The Deviney Family in California

Facebook ate my blog

2009-08-05T21:37:00.000-07:00

My post getting further and further apart thanks to Facebook. So, I thought I'd post a few new family photos from recent outings to Legoland in May and Disneyland in July.

Seabee Ball

2009-03-19T19:52:00.001-07:00

We had our Seabee Ball last weekend. It was held in the Air Force One Pavilion at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA. It was an awesome venue!

Yummy Cake

2009-03-01T08:27:00.000-08:00

Here's a very yummy cake recipe compliments of a fellow Navy wife (thanks, Erin!). It's SO good (and somewhat healthy). I've made it twice in the last month including for a spouses' club event where it was voted "best dessert." Enjoy!

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE TORTE

1 Cup low-fat milk

1-3/4 Cup sugar

6 tbsp. strong brewed coffee

1/4 Cup vegetable oil

8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate

2 Cup flour

1/2 Cup cocoa powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

2 eggs

1 Cup applesauce

2 tsp vanilla

2 Cup graham crackers (finely ground)

4 tbsp. melted butter

Preheat over to 325•F. In a saucepan combine milk, sugar, coffee, oil and chocolate. Cook on low until melted. Remove from heat and set aside until cool to the touch. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking powder. When chocolate mixture is cool, whisk in egg, applesauce and vanilla. Combine with flour mixture. Spray 9" springform pan with cooking spray. Combine graham crumbs and butter in a separate bowl then press in the bottom of a springform pan. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 60 minutes. Check with toothpick for doneness. Cool in pan for at least 1 hour. Refrigerate overnight. Garnish with raspberries and fresh whipped cream.

First trip to the ER

2009-01-25T16:55:00.000-08:00

Jeff and Jared experienced our family's first trip to the ER. Jared had a kicking match with a balloon and the balloon won. Jared fell on his arm and was enough pain we though he'd better go to the emergency room. After 5 hours and several x-rays we found out it wasn't broken. Not sure what's causing all the pain. We'll try to get in to see our regular pediatrician on base tomorrow.

Happy Birthday, Jeff!

2009-01-23T09:06:00.001-08:00

Jeff and I went to see Willie Nelson in concert last night. We got the tickets to celebrate Jeff's birthday this past Wednesday. Gosh, that dude's REALLY OLD! (Willie, I mean. Not Jeff).

Cotton Bowl

2009-01-05T16:01:00.001-08:00

I gave Jeff an airline ticket to Dallas and a Cotton Bowl ticket for Christmas. He joined his old college buddies for the game (pictured above are, l-r, Jeff, Bryan, Chris and Matt). Tech lost to Ol' Miss, but Jeff still had a fun time -- EXCEPT for hurting his leg in a touch football game within his first couple hours in town. He's home now and slowly recovering!

Waiting for Santa

2008-12-29T20:35:00.000-08:00

The Deviney boys on Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas to all,

and to all a good night!

Wicked

2008-12-06T21:38:00.001-08:00

Jeff and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary last weekend by going to see the musical, Wicked in LA. We went with our friends, Jeff & Jen Brancheau. It was awesome. If you ever have the opportunity to see it, I highly recommend it!

Me and Jen outside the Pantages Theater in Hollywood.

All of us outside Graumann's Chinese Theater in Hollywood.

Happy 12th Anniversary!

Happy 2nd Birthday Ethan!

2008-11-28T11:56:00.001-08:00

Texas Tech Win!

2008-11-01T22:14:00.000-07:00

Wow! Gotta love them Red Raiders!

Texas Tech 39

University of Texas 33

May the force be With You.

2008-11-01T08:11:00.000-07:00

The Deviney family

Halloween 2008

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T06:07:00.000-07:00

Baking with Ethan

2008-10-27T20:01:00.000-07:00

Ethan "helping" me make pancakes on Sunday

Howl & Farewell

2008-10-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

Every month our base holds a "Hail & Farewell" to welcome new officers and say goodbye to those leaving. October's event always becomes a "Howl & Farewell" Halloween costume party. Commands compete for the best theme. Our group dressed in WWII theme (Fightin' Seabees & Rosie the Riveters). We were first runners up...beat out by a group dressed as Gilligan's Island.

JEFF IS HOME!!!

