Jacob's first deer

Hey guys, I am back!!! Mom let me use her card reader while I am still searching for the cord for my camera uploads!!! Thanks mom!! And quite frankly I forgot all about blogging until I was reminded!!! The Saturday after Thanksgiving, Jacob killed his first deer!!! He saw it, aimed, and took the shot all by himself!! I am so proud, as is his daddy!!!(and Pop)!! You probably can't tell by the look on his face, but he is pretty excited about it too!! HAHA This deer actually ended up weighing in at 150 pounds, he was an 8 point with a 14 inch spread!! Pretty good for the first one! So, congrats baby!!!!

ALL I CAN SAY IS YUCK!!!! It is so a guy thing!!!

Proud cousins!!!!

The Good Ol USA

Hey guys sorry no pics!! I have been searching for my dang camera USB cable. Since the movers left I have no idea what has happened to it.. I think I put it in a REAL safe place where I would know where it was!!! HAHA!!! Well, what can I say...........the view is BEAUTIFUL!!! The roads however not so pretty!! There were a few times when Shane said just Drive, DONT LOOK DOWN!!! I thought, oh my!! I didn't even know that this much land could be uninhabited!! For miles and miles and miles, nothing not even a car....a little mom and pop gas station that charges out the yin yang is a welcomed sight!!! Today, we are in Montana!! It is truly the wild west!! I think we even saw the scene from a cowboy movie!! I could really see Jacob and Em and Mac playing on all those hills!! It is unbelievable!!! Can't wait to show pictures!!! and to be back in the SOUTH!!! and eat at a good ol waffle house!! Will write more later, thanks for all the prayers, I can feel the angels all around us!!! Love you guys!!!

The Supervisor

Since receiving orders that we are to leave Alaska, we have been so busy trying to get everything cleaned out. We have been donating things, throwing away things and putting things up in each room. We were in Jacobs' room this past week and Mac, being Mac, pulled up this spongebob chair, got her sippy cup, Jake's pirate hat, and her binky and sat and watched us. It was so funny, that I had to share this with you guys!! She was sitting there like she was supervising us on where to put everything. Good thing someone is in charge around here!!

Happy Birthday, Baby!!!

Today is Shane's birthday, so tonight me and the kids made his most favorite dinner.....Salad, marinated steaks, baked potato with all the trimmings, corn on the cob, and of course a birthday cake and ice cream for dessert!! We were going to make him a cookie dough ice cream cake, but the dang commissary was out of the sara lee cakes.... Oh well, the cake we made was good too! Here he had just blown out ALL those candles....see the smoke???

These are some babies who LOVE their daddy!!!

side note for Nana.....Mac usually has a hair bow or a pony tail!!! LOL!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

5, 6, 7, 8

These are the cheerleaders for the Panthers!! See their wonderful uniforms??? Well, at least they cheer for their brothers, ok, every now and then.....most of the time they are off playing and don't even know that the team is playing!! LOL!!
As for the 5, 6, 7, 8......this is all I ever hear....as this is the way we start every cheer and dance!!! At least I know Emily can count from 1 to 8, right??!!???

They are a trip!

Just look at this pose!! This one was well thought out and even practiced before I was allowed to take the photo!!! AHHHHH, Girls!!!

A Tribute

The post tonight is a tribute to a fallen comrade. This Santa looking fella is Lt. Colby Umbrell. He was Shane's platoon leader that was killed in Iraq May 3, 2007 by an IED. He was an AVID Philadelphia Eagles fan. He was known to wear his 1940's leather football helmet at briefings coming in to address the guys singing the eagles fight song thinking he was Jack Bauer (off of the show 24.) He went from playing football every day of his life weighing in at 240, to running marathons weighing in at 210. He loved his job, believed in the true cause of helping the Iraqi people attain the freedoms that we enjoy. Most of all, he was one of the biggest practical jokers that I have known. This picture was taken in December 2005. He was Charlie company's newest Lieutenant and he got suckered into being Santa for the Christmas party. I was called to the back where he was standing in this room. There he was all nervous. Is my beard alright? Is my belly ok? What do I say to the kids?? I said all you have to do is say HO HO HO!!! and talk to them. Here is this big tough army guy nervous about being Santa, with his palms sweating!! It was so funny!! He got out there though and did a wonderful job!!

