The Tubbs Tribune

Rocket launch at school

2012-01-19T19:39:00.000-08:00

Travis went to Trouble's school this morning to launch rockets. Trouble attends a Classical Academy on Tuesdays and Thursdays. His class just finished a science unit in rocketry and wanted to end it with a bang!

Travis has been launching model rockets for three years now, just for fun. He's launched them for lessons at schools in North Dakota, at our home in Ohio, and for his job here in California. He was happy for the opportunity to be apart of Trouble's school.

Here is the report that was on this evenings news:

SM SCHOOL ROCKET LAUNCH

Enjoy!

Baby #5

2012-01-09T22:52:00.001-08:00

So its pretty lame that I have to post this without a picture, but our scanner/printer is down. Yep, we are expecting baby number 5!

The responses you receive are different for each baby announcement:
Baby #1: What?? Congratulations! That is so awesome! You'll love being a mommy!
Baby #2: Yeah!! Congratulations!! I hope it is a (opposite sex of what you already had).
Baby #3: Congrats! So, is this the last one?
Baby #4: You're pregnant, again. Um, congratulations.
Baby #5: Well, I thought it was about time! Congratulations!! We're so excited for you!

We usually don't tell people until I'm 10-12 weeks along and after we get that first ultrasound. It just feels more real to us. We went to our first appointment and I was very impressed with the quality of the 10 week ultrasound. When I stated so, the tech said, "Oh honey, you're 14 weeks!" A month further than we thought, I won't argue with that! It also made me feel better that I'm showing. I was sad my belly was already sticking out at 10 weeks.

We also believe that it is a boy. He was NOT shy for the ultrasound. When the tech was looking down by the feet, Travis started shaking his head. He's seen that body part on the ultrasound screen many times! We will have a 20 week ultrasound to double check. We never really discussed if we wanted to find out, too late now!

Generally, I've been well...no morning sickness, and eating fine. I'm just really tired, which I'm sure have NOTHING to do with chasing around 4 other kids. I've also been really cold. Unfortunately, the doctor has cut me back on exercising 3 days a week, upper body only because of an unforeseen problem. I meet with my trainer MWF. She has trained pregnant ladies before, so I know I'm in good hands. But now I think I'll start taking the kids swimming more often.

Today I did a 2hr glucose test. That was torture. Previously, I've only done the 1hr. Who in their right mind tells a pregnant lady to fast for 12 hours, wake up early, and after not drinking anything for hours to pee in a cup? Then lets give her a drink similar to snow cone syrup, on an empty stomach, and draw her blood three time. And you can't eat again until its all over!! However, that was the nicest lab I've ever been in. I got my own warm room with a comfy recliner to wait in. And when I left they gave me a muffin :-) I guess it wasn't so bad after all!

We will spend the next 5 months thinking of boy T names, a blog name, getting freezer meals ready, the house in order, and preparing for our new addition. I think Travis enjoys my nesting antics, but I think he could do without the hormones.

KKT: Chocoate Cake Trick

2011-12-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

A small cooking tidbit. Lots baking to be done this season!!

When making chocolate-based cakes or breads, grease the pan and dust with cocoa powder, instead of flour, to prevent sticking.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-06T09:36:00.000-08:00

**VIEW FAMILY PICTURES BELOW**

You have found (or rediscovered) our blog. It truly has been a blessed and busy year. Unfortunately, that means the blog gets put on the back burner! To remedy that, I will attempt to condense one years worth of news into one, hopefully not too boring, blog post.

Our postcard to you was our feeble attempt to connect with you. Although, we do want you to know that you are always in our hearts and minds, even if we don't pick up the phone to tell you. Because of the Air Force, church, and other capacities we've been in we've been blessed to come across some truly wonderful people. Many of you we hope to never loose contact with. In reality AF is a small world and being LDS is a small world, but when we combine the two the connections are endless!

We started off last November believing we had more time in Ohio. Plans fell through on the AF end and got orders for Travis to teach at Vandenberg AFB in California. We were excited to move back to the West coast, but sad to leave so many wonderful friends we'd met in Ohio. I wish we could squeeze Ohio right between Oregon and California.

After the new year I flew to California to house hunt with my mom. The search was unsuccessful. The following weekend, I was searching again from my comfy couch in Ohio and came across the house we ended up buying. The buying process was slowed because it was a foreclosure. Perseverance (and TONE of nagging from Travis') won out and we love our new home. I'm getting ahead of myself!!!

In March, Travis graduated from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in a Masters in Space Systems. He studied Hawk Moths. The biology of moths will someday help the AF in creating micro air vehicles. He enjoyed his research and is hoping to continue it in the future. He has recently been asked to be on the thesis committee for the person who took over his research at AFIT.

At the beginning of April, we did a DITY move and headed for California. We visited church history sites on the way and made a pit stop in Colorado. We stayed in Colorado where we were able to visit some lifelong friends. Some we knew from our beginning in Air Force (the first time we were stationed at Vandenberg AFB), so we knew from Minot (ND)AFB, and some we knew from Wright-Patt (OH) AFB. We stayed a few weeks with Travis, while he attended some training. Then my mom (Yaya) flew in and continued with me to California.

We drove straight to the realtor's office the day we got to Santa Maria . They took us to see the house. I was pleased! The house is further from base then we wanted. However, the community is quiet and safe. We have excellent neighbors that we connected with right away. In fact, she home schools her 5 kids. They're older than our kids. They get along fabulously. I'm grateful! Often the kids play together, while I get housework done!

Anyway, once the house was finalized the truck with our belonging came. We packed our own stuff into a trailer in Ohio and hired a driver to drive it to California. Its a company called ABF. Before we arrived in California, Travis contacted the Bishop of our new ward to find some people we could pay to help me unload the truck. Everything went smoothly. While Travis finished up the next 3 weeks in Colorado, I unpacked the whole house (except the office and garage).

Summertime! We were so happy to be near the beach and connect with friends we hadn't seen since North Dakota (and a few from the last time we were here). I did some summer school with the kids to keep them occupied. We decided to enroll Dynomite into the local elementary school for Kindergarten. I wanted her to attend pre-school, but it just didn't work out that way. We worked all summer on her letters, numbers, colors, shapes and writing her name to get her prepared. Trouble had to work on reading. I also was able to teach the kids swim lessons one-on-one.

The benefits of moving yourself is that the AF pays you a lump sum and whatever you don't use to pay moving expenses, you get to pocket. With some of that money we paid for a years membership to a local gym and a years worth of personal training sessions for me. I was feeling out of shape and knew that I needed some motivation. They gym has a large and clean children's area where they watch the kids and an indoor pool. That is how I was able to to one-on-one lessons. I followed the instructional videos from U-Swim.

Summer seemed to fly by. We had a great visit from Travis' Dad, his wife and daughter, and two other cousins. We went down to Disneyland with them. Travis was able to go to SOS training in Alabama. Travis was able to finish his second Masters; this one in Space Studies. While Travis was gone Yaya, Aunt Candy, and I took the kids camping for a week. Dynomite entered Kindergarten and Trouble stated at the classical academy in town. A classical academy is a school that allows you to home teach and still have some classroom time. At the academy he does science and history lessons. At home I teach reading, math, vocabulary, writing, language arts (reading, spelling, etc...), art, PE, and whatever else comes up :-) I have actually found that I'm enjoying myself and I get to see Trouble in a whole new light.

Trouble and Dynomite have taken up gymnastics. They're naturals (as any mother would say)! They both love to go and seem to enjoy it. Dynomite said her favorite thing is to 'play in the chalk'!

Backpack has grown up so much this year. He is a fun-loving, although aggressive, 3 year old. He loves to play with the other kids and has taken a special interest in Aussie. Its heart warming to see them play together and Backpack protecting Aussie. We've had some ups and downs with Backpack in the past, but we just now starting to realise that many of the troubles we've had are food related. We've cut milk out of his diet and he's doing better.

Aussie is charming. If he's not playing, he's snuggling. His personality is starting to shine. He is constantly soaking up every tidbit of information around him. He tries so hard to keep up with the other kids; chasing after them, helping with school lessons (eating linking cubes and crayons), breaking..I mean...carrying dishes to the sink. When the others laugh, he laughs. If they're whinny, he's whinny. If they're climbing, he's climbing. He is just simply a joy to have around.

During the fall, we got into a good routine. Homeschooling has sucked my time and energy from me. So on the days that Trouble is in class (twice a week) that is my time to tackle housework and laundry. Twice we've been able to visit family in Modesto, CA. Once for my cousin's BEAUTIFUL wedding and then back again for Thanksgiving. Its so great to live near family again.

Travis was called to the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric. A calling that never ceases. Between work and this calling we hardly see him and the minute he comes home, he's ready to hop into bed. BUT, that of course isn't the case! As soon as the front door opens you hear shouts of "Daddy!" and the patter of little feet running to the door. And before you know it, he's happily rolling around on the floor with them, on the couch reading a book (some days even falling asleep halfway through!) or up at the table playing a game. Bless his heart!!

However, for Christmastime we are treating ourselves to Disney Christmas Cruise! I feel like after all the events of this past year, we deserve it. We worked hard moving ourselves to earn the money. The kids have been so good tagging along while we uproot them from best friends, move them half way across the country, throw them into a new environment, and while we try to make the best decisions for them by trial and error.

After the cruise we're going to have quite Christmas at home with Papa (my Dad). Travis will then begin construction on our home to add another bedroom upstairs for anyone who'd visit ;-) We have approximately 2.5 years here and intend to spend at the beach or with family :-)

Merry Christmas!! We wish you all the best, and hope you and your families are doing well! We pray for a new year that will prove to be blessed for all!

Thankful List

2011-12-06T09:23:00.000-08:00

Our Family Thankful List for each day in November:

1. Our own little family
2. Warm house
3. Games to play
4. Food
5.Compliant and Helpful Trouble
6. Joyful Dynomite
7. Ambitious Backpack
8. Sweet Aussie
9. Daddy's job
10. Education
11. Books to read
12. The Weekend!!
13. The Knowledge of the Gospel
14. Family Home Evening
15. Cookies
16. Technology to help us learn and stay connected
17. Beautiful days to play outside
18. Fun movies to watch
19. Pizza
20. Animals, especially ones we can have pets (if mom and dad would let us have one)
21.Warm baths and showers
22. Trouble's Birthday, so we can have a family birthday party!
23. Holiday's with no school or work
24. Thanksgiving at Aunt Donna and Uncle Richard's with Papa!
25. Christmas music
26. No Snow, this year :-)
27. Holidays to remember Christ.
28.Arts and Crafts
29. Friends
30. Scriptures and Hymns

Family Pictures

2011-12-06T08:32:00.001-08:00

This year we went cheap and had my mom snap a few pictures of us. Then Travis had some fun getting pictures of the kids.

Lively Trouble (7 Years old):Monkey Dynomite (5 years old):

Determined Backpack (3 Years old):

Aimless Aussie (1 year old):

Yaya and the Grandkids:

Backpack's ER Visit

2011-12-06T08:12:00.000-08:00

Backpack and Trouble were playing 'Train'. Backpack was sitting on a blanket and Trouble pulled the blanket out from him, thinking Backpack was holding on. Backpack went forward and split his chin on the tile floor. Travis was still at church. He rushed home and took Backpack to the ER.
Luckily they used Dermabond and glued his chin back together! So much easier and cleaner than stitches!
At first his chin was bruised and had a huge scab. The bruising has cleared up and the scab has fallen off. It looks like the scarring will be minimal :-)
This was backpacks 2nd trip to the ER. Our first in California! I'm just glad it wasn't anything worse!!
**Sorry, no pictures!!**

Backpack's First Haircut

2011-10-30T23:14:00.000-07:00

Jack-o-Lantern Trouble

2011-10-13T22:15:00.000-07:00

Trouble has lost tooth number 5! It was quite the ordeal since it was still attached and simply bothering him. Travis wrapped dental floss around it. He freaked, but backpack grabbed it which left the tooth crookedly hanging. Then Travis popped it out. It is now peacefully resting in the "Toothless Wonder" doll's shield awaiting the tooth fairy!Trouble go brush your teeth...well, tooth...Jack-o-lantern Trouble! Just in time for Halloween!!

Santa Barbara Zoo

2011-08-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

Santa Barbara Zoo is just over an hours drive south of us. It's an easy drive, straight down on the 101. It is a smaller zoo with your typical animals and pretty landscaping and habitats. I think it could be laid out better. I'm a linear person which means I like having one path that leads to everything there is to see.

Also there were only two bathrooms at opposite ends of the zoo. While looking at birds Backpack announces his need to pee. Combined with his infancy in potty training and the trek to the nearest bathroom, it is needless to say that we didn't make it. It was a noble effort and a brownie point for a well prepared mom with extra clothes.

Anyway...

They are apart of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). We've had a membership with them for 3 years now. Minot's Zoo and Dayton's children museum are also apart of this association.

The kids were very fascinated with the Rhinoceros Hornbill. It looks like it has two beaks. Click here for more information. Neat fact: the male has red eyes, the female has white eyes.
The kids thought that the turtles were being friendly, but we know this as "nature taking its course":

Monkey watching AND I think there was some lemurs in the background:

Penguins!!

Elephants...just for record you know Travis wasn't with us because these are bad pictures :-)

While the kids were engrossed with smelly penguins I took this pictures of the city. Just imagine your down somethings throat looking out (see the hanging uvula) and you see Santa Barbara!

I guess that uvula is elephant food, see the trunk? I was wondering what it was :-)

Cheese....hey look at me...sigh...

Giraffes! We didn't see the baby one. I guess the baby came as a surprise. The caretakers came to see them one morning and surprise there was a baby! Guess what honey, those weren't just cramps!

