The Dougherty Family Update

2010-03-24T11:23:00.001-07:00

Wow, I know it has been awhile since I last wrote something, but I didn't think it was this long.

The job search continues. I've had 2 interviews for different jobs with Carlson Wagonlit Sato Travel. They have to do a full back ground check on me then hopefully one of them will hire me. The hardest part is to have the patience to sit and wait. I guess its a good thing that I don't "need" the job. Can you imagine if I actually needed the money to pay bills and had to wait 3 weeks after and interview to to find out if I was accepted or not? Talk about stress.

The dream of opening our own boutique has not gone away, it's just on hold. Dave has started his networking in the golf world for his retirement job. He is working with a golf corse event coordinator in planning a tournament with the wounded solders. He is also putting in extra time as the baseball coach for Brian's team. So between work and sports he keeps himself busy.

The kids are the same ol same ol. Dyan is starting to excel in his school and has not had a bad report in quite a while. Ashley poured out 4 bottles of my nail polish on my closet floor carpet. Which put her at the top of my most watched list. Nick is just happy to have a golf club, or baseball glove in his hand. He also wants to go up to the clouds using bouncy shoes, but hasn't come up with a way to get down yet. Brian had his bike stolen from a friends front yard, and he had to make a police report in case its found somewhere.

You can find me most times on facebook, cleaning house, watching tv, at soccer practice and games and now with the warm weather at the park with the babies. My days of pilates have just about faded. I need to get back into the groove, but I just cant seem to motivate myself. Perhaps when I have to wear a swimsuit, although by then it maybe to late. Oh well.

So I guess until next time...

2010-02-05T09:49:00.000-08:00

I had an interview with Dave's unit. All in all the interview went well. Some of the questions were standard, tell us about yourself, best and worst qualities, what do think this job entails..etc. Other questions were more technical, do I know what system they use for budget analysis, do I speak spanish, how well do I know DTS. At the end of the interview there was a test on the computer with DTS. Could I prove that I can actually make a travel arrangement. Thankfully Dave showed me how to use the system and aside from feeling like I took a long time, I proved I could.
But in the end I didnt get the job. They offered it to someone who speaks fluent spanish and had been doing the same job with a different unit.
Im ok with that. I would rather not have gotten the job because I was not as qualified as they wanted, then to have not tried at all. I started looking back at the Carlson office in San Antonio and found a posting for both a senior agent and a regular agent. I applied for the senior position. The interesting part is within hours of applying they sent a reference request to John, my former manager. I hope the hours and pay will be what Im looking for or I might have to actually turn it down. The job is at the 24/7 emergency call center. Obviously with Dave constantly having to go out of town and having 4 kids, working nights and every weekend is not an option. So now we wait.
On the plus side the anxiety I felt about putting the babies in daycare has been completely washed away. We went to a day care center to check out the place and the babies just moved in like it was no big deal. When the tour was over and it was time to leave, both of the babies waved to the kids and said "goodbye friends" They didnt want to leave school and actually gave me a fuss about getting back in the car.
Well, that is all Ive got for now.....

2010-01-29T07:30:00.000-08:00

No news is good news right? Still nothing confirming Dave leaving.
I have applied for several government jobs and so far I was turned down for one and accepted for another, so now I'm just waiting on a phone call for an interview time. In the mean time I'm also waiting to see if I was accepted for any of the other jobs as well. I decided to try and go for a government GS position instead of walking into a simple travel agency as I have always done. The pay is twice as much as I have ever made and there is a greater chance for promotions.
The family is same ol same ol. Boys go to school and the babies keep the house just dirty enough for me to have something to do. Sorry not a lot going on here at the moment so until next time....

2010-01-18T10:51:00.000-08:00

Dave is packing up for a possible trip to Haiti. This is a deployment I can deal with, but the conditions make me worry. He went to Haiti in 1994 for a humanitarian mission, so he remembers what things were like. Lots of sick and homeless people everywhere, hot, smelly, bad mosquitoes and of course the tremendous amount of people who have HIV and AIDS. Now the situation is 100 times worse and I pray he is even more vigilant of the people around him. He has a huge heart and I know he will do anything that needs to be done, if it's digging in the rubble, applying first aid, passing out supplies or security he will do it tirelessly. He does not know for sure if he is going or how long he will be gone or if he will even be able to call home once he is there. I'll keep you posted.

2010-01-12T18:09:00.000-08:00

After hours of discussion Dave and I have decided to take things slow on the boutique. We both felt that we got a little ahead of ourselves. We are still going to do our best to open a store, but probably not my June of this year.
Dave is still committed to the army, and until they give him the final retirement we must not make such huge plans when truth be told we might be asked to move again. This is ok, it will give us time to replenish out bank accounts and make it look to the banks that we can actually payback a business loan.
I have come to the realization that I am NOT a stay at home mom. As much as I wish I was, I am not. I love my children to no end, but honestly I need time away from them every now and again. I am loosing my sense of self. I'm more unhappy than happy and unfortunately I tend to take it out on Dave. He has always known I was not meant to stay home, but he also knew I needed to figure it out for myself. Finally after 3 years I've figured it out, so my resume is up to date and I have begun the job search. I'll let you know what happens.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T17:45:00.000-08:00

I really don't think this year could be topped. Dave came home from Iraq. We moved to San Antonio, TX and bought our first house. I was able to furnish the house with brand new furniture, buy Dave a truck and still have money for a swimming pool.
This year we hope to finish with the decorating of the house. A computer station and organized play area upstairs. Dylan's room needs some paint. Painting the dinning room and turning our bedroom and bathroom into a spa. The vegetable garden, and tropical plants surrounding the pool area.
The biggest event happening right now is the process of opening our own business. This is an idea that Dave and I each had at separate times. In Hawaii there is a clothing boutique. I love their clothes so much I had Dave go on a shopping spree to fill up my closet before he left Hawaii. The clothes are famine, floral and flirty.
One night I had a dream that I owned a store. I woke up and thought how funny it was that I liked her clothes so much that I dream of them. A few days later Dave and I were in the car and the subject of the future came up. He then began to tell me he had a dream of us owning this store. I laughed and said I did too. We talked about it, but set the idea aside. In December we went to a little apple cider festival and as I walked passed a store front that was for rent. I thought to myself that it would make a good location for our store. A few seconds later as Dave walked passed the same store he yelled up to me that this was a good location for the boutique. With this happening again we decided to look further into this crazy idea. So here is the idea for our boutique...
It's a small women's and girls clothing boutique.It has a romantic, vintage, shabby chic feel. The smells in the air will be of roses, lilac, lavender and jasmine. The music playing in the back ground will be singers and standards. Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, Michal Buble, Elle Fitzgerald etc. The wallpaper will be vintage floral. Pink and cream paint. Dark brown hard wood floors, white and cream shelves, armories and tables ,and crystal chandeliers. The clothes are soft flowing sun dresses and shirts. Capri pants and shorts. The extras will be handmade beaded jewelry, soaps, lotions, candles and my tote bags.
We are still in the planning stage. Dave will be calling the owner of the Hawaii store this month and with luck we will get an ok and either we will be owners of a franchise or buying their clothes wholesale. I will keep you posted on the progress and welcome your thoughts and suggestions.