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

Jeff came home this morning from 6 months in Iraq...

Where Have the Past 6 Months Gone?!

2008-09-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

Jeff will be home soon after his six month deployment. It really has flown by considering during that time...

Corbin finished 2nd grade and Jared finished Kindergarten. Corbin wrapped up spring baseball with one team and is now in fall baseball with another. We packed up our San Diego house and moved 3-1/2 hours up the road to Port Hueneme, CA. I set up yet another house (our 9th address!) thanks to my parents who helped with the move and Jeff's parent's who took the kids to Texas! I drove back to Texas with my parents after the unpacking. Then after several weeks vacationing, the boys and I flew back to CA. We spent a couple days in San Diego with friends before we made the transition up to the new house. The day we left San Diego was, as my boys say, "the worst day ever!" But, within a couple days in the new neighborhood, they made new friends to play with in the "man cave" we set up in the garage (gotta love Legos and video games to bond a bunch of 6-10 year old boys!) Corbin and Jared started 1st and 3rd grades at a new school. And little Ethan is making progress on walking and is much steadier at standing. He's added a few new words and signs. He's had two haircuts. He's looking more like a little boy and less like a baby.

And now the heat of summer has now given way to the cool of fall. Pumpkin decorations and mums are out. This week marks the beginning of October when our "Welcome Home" signs for our Seabee battalion can officially go up. Can it actually be here?!

What the heck is a Sea Dog?!

2008-09-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Corbin is in fall baseball. It sounded great because the games are only on Sunday afternoons and no practices allowed during the week. We thought this would be a great way to keep up his skills for spring Little League. Last week at the first game we gat his uniform and cap with a strange seal-like creature and the letter "P" on it. No one, not even the coach, was sure what our mascot was -- a seal, dog, seal pup or sea lion. We cheered, "Go seals!"

We Found out later that night after an internet search that we were actually the Sea Dogs and the "P" was for Portland. Kind of fitting since Jeff is in the Seabees and last season Corbin was on the River Cats. GO SEA DOGS!

We Can Do It

2008-09-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

I joined with a couple other wives from Jeff's battalion to attend the Santa Barbara Navy League's Big Band Bash last night. 1940s dress was requested so we opted to be a pack of "Rosie the Riveters". Her "We Can Do It" theme was very timely for us with our husbands all deployed!

The Wild Bunch

2008-09-01T13:35:00.001-07:00

Our friends, the McRaes, were visiting for Labor Day weekend so we all went to Six Flags Magic Mountain yesterday. We got there at 11am and stayed until the park closed at 10pm! It was hot and crowded, but we had fun. Little Ethan was a trooper and only crashed in his stroller for a short 30 minute nap -- too much excitement to sleep! He got to ride his first carousel. Corbin and Jared rode every roller coaster they were tall enough for. They didn't acquire the thrill ride gene from me!

Here's a picture of the kids (AKA "The Wild Bunch") from the Old Time Photo place at the park.

Sleepy Shopper

2008-08-28T12:55:00.001-07:00

Ethan couldn't take my long shopping trip at Target this morning. He did get a good 30 minute nap in and I got to shop a little longer!

First Day at a New School

2008-08-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

Corbin (3rd) and Jared (1st) started school today. Unlike our 15 mile freeway commute last year, we are able to walk to school this year. We had joined in the neighborhood walk of about a dozen families to the school.

Green Thumb

2008-08-20T19:50:00.001-07:00

We've been on a mission to revive the lawn in our backyard since we moved into the new house. We've succeeded thanks to lots of watering and several rounds of lawn vitamins.

Before (July 27)

After (August 19)

Carmel Beach

2008-08-17T06:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday evening on the beach in Carmel. We made a bonfire and roasted hotdogs and S'mores.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

2008-08-16T16:52:00.000-07:00

Jared, Corbin, Ethan, Ryan and Elizabeth at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Monterey Fair

2008-08-14T18:21:00.000-07:00

The boys and I are visiting Molly's family in Monterey. Today we went to the county fair.

Lucky Strikes

2008-08-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

We took the kids bowling yesterday on base.. I bowled with the girls (Emilee & Grace) vs. Corbin, Jared & Nathan. The boys won...but not my much!