LT COLBY UMBRELL, YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.

Their first day at school

Sorry girls for not blogging lately, I have been so busy!!!! But, we FINALLY have some good news. We are being transferred to Georgia. We don't know the exact day, but very soon!! The kids also, started school this week, on monday. These are some of the pictures that I snapped of their first day!!!
As you can see, Bubba had to cut his mohawk before he went back to school. He wasn't very happy about that. But, they ended up having a pretty good week at school.

YOU WILL NEVER BELIEVE........

Today was a day like no other!! It should go down in history books!! I have never been more proud.... Jacob had a game today against the Steelers.... Well, he has been practicing so hard and really giving it his all....so, Coach Mike let him play the 2 back position.....(he got to run the ball).... so...at the 40 yard line he started his run....he ran a little left and the straight up the middle before he turned on his juke juice for about 35 yards......


Then, on the next play, there was a bad hike, but he picked it up.......there was a guy here and a guy there, and a guy on his knees right in front of him.....he did a spin juke....and TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!Needless to say, this is the face we pretty much saw all day!! And we heard the story about 250 times!!! But, we couldn't be more proud of our ol #49!!! I am sure some of you will be getting phone calls tomorrow....after school that is!!! Even the greatest football players still have to attend the 3rd grade!!!

Ship creek

Today we took the babies down to Cottonwood park. There, they have a creek called Ship creek. The kids love to feel how cold this water is. It flows down from a glacier, I think. I know this water is take your breath away cold. They were walking in it, collecting rocks, and Shane even convinced Jacob to lay down in it, but he only did it for a second. It was pretty funny!! Needless to say, it was a great day for us to be together!!

Faith can move mountains....

My photo editing software is not cooperating with me tonight, so I had to pull from an oldie!!! As you can see this one was taken last winter..... But I love the pink sunset that is on top of these mountains! My faith has been tested and tested here lately!! But, I keep believing that I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. I thought and thought about how I could take a picture of something that you can't see!! And then it hit me, duh, you live around all kinds of mountains.... and faith can move the mountains..

Today I watched the movie Facing Giants!! This movie hit home to me... especially since I have been facing them alot lately. God says 365 times in the Bible 'Do not fear'. It is amazing that this also coincides with how many days are in a year. So, everyday, you have nothing to fear if God is on your side!! I truly believe that God is on my side!! I was told yesterday that I was never part of the Army's plan..... But, I kept pressing on and now, I am seeing God work through my actions. He is making support groups for the families whose soldier comes home with PTSD and TBI's(traumatic brain injuries). He is also making new paperwork for these families to fill out if they need to take their kids with them to appointments in other states.... All of this because I have stood up and had FAITH that God would put me where He wants me to be and doing what he wants me to do...

Perky???

One day while in the McDonald's drive thru, I looked up to admire the mountains all around me and this is what I saw! And just what do you think it looks like??? Doesn't it look so perky?????

NO, Peas, NO!!!!

Mac has been running a temperature for about 3 days now, and I took her to the doctor yesterday. He said that she has a urinary tract infection... So, he gave her some antibiotics to take and she HATES it!!! She is the first of my kiddos to HATE taking her medicine! Everytime she sees the syringe full of her medicine this is what she does! She always covers her eyes...I guess she thinks if she covers her eyes, that I can't see her anymore..... Little does she know.....Today she started covering her mouth!!! It is actually kinda funny!

Three muskateers!

Somebody(nana) wrote me and said they wanted pictures of ALL 3 of the kiddos.. So, here they are!!! I finally rounded them all up together to get this one! They took time out of their busy schedule just for this!! And I got 3 smiles too, whew!!! These babies are our pride and joy!! We thank God everyday that he chose us to raise them!

A softer side

On the football field, he is Mr. Destructo, but he still finds time for his baby sister.. He is such a boy, complete with frogs, getting muddy, and being rough. But, he loves his sisters, and no matter what they say, they love him too. In this picture, he is so delicate and loving, I guess just a softer side of my boy!!

The other dynamic duo

Sorry guys, my life has been turned upside down lately.....having to fight with the Army!!! And ya know, the army has a lot of experience!! But, I have a LOT of will power!! I never have given up very easily, just ask mom and dad!!! LOL! The same birdie that flew to Heathers house also flew by mine and said I needed to post some more pics of the kids!! So, here is Emily and her friend, Jamie! I kinda like her, I wonder if it is the name thing! Jamie's brother is part of the dynamic duo that I posted earlier.... So, while the boys are playing some football, these two are playing girlie things!!