2009-11-17T07:43:00.000-08:00

Sorry it's been a while. We have finally finished on the big project for the house, the pool. I tell you it turned out just like we hoped it would. Now it's time to relax a bit and start saving up for the big spring project, the vegetable garden.

Things are running pretty smoothly here, the boys are still doing good in school. The babies are driving me crazy and Dave is doing his best at finding me a job with in his office. The thought of going back to work is exciting and scary. I'm scared only because it's been almost 3 years since I worked. I'm looking forward to the positives of working though, a little more income will help with the stress of having real bills now. The babies will get to interact with other kids at daycare and waste the crazy amount of energy they have. And then there is the fact that I'll actually have a reason to get fully dressed and out of my well worn yoga clothes.

The job has a bit of a change for me, I'm a little bit of a go to girl. I'll do some standard secretarial work and organizing. But what I'm most comfortable with is the travel needs that this group has. I've started putting together my resume with some other info then just travel agent jargin. Thankfully my computer has grammar and spell check, otherwise I'd be screwed.

Another job option that we've come up with is starting our own business. We have this grand idea based on my most favorite store in Hawaii. My only problem is I have no clue how to ask the designer if I can sell her clothes in my store. Do I say "Hi I really love your clothes and want to sell them in my store" Or do I say "Hi I want to open a store based on your store and would love to sell your clothes" Then lets just say she says "ok sure" then do I buy them from her and keep them in my garage until I find a place, or do I find the place first and hope she says yes.

The more I think about it, the more I'm just comfortable working for the government and getting a great paycheck. Then to put my house up as collateral and if the boutique fails not only will I be out of thousands of dollars, jobless, but now homeless.

Any thoughts? Suggestions?

2009-10-07T13:45:00.000-07:00

So I sit here thinking of something interesting to write and I can't come up with much. The latest goings on in my life are centered around the children. The boys have finally started their sports. Brian is in fall baseball and Dylan in soccer. During the day they have school which leaves me at home with the babies who are creating work to keep me busy. We have practices though out the week and games on saturdays. The games I am sad to admit are poorly watched by me and Dave since at soccer we are trying to keep the babies from running onto the field to play with the ball. During the baseball games Im dealing with the babies and Dylan and the constant need to check out the concession stand or get stuck under the bleachers while Dave is on the field or in the dug out with Brian.
The days are still hot and muggy something I hope is not the norm. Thankfully the pool will be installed next week. I do hope it stays warm just enough for us to get in a few times before we have to close it for the winter.
All in all I can't complain. We are all together and finally into a routine. We still have a list of things to do around the house and no deadlines to meet. I put out a feeler on a job and to my surprise I was offered a position, unfortunately it was not the job I wanted. I was hoping for a position as an outside agent, but the offer was for an office agent. With the babies not in school I cant see the benefit in working so that my paycheck can pay for daycare. Maybe in time they will call me back and say they have the perfect situation for me.
I did get my hair done which was long past due. I spent 4 glorious hours at the spa drinking hot tea getting my head massaged and chatting it up with adults that I didn't need to yell at or repeat myself too. I will remember how that felt and try to go back in a month or two.
Until then I will continue to stay home cleaning up after everyone, trying to make a dinner that all four kids will eat and keeping myself busy with projects so I don't get bored.

New Mexico

2009-09-06T14:30:00.000-07:00

There are certain times of the year that I love coming to New Mexico and the fall is one of those times. We came back just for the weekend to pick up the stuff we left behind when we moved. The stuff that I should never have bought in the first place. But whatever its time to fully move out of my parents house, and this weekend was as good a time as any to do it.
Fall is my favorite time of the year in New Mexico. The weather cools down to a very comfortable degree and the smell of roasting green chili is in the air. My mom and I have been going to the Bernalillo Wine Fest every year that Im here and then theres the statefair, balloon fiesta and the Pumpkin Patch in Moriarty. These are the things that I miss other than the family, but with all that said I look forward to finding out what great local things San Antonio will have during its fall season? I have already figured out that football is a major part of Texas. The best part I have already figured out is that I don't have allergies there. so heres to finding and enjoying new things.

Whats new

2009-08-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

Well things are off to a good start. The boys have started school which is a blessing to me. As much as I truly enjoy having my boys around I absolutely enjoy the peace and somewhat quite that comes with them not being around. The babies seem to be alot easier to manage and I think they like having the house to themselves. Its funny to me that I still call them the babies since they are 2 and not technically babies. I wonder when I'll stop?
Anyway where was I? Now is the time to start working on the yard. We have started the process on the pool installation which should be complete by october-ish. Then we start the fall plantings of trees and shrubs. The spring is the big planting time for us. Dave will be building some vegetable planter boxes and then I'll start the vegetables and other pretty plants for the yard. I think I'm most excited about this project because I know I won't have to dug it up when we move. (no more military houses) We have big plans for the back yard and look forward to many days and evenings spent outside. Hopefully next summer won't be such a scorcher as this one has, but at least we'll have a pool.
Im doing much better now that our family is back together and things are as they should be. I have my moments of irritated melt downs, and as Dylan says I need to take my chill pills. I still find myself asking Brian for help when Dave is sitting right there. I need to remember that Brian is a child and not "the man of the house" anymore. Dylan requires a bit more extra attention and I have gladly handed that job off to Dave since he has more patience and energy then I do. The babies are working on potty training which for some reason seems to be taking twice as long as it took Brian and Dylan to figure out.
Well, that about does it. I've updated you with the latest, not to much going on around here. Enjoying our house, our yard and new neighbors. So I guess until next time....

