Mac and Bose

What a Summer!!!

2010-08-31T09:04:00.000-07:00

New rain jackets and shoes for the new school year!!!

Mac & Mommy date before school starts... movie date!!!

I'm starting Kindergarten!!!

I'm going into 3K!

Spending lots of time inside to escape the heat!

Luke turned 7!!!

So happy we got to spend a lot of time in SC!!!

We love our SC cousins, Luke & Rob!!!

Luke's cool cake!!!

Wedding in Tennessee... hotels with pools are F-U-N!!!

Bose turned 3!!!

Always fun celebrating birthdays with family! We love our Ohio cousins!!!

I'm THREE!!!

Toy Story 3 came out!!! We had to go see it twice!!!

Spring Has Sprung

2010-05-19T11:20:00.001-07:00

Spring has Sprung and we've been loving it!!! Basketball ended and soccer began. Rain has produced beautiful lawns and plentiful flowers. And race season is up and running... no pun intended. We're loving the weather and the many activities we're involved in. Summer is just around the corner which means vacationing in SC and Ohio... Yippee!!!

Marine Corps Half in Fredericksburg, VA

Fort Belvoir Wildcats... SCORE!!!

Basketball Game

2010-03-25T16:48:00.000-07:00

Space kids, Space!!!

Future Linebacker
For the Tigers....I guess.

Don't get caught watching the paint dry.

Yearly Family Picture

2010-02-21T09:38:00.001-08:00

Another year, another Sears that has blacklisted us because of the "fun time" we give them taking our family picture.

2010-02-21T09:34:00.000-08:00

More Snow!

First game

2010-02-21T09:30:00.001-08:00

McKorell before his first game. Even though they do not keep score, we are 3-0! It is pretty hard to "just play for fun". Katie says I am a good coach. Hopefully we don't lose, cuz when I have the little tots running sprints, she will change her tune on my coaching skills.

Christmas Present

2010-02-21T09:26:00.001-08:00

Just for the record: Katie uses this every night. When she opened it, she was less than impressed...how that has changed!

2009-12-18T14:12:00.001-08:00

There She is!

Basketball Practice

2009-12-18T14:10:00.001-08:00

Off to his first basketball practice...

Mac is 5!

2009-12-18T14:06:00.001-08:00

Mac's Christmas Program

2009-12-18T14:00:00.000-08:00

Tree, First Snow and Santa!

2009-12-05T10:52:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving in Hartsville, SC

2009-12-05T10:43:00.000-08:00

Halloween and Raking Leaves (blog taken over by Jimmy)

2009-11-13T10:35:00.000-08:00

Why pay to have the gutter cleaned?

Lynn and Bryce Wedding (12 Sep)

2009-11-05T04:34:00.000-08:00

Clemson v Maryland (3 Oct), Pumpkin Patch and NYC Trip

2009-11-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know how to post pictures!

It worked

2009-11-04T08:50:00.001-08:00

Ok, now I know how to post (see below). Next order of Biz-ness is uploading a picture. This will take time, check back later! BTW: GO BUCKS.

New Sheriff in Town

2009-11-04T08:45:00.000-08:00

That is right, since my dear wife never updates this blog, I am gonna take the reins. I will do my best to not shame the family. First order of business is to even see if I can post this update...here it goes.

Meredith Hall Photography

2009-09-19T11:00:00.000-07:00

My high school friend, Meredith, has taken up photography these past couple of years, something that started out as a hobby. She's an elementary school teacher by day and a photographer by night. I am so impressed by her talent and I get a kick out of seeing her photography around downtown Hartsville, SC. These pictures speak for themselves. Meredith, thank you for capturing my boys at their cutest. You're amazing and we can't wait to do it again!!! For those of you interested in seeing Meredith's other photography sessions, visit her blog and website at:

http://www.mlhphotojournal.blogspot.com/

http://www.meredithhallphotography.net/

Go Tigers!!!

2009-09-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

It's officially the end of summer and the start of football season. Mac's & Bose's 1st day of school is today (yeah, VA starts late) but they are missing it since we are in SC visiting family and attending a wedding in Charleston this weekend. Summer has been great but I personally am ready for the boys to get back into a routine. Mac will be attending 4K 4 days a week and Bose will be in 2K 2 days a week. I'm also looking forward to fall weather, pulling out the jeans and long sleeve shirts, getting ready for Halloween... but what I'm most looking forward to is saying goodbye to the mosquitoes!!! They love me; I loathe them!!!

Jimmy's doing... telling the boys to put a finger in their nose. Typical male...

Summer keeps truckin' along...

2009-08-12T07:34:00.001-07:00

Corn-on-the-cob, a "Bose favorite" this summer

Erica & Kevin flew in from Boston to visit us the first week of August... of course they bought Red Sox attire for the boys
They were all over Kevin the second he got here... maybe because he's a cop and they're obsessed with Firemen and Police Officers these days

He's so serious holding a real Cop Badge

Wanting Kevin's constant attention

Now fighting for Erica's attention

The boys' new Ohio State jerseys for the season... wondering when Jimmy's going to order Clemson ones (hmmmmmm)

Camping out in their room

We visited the National Aquarium in Baltimore last weekend... it was awesome!!! No good pictures inside b/c I was having trouble with the flash but believe me, this aquarium tops a lot I have been to.

Visitors, visitors & more visitors...

