Gone, But not forgotten

" ..it shows us how strong the bond is between men and women in uniform and how wide it spreads. And we love you all.." -Gavin Richards.

Yesterday in the quiet of the cold morning, the kids and I made it to the beginning of the processional route for the Lakewood police officers' memorial. I tried to stress to Will and Katie that we needed to be reverent, just like at church, and they did really well. They covered their hearts, waved the flag, and thanked just about every car and truck.

After watching the memorial services, I really felt as though I knew Sgt. Mark Renninger, and Officers Tina Griswold, Ronald Owens and Greg Richards. Perhaps it's the connection of "uniform." It is upsetting that such tragedy took place, for us to appreciate and support the men and women who serve and protect. I might even go further and include those, who's military career requires giving of their life. May the words of our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson bring the spirit of comfort and confidence to all who are in need of love and peace:

"Despite the changes that come into our lives and with gratitude in our hearts, may we fill our days-as much as we can-with those things that matter most. May we cherish those we hold dear and express our love to them in word and in deed."

1st Anniversary

No, not our wedding anniversary..but 27 Oct 2008 was when Dan deployed to Iraq. And it is strange to think it's been one year already.

The traditional one year anniversary gift is "paper," but seeing how neither of us are PC, we'll post a few pictures - later. Thank you to our families and friends! I love you Dan!

06/30/09

Yep. This is what 31 looks like.

Twilight

Where do you take friends and family when they come to visit? Forks of course! (Well, only if they love the books.)

My dear friend Jamie and her husband spent the week here, and we celebrated two very special birthday's! As a treat for Jamie, we drove out to Forks! We made a big circle, visiting Port Angeles, Forks and La Push. We had great weather, good times, and we geeked out the whole time! Let me just say- Forks: not too impressive. La Push: Killer! Totally made the trip awesome. *And I'm not just saying that because I'm Team Jacob...

Tantrums

So far today:

a) I had to leave Olive Garden with two screaming kids.
b) Called out for being a horrible mom...by a homeless guy.

Well, actually he said he was going to go ballistic on me because my toddler was throwing a tantrum.

Picture if you will: Katie losing it just as we sit down and sip our water. Oldie moldy ladies dirty looks. Inconsolable crying. Will protesting because he hasn't had bread sticks. Two children upset as we get into the car.

Drive through next best option. Two horrible kids meals, being eaten in the car. Katie losing it again for some unknown reason. Homeless man yelling and gesturing. Annoyed that Katie won't stop, he approaches and accuses me of being a horrible mom, and how could i treat my boy like that. Threatening to go ballistic if I don't stop her from crying. She settles down because he's totally weird. He leaves because I am not reacting to his threats.

I'm thinking: 1. She's not a BOY. 2.Who are you? You have no idea who your messing with! (Right Natalie?) 3.I already feel bad for my frustration with my children, and more so with myself. Thanks homeless guy who has no idea!!

Dan said to just throw him prescription drugs and run...I couldn't help but laugh and cry a bit. Now I know, it's not always Family at Olive Garden!

Late Night!

I love Conando! Did anyone see Conan?

*Oh, and yes...updated pictures coming soon!

...So Don't Ask

Cashier: "Here's your change. May I ask, are you Indian?"
Me: (Smile politely.) "No."
Cashier: "Are you sure? You look Indian, and I'm from India, I should know."
Me: "Nope."
Cashier: "Where are you from?"
Me: "Utah. My dad is from Mexico...maybe I look Hispanic."
Cashier: "Do you speak Spanish?"
Me: "Nope."
Cashier: "Well, you look Indian." (Smile)
Me: "I get that a lot."


So, I took my change and sat down with Dan and the kids, and had a laugh. I promise, I really get that a lot!! Usually I'm asked if I am Filipino, Hawaiian, Indian etc. --So Dan suggested I get a shirt that says: "I'm not Indian...So don't ask!" Does this happen to anyone else? Dan never gets asked...hm.

..Homecomings!

It's official!

1. "Dental Dawg's in the house!!" Dan and the 673rd Medical Company (DS) came home Feb 5th. Will, Katie, Grandma, Pa and I made the drive and were there to hoot and holla! We stayed a week, and then flew back to UT...while we waited to close on our home.

2. Yes, I said a new crib! As of 2 pm Pacific, we are no longer homeless! It's great timing too-because Aunt Amy is on spring break, and is helping watch the kids so we can move in all our earthly belongings from storage. Many thanks to Grandma and Pa for bringing up the junk I've collected in four short months.

*If your in Spanaway WA, come by and say hi! We won't turn down pizza! Papa John's Hawaiian..Mmm. Pictures and more to come!

Who's your Bagh-Daddy?

What? I can't believe it's been three months...I remember thinking: Geez, THREE MONTHS is so long!! Yikes! Dan will be home next Thursday! Hoo-ah!

Wait a minute; what am I doing here?

Could i just say...

Three more weeks... three more weeks... three more weeks... I can do three more weeks! Love you Dads!!