A Sonnenberg Story

Anyone still here?

2010-05-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

I've let this blog get dusty. Lo siento mucho, familia.

I'll post pics soon, and a mini update....

Hello? Hello? ( hello hello)

If I echo back at myself that's what I get, lol

You know you can always find me here.

We've moved!!!

2009-08-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

No longer do I update you from the land of prarie grass, sunflowers and eternal winters. Destiny and the employment powers that be have relocated our family to the middle of the Sahara Desert. Well, not geographically, but the temps sure are similar! We're in the Land of Brown. Every shade of brown you can possible imagine, and those you don't have to. I really knew there were other shades than milk, dark and special dark chocolate. But Hershey's lineup did nothing to prepare me for the invigorating array of beiges, tans, muds and adobe that greeted us upon our arrival.

We have purchased a house on approriately named Gravel Rock St. which sits amid roads such as Bluff Stone, Boulder Way and Pebble Drive. No Joke. Want to know the name of the community? Cobblestone Ridge. ha. ha. ha. We did luck out, though, as our backyard has one of the few water features in the area. Our home came equipped with a hot tub, and thanks to the naturally warm summer temps, the water remains at a constant 95*, without the use of the heating pump!

One of the coolest things, so far, is that the elementary school is walking distance for us. Right at about a mile away, which makes for an easy stroll should we decide to walk either before or after school. And given that winters here rarely reach freezing, we may have that option all year long! I think we should all get bikes, lol

I'm going to get back to unpacking. Hang around for the next post, which will hopefully come again in a few days... Sorry for the delay, kinda. Mostly couldn't help it as we didn't have much internet access on our trip across the country...

Anyhoo...

I'll be back. lol

Beginning of our long weekend…

2009-02-27T15:15:00.001-08:00

Kids were out of school these last couple of days, and I am certain they had more fun than I did. I have this habit of following them around and picking up after them before their seats get cold. Until I give up,find a corner to observe them in their natural habitat and let them go. It’s usually later in the day that I reach this point, and wonder why I was so dead set on taking all the fun out of the day. The kids have lot more fun when the look on my face is farther from frustration, and smile back at me when I smile at them.

Good thing about this weekend is that I have two more days to try again! I started a little family tradition while my hubby was deployed called weekend camping. Every few weeks, pending good behavior, the boys could put their sleeping bags in one room and “camp.” Flashlights, couple of non-crumby snacks, and no lights-out. I think I may let them do that this weekend, there’s still a chance for fun!!

Why do I care so much about fun? I want their home a place they love to be, and for a kid, fun is an essential part of their daily emotional nutrition. Through fun they learn to share and accept gifts, even if they are imaginary. They learn how to use their imaginations, and create scenarios the would send Disney scampering for pen and paper. Most importantly they learn to play together. Together. Not in their own worlds, distancing themselves from other members of their family. That’s why fun is important to our family.

Off to fix dinner, while the kids dance in the living room to the music of

their cartoons.

The Reading Chair

2009-02-11T11:41:00.000-08:00

I saw this chair and just had to have it. Argued and fought for it. Made the space for it, talked my husband into picking it up for me. Then I see this precious sight, and it makes it all worth it.

So it's been a month...

2008-10-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

Eric's been deployed for 30 days now, so we're 1/4 way thru. We get to talk maybe once a week, and if the internet on his side of the world is cooperating, we chat online maybe 3-4 times in between. We've sent one box so far, I had planned to send one a week. Guess I have 3 more months to work up to it :D

I've learned some pretty valuable lessons while he's been gone too. Here are a few, in no particular order:

It takes 3 kids .03 seconds when they get up in the morning to undo everything it took me 3 hours to do after they went to bed. (Math)
My children will be super cute with other people when they know I'm mad at them (Psychology)
The boy's ears won't work when I announce it's time to clean their rooms, but they will hear with amazing clarity when I whisper to Alexis that dinner's almost done (Mysteries of Biology)
The trash bins won't roll themselves out to the curb on Trash day (Physics)
The less free time you have, the more homework the teacher will send. (Math again)
It is possible to spend 2 hours looking for a pair of shoes in the morning (Sonnenberg's Believe it or Not)
Having friends is essential to navigating the choppy waters of a deployment (Social Studies)

Being busy has been exhausting, but has caused these last 4 weeks to fly right by. I'm involved with the spouses club on base, helping other deployed spouses stay in touch with the rest of the community (I hope), jumping into new committees that form every now and then for social or cultural events. I have rearranged every room in the house at least once. Living room is on it's 3rd setup in a month. I'm not on the computer a lot, but check every hour or so for emails that I need to pass on or respond to. I should post here more often, and sure will try!

