holiday

The children had a good holiday. The kick off to the Christmas festivities was a trip to Durango, CO to play in some snow and ride the Polar Express train. Dylan started us off my giving me a heart attack. He decided to sled down a 10 foot steep hill with only one way out and that was straight up. On a normal day I'm sure it would've been no problem, but when there is at least 3 feet of snow it makes it hard to climb. Once we got settled and ready for some real sledding the babies pooped, but I decided to let them be rather then unbundle them in the snow. So the nice fresh mountain air had a tinge of poop for the better half of the day. Later that night it was time for the highlight of the trip. A train ride to the north pole to see Santa who would then give the children a bell if they believed. So once again we wore extra clothes and waited outside in the 13 degree weather for the train to arrive. Once we got on the train Nick pooped again, and again I opted to leave him then change him in the freezing weather. I think by the time the ride was over the whole train car was happy to get off and get some fresh air. This year we changed things up a little with the opening of gifts on Christmas Eve. My brother is married and has another family to accommodate for the holidays so to make it easier they came over on Christmas eve instead of trying to fit us in Christmas day. The boys were given the option of opening only a few gifts or all of them. Of course they chose all of them. Good thing I know Santa and knew that there was still going to be a few little things to open Christmas morning.
Now as the count down to the new year starts its also the count down to David's return home. For me it can't come fast enough, but the one thing I've learned from this deployment is just how much David means to this family and how totally unhappy I can get without him in it.

Merry Christmas!

I sure do hope you all have a great Christmas. Mine will not be the same, but we'll make do. It is always nice to be home for Christmas, but when the back bone of my family is not with me it just doesn't feel quite the same. It is times like these that I miss Dave more then usual, but like a "Ranger" I must press on and suck it up.
I want to thank you all for your blessings and sending Dave his care packages.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
JOHN 3:16

Merry Christmas all

Gift cards

You know there is nothing easier to buy for a gift then gift cards right? Wrong I just spent 5 hours shopping for gift cards. Shopping for an actual gift is hard enough. You have to hope that the gift you just bought would be something that the receiver would actually enjoy. Buying a gift card is almost just as stressful, you have to hope that the place you buy the card is a store that the receiver even likes to shop at.

Time

I was just putting some pictures on my face book page and thought I might as well add them to the blog while I'm at it. This is what I do all day....clean up after babies.

Going organiclly healthy

I do yoga and pilates at least 3 times a week. I drink LOTS of water. I don't smoke and I don't drink alcohol. Well, except for the occasional glass of wine, but wine is actually good for you as long as you don't drink the entire bottle all at once. My point is that I work to keep myself healthy. My sister-in-law and friend Brandi told me of this book called "skinny bitch" Its a no nonsense guide to eating healthy. Mostly its a guide to the way of the Vegan life style, but since I eat meat and my family eats meat and we like to eat meat cutting meat completely out of our diet is not going to work for us. However going organic will work for us. I implore you to also look into this "organic" way of life. Not only for your health and the health of your kids, but to stop the insane cruelty to the animals that we eat. Did you know that the factory farmers inject the animals with antibiotics, pesticides, steroids and hormones. All so that they will be nice and fat when they butcher them. The more meat from an animal means more money in their pockets. The animals are kept in cramped spaces for their entire life time. Some cant even turn around or lay down. Cages made to hold only 3 chickens actually hold about 10. This means that they cant even open their wings to stretch. Not to minchin they are stacked on top of each other so they are actually being pooped on by the chickens above them. Pour little guys. Did you know that a good farm cow can produce 10 pounds of milk a day. But a factory cow is hooked up to a machine that forces out up to 100 pounds of milk a day. This results in swollen, sore and infected utters. Which the factory then gives the cow antibiotics to treat, but not before the puss and blood are mixed in with the milk that was pumped. Ladies who have breast feed should be feeling very sorry for these cows. There are stories about the cruelty these animals endure that I just cant bring myself to repeat. I've cried much over this, but I beg you to either read this book or do some research on the treatment of factory animals. If we all come together and buy hormonal and pesticide free meat then those factories will changes the way they do business. Money talks to them and if we stop giving them our money they will listen. I know that organic food is a little bit more money, but to me its worth it. To know that the hamburger meat I'm eating came from a cow that was not still alive when its hide was ripped off its body. or to know that the chicken I'm eating wasn't alive when it was put into scalding hot water to loosen its feathers before hung up in a contraption that shakes the chicken until the feathers fall off. Organic is not just nuts and grains, buts its fresh fruits and vegetables that weren't sprayed with pesticides to keep them "fresh" on the way to the supermarkets. We all know the importance of exercises, but its all for nothing if what you put into your body is crap. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Whole grains and nuts and plenty of water. If you must eat meat ,like me then please make sure it wasn't from an animal that was put through hell first. If you don't get anything from this blog message then get this..You are what you eat.

