tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17321567346107373762024-03-12T17:40:44.259-07:00i used to be coolDan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-66111135802834614372011-02-14T10:43:00.000-08:002011-02-14T11:14:48.943-08:00God is goodI confess that the first thing I tend to do when times are tough is pick up the latest book or get counsel from someone who is wise. Doesn't sound all bad right?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Why do I not go straight to my knees and His Word?</span><br /><br />A few months ago Dan got home from Iraq again and we wanted to spend some time doing some marriage counseling. This wasn't because we had major problems, this is just something that we decided we wanted to do every year or 2 as a way to keep our relationship growing.<br /><br />Strangely, the biggest blessing was that it didn't work out. We tried to get together with our pastor but stuff just kept happening.<br /><br />Once again, I was trying to go to someone other than the Lord.<br /><br /><strong>The last 6-8 mo have been tough.</strong><br /><br />The entire summer we were living in TX and KS, back and forth constantly.<br />I got pregnant in Aug (planned and rejoiced over!) and the first trimester was quite difficult.<br />The summer was filled with me struggling with the idea that I was "just a mom" now.<br />Pregnancies have been the hardest times Dan and I have had to face in our marriage.<br />Dan was discharged from the military in Oct. and the hunt for work began... still hunting.<br />During pregnancy my hormones are all out of whack and I have had serious bouts of depression.<br />Our little Izzie is no longer a baby and the need for true training in righteousness increases everyday.<br />We are <strong>really </strong>struggling with the decision of whether or not I should go back to work full time for a year or 2.<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">And baby no. 2 is ONLY 6 weeks away!!</span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"></span><br /><br />The Lord has been so faithful!!<br /><br />I didn't need counseling from anyone but Him.<br /><br />I have been learning to praise Him for the struggles that force me to the only One who is sufficient.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">So many blessings of the last few months!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong><br />Dan has been able to find jobs that have made ends meet.<br />The sickness only lasted the first trimester of this pregnancy.<br />I don't have to face another deployment- birthdays, anniversaries, holidays without Dan.<br />My Dr found a new medication that is helping tremendously with the depression.<br />Somehow our savings has lasted SO MUCH longer than it should have.<br />The Lord continues to show me what an honor it is to raise children.<br />We found out we're having a little BOY!<br />The water heater wasn't broken after all.<br />Izzie is not nearly headstrong as her Mommy and Daddy.<br />We have gotten through the winter so far without a single ear infection.<br />My dad gave me the best gift in the world- a remodeled bathroom with a TUB!!!!<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>And theres ONLY 6 weeks left till Levi gets here!!!</strong></span><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong><br />God is good.Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-12089245788365617262011-02-13T13:20:00.000-08:002011-02-13T13:39:34.341-08:00So it begins...We have had our first official battle over what we would wear to church.<br /><br /><div><div>My mother in law has been warning me that this day would come. Apparently, Isabella's father began at 18mo a one year battle against overalls. He got a spanking everyday and still kept coming back for more. </div><br /><div>Up until this point I was holding out hope that maybe Izzie had none of her Mommy or Daddy's personality... as we were both a little difficult to raise. </div><br /><div>I'm losing hope! </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>This morning I tried a dress on Isabelle to see if it still fit. </div><div></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573289604191959618" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XsNNy-b2VyQ/TVhNXdA9OkI/AAAAAAAABIE/d4hnJkJOtNM/s320/IMG_8141.JPG" /></div><div>As you can see, it's a little small. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Not too bad, so why would I make this one a battle??</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Well... Izzie is becoming quite proficient in snaps and zippers and I was a little concerned that THIS is what would happen during church! Seeing as it's the first thing she did as soon as I put it on her. </div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573289605675386178" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DgJJ9T-f7iY/TVhNXiiohUI/AAAAAAAABIM/LLJQQSKpWeY/s320/IMG_8143.JPG" /></div><div>We may end up getting the child we deserve, which I'm prepared for. But I'm really hoping to avoid raising the "<strong>church streaker</strong>!" </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>This is what she actually wore. After some tears (and a candy corn) she was finally proud to wear it. :) </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573289609683851618" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q9aceF-Au_A/TVhNXxeU2WI/AAAAAAAABIU/mZ7NPemzNGA/s320/IMG_8140.JPG" /></div></div>Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-60878742144415886162011-02-10T20:09:00.001-08:002011-02-10T20:24:05.359-08:00Cabin Fever!<div><div><div>The last couple have weeks have been nothing but stuck in the house! It's funny how after a few days Isabella is happy to see ANYONE but me. One day we went to Home Depot just to find the cat! Ok, so I picked up some paint too, but Izzie was just interested in the cat and I was perfectly fine wasting time walking around looking for him. :) <div> </div><div>We also went and hung out with Ammaw and Papa and made BROWNIES! Isabelle is quite the cook... and bowl licker! </div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572281145635135570" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RYprCL13lOU/TVS4LcIwYFI/AAAAAAAABH8/u8dxLRXNS_c/s320/IMG_8116.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572281141734117922" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KbNQjVEURho/TVS4LNmrkiI/AAAAAAAABH0/bLfAgR_mYMY/s320/IMG_8123.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>Jillian came over for a little bit one evening and I don't think either of them have ever been happier to see each other. They'd both been couped up and sick of their Mommies and Daddies!</div><div> </div><div align="center">No, I do not normally let my child drink bath water or soap. :)</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572281139127262930" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FkyH31GKCnc/TVS4LD5KHtI/AAAAAAAABHs/lJSsVnK4_nw/s320/IMG_8108.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Jillian thought Izzies hair looked dirty, she offered to help.