So Saturday is Joshua's bday shindig. He said he wanted pizza and 'pupcakes' to eat at the party. Easy enough, can't complain. That's about where his decision making ends. I'm not sure if a soon-to-be-four-year-old child has the culinary experience to decide what kids of "pupcakes' to make. He is all boy, and don't even want to know what he'd cook up for friends :D

Oh yeah! The day before Eric went off to save the world, we all took a picture. We were already dressed nice for church and decided to drop in and snap a memory. Here we are! I think it worked out nicely that we were pretty much color coordinated. And we didn't even plan it that way :D

I'll be back to post some more pictures of the kids we've taken lately. Happy Autumn everyone!

Back in the saddle again...

2008-09-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

I suppose I fell off the blog-wagon about the time school ended for the year. Sorry about that.

So, what has been happening over the summer . You know with our family it's gotta be something fun-filled and exciting. (Loose translation - mess making and sleep depriving)

We had a pleasant trip back home right after school ended to go see family and friends in NM. There were so many people to see and not really enough time to squeeze everyone in. *Sigh* We we're hoping to see some people we hadn't seen in a while, or ever for that matter. I guess we'll just have to ignore some of the old usuals next time :)

We were not used to the high-desert heat anymore and more than one of us were knocked out by it. I suppose we could have had more water, but how fun is that?

When we got back, life returned to a semi-normal state of "What day is it today?" Eric was moved to midnight shift, and our days felt a little topsy turvy. Since Daddy slept during the day, we did a LOT of going places. Library, playdates, McDonald's (with a great playplace!) and various parks. We made a few new friends in the process too, so I really can't complain.

I'd better post this before it gets lost!

Back soon with pics!

Men o' mine

2008-05-22T07:24:00.000-07:00

He really loves being out on his bike

This one isn't gonna let anything hold him back

"Hey, let me take your picture." "You do realize the sun is right behind you?"

Out and about in the nice weather

2008-05-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

So yesterday we went for a bike ride, since the weather has finally turned nice, and we all have a set of wheels. There's a small BMX track here on base that the boys like to ride around, and they zip zam zoom all over the place. Alexis has a blast in her little buggy going up and down all the hills, like a roller coaster.

Daddy toting Alexis all around the track

The boys give everything they've got on these little hills

This is like one of those Surprise pictures that roller coasters have :D

Fun at the park

2008-04-19T13:22:00.000-07:00

From my little bunnies

2008-03-23T09:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to all our friends and family! We got this priceless photo at our local Walmart and I think we quite overwhelmed the "Easter Bunny" who was posing with the kids :D

Sharing some silly faces

2008-02-12T10:23:00.000-08:00

Being silly while Daddy adjusts the telescope to see the moon.
He's become very affectionate lately, I love getting kisses!
She thinks she's so cute!! I happen to agree :)

New Hats

2008-02-06T14:20:00.000-08:00

The kids got some new winter hats from my Gramma. Each one of them love hats, so it was a perfect gift for them. And with the weather frequently dipping below 0 lately, they were greatly appreciated.

Christmas pics

2008-01-09T13:59:00.000-08:00

Some pics of the kiddos at Christmas, I couldn't get them to look at me. Too many other cool things around. They all got into rippping off paper and opening boxes, even the princess.

Snow Monster

2007-12-21T07:33:00.000-08:00

Making Snow angels

2007-12-21T07:32:00.000-08:00

Playing during our "photo shoot"

2007-12-21T07:29:00.000-08:00

My cuties in holiday wrapping :)

Sittin' Pretty

2007-12-21T07:27:00.000-08:00

Watching cartoons like her big brothers

All About the Princess

2007-12-06T07:19:00.000-08:00

So we celebrated a major milestone here this weekend! My baby girl's first birthday! Wowie, this one seemed to creep up way too fast. Last year we were living next to breathtaking beautiful beaches. Now we're two feet deep in crisp cold snow.

