Christmas begins...

My mom, dad, and youngest siblings came to play in Texas this week. We took them to Lackland AFB to check out the planes. He would run from plane to plane to announce we were coming to another one.We enjoyed some nice weather outside. We played at our local park and explored the trails together.

Mom and dad held down the fort so I could go to a cookie exchange with my BAMC ladies. Now, we have way too many tasty treats in the house.

We have eaten our share of Mexican and other San Antonio fare.

We went downtown and took the riverboat tour of the riverwalk. It is beautifully decorated with lights but I forgot my camera. I'm not sure I could have taken photos because it is crowded and on the boat I was wrestling a toddler that was absolutely sure he wanted out. I might do the boat tour again with just Matt someday.

Matt and I went to the temple together and really just cherished the stress free time together.

Jimmy and Rachel, my youngest siblings have indulged their big sister and are participating in some Christmas traditions I am testing out on them. Love them :-)

Then tonight my mom and dad allowed us to leave and go to a friend's Christmas party with JOSHUA. We were going to leave him but decided at the last minute to take him after I made sure that everyone would spare him for a bit.

Santa came and Joshua was mesmerized.
He said Hi to Santa and high fived him.

Santa was cooler than that though he wanted to fist bump.
Then the fact that a stranger with a cool suit and big white beard but definitely a stranger hit and it was back to mama.
It has been such a nice week and tomorrow is Christmas Eve. We still have more fun to come.

I hope that everyone has a Merry Christmas.

What's going on?

A quick run down of what we have been doing and what we are currently doing...

Matt-finished one rotation and is now working orthopedics doing amputee service. He doesn't like that he starts at 5am and sometimes leaves at 9pm. He does like and feel honored to be taking care of the patients that have sacrificed limbs for our freedoms and are anxious and willing to go back to serve again. He was called on Sunday to be in the Sunday School Presidency (now we just have to get him to church to do it).

Vanessa- Still busy busy chasing after Joshua who is all toddler and no baby. He makes me sing primary songs to keep from getting frustrated. He makes me laugh out loud at his view on the world. He also gives me a love like I've never felt before. I'm sitting at the table typing this while he eats is cereal and I have to pause as a little boy continuously says, "Mama kiss" of course he gets one every time the sticky milk is an added bonus.

My calling at church keeps me way busier than I ever imagined. I still feel like when I read out the summary of what I accomplished I end up asking myself the same question. Why did that take hours? Hmm...maybe it is me. :-)

I am making great friends here in San Antonio because the people are fantastic. I am also still going to activities with church and with the BAMC Auxiliary (military medical wives). I attend when time and Matt schedule permits but there is always a social or service option with the BAMC ladies. Not only are they a lot of fun but the service offered goes to the Wounded Warriors Support Center. I can't think of a better way to feel connected to my hubby than to serve the families and soldiers of those that are currently receiving treatment. My 2012 goal is to find a way to do more of the service activities.

Joshua- Talking, talking, and more talking about everything even though truck sounds like duck and shirt is missing the "r" we love hearing him talk

Running, walking, and climbing on everything even when it results in bumps to the head as seen below

This update was brought to you as Joshua and I quietly sit in the kitchen while everyone sleeps. We are hosting my mom, dad, and youngest 2 siblings for Christmas. Matt is actually on Christmas leave and everyone is getting some extra zzzz's to put them in the Christmas spirit for my frolicking today.

Crazy Work Schedules

Is December really almost over? This month we have been so disoriented because Matt was working a weird work schedule. He worked Saturdays and Sundays ALL DAY and then would be given a day off in the week followed by staying home the next day only to go in to work at 7pm. He would then stay at work until around 11am the following day come home exhausted sleep for a bit but then need to get up because he was back on a day shift the next day. This was awesome and disaster for us almost simultaneously. Anyone that knows us well knows that given the choice I would choose Matt anytime any day of the week over anyone else. I'm never much into girl trips because I don't want to miss out on a chance to be with Matt. With that disclaimer fully in place having your husband home during the day when you are accustomed to running the show well let me just say it can require some give and take. In addition to that after Matt would be around so much in the middle of the week he would then disappear Friday not to be seen again by Joshua. Fridays Joshua would stand at the door and cry for DaDa. What a rotation?!

Thanksgiving 2011

We had our first Thanksgiving in San Antonio. We were surprised to have company for this short holiday but no distance is too great for family when you have the best or only grandchild. Matt's parents and sister Kira joined us for this holiday. I made my first turkey which I must say was one of the best I've ever eaten. Just sayin'

I wasn't sure when Matt would be home from work on Thanksgiving so we planned a 5:30 dinner which meant we had time to play at the park before all of the cooking. Well we went earlier than I've ever gone before and the park was soaked! Joshua tried to play anyway. This is what happens when the big slide is really wet.

He was spitting and pulling bark out of his mouth for awhile following this trip down the slide. He didn't cry though. He just kept walking around and saying mess and wet.

We went back and hung out at home. We cooked and played the wii WITH MATT who was able to come home by 11!

We had the Hyatt Family over too (love them) and Joshua was showing Eliza all the things she shouldn't do. Luckily, for her parents she just smiled sweetly all night. :-)

Friday, Matt had requested and been granted the day off. We made our second trip downtown since we've moved here to take the family to the Alamo, Riverwalk, and The Market. We had fun and enjoyed a tasty meal downtown.

Joshua was not overly impressed though. Despite, his face it was a fun week!