Hello out there

We are still alive in the desert. Been busy with work, school, football, ballet, scouts, etc. Hope to update pictures soon.

JR Sailor Of The Quarter

Luke was recently awarded JR Sailor Of The Quarter. He is the Training Petty Officer for his battalion. They have a big inspection coming up and he got a nearly perfect score on the pre inspection. As a recognition he was selected for this award. Good job sailor!!

THATS IT WE ARE MOVING!!!

This was in our backyard!!! The dog barked and the fire department came out and kill it for us!!! Soooo... now we have to move (I do have a slight phobia).

Memory lane

Give me a Memory

I saw this post on every one's blog over the last month and thought it would be fun to try it out here. I didn't get to a lot of your blogs before you moved onto more stuff (you all are so much better then me when it comes to posting). SOOOO if you leave me a memory that you have of the two of us I will send one that I have back.

Here is what you do...

1. Add a comment on my blog, leave one (or 2 or 3...) memories that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.

Have fun and if you stop by leave a comment. I love hearing from all of you!!!

Bubbles

The other day we were at Target (a treat for us because it is 45 miles away) and as we walked past the bra section Madie said, "I wish I had big bubbles!"

Also, when I changed my layout I somehow deleted all of my links. Leave a comment so that I can put you back on my friends list.

The new addition

Well the new addition this summer is Rocky... he is lovable, dopey, and manages to store sand in his jowls until he gets inside the house and then gets rid of it... damn dog!

The big 32!

Big Luke's birthday isn't until the 18th but we celebrated it yesterday because of work schedules. We were going to make him a nice dinner and a cake. The kids and I were at the store and we had just about everything that we needed for the dinner and then we passed the bakery... the kids saw a Kung fu Panda cake and insisted that dad would Love it! He got new church clothes and Dodger tickets. I'm pretty sure that the Dodger tickets were a much bigger hit then the clothes... Men!

Anniversary... the big 10

For our 10th anniversary we renewed our vows a few months ago. Our actual anniversary is August 1st. We decided to keep it pretty low key since we had already done the renewal... so this is what we did...

OK so I'm not really the creative date. I was thinking dinner and a movie. Luckily I wasn't in charge. When we got in the car I was promptly blind folded (Luke was nice enough to drive slowly as to avoid car sickness). We drove for a little while and then he said that I could remove the blind fold. We pulled up to the ranger station of Joshua Tree National Park. As we pulled in the ranger said "I need to talk to you" as she was looking at me. I assumed at this point that she saw me blindfolded and was going to ask if I was ok. She leaned over and presented me with a bouquet of sunflowers. (insert ahhhhh). We preceded into the park to a picnic area. Luke walked me up to our picnic table and then went back to the car. He had gotten takeout from a local Italian place, sparkling cider, fancy cake, and music. He even remembered to bring our song so we could dance to it. It was wonderful. He really made our anniversary special.

Birthday Boy

Little Luke's birthday was in July. We did a surprise birthday party for him. It was lots of fun. His cousins Jason, Christa, Shannon, and Aunt Gina and Uncle Allen made it to the party too. It was great to have a little visit with them. Our friends,
Suzy and Bob Dick, let us use their beautiful pool for his party.

Where to begin!!!

Luke did a six week tennis camp. He showed much improvement by the end. The coaches were great. We were very happy that he was able to participate.


Madie LOVES ballet!! Everyday we here "do I have ballet today?"

Sorry about the neglect. We have been busy this summer with swimming, reading club, ballet, tennis, birthdays, and an anniversary. We also added a new addition to the family... Rocky (a crazy, loveable boxer).

Still alive

Its been a busy summer! I will post some pictures soon.

My boy is growing up!!!

Today was a milestone of sorts... I let Luke ride his bike to school today (don't think I didn't follow him). He thought it was pretty cool.

Daddy and Daughter

Little Luke and I went to Scouts today and when we came home this is what we found.
Madie love's Mommy's make up.... maybe daddy does too.

San Diego Trip

On Friday we took a little trip to see our good friends, The Rileys. Sister Riley had a great dinner ready for us when we got there. On Saturday Jim, Luke, Lil Luke, and Jim (a Marine friend of Luke's) went deep sea fishing. Jim (Sister Riley, as Madie affectionately calls him) caught one fish, Lil Luke caught a lizard, and big Luke and Marine Jim just got a sunburn.

Sharon (the real Sister Riley), Madie, and I went to Balboa park. We had a great time walking around seeing the sights. We saw a puppet show and road a carousel. Then we met the boys in Oceanside and had fish and chips. It was a great time had by all. We really miss the Rileys being our Hometeacher/ Visiting teacher/ neighbors.

What we've been up to

Luke and I renewed our vows. He arranged everything. I just had to get my dress. It was fun. We are celebrating our tenth year of marriage this summer. After the renewal we went on a gondala ride.

I've been tagged

5 things on my "to do" list this week:
1. Get groceries
2. Clean my house
3. Pay bills
4. Play with kids
5. Print some pictures

5 snacks I enjoy:
1. Chips and Salsa
2. Ice Cream
3. Anything with peanut butter
4. French Fries
5. Soda

5 things I would do if I suddenly became a billionaire:
1. Pay off all debt!
2. Take a long trip
3. Buy a house
4. Pre-pay for college for the kids
5. pay off some of my family's debts

5 places I've lived:
1. Oakley, Id
2. Oxnard, Ca
3. Bakersfield, Ca
4. San Francisco,Ca
5. Joshua Tree, Ca

5 favorite musicians/bands:
1. No Doubt
2. UB40
3. Johnny Cash
4. K.T. Oslin
5. what ever I happen to be singing to on the radio
(Yes I am a Dork!)

