The letter O

     Children tend to be very observant. It seems every time I turn around P and Q are either repeating or mimicking something. They seem to pick up on even the smallest details. Now I'm not prone to be crude or cursing. However, I have still found there are some things I say and do that I don't want them repeating. They have and are continuing to help me end some of my more visible flaws. 
      I am very obstinate. I'm not sure if it's the debater in me or what.. but, I have found that once I've made a choice, my mind tends to be set no matter what else is said or done.   
      We are quite an odd crew. We do silly things like call each other poopers whether, it be when we're mad or teasing. We quote movies and comedians at odd times. We're silly and strange but it works for us.
      M tends to be offensive. After being together for 5 years I've learned it's not intentional most of the time. What it really tends to be is lack of a filter. Most people know when to say something and when to keep quiet. He seems to not recognize such times. Thankfully, we have developed a language that helps to prevent and sometimes diffuse such situations. It also has it's positive side though. I know that if I ask his opinion he will be 100% honest with me. 
      M is very much an outdoorsy type of guy. He in turn is helping me and the boys to become more this way. He loves to hike, camp, fish, and all sorts of other things. Though, I still will not go camping the snow or bad weather; I am starting to participate in more of these activities with him. The boys love being outdoors especially if it's in the woods exploring with Daddy. 
      All of the boys are very outgoing. They will be friends with anybody quickly. Also, as previously mentioned they'll tell you exactly what they're are thinking about pretty much anything. I actually envy at times their positive outgoing attitudes.

We're back.. With lots of exciting news!

Dear Crew,
I apologize for the VERY long break in posts. We were without internet in our new home but it has been restored so we're back. We have unpacked every box and, moved every piece of furniture into what will be our home for the next 6 or so months. Finally, We have officially sent M off to BMT! I have received the crazy phone call stating don't attempt to contact me and, here is my flight number. (Lots of posts about this to follow.) As of yesterday we also had our very first piece of mail from him. We miss him greatly but, are so very proud and look forward with anticipation to BMT Graduation. So now to continue with the ABC's and also to start a new group of Posts lovingly called the Basics of Basic.

The letter M

     The most important thing that starts with M in our family is Daddy's name. For safety and privacy I'm obviously not going to tell you what it is. What I will tell you about is how awesome he is.
     The first thing that got my attention was how bold and, confident he is. He and I first met when he came with his best friend (now lovingly called Uncle Squeals by our boys) to a movie night at my apartment. I had previously canned an awesome batch of peaches. I had dished myself a bowl and sat down to eat and, watch the movie when he said "Are those peaches?" I replied "yes" rather hesitantly all the while thinking in my head "why do you ask?" His response was "May I have some?"
      Of course not wanting to be rude I said yes got up and, dished him a bowl too. Upon handing the bowl to him he flashed me the most handsome crooked smile I've ever seen and, said "You can sit by me if you want." So I did which actually surprised us both. I later found out he was totally joking and didn't expect me to take him up on it. I'm so very glad I did though.
      M is handsome, funny, and super smart. He is outdoorsy and, much more active then what I'm used to. Because, of this he constantly encourages me to do and be better at these weaknesses. He is an excellent chef and, a wonderful father. Sometimes, he is so good at playing with the boys that I wonder who is really the kid.  He is very laid back. In fact his motto is "Just let it happen." Meaning don't stress about life just go with the flow of things. M is also very hardworking. He would do absolutely anything to make sure our family is happy and safe. To sum it up M is a terrific guy and I feel so lucky that he has chosen to be with me throughout this journey called Life.

The letter L

      I hate being Late. It is my biggest pet peeve. I know it sometimes happens things come up last minute, traffic and other problems occur. Ultimately though, I'll do whatever it takes to be on time to appointments and meetings. If, I know I'm going to be late I most definitely call. In fact I've gotten to where I wake up way early if I have plans simply because, I've learned the days that I seem to have plans, for some reason are also the days that it tends to take the boys at least twice as long to do anything. It must just be Murphy's Law at work.
      M is a  Light weight. No I'm not referring to drinking. I'm literally talking he doesn't weigh much. He is 5'6 and weighs 120 on a good day. When he went to MEPS for processing he barely passed the height and weight requirements. We constantly tease and make jokes about his weight. Don't get me wrong though I love him just the way he is.
     We are super loving. We say I love you all the time. Kisses and hugs are frequent at our house. Despite the fact that we've been married four years, had several fights and, two kids we still act like newlyweds. He is and forever will be the love of my life. As a result of all of this our boys are learning to be super loving too. They are always hugging and kissing on us and other family members. I hope that we can be the example to them of what a good marriage looks like.
      We are members of  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We know there is a God in Heaven that He lives and love us. We know that the Savior atoned for our sins and, that because of this we can live again with our Heavenly Father. We know that God still hears and, answers prayers. We know that Joseph Smith did indeed pray and see the Father and the Son in the Sacred Grove; and that he is a Prophet of God. We know that revelation still exists and, occurs daily. We know that each person is entitled to personal revelation. We know that Thomas S. Monson is God's Prophet on the earth today. Finally, we know that by making and keeping sacred covenants we can be a family forever and, return to our Father's presence to have eternal happiness. As a family we invite you that if you don't already know these truths for yourself to begin reading the Book of Mormon and praying to the Lord to know if it is true. If you don't have a Book of Mormon leave a comment and I will send you one. These truths and many others that the church teaches have brought so much happiness to our lives. We are certain it will do the same for you and your family.