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572281135290038018" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8rw6wxRslRM/TVS4K1mStwI/AAAAAAAABHk/rM-ieTW4PAA/s320/IMG_8106.JPG" /></div></div></div></div><br /><p>I love winter weather, but I have to say it is quite different with a child. Being couped up is so much worse when you have a little ankle-biter dying to go outside or get out of the house. And it's been even worse because all the cousins have all been sick at one point or another so we're trying to keep them apart as much as possible. I now know why mommies are always saying that they can't wait till spring. God continues to show me new ways that it was great that He moved us back to TX!!!</p>Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-69403388019082315702011-02-01T16:14:00.000-08:002011-02-01T17:00:44.163-08:00Rockin' OutThanks so much to our buddies, Hendrix, Baden, and Remi for the playdate! It was fun to hang out in our jammies and play a little Rockband.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/TUiirLb0-VI/AAAAAAAABHY/MABUV4RUbeg/s1600/IMG_8103.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568879801931200850" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/TUiirLb0-VI/AAAAAAAABHY/MABUV4RUbeg/s320/IMG_8103.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/TUiiq_2a9VI/AAAAAAAABHQ/Ei0chIkODAE/s1600/IMG_8101.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568879798821516626" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/TUiiq_2a9VI/AAAAAAAABHQ/Ei0chIkODAE/s320/IMG_8101.JPG" /></a> Yes, my kid is the one that wears random hats all the time. This happened to be the choice of the day. :)<br /><br /><div></div></div>Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-40843823503152296102011-01-31T15:54:00.000-08:002011-01-31T16:55:38.886-08:00Catching up on few picsWell, a FEW things have happened since my last post... to say the least!<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6666;">Izzie turns 1!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/TUdQsKyhx5I/AAAAAAAABHI/tIeJi_7TWvw/s1600/IMG_6749.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568508184007657362" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/TUdQsKyhx5I/AAAAAAAABHI/tIeJi_7TWvw/s320/IMG_6749.JPG" /></a><span style="color:#ff0000;"> <em><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;">She is such a "help" with the laundry.</span></em></span> <div align="left"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/TUdQr551x-I/AAAAAAAABHA/pRqp_fP5miI/s1600/IMG_7498.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568508179474925538" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/TUdQr551x-I/AAAAAAAABHA/pRqp_fP5miI/s320/IMG_7498.JPG" /></a>Actually, she's learned lots of ways to help around the house and she loves it! This particular day she decided to watch some toons while I folded, but she picks up her toys, helps to unload the dishwasher and takes things to the trash. Boy does it take patience to teach your kids to work around the house. It also takes some altering of expectations! :) </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><br /><strong><span style="color:#663300;">Chillin' in a cardboard box with our favorite gal pal, Jillian.</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#000000;">Is there ever a happier child than one with a box?<br /></span></strong><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/TUdQrlOXrSI/AAAAAAAABG4/jowAdTqMLGM/s1600/IMG_7467.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568508173923888418" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/TUdQrlOXrSI/AAAAAAAABG4/jowAdTqMLGM/s320/IMG_7467.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="color:#993399;"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:180%;"><strong>Our little ballerina ready for trick-or-treating!</strong></span> </span></div><div align="center">She was far more interested in filling her bucket with sticks and acorns off the sidewalk.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/TUdOrWlcFTI/AAAAAAAABGw/5pbOXimuQqM/s1600/IMG_7749.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568505970970858802" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/TUdOrWlcFTI/AAAAAAAABGw/5pbOXimuQqM/s320/IMG_7749.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;"><strong>Checking out the pumpkins at the pumpkin patch.</strong></span></em><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/TUdOq-Mo3nI/AAAAAAAABGo/4gg5sh_jCRY/s1600/IMG_7527.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568505964424388210" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/TUdOq-Mo3nI/AAAAAAAABGo/4gg5sh_jCRY/s320/IMG_7527.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:180%;"><strong><br /><span style="color:#6666cc;">"Loving" the snow! :)</span></strong></span><br />She looks like the kid off of A Christmas Story.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/TUdOqv_2iOI/AAAAAAAABGg/LRpYZ6EaKM8/s1600/IMG_8024.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568505960612661474" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/TUdOqv_2iOI/AAAAAAAABGg/LRpYZ6EaKM8/s320/IMG_8024.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#999999;"><strong>Lets go sledding!</strong></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/TUdOqec4v-I/AAAAAAAABGY/HNFXinkxPb4/s1600/DSC_0547.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568505955902603234" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/TUdOqec4v-I/AAAAAAAABGY/HNFXinkxPb4/s320/DSC_0547.JPG" /></a> Keeping with the tradition of pregnant sledding I had to go just once. I went when I was 5 mo preg with Izzie and I was 6 mo with Levi. Isabella doesn't love sledding either. She did eventually grow accustomed to the snow and she loved being pulled behind Papa's golfcart for some "redneck sledding" as we Joneses like to call it. :)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33cc00;"><strong>A rare picture of Dan and me.<br /></strong></span><div align="left"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/TUdOpw7zkWI/AAAAAAAABGQ/Hri-yVRP3No/s1600/100_9938.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568505943684256098" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/TUdOpw7zkWI/AAAAAAAABGQ/Hri-yVRP3No/s320/100_9938.JPG" /></a> At the Mavs game with Kaci and Kyle. We are so blessed to be able to get out without kids once in a while. But I'm going to try to be better about taking pictures of Dan and me. <div></div></div></div><br /></div></div>Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-60668649551475352712011-01-24T11:42:00.001-08:002011-01-24T12:43:17.488-08:00"i used to be cool" - a blog reborn"i used to be cool"<br /><br />This is a bumper sticker that I recently saw on the back of one of the newest, "coolest" minivans on the market and it inspired a Kelso family blog redesign.<br /><br />Dan and I- we used to be cool. We loved late night poker games, camping in sub-freezing weather, UFC fights, catching a no-name band at a pub, roadtrips to absolutely nowhere with absolutely no planning . . . or gear, going to the movies to catch the latest comedy. I loved shopping for clothes and decorating. Dan loved to fish and sit around talking with the guys about "man-stuff," whatever that is.