Shearer Family

December 2011

2012-01-06T13:56:00.000-05:00

We started out December with our annual trip to Bass Pro shop for a picture with Santa. Luke was dying to open presents Christmas Eve morning, so we started with ones from Uncle Chris and Aunt Rachel. Later that day we skyped my family and he was able to open up the gifts from my family and chat with them while everyone was toghether at my aunts house. Christmas morning I told Luke he had to wait until his dad gets home from work to open his gits from Santa. I was worried he was going to be up at 5 waiting, but he did not get up until 6:45 and only had to wait 20 min for Keith to get home. After a wonderful Sacrament meeting at church we went to our friends the Shorr's for Christmas. We had snacks, opened gifts and a wonderful meal. We had the best Christmas celebrating with our "family away from family" friends, next to actually being with our families. Being married to a firefighter in the air force makes difficult to go home for Christmas!!! Maybe next year! Our good frinds the Brown's took us on the USS Gorge H W Bush air craft carrier. We had a good time as he showed us around. It had just got back from it's first at sea deployment at the beginning of December. We had a fun visit from Keith's aunt and uncle from Baltimore to end the year.

November

2012-01-06T13:21:00.001-05:00

We organized a field trip for Luke's class to the Keith fire station.

The rest of October

2011-11-12T16:49:00.001-05:00

September and Some of October

2011-10-19T15:36:00.000-04:00

We went to the zoo not long after school started and had a good time. Luke was very happy because we surpised him by getting him out of school early to go. We has a fall festivial on base Oct 14 and they gave each kid a pumpkin. We had a good time with friends.

2011-09-06T12:54:00.000-04:00

Luke's first day of Kindergarten

July and August

2011-09-06T10:06:00.001-04:00

We had a super fun 4th with our good friends the Brooker's. We had a BBQ with several families from the ward on Fort Monroe before it shuts down as a base. We manage to eat before it poured the rain and lots of thunder and lightning. We all gathered in an empty garage until it stopped enough to go. We didn't get to see any fire works, but it was a 4th to always remember. Luke loves to where Keith's ABU hat most days. Now he wants to buy lots of different hats.August came and went so fast!!! We bought annual passed to the North Carolina aqurium which gets us into the Virginia Living museum and Norfolk zoo free. We made it to the Living museum before the butterfly exibit closed and had a great time. All the animals were out, even though it was a little too hot to be walking outside. We had Hurricane Irene the end of August, and knowing it floods around where we live I went and stayed a friends house until it passed. A few families brought their resources together and bunkered down. It was the best time I have ever had!!! We have deemed our good friends the Shorr's home storm central from now on.

June

2011-06-17T10:03:00.001-04:00

Luke graduated preschool on June 1st. I am grateful for the wonderful teachers he had and the friends he made. He is very excited to go to Kindergarden, and ask at least once a week when he is going to his new school. I tell him it will come sooner than he thinks. He actually got to go to the Blackbeard Festivial this year. Normally its held in July, and we are usually in California. This year, they had it a month earlier. We enjoyed a fun day and evening with friends, not to mention good food! The kids had a blast playing, and we ended the evening with fireworks.

April & May

2011-06-09T18:19:00.001-04:00

I know I am totally behind on updating our blog but, we have been pretty busy since Keith got home from Bahrain. Keith got home April 16th, and we went to Baltimore to visit his Aunt and Uncle. We all took a trip to the Luray Caverns,in Virginia's Shenandoah valley and the National Air and Space Museum(the larger one outside of DC).We had a fun Easter egg hunt in a friends backyard. We used our free passes to Bush Gardens and went with friends.
May- Luke has developed a passion for bowling and loves to bowl on the Wii or for real. We like to take him bowling twice a month. We took him and his friend Samuel. My Aunt and uncle finally came to visit us. It only took 2 years to get them out here. We had lots of rain when they were here, but we still had fun. We went to the Langley Air show, and then my Aunt, Uncle, Luke and I drove to Kentucky to visit my grandmas grave and visit my Uncle's Aunt. We had a long, rainy, but nice time. When we got back we spent the day at Colonial Williamsburg. We got my Aunt and Uncle hooked on Wii bowling that when they got home they bought a Wii.