They had a 'How to train you dinosaur' show. The kids were enthralled! When it came out I thought a few kids, not mine, had wet themselves.

The trainers were demonstrating how to train animals. The idea is to train the dinosaur to allow the caretakers to brush his teeth.

He even pooped on the stage...no, I did not get a picture of that!! The costume was impressive!

At the end of the day the kids just wanted to play. What do you find inside dinosaur eggs? Three Tubbs kids :-)

Oops, I guess four. This was was already out!

Highlight of the day: sliding down a hill on cardboard!

We paid how much for the kids to slide into a tree covered in foam??

Dynomite's First Day of Kindergarten

2011-08-15T21:42:00.000-07:00

My early riser is excited for Kindergarten!

Here she is sporting her new frog jammies. Just before this picture I asked her if she was excited. Even though her mouth is full of banana, I could tell that she was because she launched into her obvious HaPpY dAnCe!She wanted to wear a shirt with a tie. This is her, I'm-so-happy-I-can-wear-a-tie-today look.All set for school!! Backpack on, new clothes, and brushed hair! Okay Mom, enough pictures....lets go!!

You may be asking yourself, "Why is this 4 year old little person going to Kindergarten? And weren't you homeschooling?" Those are valid questions! I will answer in bullet points:

Dynomite was DYING to go to school!

I wanted to put her in pre-school, however it is very expensive around here for private school (3K/yr on the high end!!). Public pre-schools cannot legally take her because she turns 5 before December 2nd which makes her eligible to go to Kindergarten.

Yaya (my mom) suggested I look into the elementary school near our house (15 min slow walk). The school is rated at 2 on greatschools.com because of their low state testing results (which did sway me to homeschool in the first place).

After some research we realized that their Kindergarten program is similar to pre-school in Ohio. I promptly enrolled her (What did we have to lose!). Plus it doesn't cost me dime!

She is the token blondie in her class! And probably the only white girl :-) But she doesn't pay attention to that, so we don't draw attention to it.

We worked all summer on pre-school stuff like: memorizing our address (set to the tune of "Where is thumbkin?"), writing her name and the alphabet, knowing uppercase and lower case letters out of order, recognizing shapes (1D &3D) & colors, counting small groups of objects (1-10), counting to 10 in Spanish, counting to 20 in English, and working with scissors and glue, and lots of coloring.

In the end, I figure either a)she'll do great and I'll homeschool her 1st grade next year or b)she'll struggle a little because she's young and I'll enroll her in Kindergarten in Orcutt.

The benefits are:

She get to go to school, like she wants!

Its close enough to walk to.

Lunch is free for all students!!

She's out before noon.

The classroom is beautifully decorated (much better than my dining room!) and is bright and cheery and full of great learning opportunities.

She has a wonderful teacher, that came highly recommended.

She'll most likely learn some Spanish. I had best to teach her a few phrases so she can talk to her desk mates :-)

Everything is great for her! I just hope the boys don't hold it against her that we all have to get up early now to get her to school at 7:45am!

Backpack potty trained!

2011-08-05T15:24:00.000-07:00

On July 19th, Trouble and Aussie weren't feeling well so we opted to not venture out that day. I looked at Backpack and told him to take off his diaper because we are going to potty train!

The secret is to tell them months in advance that at this certain time (for us, when you turn 3) you can no longer wear diapers. (worked for Dynomite!) Then periodically have them go on the potty before that. In Ohio, Dynomite was trying to train him for pretend. Apparently that helped!

Luckily Backpack is highly motivated by candy. He will do anything to pop a sugary morsel into his mouth. Wednesday we headed to Wal-mart to buy candy and a prize. Then I made a potty chart on the unused fish tank with window markers.

1 candy if I took him to the potty
2 candies if he told me he had to go pee (and his underware was dry)
3 candies for going poop.

He progressed quickly. He held it in Wal-mart and when went pee in the toilet there. I think its a big step when they can go in unfamiliar places.

These pictures are from Friday, July 22nd. He completed his chart and got his prize. We've had a few accidents, mostly from not making it to the potty in time or he was too busy playing and forgot he wasn't wearing a diaper. We had one rough day after I put on the new kid friendly toilet seat and retired the potty chair (I really despise the potty chair!!!). Finally it came out that he didn't like sitting on the toilet. When I brought the chair back out, he was fine. At least the other kids like the new toilet seat.
Must always wash hands! Great way to teach the kids the alphabet!
Finishing up the potty chart!
His prize!
Backpack turns 3 on August 22nd!

One Hand, Two Hands by Max Lucado made my kids smile!

2011-08-04T21:58:00.000-07:00

This is a story of little girl who, with the help of her stuffed animals, illustrates all the great things her hands can do. Her stuffed animals come alive as they dig in the dirt, play musical instruments, and tie shoes with their hands. The story reverently ends with thanking God, in prayer, for her hands.

This book is great for getting the kids moving. They can act out what is being read to them. The book starts out silly, but draws to a quiet ending. It is perfect for a daytime read or get- your- sillies-out before bed. The kids were drawn to the colorful, pastel drawings and the whimsical way it reads. This is a must have children’s book to teach the importance of using our hands for good.

Thomas Nelson publishing has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®.

Empty California House

2011-08-02T22:37:00.000-07:00

We decided that we were going to buy a house in California. I contacted a realtor help us choose a house. Aussie and I flew out in late February to go house hunting. I e-mailed a list of 25 houses to look at.

I flew to San Francisco and spent the night at my moms. We drove down Friday afternoon. My realtor informed me that 20 of the houses I wanted to view were short sales and that if I did put an offer on one of those house it could take 3-6 months before we could get moved in. I had less than 2 months!

I wanted to live in a certain neighborhood in Orcutt The schools are the best in the area and that part of town is closer to base. However, everything was over our budget or way too small. At the end of the weekend I put in offers for two houses, both short sales. Both houses were small than I wanted, but with big yards and in the right neighborhood. However, I wasn't really sold on either house and I flew home a little bummed.

One of the houses was sold quickly to someone who paid in cash and the other house wanted to wait to see if there would be another offer (that house is on the market now as a foreclosure, it is better for the owner to sale as a short sale).

I spent the next week pouring over the Internet and Realtor.com for another house to magically appear that I would fall in love with. And, it did!

This house was originally posted as a short sale, but no offers came through. The bank then took it off the market, paid for it to be painted and re-carpeted and listed as a foreclosure on Thursday. As soon as I saw we called the realtor, he went over and took pictures. We put in an offer right away. There was a little bit of drama with another offer and some confusion about which realtor was getting credit for the sale. In the end it all worked out and we bought this house.

I arrived in California with my mom on Wednesday, April 27th. We saw the house, signed papers on Thursday, April 28th, had the keys on Monday, May 2nd and unpacked the truck on Tuesday May 3rd. Travis arrived 3 weeks later. I had every room, except for the office and garage, unpacked and set up before he arrived. There was still a ot to do.

Around mid-July I think I could say that we officially are done unpacking.

Here are pictures the realtor sent to us. I haven't taken any of the house yet, but I will post them when I do.

This is when you first walk into the house. Living room to the right, there is another room past the door (formal dining room, which we use as a toy room), looking further down is the 'family room' (we use as the dining room) and kitchen:Living room. Its not huge, but but perfect for us. Legos have taken up permanent residence here, but those are the only toys in this room:

Formal dining room (AKA toy room). The dining room and living room have vaulted (cathedral ceilings...dumbest thing in the world, but Travis already has plans to add a 5th bedroom above the dining room):

HIGHLIGHT of the house!!! The kitchen!! On the other side of the island are more drawers and cupboards. I actually have empty cupboards. We bought a french door fridge, with the freezer on the bottom (thank you tax returns!!). What I love about it, is that it is functional, it has plenty of counter space, and a double sink.

This is really considered the family room because the fireplace is in the room and the cable hook up. We use it as the dining room. Where the TV is suppose to go, is where we keep our games. This is also double as our homeschooling area.

Here is a better shot of where the room is in connection with the kitchen. In the alcove next to the fireplace is where the games are. In the nook next to that is where I keep the homeschooling supplies.

Laundry room and door to garage:

Downstairs bedroom, currently being used as office/craft room (Moth free zone!):

Full bathroom on main floor. This shower is home to our pool toys/life jackets/inflatables, etc:

Side back yard. The shed is on this side with the kid toys and yard equipment. Travis pulled up the pavers next to the grass. That area is now a garden:

The swing set was included. Its is cemented in!

Looking down into the living room.

Looking down into the dining room:

Upstairs main bathroom. It has double sinks. And yes, I did get rid of the nasty, cushy toilet seat. I replaced it with the one downstairs. The downstairs bathroom now has a NextStep seat with the kid seat built in...best idea ever!

A corner of the master bedroom, looking part way into the master bathroom. There is not door, which means it is a master suite...so we were told! That little room is a room just for the toilet, isn't it special!Master bathroom. The door on the right is a huge walk in closet. The bath and shower are separate. Perfect for bathing 4 children at once:

Looking down into the backyard from the master bedroom:

Swing set. Travis made the poles by the slide longer, so there are two swings on either side. Then he removed the pole by the ladder. The kids were swinging into each other:

I don't have a picture of the front, yet. In our yard is a lemon tree and there was an orange tree, but Travis transplanted it into a different spot in the yard and it died. He should really steer clear of orange trees :-) Our neighbor' blackberries have found their way into our yard. Its great to have your own little berry patch, but not actually have to water it.

That's the house in all it wonderfulness. I'm already dreading having to move away from a house that is so perfect for us. There are some changes I'd make if we were going to live here longer, but for now we are very happy!

We're Back!!

2011-05-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

Now that we're finally moved in and we got the Internet yesterday I can once again enter the blogging sphere. I hope to get the office functioning today so I can blog once again in my happy place...and without the threat of a moth invasion :-)
Look for many future blog updates!!

Cyber 200 Picture

2010-11-17T11:48:00.000-08:00

Something Cool about Travis on Veteran's Day

2010-11-10T19:34:00.000-08:00

Travis has proudly been serving this country for over 7 years now. So far we've only been to 3 bases. He's working on his 2nd Masters that the AF has paid for. And he has owned 6 different types of uniforms (the flight suit is a favorite by the wearer and the washer/ironer). He's never been deployed (knock on wood), but has had his share of time away from his family. Being in the military does bring with it a sense of devotion, loyalty and pride. Travis is proud of what he has accomplished and grateful for the experiences he's had. There are many things that have surprised us about the AF (especially how religious it is). All in all, I think if Travis had to do it all over again, he'd still chose to be in the military.

Even though I know at a moments notice he could be ripped away from us, I'm still proud of him and will always support his decision to join. This really is the best for us. We enjoy living in places we otherwise would not have and meeting new people. I am able to stay home with the kids. And as often as I complain about the quality of healthcare, it is free.

I truly can say that the military life is its own little world!

Something cool about Travis....
He was in the AF Times! Click here to link to the article.
I have copied the article below and will have to post the picture later (dumb blogger!)
Travis has been dabbling in the Cyberspace realm lately, so that is why he's the only space guy in the group (the rest are communications people). At one point he was unofficially asked to teach, but had to turn it down.

Happy Veteran's Day, I Love You, Captain Tubbs!!

Enjoy!
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AFIT graduates first class of cyberspace warriors

by Bill Hancock88th Air Base Wing
Public Affairs
11/1/2010 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) -- Officials with the Air Force Institute of Technology and the Air Force Cyberspace Technical Center of Excellence conducted the first Cyber 200 and 300 course graduation here Oct. 28.

Gen. C. Robert Kehler, commander of Air Force Space Command, served as keynote speaker for this first class of cyberspace warriors. More than 100 students graduated from AFIT's newest educational courses designed to develop and train a dedicated cadre of cyberspace warriors.

The Cyber 200 and 300 courses were designed for all cyberspace professionals including the entire "17D" or Cyberspace Operator career field. The courses provide an understanding of the design, development and acquisition of cyberspace systems. They also explore cyber asset capabilities, limitations, vulnerabilities and employment in joint military operations.

"I have a great job being the AFIT commandant, and historic moments like this are one of the reasons why," Brig. Gen. Walter Givhan said. The general was the opening speaker for the graduation held at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base club.

"AFIT graduated its first class over 90 years ago," he said. "In those days of wood, wire and fabric, our forefathers realized how important education was to this developing technology. Now, as we stand here again transitioning to cyberspace, we once again realize the importance of education and the need for the collective intellect that has served us over the years."

Cyber 200 and 300 are professional development courses for cyberspace professionals as they transition to intermediate and higher level responsibilities. Graduates enrolled in the program were from across the Air Force and DOD cyber community, including the 7th Intelligence Squadron, 83rd Network Operations Squadron, 315th Network Warfare Squadron, 690th Network Support Squadron, 24th Air Force, Air Force Special Operations Command, National Guard Bureau and U.S. Strategic Command.

General Kehler provided comments on the rapid growth of the Air Force's cyber capabilities and challenges faced in this operational domain.

"This is a remarkable time in our Air Force," said General Kehler. "One day you will look back and say, 'I was there.'"

Since 2005, members of the AFIT Center for Cyberspace Research have worked closely with officials at AFSPC headquarters and 24th AF to develop and deliver people with the technical skill sets required to operate in the cyberspace warfighting domain.

"Space and cyberspace bring us the ability to have very small groups of forces act and behave like very large forces," General Kehler said. "Cyberspace is an enabler. It allows warfighters to navigate and call in help with supreme accuracy. It allows warfighters to see the battlefield in real time. This focus on space, and now cyberspace, will allow the United States Air Force to continue the dominance over our adversaries.

"If we do not pay attention to what is happening in cyberspace, our adversaries will take advantage of us by taking our advantage away. That is how important it is for us to train and educate in this cyber domain," General Kehler added.

