Friends...

I forgot to post this picture before. It's of Jonas and his buddy Connor. I thought it was fitting that Connor was Woody and Jonas was Buzz. They are best buddies. When I see this picture it makes me want to sing the song from Toy Story, "You've got a friend in me."
It's too cute.
We've made it through our first week without Josh. It was a busy week. Hopefully this week will go as well as last week. Josh has e-mailed and is doing well. Sounds like he's had a lot of time to read, and write me of course! =) If any of you family members would like his address, or his e-mail address just let me know.

Trick or Treat and Field trips!

It was a beautiful night last night! It was so warm compared to last week! It got up to 75 degrees and I know it had to only have been 65 because it was still warm! It was awesome! The kids and I went trick or treating with Marie and her kids. I didn't take any pictures last night because I took some the other night when we went to the trunk or treat. Maddie was Snow White, Eliza was a bumble bee, and Jonas was Buzz Light Year. We had fun going around the neighborhood. Because our church Halloween Party didn't fall on Halloween this year, it was our first time actually going around the neighborhood. I have to say I was mighty impressed with the neighborhood, there were lots of people out, and it was fun to see the different decorations on the porches!
Today was Jonas' first field trip to the Fire station, and when the put the big 100 foot ladder up in the air Jonas said, "Mom the ladder touched the sky!" It was too cute! Too bad it didn't last, he apparently had a bad day at school after that. Hopefully he'll be better tomorrow. I also heard from Josh via phone Monday night and then e-mail this morning. They made it to the ship, and were only two hours late in arriving, hopefully he got some sleep. He said he only slept 11 hours since he left us on Sunday! UGH! Hopefully my pictures will work here, if not I'll post later!

The countdown has begun...

Josh left yesterday. It finally happend. After weeks of rumors of when they would leave, and dates being told, and then taken back (this is very typical by the way!), he was given the date a week ago that they would leave yesterday morning. They were supposed to leave at 11:30a.m. We had to be at the airport (one on base that does all the Military hops and what not) at 9:30a.m. so when the plane they had was broken, they said they would get them out of there by 12:30. It didn't happen. They ended up leaving at 2:30p.m. Thankfully they had a large room that was for the kids to play in, had a computer for older kids to play games, and a t.v. and a large supply of Disney movies. They also had a place to buy food, and a nearby bathroom. We were set. It was for me a very long emotional day just waiting. Once they finally announced they were to leave, the whole process was quick. I think we got about a 15second final goodbye, and then Josh had to do his job which was to get the rest of the 22 enlisted folks, and the other officer with him to the plane. After all the wait, I was dissppointed in a short goodbye, and I know the other wives were too. Especially the enlisted folks, as I'm sure their spouses will be gone a full 6 months. As we watched them get on the bus that took them out to the plane I finally let myself cry, as cried a little before we left (I cried in private), but now I let it go freely. And I wasn't alone, as there were several other wives and some kids still there. This military life is a difficult one, and I hate to say goodbye to my husband, but as we tried to explain to Jonas and Maddie why Daddy had to leave it reminded me that Josh is going to protect our country. He has an important job to do, and not everyone can do what he does. We are so blessed to live in our country and enjoy the freedoms that we do, and Josh is doing his job to ensure that our country is secure and free. Now I'm not saying I will enjoy being the sole parent, the one who has to take out the trash all the time, change all the diapers, give the baths, get the car cleaned out, and make sure our bills are paid; I know that he is coming back, and this is only just a small fraction of time in our lives that he will miss, and he will be home soon.

Some of the outtakes of our Family Pictures... but they're good!

Hopefully this works... I've been trying all week to get these pictures on-line!

