Colorado and Russian

We are so tremendously proud of Matt and all he has accomplished! We were able to go pick him up yesterday around 6 pm. We were all so happy and excited to see how well he was doing. Besides his his feet he was holding up pretty well. We wound up taking a buddy of his to Burger King for his celebration meal. They both really love Burger King. I've been there so much in the past several days that I really feel that's the last place I'll wanna see for a really long time! Anyway, we had a great time laughing and sharing stories. After that on the way home Matt finally spilled the beans. It looks like the "Team" he's been chosen for is in Colorado Springs! So, in two to three years we'll be stationed in Colorado! He'll be speaking Russian so he's excited about that! We've decided to learn together as a family! I can't wait!!!! We are so blessed to be on this knew path. It's all still sinking in! We love you all and are so grateful for all the love and support ya'll give us. If you want more details on anything else remember we're only a phone call away! we love you all!

Daddy's Home!!!

Super Bowl Ring as been won!!!!!

He did it.... he did it .... he did it!!!!!! We are so blessed, humbled grateful overwhelmed and excited to announce that Matt has accomplished his dream. He has won the stanley cup... the super bowl ring.... the high school championship football game. However we cut it he's coming home a winner!! He's achieved his dream! I could not be more proud of my husband. We're so blessed to know that the past eight month to a year have all been well worth it. I have not yet heard this from him but I have two very reliable sources on the inside. I know I am with out a doubt the luckiest wife ever to know the things I know at this moment. My husband still has no idea that I do know. :) Not until tomorrow that is! Before we thought that he'd be coming home on wednesday but I just found out today that he'll be home tomorrow. I can't wait to tell him how proud I am of him. Out of 68 players only 32 where chosen for the final "Play". ( Matt was one of the 32 :) ) we've been on own knees all day as a family making sure that Heavenly father knows how grateful we are for this wonderful experience. We know that with out a doubt all things good come from him and there's no doubt that we have been given a very special gift. So, onward we go down this very knew and exciting path. But never without Heavenly Father by our side. We're so grateful for all of you. we could never have done this without the love and support you all give us. Thank you for helping us accomplish this wonderful dream.

A wonderful Day!

For those of you who may not know Matt is in his 10th day of "Super hero training camp"! I've been really struggling with the fact that there is no contact with him and we really don't know exactly how he's doing. So, I just think to myself that each day we don't hear from him that that should be counted as a successful day. I feel very honored and blessed that my husband is such an amazing man. That he's capable of great things when he leans on Heavenly Father. Today while I was out with the kids I received a call from some very good friends of ours. Her husband is out at "Camp" with Matt. He called her late last night to let her know about an injury that has taken him out of "The Game". They weren't sure of the extent of the injury at the time so he was unsure as to what will happen next. My heart automatically broke for them. I had to pull over and try to regain my composure. The flood gates had opened and it was very hard to close it all back up again. There family has been apart even longer than we had. She mentioned to me that she was able to speak with her husband about Matt for me. Her husband says he's a quote "Stud". Besides several very bad blisters Matt is doing well and thriving. He's made it through several of the major challenges that he was worried about. I feel very overwhelmed by the blessings that we have received since our journey began a year ago. We've been surrounded by all these amazing people who have brought strength and encouragement to our family. They've also been able to bring us comfort and peace in our times of need. I'm so grateful for all of our friends and family who have been praying so hard for his strength and success. We'll never be able to express blessed we are to have you all standing by our side. We love you all so very much! We'll let you know as son as we know how things turn out. But no matter what we have already been able to accomplish so much. We're most grateful to Heavenly father for the growth and development he has helped us to achieve. Without his love and guidance we'd be much less than we are.

Ok, I just got this crazy tag from Our Aunt. I played along because I must :)....

1. Where is your cell phone? lost

2. Where is your significant other? M.I.A

3. Your hair color? lost

4. Your mother? beautiful

5. Your father? strong

6. Your favorite thing? family

7. Your dream last night? laughable

8. Your dream/goal? home

9. The room you're in? living

10. Your hobby? blogging

11. Your fear? dark

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? independant

13. Where were you last night? home

14. What you're not? lost

15. One of your wish-list items? Europe

16. Where you grew up? California

17. The last thing you did? breakfast

18. What are you wearing? sweats

19. Your TV? on

20. Your pet? shelter

21. Your computer? laptop

22.Your mood? annouise

23.Missing someone? Matt

24. Your car? Impala

25. Something you're not wearing? Bra :)

26. Favorite store? Target

27. Your summer? hot

28. Love someone? many

29. Your favorite color? red

30. When is the last time you laughed? now

31. Last time you cried? Yesterday

Daddy Making us Proud!

Last Sunday as Daddy prepared for "Camp" he had two very cute little helpers who were all to willing to go with and help him out. They even helped "pack" his ruck. If only it could be that light was what daddy was thinking. we bid farewell and good luck to daddy a week ago Monday. We always think "No news, is good news". Our thoughts and prayers are with him as he attempts to follow his dreams. We love him so much and are so grateful for the love and support he gives us. We're more than excited to see what the outcome will be. We're all holding our breath for October 29th!