<br /><br />Yeah, we used to be cool... I think. At least we felt that way.<br /><br />"They" say having children changes things and boy are they right! Whoever "they" are.<br /><br />Cool is gone! The things we get excited about now...<br /><br />getting to bed early<br />avoiding our turn to change the dirty diaper<br />getting through a meal at a restuarant without a complete and total meltdown<br />teaching Izzie to throw away her own diapers<br />hand-me-down kids clothes<br />the spit-up hitting the floor instead of our shirt... or face<br />GOING TO WALMART ALONE!<br />making it through a whole movie before falling asleep<br />getting out a few times a month just Dan and I<br /><br /><br />It sounds all bad, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. Even though becoming parents has changed our lives tremendously, its definitely not for the worst. Sure at first glance it doesn't seem "cool" to have spit-up crusted hair or poop on your freshly washed bed sheets. But our definition of cool has been changing over the last couple of years, especially over the last few months.<br /><br />I wont lie, just a few months ago I was struggling. I am big pregnant with stretch marks that make me look like I belong on Animal Planet. It seemed like everyday something new happened that made me think... "i used to be cool" and now I'm just a mommy. All day everyday. I hear that this is a common emotion for mothers, so I'm hoping that I'm not the only one. But the Lord has been doing some amazing work on my heart.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Psalm 127:3-4</strong></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">What a joy to be chosen as a mother! To be given the responsibility of yeilding the arrows our children's lives. Sure, it's totally scary! But its totally cool! As Isabelle is getting older I am beginning to see the first fruits of raising your children up in the Lord. Why is my life wicked cool?</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I get to see Izzie sing "Jesus Loves Me." Which pretty much consists of her saying "jeus" over and over. </div><div align="left">She holds our hands to pray.</div><div align="left">She runs to get the Bible to read with us at night.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Yeah, my definition of "cool" has changed.</div>Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-75541703553320159452010-02-01T19:54:00.000-08:002010-02-01T20:07:32.813-08:00Sexy Girl!Izzie had to try on her new bathing suit. Is this not the most precious thing in the whole world!? And yes, I know she's going to look back at this and throw a fit when she's 14 and I won't let her wear a string bikini. I'll just tell her it was because her Daddy wasn't here to say no. :)<br /><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433491475996713266" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/S2ejtaTloTI/AAAAAAAABFY/tbNT8aSC5m4/s320/IMG_5418.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433490177678438498" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/S2eih1sY8GI/AAAAAAAABFQ/_d3srQyKSjQ/s320/IMG_5412.JPG" /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/S2ejuQakSVI/AAAAAAAABFo/B_cp4blaxhA/s1600-h/IMG_5426.JPG"></a>Look at those sexy thighs!!!!<br /><div align="left"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/S2ejt-9XVVI/AAAAAAAABFg/XJcXt_0YMCo/s1600-h/IMG_5436.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433491485835613522" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/S2ejt-9XVVI/AAAAAAAABFg/XJcXt_0YMCo/s320/IMG_5436.JPG" /></a>We cannot wait to hit the pool! We are gonna spend the whole summer in the water!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div><br /></div></div>Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-71373682831789752002010-01-28T19:14:00.000-08:002010-01-29T11:21:00.436-08:00Just checking in!<div align="center">As you can all tell, I've been terrible at keeping everyone updated. I've been so overwhelmed trying to keep Dan updated that I've lost all motivation to keep up with the blog. But that's no excuse. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Isabella has learned TONS of new tricks since I last posted!!! She seems to change and grow everyday. She has 2 teeth, is crawling, pulling up, saying "Papa" and "bye-bye," and getting into mischief daily! One her favorite habits is pulling all the DVDs off the shelf.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/S2JU-1WQMaI/AAAAAAAABFI/ehfkcitubDk/s1600-h/IMG_5147.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431997539011277218" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/S2JU-1WQMaI/AAAAAAAABFI/ehfkcitubDk/s320/IMG_5147.JPG" /></a><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431997527994311474" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/S2JU-MTmozI/AAAAAAAABE4/tb6dZo8Jqyk/s320/IMG_5159.JPG" /><br />Izzie absolutely LOVES bathtime!! She would play in there forever, even if the water gets cold. We can't wait until it warms up and we can hit the pool!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/S2JU-dhlEeI/AAAAAAAABFA/05mZiOqxbZ4/s1600-h/IMG_5196.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431997532616331746" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/S2JU-dhlEeI/AAAAAAAABFA/05mZiOqxbZ4/s320/IMG_5196.JPG" /></a><br />This is how she sits in the tub most of the time, with her feet propped up. My girl knows how to relax!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/S2JU9hB1oXI/AAAAAAAABEw/T7nMcDwPmiU/s1600-h/IMG_5222.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431997516377071986" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/S2JU9hB1oXI/AAAAAAAABEw/T7nMcDwPmiU/s320/IMG_5222.JPG" /></a> Look at those cute teeth!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/S2JU9H0LWyI/AAAAAAAABEo/QqytfSCgS9E/s1600-h/IMG_5231.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431997509608889122" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/S2JU9H0LWyI/AAAAAAAABEo/QqytfSCgS9E/s320/IMG_5231.JPG" /></a><br /></div></div>Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-38601645762684009622009-12-22T21:43:00.000-08:002009-12-22T21:44:00.848-08:00A Beautiful NightGod's timing is perfect! Today I received the best gift I've gotten in a very long time. After a rather long and loney couple of days with a very fussy, teething Izzie I was just about to have a meltdown. Just before I was going to ATTEMPT to put Izzie down for the night I got a knock on the door. We went to the door and were blessed beyond belief by the Hutchins family caroling and reading the Christmas story. It has not really seemed like Christmas this year with Dan gone, and I haven't even cared to try and celebrate much. But as I heard the Christmas story read and beautiful carols sung I was overwhelmed with the reminder that Christmas is not about me being alone again for another holiday or about my lack of sleep in the wake of a teething baby or about the stresses of the dealing with the daily grind of being a wife or mother- this is a time to celebrate our Savior. I am so glad it's not all about me. Hutchins Family- thank you for your willingness to spread the good news. And by the way, the cinnamon rolls were AMAZING! I shared some with my neighbors. :)<br /><br />Merry Christmas to all!Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-88510501729858167342009-12-21T11:10:00.000-08:002009-12-21T11:18:25.487-08:00Confessions of a bad blogger!Yes, I am still alive and I do still know how to use a computer. I have just taken a leave of absense from the world of blogging. This was not a scheduled leave of absense. Quite spontaneous actually. The last several months have been pretty busy with the sending Dan off to war, moving to a new home, and trying to get settled here. :) And I wasn't sure anyone actually read this thing anymore! So if you actually look at this you should post a comment. Then I'll know that I'm not just wasting my time.<br /><br />As for me, I love stalking other people on their blogs. Even if I don't post anything, so for those of you who never comment- I get it. It's just so much fun hearing that the same crazy things are happening to other people too.<br /><br />Well, I don't have any pictures with me, but I vow to post them sometime this week. I have quite a few for those of you who don't get on facebook. I love you all!<br /><br />Stay classy America!<br />(and Iraq, Afghanistan, and Italy)Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-83832540058024412722009-10-04T20:35:00.000-07:002009-10-04T21:11:58.419-07:00I'm 5 months old!Izzie is 5 months old! Actually she was 5 months old a week ago, but I just haven't gotten pictures posted. Same song, different verse! :)<br /><br />And with each month that passes it gets harder and harder to capture a good picture. This time she was entirely too interested in the sign and she wanted to chew on her toes!<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388959956532952978" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/Ssluh03zf5I/AAAAAAAABEI/SUUS6zEPkfY/s320/IMG_2782.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388959973067551122" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/Ssluiyd9cZI/AAAAAAAABEY/SAcch8Dpjw8/s320/IMG_2796.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388959967224278722" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/Ssluics0LsI/AAAAAAAABEQ/U8dMEkXoKwo/s320/IMG_2785.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388959983221880226" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SslujYS8NaI/AAAAAAAABEg/YVwSk5ASQ-4/s320/IMG_2800.JPG" /><br />She has grown so much! This past month she has really become active. She babbles all the time and loves to chew on her toes. She's also started sitting up and trying to crawl. So far she can just go in a circle. :) And she's not too quick so I can pretty much leave her on a blanket and she stays there. Which is nice. More than likely when I post 6 month pictures she will be getting around some and I'll actually start baby proofing a little.<br /><br />She also loves to look at herself in the mirror. She just talks to herself and tries to grab it. It's a wonderful babysitter when I need to get a little work done around the house! :) And the sweetest thing . . . she has started to raise her hands up to me when I reach down to get her. I can't help but want to pick her up!<br /><br />Izzie, you are more fun than I ever could have imagined, and a wonderful buddy to get through this deployment with. I love you!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-43171771236408723792009-10-02T19:54:00.000-07:002009-10-02T20:05:46.232-07:00Update from the sandboxI finally got a short message from Dan. This deployment is not going to go quite like we thought it would. He was supposed to go to FOB Somerall and have it pretty easy. Instead, at the last minute they decided that just his platoon would be going to FOB Dagger instead. This FOB isn't quite as posh as Somerall. They have no phones or store for basic necessities. They can only have access to their $$ once a month and I think they will be able to go to another FOB to go to a store every once in a while. They do have internet access though. Praise the Lord!<br /><br />It's been 2 weeks since I talked to Dan or gotten a message from him so it was really great to get a short note. It's going to take me a little time to adjust to not expecting phone calls. I was really looking forward to the next one. But that's ok, there are MANY more deployed soldiers who have it much, much harder!<br /><br />Thank you so much for your prayers! If you are interested their needs have recently increased due to the lack of access to a store. They will now need us to send things like toiletries and basic needs.<br /><br />I also got his address:<br /><br />SPC Dan Kelso<br />HHC, 4-1 ID<br />3rd Platoon, D. Co<br />FOB Dagger<br />APO AE 09393<br /><br />I can't wait to get a package together. I have been anxiously awaiting the address!!Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-13099485516410021752009-09-19T23:45:00.000-07:002009-09-20T00:25:36.411-07:00Missing My LoveWell, it's almost 2am and I just got off the phone with Dan. It was so awesome to hear from him. I hadn't talked to him in about a week and I was really starting to miss that voice. I cannot begin to describe how blessed I am to have him in my life, even if he's not in the same country. When I am completely spent and discouraged he knows how to lift me up. He encourages me and challenges me all at the same time, and often without ever realizing he's done it. He is an incredible leader of our family even from thousands of miles away.<br /><br />So what's he up to? He just got to FOB Spyker in Iraq. This won't be his permanent spot in Iraq, just another pit stop. :) This deployment is so different from the first, praise the Lord! He's had it pretty easy so far. He's been watching movies, reading books, and sleeping in. He NEVER got to sleep in the last deployment. I would never last there! :) And when I talked to him, he had just finished watching the UFC fight.<br /><br />So what have we been up to here? Nothing super special. Izzie had a doctors appointment on Monday and she seems to be doing great!<br /><br />She's currently 24 1/2 " long and weighs 14lb 15oz. She's been talking more and more everyday and loves her feet. Most mornings when I get her out of bed her socks are wet because she's been chewing on them. And she loves to put anything and everything in her mouth. She's getting really close to sitting up, but still needs some steadying.<br /><br />A couple of days ago Adelle spent the night with us. They had lots of fun girl time. Here they are watching a princess movie together. Can you tell that she didn't get a good morning nap! :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SrXVpZ2XYSI/AAAAAAAABDw/vD3X0nvd-QI/s1600-h/IMG_2632.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SrXVpZ2XYSI/AAAAAAAABDw/vD3X0nvd-QI/s320/IMG_2632.