Zoo Crew

2008-08-05T16:19:00.000-07:00

We went to the Santa Barbara Zoo today with some friends.

Backyard Camp Out

2008-08-04T07:34:00.001-07:00

Corbin and Jared, along with their new bud Nathan, in their tent we set up yesterday for a sleep over. Notice the power cord -- video games were still a must.

Lawn Boys

2008-07-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

We're finally settled in our new house in Port Hueneme, CA. Our backyard was quite dead when we moved in, so we're trying to bring it back to life! Corbin and Jared also got their first lesson in mowing the lawn.

Jeff & LT Dan

2008-07-17T05:59:00.000-07:00

From Jeff in Iraq..."Gary Sinese showed up outside our building the other day. The man's a true patriot. He was literally walking around wanting to meet as many people as he could. No fanfare, just came to say thanks."

Space Center Houston

2008-07-15T05:56:00.000-07:00

We're visiting Houston and doing touristy things thanks to our 9-Day Houston City Pass.

We started with the Space Center. The boys and I went with my friend Molly and her two kids.

Ethan, Corbin, Elizabeth, Jared & Ryan

Stormtroopers greeted us as part of the Star Wars exhibit at the Space Museum.

Fishing in Texas

2008-07-14T15:27:00.001-07:00

We're in Texas vacationing. Corbin caught this big bass at the ranch in Texas.

Moving...AGAIN!

2008-06-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

We're in the midst of another move...again! I figured out that this is our 9th move in our 11 years of marriage. This time it's from San Diego back up to Port Hueneme in Ventura County -- just a fun, 3-hour drive (through LA!) from here. The boys have been sent back to Texas stay with Jeff's parents and are having fun on the lake. My parents drove in from Texas to help (thank goodness!!!). This is my first move on my own, since Jeff is deployed. We hope to have all the packing done today and get up to the new house (on base again) by Friday. Then the fun unpacking, picture hanging, and furniture arranging begins. Weeee!

Last Day of School

2008-06-12T22:44:00.001-07:00

Today was the last day of school for Corbin and Jared at Pilgrim Lutheran. Although they were glad for the arrival of summer, they weren't glad to be leaving all their friends behind to move to our new duty station.

Jared with his kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Wetjen

Corbin with his second grade teacher, Mrs. Schmidt

50's Fun

2008-06-10T22:37:00.001-07:00

Our Navy Spouses' Club had a 50's themed event tonight.

We had cokes, chili dogs and an ice cream station complete with a soda jerk (who, BTW, is an ADM). We also hula-hooped and had a bubble blowing contest. One gal even came in roller skates! It was one last fun event with my San Diego gals!

Into Everything...

2008-06-08T23:21:00.000-07:00

Ethan's new favorite things to do...poor water out of the spickets on the water cooler machine and climb in the dishwasher any chance he gets! Here's couple of pics of him taken today...

Ice Cream

2008-06-06T06:36:00.001-07:00

Corbin's 2nd grade class did a "science experiment" of making their own ice cream. Recipe follows...

ICE CREAM
In a small, Ziplock bag combine:
1/2 Cup milk
1/4 Tsp. vanilla
1 Tbsp. sugar
In a large, Ziplock bag combine:
2 Cups ice + 1 Cup rock salt
Make sure each bag is sealed well. Put the small bag inside the large bag filled with ice. SHAKE! SHAKE! SHAKE!

Gas Prices...Ugh!

2008-06-01T18:09:00.000-07:00

Well, I can't believe it –– gas has gone over the four dollar mark at the NEX gas station by our house. Sad thing is, this picture was taken four days ago and the prices are now all eight cents higher! I shouldn't complain too much, at least we can buy gas at the Navy gas stations. They're always at least five cents cheaper then the other gas stations. So...I took the boys to lunch at the Popeye's by our house today and WE WALKED!

Modern Technology

2008-05-28T20:14:00.001-07:00

If you haven't heard of Skype, you should check it out. The boys and I were just able to do a live video chat with Jeff in Iraq. Too cool! We both have cameras on our laptops that we can use to chat. We lost the connection a couple of times, but overall it worked way better than I expected. Best part is -- it's FREE! Isn't modern technology great?!

Home Run Kid!