Changes

So many changes happen this time of year. The weather, the clothes we wear, the home decor, even the foods we eat. Now Ive changed the background to this blog. I hope this doesn't put you over the edge.

Happy Thanksgiving

Its the day before,but I thought Id better write a little something now because I know tomorrow will be too crazy.
I just wanted to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful that David loves me to no end. I am thankful that my kids still climb into my bed just to hang out with me. I am thankful to be spending this holiday season with my parents. And I am thankful I have friends who still care enough about me to read this blog.


"For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, for love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends. For flowers that bloom about our feet; For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet; For song of bird, and hum of bee; For all things fair we hear or see, Father in heaven, we thank Thee!"
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Back to work

Im Going back to my side job as a Pampered Chef Consultant. I will soon have a fancy new web site. I would really appreciate it if you would host a show or even a catalog show. If you want to place an order, but dont want to deal with a show you can always order from my web site, email or call me anytime.

Until 2005 I sold Pampered Chef for 5 years. Recently I went to show and realized I kinda missed it. So here I go again.

seat warmers

We bought the minivan the day the babies were born. At the time I thought having the seat warming option was silly. We were in Hawaii after all, when would we possibly use them? Now Im in NM with the minivan and its getting chilly. The weather has been in the high 40's to mid 50's and I have to tell you the butt warmer is coming in handy.

stuck to the computer

Now Im stuck to the computer. I got stared on the "facebook". Now I write on this blog as well as the facebook. When Im not doing that then Im looking at real estate in San Antonio. The boys are at school and the babies are messing up the house one room at a time. Gotta run Dave is online.

Spelling Bee

Brian was in the school spelling bee today. Out of 53 kids only about 15 made it to the next round. Unfortunately Brian was not one of them, but he was close. His word was "umbrella" and he spelled it with 1 L. Oh well theres always next year.

Fall is here

The only thing I didn't like about Hawaii was that there is no change of season. Now here in New Mexico the weather is starting to cool down. The leaves have changed and the air is crisp. I love it. So in honor of the change in season I decided to change the back drop of the blog.

Happy Halloween

Brian as Indiana Jones

Dylan the Bumble Bee transformer

Footballer Nick. Had to get this costume just for the helmet.

And Ferry Pixie Ashley. Please notice the shoes. She LOVES them.

Better late than never. Our trick and treating began with a quick photo shoot. I was able to catch plenty of single child pictures, but a nice family photo was out of the question. After some tears and yelling the boys and I headed over to my brothers. Once we got all situated the race was on. Who would get to the door first? Who's turn was it to ring the door bell? After about 20 houses the kids stopped running and started walking getting slower and slower with every house. That being the clue that the party was over we said our good nights and then headed over to my old friend Brandi's house for a neighborhood block party. Ryan (Brandi's husband) took the boys trick or treating while I helped clean up. The boys now have more candy then they will ever get to eat, but they had fun getting it.

electronics

Water, electronics and kids do not mix. Ashley spilled water on my desk and some of it got into my brand new lap top. Thankfully its covered under a warranty, but the headache of possibly loosing everything is still in effect. This reminds me of the time Brian then 3 years old dropped my cell phone into the toilette. I had to get a new phone, but all my numbers were lost. So the moral of the story is keep the kids away from your toys.

I'm using my moms computer....

