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

Bread and Butter

I don't know what got into me but yesterday I made bread (wheat) all by myself!! Grandma didn't help. It actually turned out really good! I guess I didn't put the butter high enough when I was done sampling it because later Madie came to me and said "Taste mommy!!" I will post pic later.

Our Dog Buddy

I showed Little Luke this page and he said "Mom, put buddy on there!" He is our Dalmation - Boxer mix. He is a sweet dog and part of the family. Sorry buddy!

My Sailor

I talked to Luke today. It was nice to hear from him. He got to take a shower today... it was the first one in a month! Thanks goodness for baby wipes. I hope he gets another one before he gets home! Madie's birthday is coming up so he said that he bought her a princess dress in one of the markets. He seems to be doing well and counting the days to come home (even though they don't tell us when that will be). About a month ago he was awarded a coin for doing a good job. From what I can gather.. its kinda a bragging rights, collectible thing. Anyway it is an a recognition for a job well done.

Fun with the kids

Madie and I went for a walk and she had to stop and smell the flowers in the desert. Luke and I played catch when we got back. Crazy kid!!

Adding friends?

How do you add a friend list??

The Kids

Our kids are 8 and 2. Luke stays busy with school and Cub Scouts. He is getting soo big. Madie just stays busy! We have fun painting our nails and acting like princess. She introduces herself as Madie-Belle (Beauty and the Beast). We have our Blue and Gold dinner today so this will be a short one. I will post some pictures of it soon!