2009-07-22T05:34:00.001-07:00

We've had quite a few visitors so far this summer... mostly family but we have loved it! The boys adore their cousins and I have enjoyed spending time with my nieces & nephews.

Liz, Luke & Rob came during the 4th of July holiday week.

Luke turns 6 while visiting us!!!

Pepoo came to visit us first. I love my MOM!!!

Jimmy's sister, Vikki, her husband Fred and 2 boys, Jesse & Nicholas came for a few days.

Jimmy's other sister Nicole, her husband Davis and their 2 girls, Julia & Laura spent a few nights also. These girls are so sweet and fun!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday, My Sweet Baby Boy!!!

2009-06-30T11:19:00.000-07:00

Home is where the...

2009-06-03T09:05:00.000-07:00

... heart is AND where the Air Force sends you.

We live on a "pipe stem". This term is new to me but we feel very fortunate to be living on one. Pipe stems are driveways off of the road that lead to 2 homes. The other home in our pipe stem is owned by a wonderful older couple with children mine & Jimmy's age. Mister Bill is a retired Naval Captain and his wife Jane loves to make goodies for the boys. We feel so lucky to be living where we are and to be in such a great neighborhood.

Mac's new hat (M is for Mac, not Milwaukee)

What happens when I walk out of the playroom for just a second...

Yep, that's markers on their faces

Jimmy added a stair rail for Bose's height

And another one

Ummmm, banana bread for breakfast...

7609 Mulberry Bottom Lane, Springfield, Virginia

2009-05-16T05:27:00.000-07:00

Well, we found a house on the first day of house-hunting... 2nd one we looked at. It was most definitely the one and we didn't have to look any further. My Mom actually had her eye on this house for a long time so it's one I had viewed before. It's quite a step up from the 2 base houses we have lived in the past 9 years. I love base living but it will be nice for a change to live in a civilian neighborhood. Our house is tucked away with another home in a small cul-de-sac... very safe for the boys (a huge plus for me) with a huge fenced-in backyard. We get the keys on Monday and the movers bring our stuff on Thursday. Living in temporary lodging facilities on Ft Belvoir hasn't been too bad, but getting back into a house of our own will be nice since we've been "homeless" for the past month (that's long enough with a 4 and almost 2-year-old).

Back on the East Coast...

2009-05-10T14:09:00.000-07:00

So we're in between moves... living the nomadic lifestyle, not yet sure what our next address will be. We do know it will be in Northern Virginia, or as Virginians call it, "NoVa". Jimmy made it to Fort Belvoir today (temporary living until we find a home). The boys & I fly up tomorrow and then we'll meet with a realtor on Tuesday to look at homes... to rent. The unknown is a little stressful but exciting at the same time. My blog may be neglected for awhile... when I'm back up and running, that will mean we found a home and our household goods made it. My hope is to be in a home by the end of this month/middle of June/latest end of June... we'll see. There are always surprises... the boys think this is all just one big vacation. That's a fun way to look at it. Until next time, I'm signing off.

Best of cousins... Mac & Luke

Push-up in a truck... what gets better than this???

Do you think they can fit any more on???

The boys sure do love BOBS...

Mummy, Kem & Chris

The 90-year-old decided to join in on the hammock fun...

Not sure what kind of face that is...

My handsome husband...

Always fun at the McKorell home...

10 Days Left!!!

2009-04-15T07:22:00.001-07:00

T minus 22 days.......

2009-04-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

Wow, we had a lot going on last month. Spending time with friends, doctor's appointments, trips to L.A. and just the usual busy stuff at Vandenberg. Mac has had a few friends over... Ayden and Ben are his best buds these days. Bose loves Mac's friends, too and does a pretty good job keeping up.

Last week we had to take Mac to UCLA to see Dr. Bradley, a Craniofacial specialist. He had to have an Xray of his skull and we discovered that the sagittal suture that should be open has fused. Our next course of action is to have Mac evaluated by a pediatric ophthalmologist. Mac's future may mean surgery to unfuse the sagittal suture but that's something we can wait and deal with when we get to DC. Luckily, Dr. Bradley's former partner has relocated to the DC area so we are most definitely moving to a great location if Mac indeed needs surgery.

When I think of a mud spa treatment, this isn't quite what comes to mind...

Mac enjoys dressing up these days...

Our trip to the San Diego Zoo... Mac & I went with Heather, Drew & Ava Bogstie. Jimmy, Steve & Bose stayed behind.

Life's A Beach!!!

2009-03-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

Whether you're on the East or West Coast there's nothing like the beach; however, I will admit that I am partial to the Atlantic Ocean... Pacific waters are freeeeezzzzzzing. But the boys love playing in the salt water, even the frigid kind. We went to Pismo Beach last Sunday after church. First we ate at Splash Cafe (best Clam Chowder in the country... featured on Food Network). Then we headed to the pier and beach. What a fun Sunday we had!!!

Where is the month of February going???

2009-02-22T19:23:00.000-08:00

Popcorn is a common treat in our house. I'm not sure who loves it more... Bose, Mac OR Jimmy!

Making a "shark face"
Wearing Mama's pink hat...

Where's Bose?... There he is!!!

Snacking before church

The broken-down bar waiting for bulk pick-up...

My 2 rag-a-muffins

What sweet brothers

On Jimmy's childhood horse

Still one of the favorite toys

Notice his left eye? It's swollen here but then turned black. It looked like he was wearing eyeshadow.

