Drill Weekend

Derek had drill this weekend. It is so much nicer having him go to Ephrata instead of Yakima. He doesn't have to leave so early, drive so far, and can come home for the night. This week they went driving out at the sand dunes. It was cool because I took the kids out and we watched them drive their course. Eli loved to watch the "big green trucks." Eli and Xavier really wanted to ride in them. I was a little wary when Derek said he wanted to join the National Guard with the war going on and all. I would hate if he had to leave. It has turned out ok. One weekend a month does come up pretty fast and he was gone for three weeks this summer but he really enjoys it and feels that he is learning new things. I think soldiers are awesome. I am just a little selfish about sharing him and our time together. His unit is not set to deploy for atleast a year. Hopefully, much later if at all. I must go now it is crazy early and I need more sleep. God Bless America!

Carving Pumpkins

Xavier asked to buy pumpkins everytime we left the house. Finally we did. Then he asked everyday for atleast a week if we could carve them. When buying he insisted that no ones be larger than his. I found the white one to be perfect for Vanessa because she is so light. Friday Derek helped carving and cleaning out the pumpkins. It actually took hardly any time at all. There are no pictures of Alexandra here because she chose to go to Corinna's and watch The Haunting Hour instead. It was fun to carve them and the kids loved the way they turned out. Now if I could just remember to get some candles.

We went up to the cabin this weekend just for the sake of getting out of town. The weather turned out great and we were able to be outdoors while there.
Derek took his gun as well as the one he got me for Christmas a few years back. It was pretty cool. I had never shot anything but a pellet gun. The kids loved it too. Xavier hit the can causing it to explode. That was pretty awesome considering he couldn't really aim and had to have help holding the gun.

Two of Dereks friends came with us. One with his wife and two kids. It was nice for our kids to have other kids to play with. They seem to fight less. We got there Friday night around 9 and had a campfire letting the kids stay up until after midnight. That left everyone tired the next day. But we still got out and took a walk, shot the guns and had another fire for most of the day. Derek and Alexandra spent some time trying to master Guitar Hero on Andy's XBOX. Overall it was a great weekend and we hope to go again soon.

My wonderful beautiful family

Everyone is doing good. Alexandra missed 2 days of school with a belly ache that went away shortly after school started. She has beed getting better at reading. She is currently reading Junie B. The toothless wonder. Xavier is good. He is so sweet. He tells me I am beautiful and that he loves me. He has been enjoying having Winslow over to play. They have a good time playing outside, even in the rain like today. Where to begin with Eli. He has always had such a large vocabulary. Yesterday he wore a jacket because it was "Chilly." Today when done eating he tells me. I am "finished now." Not done but finished. Sometimes I forget that he is only 2. he can speak and explain everything. All since he was around17 months old. the downfall is he picks up on bad words too. We are working on that. Vanessa is such a doll. We went to the clinic. Atleast 10 other kids took turns playing with her but didn't interract with each other. Last night Derek held her and brushed through her hair with Alexandras brush. He did it only for a minute and when he stopped she started in with her Uuh. Uuh. She wanted him to keep going . It was so cute. Derek is busy with work and coaching kids football with some of his buddies. It seems he is gone a lot. I have been filling my few moments of quiet with reading the Twilight series. Thank you Candace for getting me hooked on those. Back to them now

The House

We should be in by Christmas. So I keep telling myself and the hundred other people who ask when it will be done. I was just there today deciding what kind of lighting goes into each room. UUUHH I don't know was my answer. My dad asks me what I want and then helps me change my mind until I say what he already planned. For example, what color of roof? Black. Are you sure? Ok dark gray. Really? Light gray. Good because that is what I have. Next topic. Do you want outdoor lightfixtures in the soffets or coming out of wall? Out of the wall I say. If you do that then you will have more bugs flying around. Soffits then. Great he replies. Now I try to say you know best. I am picking out cabinets next. I think. I am so excited ready to move. We have been in limbo since we moved to ML. It will be nice to feel settled where we can have people over. And the kids can have more space to run and play. I will have projects to do. I am excited for yard work. Yeah!!!

Myspace and blogging

I would grant derek the title of King of MySpace. He is on it all the time. And for what? to view comments from people he just talked to on the phone. I started a myspace account but had zero friends to contact. OK so I felt like a loser because Derek has a ton of friends so I cancelled my account. I saw it as a way to chat back and forth. Something I don't do. Blogging on the other hand is about writing for myself and my kids to print out later. However, today I viewed Ashley Boise blog which let me to Alisha Marlatt and onto Haven Villireal and Nena Earl. AAAGH. I am doing what derek does on my space. So I quit. I am sticking to my own and anyone who contacts me. I will not surf through bloggerville. It takes too much time. Right now Eli just barfed and Vanessa is begging me to pick her up. I love that though I do not have many friends the ones I have are close and the best.

Vanessa is One

Vanessa had her first birthday this week. The actual day was Wednesday but we had a little party for her Saturday. I am not sure why but I feel that birthdays should be celebrated on the actual day. I am not one for having a party the weekend before or after. Kimber and kids, Rolan and kids, my mom and dad, Shamra, and Derek and our kids all met for lunch at my moms. We had a 4 ft sub sandwich and delicious cake my mom made. Vanessa got a cupcake that she made a mess with. I am not sure houw much she even tasted most was squishing through her fingers and on the table and floor. But it was fun. She got some of the cutest and softest clothes as well as some toys. We got her a little ride on car. Eli took over and believes it is always his turn to ride it. Vanessa can hold her own though and doesn't easily get bullied around. She will put up a fight for a toy she wants. At her doctors appointment she weighed 22 lbs. She also had an ear infection. That explains why she doesn't sleep. Hopefully it will clear up quickly. She is so good and loveable. I love to watch her. Her dancing has advanced from just waving arms to bobbing head and bending knees or stomping in place. I need to upload some pictures to my blog. gotta go