Austin Peyton, U.S. Army!!

I have been dying to get a picture of Austin, and this just came today!

This definitely makes him official!

Happy 18th Birthday, Austin!!!

It was very weird not having balloons up and presents on the table today. I miss taking the morning picture of the kids and their sleepy eyes:( So this is last years:

Austin is doing what he has dreamed of for a long time and loving it. His letters are very encouraging and thoughtful. We are very proud of him and thankful the Lord is watching over him and keeping him safe.

Our Soldier

My mom found this cute little soldier. It sits next to Austin's picture.

Happy Birthday Austin. We love you and miss you very much. Can't wait to see you for your graduation!!!!!!

Surprise Visit From Grandma Jo:)

Last Saturday, I was standing in the El Pollo Loco parking with my daughter yelling, "I have hot mouth, it's spicy!" So I said, "what are you talking about?" "I have hot mouth", she yells as she begins to gag and throw up. All of a sudden someone grabs my back and guess who--GRANDMA JO! So, I say what the heck what are you doing as Kylee continues to yell about spicy mouth. Welcome to my chaos!!!!

She played with Jacob while the kids were at school.

She bought them dinosaur wash cloths that start off in an egg shape, but then you soak them in water to give them there shape!

Grandma wanted to do something special with each of them, so she bought stuff to make their own Halloween shirts!

Modeling their shirts!

Rain Forest Cafe is always one stop we make! It keeps the kids entertained while we try to semi-have an adult conversation. However, Jacob wanted to use the bathroom every minute to look at the monkey painted on the wall and see the other animals as he walks to the bathroom.

Thank you for a wonderful visit and just being able to catch up on everything and everyone. You are welcome anytime!!!! Hopefully my house didn't scare you not to come back, not being clean, just lived in.

Thank you, Thank you for ALL you have DONE for us.

We LOVE You!!!

(I am sure you are enjoying the peace and quiet of your home:)

A Raccoon--are you kidding me!!

I don't know if you remember my older post about our Wild Life and crazier Wild Life we get near our home or front door on the screen.........

Now this is what we found is our neighbor John's tree..........
A Raccoon!
Mike got on the roof to get closer shots!!!!

It was HUGE! Look at the paws on it!

Grandparent's Day at Palm Ave. Elementary!

The kids were so excited to have Grandma June, Grammy and Grampy come to Grandparents Day at their school for donuts and juice on Monday.

Our First Couple's Retreat!!!!!

A HUGE thank you to Jenni for having Tyler and Jacob and to Stacey for having my concerned Kylee for making this weekend get away possible.

This was the first retreat Mike and I have ever been on and we had a blast. Learning more about one another and hanging out with other couple's, while growing stronger in our relationship as well as keeping our marriage God Centered.

We stayed at this resort:

The first night we talked about the Power of a Relationship and renewed our wedding vows to each other.

Saturday morning we talked about finances and making a budget, God doesn't want us to live in debt.

Then we had some free time to do want we wanted. We went to lunch then bowling with 5 other couples. It was great.

That night we had another session and then game night. Couple Feud and the Newly Wed game. Mike and I came in second:)

These are two of my dear friends Melissa and Joanna.

This is what we came back too!!!! A little boy who was literally throwing up as we walked through the door! He didn't even raise his head or say momma when he saw me, it was the saddest thing:_ (

But of course once we got home he was running around like nothing happened and wanted to eat and drink everything in sight!!

WELCOME HOME!!!!

Thanks again Aaron & Jenni

and

Adam & Stacey

for watching our kids so we could have a weekend together!!!!

A Letter from AUSTIN!!!

Dear Family, 30 Aug 09

Aimee, yes you can Blog this if you'd like:) Its taken me about 2 nights to write this and the Drill Sergeants have made us send it Home. I have put much thought into it So here it goes.......... What it means to sacrifice for my country. To me, sacrifice is something I wanted to do and I knew what I was sacrificing. Im willing to do the dirty work so I know my family and people I love (Erica:)) can sleep in peace at nite. I am an American, Fighting in the Forces which guard my country, I am willing to give my life in its defense. The people I love are my motivation to keep going when I think I can't go any further. I sleep soundly every nite knowing that I have done my part in keeping my family safe and retuning the favor. Being here is the least I could do for my family. I live this life of sacrifice so they can live their life of pleasure. I know the real bullets have not flown yet but when that time comes I will be fine for the LORD is my rock and has prepared my hands for battle (Psalms 144) I go by his word and know that hundreds will fall by my side and thousands more by my right hand yet only with my eyes shall
I witness the reward of the wicked (Psalm 91) Please do not fear for me because I have no fear, belief that my LORD will always provide for me. I shall fear no Evil for he is with me(Psalm 23) (Thanks GG) That was her favorite verse:) or chapter of Psalms. Again I am more than pleased to


sacrifice my life and lifestyle so that the people I love do not have to. They can sleep in peace at nite and have the wonderful blessing of freedom. The more I sit and think the more it becomes clear. I didn't join for college money, travel or any other benefit the army provides, but only for the soul purpose to protect the people I love and to defend the great NATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! I ask that you please pray for all of our troops and my brothers and sisters that train and fight beside me. please encourage us in our endeavor to live above the common level of life. help us choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong. oh and once more thing...
DELTA 795!
HOOAHH!!!

We just got this letter today from Austin. He has already changed so much and matured. Please keep him in your prayers. We are so proud of him...