Notes

I jokingly told TJ this why kids shouldn't learn to read or write:

In case you can't read it, it says "nobody comes in my bedroom.  My mom is mean to me."
I couldn't help but laugh over that.  She wrote it on a napkin and taped it to her door.  I don't even remember why she got sent to her room.  But, she felt it was totally unjustified :)  You can always tell a 5 year old - they write on EVERYTHING!

Ear Piercing

We never go to the mall.  I think I've been to the mall (that is only 5 minutes from my house) just 2 times in the 2 1/2 years we've lived here in Jacksonville.  For some reason last Saturday, we went to the mall.  I don't even remember what we went there for now.  Brenalee has been begging for months now to get her ears pierced.  We decided 10 would be a good age.  Don't ask me how this happened then last Saturday...she's only 5 - not 10!  The entire time we were at the mall she kept begging.  We kept telling her how bad it hurts, they use guns in your ears, it stings, etc., etc., etc.  So, we finally give in and I think she'll just chicken out once she's in the chair and we'll be good for another 5 years.  I was wrong.  The child didn't even shed a tear.

 They gave her the Claire Bear to hold.

 Here we go!

 And she is absolutely thrilled and can't stop looking at herself.  Oh, and p.s. - this child does dress herself.  I've given up fighting with her about what looks ridiculous.  That's a battle I've decided not to fight.

We can't get a picture of both ears at the same time.  She choose some little Hello Kitty earrings.  I must say she is pretty stinkin' cute :)

Friday Flashback

This picture was taken on Valentine's Day 2006.  Brenalee was about 6 months old, Tyler almost 3.  I loved putting Brena's hair in those pig tails on top of her head.  TJ would always make fun of her and call them her antlers.  I can't believe how big my kids have gotten!

Basketball Season is back

Basketball season is in full swing here!  Tyler's teammates named their team the Sharkfire.  The YMCA doesn't keep score at the games, but Tyler has been scoring lots of baskets!

Friday Flashback

This is another old picture.  This would have been taken in 1982 - maybe in the spring.  This is me (oldest) and my baby sister Stephanie.  I am 4 years older than her, but I remember when she was born.  I remember my mom being pregnant with her and when she was in the hospital delivering her.  I remember when they brought her home from the hospital and she was laying on the couch and we were all kneeling over her looking at her.  When Stephanie graduated from high school, she came out to San Diego and lived with me and TJ for the summer.  We trained for our marathon and half marathon together.  She worked as a file clerk in my office with me.  I will always have such fond memories of those times we had together.  Stephanie is a very kind and caring person.  She is always more concerned about others welfare before her own.  She is also very smart and determined!  As a single mom she has earned her Bachelor's degree, bought a house, and has a great job.  I'm so proud of you Steph!!

Lieutenant Franklin

TJ was promoted to Lieutenant back in December, we just now got to do the pinning ceremony.  I'm so proud of my guy! 

Taking the oath administered by CO Draeger

 Taking off the LT JG bars:

{just ignore the fridge in the background that says "Food only, no dead hookers."  I guess that's what they think is funny in a ward room?  Ahhh, NAVY life!}