It's still hard for me to believe we have three kids sometimes. And they have no off switches like the noisy toys I find in every corner!

Here are a few of my favorites that I've taken all within one week of each other. Amazing how different she looks in each one.
I have a little video of her birthday song, but won't put that up since a few have had problems watching them. Maybe I'll try it anyway and then you all can let me know if you're still having viewing troubles. Ta-ta!

Some of the kids

2007-12-05T10:15:00.000-08:00

Don't have a lot of typing time, working on Christmas gifts, but here are pictures for your giggling enjoyment :)

All smiles
Free rides for little sisters
Making snow angels
Our beautiful Christmas tree...hmmm, it's missing something

For all Our Friends & Family

2007-11-21T08:21:00.000-08:00

Love Us!
We'll post pics of our T-day soon :)

Silly Baby

2007-11-20T10:28:00.000-08:00

Baby girl being her silly self :)

Hopefully, I'll be able to steal some time to post more this week.

Have a happy week!

Joshua did have a birthday this year

2007-11-18T18:49:00.000-08:00

After singing to Josh, he tried blowing out his candles...

And really enjoyed riding his brand new bike :)

Our visit to the Air Museum in Fargo

2007-11-18T18:45:00.000-08:00

In the cockpit of a helicopter

Playing in a tiny plane
Wondering where the pretty things are
War in Iraq Memorial, these "dog-tags" represent over 2300 soldiers who have given their lives so far. The little group in the lower left corner are names of troops from North Dakota who have died.

I know, I know...Halloween was two weeks ago...

2007-11-18T18:40:00.000-08:00

Little Ninja
Luke Skywalker
First little Jack O'Lanterns

Very silly kids

2007-11-05T15:18:00.000-08:00

I think I've got the silliest kids around!

Last day of soccer, with a medal...He looks happy to be finished, doesn't he?

Obviously a boy's favorite thing to do - making messes without getting in trouble!

Getting used to her surroundings, exploring in, on, around and under :)

America's next top model

2007-09-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

Already loves the camera!

The two faces of Joshua

2007-09-28T10:44:00.000-07:00

Taken within 3 minutes of each other :)

Reaching for new heights

2007-09-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it?? I almost want to cry, no more cuddly pink baby anymore.
Before I know it she'll be riding the bus like Brandon...

Getting into the game

2007-09-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

So now that Brandon's been playing for a while, he's getting the idea of what soccer and teamwork is about. He is able to follow the game more closely, and wants to get in there and be involved. He runs, waits, throws in, and blocks (in pic order) quite nicely these days. I'm a proud Mama.

Brandon's soccer dance

2007-09-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

He's staying ready for the ball...

Hope you all...

2007-09-14T08:39:00.001-07:00

Playing catch up

2007-09-14T07:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, I admit I've gotten behind. By one week. But in my life that might as well be 1 year! So much happens all the time, even when we're not really "doing anything" like travelling or going to soccer :)

So Brandon has been enjoying his days at school and loves riding the bus. He even told me I could just wait inside when he came home from school, and he would get off the bus and come inside by himself! Thump! That was my heart hitting the floor...So what I thought was a nice way to make him feel loved and important was now being dismissed. Now I greet him at the door. But he runs straight to me for a hug, so I guess it's ok :)

Joshua is getting used to entertaining himself when Brandon's gone all day. Actually, he's figured out how to make messes by himself. And brings me books all day to read to him. It's been really cold outside lately, I say that as though warm weather will return (ha), so he's been playing downstairs with his toys, or bringing them up by the armfull. We've pretty much done away with naps, so I settle him on the couch with quiet cartoons for a little while. This makes bedtime easier, and we don't fight with him as much to stay in bed and go to sleep. By 8pm he's ready to sleep! Yay!

