Such a Cutie!

This picture is one of the ornaments on the tree in Logan's bedroom.  It was made by Sue who was his daycare provider when he was younger. Logan had just turned three in this picture.

My, oh my!  What a cutie!!!

And when did he get to be so grown up???



Love Them More Than Life Itself!!

Kevin and I took some time last weekend to do some shopping and run some errands while the kids just vegged at home.  While we were gone our conversations led to the kids and how time goes by so quickly.  We have been married for over 12 years.  Victoria is 10 and Logan just celebrated his 9th birthday.  I struggle with how quickly time flies by.  I tuck my kids in bed at night and just feel so grateful for all that we have become as a family.

In today's society, family means something totally different than it did 10 years ago.  It is so sad to hear my kids talk about some of their friends and the language they use and the way they speak to their teachers, parents and other adults. It breaks my heart. 

I am thankful for both of my children and that they each have tender hearts towards others.  Lets face it - growing up today CANNOT be easy.  Kids are mean and they don't care if they hurt others feelings.  It is all about "ME" and what "I" can do to look good in front of others.  It is also hard to go against the "flow" and be "different". 

This is something we are teaching both our children - and WOW!  is it difficult sometimes!  It is difficult to see the hurt in their eyes or the pain when they are made fun of for something. 

But at the same time, it is rewarding when I hear from teachers that our kids are a blessing to have in their classrooms.  They love their positive attitudes and their willingness to always want to help others.

No, my kids are far from perfect, but I am going to continue to bring them up in a God honoring home that shows love,  not hate.  That gives hugs, not a cold shoulder.  That encourages, not tares down.  That prays together and uses Godly examples, not putting religion on the back burner.

I LOVE these pictures of the kids and I.  It was Thanksgiving morning before we headed out to have lunch with Kevin.  They both wanted a picture with me - I was SHOCKED!! :)  I love them dearly and pray daily for each of them to continue to make choices that will honor God and bring joy to each of their lives.

Thank you, Lord, for their lives and for their attitudes. Help me to grow and continue to look to You for strength and direction in leading my family.

October Visit with Grandparents!

It's been a couple of months and maybe one day I will expound on why I took a little blogging break but I am happy to back and have some major catching up to do!

We had a beautiful visit with my parents and nephew back in October.  The main reason for them coming out was to see the kids play sports and cheer.  It was awesome!! 

Victoria and Logan had no CLUE they were coming and were so surprised!!  LOVE IT!!

Of course we had to visit the apple orchard for some cider and apple donuts!

Aiden had a BLAST with the kids!  He works so hard to keep up with them and determined to have a great time - even if he is EXHAUSTED by the end of the day!



Logan was proud to be able to show Grandfather and MomMom how well he enjoys football!



Every game they get weighed in to make sure they are under the weight limit - this season alone Logan lost close to 10 pounds!  No one could ever say that flyweights football is EASY.  Each team mate gave 100% plus!!

Love this PICTURE!!

This was the #1 team we played against - they were ROUGH!

Logan never steps off the field during a game, but right before this picture he went helmet to helmet and hit HARD with one of his opponents.  I had Kevin go check on him because this mama was worried.  He was fine, and headed back out on the field the next play.

Handing out some roughness!

Once again - taking a hard hit in the ribs and took his breath away.

Poor guy - he was playing SO hard and hates to LOSE!

Aiden LOVED watching Logan play football!!!

Off to our next game - Victoria cheering!! 
My mom was a cheerleader in school as well as myself.  I am so proud that Victoria enjoys it SO much!

Her smile and laugh is contagious!!

Pump, Pump, Pump it up!!!
So proud of our daughter this cheer season!  She did a great job! 

Before heading back home Aiden wanted to bake.  Love this little guy!!

Paramedic Class 2012

Better late than never - I am finally getting around to getting this post up on my Blog.

Back in June we were able to see Kevin graduate from his Paramedic class.  While keeping his construction business open "on the side", working his full time EMT position, and working on clinicals for his class, he also went to class twice a week - for the entire day.  It was a LONG 12 months to say the least....BUT...he did it and passed his class!

 His entire class - they seemed like an awesome group!



 Receiving his certificate!!!  It was such an amazing feeling watching him walk across the stage. :) 

Proud wife moment!

Kevin and two others from his fire department and also the Chief and Assistant Chief at the fire station. 

So excited to be finished and have their Daddy home a little more often.

While he has finished his Paramedic class, he is still not able to work as a Medic.  He still has lots to do - ride time and clinicals - before taking one more test and then it will be official. We are hoping by 2013 he will be done and ready to move on! 