Rave Reviews

The Halloween party was a success. All of the games went smoothly and nobody got hurt. I was given many compliments on the decor and the over all flow of the control. I would love to take all the credit, but I must pass along some thank yous of my own. Thank you to Stacey for helping me clean the house and decorating, and thank you to my mom for making the awesome food for the adults.
And the winners are...
Trevor for the hot pumpkin toss
Jasmine for the shaking her booty during the monster mash dance contest
Jackie for pin the tail on the cat
Jeremiah for using his head in the apple bobbing
and the team of Trevor, Jackie and Braden in the mummy wrap.

So until next year....

Dads pillow

I think my boys are handling this deployment very well. We have not had any major problems other then some mild depression, and some back talk. A few days ago I changed the linens on the beds and Brian asked if I thought his dad would mind if he slept with his pillow. I asked why and he said because it was softer. I totally agree with him and said sure. That night my bed felt even more empty so while Brian was at school I took back "dads pillow." Later that evening I took a shower and when I got into bed I noticed the pillow was gone. I went to pull straws with Brian only to find him fast asleep on "dads pillow"..............so I pulled it out from under him.......JUST KIDDING! hehehe
I kissed him on the cheek and walked away with tears in my eyes.

A day full of good news

Today Dave called with exciting news of our next duty station. Ft Sam Houston, San Antonio Texas. We couldn't be more excited about that. San Antonio is where we were wanted to retire in 3 years. So now we get to move there and start our lives, but still have the comfort of being in the military. Most of all we get to finally buy our very own house!!!! We will be moving around June/July while the kids are out for summer break.

In more good news. Brian will be representing his classroom in the school wide spelling bee. The spelling bee will be in November I will keep you posted on the results.

I always find it funny how the kids are so different from each other. Brian is strong in reading, but struggles with math. Dylan excels in math but gets frustrated with reading. Ashley is aggressive and Nick is mellow.

Time to get back to work, just wanted to share a bit of exciting news.

Stories

Wow its been a while since I wrote anything. I'm sorry my dear readers. Here's whats been happening.
First I got an "A" I mean Brian got an "A"on the shark project. He said he did really good with his presentation and it wasn't as scary as he thought.

We also went on a camping trip with the cub scouts. It only lasted 1 night because it started to rain the next morning, but we had fun while it lasted. Brian used the hatchet to chop off tree limbs for firewood and marshmallow sticks. Dylan cleaned out the campsite of all the rocks and grass with the shovel. After we set up the tent we went to the lake to try our hand at fishing. The wind was so wild down by the lake that every time we cast out our lines they flew backwards. So after 10 minutes of that we headed back to the camp site. We found a few pinon nuts and played around with our friends. Brian was in charge of the fire and Dylan was in charge of looking out for bears. That evening was pretty chilly and very windy, so when it started raining the next morning I knew it was our clue to head back home.

David is also doing just fine. Busy as usual. Our last conversations have been towards our new location. We know we would love to stay in Hawaii forever, but that would mean he'd have to deploy again and we really don't want to do that. So now we are looking at our options as far as non deploying units such as training units. So now he may be going from an active infantryman to an instructor. He's been a Ranger Instructor before so its nothing new, but he enjoys being in the middle of things better. Its still to early to tell where we might go, but as long as he doesn't have to deploy again I could actually careless. Well that's not entirely true. I would like to go somewhere that we have not been to yet. I'll keep you posted when we know for sure.

Okay, I think your all caught up. See you next time.

School project

So I was outed yesterday. Brian had a school project on an animal that I "helped" him with, but when he tried to give a practice speech to the family it was me who answered all the questions. He knows everything there is it know about the great white shark, but has bad stage fright. We all got a good laugh because how could a child of mine have stage fright? I am such the drama queen and after a few points and tips my boy was just as dramatic as I was. I wish I could've been in his class today to see him give his 2minute demonstration, but I'm sure I would've made him even more nervous.