"It is tremendously important that we, as a service, have decided to embrace cyberspace as an operational domain," he said. "Fly, fight and win in air, space, and now cyberspace is enormously important to our future.

"We have done a lot in a very short time," the general said. "We have developed what we believe to be the appropriate blend of tactical and technical training. Along with these first 200- and 300-level graduate courses, commanders should know that all Airmen will now come to them with a block of cyber training obtained through our basic military training.

"The courses will be re-tooled continually and aim to keep cyberspace professionals current and at the cutting-edge, keeping pace with the quickly changing technologies of the cyber domain.

"This was the best Air Force training class I have ever attended," said Capt. Travis Tubbs, a 200 Cyber graduate and class leader."What really impressed me was the level of quality instructors and their willingness to help."

Captain Tubbs was the only non-communications student attending the 200 Cyber class. Currently the captain is pursuing a graduate degree at AFIT in Space Systems.

"I was privy to the early development of these courses and begged my thesis advisor to allow me to attend the class. I'm glad I did," he said.

As a result of AFIT's cyberspace initiatives, research and close interactions across the Air Force, in June of 2008, the secretary of the Air Force designated AFIT and CCR as the Air Force Cyberspace Technical Center for Excellence, whose charter was to bring a level of understanding to the Air Force on cyberspace operations across the service.

"This is a good start," said General Kehler, predicting AFIT's role in developing cyber warriors for the nation will continue to grow and mature. Along with the audience of distinguished guests, faculty and students, the event brought together key personnel from the operational cyber community. General Kehler added, "I would not have missed this opportunity to be here."

Among the distinguished attendees were U.S. Rep. Mike Turner; Maj. Gen. Edward Bolton, the Air Staff's director of Cyber and Space Operations; and, Maj. Gen. David Fadok, Air University vice commander.

For more information visit the AFIT Center for Cyberspace Research website at http://www.afit.edu/en/ccr/centerprograms.cfm?a=cyber.

Kitchen Tips Tuesday: Crockpot liners

2010-11-08T17:37:00.000-08:00

Today I discover the wonder invention of crock pot liners. Not like crock pots aren't a wonderful invention to begin with. Then Reynolds has to take the next best step by making a liner to help with the tedious clean up! Click here to find out more: Reynolds Crock pot Liners
I made Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Soup. After dinner I pulled out the bag, poured the leftover soup into a plastic container and threw away the liner. Then I stored the crock pot away. NO MESSY CLEAN UP! So I recommend this product to all who love the convince of the crock pot and the luxury of not cleaning one :-)

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Soup (from the cookbook Cynthia's Mom compiled)
3 cups of chicken broth (or 1 can)
1lb. cut up chicken (I used raw, but I'm sure you could use already cooked)
2 cans of Cheddar Cheese Soup
14 oz. bag of frozen Broccoli
1 cup of water

Mix together, pour in crock pot, and cook on low all day (6-8hours)

I added 2 cups of cooked macaroni before serving. I also thought about adding rice or the church's soup mix (because it has alphabet pasta and the kids get a kick out of that!).

November?!?

2010-11-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

I simply cannot believe it is November! I've been absolutely horrible at posting anything. I have forgotten what life is like with an infant. And believe me, he is an angel! So why haven't I parked myself in front of my computer to type out lour ittle existence here on Earth every night?? I'd like to blame Netflix, Earl, and a hungry Aussie.
However, now that we're done with our "My Name is Earl" kick and I'm blessed with a terrific night sleeper and Netflix is not a novelty anymore I can resume my posting. So be on the look out for more issues of the Tubbs Tribune.
Thank you to all our faithful followers. I will try to not let you down..again and again...

Welcome Aussie!

2010-08-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

Aussie's First Picture:

We welcomed Aussie into this world at 8:29pm on August 21st. He was 6 lbs 1.7 oz and about 19 inches long.

On Friday I was having contractions but nothing serious. I actually thought I would go the hospital that night, but they subsided. Trouble has his first day of school that day. Cynthia had the other two that morning, so I finished up some last minute MOPS stuff and did some sewing on the baby quilt. Later that night we hosted an impromptu BBQ with our new neighbors. We also had over another family in our ward and Jonathan Climer. His wife and baby are out of town and he said he'd watched the kids when I went to the hospital. So we thought we should have him over for dinner before hand. I didn't go to bed early, like I should have. I stayed up and prepped for church. I e-mailed out a bunch of instructions of thing to do in case I wasn't there. I packed the kid church bag and got clothes out for Saturday and Sunday. I slept well. At least if I didn't have the baby, I was ready for church.

Saturday I was feeling pretty miserable. I wanted to sew, but I also wanted to get out of the house. We took the kids to the Boonshoft Museum and walked around. I has some soft contractions, but I was feeling like I didn't really want to have the baby tonight. When we got home I put all the quilt stuff away and looked over my "Before Baby Comes To Do List" which included:

Cleaning the van, inside and out, and installing the car seat bases in both cars

Cleaning the garage and putting camping stuff away

Packing the hospital bag

Trouble all ready for school: Supplies and clothes bought

YW

MOPS, I'm doing Hospitality again this year

Travis' B-day (we did a mystery dinner last weekend)

Backpack B-day (decorations and cake bought, presents wrapped)

Haircuts for boys

Trouble had a talk in church last week

Birth plan to Midwife

Work on Baby quilt

Got our new phones (our Sprint HTC EVO) (which is a story all in its own)

Spare bed made

Baby stuff ready - car seat, co-sleeper attached to bed, blankets washed, supplies stocked

and other boring things like groceries bought, cleaning done, laundry, etc...

I had everything done I wanted to or at least done to a reasonable level so I could relax when baby did come.

ANYWAY~ I took a nap and slept through all the dumb, annoying contractions that don't really count. I woke about 4:30pm and meandered. We got everything ready to go the hospital in the van. At 5:30pm I had my first I-cannot-walk-through-this contraction. I told Travis. We fed the kids, gave them baths, and did our usual nighttime routine. I wasn't much help, but I wanted the kids in bed before we left. Travis called Jonathon a little after 7pm and told him to come right away. He just had to read stories to them and lay them down. At this point the contractions were less then 3 min apart for a minute long and extremely painful. I thought I was going to DIE! I called the hospital, told them I was coming and to be prepared because I labor quickly.

We got to the hospital at 7:30pm. There wasn't a room ready. I knew I needed my waters broken so I didn't have some of the back labor I was experiencing. The contractions were one right after another. I barely got undressed. The nurse checked me and I was at 7cm and fully effaced. I refused an IV, which did not go over well. The doctor would not break my waters without putting in an IV first. I explained that the Midwife said if I didn't want one, I didn't get one. But still they refused. I was in pain and desperate. I knew if they just broke my waters, my pain would subside long enough for me to rational. Yet they wouldn't do it.

By this time Travis is in a full out yelling match with the Colonel in charge. Finally they checked me again and I was complete! It took less than 40 minutes for me to go from 7cm to complete. All this time with my waters intact which, I KNOW FOR A FACT, makes labor worse than it should be. I thought I was going to DIE!

Finally I said, put the stupid IV in, JUST BREAK MY WATERS!! The nurse put the IV in and THE DOCTORS LEFT THE ROOM!! OOHHH, I was so mad! The nurse then "helped" me break my waters by checking me.... Then, guess what!?! I stopped contracting completely. I got break, hallelujah! Another Dr. came in and put gowns on. On the next contraction I pushed twice and popped out a beautiful baby boy!

So I was only at the hospital for an hour and managed to create all sorts of drama! The Colonel came in later and apologized for everything that went wrong. He thought Travis was going to hit him. He reported the incident to the 'guys upstairs' and they thought maybe Travis was an abusive husband. Ha Ha! Nope he is just extremely protective of me and what I want. Travis would have fought him to the end if I didn't give in. The Midwife apologized for not being there. So this may or may not affect Travis' career. Travis called his chain of command to explain what happened just in case hospital decides to pursue anything. Travis was told that there really wasn't much they could do, unless we decided to file formal complaints. We haven't decided. All I know is that I was okay in the end and things could have been smoother if they had followed my wishes. This was the first time I've had an IV. I've gone natural with all the kids. I always say, next time I'm getting an epidural. Travis just laughs at me!

Ironically outside my hospital door there is a sign that says,

"Tip of the Month: Rule #1:The customer is always right Tip #2: If the customer is ever wrong, reread rule#1. (Its hard to read on this picture)

Baby Aussie is doing well. I took him in for a two day follow up and he's gained back to his birth weight and he's not jaundice. He took up nursing quickly and eats about every 3 hours.

The kids have been fantastic with him. Backpack hasn't shown any jealousy issues (yet). In fact he is concerned with every noise Aussie makes. If Aussie is crying, Backpack will say, "What happen?" and when I change his diaper Backpack will say, "Baby owie?" (Because of the circumcision). Dynomite has been an excellent help fetching baby items for me and wanting to hold Aussie. Trouble is up to his old tactics of trying to make Aussie laugh.

Since Travis is home working on his thesis he is able to take a break from being in his office upstairs all day to playing with the kids, taking Trouble to and from school, and taking charge of mealtimes. I've been able to keep up on the housework and take care of all the little things that come up. The best part is that all the hard work of getting ready for Aussie has paid off because now I'm just able to relax at home and not feel stressed! I just get to contently hold my snugly little guy (and read a few books).

My mom will be out here at the end of next week and Travis mom will come out the last weekend my mom is here. I'm so excited! The best part is that when they're here I'll be all recovered so we can go have some fun!!!

Denay right after delivering Baby Aussie:

Giving daddy the evil eye :-)

Denay later that night when we got settled into the room. Unfortunately this hospital doesn't have a nursery. Its nice to have the baby with you, but its also nice to get some rest before all the real work begins...

Backpack so happy to have a little brother. Someone he can pick on ~or~ love on...what do you think??

So sweet Dynomite! She'll be a good mommy's helper!

Trouble is really excited. He can't wait to play with Aussie.

One proud Daddy...

Aussie's first trip in the car seat...to go home! Yeah!!!

The next day at home. I have all I need...the baby, a book downloaded on my phone and some chocolate cake :-)

2010 Week #21: Boonshoft...again

2010-08-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

Monday was Memorial day. We had some friends over and it was lots of fun. That will be my next post. Tuesday we combined with Xenia ward for a mutual night activity. The kids went to a local park and played water games. Unfortunately I ended up on the business side of things so I wasn't around to watch much. On Thursday, Cynthia and I took one of our YW out to lunch. It was good to talk to her. She got Backpack a free ice cream! On Friday for our date night we watched Alice in Wonderland. We really enjoyed it and thought Tim Burton did a fantastic job. Of course it was a little on the freakish side! Saturday the kids and I hung out at the Thompsons. The kids had a great time playing in the water. Then than night we had the adult session of Stake Conference. Travis and Bro. Thompson had to go early for the priesthood session, then Cynthia and I met up with them between sessions for dinner at a great Mexican restaurant. It is so nice being 15 mins from the stake center as compared to the 2 hours in North Dakota.
The rest of the week was spent getting ready to go to California. (How was that for a boring summation of our life!)

And yes, we did hit the Boonshoft. We must really like this place :-)
They have traveling exhibits. This one was one how things are made.
Trouble is making a spring from a long garbage tie. Backpack on the first stage of putting different textures on a penny.

Dynomite helped me make a wax spoon.

Trouble and Backpack are finishing up the penny.

Dynomite is demonstrating what a vacuum feels like.

This station was showing how an assembly line worked. First you gather all the pieces, then you put them together, in this case, a train car.

Dynomite gathering what she needs.

There was a skeleton of a car. Backpack is finding all the pieces and putting them in the car like a jigsaw puzzle.

Still working on that car!

It was fun. There was also a die cutting machine, where the kids cut out pieces to make a box and a 3D horse. We love having season passes because we can go and spend just a few hours in one place instead of rushing around and spending the whole day trying to see everything.

Did I mention that when I'm gone Travis tends to keep himself occupied with random things?? This time I came home from mutual with a popcorn experiment. Travis popped a huge bowl of popcorn then proceeded to test different types of butter. He even included water so I could cleanse my pallet between bites. He wanted to see if I could tell the difference between different butters.

The different types of butter:

1)Butter

2)Margarine

3) Powdered Butter made following the directions

4)Powdered Butter made following his instincts
5) Krogers brand popcorn butter flavoring

6) Jiffy Brand popcorn butter flavoring

I think on the bread I couldn't tell the difference between the way HE made powdered butter and real butter, but I knew which one was margarine. On the popcorn I like the Kroger brand (it's sweeter), but couldn't tell any of the others apart. Except margarine, because the popcorn was soggy. So in the end I have no idea what he was getting at! Really he is trying to find the perfect popcorn topping, so I guess he's still looking for it :-)

2010 Week #20: Tea Time & a Dragons Game

2010-07-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

The truth is that I never know what I come home to when Travis is in charge. Just for the record, it is always creative and fun...and something I never have the energy to do!
I took Trouble to the dentist for his regular 6 month cleaning. He did an excellect job! The hygenist did a 180 degree x-ray of his mouth. We could see the majority of his adult teeth waiting to come in.
We come home to this: A TEA PARTY!! Travis even taught them to drink with their pinkies up :-) The tea party consisted of Kraft Handi snacks, crackers, chopped canned peaches and juice. Totally adroable!!It was a farily busy week. I had a teeth cleaning on Wednesday, too. But I also needed some filling redone so Thrusday I went first thing to have that done, then that night we fed a family that was moving soon. They have 9 kids, so it was quite the crowd at our house that night. Then after they left I hosted book club. We have a chocolate fountain, it was a hit!