guests

2009-08-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

We had our first dinner guests in the first week that we moved in. Now we just had our first out of town guests, my mom and nephew Ayden. They were here for a week and boy what a week it was. Lots of shopping, sea world, cave explorations, painting of rooms, margaritas at the river walk, and watching the Dallas Cowboys at training camp. Oh and the best part, mom's cooking. I love my mom's cooking. Its the best part of going home and the hardest part to leave. No matter how much I try my sopapillas don't pop open like hers, my tortillas aren't as round and my chili is not as flavorful. Oh and some how I burn my beans????? My excuse is/was that I didn't have a cast iron griddle and pot or a pressure cooker. Well now I'm out of excuses because I have them now. The best part is that I have a family that will eat my cooking and tell me it tastes like my moms even though my sopas are a little raw, my tortillas are more square then round and my beans are part refried and whole. I lie my excuse now is that I haven't had a life time of practice. So as they say practice makes perfect and bon appetite

Pictures of house

2009-07-31T17:46:00.001-07:00

All moved in

2009-07-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

Ok, we are all moved in, and we have already had a round of guests. I love it! The funny thing is even with all the new stuff combined with our old stuff this big house still looks empty. My problem is that I know I have the rest of my life to fill it up and decorate, but I want to do it all NOW. I've put my self on a 2 week spending freeze, so I can put together a room plan for each room instead of just buying "stuff". Ok yeah 2 week isn't going to happen, but at least I thought about it. Brian is just as crazy as I am. I told him once his bedding came in (army camo) we would paint his walls and buy other items for his room. Now its here and Im running out of excuses on why we can't go shopping today. Dylan could care less about decorations, he's just happy to have his own room with a TV. Nick has a basketball hoop in his room and this makes going to bed difficult. Ashley took to her pretty princess bed just fine, but she sleeps with a hotwheels car and one of nicks basket balls. All in due time as they say. Everything will fall into place and I'll be looking for projects to do. I have a list of things I want to do, but I need to remind myself that Im not moving anymore so there is no more time limits. Take my time and do it right.

Home Owners

2009-07-15T14:16:00.001-07:00

Dave and I are now officially HOME OWNERS! It has been 15 years and 10 moves, but we've finally made it. I truly can't be more excited. I have no regrets about the location, or the style of house. Once we get the back yard under way it will be absolutely perfect for us.
We are going to "camp out" in the empty house tonight instead of spending anymore time in the small apartment. It will be loud and crazy, but we have no neighbors to worry about. The new furniture will be delivered tomorrow and our stuff from Hawaii will be delivered on Friday, so the ruffing it wont last long.
While I'm here at the apartment packing Dave is out buying the kids some bikes and other toys. It feels like a very good Christmas that has come early. New furniture, TVs, Toys and house decor galore.
I will post pictures in a few days. I truly hope that you will be able to make a visit to San Antonio, and now you have a place to stay.

waiting

2009-07-08T20:02:00.000-07:00

Still waiting. The story of my life. We don't close on the house until July 15, but we are ready NOW. The bankers are ready, but the house is not quite finished yet. The paint needs touching up and the appliances need to be installed. All this waiting around is driving us all a little nuts. We are living in a 2 bedroom apartment without much to do, but we try and spend the day out and about, but even then....
On the bright side I've been on the funnest shopping spree ever. It took me 5 hours to spend what took me 5 years to save. All brand new furniture for the down stairs and all 5 bedrooms. I will be using our other furniture for the up stairs game room for now. I still need to decide on room decorating themes for the kids, but the rest of the house is a little Pottery Barn, mixed with Pier 1 and World Market. I hope it comes out as nice as it is in my head.
Dave is working on the master plan for the back yard. So far he has picked out the sitting area. He has a pool guy coming a week after we move in and the play ground people will set up a cool play set around September. He plans on an outdoor kitchen with dinning area and fireplace. All I ask for was a little corner to grow my vegetables and to have lots and lots of plants. This is another thing that I hope turns out as cool as it is in my head.

Lovin Texas

2009-06-30T15:57:00.000-07:00

So far I have not found a thing I don't like about this place. The shopping has all my favorite stores and now Im adding to the list. Everything is with in 5 miles from where we live so dealing with the freeways has turned out to be not so bad. There are 12 freeways by the way not 4 as I previously thought. We went the beach a few days ago and it only took 2 hours to get there. We are 40min to a lake for some camping trips. And only 10 minutes to both Seaworld and Six flaggs. There is so much to see and do its hard to be bored.

The house is in escrow and moving along. They are doing the final touch ups and cleaning. We should be closing on July 15.

The kids are having a ball. The boys are up for anything Seaworld or some thing adventurous. The babies are good as long as they have a cup of milk in their hands. They all love the pool even the babies don't want to get out of the water.

Thats all I've got for now. I'll post some pictures soon.

On the road again

2009-06-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

Time to hit the road again. Tomorrow we head up to Dallas to pick up our Pilot. Its about a 4 hour trip so it's not too bad. After we pick up the car we are stopping by our old friends from Hawaii the Noye's. The best part of seeing them is that Brian's best friend is Michael and they get to catch up and goof of for a few hours.
Then to add to the road trip we are headed down to to Corpus Christi on Saturday which is only a 2 hour ride from here in San Antonio. Can you believe that? Not only am I in shopping paradise, but Im 2 hours from the ocean. I tell you San Antonio just gets better and better everyday. The only part that needs work is my navigation. In Hawaii there is 1 highway, in Albuquerque there are 2 and here in San Antonio there are at least 4 that go in each direction. Good thing I have a GPS, and the turn arounds help Dave because he doesnt listen to the GPS.
So until I get back good night.....