Dec - Feb

2011-03-04T07:58:00.000-05:00

Keith left for his deployment Dec 1st for the next 4 1/2 months. We went to California for almost 2 months to spend the holidays and Luke's 5th birthday. We had a wonderful time with great weather, warm enough to even go to the beach. We went to Sea World right after Christmas with uncle Sam. Luke and I ended up buying Knott's Berry Farm annual passes and enjoyed going once a week. We made our annual birthday trip to Disneyland for Luke. He was so excited he got to participate in the Star Wars show. Over all we had a good time just spending quality time with the our families.

November 2010

2010-11-30T20:36:00.000-05:00

I can't believe November has come and gone!!! My mom left on the 4th of November and I got the rest of my stitches out on the 9th. I was worried a little worried I would not be able to do everything Luke needed when Keith was at work, but we managed pretty good. Luke was good about being my big helper. Towards the end of the month I weened myself out of the boot and into shoes,well there is only a few that I can actually wear.

We had Thanksgiving at Keith's cousin Marie's house. Her parents happened to be in town and it was nice visiting with them too. Our car battery died while we were out on the 29th, luckily it was the night before Keith was deploying!!! We got a new one and after many hours of the very confined space in between the front passenger seat and the rear passenger seat we got it out and the new one in. Can I say, I love that my husband is a fireman and that we were able to borrow a tool from the fire station that we needed to get down to the bolt that was holding the battery in!!!!! I started physical therapy, and should get a few visits in before we make our way to California on the 14th. On the 30th we sent Keith off for his 5 month deployment to Bahrain. We ended the evening with a picture with Santa, which was a great way to end our month.

September - October

2010-10-31T12:56:00.000-04:00

September: Luke started preschool on September 7th. He goes to school 5 days a week for 3 hours a day. My parents came to visit September 9th, two days before Keith was leaving for 3 weeks of training in Wisconsin. With Luke in school in the middle of the day, we did not get to do too much. We did make a trip down to Va Beach to walk the board walk and enjoy the nice weather. My dad left the 20th, and I convinced my mom to stay to help me while Keith was still gone and to help when I have my surgery in October.

October: Keith got home Oct. 4th and I had my ankle surgery Oct. 5th. I had a 3 inch tear in my peroneal tendon, which resulted in a little bigger incision. I lived down stairs in the recliner for 3 weeks. I spent the first week in a soft cast, then progressed to a hot pink hard cast. Week 3 I got my hard cast of and most of the stitches out, but 4 stitches had to be left to ensure proper healing. Now I am in the lovely black boot. We had a good time carving Luke's pumpkin, which he decided was disgusting and wanted nothing to do with once we got the top off. The 30th we had a great time at the trunk r treat! Keith wore his fire fighting uniform and Luke was a clone trooper. We spent Halloween with our good friends the Harlans.

August

2010-09-17T15:50:00.001-04:00

We spent most of August at the pool and swim lessons. Luke went bowling for the first time and loved it.

July

2010-08-13T12:45:00.000-04:00

We spent half of the month of July in California with family. This was Keith's last vacation before he deploys to Afganistan in November. We had a fun 4th with both families gather at a block party, watching fireworks, seeing family we have not seen in a while,some miniture golf, and a trip to Legoland. The 2 weeks went by so fast, and we spent a lot of time with both families. We didn't get anytime to visit with friends this time.

June

2010-07-13T21:56:00.000-04:00

We said goodbye to our good friends the Dahle's, or what Luke called his sister's and little brother whitney, Maren, and Jonas Dahle. We meet friends at the Air and Space Musume and DC Temple. We had fun swapping watching each others kids while we did a session in the Temple. The rest of the weekend we spent with family in Baltimore for Father's Day. On our way home our air conditioner in our car, so that was a long drive home. We took the car to the dealership to get fixed and into a rental car we went. When we went to pick up the car, it was not fixed at all and they had to keep it. The GMC dealer made sure we got to the airport the next day. We left our car to be fixed again while we went to California for next two weeks.

May

2010-06-17T15:48:00.001-04:00

I know it's a little late, time has gone too fast and I need to catch up. In May Luke and I went with Kristie and Will Hettinger's to the Va. Beach Kite festivial. Luke was out riding his bike lots, and we went strawberry picking.

April

2010-05-05T11:16:00.000-04:00

We enjoyed conference, the base Easter egg hunt, fun with frinds at a bounce place, other base activities, and the Circus.