Now I have some quiet time in the evenings to sew a little. Patches here and there for Eric, pillows and things for around the house, keep-warm things for the kids like hats and blankets. Nothing exciting, but at least I can do a little. I'll be setting up my sewing room soon, so I can get more projects done, and close the door so no little fingers get into my things! I've got lots of windows to cover, and I'm gonna try jeans for the kids...I wonder if I can find colored denim?

Alexis has been developing her skills wildly. She can do a full out crawl, even though she still prefers to scoot. She can pull herself up to stand by a chair or shelf, and then pulls everything down that she can reach. woohoo :| Naptimes have gotten really interesting for us. She'll lay down for a few minutes and then stand in her crib and yell like she's in pain or something. So I run upstairs everytime, just to check, and she just gives me the biggest baby grin you've ever seen. I'm gonna try to get a picture sometime :) She's loving regular people food, too. She has the same appetite as Joshua, and will eat anything in front of her. She uses a sipper too, and loves juice.

Alright, speaking of food, kids are stirring and wanting breakfast, so I'll wrap this up and get going. Keep checking back. I'm mostly doing pictures for now, since that's all I have time for most days. But a pictures is worth a thousand words right!!??

Cheerio y'all :D

First Soccer Game!

2007-09-14T07:10:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for the big game

I was trying to get a clear shot of my little soccer player, and in the middle of snapping, realize that the whole game is coming right for me! The ball landed right in front of me, and I had to scramble out of the way to avoid being dog-piled by all those serious players!!

Tongue out. Eyes locked. Ready to run. This is one focused kid.

Joshua was practicing his Good Game cheer, either that or his superhero pose :)

Air show pics

2007-09-14T06:41:00.000-07:00

We visited another town here in ND this last weekend, to see an airshow by the Air Force Thunderbirds...

Sitting in one of the huge cargo planes
The boys got to meet one of the Thunderbird pilots
Me and Joshy exploring the inside of a helicopter, you would not believe all the buttons!

Enjoying his day around all the planes and helicopters

Little Lexi pics

2007-09-14T06:35:00.000-07:00

Working her charm for the camera

Caught by Daddy getting into something (makes me laugh every time)

Enjoying her snack even if she can barely see it!

Feeling so accomplished, she's learning to stand!!

Brandon's turn

2007-09-14T06:24:00.000-07:00

I'm not ready yet Mama!

Sharing lunch-time in the cafeteria

Ready set slide!

Now he's ready, with his serious face.

Joshy-bug pics

2007-09-14T06:14:00.000-07:00

This is what Spiderman chapstick looks like after giving it to a 2 yr old...

"Go cheese!"

Getting every drop of sugar from that treat!

Even covered in the rain, he manages to find a way to get dirty!!

I'm a soccer mom!!

2007-09-05T07:25:00.000-07:00

Brandon started soccer last week, the day after Kindergarten started. He has a blast kicking the ball around and chasing the other kids with the ball. The other two have fun cheering him on. The games start next week, and the team wears a white jersey.

First day of school!

2007-08-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten started today :)

Brandon was so excited he came to wake me up before the alarm went off! "It's morning already, Mama."
and went to put on his new clothes for his first day of school.

We had cereal, heart-healthy honey-nut Cheerios for breakfast.

Daddy got to come home for a few minutes so he stayed with the younger ones while they slept.

When we got to the school, I took a few pictures before we went in, he was too excited! He even showed me his new backpack, again ;)

His regular teacher wasn't there today. There were tornado warnings all over, and her town actually got hit by one.

His bus came down the road after school, and I had my camera ready again. I think the bus driver was used to the new school parent thing, because she's actually smiling for me!

I asked him how his day was, "Awesome!" I asked him what he did today,"All kinds of stuff." I asked him who sat next to him in class, "Other kids." He definitely inherited Daddy's great communication skills!!