New House

2009-06-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

We finally bought our very own house! I can't express how excited Dave and I are. We have been living on base housing or rental apartments for 15 years and now we have our own house. We finally get to paint the walls, plant flowers ,and buy good solid furniture. We got to San Antonio on Saturday and found the house on sunday. Since we thought it couldnt possibly be that easy we looked around for the next two days, but kept coming back to this house. It is the model that we have liked for the last 5 years and even though we didnt get to pick out the flooring or the cabinets, it has the same stuff we would've picked out if we had. It is a 5 bedroom 3 1/2 bath brick home on a corner lot. The back yard has room for pool, playground and my vegetable garden.

I have always said that things happen for reason and this just adds to my list. We were driving around an area that we had seen on the internet and decided to rule it out because it was too far from post. On our way back into town we decided to look at an area just for kicks, We asked the agent if they had any "regency" models. She said yes, two of them. As we pulled up to the house we both got excited. Just from the road it had already met some of our criteria. Its on an oversized cul de sac lot and red brick. When we walked in our jaws dropped the inside was perfect. The right color carpet, tiles and cabinets. The back yard is a crazy shape, but since we were planning on breaking up the yard into zones anyway it was perfect. Its really like the house was built for us and we didnt even need to ask.

We close on July 15th so we will excepting guests anytime after that.

2009-06-07T14:48:00.000-07:00

Counting down

2009-06-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

It's getting close. Moving day is just around the corner, and I couldn't get anymore excited! I cleaned out the house of all the stuff I wasn't supposed to buy while I was here and tried to sell it in a yard sale. I'm getting ready to pack up our rooms and start living like we were just here on vacation. These are the crazy moving days that most people dread, the purging and organizing. These are the days that I thrive on. Just keep the kids out of my way and I'll be done by dinner time.
5 days and counting.

trip

2009-06-02T13:26:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a weekend trip to Hawaii, and let me tell you I needed the getaway. I went for the purpose of attending the military homecoming ball, but it turned out to be so much more. It turned out as a time for Dave and I to reconnect. A time for reflection on our lives and a time of peace and quite. As lovely as it was to be without the kids I can honestly say I missed them and all the craziness that goes along with 4 kids. I was packed within an hour since I didn't need to pack sippy cups and coloring books and other kid things. I was quick at the airport since I didn't need to walk slow for kids to catch up or stopping for diaper changes. Dinner was relaxing and I actually enjoyed a glass of wine. But the whole time I was thinking of kids. I was thinking how much the older boys would've enjoyed snorkeling again and how much the babies would've loved to play in the sand. I was thinking how funny it was that when going to a restaurant, dinner takes twice as long with the kids. The funniest part was that I had the perfect opportunity to sleep in and take naps and I couldn't do both. My body is wide awake at 7am and completely ready to shut down by 9pm. I came back tan, relaxed and ready for the final 2 weeks here at my parents.

The weekend started off with a ruff start. My flight from PHX to HNL had a mechanical problem so I ended up arriving 8 hours behind schedule. It ruined a whole day but at least I got there.
The next morning we had a memorial service for the two soldiers that were killed. That was harder then I thought it would be. I couldn't help but to think how easily it could've been me and my family sitting in the front row accepting condolences. That evening was the ball which is somewhat like a prom. It was nice to see the ladies dressed in fancy gowns and the guys dressed in their dress uniforms. After the military formalities we let loose and danced the night away until I got a blister on my toe. The next days were filled of sun and relaxation. I will post some pictures as soon as Dave emails them to me. All in all I had a great time and would do it all over again.

Brian

2009-05-21T17:14:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting outside watching the kids play in the pool and hot tub while playing around on the computer, and I look up to see Nick pouring water over Brian's head. Brian is just smiling and letting his little brother have some fun. Then it hits me, Brian is a great big brother. He has patience and likes to take care of his younger brothers and sister, even Dylan. This reminds me of our road trip last summer to San Antonio, TX. Dave and I decided out of the blue to just hit the road at 5pm thinking the children would sleep for the whole 10 hours. As it turned out they slept for the first 4 hours and that was all we going to get out of them. Since Dave and I are now tired we pulled into a roadside motel hoping the babies would just cuddle up in on the bed and pass out. No such luck they were wide awake and made sure everyone knew it. Brian seeing our frustration and exhaustion offered to "take care" of the babies while Dave and I took a quick nap. He made a tent out of the blankets and table and used glow stick lights for entertainment. Unfortunately the babies lost interest and we soon found ourselves back on the road .
The other night we had a thunderstorm just as the babies had gone to bed. Nick and Brian share a room and when I went into their room to check on Nick I noticed Brian had Nick cuddled in his bed and was rubbing his head telling him everything was going to be ok. The thunder was just God bowling.
I can only hope that his willingness to take care of his siblings last for a lifetime.

next chapter

2009-05-19T09:36:00.000-07:00

So I'm about 6mo to a year behind in the baby chapter, and I totally blame it on my parents. The babies will be 2 years old in 4 weeks, and they are still on the bottle. While brushing Ashley's teeth I noticed there was some decay, I took her to the dentist and she said take her off the bottle and the decay will stop. I never took her off the bottle because that's how they get to sleep, and my mom had to get up at 5am to go to work. Now a month later the decay has worsen and moved over to another tooth. I took her to the dentist who lays in on me and tells me Ashley and Nick should've been off the bottle since 9mo old, and off the sippy cup at 18mo old. Now Ashley needs caps and in order for the caps to stay on she can not be on the bottle. I came home and explained to my parents what was about to happen and that this was a good time because my mom is on leave from work for a few months so there is no more excuses. I told them that we have to let them cry themselves to sleep. It will take at least 3 days, but its something we have to do. The night started off just like I figured. Babies crying and the boys trying to talk to me over the crying, and my parents sitting outside so they don't have to hear their precious babies crying. Then comes the thunder and lighting and all hell breaks loose. The babies are now freaking out, the dogs are barking, the boys are running around excited and counting down until the next boom. So I did the only thing I could. I gave in. I put water in the bottles and calmed down the babies and fell asleep counting until the next boom.

Ashley

2009-05-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

Ashley has been taking her clothes and diapers off lately so I decided to give potty training a whirl. After 5 days of misses she finally made pee pee in the potty! I jumped for joy and hooted and hollered. She looked at me as if Im crazy, but with a big proud smile on her face. I gave her a few gummy bears for a reward and now she sits on the potty chair for 10 min just waiting for something to happen. Im hopeful that she has figured it out. Nick on the other hand has no desire to give it a try. I'll keep you posted on her progress.