March

2010-04-03T09:24:00.000-04:00

Let's see, March was a very eventful month. Luke got an actual boy hair cut. I turned 32 on the 9th, and was totally sick. Way to spend your birthday!! My great friend Heather made me dinner and my favorite cake and brought it over for my b-day. Later, I found out I had an ear and sinus infection. We shipped out car from California, which made life much easier. My brother had his cancer surgery the 29th, and it was successful. I am grateful for another year of many new experiences.

Our February adventures

2010-02-19T13:54:00.000-05:00

We to California the 29th of January to February 10th, except there was severe weather in DC that our flight on the 10th was cancelled. We got two extra days with our family and friends. It was a nice, but little stressful gift. We happened to plan our family vacation at a great time, it was a little over a week from my mom's open heart surgery. While we were there we celebrated Luke's 4th Birthday with two trips to Disneyland, a big party with family and friends, and buying a new car. We bought a GMC Acadia, which is parked in my brother's driveway until we figure out how we are getting it home.

End of December Activities

2010-01-27T16:34:00.000-05:00

We got some snow in December. Luke on Christmas day. We had two families from our ward over for Christmas dinner. I should of taken pictures but forgot with all that was going on.

Early December Activities

2009-12-16T19:49:00.000-05:00

On our way up to Baltimore, we stopped at the DC Temple. Keith's Uncle Frank and Aunt Debbie took us to Pennsylvania to go for a train ride. We got to ride on Thomas the Tank engine. We had a great time, even with all the snow. Luke's annual Santa picture.

Colonial Williamsburg Virginia and Outer Banks North Carolina

2009-10-19T08:49:00.000-04:00

Climbing down the Currituck Lighthouse which is 15 stories high.

The Currituck Lighthouse

The Bodie Lighthouse

One of the oldest buildings in Williamsburg. Its on Mary and Williams college.

Waiting to eat at one of the old taverns

We ventured out to see some of the sights while my friend Jane was here visiting from California. We went to Colonial Williamsburg which is 30 minutes from our house. The next day we drove to Outter Banks North Carolina and saw the Currituck Lighthouse and the Bodie Lighthouse.Despite the cloudy and rainy weather we had a great time and even saw snow when we climbed the Currituck Lighthouse we when got to the top.

Our trip to California

2009-09-23T18:23:00.000-04:00

Nothing like burnt marshmellow

Luke and Grandpa roasting that marshmellow just right

Roasting marshmellows

Luke and Uncle Sam

Luke and Dad cooling off in the Artic zone

Don, Ben, Joesph, Luke, Olivia, and Autumn

Luke and Mom riding Elmo's flying fish

Luke with the Turtle from Sea World

Mmmmm that was good chocolate pudding

Luke and Sarah

Ben, Luke, and Sarah

Riding the water taxi at Rainbow Harbour downtown LongBeach

Sarsh, Ben, Luke , and Joesph

Sarah, Ben, Luke, and Joesph outside the Observatory

Luke and the Earth

Luke and Uncle Dave

Luke and Sarah at the Griffith Observatory

Luke and Pauly riding in the convertible

Driving Uncle Paul's car

Luke and cousin Amanda

Luke and Aunt Michelle

Its been a while

2009-09-01T10:31:00.000-04:00

Luke and just got back from a month stay in California on August 27th. I will be posting some pictures of family and fun soon.

Buckroe Beach

2009-07-09T11:06:00.000-04:00

We have gone to Buckroe beach a few times now, but this is the first time Luke was really interested in going in the water. We like this beach a lot since its less than 10 mins away and it has a fun playground. It totally beats the 35 min drive to Virginia Beach and the crowds.

Luke's Sleeping adventures

2009-06-29T21:54:00.000-04:00

We have found Luke asleep on our stairs for a second time now. The first time it happened we were having a horrible storm with lots of thunder and lightning. The thunder was so loud it rattled the windows. I didn't even think about taking a picture then, because I was so caught up in the moment of Keith finding him asleep on the stairs, and I wanted to get him in bed. I made sure the second time I grabbed the camera and took a few pictures. Its so cute, but makes me feel a little sad at the same time! I guess we need to check on him about 30 minsutes after we put him to bed. The thing is he is not coming out of his room right away, he is waiting a little bit and then very quietly sneaking half way down. We can't figure out if he sits on the step and then falls asleep or if he lays on the step and goes to sleep.

