It is with heavy hearts that we are traveling to Michigan as a family (B arrived home on emergency leave just in the nick of time) to lay B's father to rest. He fought a long and hard battle with multiple strokes, kidney and congestive heart failure for many years. Our focus is now to be there to help B's mom through this difficult time and to be together as a family to support one another. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers today and the days ahead.

Our New Baby

After being broad sided on New Years Eve day, I've been searching and searching for just the right car that will fit the needs of our family...I've decided to purchase a Ford Expedition EL! She's not new (a 2007) but she's new to me!!!! I scoured the Internet for the best deal (mileage for the year, options, color, etc.) and found the "perfect" car in Conshohocken, PA! Thanks to my fabulous, wonderful, and truly extraordinary friend Michelle, we've worked a deal with the dealership to have her pick up the car and drive it to me in Washington D.C. where I will pick it up and drive it back to NC. Sounds complicated, yes...worth it, totally! I just hope B will like it when he sees it when he gets back?!

New & Unchartered Territory

It seems as though the Marine Corps has different plans for our family than we do...this should not be a new idea to us after over a decade but it just never gets old! LOL! B has e-mailed me and told me that we will be on the move this summer to a new destination that is foreign to many Marines in the Corps...keep checking back and I'll keep you updated!

The boys Christmas concert

We thought we'd share the video we sent to B of the boys singing at their school Christmas concert this year. The video quality isn't very good but we hope you can enjoy the little voices.

B Arrived Safely at His Destination.

"The true hero is not the one that stands up for glory, or recognition. They are not the ones who seek fame or fortune. They are not the ones that take the easy road or simple task. The true hero is the one that would stand up and say, "this job must be done", and then leads the way."

Christmas tree 2009

B brought home a new artificial tree this year for us to put up in our living room. We decided to take the plunge and buy a pre lit tree this year, our last tree served us well for nine years and we hope it will be loved in the home of another family for years to come.

Our festivities started with the kids hanging their personal favorite ornaments on the tree and then watching "Charlie Brown Christmas" while B and I finished putting up the decorations and packing up the harvest items.

I was pleased to hear J ask me over and over when he could help me set up our Jim Shore nativity set. He was even excited to put baby Jesus in the drawer for safe keeping until Christmas morning! After the boys set up the Jim Shore set, K and I set up the Precious Moments nativity set on our step tansu.

After the tree was trimmed and the stockings were hung the guys headed to Lowes for a kids work shop to build gingerbread houses out of wood. They did a fantastic job and had a ton of fun!

All in all it was a great weekend of holiday activities!

As K would say "Feliz mommy dad"! AKA Feliz Navidad!

*You can check out the full album by clicking on "Christmas tree 2009" under Photo Albums in the left hand column.

Our kind and punctual boys!

Both C and J were honored at the first card marking award assembly!

C was given the award for good citizenship which goes to one student in each grade per card marking. This is C's second time earning the Citizenship award in the first card marking. Both J and C went on to earn the perfect attendance award as well. We are VERY proud of both boys and look forward to more awards during the school year! Check out the full photo album by clicking on the "November 2009" album on the left hand side under "Photo Albums".