2008-05-27T20:43:00.000-07:00

Some video from Jared's last t-ball game tonight...

Positive Reinforcement

2008-05-26T20:18:00.000-07:00

Jared earned a trip to Chuck E Cheese today as a reward for good behavior last week at school. He had a couple of "incidents" the previous week –– I think he was acting out as a result of Jeff's recent deployment. Taking away things such as Pokemon cards didn't seem to be working, so instead we tried " positive reinforcement" -- a reward of going to Chuck E Cheese. It worked!

Ethan wasn't as impressed with Chuck E Cheese -- "Get away bad mouse!"

Cooking Class

2008-05-22T06:16:00.001-07:00

I had the opportunity to take another cooking class from Great News here in San Diego. It's a combination kitchen store and cooking school. So far I've taken a Seafood Class and a Pasta Class. The classes are taught by local chefs and cookbook authors. You watch them prepare 5-6 dishes and you get to taste everything. It's delicious; plus you leave with all the recipes and great cooking tips –– did you know you to keep an avocado from turning brown after you cut it up just run under cold water in a colendar and then keep it in the fridge? It can keep for a day look like it's just been cut.

If you ever get the opportunity to try this place out out, I'd highly recommend it!

Adventures in Babysitting

2008-05-21T21:56:00.000-07:00

What's the sign of a good babysitter? Your kids aren't almost is tears when she shows up. They're asleep when you return home. And, the kitchen relatively picked up (at least the dinner dishes) when you return. We were 1-for-2 tonight.

I'm trying out a new sitter. It's starts off with the kids run up to their room in a fit when she shows up saying they know her from the neighborhood. She travels with a gaggle of girls skating through the neighborhood on their Heelies and making fun of the young boys, my sons included. Ok, I say, she's here now, let's be nice and give her a try. Besides, Mommy, needs a night out! (I was on my way to a cooking class with a friend -- prepaid! no refunds!).

When I get home the boys are asleep. (Yea!) But, the baby's food is still on the counter with the spoon still in the dish. Dishes still out, pizza still out -- basically a mess. After she leaves and I start cleaning up I notice a stench from the trash can...a DIRTY DIAPER. Oh, thank you, Ethan. Justice is sweet, or should I say stinky.

The Call I've Been Waiting For

2008-05-20T18:03:00.001-07:00

Well, I finally heard from Jeff. He left for Kuwait from Virginia last Saturday and just made it in to Iraq today where he will be deployed with his Seabee battalion until the fall.

Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. If you'd like to send him a letter or package, email me and I'll give you his address. Internet is kind of sketchy over there, so we'll have to wait on that.

It's Hard to Be You

2008-05-18T21:43:00.000-07:00

Tonight Corbin was helping me with chores around the house to earn extra money. He wants to buy some new Pokemon cards. So, he cleaned his room, sorted laundry, and picked up toys around the house. As soon as he had one area cleaned up Ethan came in and started pulling out toys. Corbin got frustrated. I told him, "welcome to my world...as soon as I clean something up, I've got boys messing things up again." "Wow," Corbin said with all sincerity, "it's hard to be you."

Going back to Hueneme

2008-05-16T18:28:00.000-07:00

We're moving back to Port Hueneme in about a month. This is our house on base.

Happy (?) Mother's Day

2008-05-11T15:11:00.001-07:00

Today we celebrated Mother's Day, but it was bittersweet. It was Jeff's last day with us. He left for deployment this afternoon. We tried to have one last fun-filled weekend. Today we went out to breakfast and explored the harbor area before taking Jeff to the airport.

Corbin was so excited to get the red gumball out of the machine at Ruby's Diner. It earned him a free root beer float!

We had to get "one last kiss" in front of the famous kissing statue at San Diego harbor.

One last picture with our hero -- Daddy!

Build-A-Bear Boys

2008-05-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

We took the boys to Build-A-Bear yesterday. It's become a family tradition to let them each make a stuffed animal before Jeff deploys. He records his voice giving them each "words of encouragement" on a little recording device which is inserted in the stuffed animal and can be played back when you squeeze the animal's paw. Jared made a dog, Ethan a bunny and Corbin made a triceratops. Corbin wanted to name his animal, "Horny". We convinced him that "Spike" was a better name.