Here are some more from the backyard

2007-08-24T15:38:00.000-07:00

Brandon start soccer next week, and kindergarten, so he's practicing kicking the ball, but it looks like he's aiming right for his brother doesn't it!!!

backyard fun

2007-08-24T15:35:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we played in the backyard with the kiddos, frisbees and wagons and bikes, OH MY! It's really nice to have a yard to play in, well to send the boys to play in...the grass is the soft kind that you can run barefoot in, really nice for the baby to roll around :)

Life is good

2007-08-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

Had a good weekend, did you? We gave the boys haircuts, bought school supplies for Brandon, and had two full nights of sleep in a row, since Alexis has been sleeping all night long!! That is especially exciting for me, since I'm the one who gets up with her at night! So enjoy the silly pics of the kids, and check back often people :)

Camping out

2007-08-13T17:19:00.000-07:00

This weekend was perfect for camping, mostly just because it was convenient! Eric set up a tent in the backyard, over the nice, soft grass, and the boys had a blast playing in the sleeping bags and making shadow shapes...

Nice to have Daddy back again!

2007-08-13T17:16:00.000-07:00

We've had Eric back for about a week now, and went out to eat to celebrate something or other, just being together, I guess! It was a nice little "Mexican" Restaurant called Paradiso, we all had a nice time.

I'll add just a little bit more....

2007-08-13T16:22:00.000-07:00

I was making tacos, and as I was taking a couple of plates to the table, Joshua decided to help me spice things up...with about a half cup of garlic pepper seasoning. Good thing he couldn't really see what he was doing - he managed to miss the meat :)

There just isn't enough time in the day...

2007-08-04T15:34:00.001-07:00

I was waiting till (Gotta get Alexis up) I got a few minutes back to back so I could write a (phone's ringing) good page about our summer trip (boys are hungry, gotta make dinner) and our adventures from one coast of the US to the other. But I soon realized that (phone again) if I waited for that moment, the kids would all be off to (knock knock) college or boot camp or somewhere. So here's what I could get done all day...Enjoy! (Time for bed :)

Fun outdoors

2007-05-07T14:46:00.000-07:00

We've been spending time outside, we can't wait for summer!

Cool Slideshows

Playing with Daddy

2007-04-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

Flying high
Joshua's not so sure, but Brandon is there to cheer him on
Those silly brothers

Our Simple Easter Weekend

2007-04-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

Cool Slideshows

More pics of our trip

2007-03-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

Some more memorable pics of our fun time in southern CA

We saw Pooh in person

Tigger was there too

Little fairy baby

Totally unedited pic, it's just the magic of Disneyland!!

The Girls

The Boys

Spring Break

2007-03-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

Spring is here! I am so excited! It's my favorite time of year :) Maybe that's why my schedule gets busier as the weather gets warmer.

We had a small vacation last week, and where of all places did we go?? Disneyland! I don't know who was more excited, me or the kids. Actually, it was me :D We also went down to San Diego to see one of my sisters, and it was really neat there too. We visited the Japanese Frienship Garden in Balboa Park - boy there are some huge fish there! Boys got really excited about that!

Cool Slideshows

2007-03-07T15:50:00.000-08:00

Don't have a lot of time for typing, but I wanted to make sure to get pictures up. Happy Spring!

Cool Slideshows

Water Play

2007-02-22T15:02:00.000-08:00

One day this weekend was really nice and warm out, so Eric decided to water the grass. Well, the boys decided to water themselves and got soaked running around the yard pulling the sprinkler around like a pet! It was fun to watch them, and Alexis was napping, so we got to be outside for a while. Since the weather is warming up, we decided it was time for the boys to get a haircut. I love it longer, cuz the curl comes out. Actually, Joshua's curl goes up. So after they were soaked to the bone, we gave them a (relatively) quick buzz and threw them in the tub. They are ready for the messier, dirtier days of summer. I'm looking for something to put them in, like soccer or tee-ball.

Naptime that afternoon was nice, cuz all three kids slept, and I got to clean a little and sew some!

We think of you often, drop us a line sometime! We would really look forward to hearing from you all :)

Pics of my loved ones

2007-02-14T13:22:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

First day of Kindergarden

2007-02-05T14:56:00.000-08:00

Brandon's been working on pre-school worksheets and things since his 4th birthday. Over the last couple of weeks I've noticed his increasing boredom with the activities I would give him. So Eric and I decided he was probably ready for more challenging things. I think the look on his face was the answer to our question, what he ready for more? He seems so excited to tackle his work today, and didn't want to put it away when time was up...Good sign right? So even though I never really knew whether I would homeschool or not, I guess I just slid into it! We'll see how long this goes, I'm sure he probably attend a formal kindergarten when school starts in the fall, he can't wait to ride a bus :) One thing is for sure! I know he will be more than ready when he gets there!