Oprah Show

I just watched an episode of Oprah that I had on the DVR. It was about a mother who left her 2 year daughter in the car for 8 hours while she was at work. The first thought that went through my mind was what kind of person could forget their baby in the car, but then the show went on to explain what happened. Then I realized that couldve easily have been me or you. Her husband is the one who usually takes the kids to daycare, but on this day he had a dentist appt. She had changed her daily routine to take her daughter, and at the end of the day she realized she forgot to drop her off and she died in the extremely hot car. I say that this could happen to anyone of us because there are times when we have so much on our plate that any change in the "routine" could be disastrous. There was a zen master on the show, and he said something that I TRY to follow everyday. That is to be in the moment in everything you do. If you are with your children then BE with your children. Your T.V shows can be recorded, the laundry can wait, and remember when there was a time with no cell phones.
Not only do I try to focus on my tasks, but with 15min a day with Yoga meditation I am able to center and focus on my surroundings. Try it. I actually use an exercise I learned in high school drama class. Lay down on your back in a quite room with your arms at your side. Relax your whole body. Let your feet fall to the side. Listen to your breath feel your heart beat. Let your mind clear of all activity. Just be in the moment. Can you hear the birds outside? Can you hear the hum of the electricity going though the walls? Now start at your feet. wiggle your toes, feel your legs, your hips.move your fingers wake up your arms, turn your head from side to side. Open your eyes.
Im telling you I don't get much sleep, but after I do this I feel like I took the greatest nap ever.

Be in the moment.

carrot, egg or coffee

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, 'Tell me what you see.' 'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She didand noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hardboiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'So…what does it mean, Mom?' Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting in the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water,the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot,an egg or a coffee bean? The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches. When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

May we all be COFFEE!!!!!!!

I got this in an email and wanted to share it here.

David update

Well theres not alot to tell actually. He's been pretty busy these last few weeks. After the death of his solder he went full force in apprehending anyone with known ties to terrorist groups. In doing so he captured 2 suicide bombers and dozens more. For his actions he was awarded the bronze star. That's about all I can say at this time. His phone calls are short and since he cant tell me how his day is going I pretty much do all the talking.

multi tasking

Can you do it? I can't.

For as long as I can remember I can not multi task. I can focus all my energy into 1 project, but to do more than one at a time, nope.

A few weeks ago I started working on the kids scrapbooks. I put all my energy into it and have done a pretty good job if I do say so myself. Then I volunteered myself to making the pack newsletter for the cub scouts. I focused so much on producing an awesome newsletter that I now have 2 weeks of laundry to do and we are down to last egg in the fridge. I try to my projects during the babies 2 hour nap, but just when I get going they wake up.

Oh speaking of babies. Nick finally decided to start walking!! I thought having Ashley walking and getting into everything was crazy enough. Add Nick to the mix and this house looks like a whirlwind went threw every room in the house.


Well, sounds like nap time is over. No No Ashley, and Nick get out of there are awake. Maybe I'll have a moment to write more later.

party planning

Its that time of year already. Birthdays followed by the holiday season. I decided to make it a little easier this year by having Brian's 8th birthday at the bowling alley. However I may be going overboard on Dylan's 6th birthday. Its a halloween themed party and you must wear a costume to enter. We just came home from a neighbors party and I quickly remembered how easily kids get bored and start running wild. So this is why Ive decided to start planning so early. Ive come up with a few ideas, but I think I need some more, so if you have any suggestions Id love to hear them. This is what Ive got so far. Games...pin the eye on the monster - guess how many eyeballs are in the jar - hot pumpkin (potato) - and monster mash dance contest. Food....mummy dogs (hot dogs) - bone sandwiches (bologna) - lizard legs (pickle strips) - bat wings (hot wings) - and monster eyes (devilled eggs).

There is one party I don't need to worry about hosting this year and that's the Dougherty thanksgiving. This is a major event for us because we are not around our families for thanksgiving. Therefore we host dinner at our house for our "military family". Our last dinner was in 2006 and we had approx 70 people. We host this "event" for David's solders both the single and married with families. Mostly its the single guys that show, but the married with families usually stop by for some pie. It may be crazy, but its a fun time for Dave to spend with the guys off duty, and for me to get to know everyone. Now that I think about it I think that may have been our last dinner. Now that Dave is a first sargent there is no way we can have a nice dinner for 500 guys in our house. Although knowing Dave I'm sure he'll empty the the garage and the house of all its contents to fit in some tables and chairs. I'm sure its not our last dinner after all.

