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So, remember this post?  The one where I talked about our new life style/weight loss program?  Anyway, I finished the initial 12 weeks, and am happy to report that I have lost 24.5 lbs. in those 12 weeks!  I am currently still about 3 lbs. away from the goal I set for that time frame, so, I'm really close!  I have felt improvements in energy levels, and moodiness.  My ultimate goal is still a long way off, so I've got to keep going - and that's the plan.  I'm still don't think I'm ready to post before/after pictures, but it's still possible that day will come.  So, stay tuned.......

A Moment in History

As you may or may not know, the space shuttle program is coming to a close. That means that each of the 3 remaining shuttles had only 1 launch left as of last week. On Friday, our family had the opportunity to watch the final launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Matt was lucky enough to score a pass for us, so instead of watching it in our driveway (how we usually watch the launches), we were able to go to the Cape Canaveral AF Station (about 40-45 min. drive), and watch from the roof of a building there.  A special clearance/pass is required to get onto the AF Station, so even though we're military, we can't just go there.  Anyway, we were about as close as people are allowed to get - which was still a ways away. It was really great to experience a launch that "close." We could hear the actual countdown, and felt the ground rumble (even while standing on a roof top). It took almost a full minute from time of launch to hear/feel the rumble, just to let you know how far away we still were. Both boys were totally captivated as soon as the countdown started. Joseph watched silently and pointed. Darren was mostly quiet, too. You can hear him say "OOOOHH!" a couple times in the video clip, but that's all.  We were eye witnesses to a special moment in history.  Watch the video clip, and you can be too. 

The video clip is so jumpy, because Darren was sitting on Matt's shoulders while Matt was taping, and D kept wiggling.

Those "clouds" on the left side of the pic are not clouds - they're smoke residue from the launch.  Doesn't Matt look so handsome in this pic?  The rest of us need a little help, but we were all there! 

Stop! You Guys Have Clothes On!

After a long night of severe thunder and lightning (literally all night), the clouds disappeared and it became a beautiful sunny day.  So, we set up the wading pool, and let the kids play in the water.  They were in heaven, and Matt and I were sitting side by side enjoying each others' company and smiling at all the silly kid stuff the boys would do.  Calm and relaxed. 

Then, out of nowhere, Matt somehow thought it would be a really great idea to get me wet.  And, well, like any good wife would do.... I retaliated!  That started a full fledged, fast paced, water fight!  Through our laughter, we hear Darren blurt out in a very serious tone of voice: 

STOP IT GUYS!  YOU HAVE YOUR CLOTHES ON!!

I just laughed harder!  Good times!


Disclaimer:  Having our clothes on is as opposed to our swim suits.  Totally innocent! 

Clean Hands

While Darren was using the potty yesterday, I heard him turn on the water when he's done.  I thought to myself:  "Good!  He's actually washing his hands without me telling him to!  Progress!"

The water kept running......

and running....... 

and running......

I decided I better go check and see what was going on in there.  He had locked the door.  So, as I grabbed for a toothpick (I keep one on top of the door jam just in case), I asked him what he was doing.  At this point I have the door unlocked, and I entered the room.  He looked and me and said:  "Look Mom!  I have a beard!"

Music Education

I am in heaven!  Today I found a website with literally HUNDREDS, maybe even thousands, of educational songs for kids.  They have songs from the toddler/preschool level up through middle school (maybe even some high school), in categories such as:  math, science, early childhood, holidays, seasons, special education, foreign languages, reading and language arts, social studies, general education, fine arts, and life skills.  Every one of these categories has several sub-categories with lots of songs listed under each sub-category (is that confusing?).  You can even listen to samples and read lyrics, with most of it being downloadable.  It's pretty comprehensive!   Both of my kids are very responsive to music (hmmm......  wonder where that comes from?!), so I'm pretty excited about this website!  I could EASILY spend a couple hundred dollars there!  It's called Songs for Teaching.  If you're curious/interested, go check it out.  I'm now a fan, and just had to share!

Backyard Fun!

The last little while has been PERFECT summer weather (keyword here is summer).  It's been in the mid to upper 70's, sunny, with a light ocean breeze.  The humidity isn't too bad yet, either.  Consequently, we've been outside enjoying it.  Here's a bunch of pictures from our good times:

100% boy.  He loves to dig in the gravel/dirt.

Some sort of pretend play

Could he possibly get any cuter?!

Being naughty.... Those bikes are not allowed in the house.  Good thing they're headed back outside!

Crazy kid! 

Drinking water from the faucet.  Classic!

Just threw a ball into the tree

Going down the slide on his tummy, feet first.  I love his expression - he was having a great time! 

Darren's turn!

Ker-Splash!

Wanna come over and play?! 

Father/Sons

Before Matt left (TDY), we asked the boys what they wanted to do with Daddy as their last chance to play with him for awhile.  We told them it could be ANYTHING!  Darren wanted to play trains and go to the park, and was very adament about those two things.  Joseph was just happy to tag along, but we knew he really likes to climb on and go for rides on Daddy.  So, we made it all happen, and here are a few of the pictures from those sweet, precious moments  memories:

Truly candid.  Neither was aware I had the camera yet.

Daddy makes a great airplane!

The picture couldn't capture the eruptions of laughter every time he got to "fly!"  (I held my breath)

Daddy held the spinning monkey bars still so they weren't so scary.

Look carefully, and you can see that Darren was grinning ear to ear!

    The best seat in the house!                                      

Together!

The boys really miss their Daddy...... so do I!