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383443836881559842" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SrXVpkKdEEI/AAAAAAAABD4/eDjtiwj_7KA/s1600-h/IMG_2647.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SrXVpkKdEEI/AAAAAAAABD4/eDjtiwj_7KA/s320/IMG_2647.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383443839650172994" border="0" /></a>Izzie loves her jumper. Notice only one foot touches the ground though! :) She might be short like her Mommy and Daddy.<br /><br />The other day I was at Mom and Dad's and for her to sit up so we got out a laundry basket. She had more fun in there playing with toys! We have a super cool Bumbo and she's happier in a laundry basket. (And she's wearing an old shirt of Andrew's because she pooped on her clothes!)<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SrXVo0f_zZI/AAAAAAAABDo/2nhNRPpfXjk/s1600-h/IMG_2616.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SrXVo0f_zZI/AAAAAAAABDo/2nhNRPpfXjk/s320/IMG_2616.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383443826855628178" border="0" /></a><br />Silly faces!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SrXYC8O2AWI/AAAAAAAABEA/J1btmqrtzCo/s1600-h/IMG_2621.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SrXYC8O2AWI/AAAAAAAABEA/J1btmqrtzCo/s320/IMG_2621.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383446474631020898" border="0" /></a><br />Does she not look exactly like her Daddy!?Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-67708193088049093782009-09-13T20:03:00.000-07:002009-09-13T20:08:02.881-07:00Catching upWe don't have the internet at our house in Greenville yet, so it's been tough keeping up with the blog. We should be getting it soon, so I'll get better.<br /><br />I thought I'd leave a little update. Izzie and I have been in Greenville for over a week now and we haven't stopped yet. Life has been crazy! I have talked to Dan a couple of times and he sounds so great. He's still in Kuwait, but should be leaving for Iraq any day now. We are both so grateful for your prayers!! We cannot explain the joy and peace we've experienced the past couple of weeks, in spite of having to say goodbye again. God is so faithful to us!Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-51112891079243463052009-09-09T20:07:00.000-07:002009-09-09T20:57:51.774-07:00I love my uncles!Izzie got to spend some quality time with her uncle Drew before he leaves for Afghanistan. She fell asleep in his arms. She likes her uncle Drew!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SqhwO4Gk5XI/AAAAAAAABDQ/r4oRmtfgVfs/s1600-h/IMG_2589.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SqhwO4Gk5XI/AAAAAAAABDQ/r4oRmtfgVfs/s320/IMG_2589.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379673155774506354" border="0" /></a><br />And look, we finally talked Ben into holding Izzie. And she didn't even throw up on him! :)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SqhwPahiDdI/AAAAAAAABDY/TS3PB-1WpZE/s1600-h/IMG_2598.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SqhwPahiDdI/AAAAAAAABDY/TS3PB-1WpZE/s320/IMG_2598.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379673165014371794" border="0" /></a><br />"Hi Daddy! I really miss you! I'm trying really hard to keep a happy face. See!!"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SqhwOuUREfI/AAAAAAAABDI/dS5_ghc9Gyw/s1600-h/IMG_2611.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SqhwOuUREfI/AAAAAAAABDI/dS5_ghc9Gyw/s320/IMG_2611.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379673153147572722" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SqhwOD-KWgI/AAAAAAAABDA/mGHyvQcG4bU/s1600-h/IMG_2613.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SqhwOD-KWgI/AAAAAAAABDA/mGHyvQcG4bU/s320/IMG_2613.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379673141780568578" border="0" /></a>Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-83098751156913099382009-09-06T19:18:00.001-07:002009-09-06T19:32:23.261-07:00Bye Bye DaddyHere are a few pictures we took before we left to drop off Dan. It's about 5am so we are all a little tired.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SqRvcGGo7TI/AAAAAAAABC4/ZpeLYwhbbD8/s1600-h/IMG_2567.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378546383452695858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SqRvcGGo7TI/AAAAAAAABC4/ZpeLYwhbbD8/s320/IMG_2567.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SqRvb0m91WI/AAAAAAAABCw/n9tHP6WROJs/s1600-h/IMG_2569.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378546378756445538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SqRvb0m91WI/AAAAAAAABCw/n9tHP6WROJs/s320/IMG_2569.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here we are dropping Dan off. It was tough saying goodbye, but not nearly as bad as I thought it would be.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SqRvbQv6pFI/AAAAAAAABCo/lztCHhB6Opk/s1600-h/IMG_2570.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378546369130308690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SqRvbQv6pFI/AAAAAAAABCo/lztCHhB6Opk/s320/IMG_2570.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SqRvarZ3WVI/AAAAAAAABCg/Npl5ShC8_V4/s1600-h/IMG_2571.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378546359105706322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SqRvarZ3WVI/AAAAAAAABCg/Npl5ShC8_V4/s320/IMG_2571.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-33201796886984755672009-09-04T17:01:00.000-07:002009-09-04T17:08:51.735-07:00Farewell LoveOn Wednesday morning Isabella and I said bye to Dan. We dropped him off at 6am and he expected to be leaving the country around noon that day. I can't post pictures right now because I don't have a card reader, but I just wanted to let everyone know that he left and we are officially TX residents. I will post pictures as soon as I can.<br /><br />Dan should be in Kuwait by now and should be there for a week or two before he moves on to his duty station in Iraq. I haven't heard from him yet, so I have little to report.<br /><br />I have to say thank you to everyone that has been praying for us. This week Dan and I have had the peace that passes all understanding that the Lord promises. We still have some adjusting to do; it's been awhile since I've been geographically single; but I know that He is faithful.<br /><br />Love, if you're reading, we miss you so much! I can't wait to hear from you! And Izzie is trying really hard to be a good sport about this. :)Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-58298536090471251242009-09-01T07:13:00.000-07:002009-09-01T08:01:28.728-07:00I'm 4 months old!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376505808166031714" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/Sp0vi-yPkWI/AAAAAAAABB4/LshDXfh3ptk/s320/IMG_2464.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376505815515540050" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/Sp0vjaKgKlI/AAAAAAAABCA/wvspkurALEg/s320/IMG_2465.JPG" /><br /><div align="center">Izzie's couldn't wait to get her hands on that paper. Paper is her favorite toy!