I better get back to scanning the web for Halloween party ideas. Again if you have any please comment below.

mischef

What is going on with my babies? Nick has learned how to take off his diaper. I went to get him out of the crib and was welcomed with wide open arms full of poop. Not only did he take off the diaper, but he pooped all over the bed, and played in it. He had it everywhere! In his hair, between his toes and all over the wall. Then again this morning I found him half naked and he had peed on the outside of the crib all over the brand new carpet. I know this because I stepped in it. Is it already time for potty training?
Ashley refuses to accept that some cabinets are actually off limits to her. She has broken off the handle to the pool equipment cabinet because she wanted what? The sunscreen?
Whats next? Finding poop in a cabinet?

Hi Da da

I saw the cutest thing today. Ashley was in my room sitting in my chair talking to the picture of Dave on the computer. She was saying Dada and waving. I got all teary eyed and by the time I found my camera she had gotten off the chair and started to leave my room. It will have to be a picture in my head for now, but I will have the camera in a better spot for next time.

scouts

All is fine here. We joined the boy scouts. Yes, I said we. I signed up the boys so they would be hanging out with other boys, and some good ol holism manly men guides. Little did I know that the days of dropping off your boy are over. Now a parent must accompany their scout on all activities. Yes, even camping. Yey and you know how my last camping trip went. All in all it actually sounds like fun. Trips to sporting events, arts and crafts, and 2 weekends a year for roughing it out in the wild. I guess I'll deal with it as long as the boys are having fun. Who knows maybe I'll learn how to start a fire with 2 sticks.

Hero

I was about to take a morning nap since my allergy medication is kicking in, but I wanted to share this first. David has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his achievement in conducting raids and leading his company in apprehending 2 suicide bombers. This is one of the highest medals awarded and this also makes his 2ND bronze star.
Way to go D. Keep up the good work and come home safe. I love you.

new adventures

A friend once asked me if having a baby was really that big of a change in your life. My answer is YES! Not only financially, physically, but mentally as well. Yes babies can cost a lot, but twins cost twice as much. I was spending $100 a week on formula and $40 a month on diapers. That's just for the essentials, but then you have to clothe the baby and most outfits are $10each. Things do add up that is for sure. Thankfully they are now drinking cows milk and eating regular table food, but they still get a diaper changed at least 5 times a day and drink a gallon of milk every 2 days. Physically taking care of babies is a lot of work there is no end like when your babysitting. They demand your attention at all times. Even when they are sound asleep you still find your self just standing over them watching to see their chest go up and down. Running to the store now requires you to pack a bag full of just in case items. Like band aides, motrin, extra diapers and wipes, a full bottle, and toys. Then when you get to the store you need to go by the list no lolly gagging around. Get in and get out, because you never know when there will be a meltdown. If your spouse is as supportive as mine then mentally you will get a break. You will be able to take a 1 hour bath, go shopping just for fun, even go to lunch and movie with a girlfriend. Your baby will become your life, but you still need time to yourself to reconnect with who you are as a person. Babies don't come with a Manuel as much as we wish they would, but in the end its your baby and how you choose to raise him is all up to you and what works for you. As much as I yell I try to make sure to give hugs and kisses twice as much. I wouldn't trade one bit of it for anything in the world. The purest love you will ever feel is the love for your child. They say that you cant see or hear love, but I do. I see it in the smile on my kids face, and I hear it in their laughs and cries. There are time when my eyes fill with tears because I am so happy to be their mom. So yes a baby can change your life. For me and Dave they have made our lives better and fuller.