On Friday, Trouble graduated from pre-school! (seperate post)

On Saturday we were invited to a Star Wars Birthday for the Stahl's oldest son. Dynomite showed up with Princess Leia hair:

We were there from 10am to almost 1pm. The kids had so much fun wiping out Darth Vader with silly string, combating bubbles with foam light sabers, and destroying the Death Star with a bat. Plus lots of food and cupcakes.

Travis was off cleaning the church. When he came home we went to a Dayton Dragons game. Dr. Cobb, one the guys Travis works with, has season passes to the Dragons games. One of the games was rained out and scheduled for May 22nd, a day he couldn't go. He gave Travis the tickets along with a VIP parking pass. We sat in section 113, row 5, seat 20, just to the left of the Dragon's dugout. In other words, they were awesome seats! We only had two tickets, so we had to buy them a child tickets to get in and sit on the grass. However, no one was sitting next to us so the kids had their own seats anyway by us.

We arrived right at the end of the 5th inning. If you know baseball and the attention span of little kids, then you know that that was perfect timing!

We're watching the pitcher, the pitcher is watching the Bowling Green Hot Rods runner:

We've always been impressed with way a pitcher throws:

Trouble was excited to there. The kids' first baseball game.

Dynomite was busy looking cute for all the people sitting around us paying attention to her.

And you can never have too many pictures of this cute face...

The Dragon mascots did a little dance.

A strike against the Dragons.

Showing the scoreboard:

Nope, they didn't win. We were there just to enjoy, which we did. So all was not lost.

The kids were fascinated with the giant baseballs and bats. They climbed on top and Travis snapped a million pictures!

When we got home I had a package waiting for me. There is something called Macaroni Kid. On this blog a lady list lists the kids friendly community events around town. There is a national blog, plus a local blog for different places. She posts alot of great information. She ran a contest for people to find 5 subscribers. I found 5 for her and she sent me a basket with summer supplies!

This night we were suppose to go to the Ward Talent show, but were all very exhausted and Travis sent me to my room :-) Instead, for sanity's sake, we all went to bed early!

2010 Week #19: Rockets!

2010-07-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Travis found a rocket kit at a thrift store. So for FHE the kids built rockets and launched them. Dynomite with her rocket: Trouble with his:

Travis helping Trouble to prepare it for take off:

Trouble about to push the button:

Show Time:

Trouble's got caught in the wind, so it didn't travel too high. The Stahls joined us to watch the launching. They thought it was great!

Dynomite is excited to watch hers launch.

Helping Daddy:

Ready for take off!

Dynomite's launch! Hers went pretty far!!

At the end Bro. Stahl said, "You guys have cool FHE. All we did was talk about manners!" We thought that was funny!

It was a fairly busy week. We had MOPS on Tuesday. Trouble had to bring a sack lunch for school to picnic at the park. It rained all day, but he enjoyed eating inside at school. Thursday night I went to a food storage meeting. We learned to can chicken. It was impressive and something I'd like to do one of these days. The more I learn about food storage, the less scary and overwhelming it is.

On Friday, Travis took Trouble and the Stahl's son on the ward's Father-Son camping trip. I packed all morning for them and they left shortly before dinnertime. When they first left Backpack cried and Dynomite was sad that she didn't get to go. Finally I got them settled down and Travis called to tell me he needed to come home for something. NO WAY, I didn't want to deal with the crying and whining all over again. So he went to Wal-mart.

They had an awesome time! The boys got to play together and the men had some social time together. Travis was proud of his campfire (that he had to talk the other guys into having). Plus Trouble got some good one-on-one time with Dad.

I took the kiddos to Chick-fil-a and let them play. We came home and watched a movie. Then I settled in for a long night of Facebook...I mean...doing meaningful work :-)

Dynomite is still waiting for her girl camp trip.

Saturday we hung out at home. Later that night was our date night swap. Travis and I went to Dayton's 37th Annual A World A'Fair Festival. The theme for this year was a Musical Journey Around the World. It is a place to learn and experience many diverse cultures, many of which are found in and around Dayton. There were 27 countries represented. Each country had a booth with information and native food. We were most impressed with the entertainment.

We watched performances from Ireland (dancers), Egypt (belly dances), Kenya (acrobats), Zivio, Lithuania, and Turkey. Travis liked the belly dancers :-) The Kenyan acrobats were amazing. Unfortunately, I only had my little point and shoot camera, so the long distance shots weren't that great.

Afterwards we walked around and had apple strudel. It was all very impressive!!

Mother's Day

2010-07-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

It was a good Mother's Day. We went to church as usual. The ward gave out carnations. Backpack came home with his hand print and another carnation from nursery. Trouble had a card from Pre-school that he finger painted. Inside he printed his name.

Also at pre-school they had the kids answer questions about their Mom and draw a picture. The teachers then posted the answers covered up. Every few days they revealed another clue. We had to guess what picture and mystery clues when with each Mom.

Here are the questions and answers:

Q: What does mommy like to watch?

A: She watches Mommy and Daddy movies.

Q: What does she like to eat?

A: She likes chicken pot pie.

Q:What does she do for work?

A: She works on the computer a lot.

Q: What does she do for fun?

A: For fun she stays up late with Daddy.

Q: What does she drive?

A: She drives a van she likes.

Travis did some Home Teaching that night and I got to talk with my family. My big gift was the chair, but Travis did buy me the Uglies book series and some chocolate. Perfect relaxing material :-)

All in all, a great Mother's Day.

2010 Week #18: Its Finally May!

2010-07-24T12:08:00.001-07:00

Of course Sunday was a completely insane day. It was the first time I taught in YW and there just seemed to be so much going on. I also had to go to Ward council before church and have a meeting with the Laurels after church. There is always the craziness with getting ready for camp. Luckily the Ward Camp Director and her assistant have done ALL the work, so I just have to make sure everyone goes to her for information and not me :-) In this calling I feel like for every step I take forward, I'm taking two steps back. I can't go 10 feet in church without being stopped by someone. I can't complain too much because there are other callings much, much more demanding than mine. I'm also lucky to have some great counselors and a secretary to depend on. I do enjoy being the president. The girls are simply amazing!

Anyway, Monday we went to dance as usual with Cynthia and her little lady. That night was their official dance recital. A post about that will come later.

Tuesday I had a MOPS steering team meeting. This is another group of ladies that I feel blessed to work with. I'm the hospitality leader. I'm in charge of the decorations, set-up, clean-up, games, birthdays and making sure people feel welcomed. Its an easy job! Its nice that everyone does their part so we're not all stressed.

On Wednesday Cynthia had the kiddos so I could attend Trouble's "Snack with Mom" for an early Mother's Day celebration. The kids made butterflies with their foot prints with a poem:

A Butterfly in the Wind

A Child is a butterfly in the wind:

some fly higher than others:

But each one flies the best that it can.

Why compare one against the other?

Each on is different.

Each one is special.

Each one is beautiful.

They also potted some plants. While we ate snack one of the other student's Dad came and sang us a song called, "That's my Mom". Dale Oakley is a country singer that actually has a few songs on the radio.

Dale Oakley:

We had a good time. Its always nice to have a little one-on-one with my guy :-)

This picture was after Dynomite's dance recital. (out of order!) We stopped by K-mart to pick up a new gliding rocking chair for me for Mother's day. This one is (fake) leather that glides and reclines. It also sits up higher than the previous one (easier to get out of). Speaking of the previous one.... Travis and I were conversing about getting a new glider because the old one was missing some pieces and had been used with all three kiddos so it was getting beat up. But we're cheap people, so weren't REALLY going to replace it. One night as Travis was rocking the boys, the chair simple fell apart. The next day was a K-mart ad for a glider that was just like what I wanted. Go figure!

Um, the noses will be explained later. But I just wanted to post a picture with Travis wearing a clown nose :-) He's still cute...

That night was a wicked storm. Travis couldn't resist taking pictures of the sky.

This week I hit 5 months pregnant. I'm just getting bigger, but no uncomfortable.

On Friday I got to volunteer in Trouble's class again. Travis called me because he couldn't find his keys. After I lectured him on if-you'd-keep-better-track-of-your-stuff I looked in my purse and found them. I sped home to deliver the wayward keys all the while thinking of how this could possibly be his fault. It worked out great because I had forgot it was show and tell at school, so I was able to grab something for Trouble to share. He shared his red brick from Nauvoo. He also shared the ultra sound pictures.

On Saturday the kids sang at a retirement home for a primary activity. Travis was going run an errand while I took the kids then meet up with us to go to a book swap. However, when I pulled up to the retirement home I get a phone call, "Do you have my keys?". Yes, yes I do...sigh. So I dropped the kids off, rushed home, told Travis to get into the van and drove back just in time for the primary to finish. We then drove out to Kettering for a book swap. Earlier in the week I dropped of 92 books. Theses were books we didn't want from our purging a few weeks ago. You're allowed to leave with as many books as you dropped off. We left with 57. We thought that was pretty good, considering that we're trying to downsize!

Later that night we chaperoned at a bi-ward dance for the youth. It was a lot fun! As we watched we were grateful that we were safely out of that period of our lives. We picked out who we would've been. Travis found a frizzy haired, glasses wearing, bushy eye browed, out of style, dorky girl that would've been me. I found him an acne ridden, blond, lanky, akward, out of style guy that would've been him. We're so nice to each other! We laughed secretly knowing we weren't too far from the truth :-) (and no, they weren't kids from our ward!)

To end the week are some picture of Dynomite yet again in the bathroom. This time playing with bubble. I'm starting to notice a trend with her...are you?

Love the face, Trouble!!

2010 Week #17

2010-07-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Trouble had his Trike-A-Thon at school. Basically the school asked parents for a general donation to the Ronald McDonald House and the kids rode around the parking lot. We had been working all month for Trouble to ride without his training wheels. He was very proud of himself for accomplishing this! They're waiting at the starting line.

And off they go!

We saw most of the kids with bigger bikes. We know he needs to move up, but for now he's happy to ride this one.

Crossing the finish line!

Just cute pictures of the kiddos. (Hope you don't mind...)

Backpack's mischievous look:

Trouble's "I'm not doing nothin'" look:

Dynomite's cutie look:

Backpack's happy boy look:

Mr. Potato head glasses....very fashionable these days! (even upside down)

Our favorite toy: Marble Works!

Silly faced Trouble:

The yellow piece that the marble is dropping from is actually broken. Travis made it launching ramp to drop the marbles into the orange piece. It worked well. Travis only snapped a bazillion pictures to get this one.

I made a book out of our 2008 blog posts through Blurb.com. Dynomite loves to look at it and reminisce. We've decided that at the end of each year we'd make a new book. Its like a scrapbook just easier not as expensive but not as pretty.

Another Trouble silly face:

The marble falling. (Again, a lot of pictures taken to get this one!)

See, Mr. Potato head glass are good for pre-schoolers too!

Cynthia's birthday was actually on Thursday, but we couldn't get together on that day. Unfortunately it was a busy day with visiting teaching, taking someone a meal, and book club. Although, we did drop off a present. Instead we hosted a Mystery Dinner Theater on Saturday. It was so much fun! Michael really gets into character with his voices. Cynthia got the babysitters to watch our kids, we provided the game and dinner. The Stahls joined us. For dessert was assorted cheesecakes.

Happy Birthday, Cynthia!!

Mormon Helping Hands

2010-07-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, April 24th Travis was able to participate with Mormon Helping Hands. "Mormon Helping Hands is a priesthood-directed Church program for providing community service and disaster relief to those in need." This was a day that volunteers all across the US were preforming service in the communities in which they lived.
Travis was the group leader for Cottonwood Park. (In the picture is Bro. Climber)A group shot of the volunteers working at this park. There were several other LDS groups throughout different parks in Huber Heights. Huber Heights is the city our stake center is in. Originally when the brother that headed up this colossal project approached the Huber Heights city leaders for a day of service they thought we (our stake) could clean up one park. After the meeting the leaders when home and searched the Internet for this so called Mormon Helping Hands and realized that we (the LDS people) were capable of a much larger project. Therefore, when they met again with the brother the city had gave him a much bigger assignment!BEFORE picture of the dirt pile by the port-a-potty:

BEFORE in the parking lot:

AFTER it was cleaned up:

BEFORE picture of the field with cement parking blocks scattered throughout:

AFTER the blocks had been moved:

BEFORE picture of the leaves in the water drainage ditch:

Another BEFORE shot:

AFTER the debris and leaves had been cleared:

BEFORE picture of the sand volleyball court:

AFTER the grass and weeds had been cleared. They even made sure it was the correct dimensions.

Brother Thompson and Brother Stahl looking over the work they'd done. In the center is the pile of debris that was cleared away from the park.

Everyone came home exhausted, but happy to do service. Travis was proud of the work that was accomplished. He does well in a team leadership position. Travis also enjoys a day of hard labor.

He snapped a few pictures of the purple flowers growing in the field.

2010 Week #16: More Planting Fun!

2010-07-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

On Monday we attend a birthday party. It was so much fun! The kids, with help from the parents, put together bird houses from Lowe's.

Everyone in attendance.

When we got home we hung it outside. At the party the kids jumped on the trampoline, ate cake played lots!

The kid's plants did fantastic. The 'greenhouses' sat on Travis' dresser by the window to get nice and humid. So the next step is to plant them in the ground.

Green: Green Beans, Pink: Pumpkins, Blue: Watermelon

Technically we can't have a garden, so we bought a kid swimming pool and filled it with dirt. Travis poked some hole in the bottom. (Well, that was after a good rain storm and we discovered the pool as one big mud puddle.)

So we love our kids, but they look a little special ed here. Trouble with his helmet on, Dynomite with dirt all over her face and Backpack with his eyes closed!

We decided to put a fence around the pool to keep the rabbits and other critters from chewing on our plants. It is actually a pet fence that we had attached chicken wire to. It was for our chinchillas. The fence works great for this!