</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376505817941368834" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/Sp0vjjM3YAI/AAAAAAAABCI/IvgFIFX-3yA/s320/IMG_2481.JPG" /><br /><div align="center">Daddy fishing out the paper she tried to eat.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376505827932310978" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/Sp0vkIa5DcI/AAAAAAAABCQ/mVkTzmJ-32E/s320/IMG_2483.JPG" /><br /><div align="center">"Wow Daddy! That doesn't taste as good as it looks!"</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/Sp0vkjq9_nI/AAAAAAAABCY/SAeWSVScbUc/s1600-h/IMG_2485.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376505835247500914" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/Sp0vkjq9_nI/AAAAAAAABCY/SAeWSVScbUc/s320/IMG_2485.JPG" /></a><br />Isabelle your are 4 months old! You have changed so much this past month. You play with toys constantly and LOVE to put everything in your mouth. You also found your feet this month and love to grab your toes. You love to talk and babble more and more. And you started eating cereal this month. I can't believe how much you're growing. Right now you weigh 14lbs 7oz and those thunder thighs are beautiful! :) I love you!<br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/Sp0vjjM3YAI/AAAAAAAABCI/IvgFIFX-3yA/s1600-h/IMG_2481.JPG"></a> </div></div>Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-51262423454469482532009-08-28T11:59:00.000-07:002009-08-28T12:36:28.373-07:00Daddy gets his first kiss!<div align="center"> "Daddy, did you know that you're my hero?"<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375092989689358370" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpgqmH0gaCI/AAAAAAAABA4/1yn3TiBYeis/s320/IMG_2320.JPG" /></div><div align="center">"I love playing games with you."</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375092997161578130" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpgqmjqBbpI/AAAAAAAABBA/0Yu2IfRYta0/s320/IMG_2358.JPG" /></div><div align="center">"Peek-a-boo!!"</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375093005354641234" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpgqnCLZp1I/AAAAAAAABBI/0lb3WejNMc8/s320/IMG_2359.JPG" /></div><div align="center">"Excuse me? What did you say? Daddy going where? For how long?"</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375093023694376498" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpgqoGf7zjI/AAAAAAAABBY/Pdegoi__67A/s320/IMG_2397.JPG" /></div><div align="center">"But what am I going to do without you?"</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375093016443577986" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpgqnrfNZoI/AAAAAAAABBQ/rS9n981I5yM/s320/IMG_2395.JPG" /></div><div align="center">"Nevermind. I'll just go with you."</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375095167855444882" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/Spgsk6HxQ5I/AAAAAAAABBw/BLCMwDAnnRU/s320/IMG_2414.JPG" /></div><div align="center">"Ok, ok. If I can't go then I'll send you off with a kiss. I love you Daddy!"</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375095160298330530" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/Spgskd-A2aI/AAAAAAAABBo/7qSOe8jrax8/s320/IMG_2369.JPG" /></div><div align="center">"And I can't wait to see you again!"<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375095152572489090" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpgskBMB3YI/AAAAAAAABBg/hNNw4HL3Ge0/s320/IMG_2342.JPG" /></div>Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-57446419399195122712009-08-26T11:57:00.000-07:002009-08-26T12:04:54.708-07:00Dan's DepartureWe found out yesterday that Dan will be leaving Sept 2, a week from today. It's wonderful having a date to look forward to. And by "look forward to" I mean dread completely.<br /><br />I'm so glad that we have this weekend to spend together. Who knows what we're going to do. There's not exactly a wealth of entertainment options here in Nowhere, KS! :) But we get to go back to our church one more week!! Yea! It's so hard leaving.<br /><br />Thank you so much for your prayers this week. The last days seem to be so much harder than after he actually leaves.Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-11370994881015240792009-08-25T13:12:00.001-07:002009-08-25T13:43:06.590-07:00Pelican Pete's<div> For the last 3 years we have been driving by this old house with TONS of junk in the yard and a sign that said "Pelican Pete's - closed for the season." We thought it might be a snowcone stand, and seeing that we moved to KS in January it wasn't weird that it was closed. But the place has been closed the entire time we lived here, so we started to wonder what in the heck this place was. <div><div><div><div> </div><div>Pelican Pete's is FINALLY open! After 3 years! And we got to go. Isabelle had a slumber party at Tana and Dean's (good friends of ours) so Dan and I went to dinner and then to get a long awaited snowcone at Pelican Pete's.</div><div> </div><div>Dan had blueberry cheesecake and I had Funky Cold Medina (banana, cherry, and tangerine). I couldn't resist. After enjoying our frozen treat we went "cruising" in JC and listened to "Funky Co Medina." You can't eat a Funky Cold Medina and not listen to Funky Co Medina. :)</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373999668225702242" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpRIOb-o-WI/AAAAAAAAA_o/ee6V7SWmpi8/s320/IMG_2266.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373999678678344946" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpRIPC6vpPI/AAAAAAAAA_w/qtUNfqaVHZE/s320/IMG_2267.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373999689406029522" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpRIPq4bHtI/AAAAAAAAA_4/6aJ10JxkV9M/s320/IMG_2268.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Me sitting on the world's largest porch swing!!! It didn't really swing (ripoff!).</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373999701365116722" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpRIQXbsTzI/AAAAAAAABAA/km1lLPd75Og/s320/IMG_2272.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Dan trying to steal some of my snowcone.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373999708601803698" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpRIQyZDY7I/AAAAAAAABAI/M0E7uoyYcww/s320/IMG_2277.JPG" /></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p>Thank you Tana and Dean!! It was so awesome to have a night with just the two of us!</p>Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-8242996575761752042009-08-24T11:01:00.000-07:002009-08-24T11:20:13.910-07:00Please pray for our familyWe are celebrating our last Monday! Who thought I'd ever celebrate a Monday!? We should find out tomorrow exactly what day Dan will be leaving and it should be sometime between this Friday to Monday.<br /><br />Preparing for this deployment has been so different from our last experience. For those of you who didn't hear that story. Dan had been out of basic 2 weeks when we found out he would deploy for a 15 month tour 3 weeks later. Which means, there really wasn't time to mentally prepare. He was gone before we even realized it.