Mac feeding his fish... Nemo & Hunter

What a goofy child!!!

Dancing... a favorite past time

(you need to pause the play list at the bottom before playing this video)

Vandenberg days

2009-02-02T13:24:00.001-08:00

Okay, we're officially 3 months from leaving Vandenberg... I can't believe it. This is a great base with perfect weather... gonna miss that, I tell ya!

Mac & Grace at Allie's 3rd birthday party... theme was Western.

Snow Day at Vandenberg... brought in by a snow machine.

Mac helping make food for the Super Bowl.

Sunny California

2009-01-21T14:40:00.001-08:00

While the rest of the country has been freezing, we certainly have been enjoying the warm weather over here!

Castle Park, Solvang, Cali.

Ostrich Land (also in Solvang... about 40 min. away)

The landscape is so open and beautiful...

Is it just me or does Bose look like a toddler in this picture? Well, I guess he is a toddler now.

What happens when I am away... the boys (I'm including Jimmy) like to make a trampoline out of my couch cushions and pillows...urrrggghhhh

During our blackout the other night... Bose was rocking it in the dark with the harmonica.

Merry Christmas: Part Two

2008-12-26T13:06:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas: Part One

2008-12-25T10:12:00.000-08:00

We're in the Christmas spirit

2008-12-17T13:03:00.000-08:00

Bose's hilarious "cheese" face!!!

The Christmas Program at FPK and Mac's last day :-(

(Mac's under the H & R)

Miranda & I think Bose & Luke could be brothers.

Mac with Miss Amber, the best teacher EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pause the music on my playlist before playing this video.

What a Great Day!!!

2008-12-16T13:01:00.001-08:00

So we had a wonderful birthday lunch at Mummy's house today and a yummy Santa cake at the end! And Pepoo got Mac the coolest kid camera ever! He absolutely loves it and adding a Disney character to the screen is a really cool feature! Mac keeps on reminding me that I have my own camera when I want to "play" with his! That little stinker... gotta love him!!!

Happy 4th Birthday, Mac!!!

2008-12-16T05:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Our Sweet Boy! You have brought us so much joy these past 4 years! We didn't know we could love something so much! We Love You More Than Anything!!! Happy Birthday!!!

Love,

Mama & Daddy

Happy (early) Birthday, Mac!!!

2008-12-10T10:22:00.001-08:00

Mac had a spiderman themed birthday party at the end of his class today. The girls in the class were troopers and happily wore their spiderman mask. Bose joined in on the fun, too. What a cute and fun class Mac has. I will miss FPK (First Presbyterian Kindergarten) just as much if not more than Mac will. Miss Amber & Miss Joanie have been so awesome, sweet & caring! Mac will never forget those two. And the 9 girls, 4 boys in his class have been great pals. What special memories we'll have!!!

It's already Christmas???

2008-12-05T08:04:00.001-08:00

Good Old Friends

2008-11-15T17:26:00.000-08:00

Meredith, Miriam, Emily & I had a play date at my Mom & Dad's house today. It was so much fun... the kids played so well together and seeing Emma & her 2 sweet children was such a treat. We'll have to get together again before I head back to Cali.

Yeah, put the 2 short ones in the middle...
Miles, Mac, Daniel & Weaver loving Dad's "playstation"

Sweet Bose & Barnes

Amelia did very well being the only girl... she's so sweet but tough at the same time.

Cute baby Luke... Aunt Meredith had Luke since Miranda, Allan & Lan were at Clemson homecoming.

Daniel... such the ham!

Beautiful Amelia (Emma's oldest)

Weaver (Emma's youngest). He caught a lizard... he's such a boy.

Here are some pics from the last few weeks... I am so behind on updating my blog.

Liz with her 4 favorite boys.

The fall leaves are so beautiful.

It doesn't get better than trick-or-treating on a golf cart.

Goofy boys...

This one's a good pic!

Beautiful Fall Sunday Morning

2008-11-02T17:33:00.000-08:00

So this was an attempt to get a picture of all four boys before church this morning. While I can always trust Luke to keep his head still while trying to get the other boys to cooperate he turned away. Of course the other fellas were looking where they should. Go figure. Oh well, there's always next Sunday!

Pawley's Island for the weekend

2008-10-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

The Scarborough clan (mother's side) gathered at Pawley's Island this weekend for a mini-reunion. The 4 boys & I stayed at Evelyn, Pete, Gardner & Bowman's beautiful home on the creek while the rest stayed at Litchfield. We had a ball although I am quite pooped from the weekend. It is always so nice spending time with cousins, aunts, uncles and of course Mummy who is almost 90-years-young (she acts and looks like 60... ask anyone). Thanks, Evelyn, for opening your home to us... we all had an outstanding time!!!

Sure would suck to have this as your backyard. :-)
Luke, Mac, Bowman, Gardner & Mary Ashton
Boys playing Kerplunk

Girl talk with cousins

The older boys crabbin'

Dinnertime

5 boys in a tub... we added 2 more (talk about dirty water)

Couldn't take anymore fun and pooped out

More crabbin' the next day

Mummy with 3 of her 17 great-grandchildren

Adorable Bowman

Rivers, Samuel & Jack enjoying the beach & sand (mind you, the water is freezing this time of year but boys do not care)

Tomboys such as Mary Ashton don't care either

Apparently 15-month-olds don't care either... Bose loved the sand between his toes and even the frigid water (he was knocked over by a wave and by the look on his face, I could tell he wasn't expecting it to be that cold... brrrrrrrrrrrrr)

Gardner, a babysitter-in-training

A lady walking by asked if all of these kids belonged to me... R U crazy??? Then she asked their ages... that's easy- 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 & 1 (Yep, Evelyn, Liz & I planned it that way)

What a great weekend... it's worth being exhausted!!!