Trouble's favorite pastime is swinging. Travis put steel studded T fence posts in the ground then slid the hollow legs of the swing set onto them. Now when the kids are swinging the set thumps a little, but it isn't going to tip over. Also last week someone bought the fencing materials we had laying around out yard. We decided not to put up a fence after all.

For our Friday date night we went to the Beavercreek Children's Theater to see "The Patchwork Girl of Oz....loosely based on the 7th book of the L. Frank Baum's beloved series." One of my YW were in the play and one of the ladies from the ward made the costumes.

2010 Week #15

2010-07-18T06:00:00.001-07:00

Its been just a few days since we got the ants they have tunneled nicely through the gel and sand. The gel is a better way to observe the ants. The dirt tunnels aren't as visible. As the ants tunnel they pile up the gel from below on top, which they then make tunnels through. The gel habitat stays lit up. I don't believe that Freddy the beta fish, their neighbor, is too happy about that.

Anyway, on Sunday our talks when well. Ironically this was the same topic we were given last year about this time. It was on the Atonement. Last year I felt like my talk didn't go well, so I guess this was a way for us atone for that :-) Travis always does fantastic, so I guess I was the one that needed the do over.

Monday I had my ultrasound. I'm actually 19 weeks. You have to go with a full bladder, and boy was it full! After the tech took the necessary measurements she said I must be in pain because she could see how full it was. I had a doctors appointment the next day and he was pleased to report that everything came back healthy and well.

So to celebrate we went out to Bob Evans on Tuesday. We had coupons for free kid meals and if we got so many stamps we get a free Dayton Dragons (baseball team) blankets. The manager was super nice and allowed us two meals free (even though it was one per family per visit).

Thursday was silly because Travis planned to go out with the missionaries on the one night I had a YW stake leadership meeting. We had to get a sitter!

Friday I got to volunteer in Trouble's pre-school. My friend had the brilliant idea of swapping kids on Fridays so we could volunteer at the school. I helped the kids paint, sculpt with playdoh, do a craft, read stories, play outside, sing songs, and I even got snack. As I sat around Trouble's snack table the kids started telling knock-knock jokes. They told me they learned them from Trouble :-) It was so much fun! The teachers are so nice and extremely patient.

Saturday was busy. Our MOPS group had an antiquity fundraiser ($10 for the sitting fee and a free 10x16). So I helped for only hour then had the kid's picture taken (it will be posted later). Backpack screamed! He would not cooperate. Trouble and Dynomite did awesome. The kids dressed up in old fashioned costumes and props. The pictures are taken with a sepia lens. Trouble had some great ones with a baseball bat and bb gun. Dynomite looked adorable playing with a tea set and parasol. Backpack finally settle down for a toy truck and blocks. Unfortunately the packages are really expensive. For one pose (1 8x10, 2 5x7, 4 4x6) it was $125. So I took my one free 10x16 of all the kids together and left.

Later that night we had Bro. Stahl over for dinner and his son because he wife, mother-in-law and the younger girls were gone. Since we didn't have our Friday night swap, we also had the Thompson kids over to watch Dumbo. They needed their Thompson fix :-)

The kids love dinosaur games. So this week we played Jurassic Park. They didn't really get it, but Travis is great at improv to keep them entertained.

For Family Home Evening we played a fishing game. On the back of each fish was a song. Whatever fish they caught was the song we (attempted) to sing. They enjoyed the fishing more than the singing.

19 week preggo picture

Last Saturday a friend dropped off a bike for Dynomite. So I took off Trouble's training wheels and put them on Dynomite's new bike. Dynomite was upset because they weren't pink. But once she started riding around she didn't care.

Since Trouble no longer had training wheels, he had to learn how to ride! His goal was to learn how to ride before the Trike-a-thon at his school at the end of the month.

I barely helped him along. He caught on fast. So fast that I called Travis down from his studying to come see. Truth be told, we wanted him to come play this was just a good excuse! Travis wanted to be the one to teach Trouble to ride anyway.

The nice thing about how small his bike is, is that when he starts to lose balance he just puts his feet down. So he never actually falls, which makes his learning less scary. But he is probably ready for a bigger bike.

During all the bike riding, Backpack was just looking cute. His face is in a scowl like his big sister usually does.

Trouble and his animal catching abilities.

That's the week! Busy, but fun!

2010 Week #14 - Outside Time

2010-07-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is after Easter. Perhaps it was all the candy or Dynomite's natural way of silliness but this will be one picture to show the boyfriends :-) Trouble had this week of school off for his Spring Break. So we took full advantage of being outside and enjoying the Spring weather. The best part of warm weather is eating outside. Less hassle for everyone involved!

We have been preparing Backpack for a our new arrival. We often talk about how there is going to be a new baby and that we need to be nice to the new baby. He is very possessive of my lap. I've tried to hold Dynomite's baby to show him what it will be like. Usually he screams, pulls the baby away from me and throws it. So when I snuck up on him feeding this doll I was became hopeful for the future.

Last Summer we snagged a park bench from our neighbors curbside garbage. The wood was rotting and the wasps thought it was great pulp for making their nests. This year Travis decided to get that fake wood stuff and make a new bench since the metal pieces were still usable. He enlisted the help of Bro. Stahl. The first day Travis cut all the pieces and spray painted the metal parts. On day two him and Bro. Stahl put it together. The true test was of them actually sitting on it :-)

After Thanksgiving I spread around some hay in the flower beds to protect the soil and prevent weeds from popping up. I had way, way too much hay but the kids had fun playing in it before I raked it up.

Our other neighbors that moved out gave us these red bricks. We'd never found a good spot for them, but finally decided to put them around our little tree. It made a good spot to put in a few more flowers. It was a good little project for my 18 week preggo self.

The kids decided that since Dad can play with hammers, they can too!

Trouble very proud of himself for catching a toad.

Dynomite got her nails done! She loves getting her nails and toes painted. Even if her favorite thing to do is play in the mud.

Since I refuse to do Trouble's nails, he get to play with the paint bottles and act happy about that :-)

At Travis' favorite thrift store we found the kids skates. They're the kind you wear with shoes. They were SOO excited to get them that they just had to "skate" around the house before bedtime. Now ask how many times they've used them since ;-)

For FHE we talked about plants. In the quest to find more bricks to go around the tree we found these Sesame Street plant kids. Trouble has Grover Watermelon, Dynomite has Abby Cadabby Pumpkin and Backpack has Oscar Green Beans.

All you do is stick the dirt disk in the little pots...

Add water...

And push the seeds into the hydrated dirt.

Then put the pots into their little greenhouses and set the whole thing inside in the sun.

We were also blessed (ha) to get in the mail the Harvester Ants Travis ordered online.

Travis found this 'space aged' ant farm at his favorite thrift store. It glows at night. He started a few holes for them, then the dug away.

We also have the plain ol' dirt one too. They had trouble getting the ants in and one bit Backpack's finger. Boy did he scream!! I was leaving to take the kids to birthday party of some friends we have in the Fairborn ward. He screamed so much that Travis decided to stay home and lay him down for a nap. Later, one bit Travis and he understood why Backpack was so traumatized!

After the birthday party I rushed home to freshen up and drop off the kids so I could go to a baby shower. The lady is a neighbor of the woman I visit teach. She's been to a few of our Girls Nights out. We've talked since then and sort of hit it off. So it was an honor to be invited to her shower. It was also nice to have few kid free hours!!

That night we prepared to give talks at church.

Easter 2010

2010-07-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

I stuffed over 80 eggs. More than I was planning on! Here are the kid's baskets before they were hidden.

I decided to to a bit a scavenger hunt for the kids. So when they woke up they found this poem:

The Easter Bunny left a game to play,
Open the first egg and be on your way!
Putting on your funny teeth is the first thing to do,
Then follow the picture to your next clue!

Then there were pictures for the clues hidden in Easter eggs. First stop was the laundry room:

They went to the office:

The to where the kid kitchen is:

Then out to the van to where the baskets were.

Oh Happy Day for this little guy!

Since I stuffed so many eggs I knew our kids didn't need to have that many we invited our neighbors, the Stahls, over for the hunt. It was more of a knock on their door at 9am asking them to be ready in an hour! So here they are all lined up ready to go!

And they're off!!

Becky helping Backpack:

The kids with their loot.

Enjoying the fruits of their labor!

Then between General Conference sessions they invited us over for their Easter Egg hunt. I must admit they had way better candy than we did!

At their house:

Honestly, I spend the last hour of conference getting ready for dinner that night. The house stayed clean, it was just all the food prep. I was able to do most of it early but we were expecting company soon after conference was over, so I wanted to make sure everything was ready. We had over the Thompsons, Travis friend Rich and his parents. So total there was 7 adults and 6 kids. Here are the babies demonstrating what not to do with your food :-)

Hee Hee, she's so cute!!

We had turkey, green bean casserole, holiday jello salad, candied carrots, twice baked potatoes, homemade rolls, pie and pineapple upside down cake.

After dinner we let the kids play in the hours of dusk.

Kisses!

Defending herself like a good girl should :-)

Then the kids donned Travis' shirts and dyed eggs.

Even Rich's parents got into the action.

Travis had fun snapping silhouette pictures.

The kids all settled in for an Easter lesson.

We have a set of Easter Resurrection eggs. There are 12 plastic eggs. In each egg is an object that represents some part of the story leading up to Christ's death and resurrection. We pull them out every Easter and the kids love it!

Travis gave a wonderful lesson. The Thompsons left and we got the kids in bed. Rich and his parents stuck around for a few more hours and had a ton of questions about the church. Travis was able to answer so many of their questions. They left with hearing his testimony and a Book of Mormon.

2010 Week #13 - Lots of Kid Fun

2010-07-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Finally on Sunday I was called into YW as the President. I had only known about this for a few weeks now. A few Sundays before the Bishopric was changed from the original Bishop that called me. So there was some sorting out to do and I still hadn't decided on the 2nd counselor. The 1st was super easy, Cynthia. She is such an asset to the program and girls so I knew that Heavenly Father wanted her to stay and help me out. Plus I really, really like her :-) This was the first time I've ever felt over whelmed by accepting a calling. But once I was set apart I felt much better. I think it was because there are so many YW and I didn't really know any of them. But God never gives us more than we can handle...right!?!
Anyway, Sunday night Backpack gave his first prayer. It was so cute!

Monday was Dad's night at Trouble's pre-school. They did all the boy things like make bug catchers.

And play games.

And make scary monsters.

Our friends from church, who's daughter attends pre-school with Trouble.

And..well I'm not sure what he's doing...but it looks mischievous!

Water play now that it is starting to get nice outside.

Dad teaching all the important things like proper water gun handling.

And teaching a certain water hose trick to play on said little sister.

Backpack not too thrilled with being wet.

He's so cute I had to post more than one picture of him :-)

THE WATER HOSE TRICK

1) Trick victim into thinking there is no water coming out of hose by kinking it closed.

2) Convince victim to check why no water is emerging by looking in hose. (In this case, putting hose in mouth).

3) Un-kink hose and allow backed up water to gush out (either in the eye, face or in this case, the mouth).

4) Laugh as victim looks shocked.

5) Prepare for retaliation! (Lucky for him, little sister is not yet familiar with this concept).

So on Friday nights we have been swapping with two other families to have date nights. This Friday we had the kids and Travis thought it would be fun to let them ride down the hill into our backyard on various wheeled toys. I guess we are all so desperate for date nights that we really don't care what our kids go through at other people's houses as long as they are returned to us in one piece!!

There are a few fun 'crash and burn' pictures, so Enjoy!!

Why use wheels when you have a bum!!

Now for some Karate moves before we continue...

We finished off the evening with wagon rides for all!

And so adorable photo ops:

Don't forget the running around like crazy!

Duck-Duck-Goose

Backpack wanted to play so bad, so Dad offered to help!

It was a fun evening for all! There wasn't much else this week. Travis and I babysat for the RS meeting. Saturday was an awesome session of General Conference. The kids did well sitting though both sessions. We took a break and headed to Toys R Us for fun. They had an Easter scavenger hunt though the store. At the end the kids got stickers and a workbook. They had fun coloring with this new Crayola Glow Explosion paper and markers.

We also watched some other kiddos from the neighborhood. The kids never argue about having someone to play with. Sunday is Easter and more General Conference!

2010 Week #12 - Books, Books and More Books

2010-07-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

We had a remarkable time in Nauvoo. Post will follow shortly.

Travis still had a few days left before he went back to school so we decided to take upon ourselves a bit of an organizational project.

We were so frustrated looking for that one book that someone wanted read that we knew was somewhere. So we compiled all the books from all the places we've been hiding them, which consisted of both the kid's rooms, the office, the dining area by the kitchen, the shed, the garage, the dining room and the upstairs hall closet. I love how Trouble is reading amidst the chaos.

There is always time for a reading break!

Eventually we got everything sorted out. We ended up sorting everything by groups like Disney, Sesame Street, Bernstein Bears, Clifford, jokes, I Spy, dinosaur, Christmas, etc... Then whatever was leftover into paperback and hardback. Its so much nicer! We had to purchase 2 more bookshelves and will need another. But now when Dynomite is looking for Clifford's Good Deeds, we know right where to go!!

Random walking picture... we were headed to the clubhouse to get our picture with the Easter Bunny.

In my mind I envisioned this as a much happier event...That was the picture Travis snapped. Here are the pictures the photographer took:

Saturday was the Ward Easter activity. The deal was that whatever eggs you picked up, you put into someone else's basket (or bag). It was a great idea! The kids just put the eggs they found in Travis' bad :-)

There were so many people there, it was more like locust eating through a wheat field. I believe the activities committee stuffed over 1,000 eggs!

