NEW BLOG

Just want to let everyone know that follows this blog that I have a new blog!! Yay... it's the same address but you may have to re do the whole follow the blog thing if you want the updates.
www.jessicaoatman.blogspot.com. I changed the name of this blog so that I could continue to keep my old address. ENJOY
XO,
Jessica

we are all fish

When the kids weren't sick a couple of days ago we took them to the Virginia Beach Aquarium. There's something about aquariums. I love them. They never get old no matter how many times you go. Maybe it's because I always longed to be a dolphin. They were my favorite ever since I was little and could start to swim. It's my favorite animal still. My children love the fish as well. Kenna likes to call the sharks.. "shucks". It's cute. It was a good time and it's always a blessing to get the kids out of the house on the very cold days. Have I mentioned that we are ready for spring... well, we are! I am done with the flu and hope to not see it again til next Feb. We've been sick every Feb. for the past four years. I'm really starting to hate this month. It's supposed to be the month of love, my birthday, the twins birthday and my dad's birthday. BUT, NOOOOO.. it's the month of sickness. I'm over it.

the day of love

I never really cared for valentine's day. Its such a day of sadness for many and for others its a day to capitalize on the holiday. So many get left out and so many have a hard time just making it through. Each reason is different, but in the end, this holiday hurts. I love the cutsie-ness behind it though. The hearts, the colors, the candy... adorable. The kids and I made some hearts, created valentines and tried to get festive with it. They enjoyed creating and I didn't mind snapping some photos. The hubs and I aren't going to be doing anything this year. Our children happen to all be sick and one has pneumonia and a double ear infection. Not our idea of fun but they need to get better. We aren't big into going all out for a holiday anyway. We are a simple couple and enjoy eating a nice dinner at home. Chris and I have a relationship based off of humor. Everything is funny and about all we do is laugh. I think the kids enjoy it and there is never a dull moment in this house. I love my family and I love the relationship I have with my husband. We have been tested in many ways during our 7 years of marriage. It hasn't been easy but we've made it through. I love him more now than I ever thought could be possible. The next few months are going to be a change for us and once again it's going to be a test of love and commitment. I have no worries, though. We've made through some pretty tough stuff and I know we will make it through this. I'll inform you of all that soon. So, Happy Valentine's Day to all of you and to my wonderful husband. You'll get the humor below.

The Gold Star Family

We are a part of a family now that no one wants to belong to. However, we are very proud to belong to it. We have a close knit group of friends who know what we are going through and know what it's like to have two military officers show up at the door to deliver the worst news of your entire life. I'm honored to wear my purple Gold Star pin and I'm just as honored to fly the Gold Star Flag. My brother paid the ultimate sacrifice and I should be more than proud to show others what he did.

In my front window hangs the Gold Star Flag. I have yet to see another one hanging anywhere else here but I have seen the Blue Star Flag on cars that drive by. My only prayer is that their blue star remains blue. I'm starting to find though that not many people know what the Gold Star Flag is or looks like. So today I'm going to do a post about the history of the flag and what it means. To us, it's a life that was honorably given for the sake of this amazing country. We wish more than anything that Paul was still with us. The days are not any easier and the longing to see him has only worsened. It's still a daily battle to make it through but I will never go without showing people how very proud I am of him. My little brother, my HERO... forever and ever!!! Missing you always Paul!!

visiting family

At the end of last month we went to visit my husband's family in Springfield, Missouri. They are such a loving family and I really enjoy being around all of them. We were even fortunate enough to be there while his sister and her husband were visiting from Alaska. It's rare that families who live far apart are able to be all together at one time. So, this was a blessing in itself. Our kids also really enjoy their time with Papa and Gigi. There is never a dull moment and something is going on at all times. It makes for a lively household, much like the Dumont one. I like it that way! On one of the days we took the kids to the Discovery Center. They have something for everyone and it was fun to see the kids interact with what pertained to their interests. It's also one of the good things about homeschooling. The kids can study what they like and learn a little more on subjects that they enjoy. It's not always easy but the rewards are worthwhile. I don't talk alot about homeschooling. I just started and am seeing how it's going to go. So far, Montana likes it. I like it and the kids are all alive. We are good. :)

so very lucky

Last week we were in Springfield, Missouri. The weather was perfect. I could not have asked for a more perfect visit with my husbands family. We had such a good time and were able to visit with friends that we don't get to see regularly. All I wanted was a good day to do photos with this awesome family. Last year we did photos together and oh my goodness was it cold.... uh. This year... perfection. We were blessed and their photos .. awesome. Such an adorable family. I love them to pieces!!! They have three cute kids, which the last one was born 7 weeks ago. Holy cow... CUTE!!

Meet little Sawyer

So.. it's been quiet around here lately. The weather has been cold and we have been stuck inside. Not my idea of fun really. We've done a few art projects, baked and of course home-schooled. We are all ready for the sun and summer though. Boy oh boy are we ready! Last week we went to Missouri to go visit the in-laws. It was also a visit to see and meet our new nephew. He's our very first one. We have no nieces yet either. So, needless to say we are excited. Oh and might I add that I got to visit with him but was also able to give him back. I love kids and love being around them, but the infant stage is just not my favorite. I love it when they get to 8 months old. It's my favorite!!! I could squish them all day long. Anyhow, Sawyer made his entrance into the world on the 18th of this month. He is just so adorable with blond hair and the cutest little nose. I love him and love his parents. They are going to be wonderful parents. It's been the biggest blessing to them and we are beyond thrilled. The Lord has great plans for this little man. Say hello to Sawyer!

Honor and Remember

What a day. It was an amazing day to honor my brother yet again... it NEVER gets old. I will honor him all the days of my life. He deserves it and so much more. Honor and Remember came to present my parents with a flag that had Paul's name on it. You see, my parents already have that flag flying out front in their yard but this one is different. It comes folded, they present it, and above everything else.. it has his very own name and date on it. It's an important flag for a very important person and it's personalized. That right there means everything. It means that people will know my brother gave his life for theirs. It means that others will see he died for this country. It means he paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we can continue to live in the land of the free. He is a hero and all heroes deserve their own flag. So, if you haven't seen this flag then you should start to learn about it and recognize it because it's going to become a national symbol. A symbol of sacrifice.

Honor and Remember is a national campaign of remembrance and their mission: To create, establish and promote a nationally recognized flag that would fly continuously as a visible reminder to all Americans of the lives lost in defense of our national freedoms. All Military lives lost not only in action but also in service, from our nation's inception.

So, please go check out their website, sign the petition and if you feel so... fly the flag. Thank you to the group that came over to honor my parents. We are more than grateful for everything you all have done. I'm sure they will fly it proudly or maybe even frame it. Either way, the flag is flown.
http://www.honorandremember.org/

a girl needs a tutu.

I never had a tutu which may be my infatuation with them. I never danced or did any of that kind of thing. I was a swimmer my whole life and that really didn't require a tutu, only a swimsuit and some goggles. So, my two girls.. well, they have tutus. Not a ton but enough for them to have fun in. My good ole friend from college made these amazing tutus that they have on right now. They are just adorable and I love the colors. It snowed this past weekend and I mean it snowed. It was a lot for our area and it started on Christmas night. Well, before it all melted I wanted to do a quick photo session with them their new gift. It was freezing out so it was rather quick but it was enough time to catch them looking cute.