Mothers day

2009-05-11T17:37:00.000-07:00

I am a day late. oops. My mothers day was nice. The morning started off with a wake up call at 630am. Then by a little fighting over who was going to bring me my cereal (fruit loops) then with a crash and bang as my mothers day breakfast spilled over the kitchen floor. I couldn't get mad because this was the boys attempt at making me breakfast. After I cleaned up the mess and thanked the boys for trying and for presenting me with the handmaid gifts from art class. I went to take a shower which was interrupted by Ashley knocking on the door saying "caca" She is potty training and enjoys sitting on the little potty chair. I thought I could get the kids ready to go to my Nana's house without any drama, but nope. It wouldn't be a proper Sunday if there wasn't any drama.
I did get a gift from my long distance husband. It is a mothers ring. It is a gold band with the birth stones of Dave and the children. I ware it proudly. Thank you D.

Facebook

2009-04-25T12:04:00.000-07:00

Hello and Welcome Penny. Penny is an old friend from high school, and we have recently reconnected using facebook. Which brings me to today's topic. Facebook. If your not on it I highly recommend it. It is a website service that allows you to connect and stay connected to your friends and family. For me it has become sort of an online class reunion. I have found old friends that I lost contact with once I moved away from home. I have also found a cousin who was the closest thing I had to a sister when I was younger. Being military Dave and I have made many friends along the way, but when we move we all seem to loose contact. This facebook has slowly brought us all together again, and I can honestly say "I'm a Facebook addict" I check it 3 times a day, mourning, noon and night. Sometime more if I have a conversation going. The thing I like the best is seeing all my old friends and how well they have all done for themselves. So if you are reading this and your not on facebook, then please make a profile and add me as your friend so I can snoop on you for a while.
Oh and Penny Im always up for a walk. Just stop on by.

Pity Party

2009-04-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, no more pity party. Its time for everyone to go home. Looking back at the last few entries Ive noticed a reoccurring theme, and I don't like it. I don't even know why you keep coming back to read this blog. This blog was not meant to be so depressing, but it was intended to be my voice and what I was thinking at the time. I think now that Ive wasted allot of time on the negative I will focus more on the positive then I will be a happier person. So I wiped away the last tears and put on a smile. Since the stories that make the happiest are the ones about the children I will tell you a little story.
We all know that Dave and I are trying to save our money so we can invest it into the decor of our new house. We told the boys that the more money we save the bigger their rooms will be. To this Dylan has handed over all of his $5.00 tooth fairy and Easter egg hunt money. He also suggested that we save our money and when we go to McDonald's for his happy meals I should just use the credit card. So I guess its a good thing that we just got a credit increase on the credit card.

me

2009-04-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

There is an "idea" of the person I want to be and the actual person that I am. I think by my little journal writing I will find myself somewhere in between the two.
I want to be healthy. I do pilates and yoga most of the time, but I still end up eating McDonalds.
I want to be wealthy. I'm very nit picky on what I spend money on, but when I really want something I don't care if it makes my account balance go into the negatives.
I want to be happy. I try very hard at something that should be so easy.
I want to be a great mom. I listen to my children. I read and do homework. I cook and clean, but I don't always get down on the ground and roll around with them.
I want to be the best wife. I believe I already am. I'm supportive, loving, and kind.
I want to be crafty. I can do a bang up job on a craft, but making it a hobby? I soon loose momentum. Like my journal scrapbooks. Brian and Dylan's are pretty much up to date, but the babies are still blank pages.
I want to be a good cook. I love making creative dishes like whats in the Pampered Chef books, but ask me to do it more then twice a week and I'm out of ideas.
There is more, but I'm being paged by some 2 year olds who seem to drain me of all my energy.

I guess looking at things a little more closely, I'm not so bad.

just thoughts

2009-04-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

I couldn't think of a title for this entry because its just some thoughts. I was talking to Dave last night on the phone and he worries about me and my sanity. I have to agree and disagree with him. He worries because I have been letting the littlest things bother me. He knows that this is not my "normal" behavior. So what if the laundry is piled high on my bed, so what if the boys didn't eat every single piece of food on their plate, so what if the noise level is a little high? Well I guess these are all problems here at my parent house, and I'm stuck in the middle. I'm trying to keep my calm and relaxed parenting methods, while obeying the rules of the house that I grew up with, and truth be told I'm going a little crazy. I keep looking towards the future of when we will be leaving and back to our own routine that I am ignoring all the moments that are happening now. I need to figure out a way to get back into the moment and not let the small things bother me so much, but my question is how? How do I make my mom understand that I really don't care if the babies stayed in their pajamas all day if we had no plans to go anywhere. How do I get my dad to understand that the boys ate most of their food, and that's better then not eating at all. How do I get the boys to accept that my answer is no and stop pestering me? I was reading Carrie's blog and she basically wrote how looking around her house she saw signs of her children everywhere. Shoes all over the floor, books and homework spread around. The thing is she didn't see a mess, she saw a family and a home. When I look at the same thing here in my house I see a mess, and that brings me to tears. I want to see my family, my house. Most people wish time would slow down and I want it to go faster. I know it will come. I know time will slow down and for now I must have patience and enjoy the time I have left here with my parents, but how?

early mornings

2009-04-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

I remember the times when one of my kids would wake up in the middle of the night just needing to be comforted. Last night it seemed that all 4 woke up at the same time. First Brian came into my room saying he needed to use the bathroom. Ok I told him and walked him to the bathroom only to realize he was still asleep and peed in his bed. Oops accidents happen I tell him. About an hour later Dylan comes in to tell me that Ashley is crying and that makes him not able to sleep so can he watch cartoons? I tell him that there are no cartoons on at 2am. I go to check on Ashley who is sound asleep. At 3am I hear Nick knocking on the door because he needs a refill on his milk. As Im walking dreamily back to my bed I hear Ashley call out. It is 330am and Im wondering what plan is going on between these two babies. Do they have twin osmosis? They are talking and laughing even though they are in separate rooms. I decide that the best thing is to bring them into my room before they wake up the boys and my parents. I try to sing them to sleep, but apparently Im not the next american idol. Ashley puts her little hand over my mouth and Nick yells NO! I cant help but to laugh which of course gets them laughing. Now falling back to sleep is pretty much out of the question. At 430am I turn on cartoons. I fall asleep while Nick talks to the tv and Ashley plays with my hair. Finally at 630am I look to see that both of them have fallen asleep. I close my eyes and in what seemed like only a moment I hear the older boys fighting over who's turn it is in the bathroom. I look at the clock and its 745am. I get up to settle the fight and make breakfast and some very strong coffee. At 820am I send the boys out to the bus stop. I sit on my bed looking at my sweet sleeping babies and ponder do I lay back down, or do I wake them up so I can take a nap in the afternoon when they do. I decide to wake them up, because I know that as soon as I fall asleep they will wake up and never want to take that nap. I take the kids outside to play and drink my strong coffee. Now it is nap time and I cant sleep.
There is nothing more in the world that I enjoy more than being a mother.

