No Moms Allowed

I was happily shocked when I woke up and saw that is was 9:00 in the morning. The girls usually wake me up when they get up. I knew they must have found something fun to do and laughed when I came out of my room to find this note posted.



The girls had spent their morning making this huge tent that took up half of our living room! They laughed, giggled, and played together in there for a long time and even spent the night camped in it. I am glad they get along so well together and are able to do such creative things and make fun, happy memories with each other.

Swim Time

Today was so nice and warm we wanted to have some fun so the girls and I met Amy and her kids at the swimming pool. The kids had a lot of fun swimming, sliding, swinging, playing, and splashing around while Amy and I sat in the cool shade and watched. Wendy was a lot braver this year. She wasn't afraid to walk around, even out to the deep areas. After they were done swimming we went out for some frozen yogurt. It was a great, relaxing summer day.

2 Week R&R

As the time came for LeeRoy to come home for his two week R&R I got so excited I started making all kinds of plans but when I asked LeeRoy what he wanted to do he said he mainly just wanted to be home. So that is what we did and it was wonderful! He made sure to spend quality time with each of the girls and they loved having their dad home again. We visited with family, played lots of games, had a water party, and just spent tons of relaxing time together. Having him home made such a difference. I was thinking of what I would write on here and there is just no way to describe it. Seeing him leave again was really hard but now we are in the final stage of this deployment and the end is finally in sight. We are so thankful for the time we got to spend together and look forward to seeing him again soon!

Independence Day

We went to the annual Call Family Reunion at a park in Pocatello and had such a great time with everyone. The food was amazing and the kids loved playing with all the other kids and just running around in the sun. It was so wonderful having my husband and soldier home for this special holiday and he loved seeing all the family again and visiting with everyone.






After the reunion we headed back home where we were invited to a party by some friends. We got to watch the fireworks almost directly under them. They were the best seats in town! Wendy went crazy! This is the first year the fireworks did not scare her and she yelled, shouted, oooooed and awwwwed after each one. LeeRoy and I laughed the whole time just listening to her. Emily had fun hanging out with friends and watching the show. We had such a great day and once we got home the kids were asleep within minutes. I guess all the fun wore them out!

Hot Dog Eating Demonstration - 2011

During our Annual Call Family 4th of July Reunion this year my brother-in-law did a hot dog eating demonstration for us. Since I am his official sponsor I decided to record the momentous event! We were so excited since he was able to break his previous record!

Double Birthday

Emily and LeeRoy share a birthday so it was extra special that he was able to be home to celebrate with us. He had been asking Emily since he got home what she wanted him to get her and she told him she mainly wanted a vanity. Once we were alone I told him not to worry about it, since I had already purchased one and it was in a big box already wrapped sitting in the garage. Well, when it was time to open presents Emily had opened all but her big box and she decided she was too tired of opening things and wanted LeeRoy to open it for her since it was his birthday too. He kind of chastised her a little for not appreciating what she was given but she insisted he should open it so he did. He was very shocked however to discover a vanity was not inside but a surprise present for him instead! It was a picture of the Prayer at Valley Forge that he has been wanting since we were first married and he was so excited!


He also got another surprise when his sister Peggy came down to celebrate with us. We always love it when she comes!


We had such a great time celebrating and visiting. Time together is so precious. Emily is now a 9 year old and I have watched her grow and progress so much this last year. With LeeRoy gone the last 10 months it has been a challenge to enjoy time instead of just wishing it by and I am so grateful for times like this that remind me about the joy and rarity of each day!

He's Home!

He is finally home for his much needed, two week R&R before he goes back to Iraq to finish out the rest of his deployment. There are no words to express how wonderful it is having him home again!