Luke before we cut his hair again

2009-06-01T10:12:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures of Luke that were taken in California in April. My very awesome friend who I love, Jane was kind enough to take some pictures for us. We cut Luke's hair at the end of April when we got home from spending Easter with the family.

Luke is finally 100% potty trained!

2009-05-14T19:49:00.000-04:00

I have battled with Luke and going poop in the potty for several months now, and finally a few weeks ago we got him to actually go in his potty. Now he loves to go on the potty and we don't have to put a pull-up on him just to go poop, which was driving me crazy. It wasn't for lack of trying on his part though. Luke would sit on the potty and try, and a few times he sat there for like an hour. He told us nothing was happening and it would not come out. I backed off the going poop in the potty a little, and gave him a little more time and it worked!!! He is completely potty trained and he is not even 3 1/2 yet. From what I hear that's not too bad for boys. He even doesn't mind using public bathrooms either.

Dying Egg's with Daddy

2009-04-10T12:13:00.000-04:00

We dyed eggs with Keith before we left for California. My brother and aunt suprised Luke and I with tickets to Ca. so we could come out for Easter. We will be in Ca until the 25th. We are excited to go and see everyone especially since Keith is working on Easter anyways. I am not looking forward to a 9 hours of traveling with a 3 yr. old who freaked out the last time we flew, not to mention the 3hr time difference. Happy Easter everyone!

Miniture Golf Anyone?

2009-03-31T23:08:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago when we had a random day of warm weather, we went down to Virgina Beach and played at this fun miniture golf place. Luke had a blast and it was fun trying to teach him how to play!!

We got Snow

2009-03-02T09:25:00.000-05:00

It has not snowed here in 4 years. We got 3 inches of snow on the gound and its still here. Luke was so excited when he got up today, he wanted to go out and make snow balls.

Our Trip to Baltimore

2009-02-17T09:30:00.000-05:00

Keith had 5 days off starting the 12th. I was excited to drive to Baltimore and visit Keith's aunt and uncle, who I had not met. We were shocked Luke took right to Uncle Frank, and run up to him and sat on his lap. They live right on the water and a huge back yard with beach to play.While we were there we took Luke to the B & O railroad museum. Luke loved all the old engines and the hands on things. He was a little afraid when we got to go inside the cabs of the engines and look at all the gages and levers. Frank and Debby took us down to the harbor to walk around and for Keith to have crab cakes.

After some lunch, we went to the Science museum on the boardwalk. It is ranked one of the top 10 in parents magazine just in case you wanted to know. It was the best hands on museum I have ever been to. It had a whole floor for younger kids and a special area for 8 and younger. We took Luke up there first and that was not a good idea! We should of went to look at everything first then let him play and explore. It took us a while to get him out of there so we could see more of the museum. We had a good time and enjoyed digging for dinosaur bones. We look forward to making many more trips to Baltimore to visit Uncle Frank and Aunt Debby. Especially when the weather is warm and we can play on there beach and play in the water.

Luke turns 3

2009-02-05T15:51:00.000-05:00

Luke couldn't wait to have his cake and put the candles on it. Spending 3 hours to make the cake was well worth every minute, when Luke took a big bite right out of the cake. Mommy and daddy got him a slide so we can play inside when is 28 degrees (like today) and there is a wind chill, so its more like 19 degrees. We went to Toysrus so he could spend his gift card from Aunt Cookie and Uncle Dave. If anyone knows Luke you would think he would of got a train, but he look at them and said he wanted a firetruck. A fire truck he got and an ambulance. Hummm, I wonder why he wanted a fire truck? It wouldn't because his daddy is a firefighter and he gets to see the fire trucks often, now is it?! After Toysrus, he wanted McDonald's so McDonald's it was. Mommy had to take care of birthday stuff today with daddy working. Later in the afternoon, after a nap we watched Space Buddies which he also got for his birthday.

Luke's 3rd Birthday Cake

2009-02-04T16:43:00.000-05:00

I am very proud of myself, this is the very first cake I have ever made for Luke. It took me a long time to get the cake frosted. Luke's birthday is tomorrow the 5th, but Keith has to work. We are going to celebrating early and have cake with daddy tonight.