Brandon wrote his name on the first page of his new school book.

Can't seem to put the camera away...

2007-01-22T23:41:00.000-08:00

Finally caught one!
That was fun, do it again!
Alright, enough. Nap time.

(I am yawning while I'm writing this, is anyone else yawning?)

The perfect place for a nap

Brandon's turn

2007-01-22T23:37:00.000-08:00

Daddy snapped this one while I was washing Brandon's hair.

Such characters...

2007-01-11T18:13:00.000-08:00

What can I say but, "What cute boys I have."

Bath time blabber

2007-01-11T17:46:00.000-08:00

So I told Brandon who told Joshua who told Teddy Bear who mentioned to Barbie who whispered to Strawberry Shortcake that I happen to like Care Bears.

So Strawberry told Barbie who told Teddy and passed it on to Joshua who let Brandon know and he told me, that they like me too.
She is already so much different...I have a lot to re-learn!!

All set

2007-01-07T16:05:00.000-08:00

Alexis and her first pair of pink shoes, dressed up and ready to go to town

Back home

2007-01-02T14:58:00.000-08:00

Christmas was quite an experience this year...
We travelled from California to New Mexico, dodging snow storms. We introduced Alexis to Grandmas, Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends. We made it back home safely, only to encounter a stomach flu on the way, it's got 3 out of 5 of us feeling green...guess which 3? (hint: we sonnenberg chics are tough!)
Well, since my role as Dr. MomWife is pretty demanding today, I'd better leave you all with a happy note and go grab my medicine bag...
Yesterday brought me to you, Today will bring us closer, and Tomorrow will only show me how to love you more (-me)

Alexis ...

2006-12-18T12:05:00.000-08:00

Alexis at one week, cutie huh! (Dora must have caught her eye)
Taking a leisurely morning nap, after being up most of the night. I detect a light smile, maybe she's dreaming of more ways to keep me awake!
Christmas picture practice, too bad this one was blurry.

Adjusting

2006-12-18T11:46:00.000-08:00

These are some silly things the boys did while trying to adjust to having a new person in the house.

Joshua trying Daddy's shoes on for size
Josh vegging out to Disney
Brandon was sure Alexis wanted to take a picture with him. I'm convinced :)
Playing "air piano"

I tried this last week, and for some reason it didn't go through, so here I am again, hope you are all doing well! I'll get more up soon :)

Christmas Cheer?

2006-12-10T14:17:00.000-08:00

Eric took this with the boys when they went to Bodega Bay for a family wedding last weekend. I guess I should have told them about Santa Claus last year, they seem a little wary of this big guy with too much white hair and wearing too much red. Either that, or they just got in trouble for something and are feeling the aftershocks of their correction. Or they are just missing me and wishing I was there to pose with them! Let's stick with that one :)

She has arrived!

2006-12-08T18:00:00.000-08:00

Alexis Evonya Noelle Sonnenberg

born December 4, 2006 at 12:17 pm

6 lbs 13oz

Her First picture
Our Glamour shot
Peaceful in her swing
Watching Backyardigans with Big Brother Brandon

Inspector Brandon

2006-12-08T17:57:00.000-08:00

Giving the bassinet a "test nap."

Here Comes Joshy Claus

2006-12-08T17:51:00.000-08:00

Getting the toys ready for the sleigh I guess!

A silly survey about Christmas

2006-11-30T14:37:00.000-08:00

So we're all familiar with those emails that go around and have you answering some pretty silly questions, right? Well, I got this "Holiday Edition" and thought that I'd share my answers with all of you!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Egg Nog with a squirt of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Technically, the elves wrap the presents, and then Santa breaks in to deliver them

3. Colored or white lights on tree/house? White outside the house, and colored on the tree

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Never have before, but I want to find some for this year

5. When do you put your decorations up? The week before Christmas when you’ve bought them all on sale

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Posole with lots of lemon and red chili

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Watching the tree lights blink in the dark with GG