Old Glory

This photo was also taken at the gym. This flag is huge, hanging from the ceiling. I was standing practically right under it!! Just look at the colors in our flag! They are beautiful!


I just want to thank you guys so much for praying for us!! We are postponing our trip to Seattle as things just didn't work out. However, I feel that God has another purpose for us! I believe that God is using us to open doors for other wounded warriors and their families. Just keep praying that God will direct us in the path that HE wants us to go.

Fun at the gym!!

Emily had her cheer camp in the gym on post!!! So, after the camp was over, it was time to play....The gym has an obstacle course complete with tires to run through, ropes to climb, a dangling ladder to climb, monkey bars, chin up bars, balance beams and a rock climbing wall--a total kids paradise! In this picture she is on a balance beam that is in the air about 8-9 feet. She had no problems walking across!! (There is net just in case!) I thought it was a cool shot looking up at her!
On the other side of the gym, they have a boxing ring! As you can see my little man is schooling another little boy on how to hit focus mitts! He must be the gym's new combatives instructor! He had better not get to used to this being in the ring thing!! This is one thing that mom just couldn't handle!!

An update on Shane...... we got some good news on Friday!! We are going to be leaving soon to go down to Seattle for an evaluation to get a spinal cord stimulator!! I have been fighting everyday for this since March, but actually talking with a person down there for about 5 weeks now!!! So, when they called on Friday and said that we are to go this week, I was ecstatic!!! I finally feel like things are getting done!! But, with the Army, until we get on that plane, I won't believe it!! Keep praying, I can see God working!!

Rah, Rah, Rah!!!

This whole week Emily has been going to cheer camp.. She has loved every second of it, and even got upset with me when I showed up to pick her up!! Imagine that!!! (Shelia, I know that Pooh wouldn't have acted that way!!LOL)
At her camp they learned a cheer, a dance and 3 stunts. They are going to compete in November. They did really well!!

This is her cartwheel!!! Look how fast she was going around! Looks like you can see right through her leg!

Have a good weekend guys!!!

Panthers vs. Steelers

AHHHHHH, KICKOFF!!!!

Jacob had his first official game tonight! They were against the Steelers.... There was some big boys on that team... Jacob was blocking a guy that was a whole head taller than him... But, that didn't matter to him. He still knocked that boy flat on his back everytime!! Here is a picture of him on a tackle. I think this was who the ball was kicked to on the kick off...

They ended up winning 30-0. Yeah, Panthers!!! This is the sign of victory!! Notice his "war" paint, and his muscles!! He is my hero of this game!!!

Riley Roos

These came in a package about two weeks ago or so.... Yes, it was a package from Nana and Pop..... These are Mac's riley roos! These shoes are made to be super comfy!! They kinda remind me of Em's ballet shoes... Mac loves them.. What I like most about this pic is that her feet are crossed. This is the way she sits all the time! Too cute...kicked back and chillin'!!

Dynamic Duo

I think this picture speaks for itself.....INTIMIDATION!!!!!

Today was the jamboree!! This is where all teams get together and do an exhibition game, where they show off their new uniforms, their players, and their stuff!! Although, we all know we can't use our best plays because then the other teams will know what we REALLY got!! Everything went very well!! The boys did really good!! These Mitey Mites can weigh up to 90 pounds!! Talk about scary for mom. My baby only weighs 70 lbs. with his jacket, shoes and hat on!! UGH! Jacob isn't scared though, he now calls himself the waterboy and says that he has his tacklin' fuel ready!! He also says that the train is comin', CHOO! CHOO!!!

Following in Dad's footsteps

Jacob loves to put on his camoflauge and perform missions... Just so happens that Mackie was one of his POW's that he was saving today... I love the look on his face.. So intent!!! He always says he is going to go in the Army just like dad. I just hope that he goes to college first and then he can decide!!!

Also, look at the sunflowers in the background!! They have grown so much over the past couple of days!!