2009-04-05T16:53:00.000-07:00

Dave has moved on yet again. His visit with was us was short, but well worth it. Not only because we took a much needed family vacation, but because we got a little bit of the feeling back of what our lives are when we are together. The boys didn't get yelled at for every little thing. The babies got to know their dad outside of the computer and I got to sleep in and not worry over every little thing. The best part for me was seeing the boys actually happy and enjoyed every bit of the attention their dad gave them. I'm not sure what my problem is, but here at my parents house I am not the same mom. I find myself more moody and irritated. I think its a little bit because I'm such a laid back parent and my parents are a little strict, so I fill pulled to be both. I'm also under the same roof that I grew up under and find myself being talked to like I was 17, and I don't like it. One thing is for sure we need a BIG house. The bigger the better. Having 4 adults and 4 kids running around this house has made me a little feel a little cramped. Then we had a dinner party and had 12 adults and 10 kids running around and I couldn't even think straight. I now know what my brother feels like when he comes over for a visit. All this aside I still love the fact that I always have a home to come back too.

Disney Trip

2009-03-30T12:58:00.000-07:00

We made it back! Taking 4 kids to Disney is not cheap, but it sure is fun. We spent 6 nights at the Nickelodeon Hotel and spent 1 day just at the hotel playing in the pool, going down water slides, playing basketball and miniature golf. The rest of the time was spent at the Disney parks. Animal Kingdom by far is our favorite. The kids love the animals and the rides are perfect for Their young ages. Magic Kingdom was mostly for the rides which Dave and I took turns taking the boys on the big rides. The highlight of that day was seeing Jack Sparrow ( the Pirate) Dylan signed up to be a pirate with Cpt Jack Sparrow, but it wasn't until later that he understood what he did and started crying that he didn't want to be a pirate when he grew up. Ashley was so happy to see a store full of Mickey Mouse stuffed animals I thought she would pass out from excitement. Seeing the "real" Mickey Mouse was not as exciting and she couldn't get away from him fast enough. Nick was a handful to try to keep in the stroller. Now I know why some people have leashes for their kids. Brian was the photographer for the trip so we have pictures of everything from a bird in a tree to family pictures all missing Brian. It was great to reconnect as a family and for the babies to see dad outside of the computer. The plane rides weren't as bad as I thought they would be. The babies slept for a while and the boys talked our ears off. Time to do all the laundry...enjoy the pictures

Add to the list

2009-03-16T15:11:00.000-07:00

So now that we've decided to hold off on buying a house until we actually get there we have added more things to the wish list. If you read a few months ago that I've gone organic then my latest idea will make perfect sense. I was thinking how great it would be to have a fruit orchard and a vegetable garden. I would like at least 1 apple, peach and pear trees. A full garden with tomatoes, carrots and peppers, herbs etc. Then I thought how much better to have 2 chickens for eggs. I would get 2 chickens because I don't want just the 1 to get lonely. I would get them as chicks that way they aren't scared of us. I think I could turn a dog house into a nice chicken Coop. I ran this wild idea passed Dave and to my total amazement he agreed, and is totally on bored. So now our house is not only a 5 bedroom 3 1/2 bath it is now on a 1 acre lot that is out in the country, but still close to the city. It is a ranch/farm land but in a family oriented neighborhood. As out there as this list seems I am confident that we will find it.

2009-03-10T13:19:00.000-07:00

picture update

2009-03-10T13:14:00.000-07:00

house

2009-03-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

The excitement of buying our first house has been put on hold. After hours of discussion we decided that the smartest thing for us to do is to rent a house and get to know the area first. So we are taking the kids to Disney World Fl instead. As much as I was really hoping to buy a house the thought of buying a great house on the wrong side of town changed my mind. Its not like we could return it. The idea of going to Disney came because we ( the kids and I ) need to get out of here. At least for a little while anyway. We are all getting on each others nerves, my parents need a break from the craziness. Disney and Sea world are offering a great military special so we took them up on it. The boys are already trying to pack and Dylan made me promise not to forget his swim trunks.

What is love?

2009-02-27T10:31:00.000-08:00

OK so I posted the Bible passage on Valentines. But I just wanted to add some of my thoughts.
True love to me comes naturally. You shouldn't have to work for it or beg for it. The most important aspect for me is trust. Without trust there is no true love. Honesty is the best policy. Be honest with yourself and with your mate. Compassion give it when it is needed and receive it when it is given. Selfish. Don't be. Not everything is about you.
Dave and I have been together for 15 almost 16 years. These I believe are the foundation that keep us happy and in love. We give to each other and we receive from each other. We are lost when we are apart and we fill complete when we are together. There is nothing we cant handle as long as we work together. We compliment each other both the good and the bad. I can't say we are perfect and that we don't argue, but at the end of the day we have each other. We have the same dreams and goals for the future. Our children are the most important things to us and the best gifts we have given each other.
I don't just think or feel this way because Dave was gone. I feel this way always. I just notice it allot more when we are apart. Being separated is not a relief or is it something I look forward too, but I do appreciate him allot more when he comes home.