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Eric had to sit me down the first Christmas after we were married, I had wished for a dish set, and there were no dishes that Christmas…

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? If you can stand waiting for Christmas day, it’s more fun

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Lots of colorful ornaments and garland

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I like the snow while it’s coming down all soft and pretty, but after that I could do without it

12. Can you ice skate or Ski? No to both. You have to bundle up too much and I can’t stand layers for too long

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? My Cabbage patch doll when I was little

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Seeing family come together despite differences

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Rum cake, and I can make a kicker!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? I really love the gift exchanges we used to do, that was a little tradition for our family. Overall holiday tradition would be getting the greeting cards, because you know that
the sender had to think of you at least long enough to look up your address. They’re kind of a pain to send out though.

17. What tops your tree? I don’t have a tree, if I did, either Brandon or Joshua would find their way to the top of it.

18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? I like both! The joy of finding something for someone and wrapping it up, and hiding it away till Christmas and not spoiling the surprise, and the pure excitement of ripping off wrapping paper to see what someone else thought was the perfect gift for you.

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? O holy night

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? The first one is good, the rest are just too sweet

21. What are the top three things on your list?

Uno- that my baby will be here before Christmas
Dos- that I will be done gift shopping/making in time
Tres-a really cute pair of lace up granny boots on sale in the PX

More of my cuties

2006-11-28T10:02:00.000-08:00

Handy Brandon, hard at work.
Joshua's bath-time attire.

What is in there?

2006-11-27T14:56:00.000-08:00

Eric snapped this picture while I wasn't paying attention, which will hopefully explain the goofy pose :) I thought it was a good one to put up though, cuz it shows what I look like now. So for all those who were curious about what I was looking like at 38 weeks, this is it! PS I'm 39 weeks now, and only have about a week to go. Or so I hope.

Shortly after...

2006-11-27T14:45:00.000-08:00

A few days after we visited the Pirate Ship, and the boys played with the huge wheel, we got a van. (Yay, no one will have to ride on the roof when the baby comes!) First thing Joshua does is climbs into the drivers seat and makes himself comfortable. Not sure if the two incidents are related, but he sure seems comfortable holding that steering wheel!

Pirate Ship

2006-11-27T14:25:00.000-08:00

My pirates
Josh getting some big ideas
Brandon was pretending to be caught

Last weekend, well the one before Thanksgiving, we took the boys down to Monterey Bay to see a pirate ship. It was used in Pirates of the Carribean, the first one. We weren't the only ones there to see it of course, and Brandon was sure to tell everyone in line that we were going to see a pirate ship. At the top of his lungs. Once we were on the ship, we had about 10 minutes to walk on the deck and even got to go below to see the bunks and little kitchen. Afterwards, we took a walk through the Customs Plaza and found the boat steering wheel (why can't I think of what it's called?). They had fun playing with that.

Obedient or...?

2006-11-27T12:04:00.000-08:00

Brandon's interpretation of: "Go make your bed, it's time to lay down for a while."

Happy Halloween

2006-11-03T16:44:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday evening, we played dress up! With Brandon the Knight and Joshua the Pirate, we had a fun night. We went to the Army Chapel and had fun at their little Light in the Night Festival. They collected a quite a bit of candy, which I'll have to figure out how to thin out now! Eric had the evening off, so this was a really fun family outing for all of us.

More Pebble Beach Pictures

2006-11-02T11:45:00.000-08:00

My Disney Pets

2006-11-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

This is a picture I found that I took and it got lost on my computer. Aren't they cute?

Picnic at Pebble Beach

2006-11-01T11:06:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we took a 17-mile-drive through one of the most expensive and private areas of the Monterey Peninsula. You literally have to pay to get into their community! Pebble Beach is the area I'm talking about, South of Carmel. There is a toll road surrounding the entire "town." It was really beautiful, and some of the houses there, WOW! Eric says they look like they're built for ten families. Some of them were well-hidden behind all the trees and we really had to crane our necks to see what was there, and some were in your face, with the $10 million ocean views and 50 cars in the driveway.