Mac's class visits the Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

Mac's class visited the pumpkin patch this week. They walked from their school which is just a few blocks away... how fun is that??? Mac is on the bottom right if you can not tell. He is just in the cutest class ever and his teacher is such a sweetie. Miss Amber is actually related to us through her husband, D (short for DuBose). Bose & D's name is from the same DuBose family. Anyway, I know Mac is gaining so much from FPK (First Presbyterian Kindergarten) and enjoying every minute.

Wedding in Vegas

2008-10-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

Our dear friends, Erica & Kevin, just got married in Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort last week. Jimmy, the boys & I had planned on being there (it's about an 8 hour drive from where we live in CA) and making about a 5-day vacation out of it but plans change and we're here instead. There goes my trip to Vegas. We still may drive through there when we leave CA for our next destination next summer. Erica was beautiful as always!!!

God Bless Our Loved Ones

2008-10-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

I attended a beautiful & very touching funeral today. Kathy Nowlin was the mother of one of my sister's (and family's) very close friends. Kathy battled a long fight with ovarian cancer and passed away peacefully this past Tuesday. Rhobie, the widowed husband and Anna's father, is such a teddy bear and he made me cry talking with him at the funeral home last night and during the funeral today. He & Kathy were lifelong sweethearts and his love for her is something you read about in books or see in movies. If I could and if he'd allow me I'd chat with him about his love for Kathy any day of the week and I'm sure every time he'd make me cry. I tell ya, when I returned to Liz & Chris's home, I was so happy to see Mac, Bose, Luke & Rob and I hugged & kissed them like I hadn't seen them in a week. I am so thankful for those little boogers, Jimmy, my family and for

the Nowlins.

More Fun with the Cousins

2008-10-04T05:58:00.000-07:00

Back in good ol' SC

2008-10-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

The boys & I are going to be in Hartsville, SC for awhile. The cousins love being together again. Not only do they bath or shower together but they also all sleep in the same room. Bose is in the crib and the older 3 boys are in twin beds. I love to peek in the room at night after all 4 boys have fallen asleep. That's the most peaceful it is all day! I'm sure all parents can relate. Anyway, Jimmy is flying here for 2 1/2 weeks during Thanksgiving... we certainly will be happy to see him. He'll deserve the small vacation from the AF.

Sick lil' Bose

2008-09-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

Bose came down with something last night... vomiting and high fever. Poor baby. I think I gave him a total of 10 baths during the night to help bring his temp down plus it's easier to clean off vomit that way. Going on only 90 minutes of sleep, I had a big day... MOPS 1st meeting. Jimmy luckily was able to take the day off to stay with Bose. Mac & I were out of the house by 0730 and home by 1230. I was happy to come home to a happier child.

Motrin works wonders... so glad he was finally able to take it without hurling it back up... what a difference a few hours make.
This is a pic I forgot to add to the Legoland trip... Mac & Drew crack me up!
Some random pics...

Martin & Bose

Jimmy showing Bose a snail...

Guess he thinks they're pretty funny...

LEGOLAND, Carlsbad, CA

2008-09-16T14:06:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we went down to visit the Bogsties in L.A. Heather & I took the older boys to Legoland in Carlsbad (north side of San Diego) on Sunday. Oh boy, we had a grand time. Mac loved the storm troopers, as you can see in the photos. It was Star Wars Weekend so many SW characters were floating around the park but Mac really dug the storm troopers. Personally, they would scare me as a child but Mac falls into a category of his own. We were there from opening to closing and did everything we possibly could... I am definitely a 32-year-old in an 8-year-old's body.

Where did this past year go???

2008-09-09T14:45:00.001-07:00

Sept. '07

I decided to post these pictures from a year ago... I vividly remember this moment and taking them and now an entire year has passed!!! My babies are growing too fast!!!

It's all about the boys...

2008-08-30T14:34:00.001-07:00

The boys love strawberries!

Now that's one funky berry!

Jimmy bought a $10 pool for the boys since the weather is getting hotter (yes, where we live, summer begins in August... strange, I know). Anyway, Mac decided to take a little snooze in it.

Who said bath bubbles had to remain inside???
Not the best photo faces...
Mac had a sleepover... Ayden is one of his best buddies!

It's bedtime, boys!!!

College football season officially took off today... hence Bose in the Ohio State jersey.

The madness is throughout our house now!!!

Thumb-suckers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mac's version of the blessing...

The boys love their fireman hose!!!

Another Touch-A-Truck on base

2008-08-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

Touch-A-Truck 2008!

I didn't go... it was just Jimmy & the boys. I had an overnight MOPS retreat.

Mac & his pickles...

Deanna, Mac, Bose, Davis & Hannah

Bose & Davis (11 days apart)

Hannah loves the babies...

See-sawing is fun!!!