All about me

Okay, so I've been asked to talk about me and Dave a little bit more. Honestly I find it hard to talk about myself. I know your thinking "WHAT? NO WAY". But seriously once I became a mom I sorta put myself on the back burner. I know I shouldn't. I know I should think of myself more often. I know I should spend more time on myself. I know, I know, I know, but I don't. To me taking care of my kids and making sure my husband is happy is more important to me than going to the spa every month. I do take the time for yoga and pilates, but then again that's really only for 1 hour every other day. So unfortunately when I say not to much is happening with me its the truth. Unless you want to hear about how I went to Walmart to buy some milk and ended up spending $100 on everything else. And this one time I went to buy a picture frame at Hobby Lobby and walked out with a basket full of everything else but a picture frame.
Oh I just thought about something. I have allergies. The number one reason why we are not going to live in New Mexico. My allergies. If you have them then you understand. If you don't then here's what its like. A runny nose that even blowing doesn't clear, itchy eyes that feel like they are on fire. Itchy throat that drinking or gurgling doesn't help and the ever present sinus headache with so much pressure you which you could just squeeze it out. I tell you I would rather have a cold then allergies.
Oh I thought of something else. Ive finally started working on the kids scrapbooks. See even in my "free time" I'm thinking and doing for my family. I started a journal scrapbook for Brian and got all the way to his 1st birthday and poor Dylan only had his birth page done. I went to Hobby Lobby again, I think that store is evil by the way. I think it calls you and makes you spend money there. Sorry rambling again. I went to Hobby Lobby and stocked up on stickers and colorful paper and theme paper and scrap books for the twins. I'm actually surprised that I came home and found the time to work on the books. So, that's what I've been up to.

I do miss my husband and our daily dinner dish. We would come home from work and share the events of the day with each other while we are making dinner. Since Dave can not tell me what he is doing, I have to take the fact that his calls and emails mean that he is doing alright. I do get monthly reports from the FRG (Family Readiness Group)(the wives club)on the actions they are taking and missions they have completed, but its not the juicy scoop we all love to hear.
He had a lot to deal with this last few weeks. I know this because his voice was softer and his mood was lighter. Normally my David is goofy and makes me laugh over the dumbest things, but lately he is expressing his love and devotion. It is always wonderful to hear how much you are loved and missed, but it makes the separation harder when you can not physically show it. We miss each other and count down the months until we will all be together again.
You know we all take for granted what we have until its not there any more. I always took for granted how much David does until he is not around to do them. He takes the kids to the skateboard park, he cooks all the time, and he gives me hugs just because I walked past him. I really miss my hugs (yes I'm crying). So I will close this entry by saying, don't take for granted what your spouse does no matter how minimal it may seem.

Pictures

Here are the pictures for the past postings. Nick and his cracked head and Brian with the new glasses.

School Started

Yeahoooo!!!! I can't tell you how happy I am that school finally started. Oh don't get me wrong I love having my boys around, just not ALL OF THE TIME. Not only were my boys here, but I took care of my 6 yr old nephew Ayden as well. Most of the time we had no problems. They played in the pool, rode bikes, played the Nintendo DS, and watched movies and ate popcorn. I even worked with each boy on school work and reading. I know your probably laughing at that considering that I have run on sentences. Haha. I did say most of the time we had no problems, but on the bad days I could feel the wrinkles permanently indent into my forehead. I ate cough drops to keep my throat from going raw and at the end of the evening I had a glass of wine.
Now that school has started the house is quite. I almost cant wait for the babies to wake up. I said almost.
Im not the only one who was excited for school to start. The boys were too. The night before they picked out the outfits they were going to wear and leave it up to Brian to put on a fashion show first. Dylan actually used soap in the bath and made sure he put clean socks in his pile of clothes. In the morning I got a call from the school saying they were on a 2 hour delay because someone slashed the buses tires. Dylan was not happy about that, he put on his backpack and sat on the couch to watch cartoons. Every 10 minutes they would ask if it was time to go to the bus stop. So in 2 hours my boys learned how to tell time on a regular analog clock. They were ready for school.
David is doing fine. The reality of this war hit home for me last week. One of his solders was killed and two were wounded by a suicide bomber. Its a very scary and upsetting thought that this is all totally real, but we hold our heads up and pray to God that will be the last one.

On to a better note. The boys are back in school!!!

kids

We found out that Brian needs glasses. He has a mild astigmatism and nearsighted. Maybe that is one in the same I'm not sure. I still haven't figured out all the wording. I let him pick out a pair of glasses and to my surprise he actually picked out a pair of simple rectangle glasses. I thought he would go for a "Harry Potter" style, but those are the kind he absolutely refused to even try on. He will get them in 7 to 10 days, so you'll just have to wait for the picture.

