Memorial Day

I follow quite a few blogs. One of my favorite is called the Pioneer Woman and I have been following her pretty much from the beginning. I love how real she is and how simplistic her instructions are. I also love her photography. She gives assignments for people to submit photos that follow a theme. This weekend she had the theme of "Coming Home" with a military bend. I have laughed, cried, and sighed over these photos. Take a few minutes and follow this link http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/ . Be prepared to be touched and grateful for those who have served and given their all.

Young Women Camp Ward Pre-Campout

Yes, a pre-camp campout. I don't quite understand it either, but they asked the ward camp directors to do it so I did. But we camped the Sis. Holmes way..... in my backyard with a bathroom, microwave, stove, refrigerator, and other modern convinces nearby.

We worked on setting up tents, knots, fires, and crafts for camp. There was no sleep and lots of drama. Right now I'm glad it's done and we can move on to other things.

Chip

We have a new nickname for Matt.....Chip. Last Thursday while running up the wood stairs in socks, Matt caught himself with his front tooth as he fell. This caused his tooth to break off. Luckily, he broke it perfectly in one piece and before it got to the pulp chamber (major bad thing that would result in a root canal). Doug was able to contact a friend of ours that is a endodontic resident and meet him at base to have a look at Matt's tooth. A little bit of bonding and it looks like nothing ever happened (much to Matt's relief). It's so nice to have a dentist or two close.

Nate Turns 10

This year for Nate's birthday he wanted to go to a air museum. (We've taught him well.) Before we headed out Nate got to open his first present of the day....a camera to capture all the fun of the museum.

So off we go to the San Antonio Air and Flight Museum. It had a lot of history about Kelly Air Field and fun artifacts. I enjoyed the stories of the young men who joined the military before they were 17 the most. One of the museum hosts was in the book for joining when he was 14 after telling his mom that he was staying with his dad and telling his dad he was staying with his mom. (It's nice to know that kids are still the same) He ended up retiring after serving for 20+ years as Master Sergent in the Air Force receiving many decorations.

After the museum, we enjoyed a dinner of good chicken (oven-fried chicken) and mash potatoes. This was followed by cheese cake and chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. (obviously, the choice of a ten-year-old boy)

Then it was opening present time. Nate received an iPod Shuffle, a drawing book, and a model of an A-10 with all the paints to make it look good. He was a happy boy.

The Best Mother's Day Present

This year for Mother's Day my wonderful husband and sons gave me the thing I've been asking forever for.....A VACATION!!!! Yes, that's right, four full days of non-day to day life. No kids, no homework, cooking was optional, no laundry, no housework, no husband, and no schedule. Just time to do whatever I like when I liked. Wonderful doesn't even begin to describe especially since I was able to visit my lovely sister, Katie, in Idaho. It was so much fun to pretend for a few days that life revolved around class and work schedules instead of scout and homework schedules.

Although, Kate lives in the little town of Rexburg and was forever apologizing that there wasn't enough to do, I had a blast wondering around and taking pictures.

I got to attend her classes and found out that my brain hasn't turned completely to mush. Even better, I got to stand outside her practice room as she sang. I was such a good sister, I didn't once pull someone aside saying "Do you hear that!!!! That's MY sister!!!" I think that would have embarrassed her. So I held off.

We made it down to Idaho Falls a couple of times. First to visit our cousin, Shawneen, and her darling family. And the Second to get pictures of the temple.

We went to the Rexburg Farmers Market (love farmers markets) to enjoy the people and the products on display.

Then I got to do the thing I like best in the world. I got to reorganize her apartment. I rearranged furniture, moved pictures, hung drapes, and organized her music/office space. It turned out soo great that I forgot to take any pictures.

I came home happy, relaxed, and rejuvenated. Who needs a spa when you can get all that in Rexburg.

Father and Sons Campout

For the first time ever I have pictures of the Father and Sons Campout. Not that my guys don't go, but for some reason Doug doesn't feel it is necessary to document every moment of his life through photography. (This attitude is the bane of my blogging existence.) This year I put Matt in charge of getting me some pictures. As stated in previous rambling, when I hand over photographic control there is no telling what I may get. This time it was a lot of pictures of the scenery with precious little of the actual father or sons. But beggars can't be choosers.

Bobcats and Bears

This last month Nate and Danny both received awards in scouts. Danny completed all his requirements for his Bobcat. He was so excited to get his first award and put his pin on Mom's ribbon. He is well on his way toward his Wolf.

Through his hard work, Nate earned his Bear award. He will be turning 10 years old soon and is looking forward to Weblos with Dad. It was a big night for the Holmes' Boys.

End of Baseball Season

The boys happily completed their baseball season. I noticed that they all learned that what you put into a situation is what you get out of it. On the days that they were excited to play they had a great time. On the days that they wanted to be stinks they didn't enjoy the experience as much. You've got to love how sports can teach such great life lessons.

Fiesta

Being new to San Antonio we did not realize the importance of Fiesta, but after asking around we felt better about our ignorance. We found that most people don't know how or why Fiesta started. For them the important part is the party that lasts for 10 days. This seems to be San Antonio's answer to St. Patrick's Day or Mardi Gras. (It's true that everything is bigger in Texas.) Never fear, through the trusty Internet we were able to find out that Fiesta was first started with the Battle of Flowers Parade in 1891 to honor the heroes of the Alamo and San Jacinto.

This is also a special time at school for the boys. Fiesta is one of two parties a year that the school district allows (the other being for Christmas). A float was made for Danny to have in the parade and Matt enjoyed a DJ party. Food, crafts, and music were enjoyed by all. Although this year we didn't take in any of the local events we are planning on attending a parade or two next year.