2007

Tomorrow is a new year and new hopes begin. 2007 was good to us. It started off with the birth of our second son, Mason. Can you believe he'll be one soon? Between the early months of Mason (no sleep)and preparing to move from Oki, there was a lot going on. The summer of '07 we said goodbye to many good friends and Okinawa for the second time. And hello to Virginia, which Pete and I are still adjusting to. The kids are chameleons, having no trouble fitting in. Moving this time was a smooth transition, but hardest one on me emotionally. We all miss Okinawa very much!
Virgina has brought us a house of our very own. One of my hopes for 2008 is that we'll get accomplished what we started, the painting, new flooring. The all encompassing house makeover. With Pete deploying this summer that might be a difficult task. This upcoming deployment will be a first for us. We have been very fortunate not to have been apart for birthdays and holidays, the deployment will change that. So, we will be apart as a family for much of 2008. That will be our biggest obstacle of '08.
The song goes: "should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind."
I think not, remembering old friends brings a smile to my face. And each new year brings new friends. I hope all my family and friends have a happy and healthy new year. See you in 2008!

The Fort

measuring

hammering

Here is what my kids have been doing on the holiday break. Building a fort. They have built it and moved it more times than I can count. Yes, they are using real tools,saws,hammers and nails.I think its great. The kids friend,Cole,who is also a boy scout has been helping too.I think he is the one with the most know how.

Christmas 2007

Christmas has come and gone. We celebrated our first Christmas in Virginia,with ourselves. Mason enjoyed opening about the first three presents,then he was over it. He wanted the bows and boxes and the big kid toys. I don't think he likes his rocking horse much. It could be he is too little for it,he'll grow.Emily asked for a DS this year and didn't think she would get one,but she did. She was so happy to see it. She has been playing it nonstop.Jacob got all kinds of Legos,transformers all in Star Wars of course. Star Wars is his new favorite thing. It was a nice Christmas with my family.

Next year will be a different story Pete will be deployed.And it will be the first time we will be apart for the holidays:( So, if anyone has room in their basement and would like company. We are available.(ha ha)

Congratulations......

Neva and Chris Gerke on your new baby boy, Sai!

My beef with Santa

Well not really THE Santa, the Mall Santa. I wanted to get a picture of Mason with Santa,with this being his first Christmas and all. At the local mall the Santa is very realistic,a real beard and belly.I brought my camera only to discover you can't take your own photo. You have to first purchase their photo package($20) for three pictures.Then you may take a photo. What? Where is the Christmas Spirit? Can you believe that? I was very disappointed. Needless to say I'll be going back next week to get my little boys' picture with Old St.Nick. It is his first Christmas!

With Love

What ever Holiday you may be celebrating this year. We hope it is a joyous one filled with love!
Near or far, we wish you a Merry Christmas.

What Holiday Food Am I?

Pete is a Gingerbread House

A little spicy and a little sweet, anyone would like to be lost in the woods with you.

What Holiday Food Are You?

What Holiday Food Am I?

Tommye is a Gingerbread House

A little spicy and a little sweet, anyone would like to be lost in the woods with you.

What Holiday Food Are You?

Jake is 8!

Jacob had his 8th birthday. He wanted to have his birthday dinner at Red Robbin,so he did. They sang to him and gave him a sunday with ballons tied to the spoon.
Happy Birthday to my little man.

Step by Step

Mason has started walking. If you can call it that. I prefer toddling. He kind of looks like a monkey,the way he walks. With his arms high in the air and belly sticking out. He is so happy with himself. His hands aren't always in the air sometimes they are waving around. He can even stop, squat to pick up something and start walking again. He is still wobbly but by Christmas he'll be a pro.

Emily's 10

Our little girl is 10! Can you believe it. I can't! Or I refuse to face it, all kids grow up.