Dylan took off the training wheels from his bike today! Wow I thought he would never let me take them off. I guess there are times when they just know that they are ready to move on to the next step. It took some time, but once he got going only the curb could stop him. Like a true Dougherty he got up really pissed and tried again until he remembered that the bike has brakes.

Nick is doing just fine. Since the big fall he has hit his head twice, but he shakes it off and moves on. I can honestly say that Ive babied him a little bit more this last week, but I cant help it. The stitches just remind me everyday of how lucky I am.

Ashley has also been nicer to her brother this week, but I'm not sure if its his head or because he's finally just given in to her bossiness. I love my little girl and I know that when she is older she will have her brothers eating out of the palm of her hand.

untitled

I don't even know what to title this entry. Independence, Camping, or My Brother? Okay let me explain each and maybe then you'll see why its a choice.



Independence.

Now I know where I get mine from. MY MOM! This week my mom decided she wanted to take the kids and go camping. Now usually that's not a big deal, but for some reason my dad didn't feel like going so he put up a fight. I have never known my mom to back down from anything she wants and by golly she wanted to go camping and to hell with him. At first I was a little worried about her pulling a big ol camper trailer with my two boys and 6 yr old nephew Ayden in the suv with her, but as I followed her in my van with the babies and saw that she could handle it I relaxed. When we arrived in the Jemez mountains 45 minutes later my next worries were how were we going to set up the camper without my dad or brother. That is after all the mans job right? Wrong, my mom set out the tasks and before I knew it we were done. Propane tanks hooked up and ready. electricity going. Leveled and straight. Beds made and lunch ready to be served. To say I was impressed by her would be an understatement. Proud would be a more fitting word. Way to go mom. Im proud and impressed and I love you.



Camping.

Now you probably figured out why I haven't written anything else since my first entry. For those who didn't catch on. Because I went camping with my mom and 5 kids.
I grew up going camping at least once every 3 months, so this is nothing new to me. Although when I married Dave and realized he basically camps for a living it isn't our first choice for a getaway weekend. The boys thought it was fun to hike around looking for snakes, spiders, scorpions and other natural wild life. Until they actually found something and would run back to the camp screaming like a bunch of sissy sally girls. Ashley and Nick were in camping heaven sitting in the muddy banks of the river. The first night we roasted an entire bag of marshmallows and nobody got sick. Ahh camping there is nothing like it. Sitting outside in the heat. Getting eaten by mosquitoes. Smelling of sweat and smoke. Watching for falling stars in clearest of skys, and sleeping with 5 kids that either talk, wiggle or even fart in their sleep.



My Brother.

The next morning to my relief my little brother Jason showed up. Okay he's not little anymore. He is 28 with an awesome wife Stacey and 2 crazy kids Ayden 6, and Surraya 1. Now remember I said we were already set up, but I didn't say we were starting to get a flat tire on the camper. He fixed it and then took the boys exploring into the wilderness. Then we decided to go up to the lake and fish. We didn't catch anything, but it was still fun to try. Since we used all the marshmallows the night before Jason gave the boys some hotdogs to roast on a stick. Grandma asked Dylan to make her a hotdog and she wanted it burnt. As Dylan is cooking we notice his stick is on fire and we start laughing because we know that at any minute the stick will break and he will loose the hotdog. He pulls it out of the fire and starts to blow out the fire just as he does the hotdog falls on his face. Jason starts laughing so hard I put the flashlight on him to see whats so funny. Dylan has a perfect black greasy hotdog mustache above his upper lip from one cheek to the other. Me and Mom start cracking up I started to cry and almost peed my pants. The joy of that day and night came to a crashing halt. At 3am while asleep Nick fell out of the camper and hit his head on the pavement. He has a cut that required 5 stitches. Thanks to my brother he drove as I held my baby to the closest emergency room 45min away. He is fine now and acts like nothing ever happened, but for me the sound of my screaming baby will haunt me forever. I thank God that it wasn't worse. It could've been so much worse. The area he fell out of was right over the hitch and propane tanks. Saying thank you to my brother just doesn't seem like enough. I will be forever grateful that he chose to be with his family then go to work that day. I love you brother.