Luke in his pink Shirt

2009-02-04T16:33:00.000-05:00

Some of you know Luke is obsessed with Pink. We happened to find a pink Quicksilver shirt at Macy's. He had to have it, so we couldn't refuse. He wears it all the time and does not want to take it off.

Potty Training

2009-01-30T09:32:00.000-05:00

Luke will be 3 on February 5th, and I hoped he would be potty trained by the time he turned 3. Two weeks ago I really stepped it up and made the commitment to help him get potty trained. I think the whole potty training thing has more to do with us the parents or the parent that is working with the child that is potty training. I think it is how we handle the situation, our attitude, and making it a priority for us. I put underwear on Luke and told him he had to use the potty, and made sure it was available where ever we were in the house so there was no excuse. Since pulling down pants and underwear can be a little complicated, and ideally it would be nice to just let him run around in underwear. Unfortunately its a little too cold here at the moment to do that. So, I put a long sleeve shirt and socks on him and let him go. In those two weeks he only went pee once in his underwear.

As far as home is concerned, he goes pee without any problem. This past week and a half we have incorporated pants into the equation and he does great. Every once in a while he does not get them pulled up just right and we make sure to help him. I can leave him alone in a room and not worry, he runs to the potty and goes. I am using pull ups for nap and bed time, and he has figured out that he can stall when its that time. I will put him down for a nap or to bed and about 5 minutes later I hear, "I have to go pee" and he gets up. This happens two or three times and then I get him settled down. When we have gone out, we use a pull up but so far he has stayed dry and has not had to go pee while we were out.I am waiting to experience that situation. We have low to the ground toilet's in our house, and he does good standing up and going pee too. I leave all the toilet seats up when ever he is awake. Keith is loving that, its every mans dream not to have to put the toilet seat down.

Luke has totally mastered the going pee part, now if we can only get him to go poop in the potty. Luke will try and he sits there and he says nothing is coming out. I have him keep trying but he just doesn't do it. I have tried bribbing him with treats, a new toy, and even going to chuckie cheese, but he just wont do it. He holds it unitl I put a pull up on and then he goes. I even catch him when he needs to go once I have put the pull up on and he he will sit on the potty, but does not go. He waits until I get busy doing something and then goes.We are working hard on this and trying to make the going poopy part a bad experience, so he will continue to want to try. If anyone has any ideas please share them with me. I will try anything if it will help it with this next step in potty training. I am so proud of him and he is half way there and is doing a great job!!

2009-01-02T16:57:00.000-05:00

On New Years Day we meet my friend Melia and her family at the DC Temple. We checked out the visitors center before heading downtown to see some of the sights. We took all the kids to the Natural History museum and the American History museum. We thought the Natural History museum with dinosaurs and insects was big hit, but the American History museum had trains, cars, and motorcycles. There is so much to see and you could spend hours in just one museum. I would love to see the other 15 or so museums, but without kids. Ok, we are so crazy. We had all packed lunch and the only place to eat was outside. We didn't think it would be so bad and there were benches for us to sit. Can I just tell you it was 34 degrees and there was a wind chill, which probably made it the upper 20's. After the museums we drove around and saw the rest of the monuments from the car. We plan to go back and visit all of them, it was late and the kids were done. Its so overwhelming with so much to see and one day is not near enough time. After a bite to eat we headed back to the Temple and looked at the lights. We had a great time and can not wait to go back.

2009-01-02T16:18:00.000-05:00

We went to Virgina Beach on the 30th to see the lights at the beach. It was low tide so the sand was lined with sea shells. Luke had fun chasing the seagulls and looking for sea shells. He wanted to take his shoes and socks off, but we reminded him it was too cold out. Just to let you know it was 54 degrees and windy. We had fun walking along the beach for about an hour waiting for it to get dark. I was amazed at how clean the beach was and how everything was closed down for the winter. Being a southern California kid, nothing shuts down even if it is cold outside.

Merry Christmas Everyone

2008-12-24T13:53:00.000-05:00

At this time of year, we are grateful for our Savior- His life, and the blessings He gives us through the Atonement. We thank you for the ways you influence and bless our lives.