5 Tagged Friends:

Leasa
Kendra
Kiahnaw
Eliza
Tam
Karen
Syndy
Jen
Jen

Home Safe

Luke is home safe!!!!!!!!!! Will post more later with pics.

Dad

Well it has been a year since my dad departed this earth. With each passing holiday or special occasion, he was remembered. I can't say that it is any easier today that it was a year ago today. I still miss his dearly. I am so grateful for the time that we had with him after we found out that he was sick. There are already things that I feel like I have forgotten about him. When I think of him though, the memory of the last time that I saw him keeps flashing in my mind. I was leaving to go to San Diego for a couple of days and I stopped by to say goodbye. I visited with him for a couple of minutes and he told me that he loved me. Then the nurse came to help get him situated. As I was leaving he told the nurse, "don't worry, if you need anything, Cami will be there for you."
In retrospect I think that he knew that his time on Earth was short. I am so grateful that I have had such a wonderful man for a father. I am also grateful that I will be able to see him again someday.

Willow's New Baby

The title is Willow's New Baby (I know that Russ had something to do with it too but I am boycotting him until Willow has a blog of her own!! If I had a picture of their new baby I would post it for her. Here you go Willow (email me a picture if you want me to post it. Congrats!!! You too Russ!
"Christopher David was an even 10 pounds and 21 3/4 inches long. My visiting companion was my nurse at the hospital. She was fabulous!! Although, I should have listened when she said I could have an epidural."

Middle Name Tag!

I've been tagged by The Syndy! I have never done this before. Here's the rules:

These are the rules: You must post the rules before you give your answers.You must list one fact about yourself for each letter of your middle name. Each fact must begin with that letter. If you don’t have a middle name, just use your maiden name. After you’ve been tagged, you need to update your blog with your middle name and answers. At the end of your post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name. Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they’ve been tagged and need to read your blog for details.

My middle name is Nicole:

1. N: Nice, at least I try to be.

2. I: Innocent... yes I am!!

3. C: Cub Master, thats my calling.

4. O: On the move.. mostly chasing my kids.

5. L: Lovable.

6. E: Enjoy... I try to enjoy life.

Ok.. I tag... Kihana, Jenn, Kendra, Eliza, Karen, and Lisa

Spring is in the air!

After church we stopped and took some pictures with the wildflowers on Easter Sunday.

Desert gang

Please pray for my daddy.

The following is a blog that was shared with me. It was written by Kelli Packer. She is the daughter of Jim and Sharon Riley. They are a couple that we have gotten to know since we moved here. They are very special people. So here it is:

THE GEM I ALMOST FORGOT

It amazes me that I could put off posting this experience. Sometimes a child can change your prespective with a simple phrase.
We had just sat down to a dinner at my parent's house in Joshua Tree, Ca. Seated at the corner next to Dad's left elbow was our guest, a busy, 3 year old, little girl, Madi (Madie). Her mom was at a church meeting and her dad is in Iraq. She seemed quite at home and I know my parents have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know their sweet family, happy to be a support in any way they can, probably even more so because of Dad's service in the Airforce.
From the minute she walked in the door, I noticed that she had my mom hopping to keep up with her. Into the candy, needing to go potty, looking for toys. I am afraid I hadn't taken the time, yet, to get to know her as I was distracted by my little nephew. I was totally unprepared for what this small being would soon teach me.
She was quiet as my dad began to offer a prayer over the meal. Then we heard a little mumble from her. Most of us, at that point, assumed she was mimicking my dad's words. You know how little kids sometimes try to pray at the same time as the adult? We listened more closely. "Please," she spoke up this time. "Please pray for my daddy." It was a matter of fact, simple request. Dad stopped mid sentence, then, began to pray specifically and at length for Luke, Madie's daddy.
In an instant it was more than prayer, more than one little girl, more than just Luke.
She was, in my mind and heart, representing each little child who's parent is gone overseas, serving in the military, to do the job they committed to do. They see it simply. Please keep my Dad/Mom safe. And why shouldn't they expect each of us to keep them in our prayers as well?
Thank you Madie. I will. Promise.

Thank you Kelli for reminding us of the power of a child's prayer.

Road Trip!

After we picked up Luke from school on Wednsday we were going to go see the wild flowers about an hour away in the national park. On the way, we saw a sign that said Parker 120 miles. Well mom is near Parker, Az. so we decided to meet her for her birthday! We had a nice diner and then came home. It was nice to see mom and her friends, Marie and John (she played softball in school with Marie).

Joshua Tree National Park

On Wednsday we decided to go for a picnic at the national park. We saw some rock climbers (how do they get that rope up there in the first place?). Then Madie said that she wanted to climb to the top of the Mountain so that she could see her daddy. What an imagination!

Sarah, Sarah, Sarah

This is my niece Sarah. She is enjoying single life. I saw this shopping list in her camera bag and thought it was cute. She had all of this food planed out and then crossed off and just wrote "food!" We've all done it but it usually happens at the store for me!

Jennifer and Emma

I got to see my new Great Niece for the first time. Not sure what her mommy is teaching her!

Trip to Bakersfield

Grandma has been visiting and we decided to make a little trip to Bakersfield to see the rest of the family. We went on Thursday and had dinner at Hodels. It was nice see everyone!

Butter

She is so busy!

Bread