Ethan's First Haircut

2008-05-07T10:43:00.000-07:00

I took Ethan to the barbershop on base early this morning for his first haircut. He did really good, but did have to sit on my lap the whole time. He also got a "first haircut" certificate.

Ethan and his Buds

2008-05-07T05:02:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple pictures of Ethan and his friends, Charlie (above) and Jake (below)...

Baseball Boys...

2008-05-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

Baseball pics from this past Saturday -- Jared's got hustle; I've got to hand that to him. Last year he wasn't interested in baseball, but we made him play again this year. He wants to do football next. Corbin's team finally had a win -- only their second this year. After Corbin's game we had one of their friends over for a sleep over. The boys looked so cute all lined up in their jerseys, I had to take a picture.

Asleep in Church

2008-05-04T17:25:00.000-07:00

The boys got a lot out of the church service today!

I am Woman!

2008-05-04T13:59:00.001-07:00

I'm feeling good! I got all the boys to church for the second week in a row on my own -- an accomplishment in itself. I also just finished mowing the backyard. Hoo rah! Thank you, Mom & Dad, for tasking me with mowing duties while I was growing up along with my younger brothers. Although I hated it at the time, it's made me a stronger, more independent woman today!

Wheelbarrow

2008-05-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

Every night before bed the boys want a "wheelbarrow" up the stairs to their room -- they're building some great upper body strength! Even with Jeff gone the tradition continues.

Early Mother's Day

2008-05-01T14:21:00.001-07:00

Woohoo! I've been in the market for a Macbook Pro laptop so I could continue to do freelance graphic design during our move and while back in Texas this summer. Jeff found a great deal on a 17" Macbook at the NEX up in Virginia where he's currently at a Navy class. He'll be coming home Mother's Day weekend and bringing it home with him. Happy Early Mother's Day to me -- it could also be considered a Pre-Deployment gift (I'm a strong believer in those!)

Early Father's Day

2008-04-30T19:22:00.001-07:00

A couple weeks ago Jeff and the boys joined our friends who also have three boys for a Padres game. I got the tickets for Jeff as an early Father's Day present since he will be deployed when the actual Father's Day rolls around.

LOST

2008-04-29T21:37:00.001-07:00

I lost Jared today ... or should I say he lost me. After walking Corbin to his baseball practice we all headed back home -- Jared racing ahead on his bike; me pushing Ethan in the stroller. About 30 minutes after Ethan and I got home I realized Jared never came in. I checked with the usual neighborhood buds and they hadn't seen him. Great...maybe he went back to the ball field. I loaded Ethan back into the stroller and headed back down there. No one there had seen him either. Now instead of angry I got worried. As I neared the house a neighbor was about to take Ethan for me so I could really search. Then, as I neared the house I spied him across the street from our house with two other neighborhood moms. He was in tears that he couldn't find me (he'd come home while I went searching for him). He had headed straight to play instead of going home to check in after the trek to the ball fields. We both got a scare. Now he's under strict instruction to let me know exactly where he's going and not to tear off on his bike when we're walking to and from practice. Anyone know of a GPS device I can attach to that kid?!

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream...

2008-04-29T21:17:00.000-07:00

A couple more pictures from Jared's birthday last week
-- a day filled with sweet treats!
Top picture is of Jared and Grandaddy at Fuddruckers.
Bottom pic is Corbin and Jared with cousin Jillian. at Outback Steakhouse

Baseball Baby

2008-04-28T13:41:00.000-07:00

Simmer Down

2008-04-27T14:08:00.000-07:00

Jared's kindergarten class took a field trip to San Diego's Old Town area on Friday. Within 5 minutes of being there, we had the town's sheriff telling Jared to "simmer down" all his "hollerin'" (see pic below). Not sure if a wild west sheriff would actually walked around with a Venti Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks -- it sure made it hard to take him seriously.

Cool Dudes

2008-04-27T05:54:00.001-07:00

Ethan and Jeff lookin' cook in their shades

I'm a Big Boy, too!

2008-04-25T06:12:00.001-07:00

Ethan (16 mos.) insists on being where the action is and that means doing whatever his big brothers are doing -- playing a games with their friends (above) or playing video games (below). We gave Ethan an old, broken video game controller so he can feel like a big boy, too.

