Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Sweaters and Snow

Seems like lately I read everyone else's blogs, but never update ours. So sorry.

We have just over a week left in Colorado before heading back to Texas. Emotions have been running high...well at least for me. (No one else in the house will admit to being sad, but they are:). I have wrote before about the great friendships we have established here in Colorado and that has not changed. They are wonderful and we will miss them. so. much.

We currently had our annual "Mom's group" (or just great group of friends) Christmas Party. It was a BLAST! We decided to pick a theme: Ugly Christmas Sweater. Seriously, I don't think I ever want to attend another Christmas party without my ugly sweater..and side ponytail again:)









This week we have had some crazy, snowy and FREEZING weather. I am not much of the outdoorsy time of girl and I despise cold weather. But I figured since we are moving soon we would take the girls out for at least one opportunity to play in the snow of Colorado. The both LOVED it!! We even made a "snowman".Thankful they have a daddy who does not mind it either...I chickened out and went in:)







I love my family.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

So...

It's official.
On January 29, 2010, the Shepherd Family will say goodbye, again.
But this time we are NOT sad...no no we are not.
Why you ask.
Well you see by saying goodbye this one last time...we will never have to say goodbye again, to our Marky that is.
(insert Happy Dance moves here)
That's right boys and girls...or one or two women who read this blog.
Mark is leaving the Army for good!
This is huge, definitely worth celebration. Or at least a happy dance.
After 7 years Mark will leave (our one and only duty station) Fort Carson and move on to bigger and better, (and closer to home) things.
As a family we are thrilled.
I am definitely not admitting that this was an easy decision, but it is definitely the best decision. And one that we were only able to make with guidance for God himself.
What does this decision mean for us??
Well it means that we are moving back to the homeland, a.k.a Texas, Mark needs a job..and more important, our family is together, for good!
So there it is, the big news. We are anxious for change and are at peace with the decision.
We will trust and God will provide.
Hooah!

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Meet Pete

Mark does not love cats.
Jillian and Emma love cats.
Meet Pete.





I love Mark.

(I think Mark will come to love Pete. At least he is not out numbered anymore:)

Sunday, April 12, 2009

She can write her name!


For the last few weeks Jillian and I have been working on learning the spelling of her name and how to write her name. She has seemed to catch on. She is getting so big :(

Here are few pictures from the last few months:



When Mark was at the airport preparing to return to Iraq, the USO offered a service in the airport for military parents. He was able to pick a book for both girls and record himself reading the books to the girls. The airport then mailed the DVD and books to the girls. It was a nice surpise after his sad departure.
Here is a picture of Jillian reading with daddy.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

How do we match up??

I copied this from Heather.

I am not a big horoscope fan, but found this interesting. This is how our family matches up according to astrology.

The Parents: Mark (Pisces) and Paige (Libra)

You two are too nice for your own good, yielding at the slightest pressure and lacking the backbone to say "no" when it's needed. There's trouble brewing when neither parent can consistently be strong or enforce the rules. Each of you can make great strides in this area, both in parenting and in personal growth, and you and your family will be much happier and healthier because of it. The Libra mom or dad is gentle, fair, and diplomatic. You're the one to teach your children about conflict resolution -- after brushing up on it yourself! You make sure the home is peaceful and calm.

The sweet Pisces parent can spin stories and tell tales, enriching your kids' imagination. Your intuitive understanding and kindness helps the little ones confide in you. If you two can master the art of consistent discipline, your children will thrive in the firm yet loving environment you create.

Paige & Jillian (Leo)

Your Leo child loves performing for you because you make such an affectionate, encouraging, and generally rapt audience. Your little one's flair for drama is apparent from an early age, and she adores being the center of attention. You're a wonderful parent to her in part because you so enjoy her bright, happy energy. Plus, she's naturally popular (which she must have inherited from you!), so playdates, birthday parties, and other get-togethers are fun for both of you.

You can foster your child's natural creativity by taking her to plays, films, art galleries, and museums, and instilling in her your own love of art and performance. Most of all, give her all your affection and encouragement, because although your little Leo seems as courageous as a lion, her pride is easily dented if she doesn't feel she's getting the adoration she craves.

Mark & Jillian

Your Leo child's energy and confidence amaze you. This little person is so passionate! Like you, she craves adoration, which you shower over her. Unlike you, she thrives on being the center of attention. Yes, this kid is a natural performer, and her impromptu performances and occasional dramatics are all intended to keep everyone's eyes on her. That's not a problem as far as you're concerned; you've been awed from the start by the sheer power your little Leo emits. But you're also intuitive enough to understand that behind her proud, courageous exterior exists a sensitive, vulnerable heart.

Little Leo is very family-oriented, just like you, and she needs every bit of the affection and support you can give. You're a wonderful parent to this complicated child because you're able to respond to her inner needs as well as her more obvious outer ones.