We did not get out Christmas card or a family letter this year, so we do apologize. Our life was just a little too crazy during the normal time to do so. With moving right before Thanksgiving and finding a place to live just a few days before the actual day, we have spent all our time unpacking and getting settled in. Luke and Autumn have been very sick for the last week and half, they finally went to the doctors on the 22nd and both had to be on antibiotics. Both of them are not feeling very well, even on Christmas Eve. We just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We love and miss you all!

Love,
The Shearer's

2008-12-04T13:16:00.000-05:00

Last night we went out and got a Christmas tree. We have the tradition of getting a fresh cut Christmas tree every year. I love the way they smell, and the smell alone make Christmas real for me. Luke was very excited about this, and he told us that Ho Ho come. We got the lights, the star, and the garland up before he went to bed. He kept pulling out the ornament's and putting them on the tree, but I told him he had to wait until we got all the lights and garland on. First thing this morning he ran down stairs and pulled the lid off the tote and starting looking for the ornament to put on the tree, when he discovered his Santa hat. He has been wearing it all day and tells me that Ho Ho is going to bring him Polar train. Which means, he thinks Santa is going to bring him a Polar Express train to go under the tree. I guess that means we need to start looking for a train to go around the tree!! This year is so much fun with Luke being so excited about everything and wanting to help. Luke and I had fun decorating the tree today. He helped put on all the ornament's, even the glass ones. I let him know that some can break and we must be careful. He did soooo good and we did not break anything!!

Our address

2008-11-21T12:53:00.000-05:00

Our address is 130 - H Tide Mill Lane, Hampton Va. 23666. We are moving in today, and we hope to get all of our stuff out of the truck by the end of the day. We will probably still stay at the base hotel a few days until we get most of everything put away.

We are in Virgina Now

2008-11-19T22:51:00.000-05:00

Sorry, I have not updated our status!! We got to Virgina Monday November 17th very late. We had to take back roads through the mountains from London Kentucky to Virgina. Lets just say it took longer than we thought!!!!! We are currently staying at the base hotel right now; while Keith does his in-processing and checks on our off base housing. Luke keeps asking us to go to his new home, and we keep telling him soon. We are pretty much adjusted to the two hour time difference from Arizona to Virgina, but we feel like the days and nights are really long. We will let you know when we move in somewhere. Just so you all know the daytime high is in the 40's with a wind chill of 25 so it feels like its in the 20s. I dont want to hear anyone complain its cold!!!

Currently on our Big Adventure

2008-11-15T11:22:00.000-05:00

Ok, we got into Nashville Tennessee around 2am and boy were we ready for bed!!! So, it spit rain in Oklahoma the whole time, and it slowly progressed as we drove through Arkansas. From Arkansas to Nashville it rained even more, and we had to slow it down so we could see the road. Today, November 15th we are going to drive to Knoxville Tennessee and then make a slight detour to London Kentuky to visit my Grandmothers grave. We will spend most of the day in Tennesse and then drive to Virgina.on Sunday. I was worried Luke would have a hard time with driving in the car for so many hours. He is use to being in the car for 6 hours at then most, as we made many trips to California from Arizona. He is doing so good, I think he has been doing better than us adults!!!
Thats all for now!

We started our Big Adventure

2008-11-14T19:55:00.000-05:00

We left Arizona late afternoon on Wednesday November 12th and we drove to gallup New Mexico. After a good night sleep we headed off through the rest of New Mexico, the top part of Texas, and stopped in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Friday we left Oklahoma and went through Arkansas and spent the night in Nashville Tennessee. There will be more to come later!! We will keep everyone posted on our journey to Virgina!

Luke's Halloween costume

2008-11-14T19:47:00.000-05:00

Ok, we been so busy and I have not really had much access to the internet that I did not get a chance to put up Luke's pictures from Halloween. If you cant tell he is a train engineer. We couldn't of found a better costume for him. He went trick-or-treating to about 10 houses and got a little scard.

Keith comes home today!

2008-11-06T21:41:00.000-05:00

Keith arrives at Orange County airport at 8:30pm today. We will stay in California until Sunday, and then we will be heading home to Arizona. We will spend three days in Arizona, and then we will be off for our long journey across the US to Virgina. We will let everyone know when we get there and our new address. We will miss everyone and wish you all well until we see you again. We love you!