We packed a picnic lunch to take with us, and stopped at one of the beaches along the way. I don't remember the exact name of it, but we had fun. Since it was a Saturday, there were quite a few other visitors there, but everyone was very polite, and respectful of everyone else. It hasn't been warm enough to let the boys play in the water anymore, but they really like that sand! We had about a 25 foot half-circle space to let the boys play without disturbing other groups, and they found lots to keep themselves occupied. There was dried up seaweed that Brandon whipped around like a fishing pole. We didn't have any fish for dinner, though. Joshua found some large stones that he thought made spectacular balls, and attepted throwing more than a few. And they'd land KERPLOP about a foot in front of him. After a little giggle session, he'd pick it up or find another one and do it again. Quite entertaining!

We played there for a while and then continued on our journey, to see the rest of the area. Because the beaches there are left alone for the most part, they are really quite breath-taking. I'd forget to snap pictures as we were driving because I was so caught up in seeing such beautiful scenery.

There's walking trails along the roadside in some places, which we skipped this time. But hopefully we'll find time to go back and see what else is hiding behind all those trees! Enjoy the pictures of our outing, I'm glad to share this happy memory with you!

Joshua's Birthday

2006-10-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

This weekend we celebrated Joshua's Terrific Two. We had coughs so we kept our little party small. I made cupcakes with sprinkles, and I'm pretty sure they were a hit. Feeling a little under the weather. I'll put more pictures up in a bit.

At the Beach

2006-09-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

Eric and Joshua Chasing the Waves

The Waves Chasing Brandon

A rare picture of me :)

We went to the beach one evening this weekend when it was warm and a bit foggy. The tide was just starting to come in, so the waves were coming up higher and higher on the shore, and the boys loved the surprise of not knowing how high they were gonna chase them. Of course pant bottoms and shoes were quite wet and sandy by the end of our visit, but it was worth it. We went home and the boys had a warm bath, and when bed time rolled around shortly after, they plopped down and went right to sleep. Heaven :)

Helmet heads

2006-09-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

This last weekend we went down to Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. We rented one of those family bike contraptions and took ourselves around the area. We were with Ryan and Rachel, so the work was fun at the same time. The guys were in the "driver's seat" and me and Rachel in the back trying to keep up with the pedaling. It is something I will probably not attempt again until I have more lap space for the ride! Brandon and Joshua were up front in their cool little helmets, ringing the bell when it was needed, which meant every other second to Brandon :)

Down in Carmel

2006-09-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

We went down to Carmel about two weeks ago just to visit the shops and walk around. It is a really beautiful little town, with flowers covering the buildings and cobblestone walkways in some places. We didn't go into any of the shops since we had the boys, but saw the neatest artwork throught the windows and on the sidewalks.

Most of the town is rather hilly, so we were quite worn out by the time we decided to head back home. We stopped for these pictures on our way back to the car.

Our new home

2006-08-31T12:41:00.000-07:00

We made it to Monterey! It's beautiful here, like mountains meets ocean. Pine trees right next to the dunes, and nice and cool. Daytime averages about 70 degrees, and night can get down to 55 so far. We'll see what winter's like...

Last weekend we took the boys to the county fair. That was an interesting experience. Didn't feel like a "fiesta" like we're used to in New Mexico. Seemed more like a country fair with little country bumpkins running around and the only uniforms we saw were the local boy scout volunteers. It was a really neat change. There was a petting zoo that offered a cup of food to feed the little animals, so Eric walked them through while I stayed outside with the stroller and took pictures.

They had cute little baby rides too. We sent Brandon on his first solo roller coaster ride, and I had to fight back tears. I'll just blame it on the hormones! There was one with little bees that Joshua could ride, so we send them on that one a couple times, once seperate and once together.

Monday we finally got our internet set up! May not seem like a big deal, but when you're used to conducting most of your life online, it's quite an ordeal!

I'll send a seperate email with our new address. We still have the same cell phone number.

I'll get back on in a few days and write some more, and add more pictures, but for now I think this is a good step forward!

My first note

2006-07-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

I think I found the perfect way to keep in touch with all of you at the same time.

This first one is really a test to see if I really know what I'm doing! I'll be waiting for some feedback from you all.

Took this picture when we went to go see Eric for the 4th of July. You can click on it to make it bigger if you want to print it.