Daisy, the dog

2008-08-04T12:33:00.000-07:00

We've been dog-sitting this week. Daisy is so sweet and a pretty low-maintenance dog. We've thoroughly enjoyed her, especially the boys.

Mac's best buddy, Ben

Mac tracing his name...

Mac is quite the ham...

We're back!!!

2008-07-26T16:59:00.001-07:00

It's been almost 2 weeks since I last updated... I've just been busy. Yes, a stay-at-home mom is very busy. With MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and VSC (Vandenberg Spouses' Club) starting up their new year next month, those 2 things have kept me quite busy. Mind you, everything I volunteer for and all the work I put in, my 2 boys are usually in tow so we're always on the go. Also Bose had 2 more passing out/turning blue/not breathing spells this week so he is being referred to a Pediatric Cardiologist to check out his little ticker... but his pediatrician (myself included) strongly feel that he is having Breath-Holding Spells so I'm honestly not too worried about it. But I will keep everyone updated on that...
As for Mac, he is so funny and his vocabulary cracks me & Jimmy up everyday and Bose is just a walking-fool now. Our 2 boys make us so proud and we love them to pieces!!!

Under the weather Bose

2008-07-14T08:44:00.000-07:00

We've had a sick household for the past week and a half. The Bogsties came to visit us over the 4th of July weekend. Drew had something and must've passed it on to Jimmy (the stomach bug... yuck!) then poor Bosie got it. He first threw up on Thursday and twice on Friday and now he is still having diarrhea. Poor lil' fella hasn't been his bright-eyed smiley self for about 5 days now. But the mild weather here always seems to help. Once that marine layer burns off mid-morning the days are so pleasant and enjoyable.

Jimmy's promotion to Major!!!

2008-07-03T09:50:00.001-07:00

It's official... Jimmy is now "Major Liddle". The promotion was on Tuesday and General Shelton officiated the ceremony. This was a huge honor to both Jimmy and myself. For those of you that don't know, Jimmy was General Shelton's Aide-de-camp from April '06-April '07. They spent a lot of time together during that time, more time with each other than with their own family. Jimmy's family, my family & I are very proud of him and what he has accomplished. Way to go, Major!!!

Jimmy's promotion gift from me, Mac, Bose, Mandy, Martin, McKalynn & Bo Brabham... it's for his bar out in the garage that he named after my wonderful Dad!!!

Happy 1st Birthday, My Sweet Baby Boy!!!

2008-06-30T20:12:00.001-07:00

What kind of look is that, Bose???

You know this picture made his Daddy happy...

It's dry as dirt over here...

What Bose, that dirt doesn't taste good???

Some birthday cupcakes after dinner tonight...

Mac is cracking up over Bose mashing it in his hands...

Some wipes, please...

We're heading back West... being home in SC has been so much fun!!!

2008-06-23T17:25:00.001-07:00

Tonight we let Luke & Mac have a little fun with the Hulk hands but after a few rounds of pretend punching they decided they wanted to hug instead since we are leaving tomorrow... they have really become close buds and it really saddens me that it will be many months before they are together again.

Ahhhhhh, Rob wants to join in...

( Below are a few random pics from the last few weeks )

Liz & her fellas...

Claire Gore... one of Luke's closest friends

Arrrrgggghhhh, Matie... it's Captain DuBose S. Liddle

Dinner on the back stoop with some Mikey-D's...

Fun at the McKorell Lakehouse

2008-06-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

More Happenings in Hartsville, SC

2008-06-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

Mummy (aka Ouiser) & the boys

Vacation Bible School at First Presbyterian Church has been this week. Liz, Graham & I have had the 3rd-5th graders. Tonda & Pepoo have had the 4 to 5 year olds. Mac is in there with Luke & Bennett. Mac is not quite 4, but he just fits better with that class. We have had a BLAST!!!

Playdate at Miles & Barnes's house

2008-06-16T04:45:00.000-07:00

Mac, Bose & I went over to Meredith Hall's house on Saturday to play on the boys' new play set and in their pirate ship pool. The big boys stayed in the pool the most probably because it felt so good. Miranda, Lan, Luke, Miriam, Daniel, Stacey & Ellis came over, too. We had lunch inside and did our best to keep the food and drinks in one area. Then after lunch the boys made a war zone out of both the boys' room. Boys are not "neat players." Thanks, Meredith, for having us over and for taking pictures!

Our Vacation Thus Far...

2008-06-08T20:15:00.001-07:00

Our first stop was to visit Jimmy's side of the family in Ohio. Not quite summer weather while we were there... 50's and 60's most of the time (a few 70's thrown in there). Summer started late for them. We still had a great time and even celebrated Bose's 1st birthday (about 5 weeks early). That was fun!!!

Once we got to SC the hot weather appeared... and I do mean hot... hot as a "Donkey's Butt Hot"!

Playing in the sprinkler at Pepoo & Bobs' house is an everyday activity... got to cool off somehow.

Jumping into Prestwood Lake is another way to stay cool...

Mac, Luke & Rob painting the driveway...

... riding the 4-wheeler with Uncle Chris.

Watching a little Noggin before bedtime...

Bose's MRI results are NORMAL !!! :-)

2008-05-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, I just got a call from Dr. Carter's office and my heart sank for a brief moment until the receptionist told me that Bose's MRI results came back normal... Hallelujah! We'll still follow up with Dr. Carter after our trip but what a wonderful call to get just hours before we are going to board a plane. God is Good!!!

