{Airman Devin A. Krisle}

Airman Devin A. Krisle.
(first airman on the left holding the American Flag)

An emotion of such great intensity the English language has not the words to describe it came over me as I watch my baby brother Devin carry the American across a field and towards what would be a life changing moment and one of the most important days of his life. It is an honor to be asked to carry the American flag during the graduation ceremonies of the Air force basic training program. He was one of 6 young men whose leadership, dedication and pride granted them this honor.

{oh the joys of raising boys}

Setting: dinner time. hot links and pork n beans (not the smartest meal to serve considering two of us have had a stomach bug in the last 48 hours but hey who says mom always has to be smart?) table set. food prepared. prayer said...

Wyatt: "can I have another hot link?"
Mom: "have some pork n beans first"
(then serving a scoop on his plate)
Wyatt: "now that'll blow a whole in my bed later!"


Oh the joys of raising boys!!

{8 months old}

James is...
...sitting up and crawling like a speed racer.
...pulling up onto things.
...walking side to side in his crib and on the church bench.
...eating like food will disappear tomorrow. (and staying thin oh to have that metabolism)
...saying dada.
...loves to talk and is very loud.
...sadly throwing tantrums already.
...giving hi 5's (well low 5's)
...has two bottom teeth and is expecting the top too soon.
...playing with everything BUT his toys.
...after every cord/string/rope or ribbon he can see.
...talking on the phone already....still making the funniest faces.

...still loving trees and the great outdoors.
...happy to see his big brother when he gets home from school.
...full of personality!
...is drinking out of water bottles (he LOVES water)
...is also drinking from a straw
...NOT loving blueberry puffs!! (that story to come soon)

...loving his dog Buddy who has become quite accustom to James' new found freedom! He patiently allows James to grab his paws, crawl right over him and even tug on his tail once in a while. Buddy's only request is that right after dinner he is allowed to eat James' leftovers!

I'm sure there is lots more but that's the most of it. James is happy healthy and growing everyday! We all love him so much and are eternally grateful to have him in our lives!

{Valentines 2010}

This year for school Valentines we wanted to do something different. I wish I could take all the credit for the idea but I can't. An old friend of mine was doing the same thing this year (she found it out in the blog world) and when I saw her blog about it I just HAD to do it too! I am so glad my 12 year old son actually thought it was a cool idea, you never know with him these days it's a hit and miss game trying to figure out what he thinks is or isn't cool! Oh the joys of parenting a preteen!

We took a fun picture

wrote out a poem

and added the sweets!

{wyatt's tree}

Wyatt gets excited every year when we pull out the Christmas decorations. He has been collection Tony Stewart Nascar ornaments for years now and has his own white tree with orange lights on it just perfect for displaying his collection! He carefully places each collectors ornament on the tree one at a time then sits back to make sure it looks just right. He also has a few snow globes, Santa figurines and the perfect stocking to match! It is always such fun to watch him get it all set up and see how much he really enjoys his collection!

{tree shopping}

The Ultimate Tree Off!! Which Tree will win a luxurious trip back to the Simpkins Home for show casing throughout the Holiday Season?!!!....

And the winner is....neither! Hehe Mom found a better one!

Special thanks to the tree guy who was VERY patient as we picked through just about every tree in the lot!

{my handsome boy}

Wyatt said he wanted a picture of himself "looking handsome by the tree"! He truly is a funny kid...and quite handsome too!