It hasn't been easy on him and he is constantly on the go, but I am so thankful for a HARD working husband who has pushed himself to do something great. 

First Days of School...

The first week of school is over and the second has ALREADY started.  Where does the time go and how can I slow it down??  I look at Victoria and Logan and wonder....when did they get so independent, mature and just down right grown up???  It is not just bothering me, I have had a few conversations with Kevin and he feels the same way.  Especially when he looks at Victoria.  She holds a special place in his heart...Daddy's little girl. ;)

First Day of 5th Grade - last year of elementary!  She keeps reminding me of this!! :)

First day of third grade!!  He also moved to the campus where the 3rd - 5th grades, middle school and high school buildings are! He was SO excited and nervous. :)

We live less than a mile from the school so NO bus rides anymore!!  They can walk, ride or I will drop them off when the weather turns cold. 

Second day of school and riding our bikes!! They were thrilled and felt so "mature" LOL!!

You can kinda see here in this picture that Logan is for sure taller than Sis. Ever since he was 2 years old he has weighed the same amount as Victoria and has been around the same height.  This past summer he has passed her in height and now weighs at least 10 pounds more than her.  WOW!!! 

There goes my life...with the big neighborhood boys!  Talk about feeling cool.

Third day of school and they get to wear their sport uniforms to show team spirit for Saturday's game. 

My big football player - #81

So proud of what he has accomplished this year in football - one of the captains and recently won the leadership award!

Feeling the Love....LO!!! 

Victoria and Logan - we are so proud of you and all that you seek to accomplish this school year.  The love that you show to learn and to work hard makes mom and dad proud.  We love you and always want you to know that we are here for anything you need. 

xoxox

We love you more, Dad and Mom!

 

Updated List

I feel like I am getting back on track.  With summer break, things tend to just get so crazy with our schedules.

Two weeks from today we start school, and we will have a 5th and a 3rd grader.  YIKES!!!

My list is getting shorter and shorter and I haven't had to add anything on - yet. :)

1. Call orthodontist to schedule both Victoria and Logan's first appointments.

2. Call eye doctor to schedule both Victoria and Logan's check ups.

3. Call dentist to reschedule their cleanings - since we missed them.

4. Make math flashcards for review - since the ones from the school year conveniently disappeared. - will be finished by end of today!

5. Get Logan's football schedule and Victoria's cheer schedule to family members. - still waiting to get Logan's schedule from coaches.

6. Finish Victoria's birthday present.

7. Blog about Logan's baseball season.

8. Organize my coupons.

9. Make grooming appointment for Diesel - since I totally forgot today's appointment.

10. Finish school supply shopping. - ALMOST FINISHED!!!

11. Finish landscaping front yard. - This is being put off till end of September or at least till things slow down.

It feels so good to get things checked off lists.  Accomplishments are a great feeling!

Enjoy your day! :)

Growing up...

Victoria's birthday was yesterday.  I took the day off because she had asked to have a sleepover with a few of her friends.  She was so excited and I must say - so was I.  She has made a couple of good friends this summer and they are all on the cheering squad together.  The girls like to practice their cheers, hang out, walk to the park - you know all the fun things that we did when we were their age. 

Honestly, I was really looking forward to yesterday because instead of thinking about the anniversary of my mother-in-laws death (which happens to also be on Victoria's birthday) I was able to keep busy with 4 girls and a birthday party.  I purposefully did not even put anything on Facebook about it being 8 years since she passed away.  I didn't want to think about - but to only concentrate on Victoria.

The day was beautiful and we spent a few hours at the pool and then off to cheer practice.  We finished up the evening with cupcakes at the fire station with Daddy. :)  She was happy and exhausted all at once that evening.  As I was putting her to bed we were talking about her uncle - who happened to be at the ER last night - and she said, "he is not having a good birthday today".  I wasn't sure what she meant because his birthday is mid August.  So I corrected her, and immediately she disagreed.  I asked her why she thought his birthday was the same as her.  She said quickly, "because that is what the tattoo says on his arm". 

Oh my, this is not the conversation I wanted to have with Victoria as her birthday was ending.  I told her what the tattoo meant and that on August 1st, her second birthday, was when her Grandma went to heaven.  She was devastated.  I held her and we both cried for a long time.  She has always known that Grandma died in a motorcycle accident, but she has never asked specifics.  Well last night that changed, and as I sat and answered all the questions she asked I didn't see a little girl.  I saw something more mature, something in her eyes that changed.  It was a bonding time that I will never forget between the two of us. 