Yoga Baby

2008-04-24T06:28:00.001-07:00

Ethan doing his morning yoga.

Easy Rider

2008-04-23T07:07:00.001-07:00

Green Machines have come a long ways since our day. Jared's new Green Machine H2O shoots water. Here he is yesterday on his birthday looking cool in new clothes, Heely skate shoes on his new ride. His cousin, Jillian, was impressed.

Happy Birthday at Hooters

2008-04-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

We all went out to dinner at Hooters last night (pre-birthday celebration). Jared was "so embarrassed when all the Hooters girls sand Happy Birthday to him. What 6 year old doesn't want to go to Hooters on his birthday?!

Jared's Birthday Party

2008-04-21T11:18:00.000-07:00

We had Jared's 6th Birthday Party yesterday at a local park. It was a Star Wars theme. We had tons of kids and parents. The pinata was a big hit, of course, as was the "Yoda Soda". We also played "Pass the Asteroid" which was like the game of Hot Potato, with a Star Wars toy wrapped in a ball of tin foil and passed as Star Wars theme music played -- Last kid left won the prize. Each kids also got a bubble light saber wand which kept them occupied and running around for most of the party. We grilled "Hanburgers & Hot Dogs" and ate "Wookie Cookies"

Yoda Soda
2- 2 liters 7-Up
1 - 1/2 gallon lime sherbet
dry ice

Combine all in a large container and stir.

Visitors

2008-04-20T07:22:00.000-07:00

Jeff's parents (aka Nana & Grandaddy) and our niece, Jillian, are visiting to for Jared's birthday and to see Jeff one last time before he deploys. The boys always have fun with Jillian (competing for her attention!) She just becomes "one of the boys" when she's here.

We had two baseball games yesterday and got in a little practice for all the kids (except Ethan). We told Jillian to tell everyone back home that she went to "Spring Training" in San Diego. I'm sure her T-ball stats will improve after this trip!

Corbin is learning to pitch. He did pretty well last night. Keep in mind he's a 2nd grader pitching against 4th, 5th and 6th graders! That's our boy!

Monte Carlo Night

2008-04-19T08:39:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of us at the Monte Carlo Night fundraiser last night. The boys' school, Pilgrim Lutheran, holds this annual even to raise money for the school. It's always a lot of fun.

Jeff won big at the craps table. I bid on the silent auction and ended up winning a pair of tickets to Disneyland, McDonald's gift card, Mimi's Cafe gift card and six tickets to the big roller coaster at Belmont Park.

R2D2

2008-04-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

My friend and fellow NOSC member, Alexia, is letting me borrow her R2D2 cooler for Jared's Star War's birthday party this weekend. I think it will be a big hit!

A New Favorite Thing

2008-04-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

If you shop at Costco you have to try their Chunky Artichoke & Jalapeno Dip. It sounds like a strange combination, but it is SO GOOD. It's especially good with pita chips and a glass of La Crema Chardonnay. In fact, that's going to be my lunch today (minus the wine, unfortunately).

Bon Appetit!

BFFs...

2008-04-14T23:07:00.000-07:00

Molly and I met at the bus stop in elementary school and have been BFF (best friends forever) ever since. We've gone through it all together -- teen years, college, weddings and now motherhood. It's nice to live relatively close once again.

Her family spent a week with us during their spring break. They drove down from Monterey for seven action packed days...Legoland, the San Diego Zoo, Midway Museum, Coronado, Seal Boat Harbor Tour, Sea World and Old Town. We even got in a little kid-free shopping time. Not being affiliated with the military, they also found it neat to attend Jeff's Hail & Farewell, which they noted as much like the corporate world except for the calling each other, "Sir."

Molly and I are SO hoping that her daughter, Elizabeth, marries one of our boys. Corbin said it would have to be him since, "girls don't marry boys younger than them."

Corbin and Elizabeth had to sit in the Soak Zone at the Shamu Rocks show.
The section lived up to its name.

Corbin is trying to change the color of his "mood" penguin necklace from Sea World. Elizabeth got the pair of BFF necklaces and gave one to Corbin. The color was showing "love" so Corbin tried to "will" it to another color.

TO BE CONTINUED...?