Family Pictures

Several weeks ago we asked our friend Ethan if he would take some family pictures of us. Its been a busy few weeks for him and for us, and we finally had a few hours free to go and take some pictures. He took a lot of pictures, and its amazing how everyone can look good, and then one person has their eyes closed... grrr! I think we have at least 3 winners. Although towards the end we took one of my favorites which is all of us making funny faces, and EVERYONE is looking at the camera. We won't send this in our Christmas cards so I'll post it here. We are now down to just a few more days until Josh leaves. I'm ready for him to go so he'll be back that much sooner. I'm so glad this is the last deployement for us for a few years! YEAH!!
Pictures will come soon... the blogger is being funny

Helloween Ball

Last night was the Helloween Ball for all the Helicopter pilots at the Squadrons. It was at the Sheraton Hotel downtown Norfolk. Even though I had to get a new dress, which had three layers of hemming, and had to be altered to fit me in the shoulders, and altered so I could wear my under garments, it looked nice. Josh also had to buy a kilt. Most everyone in Josh's squadron wore one. It was very amusing to see them all in them. Unfortunately my picture of all of them didn't turn out, so I'll have to acquire one from someone else. It was one of the best we have been to so far. I'm glad that Josh was home so we could go. Here are some pictures of us. I got my hair done at this salon called About Face Hair Design. The lady Janelle that did it was amazing. My hair is short, but what she did to it made it look long! It was cool! I loved it! I am including that picture of my hair too!

Hallow-scream

Last night my friend Jenn and I FINALLY after 2 previous tries, got to go to Busch Gardens. The reason we wanted to go is because they have a big Halloween thing every year called Hallowscream. Okay that's not the only reason we wanted to go. We wanted to be able to go on the roller coasters together too! But the Hallowscream also has some things that younger kids would be too scraed to see, so that's the other reason we wanted to go. It was sooo much fun! The whole park is lit up with orange lights, and scray decorations are all over the place! They have several places around the park where there are dummies hanging on trees, then at night they added to them with real live people dressed up, and you don't actually know they are alive until they move and jump out! The train becomes instead of transportation, its own ride, we heard went past scray cemetaries, some coffins without bodies, and so forth. They had several rides that were haunted houses, and several different shows. Did I mention it was a lot of fun! Through all of the haunted houses we linked arms because we didn't want to walk through not holding on to something! And we did jump several times, and then laughed about it.
We did ride roller coasters, and ate way too much at dinner! It was exactly what I needed! Josh finally got his dates to leave. He'll leave at the end of this month. I'm sad, but am glad he'll be able to deploy so he'll then be able to return home that much sooner!
Tonight we are going to the Navy Heloween Ball, and Josh has to wear a Kilt. Don't worry I will be posting pictures!

7 Years

7 year ago today Josh and I were married in the Washington D.C. temple. I can't believe how fast 7 years have gone by. 7 years ago Josh and I were still in college. We got married over our fall break, skipped classes the following week to take a honeymoon down in North Carolina where we stayed at a wonderful Bed and Breakfast! (which we returned there for a visit on our 5th Anniversary) In our 7 years of marriage we have finished college, Josh has joined the Navy, had 3 children, and we've moved 5 times. It has been an adventure for sure!
It has truly been a great 7 years of marriage! Josh is my best friend, and more. =)
I love him so much, even saying that doesn't seem to be enough. He is honest, caring, thoughtful, understanding, smart, funny, cute, and sexy. (of course you might not care about that!) He is the whole package! I thank my Heavenly Father every day that Josh came into my life. I know that together we are better than apart. I know that sounds a little corny, but it's true. Anyway, here's to us, to many more years, and at least one more child! lol!

Pumking Patch

Every year the church where the kids go to Preschool sells pumpkins. And they have a TON of pumpkins in MANY MANY sizes! I love when they sell them because the entire front lawn of the church is covered in pumpkins! They just put them out on Tuesday and I finally remembered to take my camera to school. Maddie didn't have her preschool class today so after we dropped off Jonas and Connor in their class we took a few minutes and took some pictures! Enjoy and have a happy Fall day!

Some more pictures of our trip and with my parents!

Visits from family!

We've been busy this past week and a half with family! Josh's mom was here, and then went to Indiana to help Jenna
move into her house. (Josh's sister) While she was gone my parents came into town and my mom and I shopped at the mall and went to the scrapbooking stores. It was a lot of fun. We celebrated Josh's birthday twice early (today is Josh's 30th Birthday!), with my parents going to Cheesecake Factory, and then last night we went to IHOP (easy place to take the kids!) with Josh's mom. My parents left Saturday, and Josh's mom arrived Sunday, and left today. Yesterday we spent the day in Yorktown, and then Williamsburg. We had a lot of fun. The kids did great with all the walking we did. Here are some pictures from our day! Enjoy!