I'm leaving on a jet plane... I don't know when I'll be back again...

2008-05-19T15:51:00.000-07:00

The boys & I are heading out tomorrow night across the Continental US, first to Ohio for 11 days then on to SC. We always take the red-eye and as many times as we have flown across the US, it's never easy. Bose is now "Mr. Wiggle Worm" and Mac is in a league of his own. I'm always so anxious before flying... not of flying itself but of flying with 2 small children. I'm hoping my anxiety is short-lived and the flights turn out okay... sometimes they do, sometimes they don't.

On another note, Bose had his MRI this morning in Santa Barbara. We left the house at 5:30 this morning and were home by 10:00. Bose got a little sick on the ride down there. I have been blessed with 2 children who are prone to car-sickness... oh, the joys of parenting! But as far as the anesthesia making him sick, that did not... thank goodness! The results will be sent to the pediatric neurologist and probably next week I will give her a call. I am not worried. If something shows up she will call me before I even get a chance to contact her. Anyway, I probably will not be able to update my blog until I get to SC so don't expect any updates for at least a full 2 weeks.

One exhausted little boy after the day he had...

1st Annual VAFB "Gladiator" 1/2 Marathon

2008-05-17T20:33:00.000-07:00

Today there was a 1/2 Marathon on base. I was amazed that so few people participated (there were only about 30 of us). It was a lot of fun... 6 1/2 miles down to the beach and back. What a great way to start off a Saturday. Jimmy & the boys stayed until the race started then off to the donut shop they went. They returned just in time to see me cross the finish. I've competed in many races over the years but never have I enjoyed being cheered on more than by my 3-year-old son.

Mac shoveling...

More Bose Zurberts...

National Police Week Parade & BBQ at Vandenberg

2008-05-16T19:22:00.001-07:00

Patiently waiting for the emergency vehicles to come around the corner... Mac can hear them but can't see them yet...

Yep, I get excited about parades, too... like Mac, I enjoy the sirens
I think Bose is enjoying himself, too...

There they are...

There's McGruff in the tank...

And Smokey the Bear... or as Mac likes to call him, "Papa Bear"

And a Security Forces vehicle (aka Police car)...

Can't forget the Vandenberg Firetrucks that we see all the time but it never gets old...

Ahhhh, the first time on a police motorcycle... Mac thinks this is really, really cool...

Yep, a local Mountain Lion that was hit by a car...

And there's always a bouncy house at these events...

In the Firetruck again... still loving it...

Bose was definitely pooped... he has never fallen asleep in his jumperoo, so tonight was a first...

Mother's Day at Mac's school

2008-05-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

Watching Baby Einstein (or as Mac calls it, Bose's show)...

Mother's Day Program at Mac's preschool...

Update on little Bose

2008-05-08T13:38:00.000-07:00

Well, we just found out today that Bose is scheduled for an MRI on May 19. We don't have a time yet but at least he is in. A nurse will call me a few days prior with instructions and a time. So that's good news because Mac, Bose & I will be flying to the East coast on May 20 and now we won't have to wait throughout our vacation "wondering" if anything is wrong. We have a follow-up with the pediatric neurologist on July 7 but if anything comes up abnormal on the MRI then they will obviously call me. So no news will basically be good news.

Happy Cinco De Mayo!!!

2008-05-05T13:55:00.000-07:00

I had to put this bench in front of the window because Bose kept climbing on the window seal, but fell one of those times and smacked his head on it... don't need him hitting his head anymore. Also, I don't trust the window glass because it is so thin... dangerous, dangerous. These old base houses aren't the "kid-friendliest"... thank goodness they're demolishing them.

"neh-neh-na-boo-boo"

Mac helping Papa make his infamous "Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie" for the Kentucky Derby... Yummy!!!

Mac & Bose playing at Nyla & Alina's house

Bose is 10-months-old TODAY!!!

2008-04-30T17:19:00.000-07:00

Some pics from this weekend...

2008-04-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

Picture taken back in February...

My Aunt Carol (aka Beezie) painted it... she is so talented

My poor baby is so sensitive... he broke out in hives after I put tear-free sunscreen on him

Jimmy had the boys on Friday night... nothing like tater tots in front of the TV

Movie of Bose making "Zurberts"

Movie of Mac cleaning "Mama's house"

Movie of Mac & Bose listening to music

Update on Bose # 2

2008-04-24T22:23:00.000-07:00

I cannot thank everyone enough for the encouraging words and most of all for your prayers. Prayer is a powerful thing. Well, we do have good news. After dropping Mac off at school yesterday, I came home ready to call the pediatric neurologist in Santa Barbara to make an appointment for Bose. I was going to express my concern that I wanted him to be seen as early as they could get him in (I was prepared to hear that the earliest time would be next month). But low and behold there was a cancellation and he got into see Dr. Carter at 1:30 yesterday. What a relief. By the way, thank you Jenny (Lieber) for picking Mac up from school and dropping him off at Amy's house. And thank you, thank you Amy (Seitz) for watching Mac yesterday afternoon.
Dr. Carter was awesome (the best bedside manner which is so important to me). She got all of the information from us about what happened on Monday and performed a few assessments (visual tests, reflexology tests, etc.) and she thinks he looks "perfect". What probably happened is that Bose had a "breath-holding spell" that turned into a seizure (b/c of the brief lack of oxygen to his brain). She feels confident that he is a-okay but to be 100% sure he is going to have an MRI performed under sedation to make sure his brain function/structure is normal. This happens at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara only on Mondays for the infants so hopefully he can get it done before we head back East to visit family... but if not, I will be okay with that and we'll just have it done after we get back. But in the event that he has another passing out/not breathing/seizure then he will be on emergency status and get the MRI done right away. But honestly, I have no worries. :-)
Anyway, what a relief... and thanks again to everyone for your sincere concern and for all of your prayers.