Toll House Pie

2008-04-10T21:39:00.000-07:00

This is a family favorite. Jared helped me make it last weekend...

Toll House Pie

1 unbaked 9-inch (4-cup volume) deep-dish pie shell *
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup (6 oz.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Sweetened whipped cream or ice cream (optional)

Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 325° F.

BEAT eggs in large mixer bowl on high speed until foamy. Beat in flour, granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat in butter. Stir in morsels and nuts. Spoon into pie shell.

BAKE for 55 to 60 minutes or until knife inserted halfway between edge and center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Serve warm with whipped cream, if desired.

NOTES:
* If using frozen pie shell, use deep-dish style, thawed completely. Bake on baking sheet; increase baking time slightly

Legoland

2008-04-10T13:20:00.000-07:00

Our boys LOVE Legos! We've got our good friends visiting us this week from Monterey, CA. We kicked off the week with Monday at Legoland. Corbin and Jared got to miss school (an added bonus for them!) Ethan spent the day in the stroller. As you can see from the picture, it wasn't that exciting for him

Making Cookies

2008-04-04T13:05:00.001-07:00

The boys wanted to make Easter cookies a couple weeks ago. The already made sheets of cookie dough made it very easy. As you can see, most of our cookies weren't exactly Easter-y.

Making Plans for Jared's Birthday...

2008-04-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

A Simple Question...

2008-04-02T14:06:00.001-07:00

How do you respond when your 5-year old asks, "why do we have to wear underwear?"
Any suggestions?

Mugu Beach

2008-04-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

When we were up in Ventura County last week for Spring Break, we spent a little time at the beach at Point Mugu. The boys liked gathering sticks and seeing the sea lions.

Mugu is part of Naval Base Ventura County where we are transferring to this summer. We like to say we're moving "between Malibu and Santa Barbara." Doesn't that sound nice?! It is! Come visit us. Jeff will deployed for our first few months there, so I welcome visitors!

Bluebonnet Season in Texas

2008-03-31T12:25:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of my twin niece and nephew taken at my parent's ranch in Texas yesterday. The bluebonnets are in full bloom. Yes...it actually is that beautiful there. Wish we were there!

Spring Break

2008-03-27T18:54:00.000-07:00

We just got home from a little spring break trip. We traveled north to Port Hueneme (Ventura County, CA) where we will be moving back to in June. We checked out schools and our old neighborhood on base. Jeff met with his new battalion, NMCB-3 where he will start his tour as XO soon. We also had time for some fun and spent Tues-Weds at Disneyland.

Jared's Tball Game

2008-03-22T14:02:00.000-07:00

Ethan in a Basket

2008-03-21T14:51:00.000-07:00

Pompeii Project continued...

2008-03-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

Corbin completed his Pompeii diorama this week. He was very proud of his creation and got up early to put the finishing touches on it. It was great to see him so excited about it.

Chuck E Cheese

2008-03-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

The boys at Chuck E Cheese a couple weeks ago -- fun! fun!

Baseball Picture Day

2008-03-18T05:56:00.001-07:00

Sunday was little league baseball picture day for Corbin and Jared. Here they are with their teams, he RiverCats and the Gators.

Seabee Ball 2008

2008-03-18T05:51:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday was our annual Seabee Ball in San Diego. This annual event celebrates the birthday's of the US Navy Seabees (Construction Battalions) and Civil Engineer Corps (CEC). This year's event was held at the Sheraton on the harbor. My mom was able to fly in for the weekend and stay with the kids so we could stay overnight.

Pompeii Project

2008-03-10T11:51:00.000-07:00

Corbin is working on a project for school. He has to do a book report in the form of a diorama depicting the book's setting. He chose a book about Pompeii. The San Diego Museum of Natural History has a special exhibit, A Day in Pompeii, right now, so we went to see that yesterday. Corbin spent last night making little clay figures of people to put in his project. We also bought some small wedding cake columns to include. We'll post a picture when the masterpiece is complete.
(The picture above was taken when Jeff and I visited the real Pompeii back in 2002)

Gotta love that Jared...