I am SO blessed to have Victoria as my daughter.  She is such a beautiful girl inside and outside.  The past 10 years have gone by so quickly.  Victoria will graduate from high school when she is 17 years old - that is only SEVEN more years till she moves off to college....I pray that we are as then as we are now. 

Brain Dump - To Do List - WoW! I am busy

To much going on is more like it, but I love my life and wouldn't trade it for a single minute!!

I had so much going through my head this morning so I decided to take 5 minutes and create a little list.  Well, it turned out to be not so little...and probably not so cheap. LOL!

1. Call orthodontist to schedule both Victoria and Logan's first appointments.

2. Call eye doctor to schedule both Victoria and Logan's check ups.

3. Call dentist to reschedule their cleanings - since we missed them. 

4. Make math flashcards for review - since the ones from the school year conveniently disappeared.

5. Get Logan's football schedule and Victoria's cheer schedule to family members.

6. Finish Victoria's birthday present.

7. Blog about Logan's baseball season.

8. Organize my coupons.

9. Make grooming appointment for Diesel - since I totally forgot today's appointment.

10. Finish school supply shopping.

11.  Finish landscaping front yard.

I read this quote this morning and thought it summed up my life pretty well...

"Do the best you can through these years, but whatever else you do, cherish that role that is so uniquely yours and for which heaven itself sends angels to watch over you and your little ones.  Mothers, we acknowledge and esteem your faith in every footstep.  Please know that it is worth it then, now, and forever."

Well, I am off to start checking things off my list - it's time to get productive! :)



Recent Summer Happenings

 Our summer is flying by!  It seems like once the 4th of July comes and goes - you know thoughts of school will be creeping into your mind.  So far, we are enjoying our HOT, DRY summer the best we can.  Staying cool and keeping busy seems to be the only way...

Our summer started off with Kevin graduating from Paramedic class!  It was a great day and I was SO proud of him and his entire class.  You could tell that they were a close group. 

We were joined by our good friends, family and a couple of Kevin's captains from the fire department. 



Paramedic Class 0f 2012!!!



So proud of all you!!!



As a family we have started biking together - and I must say, I LOVE it!  Not only do I enjoy spending time with the kids and Kevin, but I am proud of each of them as they learn to push themselves harder on rides that we do as a family.  

Such a proud Mommy moment!! 

 We also have enjoyed doing a little golfing as a family, too.  We have only taken the kids to the driving range so far, but Logan loves it and actually is pretty good at it. :) 

:)  When did he grow up???

Last week, I had to fly out to Phoenix, Arizona for a few days for work.  I do NOT like leaving my family, and if you were around me the week I left you knew that I was a nervous wreck.  But I survived and it was such a good trip.  The lady that I traveled with was a blast and even in the heat we made sure we made the best of all of our free time.



View of my cottage at the Biltmore in Phoenix Arizona.



It was a beautiful room - so quiet and cozy!

Everywhere you looked it was picture perfect!

On the 4th of July I had two very important people to see in the parade!

Kevin was working the ambulance and Victoria cheered.

It was such a HOT day, but they both survived the heat.



Getting ready for the Parade!!



After the parade Victoria confessed to me and said she was SO nervous!  I was surprised because she is one that does not get nervous often.

This week baseball season comes to an end.  I am secretly SOOOO thankful for that that, but cheering practice has already started (each night) and Logan has one week off before football starts!  YIKES - fall sports already!!



99 Things

I read this recenlty on a blog that I follow - the bold are things I've done/accomplished/experienced.

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii


5. Watched a meteor shower


6. Given more than you can afford to charity


7. Been to Disneyland
- planning to go soon though!!
8. Climbed a mountain


9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo


11. Bungee jumped


12. Visited Paris


13. Watched a lightning storm
- LOVE doing this!!!

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning


17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty


18. Grown your own vegetables


19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France


20. Slept on an overnight train


21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill - yes and LOVED it!

24. Built a snow fort


25. Held a lamb


26. Gone skinny dipping - yes and there is NOTHING your can do about it. :)

27. Run a Marathon


28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice


29. Seen a total eclipse


30. Watched a sunrise or sunset - with the love of my life.

31. Hit a home run


32. Been on a cruise


33. Seen Niagara Falls in person


34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors


35. Seen an Amish community - how about lived in an amish community. :)

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person


39. Gone rock climbing 


40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt


43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant - !!