Paige & Emma (Aquarius)

Your Aquarius child is naturally attracted to anyone and anything unusual. From an early age, she gravitates toward the most unique kid in the playgroup, and she loves dressing up in wild, original outfits that you'd never in a million years put together!

You're innately attuned to balance and instinctively avoid rocking the boat, so be forewarned: Your little Aquarius will go out of her way to set your expectations on end. Many of her choices and behavior throughout her childhood, and the rest of her life, will be really fresh and original, and may actually offend your sensibilities. If that happens, try to remember that she pushes the envelope in pursuit of knowledge and innovation. This may be easier if you focus on the fact that you appreciate your child's commitment to creativity, plus, you relate to her cerebral point of view.

Mark & Emma

Your Aquarius child isn't nearly as emotionally expressive as you are. Your parental instinct is to shower your little one with all the love and devotion in your heart, but little Aquarius just doesn't seem to need that kind of closeness. Of course, you're tuned in enough to her feelings to know that she's devoted to you in her own way, but don't expect her to express it as openly and selflessly as you do.

Your child is a natural innovator and needs lots of freedom to learn about the world on her own terms. Her innate intelligence will amaze you; even as a little child, Aquarius understands concepts far beyond her years! And you understand her inner need to be different -- to stand out from the crowd. Your little one will always benefit from your creative perspective and your unquestioning acceptance of her unusual personality.

Sisters: Jillian & Emma

These children are different enough to challenge and engage each other, yet similar enough to get along, for the most part. Little Aquarius wants to be unique, but unlike young Leo, he doesn't need constant praise for his original qualities. Leo wants your adoration, so she does what she can to make you laugh and applaud.

Good thing Aquarius doesn't mind giving Leo the stage. In fact, Aquarius prefers it this way, because he needs lots of time to conduct his many experiments. Leo can actually help her inventive sibling test out his theories, a dynamic that works well on both sides: Aquarius gains a lab partner, and Leo feels needed.

Since Aquarius is far less emotional than his sibling, he can inadvertently hurt Leo's feelings, and both kids are quite stubborn when challenged. Still, they can work through these issues together and be great friends growing up.

So, what do you think?:)

Thursday, March 5, 2009

A little bit of rest and relaxation

Mark arrived home 2 weeks ago for his R&R. We were so excited to finally have him home, if only for a short while.
Jillian was ecstatic and Emma was unsure. After only a short while daddy was covered in hugs and kisses by all of his girls.

During his visit we all stayed pretty busy, but we had a ton of fun! Here are some pictures of his visit:


Our Trip to Vegas

Jillian ice skating

Mark got a Snuggie for his birthday while home...

Yes, that's right, you can even play Rock Bank while wearing the Snuggie :)

Jillan also enjoyed the Snuggie...and the book light. But really, that whole "one size fits all" thing..totally a gimmick.

Daddy and his girls

That's right, Emma started walking the DAY Mark got home. That's my girl!

Our Family

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

I'm an Aunt...again!




Jessalynn Christine Thompson
Dec 3, 2008
6lbs, 18 1/2"
Adorable!

Friday, October 31, 2008

the Baker and the Bee

Jillian bowling

Jillian in the bounce house

Mommy and her girls

Emma the bee

Jillian the baker

Halloween 2008

Here are some pictures of our growing girls on this fun filled Halloween night. Emma was an adorable bee and Jillian was a baker...they were adorable!

Friday, October 24, 2008

Shepherd Family Wordle

My friend Denyse found this really cook website called Wordle. It is a really neat way to make a word collage. So I decided to create this one for our family...

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Thursday, October 2, 2008

Let's play pretend

I am so excited right now...wanna know why? (pretend like we are having a conversation right now)
You: Sure, what's up?
Me: Well as you know, I have been totally stressed lately...
You: No, I didn't notice;)
Me: oh that's good, well anyway, so Mark and I are really looking forward to the future, without the Army, right...
You: sure, sounds good
Me: Well, we were hoping one of the 1st steps to planning that future would be buying land to one day build on
You: Oh really, that's awesome
Me: well let me just say this whole process has been quite the headache...Thank you Mr. Shepherd... anyway we got all the loan information back today...
You: cool, so what's the news?
Me: WE GOT IT!!!!!!! We will soon be official owners of 2.08 acres...
You: Congrats!!
Me: Well thank you! This is so wonderful..
You: yes, yes it is!! It is so nice that we have something official for our future! We have been praying about this for sometime, and I am so glad it worked out.

Ok, no I have not officially gone coo-coo, having a conversation with the imaginary blog reader and all. I am just so excited..and can't call Mark and tell him...so I am telling you all first:)




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Tuesday, September 9, 2008

PICTURES!!!!

Here are some pictures from our first couple of weeks here in Texas and our last visit with Mark...enjoy!


Our last family photo


Jillian & Emma with their Daddy picture...the next best thing:)


My Love



Daddy and the girls




Jillian started ballet class and preschool




Emma is learning to crawl!



and then theres me....attempting to multi-task:)




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