in our front flower bed.

Ranger is now almost 12 years old and starting to show his age. He doesn't wander far from the house, too tiring. He has several benign tumors and arthritis in his hips. As he has grown older he has grown sweeter, too. I probably would have shewed him out of the flower bed at one time, but he looks so cute and cozy so I let him stay and guard the house.

Bed Head

2010-05-14T13:46:00.000-07:00

Swim Lessons

2010-05-08T18:05:00.000-07:00

Brooke is taking 8 weeks of swim lessons. I'm hoping that when our neighborhood pool is open next month the lessons will help her to be more independent in the pool since I'll have my hands full with Morgan.

She is doing great...no hesitation or fear, despite the look on her face!

Such a cutie...
Brooke and her buddy, Conner...he is taking lessons with Brooke.

The Eyes

2010-05-03T09:57:00.000-07:00

I love these eyes!!!!

Our gymnast

2010-04-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

Mckenna is a natural born gymnastic. She can't go from point A to point B without doing a round off or flipping over some object. She recently was asked to move up to a more advanced class and on Wednesday she was asked to be evaluated for a preteam class.

Brad can't even touch his toes...so he is always amazed at his daughters flexibility!

One of her favorite activities is to see how fast she can climb the rope and touch the ceiling. I'm always a little nervous she is going to let go at the top in order to cheer for herself and make the long drop to the pit below...even if it's full of foam cubes it is still far!
Waiting her turn...gymnastics (sometimes) brings out an attention and focus in Mckenna that I don't see anywhere else...I wonder if this will be something she really excels at as she gets older.

Working on the bar...she wasn't able to do her back flip successfully for the evaluation despite having done it several times in the past. I don't know if it was nerves or if she was just tired at this point...regardless, she wouldn't move to preteam until July so she will be evaluated next month. She has to be able to do this flip in order to advance.

Gymnastics is a huge commitment, both financially and time. I have been dragging my feet on letting her get more involved but I hate to deny her any opportunities that come her way. Thankfully her sisters have both said they want to do something other then gymnastics...and thankfully these other activities are less expensive. That means Mckenna will continue on as the gymnast in the family while her sisters spread their wings in other arenas. That also means that mommy will be tripling my chauffeur duties and sitting on a lot of bleachers throughout the greater Northern Virgina area.

Master Bath Remodel

2010-04-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

I recently posted some pictures of our master bath remodel on facebook but was informed that I neglected to post on my blog. So here are a few pictures of the project we started on MLK weekend in January and finished a few weeks ago.

The tub area before...
After...
Toilet area before (hopefully you can tell its before!)...
After....the walls are a very soft gray/green, but they look practically white in these photos.

Shower before....

And after...I LOVE This shower...it has 6 heads that shoot water horizontally, the rain shower head above and another hand held shower wand. All 4 girls can take a shower at the same time and no one complains they are cold because they can all stand under a spray of water. It's huge, too...we bumped it out two feet.

The vanity before...just one sink and offset (plus lights recessed in a bulkhead)...

After...double vessel sinks, sconces, travertine mirrors...

View from the door before...

After...opened up the wall into the shower a few feet, tiled the dividing wall for a decorative aspect, moved chandelier over tub, just to name a few...
Just a few more pictures at different angels...this one from the tub...
We added a linen closet to a previously empty corner...

The worse thing about this bathroom is that I LOVE IT! I'll forever be spoiled by this bathroom and we'll always have to remodel in future homes in order to find another bathroom that is as nice!

That concludes our last major home remodeling project in this house! We remodeled every bathroom, the kitchen, moved the laundry room upstairs, remodeled old laundry room into a mudroom with utility sink, and built a wall downstairs to add a fifth bedroom. Those were the major projects...we've also painted every room, carpeted, removed wallpaper etc. Not bad for living here less then two years and having a baby during that time frame! Especially considering Brad works 14 hour days and has done most of this work moonlighting!

Now...the landscaping.

Art Festival

2010-04-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

Baileigh was one of a handful of students whose art work was selected from her school to be on display at the Prince William County Art Festival. This was a huge festival since it is a large county and the majority of public schools were represented.

She was very excited to go and see her artwork on display. We enjoyed walking around and looking at all the other school's displays. Baileigh is a budding artist and if you ask her what she wants to be when she grows up she will tell you an author, an artist and a mom!

Clemyjontri Park

2010-04-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

The girls didn't have school today thanks to a teacher work day so I decided to take them to this neat playground I have heard about up in McLean. This park is over 2 acres and has so much to do. We had 10 kids ages 1 to 10 and all of them had fun and all of them wanted to stay when it was time to leave!

There is also a carousel in the middle but it is only open on the weekends until the summer. It took about 35 minutes to get up there but it was totally worth the drive! Here is an aeriel view of the playground from the website.

It was a beautiful day with temperatures in the mid 60's...perfect!
Baileigh and her friend, Annie.

My monkey...

Brooke and Morgan in the swings...

Ms. Blue Eyes...