After Golfing we hit the arcade. The kids liked that so much better than golfing. Shock and surprise!

We gave Daddy extra points for the really cute road blocks...

Daddy and Lexi stop to pose for Mommy

Andy would rather play with big Rocks!

Lexi Plays Golf with her Red club! Swing daddy swing!

Mommy and Lexi in Columbus Georgia in June.  Sharing a very special dish at Country's BBQ!  We loved everything about this place!  Especially the fryed banana pudding.

A very special weekend

As I am writing this I can't help but laugh at the humor life seems to hold for us. I also find myself  with a specific conference talk running through my head.  It was given just last week and had much to do with finding laughter instead of anger when things don't work out the way we intend them too.  Keep that in mind when I share the following:

So, this weekend was a very big weekend on the calendar.  Matt was away training all week and missed Lexi's 4th birthday.  She didn't seem to mind because her and mommy went and had a day out on the town without baby brother tagging along.  I believe it was just the thing we both needed time together.  Then Sat. Matt and I were going to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary.  It also happened to be that during that week we also reach our 1st anniversary with the decision to join the army.  So, as you can see it called for something big and impressive.  Since we were on a tight budget it couldn't be anything huge.  I had gone ahead and planned a big family/friend party for lexi to share with daddy after he got home.  Wednesday we were sitting around after we got the house in order when it came to me.  We could go stay at the lake here.  They have an army camp ground there where we could stay and be together as a family.  Where we cold have a very nice relaxing weekend.  We stayed with the same company at Ft. Benning the two times we went to see Matt while he was down there.  They were so beautiful and we all had such a great time.  There was a kitchen and a nice bathroom with a double bed and bunk beds.  So, knowing this it sounded like nothing but a good idea.

Ok, Matt gets home and I lay it all out for him.  Lexi is all excited and Matt too.  Well, Matt is blessed with a three day weekend so after some running around in the morning we head for the lake.  We were able to get there and check in around two with plenty of time to swim and play in the lake.  Well, the lake was closed and there was no pool.  I decided that would be just fine.  We'd just watch movies and let the kids run around outside for awhile.  Then with key in hand we pull up to this very scary looking cabin.  The cabin was completely falling apart and so tiny...too tiny.  We decided to try it out anyway.  With Matt right behind me we entered.  Two feet to the right of the door was the "Master bedroom"  with a double bed.  Two feet to the left was a table for two tightly pushed up against the wall. Then as if that wasn't enough five feet ahead of the door was the "guest " room which was much smaller than a shoe box.  In that room they had a bunk bed and a small fridge with a micro wave. Yeah...I'd say I was supposed to laugh but I didn't.  I couldn't!  I was so excited... my family was so excited.  My poor husband sat quite all the way home. He knew  how disappointed we all were.  That was a really bad day.  I really needed to laugh but it was just way to hard at that time to laugh.  

We spent the night in our room with the kids watching movies and sharing treats.  It turned out to be a lot of fun because my husband who loves us so much decided to make it fun.  I'm so grateful for him and for all that he does for us.

The next day we took the kids to miniature golfing.  We shared a round of very competitive golf.  Of course I was able to keep my winning streak going and wound up kicking Matt's but.  i say that as if i were just stating the fact of course.  No pride here! Then we played in the arcade where Lexi scored some points for tickets that could be cashed in for prizes.  We had so much fun and as a family.

That night to celebrate our anniversary Matt took me to Carraba's which is one of our favorite Italian resturants.  Then we were planning on going to a movie but that didn't happen because we got stuck in traffic and missed our movie.  It did of course give us time to enjoy spending time together which I loved!

Our family a year ago... we have all changed so much.  Especially mommy and daddy.  There's definatly way less of us!

daddy and his little girl.  my favorite picture of them!

Mommy and her than "Baby Girl" She really looks nothing like me!

I'm walkin!  Look out ladies here I come!

Tree Hugger!

Andy a year ago. Hubba, Hubba! Just barely one.

Lexi a year ago this month!  What a big girl she is now!

Mommy and Daddy! Happy to be together again.

We love the beach!

Daddy and his boy!

Let's Build it Together!  Sand and water our two favorite things.

If the water would just sit still I know i could catch it!

Lexi looking beautiful!

Mommy with her favorite little girl Lexi

Andy and Daddy enjoy a very special moment.  It was a long time coming!

The Catch Up

So, it's been a little longer than I'd like to admit since I posted a new update.  Sadly there was nothing new to report.  Matt was still training up for "The Super Bowl"and I was still home trying everything in my power to keep up with seven count that again seven kids in the house.  Now I find myself with these terribly long run on senetences to help me briefly describe what is currently going on.  Last weekend was filled with family fun.  Matt did surprise me by coming home a day early.  We spent the weekend with family and friends.  We do have the most fantastic news though!  It looks like the actual "Super Bowl" starts as of October 15th .  From that time on he'll have several days in which to prove his super hero abilities. So, please remember that even during the regular "Football season" it's more than ok toy pray for your favorite team.  I'm asking that our family and friends who would like to join in  a special fast on Matt"s behave please mark your calendars for Sunday the 12th of October.  This will be the extra boost that he will surely need to assist him in his quest.