Sacrafice = Success

While Jason was deployed he called me a month before he got home and told me that he would possibly be attending a school shortly after he came back. Of course I was upset because I didn't want him to have to leave again. The course was for 2 months and we would only be able to see him on the weekends. Well, he went and successfully completed the course and did such an awesome job!!

On December 14th the kids and I took a trip down to Camp Pendleton,where Jason's school was located, so we could be a part of him taking another step in his Marine Corps career. This is a picture of him receiving his Certificate of Completion in Infantry Unit Leaders Course.

While he was there he met a lot of other great marines. He was also reunited with a few that he knew throughout his career. He had a lot of fun and learned a lot! We did miss him for the two months but were blessed to be able to see him on the weekends. I'm so glad he's done with it though. The cost in gas was killin' us, haha!!

Here are just a few pictures of us after the graduation.

I just want to say that my husband is one of the most dedicated marines I know. I'm sure many marine wives say that but I truly am so proud of him. He has done so much, seen so much, sacraficed a lot and given our family complete pride and satisfaction in everything he does. He takes his title of US Marine seriously and because of that being a Marine Wife has become something I don't think I will ever want to let go of.

Congratulations, Jay! We love you!!

He's so thoughtful

So I get a phone call this morning and the number shows up as Cory's school. Of course I become nervous as to what the call is for thinking he got in trouble or maybe he's sick or hurt. I answer the phone anticipating the school secretary on the other end when I hear a sweet little voice say "Mommy, today we are going to the Santa Store and I forgot my money. Can you bring it to my school for me?" Hearing the sound of his voice is always heartwarming!! I told him I'd be right there. I get there and give him his money. Now, this is his own money he receieved for his birthday from a friend and some money from his Grandma. I have him a portion of his money and left.

I went back to school to pick him up when it was time and he walks out of class and gives me a big hug. Then proceeds to say to me "I got something for you, for Daddy and for Caitlyn...and me too." He had taken what was his own money and bought gifts he wanted to get for us. He thought of all 3 of us. He told me I could open mine now even though I told him we'd wait until Christmas.

We get home and he tells me to close my eyes (no peeking!!). I do and then he says "okay open your eyes." I do and he hands me my gift......

....a manicure set with a PINK carrying case. He really knows his Mommy!!

For Caitlyn: A Princess bath set that came with bath gel and a heart shaped bar of soap. She was so excited!!!

For Daddy: A football so he and daddy can spend some time throwing the football around.

He is such a thoughtful little boy...excuse me....young man (he does not like being called a little boy anymore, ha!). He's always trying to make us smile and he succeeds everytime! And, of course he had bought something for himself...a Spongebob notebook so he could draw and write anything he wants. It's exciting having children that are so thoughtful and caring!!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Caitlyn

Today Caitlyn turned 3!!! We can't believe how much our little girl has grown. She's not our little baby anymore, lol! We had a birthday party for her here at our house. She really enjoyed herself and she enjoyed all the wonderful and fun gifts she got.

Cati with all her gifts...

Opening some gifts....The Little People set she got from Nanny and Grandad!

One thing Caitlyn kept bugging everybody for was a PONY! Well, this was supposed to be a Christmas gift but my dear friend, Jenny talked me into giving it to her early so she could see her reaction. I'm so glad we gave it to her today because she absolutely loved it and Jenny was so happy to see her get her pony. I don't know who was more excited, LOL!!

Caitlyn and her new pony!

The kids trying to pull the string on the pinata that will let out all the candy!

Brit pulled it and out came the candy!

She named him Horsey (lol) and showered him with kisses.

Caitlyn's Bratz cake

Singing Happy Birthday...

(She blew the candle out before it was time so I had to relite it, LOL!)

Caitlyn really enjoyed everything about her party. She is such an easy girl to please...just like her Daddy! We shared the day with a few close friends...THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING and sharing in our daughters 3rd birthday!

Happy Birthday Cati-bug!!

Our R.O.C.K.

Today, Cory received an award called the Really Outstanding Condor Kid. He has done such an awesome job so far this year. Trying hard at everything he does. We get to hear such wonderful things everytime we go to pick him up from school but hearing the things that were said today just really made everything we've done as his Mom and Dad all worthwhile. He amazes us all the time and makes sure we know that he's done well. What a way to show it!!

Cory after receiving his award.

Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you, Cory!! Way to go!!!

This is video of Mrs. Hall presenting Cory with his award. His teacher was unable to be a part of this today so Mrs. Hall stepped in and handed out these awards. Everything said in this video is everything Jason and I have worked for.

Mom and Dad since you probably can't understand what she is saying I typed here what is said...
"Our last award for Mrs. Panzarella's class is the R.O.C.K. Award (Really Outstanding Condor Kid). This little boy has made such effort in everything he does, he really tries hard in every area. He's very kind and considerate in his work and his relationship with his peers and his teacher. And that goes to Cory Evans."

Riley's Farm

On November 1st Cory and his class took a field trip out to Riley's Farm. It is a huge area filled with different types of fun things to see and do. We went all the up this mountain to the Apple Orchard. It was beautiful up there. The day started out a little hectic but the kids still had an amazing time even though we were all kind of rushed thru everything because of a bus problem.

This is Cory and some of his friends from his class.

Cory is here on the base waiting.... Our bus broke down several times before we could even get off base. We had to wait a good 40 minutes before another bus came to pick us all up. Great way to start the day and get behind, haha!

This is Cory inside the refrigerator where they keep all the apples nice and cold.
Here are all the apples inside the fridge.

Cory and Colton picking out a good apple to take back to school.


She was our tour guide inside where they clean and sort the apples. Here, she is explaining how this big, noisy machine works, ha!
The kids trying to pay attention but they were very anxious to see the rest of the farm.
One of the dad's helping them make some Apple Cider.

Cory and Bakari after putting thier apples into the grinder.

All the kids learning how Apple Cider is made.

This is Johnny Appleseed talking to the kids about the kinds of apples that grow at this orchard. He took the kids for a tour around the orchard where all the apples grow. They got to see many old apple trees and an old bear cave.

These apple trees are over 100 years old!

Cory in front of the Apple Tree.
Finally the kids were able to eat. Here is Cory and some of his classmates chowing down!

Me and Cory on the bus going back home.

It was a long drive and a very long day but Cory and I had a lot of fun. I was lucky to be able to share in the day with him and even luckier to ride on the bus, hahah!! For those of you that live in California taking a trip to Riley's Farm is well worth it. Plus, they have some delicious apple pies you can buy!!