Lots of heartache - then a smile from our new addition!

So, as you can probably see from the sidebar pics, we have had a rough time with the pets over the last 6 months. We lost Velvet, Carma, Hannah, and Diesel. My emotions probably couldn't take much more when it comes to our beloved pets. Velvet passed away in the middle of the night about 6 months ago. Hannah started having grand mal seizures that came faster and faster together and just got worse and worse. I knew that day would come, I was warned when she was a puppy when we found out she survived distemper. But she lived 12 wonderful years. Carma passed away a little over a month ago, a victim of old age (she was 14) and probable cancer. Diesel, my sweet boy, succumbed to cancer 3 days before we left for Texas. His abdomen just kept growing bigger and bigger. His arthritis was worse, his hind legs would just shake. An ultrasound a couple weeks before he left us confirmed that what was growing in his abdomen wasn't good and none of his organs looked good. The day we said goodbye, all his legs were shaking and he was having a hard time breathing. I miss him so much, he had and always will have a very special place in my heart. I wish he were here with us. But as fate intervened to help alleviate the extreme pain of losing them, my neighbor texted me a picture of 2 little chihuahua puppies that had been abandoned. So I took the kids to see them and of course, what a shocker, one of them made it home with us. He has been a source of joy for the kids, he lets them carry him around, they play and chase each other. And he's been a relief of pain in my heart. He is a very good little boy, almost 6 months old now. He was housebroken in a snap, he isn't nippy or yappy at all, and best of all-Bodhi (who is my original spoiled girl) tolerates him! As you can see in this picture, he is extremely rotten!

 

Oh yes, that's a sweater!  It was no more than 50 that day and he was shivering!

Preschool-First Field Trip

We had our first field trip with the preschool to the pumpkin patch. The kids had so much fun. Eli got to be the "leader" and he was very proud (whenever they go from room to room or to the bus they form a line and he was the leader). They were all really cute and well behaved while we were there. I performed my first "mommy duty" and was a chaperone for the trip. The pumpkin patch let them all take home a baby pumpkin for being so good.

 

On the bus....

 

 

And ready to go!

 

Mrs. Johnson and the class

                                                     Picking out their baby pumpkin!

First Day of Preschool!!!

Can you say YAY!! It's only Tues/Wed for 3 hours each day but it's a nice break. They are doing great and love school. The teacher says it's like they have been there forever. So many new things coming up. They are doing wonderful in school and are loving having new friends.

                                                                      Ready to go!!

                                            Outside the classroom.  They are the Tigers!

                                                               We have our own boxes.

 

Eli went straight for the toys!

Disneyland February 2012

This picture slideshow made with Smilebox

Big Bear December 2011

We took a little vacation to Big Bear again this year to play in the snow and go sledding.  This year we joined up with Team Brown and Team Moreno and had a GREAT time.  It was so relaxing.  All the kids got along great and everyone had a fun and relaxing time.  The kids could sled outside and we could sit inside and watch them from the living room.  We ate lots of good food, played pool, and laughed for 4 days!

A free picture slideshow by Smilebox

Disneyland December 2011

Our first trip to Disneyland!  We had fun although we should have gotten there earlier.  Luckily military gets 3 visits for one price so we will be going back before we move!  Luci and Eli met Mickey Mouse, Eli was okay with him, Luci was scared.  Then we watched the Christmas parade.  We rode the Dumbo ride and the carousel.  Right before we left they met Belle and loved her.  She was the only princess they would talk to.  Next trip we will get to see more!

Danny's Homecoming!

He's finally home!!! After a long 7 months he's back safely. It was a very nice homecoming. The twins made daddy cards and bounced in the jump house while waiting. They also played with the buddy Logan. After an hour delay, they finally drove around the corner, led by a group of veteran motorcycle riders called the Patriot Riders. They escort all our troops home to Camp Pendleton. Very very cool. They walk around and shake as many hands as they can. Love them. Took us awhile to find him among all the guys, they all look alike! But he finally emerged! The twins went right to him and talked his ears off all the way home and up until bedtime! And they haven't left him alone since! Poor guy can't even go to the bathroom without them freaking out! It's so nice when everything falls right back into place and we pick up right where we left off. Now time to look to our next move in the spring!

Together again!

Posing with Logan's sign

Love you!

homecoming - how to make a free slideshow