44. Visited Africa


45. Walked on a beach by moonlight - ROMANCE!


46. Been transported in an ambulance


47. Had your portrait painted


48. Gone deep sea fishing


 49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person


50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling


52. Kissed in the rain - LOVELY!

53. Played in the mud


54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business - KL Construction

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen


61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies


62. Gone whale watching


63. Got flowers for no reason - love my husband!

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma


65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check - oopps!

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy


70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar - LOVE sushi!

72. Pieced a quilt


73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades


75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle - once and never again.

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person


80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican


82. Bought a brand new car (actually it was a truck)

83. Walked in Jerusalem


84. Had your picture in the newspaper - a few times when I was a little girl.

85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve

86. Visited the White House in the 5th grade.

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating - um - gross!

88. Had chickenpox


89. Saved someone’s life


90. Sat on a jury - would love to do this some day!

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Got a tattoo - not yet, but am planning on it soon!

94. Had a baby - two!

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit


98. Owned a cell phone - would be lost with out it.

99. Been stung by a bee - OUCH!

WOW!  After all that I do believe that I NEED to travel more often!

Victoria Joy Watson

This coming August I will have a TEN year old!  How can that be and where did 10 years go???


Wasn't it just yesterday that I was strapping you into your car seat for the very first time?  And now, you feel so "old" as you tell me because you ride in the front seat with me? :)


Or, what about bottles, juice cups and helping you feed yourself?  Now you are making dinners, setting the table and working with me in the kitchen!


Wasn't it just yesterday that I was rocking your to sleep and tucking you into your crib?  Now you have your own routine of showering, blow drying your hair and heading to bed on your own!

Wasn't it just yesterday that I walked you into preschool with a book bag and lunchbox as big as you?  Now, you are finishing up your 4th grade year and getting so excited about starting your LAST year in ELEMENTARY school?!?!  How can this be?


Wasn't it just yesterday that you were asking me to read you a Dr. Seuss books - but now you are all about reading chapter books till late at night.


Wasn't it just yesterday that I thought I had plenty of time till we had to talk about all that grown up "stuff" - then why are you asking me what abortions are and is it bad to be called gay?  Even at 10 years old - I could use a few more years to prepare myself.

If I could freeze time I would - I love it that my daughter calls me after school just to say,  "I love you, Mom" and that she still feels she can come to me about everything.  I find myself telling her that I love to hear about her day - and always will, no matter how old she is.

Victoria is

Kind

Sensitive

Loving

Has a heart that Loves God

Giving

Gracious

Cares about Others

Has a contagious smile

Bubbly

and the list could go on.....

So, Victoria as you continue to grow and continue to learn more about life - know that I love you and that I am so proud of all you want to do in your life!!!

I am proud that you are my daughter and that you love life just as much as I do!!!  I have been truly blessed by God to be called Mom by you every single day. 

I was going through all the pictures on my phone this morning and came across this cutie.

My little nephew is full of life, laughs and just plain 'ol joy!! 

He loves playing with the older kids and will do whatever necessary to keep up with them!!



What's a boy to do when you have to wait 45 minutes for dinner....why, play on mommy's iPhone!! :)



{Wordless Wednesday}

Ice Cream Truck!

 We made a VERY fast trip out to Pennsylvania over spring break - because of our schedules back at home we couldn't go the entire week but while we were there, we were able to get a day of fun in.

At...

"THE SWEETEST PLACE ON EARTH - HERSHEY PARK"

We decided to let the kids make their own chocolate bar while we were there.  It was so fun and they had a blast!  They are all at such fun ages where they get along and just enjoy being with each other.



Listening to the instructions on how to make your OWN CANDY BAR!!! :)



Getting aprons and hairnets on!!  SO CUTE!!

Aiden with his Uncle Kevin - watching his candy bar!!!

You got to pick the type of chocolate you wanted and then what you wanted in it!! YUMMY!!!

Mady's candy bar!!!!

This picture just makes me smile. :)  He's growing up so fast!!

She was SO excited that day - what kids wouldn't be excited to get CHOCOLATE!!??

LOVE HER!!!  She is growing up to be such a little lady!

Asher looking to see what he could find off the floor to eat. :)

Love this man - and all he does for our family!!

This smile says it all - CHOCOLATE!!!!

Aiden's finished chocolate - he couldn't wait to eat it!



Watson Family - 2012 (Plus Aiden!) :)



Hillary and Asher - he was such a good boy and watched all what was going on around him.

Cousins  - Victoria 9, Mady 9 and Logan 8

We had a blast with everyone and are looking forward to going to Hershey when it's warm out so we can ride the roller coasters!!!