The letter J

     We Joke a lot at our house. We love comedians. Our favorites are Dane Cook, Christopher Titus and most recently Jeff Dunham. Most of our inside jokes tend to be the punch lines twisted to match real life scenarios. M's dream job is to be a comedian. I personally think he would do AMAZING at it. But, alas he has a bit of stage fright when it comes to this because it is something he wants so very much. Who knows maybe one day he'll work for Wise Guys but for now we'll stick with the military. Not as funny perhaps but tons more stable.  

      P and Q love Jumping. Whether it be on the bed, stairs, couches or floors. I feel like a say a million times a day "get down" or "stop jumping on that." (The one saying my parents would be most proud of is "Knock it off my house is not a jungle gym.") I have a favorite children's book line that says Sometimes that Mother felt like she was living in a zoo. Well lately I feel like that mother and the boys seem to be monkeys. Let's just hope this momma doesn't have to call the doctor anytime soon for the monkeys that keep jumping the bed. (sorry couldn't help myself)

      I feel this next word deserves the background story. I talk to M about all of the posts on our blog before I write them up. Most of the time he has great insight into what I should really say. So this was our conversation last night after laughing at realization that I'd forgotten the letter J.

M: You should do the word Juggling.

C: Juggling? What on earth are you talking about?

M: Think about it. Mom's juggle stuff all the time, Cleaning, Cooking, Kids stuff, for us lately the    move, plus you kinda manage my schedule.

C: I guess you're right. Ok juggling it is.

M: Besides after missing the letter you should at least make this post entertaining to make up for it.   

     Thanks to M, I have realized the job of a parent seems to be a Juggling act. As mom's we take care of the housework, kids, bills and, anything else that might pop up at home. Though I've yet to experience all of it Mil Spouses juggle even more. They juggle trainings, deployments, TDY's, PCS's, and so much more. Fathers do just as much juggling. Men go to work, come home and help with homework, yard work, bills and of course anything else that keeps the family happy. Perhaps this is why multitasking has come about. Because without it we'd fail at juggling it all. 

     This blog has become a type of Journal for me. I used to dread blogging but I have to admit the more I blog the more I love it. I've decided if I never have a million readers I'll at least be happy that the story of my life is written down. Don't get me wrong I LOVE that more people are starting to read it and comment. So keep reading and commenting cause you the reader really are the reason I keep typing all the time.  

Laughing at Myself

Dear Crew,
I was laying in bed last night going over the events of the day and planning out tomorrow when it hit me. I have forgotten the letter J. I'm not quite sure how it happened or why. None the less it has happened. I feel silly and slightly like an illiterate redneck (which I promise you I am not). So as a result I'll be doing three posts today. The first one an apology for appearing to not truthfully know the Abc's, One for J to make up missing it and the last one for L to keep on track with the letters. Once again I'm sorry and hopefully these silly mistakes won't happen again. However, if  they do we are fully prepared to land the plan and handle the problems accordingly. Now back to your regularly schedule Flight.

The letter K

       I'd like to think that overall we are a Kind family. We try to help those around us. We donate when we can. We follow the golden rule. We're certainly not the best at it but, I think over all our friends now we're always there for them.

       We have Kids. Two wonderful, smart, mischievous, occasionally bickering boys. Sometimes, they drive us crazy (today being one of those days) but, we love them. I couldn't imagine what life would be like without them. I'm so very excited to watch P and Q grow; I can't wait for all the memories we'll make together as a family.

        Most people call it spinach but, for the sake of this post I'm going to refer to it as Kale. I love it. My most favorite recipe Stuffed shells has kale in it. I would put in pretty much everything if I could. The very best though is when it is steamed and has vinegar on it. Yummy, and it's healthy too! 

        We have a new restaurant that we absolutely love it's called The Karaoke Cafe. If you live in Utah and you haven't tried it you really should. It might help some that we know the owners, it really is such a great place though.Best part is it's a family friendly joint and there is NO alcohol. You pay a little bit of money to get in the door that covers your drink andm all the songs you can sing. They've even got some kids songs. Next time we go I'll have to record P singing. He loves that place and, absolutely hates when it's not his turn to sing. (He gets that from Dad) Even, if you don't like to sing go eat a yummy burger and listen to other people try to sing.