News,Bubbles, Hide & Seek, self timer on camera

Good News! Josh is not leaving, at least not this week! No news on when, but there were difficulties on the ship (don't know what, but I really shouldn't say!) So he isn't leaving this week, and it's unknown when he will. So for now we're enjoying him being home. (and I'm very happy about this trust me!)
We started out blowing some bubbles that Grandma Nori brought from a wedding she attended up in DC (reason for her being so close and coming to visit). From there I tried to get the kids to sit still so we could play around with the timer on our camera, and from there we played Hide and Seek. Really it was the kids running around the back of the house, and me going to find them, but they would run out in front of me and I would chase them to the front of the house. We had some good laughs! I'm sure they'll get the hide and seek concept in a few years, but for now they think its good fun to "hide" and let mom chase them. Enjoy the pictures!

Disney Princesses on Ice

This afternoon Maddie and I went with Grandma Nori, and my friend Jenn and her three girls, Shelby, Savannah and Emily to see the Disney Princesses on Ice. We had a good time. Maddie said her favorite was Snow White, but I really think she liked the Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella a lot too! Not only did she get a new Tiara that lights up, she got a Princess purse! What more could a little three year old girl ask for! Here are some pictures from the show and after!

Sad, but true...

The time for Josh to leave is quickly approaching. I went to the store to pick up some milk today, and realized that the milk will expire after he leaves.
I literally stood there for a few seconds, and thought get yourself together girl, it's just milk, don't cry here in the grocery store!
I think I'll hold up okay. I know the time is going to go really fast at times and seem like it will take forever at others. Tonight is the last night flight he'll have, so I will have him home every evening the rest of the week, unlike last week where he was home all day and gone all night! UGH! I told him I was about to call the schedule writer at the squadron to complain it was interrupting our love life! lol!

Happy Birthday Mom!

My mom, the youngest looking 60 year old woman I know! Happy Birthday! I love you!

First Steps...

It's official, Eliza took 3 steps yesterday, and today, she took a ton more! I'm so excited, but I was so into watching her take these steps that I didn't get my camera out! (yeah, I know, I will get it on digital okay!)
So I just thought I would share the news! I'm so excited that she's walking before Josh leaves, it's what I'd hoped that she'd do!

Tuesday...

I feel sorry for the day Tuesday, because it's no ones favorite day. It's the day after Monday, so still at the beginning of the week. Still several more days till the weekend. It's just Tuesday.
I don't really like Tuesdays either. Not that today was bad, in fact it went pretty well. Went to the Dentist, and got my crown on. Not fun, but this time I was numb for 3 hours after I returned home. I was trying to think of some positive things about the day Tuesday, and I decided on this:
I like Tuesdays because it's one of the days that it's just me and my two girls, while Jonas is away at Preschool. It's one more day closer to the weekend, my house is much more picked up since I did that on Monday.
I'm grateful for these things today:
My new pair of crocs Love them, so comfy! Everyone should wear them... I got the beach style, and in the brown, I want to get a pair of Mary Janes in Army green, they are so stinkin cute! I would like more colors too... they're addictive shoes! lol!
Sonic- Cherry Coke... yummy! (and their slushies rock too!)
Technology-Talked on my cell phone several times while I was running around today, in the car, at the dentist. And grateful for the cool technology at the dentists office, that saved me time. They took a digital picture of my tooth, used the computer to show how the crown should look and then it digitally cut the crown to fit on my tooth, it was way cool and you can't even tell I got a crown it looks like my tooth!
My hubby, Josh- He was home with the girls today while I went to my dentist appointment. He made them lunch, did all the fun dad stuff, he's a hottie... Need I say more? (I added that last part for Marie, he's hot, but I don't usually add that stuff... but I thought I would just for her as she always talks about her hubby like that and I tease her that she sounds like she's 16 again! lol!)
Bargains: I went to the thrift store and goodwill searching for a new desk, (something smaller than my current desk) and found a large black picture frame from Target, brand new, it was $5, can't beat that! I'm going to get a family picture of us and put it in there! YEAH!
Naps- Maddie and Eliza are both sound asleep!
Hope everyone has a Happy TUESDAY!