Love Always,
Katie
(Jimmy, Mac & Bose)

Update on my sweet, precious Bose

2008-04-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

About 12:10 PT on Monday, we had a very big scare at the Liddle household. Basically, Bose started crying very loudly then his eyes rolled back into his head and he stopped breathing. We called 911 (Jimmy was home for lunch, that I am thankful for) while trying to revive him / get him to breathe. Clearly the most terrifying moment in our lives. I believe every rescue vehicle was at our home and bless little Mac's heart, he was so excited but didn't realize the severity of what was going on. Bose was coherent when the FD & EMTs got there... lethargic but okay. After he came to and started crying he was like a rag doll... you would lift his arm and it flopped down. But eventually he got feeling back and could squeeze my finger (the 911 dispatcher had me doing these tests so she could assess Bose's condition until the FD arrived). We didn't go to the ER but saw his pediatrician instead today. Bose has also been having some twitching spells with his head and eyes since the weekend so we're speculating that Bose may have had a seizure (and perhaps may be having smaller ones). But to confirm or rule out, he's been referred to a neurologist in Santa Barbara on an ASAP status. That doesn't mean tomorrow but hopefully in the next few weeks. Anyway, his pediatrician checked him out and he appears fine other than what happened yesterday. So please keep my sweet baby boy in your prayers.

Busy little boys...

2008-04-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

Boys' first bath together...

Mac eating a "Fireman sandwich" (bacon & mayo on wheat toast) before school...

Always on the go...

As Mac likes to call him... punkin pie :-)

The girls can't get enough of Bose...

And there's another one...

Ben & Mac eating cupcakes... Preschool & Mops buddies

Mac making a rocket at school...

And Bose now weighs...

2008-04-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

Bose had his 9-month well baby check-up this morning (he's 9 1/2 months now but close enough). All looks good. He's pretty much on track as Mac was at the same age. Bose weighs 18.7 lbs. (Mac was 18 lbs., 12 oz.), height is 27.5 in. (Mac was 28 in.) and head circumference is 18.1 in. (Mac's was 18 1/2 in.)... yep, my boys have big noggins... that means bigger brains, right???

The floors (parkay) in the old base houses are so hard... imagine concrete hard. I decided to put an area rug in the boys' room since lately Bose has been rolling over and knocking his noggin on the hard floor. Vandenberg base housing is privatizing and our house is up for demolition in July of '09 (right after we move). I'm sure (well, I know) the new homes will have softer floors. A lot of people complain about base housing and yeah they're old houses but you can't beat the neighborhood... I wouldn't want to live anywhere else with these two boys of mine.

Mac at 9 months... his top "teefies" were coming in... ahhhhh.

Bose is growing fast...

2008-04-11T20:50:00.000-07:00

The fellas...
Enjoying a stroll...

Not sure about this grass stuff...

They get along so well...

He looks comfy to me...

Welcome April...

2008-04-07T14:16:00.000-07:00

Mac & Papa having their morning coffee (shhhhh... Mac's "coffee" is warmed up milk & Ovaltine).

The boys playing "firemen" again...

Picture courtesy of Mac...

Bose is 9-months-old TODAY!!!

2008-03-30T19:26:00.000-07:00

This little booger is always smiling... I love it. Believe me, he can wail, too but those smiles just melt a mother's heart.

Here's a picture taken by one of Mac's friends... pretty good except for the top of his head is cut off.

Our little fire chiefs

2008-03-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

No doubt that Bose is gonna love cars, tractors and trucks like his big brother Mac. Lately he has been preferring Mac's toys over his own... especially all of the fire trucks that Mac possesses. I must admit, I kind of dig the fire trucks, too. :-)

Yet another Easter Egg Hunt

2008-03-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

Today is beautiful... the only reason I'm inside right now is because the boys are napping. Once they're up, we'll head back outside to enjoy this wonderful Vandenberg weather. Earlier today, we went to another egg hunt on base ( I believe our last one unless we decide to do the one after church tomorrow ). Love to you all... and Happy Easter!!!

14th AF Ball 2008

2008-03-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

Jimmy & I attended the annual 14th AF Ball last night. It was a lot of fun as always. General Shelton was there without the Mrs. but Linda is visiting their daughter out of state because she is due to have their first grandchild any moment now. We had fun at our table with Jodi, Carey, Howard, Cheryl and a few others. We'll probably go again next year because by then we will be very close to PCSing out of here.

Fire Dept. visits Mac's school

2008-03-20T17:26:00.000-07:00

I didn't know that the Santa Barbara County FD visited Mac's school until I picked him up yesterday... he mentioned firemen, fire trucks and spraying the fire hose but I didn't think anything of it because he's obsessed with that anyway. I checked out his school's website later that evening and low and behold, there's ol' Mac-a-Doodle holding the fire hose. I know he was probably on Cloud 9... he loves firemen and thinks they are THE GREATEST!!!