<br /><br />This experience has been different in many ways. We have known that this was coming for over a year and this time around Dan has to say goodbye to me and to his little girl. We have been <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">surprisingly</span> tough so far, bar a few weak moments, but now the tears have begun. Yesterday we went to our church for the last time and it ripped my heart out. I cried most of the service. Partly from the joy of being part of an amazing church family, and partly because I knew the next time I walked through the doors of a church I will have said goodbye to Dan.<br /><br />It is very hard for me to admit that this is hard and that we need prayer, but I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">foresee</span> this being a pretty tough week. Please pray for strength and joy as we cherish this time. And please also pray that I will not wallow in my own self pity, yet at the same time be able to admit that this isn't fun. This is a difficult balance for me.Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-19938590761612961632009-08-22T20:39:00.000-07:002009-08-23T18:10:09.109-07:00Kelso family camping!If any of you have suffered through the story of one of our vacations then you know that Dan and I have yet to have an uneventful vacation- whether it be roadtripping, camping, or even church retreats. My motto when it comes to vacations- if at some point you don't think "What have I gotten myself into" then it's not a vacation. This camping trip kept with our theme.<br /><br /><br /><strong>2:00 pm</strong> - Packing to leave. "Man it is beautiful! It's going to feel great out there!" -Ashleigh<br />Izzie is very excited about her first camping trip!<br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373238591207443714" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpGUB7JXDQI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/jwOWukNMODU/s320/IMG_2232.JPG" /></p><p><strong>3:30pm</strong>- We've been to Walmart for sunscreen and s'more stuff; stopped by the gas station for firewood; and finally decided on the least crappy camping spot. </p><p><strong>3:32pm</strong>- Cleaning up poop off of Izzie, her shirt, legs, pants, and the carseat. (Notice how funny thinks this is!</p><p>"It's almost chilly in the shade." -Ashleigh (it's about 75 degrees out)</p><p></p><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpGUCVUSjVI/AAAAAAAAA_g/kIAT0KifKS0/s1600-h/IMG_2235.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373238598232608082" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpGUCVUSjVI/AAAAAAAAA_g/kIAT0KifKS0/s320/IMG_2235.JPG" /></a><br /><strong>4:00pm</strong>- Popping the tent. "Why on earth are there 4 poles?" - Dan</p><p>"Wait, this can't be right. Check the picture again." -Dan<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpC78Q1czsI/AAAAAAAAA_A/4EcbbAiI2Cw/s1600-h/IMG_2237.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373000999438700226" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpC78Q1czsI/AAAAAAAAA_A/4EcbbAiI2Cw/s320/IMG_2237.JPG" /></a><strong>4:30pm</strong>- Marveling at the biggest tent Dan and I have ever slept in! </p><p>"Wow, we could have like 3 kids in a tent this big!" - Ashleigh (We've slept in a child's tent since we've been married.) <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373000984208510930" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpC77YGSj9I/AAAAAAAAA-w/YXmt5AsUAX4/s320/IMG_2244.JPG" /></p><p><strong>5:00pm</strong>- Dan's buddies, Dave and John, show up to join the fun.</p><p><strong>5:30pm</strong>- Dave and John attempt to pop their tents.</p><p><strong>7:00pm</strong>- Boys attempt to start a fire. Izzie and I leave them be and we go to the car for her to eat.</p><p><strong>7:30pm</strong>- Boys go "fishing." Which means, they walked to the water, through in their line, stood there for half and hour, and then walked back empty handed.</p><p>Izzie has already had too much fun and is pooped out.</p><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpC77wS-ZaI/AAAAAAAAA-4/ypw27uDvavw/s1600-h/IMG_2242.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373000990704166306" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpC77wS-ZaI/AAAAAAAAA-4/ypw27uDvavw/s320/IMG_2242.JPG" /></a></p><p><strong>8:00pm</strong>- Hanging out by the fire. Cooking hot dogs and having a blast.</p><p>"It might be a little chilly when the sun goes down." - Ashleigh</p><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpC765BWy1I/AAAAAAAAA-o/7dLzluESezg/s1600-h/IMG_2251.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373000975866317650" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpC765BWy1I/AAAAAAAAA-o/7dLzluESezg/s320/IMG_2251.JPG" /></a></p><p><strong>8:15pm</strong>- Finding that the battery on the car is dead. Maybe we didn't need to have the radio on.</p><p><strong>8:30pm</strong>- It's starting to get a little cold. Dave decided to get his sweatshirt. Why didn't we think of that?<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpC76uwG0QI/AAAAAAAAA-g/uDFwukovZR8/s1600-h/IMG_2258.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373000973109612802" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpC76uwG0QI/AAAAAAAAA-g/uDFwukovZR8/s320/IMG_2258.JPG" /></a><strong> 11:00pm</strong>- Izzie is all wrapped up and sleeping in my arms while we sit by the fire. This is the life! </p><p>"I bet it's going to be a little chilly in our tent." - Ashleigh (It's about 60 degrees)</p><p><strong>12:00am</strong>- "Snuggling" up in the tent. Which means we're trying to find a position in which we try to make sure Izzie is snuggled and warm, and we fight over blankets that are way too small.</p><p>"Ok, it is straight up cold out here!" - Dan</p><p>"I really should have gone to the bathroom before I laid down."- Ashleigh</p><p><strong>1:00am-3:00am</strong> - Dan snores, I check on Izzie every 12 minutes.</p><p><strong>3:00am</strong>- I check the weather on my phone. It's a whopping 50 degrees outside.</p><p>"Scoot over, you're pushing me into the side of the tent" - Dan</p><p>"I'm freezing!!! Snuggle Izzie, I'm going to the bathroom." - Ashleigh</p><p><strong>3:00am-6:00am</strong>- Dan snores, but claims he didn't sleep! :) I check on Izzie every 10 minutes.</p><p><strong>6:04am</strong>- "Dan, it is time to go home now." -Ashleigh</p><p></p><p>We finally got up around 7am and jumped the car off. Izzie and I went straight to the car and turned on the heat. Notice there are no pictures from the next morning. :) </p><p><strong>7:15am</strong>- "I don't care, just throw the crap in the car." - Ashleigh </p>Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-58127556906425696282009-08-22T20:13:00.000-07:002009-08-22T20:37:29.550-07:00Isabella's first cerealThis past week Isabella had her first cereal. And yes, that is Dan sitting on the kitchen floor feeding her. We are still in KS with no furniture, so the kitchen floor seemed like the best place!