We found a place to live

2008-10-13T12:37:00.000-04:00

We found a place 2 miles from the base in Hampton. I was so happy about this since we only have one vehicle at the moment. Through this whole process I told Keith that I didn't really want to live on base, because I wanted some kind of normal life. As time has gone on we have talked about it, and base housing would not be so bad! I was all for it knowing we would not get into base housing, because there is usually a waiting list. To our surprise they are tearing down all the base housing at Langley to rebuild new housing accommodations. Lucky for me!!!!

New words

2008-09-15T20:41:00.001-04:00

Luke has had an explosion of words from spending time around his older cousins and watching baby sign and time Dvds this summer. Now, if he hears a word he is trying to say it. I have reminded everyone to choose your words carefully. I have said shoot a couple of times when I have dropped things and now, Luke has said it when something falls or he drops it. I am happy he is talking and communicating with us and letting us know what he wants. In March his Dr. had him and his hearing tested to see if there was a problem. His hearing came back normal and he tested high on the charts, because his nonverbal communication was so high. I was worried because all the children his age and a little younger were saying so many things and Luke was not. He would say things and then regress and not say them ever again. They had suggested to teach Luke sign laugage to help him communicate what he wanted better. I have to say thanks to my nieces and nephew and baby sign and time DVDs for helping Luke talk better!

Luke and I are in California

2008-08-30T23:52:00.000-04:00

I am in California now until the beginning of November sometime. We are here to play and have fun. Those of you in Cali give me a call and we can catch up or do something while I am here!! Who knows when the next we will be coming to visit. Love you all and call me if you need to get a hold of me!!!

We finally cut Luke's hair

2008-08-20T16:45:00.001-04:00

It's not the first time we have cut Luke's hair, this is his 3rd hair cut since he turned 1. Everyone was bugging me to trim Luke's hair. I decided to give him a trim right before family was coming into town. I did not like the way it was laying after that, so off it came. We gave him a regular boy hair cut. Now, everyone tells me it is too short. I wish people would make up their minds!!! Luke is happy and thats all that matters. He loves it because not everyone is touching his hair.

Our base location is....

2008-08-01T12:00:00.000-04:00

Langley Air Force Base in Hampton City, Virgina
Keith got his base assignment yesterday. We will be living on the east coast, and not too far from DC. It was totally not what we expected!! We were hoping for somewhere on the west coast. We were are a little sad to be so far from family, but I am always up for a new adventure! We look forward to seeing all the historic sites and visiting a few distant relatives not far away. On a positive note, we can take Luke to ride a few of the steam locomotives that are still running in the surrounding areas and see the train museums. Boy, will be going from one climate extreme to another. Can you say cold during the winter. We will be relocating sometime in November. Yeah, just in time for the snow!!

2008-07-22T23:46:00.001-04:00

Luke and Grandpa all dressed up

2008-07-22T23:32:00.000-04:00

Sam and Lori Murphy- My brother and his new wife

Keith Graduated Basic Training

2008-07-22T22:52:00.000-04:00

Yes, Keith graduated basic training on Friday the 18th. He was awarded several coins and his flight group got Honor Flight, which is a big deal! On the 19th he got his cell phone back and now we are able to talk as much as we want. Well, we can talk during his free time and I can leave messages. He is now at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo Texas. There he will do his technical training in fire protection until mid October. We will be able to go and visit Keith in 30 days. It will work out just perfect, my brothers kids go home at the end of August. Luke and I will be able to go visit Keith and he will be able to stay with us in the hotel and go see the sights.

2008-07-10T20:38:00.000-04:00

Luke wanted his face painted on the 4th. He told the lady he wanted a "meow"

2008-07-10T12:55:00.000-04:00

We got Luke a suit for my brother's wedding on the 20th. It makes him look so grown up.

2008-07-01T19:07:00.000-04:00

Keith finally was able to call on Saturday the 28th. I talked to him for about 15 minutes, before he had to go. Keith is doing great, and he can not wait for graduation from basic training, which will be on July 18th.

We will be off to California for the 4th! The 1st of two trips for the month of July. We will be going back to California on the 17th for my younger brothers wedding on the 20th. This will be another busy month of traveling back-n-forth several times to Cali!

Happy 4th of July everyone!!!