Fun Continues with Papa and Aunt Donna

2010-07-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Aunt Donna snapped this one of me at 18 weeks. I guess it was getting noticeable, despite the sweater :-) So here we are back at my birthday. Dynomite was loving the princess themed party.

It was a lovely celebration!

Aunt Donna fixing a crown on Backpack. I'm not sure he wants it....

Nope, he doesn't :-) (Ha Ha, I'll show you!!)

Everyone gets a crown, even Trouble...

The kids were just excited to get cake.

Playing at the park near our house. Backpack is already doing well on the equipment and sliding down the slide by himself. He's preparing for summer.

Daddy helping Backpack with the digger thing.

Aunt Donna doesn't need any help. She lives on a farm, she's a pro!

Go Backpack, Go!

The kids got an extra special treat this year! They had an early Easter from Papa and Aunt Donna. This morning was actually St. Patrick's Day. So a silly leprechaun came and dyed their milk and pancakes green! Trouble got a new green shirt to wear to school. Then the kids discovered that the Easter bunny came! (We know our kids will forever have 'holiday confusion' because of this!)

Trouble finding eggs:

Backpack is in full 'search and find' mode:

Dynomite checking out her goods:

Trouble is contemplating his finds:

Backpack is egg-cited!!

What did you get? Eggs!! Surprise, surprise.

Easter also brought some golf club sets for the kids. The master is teaching the amateur.

It was a lot of fun! The Easter bunn(ies) can come visit anytime!

We were sad to see Papa and Aunt Donna head of so soon. The visit always seems so short and we loved having them visit. They caught a plane to WI Friday morning to help Papa move back to CA. We left Friday afternoon for Nauvoo.

Travis helped Dynomite paint fairies and he kept the other kids entertained while I packed and cleaned. They painted a fairy for Dynomite's bestest friend, who went on our trip with us! That will be later...

No excuses!

2010-07-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know I have seriously been lacking in the blog department. It all started in Mid-March when the pregnancy turned its ugly head (the fun nausea/tired time) and I got the call to be the YW president. It all went down hill from there! However, I promise to step it up and get you all caught up on our daily doings before lovely baby Tubbs number 4 decides to make its appearance. This could be anywhere between 5 to 8 weeks from now. It makes me shutter. I sure hope we're ready for another addition. Speaking of which we're going to do another contest to see who can most acuratley pick the sex and date of birth. Follow the directions at the top of the blog and I'll be posting the guesses as they come in!

Learn about Jesus with the Read and Share DVD Bible

2010-05-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

Learn about Jesus with the Read and Share DVD Bible

Kids of all ages will love this new Read and Share DVD Bible about the life and miracles of Jesus Christ. This is the third DVD in a wonderful new trilogy from Gwen Ellis’ Read and Share Bible. In this 30 minute video children learn about the ministry of Christ as he travels along the Lake of Galilee and around Nazareth. The key stories presented are of Jesus calling his disciples, Jesus healing sick people, the story of the loaves and fishes, the Lord’s Supper and of Jesus teaching others. The animation and vibrant colors keep children entertained while learning.

I highly recommend this DVD because it kept my children’s attention (ages 5,3,1), which means they were learning. I know they were learning because they asked questions throughout the presentation. The stories are told in a way that kids could understand without compromising the doctrine. The DVD is set up so you can also watch just the segments of each story if you wanted to teach one particular part. If you put the DVD in the computer you can print off coloring pages. This is an effective visual aid to help teach about Jesus. This movie is simple and doesn’t cover all of the events in Christ’s life and ministry, but it effectively highlights some of the major stories. This would be a great movie to watch on Sabbath.

2010 Week #11: TIme with Papa and Aunt Donna

2010-05-19T20:13:00.000-07:00

Papa and Aunt Donna arrived Monday night. I bet you can't guess what I was doing up til the very hour they arrived...cleaning! Dynomite did get her hair cut, after the 3rd rescheduling with Wendy because of sicknesses.

Aunt Donna has been to every place Travis and I have ever lived. She visited Corvallis when we graduated, travel to Europe when we were going to school, helped me start a Creative Memories business in CA, withstood a ND winter, and now to take in the glamor of OH.

I was mean to my dad, though. He called Sunday and I told him I had good news. He asked if I was pregnant, I told him no!! The news was that he'll be sleeping in the queen instead of the full bed and Aunt Donna will have Dynomites new bed. Then when they showed up on Monday he didn't know what to think of my full little belly. Aunt Donna rubbed it and asked, "What is this?" Then I spilled the beans! They were excited. It was a fun week full of visiting and hanging out.

I do have to tell say that my family comes from a long line of 'dumpster divers'. If the Spliethof family had a motto it would be: One man's trash is another man's treasure. My aunt went to go shopping when she spied this 37in flat screen TV and a Weber charcoal BBQ in front of our neighbors house. She asked if she could have these items and the lady said yes. One of her kids had knocked the TV over, so there was a line that went across it and they didn't want the BBQ. Travis and Dad called around about a warranty or way to fix the TV with no luck. Finally Dad, in his frustration, slammed the TV down on the ground. Sparks flew and a little smoke came out the back. Behold, the TV works! We rushed to Wally World and bought an antenna and universal remote and hooked it up. Not too shabby for a free TV! We've even used the BBQ.

This is just to gross you out...feeding the gecko a 'pinkie' again. This time he didn't want it. Maybe he didn't like the last one?

In ND Papa bought Trouble this rocking horse. It has since held the attention of each little Tubbs kid since. So here is just a cute Backpack picture with it.

Trouble doing his favorite thing: 'reading' Calvin & Hobbes. I wonder where he gets that from?!?

Before Papa arrived, Travis and the kids caught a toad. They wanted to show Papa so they kept him in a fish tank. Apparently he likes to befriend his food. Maybe it tastes better that way?

Also before Papa arrived we moved our old queen mattress to where the full bed was in Dynomites room. We swapped our full mattress set for this twin mattress set. We came out with a better deal because we got a super nice twin set (pillow top with mattress protector), with bedding and a frame for the full set (no frame) we bought 6 years ago at a goodwill. Her cute new bedding:

Her room. She refers to the bed as 'the place where Papa sleeps'.

Unfortunately it was still too chilly to go fishing (which is what Papa loves to do with the kiddos) so we went to the Boonshoft. It was perfect. Papa and the kids love museums. Aunt Donna and Papa had a great time playing with them!

There is a little area to eat. We had some snacks. We didn't plan to be there as long as we did because we were having so much fun.

Dressing up:

A veterinarian in the making:

Reviewing X-rays:

Aunt Donna at the Judge's Bench. I wonder who is in Trouble??

Haha, Trouble is in trouble with his accomplice Backpack:

Papa and Aunt Donna had a party for me since it was just my birthday a few weeks before. I think this is the ONLY picture I will ever have of my Dad wearing a princess crown. So why not post it for the WHOLE WORLD to see :-) ~~ Love you Dad ~~

We got my favorite food, Chinese. We sang Happy Birthday and ate cake.

And the fun will continue on the next post...

2010 Week #10 - A Bunch of sickies

2010-05-18T19:50:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I was called in to visit the Bishop. That is when he asked me to be the YW president. I was shocked, to say the least. I was pretty sure the ward was running quite fine without any help from me. Remember the last post stating that I loved my current calling?? To add insult to injury this week was spent with the RS counsellor over me calling me to talk about my calling. I said yes to everything, secretly knowing I wasn't going to be in the calling much longer. Probably not nice to the lovely lady who will be taking that position :-)

I took Trouble in for his follow up appointment on Monday. While we were there the nurse tech swabbed Dynomite's throat, but not Backpack's. He said Backpack was too young to have strep. I had Dynomite done just in case, although she was showing no signs of being sick.

Tuesday we had a fun time at MOPS. MOPS really drains me. We spend all morning talking about being a good Mom, but then we get home and I just turn on the TV and slap the kids around a little when they make one little peep. Yep, I see 'Mom of the Year' award heading my way, NOT!! Anyway, that night Cynthia and I went to a baby shower and then to our first Food Storage Meeting. Way informative! I came home with a shopping list of all the great machines we 'need'. Luckily Travis is around to bring me back to earth :-)

Wednesday rolls around and I have the Thompson kiddos. Backpack falls asleep in his booster seat during snack...weird. I carry him to bed and realise that he has a fever! As soon as I lay him down I get a phone call from base telling me Dynomite does in fact has strep. 2 AND A HALF DAYS LATER THEY CALL!!! I was a little upset. I asked the caller if she was a nurse and we diagnosed Backpack's sickness as strep. I called for an appointment immediately for him. Poor little guy was as sick as a dog! We saw an awesome Nurse Practitioner (civilian) after a 45 minute wait. Apparently the base issued an 'exercise' that morning so all the regular doctors were gone. She did a quick swab and did the speedy results method. But she was sure he had strep anyway. After that we went to the pharmacy at the hospital, which had Backpack's but not Dynomite's meds. So we had to go to a different part of base to pick that up. By the time we got home we'd been gone for over 3 hours. (I did apologise profusely to Cynthia and prayed that her kids did not get strep.)

Later that night Travis picked up a free dryer for us off of the Swap Shop (a Yahoo! group for where we live where you can sell, buy, or trade items, seek advice, ask questions, etc...). Guess what? It is the dryer that matches our washer. What luck!

Since I had two sickies and three on antibiotics, Thursday plans went out the window. We watched movies and ate snacks all day. That night, thank goodness, I was able to escape to book club for the night.

Friday I had a doctors appointment to check on the baby. That night was our Friday Night swap. Travis was so swamped in studying that I went shopping. I hit 6 stores in 7 hours. I needed to get ready for Yaya's wedding, my dad visiting, and leaving for Nauvoo. And Saturday was spent doing just that. I try and I try to not procrastinate, but everything always seems to come down to the wire anyway. But the kids were extra good and Travis stayed out of my way so I was able to get a lot done.

So despite the sickness, and the craziness getting ready for company and packing for travel Travis did manage to get an two extra cute pictures of Backpack:

KKT: Easy Bread Crumbs

2010-05-17T18:20:00.000-07:00

I use bread crumbs here and there in my recipes and used to make my own, but found it was easier to just buy them. Plus the lame process I did consisted of drying them in the oven, thus adding extra time to my dinner prep. Yes, I KNOW its a waste of money when I could just make them UNTIL I found this tip:

Take the heels of the bread or any extra slices that might be a bit stale and place them into a large ziplock bag into the freezer.

When you have a recipe that asks for bread crumbs, grab your bag out of the freezer.
Break the bread into pieces and drop into your food processor or blender. I found that I could crush them with a rolling pin or bottom of a cup in the bag so I wouldn't have to wash the processor or blender.

Process (or smash) and now you have instant bread crumbs.

2010 Week #9: Finally March!

2010-05-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

Ugh, since I'm behind I don't remember as much as I'd like to. Luckily I keep the family calendar updated and written on so it helps.

Monday Craftiness
See Dynomite's spots from the (now we know) Scarlet Fever:

He's intent on doing this right:

The finished masterpieces:

This week was pretty busy! On Monday we were in our regular routine of dance and school. On Tuesday I was suppose to go to my MOPS steering team meeting and Dynomite was suppose to get her haircut but she looked like she'd broken out into hives. She was hot the night before, but nothing that worried us. So I called the nurse. Since she didn't have any stomach problems and her fever was the night before we thought it was rosacea. She wasn't contagious, but was suggested that she stay away from other kiddos for 24hours. Well, life continues on!

Wednesday I had a Parent-Teacher conference with Trouble's teachers. They were impressed with him (can you blame them *wink, wink*) His writing has improved tremendously. Before he'd write his name all over the page. The teachers started making boxes for him to write his name in. Now he writes nice neat block print, not even backwards! They liked how he did dot-to-dot by saying the numbers out loud. They said he could tell what the picture was before connecting the dots, which most kids can't do yet. He did have trouble recognizing pink (red was pink for him) which is typical for boys. They said he was quiet...only if they knew! But all in all, he was on track for Kindergarten academically, physically, and socially and that's all they worry about. And I left as one beaming mommy!

Thursday was busy. The house was an absolute tornado! This morning a maintenance guy came to clean our out dryer hose and vent because our drying was taking 3 hours to dry one load of laundry. (I had Travis call the guy later to find out if there was a clog and apologise for the craziness, that's how embarrassed I was) Travis replaced the heating element, a belt, and did some tests to make sure the right amount out electricity was getting around. After all that it was still acting up, so we thought maybe there was a clog in the hose out to the vent. That morning, while the guy was at our house, I rushed off to set up for the RS Meeting (Enrichment). Then our sleep number bed arrived. Travis put it together while I was at my event. The Enrichment (RS Meeting) went superb! We called it "Bloom Where You Are Planted". We had three fabulous women in our ward give lessons on 'Look to the Son for Strength', 'Nurture Yourself', and 'Overcoming Obstacles'. Dinner worked out perfect and clean up was a breeze. This night people started noticing my belly sticking out, I was 13 weeks. Technically I wouldn't have to do another thing for my calling until December. I was in the perfect calling for me, activities for the Relief Society.

Saturday, Dynomite went to a My Little Pony birthday party and had a blast. Then Travis and I saw Wicked with a group from church. LOVED IT!! SOO SOO SOO much better than the book!! I thought the play's storyline was better. It left out tons of political stuff that I never understood anyway and all the raunchiness. This is the night Travis took Trouble into the ER for Scarlet Fever.

2010 Week #8

2010-05-16T17:50:00.000-07:00

I will be jumping back on the blogging bandwagon after all! Between the pregnancy and being in the YW presidency, I've been a bit busy and a little tired. So the next few weeks will be filled with some catch up posts.

This is week 8, in February!