<br /><br />She actually did pretty good. It was so runny, so it was a bit difficult to keep it on the spoon . . . or in her mouth. But she didn't hate it.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372996198941624786" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpC3k1lwidI/AAAAAAAAA-A/74jolSF8Dys/s320/IMG_2204.JPG" /></div><div align="center">"This isn't too bad. Maybe next time you could add a little flavor, huh??"</div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpC3mCt_rbI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/105_bwee-zY/s1600-h/IMG_2210.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372996219645701554" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpC3mCt_rbI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/105_bwee-zY/s320/IMG_2210.JPG" /></a> "What's wrong Daddy? You don't think it tastes good?"<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372996205074958226" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpC3lMcDx5I/AAAAAAAAA-I/7bJYo9mQJzk/s320/IMG_2214.JPG" /><br />"My favorite part? Chewing on the towel!"<br /><div align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpC3ls8qCjI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/D8jvj1_6tHQ/s1600-h/IMG_2224.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372996213801617970" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SpC3ls8qCjI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/D8jvj1_6tHQ/s320/IMG_2224.JPG" /></a><br />I can't believe she's already eating solids. Time is going by way too fast. I'm trying so hard to cherish every moment, but they just go too fast! :)<br /><br /></div></div>Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732156734610737376.post-28595544454248233322009-08-18T18:33:00.000-07:002009-08-19T20:08:23.009-07:00Catching upIt's been so long since I've blogged that I've got some catching up to do. This past weekend we visited TX for the last time before Dan's departure. And, no, we still don't have his departure date. It's still supposed to be sometime between Aug 26- Sept 1, but we don't have an exact date yet.<br /><br />It was so fun to visit TX again. We got to spend lots of time with family and friends, and also got a bit more settled into our home there. Here are lots of pictures we took this weekend and a few we've taken since we've been back.<br /><br />Our living room- the cutie on the floor is my favorite accessory. What do you think of the shades? I'm so excited. They are my first time making roman shades and by some crazy miracle they worked! Now I only have 9 more to make!!! (can't get blinds to fit these size windows unless they are custom which = $$$)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371831947874356626" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SoyUsgYlTZI/AAAAAAAAA9M/0k_6AJGOTxc/s320/IMG_2174.JPG" /><br />Izzies' room is the only one in the house that is pretty much finished. I absolutely love it!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371831905327232818" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SoyUqB4jtzI/AAAAAAAAA80/GoDi31N6zUk/s320/IMG_2166.JPG" /> <div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371831894564055298" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SoyUpZyaqQI/AAAAAAAAA8s/UXnDLQHK07U/s320/IMG_2169.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371831935909893554" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SoyUrz0CFbI/AAAAAAAAA9E/piarFT4fYnU/s320/IMG_2171.JPG" /></div><div>Pictures from the first party in our new house! We had lots of fun and were so glad so many people happened to be in town. We had about 25 people over for cards and charades! </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371833562494096050" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SoyWKfT7UrI/AAAAAAAAA9U/jZObqyxMrOk/s320/IMG_2156.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371831919399995650" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SoyUq2TxCQI/AAAAAAAAA88/-xvjXNVB10U/s320/IMG_2158.JPG" /></div><div>Isabella's first picture with Papa and the firetruck. For those of you who don't know my dad, he's a fireman and has been since I was born. Izzie has lots of superheros in her life! </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371486160467747426" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SotaNB6bYmI/AAAAAAAAA7c/VtvO7T78fRE/s320/IMG_2131.JPG" /></div><div>Adelle helping bathe Izzie. It was so cute! Isabelle had so much fun playing in the water and Adelle did such a good job helping.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371486170456922290" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SotaNnICGLI/AAAAAAAAA7k/OS5wts-N-i8/s320/IMG_2150.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371833577984983026" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SoyWLZBPf_I/AAAAAAAAA9c/8yQ-J8mgFoQ/s320/IMG_2154.JPG" /></div><div align="center">The newest member of our family!</div><div align="left">This is Ace and is a member of our family for the next year. He belongs to one of Dan's buddies and we are keeping him during this deployment. Ace and Mattie get along really well. I may never have to buy another dog toy. The really entertain each other. Now we're just hoping for puppies before the year is over!</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371825594507118450" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SoyO6sPyx3I/AAAAAAAAA8k/P6HYy4PmIKU/s320/IMG_2187.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371825577538610274" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SoyO5tCL5GI/AAAAAAAAA8c/Gvbac8OLiNo/s320/IMG_2188.JPG" /></div><div>This is a picture of Izzie from about a week ago. It was so sad. She was swinging while I was sewing and I looked up to find this. Isn't it so sad? Asleep with her face in the tray. I took her straight to her bed!</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371486142607146450" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SotaL_YIPdI/AAAAAAAAA7M/DksrqIUlFh8/s320/IMG_2117.JPG" /></div><div>Here's a cute picture from after Izzie's bath the other day. She LOVES her baths and HATES to get out. She cries after I get her out almost every night. So sad.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371486132718789890" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SotaLaij5QI/AAAAAAAAA7E/SVRdD1x0iag/s320/IMG_2102.JPG" /></div><div>Welcome home Daddy! Izzie getting kisses after Daddy got home from work the other day.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371486147503225122" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SotaMRnceSI/AAAAAAAAA7U/NxPEVmEZRMc/s320/IMG_2126.JPG" /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371833594147452258" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_luTjt8kPzF0/SoyWMVOrNWI/AAAAAAAAA9k/mVBhsIBK0cA/s320/IMG_2180.JPG" /> <div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div></div><div><div><br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Dan, Ashleigh - Izzie and Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08813575855117904464noreply@blogger.com2