Yes, We are back....

About 7 Hours into our trip, we had to change vehicles. This is what we drove the rest of the way home with our Rodeo trailing behind. We broke down about 28 miles out of El Paso, Texas. We waited an hour for a tow truck to take us to El Paso to Pep boys. There they gave us the news that our engine was blown, so we had to find a way to get our Car back here to California and this is what we managed to come up with! It was an interesting trip let me tell you and yes, I drove too.



I wouldn't trade this trip for anything in the world. We had a great time. I am sad that we are down to one car right now, but I am so thankful that Steve and I made it home safely and that we are blessed to have Steve's motorcycle as a backup. Sadly, it doesn't haul FOUR children on it, but it works. We are actually having people look into it and it looks like it might not be the whole engine. It might be a much easier fix than what Pep Boys told us. They quoted us 5000.00 to fix it and I know our jaws hit the floor. Hopefully it might only be about 500.00- 1000.00 fix. We aren't sure yet. As of now, our trip to Ohio in June is put on hold. It isn't looking like we will make it home before Steve takes off in July.

So now onto the good stuff. My trip was awesome! I wish I had taken more pictures while I was there, but we were on a tight schedule. We did hit the Riverwalk in the downtown area and shopped at the Mall. It was nice to just stroll and not worry about the kids at all. I haven't felt that carefree in YEARS let me tell you!

Here is a picture of little Stevie and I almost ELEVEN years ago! We look like babies and yes, my eyes are red from crying. We were dropping him back off after watching him graduate from Boot camp. It was a great weekend and I was sad to leave him so soon. This was in Sept of 1997 and he didn't come home for leave until Christmas!!

Almost ELEVEN YEARS LATER......awe...we have grown so much and have more meat on our bones now! At least this time we are smiling!!

So the whole reason I went to Texas was to watch Steve graduate from NCO Academy. We got all dressed up and had a great time. I am so proud of my husband, he won Distinguished Graduate Award. He was in the top 10% of his class! I was so stinkin proud of him, as I always am! I knew he was smart, but now he has the award to prove it.

Here we are at the Graduation.
This was me on our way out.... I still have some work to do on my body, but I am getting there!


Chelsea and I before I left. I wanted to be sure to get pictures with the kids before I left.

Mommy, Jaelyn and Tyler trying to squeeze in the picture.
Anxious to get going!!

Even Samson was a little sad to see me go....

Mommy and Jaelyn getting ready to leave for the airport!
Mommy and Tyler...getting ready to go...


So I have LOTS to talk about this coming week! I have some exciting news to share with everyone! I can't wait to talk about it! I am so grateful to have had three days ALONE with my husband. We so needed it and it was much deserved. We don't get much time away alone since we have had kids. I am hoping to do this more often....hopefully!

Hope everyone is having a great week! Be looking for more updates on here this week!

Lord, I just want to take this time to Thank You for getting Steve and I back here safely. Who knows what you prevented by us having engine problem! No matter what happens in our life, I want to always give you

the Glory YOU deserve! Thank you for Susan taking the time out of her busy schedule to take care of my children while I was gone. Lord, I am so grateful for her friendship and I pray many blessing upon her and her family.

I also want to thank you in advance for these next three months ahead with Steve. I pray that they are three AWESOME months and not a day goes by that we don't appreciate what we have now. I know you have a plan for our life Lord and I want to honor that plan.

I want to give you ALL the praise and glory. Please watch over our Men and woman serving our Country here and abroad.
In YOUR name I pray....

Amen