Where's Rob???

2008-03-19T14:15:00.000-07:00

My 1st cousin, Major Rob Stilwell, US National Guard, has been serving a tour in Afghanistan for quite some time now. His civilian job is a lawyer but his passion is being a soldier. We're all very proud of him. According to my Aunt Robin, Rob's unit, the 218th, is in an isolated area of Zabol province known as Mizan and it has nothing. There are only two National Guardsmen there--Rob and a young man from Brooklyn, a Puerto Rican, who is teaching him Spanish. Rob may be fluent in Spanish as well as Pashtun, an Afghanistan dialect, by the time he returns home. He is about 10 years older than anyone else around him and hot water is scarce so he lets his beard grow for about a week at a time. Since it is salt and pepper the Afghans give him a lot of respect because being in your 40's is considered old since life expectancy is so short (Rob is 41 and the children call him "BaBa" which means grandfather). There is no mess hall where Rob is so food is basically MREs or instant oatmeal/grits. Rob believes he will be helicoptered back to Qalat in about 2-3 weeks and hopes to be leaving around the first week of May. I know his family (wife Charlotte, his children Eli, Dee, Joseph and the rest of the Stilwell clan) will be so overjoyed to have him safely back home. God Bless You, Rob, for defending our freedoms and sacrificing the luxuries of western civilization to support what you believe in. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Easter Egg Hunts on base

2008-03-18T15:11:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful base we live on... there are so many organizations that cater to the families with children. Two of the organizations we're a part of have hosted egg hunts and potlucks. And there's one last Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday on base hosted by GMH (the civilian housing contractor) with 2600 eggs to be found. Now that's quite a few eggs. Hope all of you are enjoying this Easter season as we are. :-)

Liz & her boys

2008-03-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

I kid you not when I say this is the first time I've seen pictures of Liz, Luke & Rob since we've been home (that was in early December). I couldn't believe it when I opened up the email from Mom... Rob looks like a little boy now. It's amazing how much change happens in just a few months. Can you imagine if I didn't send out current pics of Mac & Bose? Family would be shocked.

Vandenberg Days

2008-03-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

Just a few pics over the last few days. I got a brief moment to sit down and load the pics off of my camera. We're looking forward to Easter... Mac has about 3 Easter Egg Hunts over the next week around base. A little boy can't have enough egg hunts. And next Friday, Jimmy & I are going to the 14th AF ball again. Should be fun and this year I get to enjoy the local wine... yay! :-)

Jesus Loves Me Preschool

2008-03-09T19:28:00.000-07:00

Notice Mac painting with his left hand? Yep, I believe he is going to be left-handed like his grandma Bubbie & his Aunt Libby.

BOBS is the greatest!!!

2008-03-08T02:16:00.001-08:00

Mac got a huge surprise in the mail tonight (as I did, too). Bobs sent him the fire ladder they made together when we were home in November. Mac really thinks he's a fireman now... just got to get a "fire hose" and he'll be all set. He still uses the water hose outside to pretend he's putting out a fire, but I think he needs a portable one. There might be a trip to a hardware store for that.

Gosh, Dad, you certainly know how to brighten the Liddle household over here. Thank you so much... we all love the fire ladder, especially our little Fire Chief.

- Katie

Thanks for the new outfits, Trish!!!

2008-03-07T13:27:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the matching PJs, Trish!!!

2008-03-06T18:39:00.001-08:00

Let me tell you about this good friend of mine who I think is such a wonderful and special person that if you've ever met her and called yourself her friend then you're pretty darn lucky... well, I'm one of those lucky ones. Trish became one of my really close friends here at Vandenberg... she lived just around the block and we became close in no time. Mac and her eldest daughter, Jolie, were close buds, too. I'm sad that she no longer lives here but now that she's in TN, that's fairly close to SC. I know we'll be life-long friends. Love you, Trish, and thanks for the package we got in the mail. You're too good for words!!!

Sign our Guestbook... it's quick and easy!!!

2008-03-06T13:09:00.001-08:00

Steve Roos Portrait 12/07

2008-03-06T12:18:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite pics. Liz & I got this portrait done while I was home last. I will always treasure this one.

Oh, what a beautiful day!

2008-03-05T15:49:00.000-08:00

Today was another beautiful day so we went to the parks on base as we so often do. That's what is so great about Vandenberg... you can enjoy the outside weather pretty much 365 days out of the year. Anyway, it's pretty crazy how many modes of transportation I have to choose from when the boys and I go strolling. Today Mac wanted to take the wagon since we haven't used it since Bose's birth. So I figured a way Bose could ride in it without tipping over and out... the Bumbo in the back worked beautifully (thanks Heather for letting me borrow it). So I guess we'll be using the wagon a lot more now.

Life is Good!

2008-03-05T15:37:00.000-08:00

I am reminded every single day how lucky I am to have 2 beautiful little boys in my life. They put a smile on my face and joy in my heart. I'll often catch Mac and Bose giggling uncontrollably over "who knows what" and I can't help but laugh along with them. They certainly enjoy each other. Bose will be in his walker straining his neck trying to find his big brother who he hears but can't see. That Mac certainly puts a smile on his little brother's face. Jimmy and I often say how we wish we could "bottle them up" because before we know it our little boys will have grown into young men. But all I can say right now about the present is... Life is Good!