Inauguration Day

Today was President Obama's Inauguration. Since we were off from school, I was happy to be home with my boys watching this historic event.

It is not a secret that I have always been an Obama supporter, but I do understand and respect those who felt differently this past election. However, no matter who was elected into office I think what America needs now is for us to join together as a country and move forward. We all want change, somewhere... in our government, in our environment, in our jobs, or in our lives. I am looking forward to the next four years as President Obama attempts to reform this country in an honest and dignified way.

I BELIEVE

President Obama's words to us all, during his inauguration speech...

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. Those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Guitar Guy

Steven has always wanted Nick to play guitar. He actually got him one right around the time Nick was able to sit up. Nick of course had no interest in playing music. Well this past weekend Nick spent the afternoon, exactly 3 hours, with a friend who plays guitar. Well of course this is Nick's new passion. His dad of course was disappointed it took so long, but remains on cloud nine, due Nick's new discovered interest.

One would think that you would start out learning the song... Mary Had a Little Lamb, but Nick has skipped right to the song, Iron Man. Nick and Steven are now looking for a small amp for Nick's new hobby.

I am now remembering why I wanted a GIRL!!!

Painting Fun

Ashe loves to color and paint. He is very interested in anything artistic. So today he had fun with a paint with water page.

I now know why they invented those painting sheets... so when the water dumps, and I speak from experience, it doesn't ruin everything.

Time Out!

We have been trying so hard to raise our strong-willed, free-spirited two year old and it has been very difficult. So there has been some days that Ashe has had quite a few time outs. I try to remind him over and over the rules but there are just times when he needs to go sit by himself. Well today I guess Cookie was being a very bad monster because before I took this picture I heard Ashe telling him, "You need a Time Out!"

I could almost not cover the laughter I felt.

Odyssey Costume

Nick has been working so hard on his bumblebee costume for Odyssey. He is suppose to complete the costume all on his own. It has been torture not being able to jump in a craft away on him. This Feb. 16th he will be going to competition so stay tune for pictures of that as well as pictures of the completed costume.

Please give me the strength not to intervene and take over for this poor craft disabled child.

Doodle Bug

We are finally getting to all the presents that Santa brought this year. This weekend we put up his wall Aqua Doodle. In theory this is a great idea drawing with water so it doesn't get on everything. Then again I think he is learning a bad lesson about drawing on the walls. I guess kids don't need any help coming up with this idea.

He really loves drawing, so he found this to be super fun. We worked on some letters on the mat. I am shocked how many letters he can already identify at only two years old.

I guess we will have to work on not writing on the walls later.

Peek-a-Boo

Ashe is such a monkey. I am constantly running after him and doing what I can to minimize the bumps, bruises, and future broken bones. I am not use to having such a dare devil.

Merry Christmas

As the events of the day went on and the present were opened I forgot to capture much of it on film. So I am adding just a few pictures of all the fun.

Nick was super excited that Santa brought him an orange ipod Nano. He is already downloading music because Santa was nice enough to add some itunes cards. Now he'll never hear us when we call his name.

Games, Games, and More Games....

This is Nick's Wii and Wii Fit but Ashe had to be just like his big brother and try it out. Nick has enjoyed many new Wii games including Wii Ski for the balance board.

Dr. Ashe has given us all shots and checked us all for heart disease. It looks like we'll live through another year.

Chef Emeril... No Chef Ashe. He has so much fun in his kitchen. He has made many food creations and had force fed us all.

Uncle Robbie, Aunt Lori, Cousin Hope, and Cousin Patrick got Ashe this super fun and super loud musical Sit -N-Spin. I really thought he wasn't going to be able to get himself spinning, but it didn't take him long.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve Mass

I posted two pictures because it was hard to get everyone to look the right direction and smile at the same time.

This year it was really hard for Ashe to sit through the service. I got him ready all day telling him that we were going to Jesus' birthday party. When we got there he was good for about an hour and a half, but for the last half hour he was running laps in the back Narthex. I guess this wasn't his kind of party.

