Remembering Baylee....

I write this with a very heavy heart. Our precious dog died the other night at the vet unexpectedly. Baylee got in to the trash and ended up with a severe case of pancreatitis. This has happened before and she came out of it fine, but this time her little heart couldn't take it. Those of you that know me well, know how close I was to this dog. I got her when I was dating David, almost 12 years ago. She was truly a special dog. She traveled the world with us on our military adventures, Germany, Arizona, Mississippi, Korea, and lastly Las Vegas. I never knew how hard it would be to lose a pet, actually a member of our family. They give an unconditional love like no other, and she will be truly missed. She has been my constant companion while David works crazy hours or nights. I'm so glad our family has been blessed by this sweet dog. We will miss you Baylee!!

Hiking

We headed off to Mt. Charleston and decided to do some hiking. We even got Baylee in on the adventure! She slept for 2 days after we got home! Mt. Charleston is only about 40 min. from our house, so it's a nice place to get away and feel like you're not in Vegas! I know this will be a place we will go back to time and time again. The kids had a blast and we loved it too!

1st and 3rd Grader

I can't believe that time has gone by so fast?? It truly does go faster than we want at times! I still remember the day I found out I was pregnant with Sydney, and now she's 8.5??!! The kids are starting a new school, 3rd new one for Luke, and 5th one for Sydney. The life of military brats!! They are attending school here in North Las Vegas. The 1st and 3rd graders have recess together, which I'm totally against, except for the fact that I can have Sydney look out for her little brother! We'll see how that goes!!

Luke turns 6

We celebrated Luke's 6th birthday this August. I can't believe my baby is now 6? I know so many people that always say the same thing, where has the time gone? But, seriously, I don't know where it has gone? Sydney helped me with all the party decorations and getting everything ready to go that morning. She is quite the party planner! She was so excited for him to get out of bed that morning, she could hardly stand it! I had to get a picture of her and how anxious she was to get things started. Despite the fact we were knee deep in boxes from our move, we managed to surprise Luke and have a great day! Happy birthday my sweet little man!!

T-ball

Looking at the birds....really, he is!! A flock of birds had just flown by, and the whole team stopped to look!! Typical T-ball!!!


Luke played on the EJRT team in Enid this year. This was his first T-ball season, and he absolutely loved it! We had so much fun watching him play this last spring. He was the most improved player on the team, by far! It was so fun to watch the kids count butterflies, birds, pick grass, and occasionally field a ball! I look forward to next spring when we get to see him play again!!

We have an "8" year old...

Since my blog posts are a wee bit behind, we actually have an 8.5 year old in the house! We celebrated Sydney's 8th birthday in Oklahoma this year. No big parties or hoopla, just some cupcakes and eating out at Chilli's! I have to say, I had a little mom guilt that I didn't have a party for her, but it was really nice to just celebrate the day and enjoy my daughter and not put on a performance for other kids!! Plus, we just moved back from Korea and frankly we didn't know enough little girls to have a party. Sydney got a new bike for her birthday and some other fun things. Happy birthday my sweet girl! We love you soooo much!!!

Fini Flight and Gratitude!!

In February 2010, David flew his last flight in the F-16. It was a very bittersweet day for him, and for us. He has been dreading the day, that all his hard work to become a fighter pilot has probably come to an end. I've never been more proud of my husband for the sacrifices he made for our family during his career. Most people don't know the sacrifice he made to care for me and our children during my back problems. Those back problems started way back in Columbus, MS, and continued through our time in Korea. David's priority was with his family, and I have more respect than ever for him. He is a humble, selfless, caring, and kind soul. His sacrifices probably won't ever be known to his fellow pilots, commanders, or friends, but I want to express my gratitude through my blog. He didn't have to put us first, he could have let his career engulf him and let our families care for me and the kids, but he didn't. He would never let that happen! He is a God loving and fearing man, and will always put God first, family, and then career.

I'm so proud of my husband and all that he has accomplished, but I'm more proud of the man and father he has become. I love him with all my heart and will forever be grateful for his sacrifices. God sent a special angel to me, and I get the honor of calling him my husband!

God bless you David!!