See the little baker? The kiddos love to help in the kitchen. I'm not very patient with them helping, but Travis is.... I think a farm apron is very suiting on him :-)

A little about the Gecko. Here is his food. The crickets. The crickets live in a little plastic cage with a piece of cardboard egg crate and orange food cubes , awaiting their doom!!

Tecko, the Gecko!

Gecko are suppose to like 'pinkies' or one day old mice. I bought some frozen ones from the pet store. I'm holding it while wearing a plastic glove. The trick is to move the mouse around until the gecko sees it and eats it. I only goes after moving objects. Finally Travis took it from me and wiggled it around enough for him to eat it (without gloves!).Yum, Yum!

Monday was fun...sort of. I went in for an ultrasound to help predict the baby's risk of having Down's Syndrome. They measure the fluid between the skin and the neck bones. The more fluid there is, the higher the risk. The baby had the right amount of fluid, so there is none or insignificant risk. I had to take Backpack with me because he has an appt right afterwards. He screamed all the way through the ultrasound. The doctor didn't seem to mind, but I thought the nurse was going to have a hernia. Haha, they should be use to having kids around.

Tuesday was my birthday. Which I already blogged about. Thank goodness, my memory is shot! I did get new glasses and was able to pick them up from Lens Crafters. The man helping me was not happy with my decision to get 'granny glasses' so he helped me pick up something with a little more pizazz. The sides have theses little rhinestones in the shape of a flower. I call it my mommy bling. Its the only blingy thing I have :-)

Throughout the week the kids wanted to do crafts. Now crafts I CAN do with the kids. They painted treasure chests and glued on jewels.

Here is Dynomite, intent on her work:

And Trouble perfecting his technique:

The kiddos also made foam people. Foam is a great invention. Just peel and stick!On Friday Trouble wrapped up their preschool Olympics. The teachers made them Olympic shirts, the got medals, and flags. This picture looks a little like Special Olympics, but we still love him :-)

That's better:

The picture from pre-school:
These were just too cute not to post. Backpack has become quite the character lately. I love this stage! He talking, interacting, and is like a little human being. He is not camera shy!

These are from the mall of Backpack and Dynomite sliding.

Saturday we had a Stake RS meeting about Emergency Preparedness. It was well done and reminded me how much we still had to do get ourselves prepared. This meeting sparked a Food Storage/Emergency Prepared group in our ward. Its been wonderful to learn from some very prepared and talented women. And to motivate us to continue on in our efforts.

All in all, it was a great week!!

Rediscovering God in America by Newt Gingrich

2010-05-03T05:48:00.000-07:00

In a world with disappearing values and with so many turning their backs on God, it was enlightening to read of America’s religious roots in Newt Gingrich’s book Rediscovering God in America. He starts off by acknowledging the fact that America started off as a country that “understands that our unalienable right come from God.” However, over time the government has written God out of our American history. In this book he takes us on a photo walking tour to the monuments and places that have religious connotations throughout our nation’s capital.

The photos in this book are simply beautiful. This would make a great coffee table book to browse through as well as a conversation starter. I enjoyed the introduction, even if the reading was a little tedious! I was very impressed with the amount of knowledge for each location he wrote about. I would highly recommend this book for a history buff, especially someone with religious interests.

Meet Aussie

2010-04-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

The strangest things can happen when you go on vacation without children, especially somewhere foreign and exotic like Australia! Somewhere relaxing with nice hotel beds and having the luxury of getting a full nights sleep and getting up and going to bed whenever you want.

I'd been feeling rather poorly and gaining weight at a rather familiar rate, so I went to visit the doc and had some pictures taken of my insides to see what was causing so much discomfort. The heartburn, heightened senses, headaches, fatigue, slight nausea and swelling around the abdomen had to only mean one thing...and alien like parasite:

Introducing Aussie! We don't know if Aussie is a boy or girl. Aussie is already half way cooked.

The baby had its hand up to it face.

Little Bitty toes!!

I'm #1:

See the bitty foot! Baby is lying on its back with the legs crossed:

We feel excited and prepared for number 4. We're using our time now to get our home in order and establishing good routines and stressing the importance of helping and obeying. With the first two I wanted to be prepared physically (clothes, toys, blankets, etc...). With Backpack I didn't really do anything but buy diapers and get a nursery ready. With little Aussie I feel as though we need to take care the logistics of our lives. But we're not worried. We just do the best we can and pray for a healthy baby!

Alaska day 3

2010-04-09T20:25:00.000-07:00

Day 3: It is always best to start the morning off with some chocolate so we went to what is Alaska's (and quite possibly the worlds) largest chocolate fountain.

The sign says 3,400 pounds of real liquid chocolate

Kyle about to break the rules of no tasting...I think we all broke that rule.

Dad and Troy just trying to figure out how many cups of hot chocolate this would make.

Here was our mode of transporation, it was a bit tight when we were all smashed in but the price was right and it got us everywhere we wanted to go.

After the chocolate we decided to run get supplies before fishing. We loaded up the truck and drove off. We were driving down the road when the hood of the truck flew up!!!

We screamed and pulled over to the side. Dad confessed that he had popped the hood (with out telling us) before we went in the store so we wouldn't forget to put oil in the truck, unfortunately we forgot to put the oil in and that the hood wasn't latched. Because of this little incident Dad lost all driving privileges for the rest of the trip (he didn't seem to mind all the sleeping and reading that he was able to do). We slammed the hood down as best we could and I drove towards the house. It was while we were on the highway that the hood flew up again. It turns out it hard to see where you are going when that happens so I pulled over to the side as fast I could (with lots of screaming from the others). We decided to tie the hood down for the rest of the trip because it was so bent up.

After facing near death on the highway we decided to go fishing at glacier creek. Kyle was the first to show his fishing skills.

Dad and Troy were right behind him, we were catching pinks but they were lots of fun.

After some pointers from Troy (my fishing skills are about as good as my driving skills)
I even managed to pull one in.

Then quite a few more, this was my biggest one.

Troy is a natural when it comes to this stuff

Dad use to yell at me all the time when we were little about throwing rocks in the water when he was fishing but I guess its ok if you can splash someone while your doing it.

We caught quite a few fish

The trick is to guide the hook into their mouth.

In the end everyone came away happy.

We had to go get Adam from the airport so we drove back to town, while driving there was a Dall sheep standing on the side of the road, nearly as close as the moose was but we figured we would see so many that we kept going so we would be on time to get Adam. We never got a good look at one again for the rest of the trip.

1 giant chocolate fountain, 2 flying hoods, lots of pink salmon, and 1 Dall sheep.

Travis' Alaska Adventure (31 July - 9 Aug)

2010-04-08T21:46:00.001-07:00

Day 1: A long day of flying but finally I arrive in Alaska, Dad, Troy and Kyle pick me up and we cruise around Anchorage in dad's pick-up. We slept in the house Dad's school lets him use for the summer.

No fish

Day 2: The adventure begins!

We wake up...

for the most part.

The first excitement of Alaska was to fix a fence that Dad's students built, with a little Tubbs jimmy rigging we got it so you could hardly tell that it wasn't level. The neighbor even came out to watch us.

The second adventure was building sheds for Bob Mead, we got there when they were finishing the floor and left when the buildings were standing. It was nice to see that not much had changed from the high school days when we were building sheds. Troy still knew exactly what to do and how to do it. Kyle and I managed to "good enough" our way through. It was nice to work together again but I missed some of the arguing and fighting that we usually did about where the board or nail should have gone. I guess we're just getting too lazy in our old age, now we just do what Troy says.

Dad says he doesn't talk back to Marcia nearly as much anymore.

After a long day of building it was time for a good dinner of someone else's ice cream, its amazing how much better free ice cream tastes.

It was still light out around 9 pm so it was time to go for a walk and try out my new camera. I bought it just for this trip and read the manual on the plane so now it was time to put the skills to the test.

While walking Troy found a new friend. Dad and Kyle made a big deal about Moose being one of the most dangerous animals in Alaska and more people being killed by them then bears. I was afraid that Troy would get mad at the moose for eating some of his berries.

Here you can see Kyle and Dad trying to decide to keep walking or run the other way. Finally they gave in and came over to Troy and I.

I don't think the moose was as excited to see us as we were to see her. We went back for more pictures and saw here calf with her as they were walking away.

1 fence, 2 sheds, 1 moose, no fish

A Fish named Trouble

2010-04-07T19:58:00.001-07:00

A few months ago we signed Trouble up for swim lessons. They bumped him from the pre-school level to the real deal. He passed with flying colors and in the next session he'll do level 2 even though he's not old enough. We haven't signed him up the last two months because of our crazy schedules, but we hope to get him back into it this Spring. He has shown a great confidence in water, mostly due to him having these lessons.

Can you spot Trouble in this picture? He told Travis, "I have some bad news. I'm the only boy in class." He's also the littlest! Kickin' away
Front Float

Back Float

Back Paddle

Dumbbell Floaters to help the kids kick to the other side of the pool

Fireman Pole to get use to being in the deep end. The kids grab on and go underwater.

Jumping off the diving board

oohh so cold...

Great jump!

We had him in lessons two summers ago, but he was so cold and miserable that I didn't think he ever want to go again. So he's really surprised us! The one thing he'd get into trouble for is letting go of the side and going underwater...and scaring his instructor in the process. That is Trouble for you!!

Happiness Can Be Found In Our Families

2010-04-05T20:34:00.001-07:00

This weekend we were able to, as a family, sit down and enjoy a wonderful General Conference. For those who are not familiar with LDS (Mormon) traditions, General Conference is where we get to hear from the Prophet, Apostles, and other major church leaders; this happens twice a year. General Conference consists of two 2 hour sessions on both Saturday and Sunday (so 4 sessions all together). Even though there is no 'theme' and subject matter isn't commonly discussed between the speakers there always seems to be underlying message or connection. This weekend there was a TON discussed about families. The talks are powerful. Simply for the lack of a better word, General Conference is AMAZING!

I found this quote by Marlin K. Jensen, and chuckled to myself at his last statement:

"Begin in 2 Nephi 5:6 with Nephi's observation: 'I . . . did take my family . . . and Sam, mine elder brother and his family, and Jacob and Joseph, my younger brethren, and also my sisters.' Here indeed is a significant key to happiness--one's family.

"There is no other organization that can so completely satisfy our need for belonging and happiness like the family. Why do we yearn for home and loved ones? I believe this yearning is a universal, God-given instinct that all people in all cultures are blessed with. I also believe that a loving Heavenly Father gives it to us because within the family we experience most of life's greatest joys. The sights, sounds, and associations of family and home are among our most treasured memories and provide our fondest anticipations.

"Sometimes after an enjoyable family home evening, during a fervent family prayer, or when our entire family is at the dinner table on Sunday evening eating waffles and engaging in a session of lively, good-natured conversation, I quietly say to myself, 'If heaven is nothing more than this, it will be good enough for me!' "
Marlin K. Jensen, "Living after the Manner of Happiness," Ensign, Dec. 2002, 56

Really I chuckled, so I wouldn't cry :-) If I could always tap into that feeling of times I've experienced perfect joy with my family I believe I'd be better tempered and more patient with my children and husband. Because isn't this what life it all about: being together, loving each other and having fun. I'm grateful for the Gospel and the knowledge it brings into my life. I'm grateful for the Atonement and the joy it brings me. I'm grateful for families and how it gives a little slice of heaven.

And to all my faithful blog-reading buddies, I promise to jump on the blogging band wagon once again. Thanks for making me feel like what I have to write and show is important (even if it isn't that great!!).

2010 Week # 7

2010-03-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

Monday was President's Day so no one had school or dance class. It also happened to be quite snowy out. Travis was determined to head out into the cold anyway, so he picked up the 4 kid cots I got from the swapshop. I thought they'd be smaller, so we could take them camping. They'll be good for sleepovers. However, our inventive son built a fun ramp for the kids to play on.
Tentative Backpack: A full view of the set-up. The kids are on a collision course:

Super Dynomite:

Backpack's favorite way to go down (see his little step trying to get down):

Super Trouble:

For FHE we always do The Pledge of Allegiance. Backpack enjoys holding the flag. Trouble and Dynomite can both recite it now.

We made bouncy balls. Travis talked to the kids about having a good attitude and how we can 'bounce back' when things aren't going well.

The kit made three balls.

Travis took a million shots of them bouncing around the house (kids and balls).

The windup:

The downfall is having to search for them after throwing them:

Keep your eye on the ball. Here it comes!

The finished balls

Tuesday also ended up to be yucky. Travis needed some help on his homework so he went out. One of the guys he called told us that his wife was bored and asked us to come over. So we got to the the Hamialt family from Turkey.(I butchered their last name, I'd ask Travis how to spell it but he's working on a final and would bite my head off if I interrupted him...he already threatened to throw me out the room LOL). They super nice and showed us some great pictures. The weather cleared enough that night for Trouble to have swim lessons.

Wednesday Trouble was able to go to school. I had a very awkward eye appointment. It was very unorganized and I only saw the actual doctor for the last 10 minutes of a 1 hour appointment. Most of my time was spent waiting between eye tests, trying on contacts (they had me try two different lenses), and reading charts. I never actually went to the machine where they flip the lenses and ask if 1 or 2 is better. Oh well. I have to go back because my contacts are giving me headaches and my new glasses seem a bit blurry. Insurance only covers one exam a year, so that's why I have to go back there.

Thursday we pulled out lots of games. I guess Trouble is hoping for warmer weather. He really wanted to wear his Hawaiian shirt today. The kids love the game "Never Ending Story". You lay down tiles and tell a continuing story.

Their story was about some kids finding a lost treasure. The kids make it up as they go and do well at it. I'm just there to remind them what has already happened in the story.