Details

These are my detail pics for tonight. As you can see on Emily's hands, she has blisters. This is from playing on the monkey bars at football practice. She also does penny drops on the uneven bars for at least 2 hours a night, non stop. Just over the last week, she developed these!!
This is the picture that I actually took for the challenge.. I thought and thought of what I could do, and then right before my eyes there it was!!!! It was with me all along...My hands!!! We all have these lines, and I thought it was perfect for the details challenge!! It just goes to show you, that sometimes you can look and look, but the answers are really right in front of you!!!

Best Friends

Emily has a new best friend!!! Her name is Tiffany! For 3 years now, there hasn't been any girls on our street that have been Emily's age. She has prayed and prayed for a friend to come move into a house around us.. I told you that my kids have a direct line to God. Well, he answered her prayer...he answers most of her prayers pretty quickly....(he know's how she is!LOL!) Tiffany moved in 2 doors down and she is one week older than Em!!! How cool is that.. And I must say that having another girl around the house is quite different than having Jacob's friends over!!! Boys love to run around all the time and eat everything in the house that doesn't eat them first.....But little girls, sit and talk quietly!! They don't run around, they take their shoes off before coming inside, and all they do is drink a Hi-C every now and then!!! It really took me by surprise!! Just look at the joy on Emily's face!! She is so happy that she has a friend!! And I am so happy for her!

Little red tomato

This is my tomato plant! I am so proud, I FINALLY have a ripe little tomato! I guess it is too little for a sandwich, but maybe I can just eat it plain. I will just have to savor it a little longer. But, at least this year, one turned red!!

KNOCK, KNOCK!!

KNOCK! KNOCK!!!
WHO'S THERE??

This is Mac's new playhouse!! She loves to play in it!! She likes to look out of her windows and knock on the door, and then answer it!!! She really likes our doorbell these days. Before coming in, she has to ring it!!

The outfit!

Tonights blog photo is actually for Nana...... This is the outfit that Nana sent Emily for her birthday...She HAD to wear it to her party! It is rather cute!!! I really think that the bowling shoes truly make the outfit!! LOL...

I had to throw this one in there... She was the only one I didn't post yesterday, so here she is, with her cutsie face she always makes!!!

What a day!!!

Emily had a most 'wonderful' birthday!!! She had about 15 people at her bowling party today... She had 5 friends that are around her age....The rest are her friends that also happen to be mine and Shane's friends...LOL....
Of all the friends that came, this one probably was one of most special!! This was her VIP at the party!! His name is Aaron. He and Shane have been friends for a LONG time. And when we first got up here to Alaska, they didn't know that the other was here, until they saw each other at formation.. Ever since then, he has been in Emily's life....She loves Aaron!! He loves being with our kids, it's like another uncle for them!! He just got home for leave (R&R) from Iraq!! She said that she didn't even recognize him!! But then it was a big hug!! Needless to say, her day was great!!

Moving right along.....right after Em's birthday party was football practice... Little man is doing really good this year... He is tackling people left and right! He is a lineman on defense, and a right pulling guard on offense. He was promised a mohawk if he did his very best and knocked some heads!! Well, since he can't really have a mohawk during the school year (Christian school won't allow it) he got one tonight!! This is a big transformation for him.... he now is a warrior!! Would you want to be right in front of him on the line???? I think I will pass!!!

We didn't cut this in a point, it is the way his hair grows!!! crazy!! The purple mark below it is a bruise... from football!!! I know this was a lot for today, but this is just another full day for us!!!

Some beach.....

Well, if we were at a real beach we wouldn't have to improvise!!........Tomorrow is Emily's birthday!! I think she is 5 going on like 25.... We hadn't figured out what we were doing for it until last Thursday, so she and I laid in the bed discussing what it was that we were going to do....She said, 'I got it covered mom.' I told her that she needed to tell me so at least I could be her taxi driver.... Where does she get this independence from??? Anyway, we decided on the bowling alley!! And I would make the cake... Hence the picture... It is an ice cream cake....so easy to make...a Sara Lee cake cut in half and chocolate ice cream in the middle....with twizzlers to make the flip flop straps and M&M's around the bottom.... Cool whip is the frosting...The sand is made out of graham cracker crust!!! Amazing that this is what she wanted and it was SOOOO easy!!! Wish you guys could be here for her birthday!! Maybe next year!!

side note: Jacob kicked butt today at football practice!!! He is playing the defensive line... and an outside lineman..(I think)... He was on every pile of boys!! Right in the middle! GO #49!!