So, I was vaccuming the couch...

Ever seen that commerical (it's a few years old now) where the couple invites their friends over and has them sit on their couch, and they stand behind them and push down on their shoulders and say, "we're so glad you could come over", while trying to shake all the change out of their pockets, remember that? Well that's how I felt today after finding 85 cents in change in my couch and chair! I also found some foreign currency in there too! Not only did I find money in my couch I found a screw driver,buttter knife, several buttons, a paint brush, 2 hot wheels cars, two airplanes, one scooby doo v-smile game (I know that wasn't in there long!), several stray buttons, lots of crumbs, and nasty things I won't mention! So now the couch is all vaccumed out again, and when you sit down you won't crunch on anything, lol, just kidding! Before I started the whole vaccuming the kids were pretty intent on watching cartoons, but after I finished, Jonas was fascinated by his "new" toys that were found in the couch! I guess I should do that more often! One thing I know for sure, I need to get the kids to stop eating food on the couch! Hope everyone has a good Friday! Tonight I'm having scrapbook night with some friends, which means I will be up REALLY late, and probably won't finish anything I want to finish, and probably consuming more chocolate and caffeine than necessary! I can't wait! =)

So, I was vaccuming the couch...

Ever seen that commerical (it's a few years old now) where the couple invites their friends over and has them sit on their couch, and they stand behind them and push down on their shoulders and say, "we're so glad you could come over", while trying to shake all the change out of their pockets, remember that? Well that's how I felt today after finding 85 cents in change in my couch and chair! I also found some foreign currency in there too! Not only did I find money in my couch I found a screw driver,buttter knife, several buttons, a paint brush, 2 hot wheels cars, two airplanes, one scooby doo v-smile game (I know that wasn't in there long!), several stray buttons, lots of crumbs, and nasty things I won't mention! So now the couch is all vaccumed out again, and when you sit down you won't crunch on anything, lol, just kidding! Before I started the whole vaccuming the kids were pretty intent on watching cartoons, but after I finished, Jonas was fascinated by his "new" toys that were found in the couch! I guess I should do that more often! One thing I know for sure, I need to get the kids to stop eating food on the couch! Hope everyone has a good Friday! Tonight I'm having scrapbook night with some friends, which means I will be up REALLY late, and probably won't finish anything I want to finish, and probably consuming more chocolate and caffeine than necessary! I can't wait! =)

time is of the essence...

I know I already posted once, but I realized I need to post twice, because we are getting closer and closer to the date that Josh will be leaving us for a few months. We have a meeting tonight to talk about this deployment, and what to expect.
I really thought that I was feeling, oh this isn't a big deal, he's been gone before. No biggie. Then last night he comes home and tells me, by the way tomorrow night we have a meeting to talk about the deployment. I then felt it. It finally hit me. He's leaving soon! I don't know how to explain how it feels if you've never been through it. It's pressure, and it's a little fear. I'll be alone, with three kids. It's knowing that if I'm sick, I don't have Josh here to take the kids and entertain them while I recover, knowing that I'm the one that has to take out the trash (which is his job), put out the garbage can every Thursday and put it back, pay the bills, fill up the car with gas, get the kids dressed in the morning and give them a bath, and put them to bed at night, its praying that wherever Josh is that he's safe, and will come home to us, praying that we'll be safe. Its praying that I will be able to deal with whatever happens while he's gone. (like Jonas locking the bahtroom door when Josh was gone for a few days, luckily no one was in there but had to take the doorknob off!)
I've been thinking of all the things I want him to do before we leave, the things I want to do as a family before he goes, and realize we don't have time. Almost every weekend is booked until the end of this month. We are busy, and to top it off he has to get ready to go so he is busy at work. It seems like before he leaves its always so crazy, and those are some difficult times. I'm not looking forward to this meeting.