Friday MOPS had a Mom's Day out. I ventured to the grocery store and to K-mart. The K-mart in Huber Heights is going out of business. I went to see if anything had been marked down yet. It actually starts discounting in mid-March. I was able to get PJ for $1.80 and some clothes for Dynomite for less then $5 each.

That night we went to the temple in Columbus. The kids stayed with a family in the ward. They painted to Dynomite's nails. She still talks about that. She such a girly, girl!

Saturday was a Primary Activity. Dynomites first one, now that she is a Sunbeam!! Part of the activity was making the centerpieces for our Relief Society Birthday Celebration. They turned out beautiful. I took Backpack too so Travis could get in some study time. It worked out because when we got home he was ready to play with us and not feel bad about needing to study.

Minot House: A tribute

2010-03-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

Our house in Minot never got a proper post. So here is a little bit about our first house that we ever bought. A lot of blood (from both of us), sweat (Travis'), and tears (Denay's) went into this house.
Here it is shortly after we signed the papers! The back view:

We were very excited because the the lath and plaster had recently been replaced with Sheetrock, all the carpet was new, and everything was newly painted. Therefore we didn't need to do a thing, just enjoy the house. Little did I know that Travis had some grand plans for this place!! Also I didn't realise that no matter how much cosmetic work had been done, it is still an old house (built in 1912)!

This is the living room/dining room (its all clean...before we had kiddos!) I was trying to figure out which curtains looked best.

Our first real North Dakota snow storm. Not our last, for sure! Take note of the 10'x 10' deck and no garage. I think when we first looked at the house Travis leaned over the railing and said, "This would be a great place for a garage." Wow, that man is prophetic!

We lived in the house just shy of 5 years. Travis did a lot of improvements. The following pictures are just a few of the projects he accomplished. Many more are scattered throughout previous posts.

Travis added a ladder to get into the attic. The attic became a wonderful storage spot. He finished the insulation up there to keep the house warmer. He did this while I was at a youth activity in Williston. I was pregnant with Backpack at the time.

Eventually we fixed the boards and painted to make it look nicer.

This is a final view of the house after he added a garage and extended the deck around. The deck was a great place to play and BBQ. Travis covered the entire house in pink foam insulation and sided. A large part of that was done in -45F weather. It really made the garage look like it was apart of the house and not added on. Too bad we never got to use it, because it was always holding all the building materials! We had quite a bit of help from the ward members (huge help from Bro. Williams) and the missionaries, Papa did some wiring, and the neighbors helped pour cement. Other than that, it was all Travis; from working with the city for the permit, to the last piece of siding.

We also knew the carpet in the dining room had to go. It was terribly stained. Travis decided to either use leftover laminate from the kitchen or re-carpet. We checked into re-carpeting and decided that was the way to go. Travis stared to pull up the carpet one week before we left Minot. Underneath was hard wood floors! We about died! We would've had this floor the whole time!!!

Travis felt inspired to hire help (THE FIRST TIME EVER!!) to finish the floor. By this time our stuff was already on its way to OH and we were camped out in TLF. So while Travis was out processing I dropped the kids off at a friends house or camped them in another room watching a movie and I painted like a madwoman. Then Travis would come into town and work like a madman finishing all that need to be done before we left.

The floor turned out beautiful! And it really added to the lightness of the room.

Shot of the living room:

Both rooms:

The master bedroom was on the main floor, with a bathroom. It was a good size and was perfect for us. We really like how big it was. The one problem was that the only bathroom on this floor was in our room, so we had to keep it clean for company (well, maybe that was a good thing!).

Looking into the bathroom from master bedroom.

The bathroom was a pretty good size, too. It was carpeted. I actually didn't bother us too much because it kept the bathroom warm in the winter. There use to be a window by the shower (the wall that you can see), but it got filled in when the garage was built.

The kitchen. It was a little small, but functional. We bought a corner table with benches to go in the corner that you can't see. The table turned into the home for Travis' orange tree. It died before we moved. We did the laminate flooring in this room. The carpet was glued down so we tied a rope to it, strung the rope out the window and tied it to the car. Travis drove very slowly while I used a shovel to get up the carpet. It was very effective. Whos idea was that? Both of ours....great minds think alike! From the window you could see the school playground. Our yard wasn't big. The playground across the alley made up for that! Plus, less to mow.

This is the mudroom. The room you can take your coats and shoes off in. Right above it is the deck. In here there was a whole in the wall. The genius that build the original deck used the same support beam for the railing for the support in the wall. Then sealed it with tar. Eventually there was a leak and water was running straight down that beam into our wall. One day there was a whole. Travis knocked out that wall, built it back and added a door to the garage. That took several months, during which our washer froze. So not only was it cold, I ended up going to the laundry mat from November to February. But it needed to be done!! Travis' Dad helped him with the floor while I was at Girls Camp. It was a nice surprise for me. Later we painted, taped and mudded and added the trim. Travis' Dad also helped him put in raised flower beds along one side of our house. I was so grateful for his help...it meant less work for me :-)

The upstairs bathroom was quite the project. This started when I was pregnant with Trouble and ended after I had Backpack. First Travis cut and raised the roof over the shower and added the bubble block windows and a vent. He finished the outside by redoing the wood siding, re-roofing some parts, and painting. Inside we put up the plastic shower stuff and made it all look nice. Then a month or so before Backpack was due, he cut the other side and raised it. He then added the bubble block windows and vents. This was one of the only rooms with lathe and plaster. He tore all that out and put in Sheetrock. He also put in laminate flooring over the carpet.

The night I went into labor with Backpack, a storm was brewing. He called me from work and said he needed me to cover the hole with a tarp. I went outside and carried up some bricks and stones to hold down the tarp. Threw the tarp on the roof, climbed up, put the weights in place and tied it all down. I wonder what put me in labor that night?? Its good, because I really wanted to have him that weekend.
Here is the finished upstairs bathroom on the side by the sink:

The side with the shower:

Here is the upstairs from the first landing. To the left of this picture is the door to the deck. Upstairs had four bedroom.

Dynomite's room. We loved the colors in here and the border matched perfectly. My Visiting Teacher came over and helped us paint.

Backpack's barnyard themed room. Yaya helped paint this one. This was Travis' office, but he was punished for not keeping his room clean, so he moved in my office with me. Which was my punishment for not keeping my room clean :-)

The office:

Trouble's room. First he had space stuff all over, then cars. Travis painted this room while I was pregnant with Trouble. It was fun to have a blue ceiling.

Looking up the stairwell.

Here is a shot of the back of the garage. Travis really did put so much into this project. He did an awesome job. It was hard to sell a house that so much was invested.

Looking toward the front:

The view looking in from the outside. The wood in the back is a door to a nice sized pantry. To the left of that is the door to the basement. The basement would've been the next project if we'd stayed longer. All the hook-ups for a bathroom are down there, and a room with a wood floor for a family room, and another room we used as a workout room, and lots of shelving, and a smaller room. The small room was great for our food storage. It has no windows and stayed around 70F. In the olden days, it was used to collect rain water and snow melt off from outside. Which was then pumped into the kitchen. Every year it was scrubbed down with bleach to collect water again. We were told that only the fancier houses had these type of set-ups. It made a great panic room!

Travis did more than what I have pictures off. He rewired many parts of the house, replaced tons of plumbing, fixed more holes than a house should have (of course he put many of the holes there in the first place), replaced doors, sanded, painted, gardened, etc... We moved in with no kids, one car, and enough stuff to furnish a two bedroom appartment. We moved out with three kids, two cars, and enough stuff to fill a dump!

We did love that house, despite all the complaing we...okay I....did while we were in the mists of the work. We just hope our new owners love it as much as we did!

Snowmen Movies

2010-03-12T18:00:00.000-08:00

The Matrix (think snowballs in slow-mo) Lean on Me

Death of a Snowman

Earth Attacks! (Ack, Ack, Ack)

"He's Dead, Jim" --can you guess??

It CAME....in parts and pieces??

2010-03-11T18:00:00.000-08:00

On Thursday our Sleep Number bed arrived...in four different boxes! I thought there would be one at least the dimensions of a box spring. What do I know!?!
Here is a picture of our new completed bed: Travis' Dad made the bed for us. We have been sleeping with our wedding quilt for almost 10 years now. Unfortunately it needs some TLC. Its taking a much needed rest for now. I ran up to the Kohl's and bought a new satiny bed set (plus they were on sale!) for our first nights sleep.

Here is the shipment! Travis put it together while I was running the Relief Society Birthday Celebration. I wonder where Dynomite is?

There she is!

Anyone seen Trouble around?

Guess he is comfy, cozy!

Our old bed will replace the full sized guest bed in Dynomite room. For now there is double the beds in her room. For some reason the kids think it is a great place to play and bounce around...

He's just too cute to not have pictures of :-)

So truth be told, the first night wasn't so great. I had it on 25 and Travis on 100. He kept rolling into me. He adjusted his to 55 and mine to 35 and its been heavenly ever since. I think we have a winner! The nice thing is that it can be adjusted to whatever setting you need whenever you need a change. Thank you Sleep Number!

Home and Garden Show

2010-03-10T18:00:00.000-08:00

For our date night we went to the Dayton Home and Garden show. We ended up have a great time and spending way too much money! The weather was terrible driving there, but was fine coming home.
Our first stop was the Ohio Bird Sanctuary. Travis held a few of the birds. They are open to the pubic to come and see the birds they have rescued.

The vendors are there to help you improve your home and garden. What made the evening relaxing was being able walk past each booth saying, "Sorry, we live in military housing!" We did see some impressive set ups with garden areas and outside patios/kitchens.

Here is where our future sleeping unfolded before us. We tried the bed and decided to finish the show before making a decision.

We walked past one booth that did catch our attention. The company is called Insulspan. They manufacture Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). What are SIPs? They "are high performance building panels used in floors, walls, and roofs for residential and light commercial buildings. The panels are typically made by sandwiching a core of rigid foam plastic insulation between two structural skins of oriented strand board (OSB). The result is a building system that is extremely strong, energy efficient and cost effective. Building with SIPs will save you time, money and labor." After dealing with three different type of insulation while remolding and adding on to our house in Minot, we were very impressed with this building material. It make a house completely air tight saving on energy, of course you have to have a way to cycle air through your house. It is basically wall to wall insulation with no gaps. This company is working on putting together simple house kits that can be shipped to Haiti and put up in a days time. He told us that whole houses can be constructed in three days, once the foundation is set. If you have ever consider building your own home, we would recommend using this. Google it, it will be worth your time.

We did stop to have our rings cleaned and try out an electric massage. Its like a tens (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) unit, but for home use. Travis loved it (he actually hinted about a great birthday present it would make). I hated it! I was hooked up to one for physical therapy. I would've lied to the therapist and got one for free, but I'm not a very good liar!

We found our way to the display tables. The theme was "Game on!" I don't know what the rules were the displays, but they were pretty neat!

Game of Life:

Sports:

Badminton (The Winner):

Ohio State Football:

Shoots and Ladders:

Croquet:

Chess:

Dominoes:

Clue:

Playing cards (Bridge, maybe?):

At the end of the evening we walked back over the Sleep Number salesman and put our sleep comfort in the hands a man we met only a short hour ago.

This certainly was the most expensive Home and Garden show we've ever been too! Hopefully, well worth it...we shall see...

Shiver me timbers, I have no pockets!

2010-03-09T18:00:00.000-08:00

Dynomite playing pirates with Travis.
Imagine a Dynomite gravely pirate voice:

"I'm pretending to be a pirate, I'm pretending I have a treasure map in my pocket!"

Looks down to discover she doesn't have a pocket.

"I'm pretending I have a pocket!"

Gotta love the pirate!

Kitchen Tips Tuesday: Chop Sticks

2010-03-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

If look in my pantry you may think I'm a crazy lady with a chopstick in the flour canister. Why? I use it to level off the measuring cups. Did you know that just an extra tablespoon (or the heap of flour on top of your measuring cup) can really mess with your recipe, especially if you're baking. Too much flour can give you tough and/or heavy baked goods.

So I just scoop the flour out of the canister, level it with the chopstick, and put the chopstick back in the canister for next time. Voila, perfect measure of your flour. Also good for sugar and other powdered items (although a little extra sugar never hurts a batch of cookies!)

Angelina the Ballerina Performs Again

2010-03-08T18:00:00.000-08:00

At the end of dance session the teacher lets the parents to watch the students dance. Here is Dynomite with her bestest friend warming up. Dynomite was less vocal this time :-) The teacher said that her dance is improving, probably because she's hearing a bit better these days!

Elephant trunk warm up:

Stretches:

And....I have no idea....maybe she should be in contemporary dance??

En Barre...

A few last shots:

Our little Angelina Ballerina!

PS There was a boy in this session of dance. One morning Dynomite told Trouble that he could not got to dance class because boys aren't allowed. I reminded her that there is a boy in the class and she said, "Yeah, but I don't know his name." I guess it doesn't count if 'The Princess' doesn't know his name. LOL!!!

Trouble's ER Visit

2010-03-07T17:33:00.000-08:00

Travis took pictures with the camera phone of Trouble's visit to the ER. The nurse told us to come in to get a throat culture, so we took him to base. If we would've known that he'd go through all this Children's Hospital would have been the better choice. In the future, we'll always remember to go there.

Here he is laying in this huge adult sized bed with his IV. He only thing Travis could find for him to read was an anatomy book. Never to young to learn about the human body!

A close up of the IV:

Trouble being goofy, but still a bit groggy!

We got some Amoxicillin from Wal-greens today (love the drive thru feature!!). The base pharmacy was closed, so we had to go there to fill his prescription. He'll be on that for 10 days. He already is looking better, but school for him is out of the question for tomorrow. We're told that he is not contagious at this point, but he still needs rest. He should be fine by Wednesday.

Feel better little fellow!