HELLO?

Oh my goodness! I've been lost for nearly a year! I can't believe it's been that long. I have so much to catch up on.

Let's see Thanksgiving, Christmas, my job, my trip and now summer. Goodness! I am going to posting all night!

Well here is a quick picture to keep you happy! While I update all the way back from our family vacation at Thanksgiving!!

Happy 235th Birthday Marine Corp!

With Veteran's day right around the corner (tomorrow!) and today being the Marine Corps b-day, I thought I would take time to thank all the Men & Women who protect our country.

First up is my brother Jason. This picture is 6 years old! I can't believe it's been that long. This was taken on my brother's graduation day from Parris Island. He has been deployed 3 times and praise God has come home safe each time. He now works at Parris Island training "maggots" to be Marines. I'm the proudest sister on earth! Just writing this is making me tear up. And a big congrats to him today as he re-enlisted for another 4 years!

I also have to give a big thank you to my own hero, My Daddy! Sadly, this is the best pic I could find. Guess I need to take more pictures of him! My dad served in the US Army and I'm so proud of him.

And although I can't find a picture, my grandfather, Arlen McKinley, served in the US Navy. Spencer is even named after him.

The list of people in my family that are or were in the armed forced is very very long. But I'm proud of each of them.

And to all the men & women who are serving or have served, THANK YOU! I am so blessed beyond imagination because I get to live in this awesome country that you fought so hard to protect. And for all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice . . . Thank you doesn't even begin to cover it. All my gratitude to you and your family for your sacrifice.

All gave some, but some gave all.

Trick Or Treat

Happy Halloween!

Tonight Jason and I took 2 dragons and a ladybug out for a fun family time of Trick or Treating!

Dalton as a dragon/Dino

Spencer as a dragon

Vivian the lady bug

But our trip was almost cut short when Spencer tripped and hit his head on a driveway. Jason & I both HEARD it (and you know my heart sank). We picked him up and held him for a minute and he was just fine. He was a little shy the rest of the time but was happy to get candy.




And candy we certainly got! Of course Jason & I had to "check" it over, but all 3 of the kids got plenty of candy after supper tonight.

What a fantastic night we had! Lots of great memories and things I won't ever forget. Like Dalton running ahead of us and when we told him to wait he said "I can't help it! I'm SO excited!!!!" And Miss Viv actually said "Trick or Treat" or her version. Of course it was only to Jason and I, but we heard it! Our family is growing so quickly and I'm trying to soak it all in! I love family time!

Me & My Little Lady Bug

Dalton at one of our first stops

Happy Birthday Spencer

Three years ago on October 17th, we welcomed out second son, Spencer Arlen. And on this past Sunday Oct. 17th, 2010 we celebrated his life. What a fun birthday party for him to eat his special cake (made by mommy) and open presents!


His beloved WOODY! What a special toy


Dalton & Viv enjoying the party


My big boy


Too cool for the cake


His wiggles cake that he had been asking for since AUGUST!

Happy Birthday Penny! We love you!

First Day of School

I'm still playing catch up!

Dalton started Preschool on Sept. 8! I can't believe my big boy is in preschool but he LOVES it! He barely even says goodbye anymore. Basically jumps out of the van and RUNS in. He has made a few new friends and talks about how much fun he has and asks all the time if he can go to school today. I'm so glad we put him in preschool and I'm very happy that he is having a great time.

He got a backpack that we got to decorate and he wanted a rock'n'roll bag.


This is it! My big boy standing outside of our new home getting ready to grow up right before my eyes.

Do you feel it?

Fall has officially arrived and in our house that means one thing.

FOOTBALL!!!


Although we watch all the NFL games, we are really Purdue fans. We watch all the Purdue games and while watching the NFL Jason points out all the players that used to go to Purdue. We try to get down to at least one game a year although I didn't get to go last year. But I am really looking forward to going this year. It's always so much fun to tailgate and then after the game we usually walk the campus and hit up a few stores.

Fall also means changing of the leaves & cooler weather. Two of my favorite things about fall. I love waking up in the morning and putting on a jacket. And don't even get me started on how much I LOVE jeans!! I would wear them year round if I could. And the fall leaves are so beautiful. A tradition we have gotten away from (but need to start up again) is going up to Pokagon and walk around looking at the leaves and just the beauty of the fall. What a gorgeous state park! And although I've never stayed there, they have a beautiful lodge resort too. Well it's time to put on my jeans and watch some football!

Princess Vivian

That pretty much sums up what we think about Viv and what she thinks about herself. She is the princess! She knows it, I know it and anyone that has ever met her knows it. Some people act like this is a bad thing. But you know what?! I LOVE it! I want her to always know she is a princess. I want her to grow up knowing that she is loved and cherished and deserves to be treated like a queen. I can't believe she is walking all over the place and trying to talk. What a little smarty. She is sweet and loving, funny and crazy. My little princess Vivian!