How 'bout dem Cowboys????

As I've been told, Cowboy fans, are a breed of their own.

As some of you may not know the Cowboys are currently building a brand new crazy awesome stadium. My family is super excited that we will have a paver at the new stadium displaying our love for this team.

GO COWBOYS!!!!

4th Grade Field Trip

Today Steven had the pleasure of chaperoning the 4th grade field trip to St. Augustine. He loved having the day to spend with the kids. They got to see so many familiar as well as new sites in the city that we love. Nick's favorite place was the Military Hospital. He was able to see how they performed different medical treatments many years ago.

I'm sure that the worst part of the trip was being stuck on a bus with a bunch of ten year olds for two hours up and two hours back.

Grandma Schaefer Comes to Town

Today Aunt Margaret Anne brought Grandma Schaefer to visit. This was the first time that Ashe was able to meet his GG (great grandma) on Steven's side. Of course Ashe didn't make it to picture time because he fell asleep. We had a nice visit and a wonderful family dinner, even though we were on tornado warnings because of the lovely weather in Florida.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 2008

Nick, Dad, and Grandpa went to the Turkey Rod Run in Daytona early this morning. Nick and dad were up before the sun. So this morning when Nick saw this beautiful site he was reminded of the many things to be thankful for.

He is going to share this picture he took in the PTA Reflections Contest: Theme: Wow!

It is truly a wow display from God on Thanksgiving.

Think Nick?

Nick ran for Student Council Representative and I am proud to say that he has won.

I am so happy that Nick is getting involved at school. He has been so busy enjoying the great things the Red Bug has to offer. He is in Odyssey again this year and will be competing in February. Nick has also gotten involved in Math Club and now is in Student Council.

Cold Nights in FL

We have had a few cold days and nights here recently in Florida. Of course nothing like the cold days I remember as a kid. These past few days we have had to break out the long pants, jackets , and Ashe's newest find the warm hats. The house wasn't really that chilly tonight, but he did enjoy wearing that hat.

Tenth Birthday Weekend

Nick listened to the sounds at the new tree exhibit at the science center.

Nick has the Earth in his hands.

In this part of the new Space exhibit Nick was able to see the size differences of the planets.

In the hands on area, Nick was able to experiment with different things that make sound.

Light Up UCF

He ice skated for the first time. He actually did pretty good.

Unfortunately he came home with a large blister.

Sorry there are no pictures of the beautiful cake. The problem with the cake is that I tried to out do the cake from last year. So I went and ordered the cake of all cakes. It looked like a large ice cream sandwich. The top was all done with mini M&Ms. It looked perfect. The only problem is that I think some one put it into the cooler and not the freezer. So it melted by the time we got it home and it was more like a cake of soup.

The Big 1-0

This is Nick when he turned 1 year old. That day he had his first hair cut, had a family dinner, cake, and then went to have his picture taken. He has grown a lot and has changed so much. I really enjoy the person he has become.

This morning when Nick woke up for school his new bike was waiting for him. He was excited because he was starting to out grow his old bike.

... when Nick came home from school today and went bike riding, Ashe couldn't be left out. Ashe looks up to Nick so much. He couldn't have a better big brother.

Happy Birthday Nick... We all love you so much!

Halloween

Today at school Ashe went on a hayride to pick his cute baby pumpkin.

We wanted to wish everyone a safe Halloween.

Where have I been????

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I lost my memory card for my camera with all my memories on it. I don't know how it happened but one of my students brought it to me after about a week of it being lost. I of course asked a few questions to the little boy, didn't really understand how he came across it but I don't care because I have it back. YEAH!!!!
So I will back post what has been happening with the Herod's...

Birthday Weekend

Tonight we had a family dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Herod and cousin Hope. We enjoyed some cake and opened presents.

Here Ashe is enjoying a few of his gifts.