All in all I had a good time. Maybe we will even try to go again and this time I'm sleeping in tent with all the children. Okay maybe not a tent, but on the floor of the camper at least.

Welcome

I would like to welcome you to the Dougherty Family Update. My longtime friend Carrie has blog and I thought how cool is that. So I decided to give it a try. I also figured that this was ALOT easier then sending out emails to everyone. You can look us up whenever you want to hear and see whats happening with us. Please keep in mind that I am not a writer so forgive my grammar. I bet Carrie will have field day with all of my mistakes. In fact all my teacher friends out there will have fun too.

Ok, so hear it goes....

As all of you know David is in the US Army. We are stationed in Hawaii again for the 3rd time. He is currently deployed to Iraq and I'm at my parents house with the kids in New Mexico. I have lived my entire adult life with just David, and to move back home was a huge decision. After the babies were born David left for training in the Mojave desert for 3 months, and that's when the decision was made. I have to go home. I will need all the help they can offer. I did this 2 years ago when he was deployed to Afghanistan and I told myself I wouldn't do it again. Then along came Nick and Ashley, and I realized I'd pull all my hair out and become an alcoholic if I had to deal with all 4 kids by myself. I consider myself to be a very independent person. You have to be if your going to marry someone in the military. But the thought of having to cart around 4 kids to the store just to run in to pick up some milk was going to be a pain in the butt. Would I even be aloud to take a shower with the kids running loose in the house? So needless to say I am here. I am very close to my family and I find it funny how when I'm not living here they always seem to have something going on. A wedding, a family reunion, a pool party, something. And now while I'm here "the party queen" as my sister in law Stacey calls me. There is nothing going on. So whats up family and friends? Is the thought of me and my group to much to handle that you just forget to invite us or what? Just kidding, but I do have a party dress in my closet ready for any occasion.

Back to the update. David is doing fine. He is now the 1sgt of alpha company. For my non-military people he is the boss of 200-500 soldiers. This is the highest job positon he will make in his military carrier. He has been locating and apprehending known terrorist as well as humanitarian work like helping the Iraqi people get back on their feet and pulling guard duty so they will feel safe to go to the markets. I know alot of people a thankful for the solders, but I am especially proud of mine. He has worked his way up the ranks and completed every school the army offers. Just to make sure he knows what to do in any given situation. To my company wives and parents I am confident that David will bring your husband or son home safe and sound.

The boys Brian and Dylan are adjusting to the deployment just fine. They are going to school and have made many friends. They are also getting to know their cousins and other family members. Brian played baseball this summer and even recieved the game ball for one of the games. This was an exciting moment for him since he never played baseball before. He is also taking ninjitsu training. It is a form of karate,but its NINJA training. Which to him is somehow cooler. No he doesn't wear a mask, but given the chance im sure he would.
Dylan is my handful. He is a very outgoing child that when told not to talk to strangers he would introduce himself just so they aren't strangers anymore. He is in soccer and that is my savor for him. It allows him to be in control and not to menchin burn off all his energy. He had a hard time with the babies, but slowly he is accepting the fact that my attention needs to be spread out to all of my babies not just him.
Nick is a little duplicate of Dave. He even sticks out his tongue when he concentrates. He is a pretty mellow baby. Only cries when he is tired or teething. He loves to smile and laughs when his sister gets in trouble.
Ashley is already being called by her full name. ASHLEY MICHELLE I SAID NO NO. Yes that is her full name. Its not written that way on the birth certificate, but I'm thinking of changing it. She gets into everything. I even had child proof locks on the cabinet doors and she figured them out.
As for myself I have taken up the art of pilates and yoga. They are a strength training exercise for both the body and my sanity. I wish I could say I have my flat stomach back, but dude I had twins. I have also started to ride a bike. I know some of you say woohoo, but seriously its hard work and I hate cardio.

OK enough about me lets talk about you. So what do you think about me and this blog?