The Pampered Chef

2009-02-24T16:25:00.000-08:00

It has been brought to my attention that I have not told you about my side job. I have been writing this blog for almost a year and it has never occurred to me. So here it goes.
I am a Pampered Chef sales consultant. I have been for 5ish years. I started selling Pampered Chef products because it was cheaper for me to sell it then buying it every time I went to a show. I love to cook "different" kinds of meals. Like you, I get tired of eating the same ol things all the time. There is only so much spaghetti, tacos and meat loaf one can take. I really like all the recipes and of coarse the products. I sell it now for the money, since I have all the tools. Which of coarse are in storage, but my mom is pretty well stocked. This job is as easy as it gets. What other job will pay you an average of $150.00 for 2 hours of work. I also get products for free and can earn a well deserved paid family vacation. This year its a trip to Disney World! So if you would like to help me earn that vacation or just want to order some really great kitchen gadgets please let me know. I also started my very own Pampered Chef web site. Check it every now and then. Once I get the hang of it I will be posting weekly recipes. You don't NEED the products to make these recipes, but it would sure be allot funner. Of coarse what kind of consultant would I be if I didn't bring up hosting a show or becoming a consultant yourselves. So if you would like to host or join the team please let me know.
www.pamperedchef.biz/kristydougherty

End

2009-02-19T13:09:00.000-08:00

Yahoo! This deployment is coming to an end. I can not explain how happy I am to know that Dave is on his way home. Sure we will still be separated until June, but the relief of knowing he won't be out on missions is a wonderful feeling. Now I can just call him. I don't have to send an email and wait for a response. He will be in Hawaii by next week sometime. There are not actual dates until he is actually on Island. He will be here with us at the end of March for some vacation time, but will have to return back to Hawaii to finish out the duty time. Because we would be PCS-ing in June we decided to just stay here in NM so the boys can finish school in May. It sucks, but at this point whats a few more months anyway.

Happy Valentines Day

2009-02-13T16:40:00.000-08:00

Love is patient, love is kind.It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.It is not rude, it is not self-seeking.It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.Love never fails.I Corinthians 13:4-8

Fight, Fight, Fight

2009-02-06T09:35:00.000-08:00

On a good day my boys get along just great. They play with each other and help each other make forts and car ramps. On this particular day they had just had enough of each other. Dylan making little whistle sounds finally got on Brian's nerves, so he pushed him away. Dylan started to yell at him. I told Dylan to hit his brother back since I too have had enough of the fighting. I had told Brian on many occasions to stop getting physical with Dylan. So I gave Dylan the go ahead to push back. Little did I know they had so much pent up anger that the push turned into a punch and then another and then some kicking and screaming. I was in such shock that I just stood there and watched this fight in what seemed like slow motion. It was just like the movies I could see each move and which ones made contact and which ones missed. Finally I snapped out of my trans and jumped in between to stop them. Once they were separated Dylan doubled over to vomit. I guess Brian got him good in the stomach. I asked them if they felt better? Did they get it out of their system? Both looked at me with tears in their eyes and laughed. I told them to separate from each other for a while, but I wanted them to think about what it would be like not to have each other to play with. An hour later they were playing cars and laughing.
I don't condone violence, but I think I will invest in some boxing gloves because that was entertaining.

My David

2009-02-04T08:36:00.000-08:00

Some of you don't know Dave like I do. Oh sure you know him, you play golf together or we all meet for dinner, but that's just what you see. This is what you get and don't even know it.
Dave is the most generous person. He will do anything to help out. He will help you move into your house, help you fix your car, lend you maybe even give you a set of his extra golf clubs. If you asked him where he got his shoes he would take them off and give them to you. Yesterday I asked him what he planned on doing with our old laptop. I explained that my 19 year old cousin has begun college and needed a laptop for school. He came back with the response of "go buy him one" I was shocked. Not to many people would be so generous, but then I realized this is "Dave" I should've expected that answer in the first place. Needless to say I stay amazed by him and my heart fills with even more love for him.
I only hope he this generous with me when it comes time to buying a house.hehehe.

House Cleaning

2009-02-02T12:22:00.000-08:00

Why is that when I'm a working mother my house is always clean? Is it because no one is home during the day to mess it up? Probably.

I noticed that recently I cant seem to keep up with this house. Now mind you I am still living at my parents house in NM, but with 2 extra adults you would think the chores would be minimal. I seem to be cleaning the dang bathroom every 2 days because the boys can't seem to pee in the dang water. The babies play with everything except for the toys in the play room and laundry seems to always need folding. I remember a time when I only cleaned house on Saturday morning. I can also go back further in time and remember not having a dirty house at all. That was before the kids, and Dave and I both worked and ate out a lot.

I think first off I'm going to start putting cheerios back in the toilet to retrain the 8 and 6 year olds. Then if that doesn't work they are going to have to clean the bathroom themselves. oh and whats up with half of the toothpaste being all over the sink. Shouldn't it be on their toothbrushes? Second I think I'm going to donate all the toys to a shelter and give the babies card board boxes instead. Besides they play with the boxes the toys came in more then the actual toy anyway. And third I'm giving the boys 3 pairs of pants and 4 shirts. That should cut down on the laundry. Or maybe I should just say F*** it and just be happy I have something to keep me busy during the day.

horoscope

2009-01-31T11:46:00.000-08:00

I have read my horoscope everyday since the 1st and Im so surprised its hit everyday right on the nose. I just find that fascinating.
Sorry I don't have much to tell at the moment. Nothing exciting has happened in the last few weeks. The boys go to school and the babies drive me crazy at home. The house is constantly messy. Just when I finish a load of laundry I turn and theres another one waiting. I can't think of anything to make for dinner any more, and Im sick and tired of the cold weather I want to play outside.
On the good side. Dave is in the final stages of his deployment. They have been really busy keeping the peace during the Iraqi elections. Now they will start preparing for the replacement brigade to take over and for their trip home. We are on the down hill slope from here. Thank goodness because I have definitely had enough of this separation thing. I may be independent, but I hate being forced to do things on my own. I want my buddy back.

Ski trip

2009-01-21T10:20:00.000-08:00

I went skiing!!!! The last time I was on a pair of skis was 15 years ago with my dear friend Bernadette. Thankfully I remembered everything she taught me and made it down the mountain with no broken bones.

