....and he's off!

Well...well...well...the long awaited time has come and James is starting his official full time Army. We started off our family time last night with some good old Cafe Rio. James remembered his card and so we were able to get 2 salads, a smothered burrito and drink for $16.16! That's impressive for feeding a family of 7 if you ask me. He finished getting all his stuff ready and we got everyone to bed. This morning we woke up and took the kids to school and he stopped off to see his mom. We got his bag in the car and hurried over to the bank where we were meeting with the couple that bought the van only to remember that James forgot the money on top of the t.v! So...I drove back to the house with the girls crying for daddy most of the way and got the money. We were running late at this point and rushed as fast as we could to pick up the kids. James had to be to the recruiting office at 1:00 so he could drive to SLC to get his medical records, go back to the office in Provo, and back to SLC for the evening. What a JOKE!!!!! We made it with just enough time to get the kids an ice cream and dad to give them a little parting gift. James has gotten really into coins these days and bought the girls a penny with the San Diego Temple on it and the boys a penny with the Liahona. It was very sweet! Of course then comes the good-byes....oh what a sight to see. 3 of the 5 kids were sobbing uncontrollably, the other 2 were crying and I was crying while trying to stay in control of it all. James had a few tears in his eyes as he hugged us all and watched us drive away. NOT COOL!!!! We went to get some gas and then to Target where I let the kids play in the toy section (which I rarely ever do). They were really good and so I even got them a happy hour from Sonic on our way home. It's gonna be a long 2 months but I know that we'll be able to make it as long as we rely on The Lord to help and guide us. Besides...things could be much worse and so I count my blessing each day and remind myself of just how stinkin' lucky I really am!!!!

Fun times!

So...we had a fun time in San Diego over our Spring Break although we left the camera in the car for the majority of it. Here's just a little bit of what we've been up to this month!

Friday (april 2)-mom went crazy cleaning and packing for our trip.
Saturday-headed out the door for good old California and got there about 7:30ish
Sunday-had a fabulous Easter with conference, easter baskets and egg hunting, and a lovely turkey dinner.
Monday-took Jarom and Beka to the dentist for teeth fixing and had Cafe Rio for dinner with all the fam (minus Erik b/c of work) and Brian and Melanie....so fun catching up and reminiscing the good old times!
Tuesday-spent some time at the beach where mom forgot to put on sunscreen...BURNED!!!!!
Wednesday-I think we just hung out most of the day and relaxed...I don't remember.
Thursday-went swimming and had carne asada at Craig and Cristina's place....man that's good stuff! Got to see Robin and John and Brian and Melanie again. Sweetness!!!!!
Friday-Cleaned up the house a bit and got ready for Grandma and Grandpa to come with Robin and John....SOOOO much fun to see them all again...it's been years!!!! John got in-n-out for everyone and then we went shopping for the reception food. Grandma, Cheryl, Jonell, her boyfriend, and Pam came for spaghetti dinner and it was one full house with lots of fun!
Saturday-rush to the temple for the sealing, take pictures, get some lunch, rush to the reception! WHEW!!!! It was so fun at the reception to see lots of old friends and catch up a little bit. Good times I tell ya!!!! Then, home to just relax and hang out with Grandma, Grandpa, Robin, and John a little more.
Sunday-headed back home to Utah with many unhappy kids...they love Cali as much as their mama does!
Monday-went out and bought a new Suburban for our little family. Got an awesome car at the right price and feel extremely blessed.
Tuesday-Dr. appt for mom.
Wednesday-Amnio scheduled and done....no good! Didn't hurt hardly at all but no baby til James is gone (unless I miraculously go into labor on my own).
Thursday-No more work for James...honey do list actually got started!!!!
Friday-took the little girls and mom for a date to IHOP for breakfast, a little coin shop shopping, more honey do list jobs done and then on a date....Texas Roadhouse for dinner!
Saturday-cleaned house, sold the van, played at Grandma and Grandpa's house, had a great dinner!

Man...this month has been a little busy but it's been AWESOME!!!! Now...we just have to endure James leaving on Tuesday and a baby coming sometime after that! I feel so blessed that I just can't even tell you about it! I'm truly grateful for my family and how wonderful life can be!!!!!