We are back in Arizona

2008-06-21T17:45:00.000-04:00

We got back to Arizona on the 20th. We will be here until we go to California for the 4th of July with my brother and his kids for a few days. We will be going back to California the 18th of July for our brother's wedding on the 20th. We should not be doing any more traveling until the end of August, unless something comes up. We will be going back to California the 28th of August. We will stay there until Keith comes home in mid October. Boy do I need a vaccation just from all the traveling back and forth!!!

Luke

2008-06-11T17:38:00.000-04:00

Luke turned 2 in Feburay, and boy does he keep us busy! He does not say much, but he sure does understand a lot. His comprehension is amazing, which gets him into a little trouble sometimes. Since we have been in California Luke has said and is using new words: Paul,Play,Pull,Prayer, and round. His is very into trains, no he is obsessed with them!!! When he does decide to say something it is usually all about choo choo's. He wakes up talking about trains and goes to bed talking about trains. He has been in this faze since he was 18months and its still going. Needless to say we have lots of trains and train stuff. Luke's latest thing is he likes to go on the timeout chair. He is always willing to go when he gets into trouble.Sometimes when he is upset or frustated with something or us we ask him if he needs a timeout, and he shakes his head up and down and points to the chair Luke is doing better with Keith being gone. We can mention Dad now and he does not cry. While we were in Ca. we went to knotts and rode the trains, and the beach. Luke did not like the water very much.

Keith and the other LDS Airmen and Women

2008-06-08T00:03:00.000-04:00

A missionary Couple assigned to the base sent me this picture of Keith today. They let me know his address and that he will be able to call in about two or three weeks, depending on if his unit earns the right to call. For now we can write to each other. Keith is in the last row on the left end.

Keith left for Boot Camp today

2008-06-04T01:37:00.000-04:00

Today was the last time I was able to see my husband for the next little while. I got to see him for a total of 15 minute before they made us leave. I don't think things have really hit me yet. I am doing good so far, but Luke had a problem tonight. After we read scriptures and I was saying our night prayers, Luke kept saying Dad, Dad, Dad through the whole prayer. I made sure we blessed Daddy extra good tonight. Things seemed to be going good when I put him down to bed, and then he realized Dad was not around again to help cover him up and give kisses. Night 2 of no Dad did not go so well. I am hoping when we go to California tomorrow for the next 2 weeks it will help keep Luke from missing his Dad so much, and things will be easier for me. Let me tell you, it was not easy hearing my child cry for his Dad tonight! What makes it hard, is knowing he does not understand what is going on, and where his Dad is.

Keith's last day home with us

2008-06-03T00:18:00.000-04:00

Keith spent the first part of the morning doing Air Force stuff, then we spent the rest of the day together. Luke was all about Daddy today!! He would crying when ever Keith left the room. Needless to say, I am not looking forward to the next couple of days!!!! A few days ago we found out that Keith would not be able to spend his last night home with us. So.... not happy about this!!!! The Air Force put him up in a hotel close to where he will have to go tomorrow. I had to take him to the Shereton in Phoenix before 7pm, where he was briefed and told what and where he has to go. It was so not fun saying good bye to my husband, and then listening to my child cry because he wants to go with Daddy. The last time I get to see Keith will be tomorrow at 8 am for the next 5 1/2 months. Keith and I decided it would be best if I do not take Luke with me to see him off tomorrow.

We are all moved

2008-05-25T16:54:00.001-04:00

Well we are all moved into my brother's, and all our stuff is in storage. Currently, we are in California until May 30th. We are visiting family and friends before Keith leaves. Keith is just about ready to leave. When we get back to Arizona he will have a few days to make sure he has everything before he is off to boot camp in Lackland, Texas for six and a half weeks.

Shearer Family

2008-05-15T19:20:00.001-04:00

We will be moving in with my brother May 22nd. He lives in Mesa off the 202 and Dobson. Luke and I will be staying there June, July, and August to help watch my brothers children. When the kids leave, we will be off to California to stay with family until Keith comes home.

Keith's count down

2008-05-15T19:11:00.000-04:00

Keith leaves for basic training in the Air Force on June 3rd and does not return until mid October. He will be working until May 24th, and then we will go to California for a week to see family before he has to leave. He has been very busy getting ready to leave and getting into physical shape, not to metion I have been keeping him busy moving boxes to the storage unit.