My brother Jason is a snow border and goes up every chance he gets and this time I got to tag along. Only I can't even skate bored so I chose to ski instead. We went to Santa Fe since I am nowhere ready for the big dog mountains of Colorado. My first mishap was right out of the shoot at the top of the bunny hill. I wasn't prepared for the chair lift to literally push me off so I lost my balance and fell. That was ok because after picking out rental equipment in a room that felt and smelled like a sauna. I was already sweating, so the snow up my coat sleeve felt nice. Once I got myself back up on my feet and stopped laughing I put my brain in high gear and turned my feet inward to point my skis like an arrow and down I went. VERY SLOWLY. Once I made it down I plowed straight into a snow bored chick who was taking her foot out of the binding. My brother says it was her fault for stopping the the middle of the run. Once I collected my cool and apologized profusely we got back on the chair lift for a second crack at it. This time I was ready for the push and away I went all the way down the bunny slope. I took my time and even looked at some of the adults in ski school and thought to myself I'm a pro. Once Jason and I thought I had gotten the hang of it we decided to go up to the TOP of the mountain. I say TOP because it was literally the TOP. There was nowhere else to go. This is were the real fun begins. As we get on the chair lift to take us to the TOP one of my polls gets stuck in the grate and I drop it. Jason yells back and tells the chair lift guy that we will back to get it. Then he turns to me and asks if I can ski with only one poll. I look at him and say "I guess we'll fine out" As we are going up and up and up I just cant help to notice all of the runs are pretty steep, but Jason assures me that we will go on the switch back runs that wont be so steep. When we get off the 1 hour chair lift ride (that was a joke it wasn't really 1 hour just making the point that it was really high) I grab my one poll and turned to make my way down when it hits me I'm looking STRAIGHT DOWN!!! I'm not looking at a nice little slope I'm looking at the bottom of the entire mountain. I take a breath and pray and look at my brother and "what the hell Jay? How am I going to make it down?" to which he says very slowly and good luck! I take one step forward and fall flat on my butt were I continue to slide for at least 100 feet not knowing if I should be screaming or laughing because I am doing both. Once I get up and get my barrings straight I realize I'm still at the TOP. I really hadn't gone as far as I hoped. I'm scared because off to the right is the cliff. I know its the cliff because there is a nylon rope with a sign hanging from it that's says CLIFF. and off to the left is another sign that says Black Diamond Run. (the black diamond is for PROFESSIONALS) Needless to say 1 1/2 hours at least 30 falls including one straight on my face later I make it down to the club house. Were we stop to order a hot chocolate with a shot of courage to help me make it down the rest of the mountain. I tell my brother to go ahead without me. I'm staying on my bunny slope for the rest of the day.

I had so much fun I really cant explain. I will definitely be going back, but this time I'm not going to the TOP. I would like to thank a few people for making this awesome day for me.

First Thanks be to God for creating such a wonder. I may have a sore hip, but the peace and beauty of that mountain was so worth it.

Thank you to Brandi for letting me borrow her ski jacket. It really was warm and I will have the hole repaired from the tree branch that grabbed a hold of me. JK.

Thank you to the hippie chair lift dude that said I looked hot coming down the bunny slope.

Thanks to Bernadette who 15 years ago pushed me down the bunny slope and taught me how to ski in the first place.

And most importantly THANK YOU Jason for sticking by me and not letting me fall off the cliff. I had such an wonderful day and I owe it all to you. Since it was your idea to go up to the TOP.

Mamma's Tool Box

2009-01-12T12:53:00.000-08:00

Get your head out of the gutter on that title....About a month ago the boys asked me if they could take down their bunk beds, and so I did. About a week later Brian's bed started to wiggle. I noticed that the screws that hold the frame together had become loose and tried to tighten them with my fingers. It didn't work very well, but it did stop the wiggle. Yesterday as I was trying to put clean sheets on the bed the bed fell apart and I was laughed at. Later while the boys were outside playing and the babies were down for a nap I decided it was time to fix that bed once and for all. So I went and got the tool box and tightened all the screws and bolts. Last night Brian got into bed and told me thank you for fixing his bed. He thought he was going to have to wait until dad came home before it got fixed. He didn't think I knew how to use tools. I told him that of course I know how to use tools who do you think taught me? Daddy.

Time for a change

2009-01-08T14:44:00.000-08:00

I've noticed that this year is going to be the year for change. I like the idea that if your not happy with your life then change it. Look in the mirror if you see someone you don't like, than change. If you feel like you have to be drunk to enjoy a night out with your friends and you don't like that, then change. I'm sure your friends don't like you like that anyway. If your not happy with yourself then change things so that you will be happy. Even if its new hair style or change in wardrobe. Just do it.
I have six months left here with my parents and I'm not happy, but I decided that I will make the change in trying to control my parents house. I think if I just give in I will be happier and enjoy this last bit of time here with them. These are my kids, but this is my parents house so if they choose to let the children eat cookies at 10pm then so be it. I will just send them back to daddy boot camp when we move away. The change for me will not be in my appearance. I'm very happy with the way I look. I'm still hot. hehehe, but my change will be in my attitude. So if you hear me humming a little tune or smiling a lot more please don't think I'm falling off the deep end. I'm just trying to find my happiness in a time when I'm not so happy.

school

2009-01-03T07:41:00.000-08:00

Yippee Yahoo school is back in session!!! I think I was more excited then the boys were. As exciting as it is I'm still not kicking back in a nice peaceful house because the babies are sick. Yes both of them at the same time. I try not to give them any medication until they really need it so unfortunately we all suffer for a while until the meds kick in, but now they are just doped up and restless. In fact they are asleep now as I should be, but I know just as I fall asleep one of them will wake up. so I'll wash vomit blankets and vegetate in front of the t.v until I am summoned. oops see that didn't take long. Gotta go.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T12:54:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I sure hope this year is better then the last. Since I dont have any vices like smoking or drinking to try and stop for my resolution. I think this year I will just try to be happier and spend my time better with my children. Whats yours?

holiday

2008-12-27T12:16:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-12-23T17:36:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-15T15:04:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-01T09:43:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-26T13:12:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-25T08:50:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-24T13:53:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-21T09:17:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-19T09:40:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-08T10:49:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-03T14:47:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-25T15:11:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-20T16:28:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-07T13:28:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-02T18:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-27T18:14:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-13T18:45:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-11T08:55:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-09T12:22:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-05T08:07:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-26T19:34:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

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

School Started

2008-08-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-03T13:37:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

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?