2008-03-02T20:47:00.000-08:00

Funny Jared Story #1...
Today at church there were paper cutouts of kids that all the Pilgrim school children had made showing themselves as what they want to be when the grow up. Jared and Corbin both had their pictures of themselves as baseball guys. Funny thing was Jared's was complete with him wearing a "cup" -- an oval drawn on the crotch! Nice...That's our Jared.

Funny Jared Story #2...
We were watching "Extreme Home Makeover"( which was quite an emotional one) tonight. Toby Keith is singing "American Soldier" for a daddy home on leave from Iraq. As I'm sitting there sniffling on the verge of tears, Jared, who is next to me, and grabs my feet. "I want to see how much toe jam you have," Jared says. My tears turned to laughter. Gotta love that Jared!

Entertaining the Boys: Scavenger Hunt

2008-03-01T12:32:00.001-08:00

If you have kids to keep occupied on a Saturday afternoon, this is a good activity -- plan a neighborhood scavenger hunt! As I type this, Corbin and Jared, along with some of their neighborhood friends are searching for all the items on this list:

SCAVENGER HUNT:
First find a bag to put everything in. Then you must find or do these ten things:

1. Four bottle caps taped together
2. A picture of a horse (you can draw it)
3. Something yellow
4. 25¢ in change (not a quarter!)
5. Legos built in the shape of a cross
6. Chalk outline of a body on the sidewalk
7. String tied in a bow
8. A stuffed animal wearing a hat
9. Three red crayons wrapped together with a rubber band
10. Newspaper folded like a hat on someone’s head

Opening Day

2008-03-01T12:23:00.000-08:00

Today was opening day for the Murphy Canyon Little League!
Go RiverCats! Go Gators!

Baseball Time

2008-02-26T20:29:00.000-08:00

It was 80 degrees here in San Diego today! A beautiful afternoon for getting ready for little league -- getting Jared's tball pennants ready, ordering a baseball banner for Corbin's team then going to baseball practice. Opening day is this Saturday for both boys.

Corbin had a pre-season tournament this past Saturday. Corbin played short-stop for all three games. I was really impressed. He never watched the airplanes overhead or played in the infield dirt like he used to. He actually looked like a ball player! This coule be an exciting season.

The top picture is Corbin at a Padres vs. Astros game here in San Diego two years ago. The bottom picture is of Jeff and his brother at an Astros game when they were kids.

Redneck Jammies

2008-02-20T06:42:00.001-08:00

Ok, so we're cheap. Poor little Ethan not onlyl gets hand-me-downs, but I cut off the toes of his footy pajamas so he could wear them a little longer. He didn't seem to mind.

Valentine's Gifts and an Answered Prayer

2008-02-19T06:09:00.000-08:00

Here's some Valentine's goodies from our house. Jeff got me beautiful roses and the boys had these surprises waiting for them on Valentine's morning -- puppies, candy and a new Lego set.

The boys also got several cards in the mail which I held on to so they could open them on Valentine's Day. Of course I put them in some clever place so they wouldn't find them. Turns out I couldn't find them. I was afraid I might have accidentily thrown them away. I knew there was probably cash in them, so I was tearing the house apart looking for them. Then I remembered something from a book I'm reading, The Purpose Driven Life. So, I surrendered the problem to God, said a little prayer and (no lie!) in less than a minute I found all the cards. Prayer does work! I used to think my prayers were insignificant and not worth praying about , but now I'm a believer that no prayer is too small. Try it!

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T06:55:00.000-08:00

The boys thought it was funny to get in Ethan's crib with him last night.

Dishwashers

2008-02-12T19:32:00.000-08:00

While I was at my spouses' club meeting last night the boys ran the house -- including loading the dishwasher totally on their own. Jeff said it was their idea. Their reward was a game of "Pirates of the Carribean" Life and watching the movie, "Transformers".

Paper Boy

2008-02-12T19:29:00.001-08:00

Ethan likes to come in my office and attack the printer and stacks of paper. As you can see from the photo, they are on his level. This time the paper package attacked back. The piece of plastic packaging stayed on his head until I finally took it off.

Weekend with Clifford

2008-02-10T15:10:00.001-08:00

This was Jared's weekend to bring the Clifford mascott home from his kindergarten class. The kids are supposed to take pictures of what they did with Clifford over the weekend. Jared took him to the park and to get a haircut.

Here Comes Trouble...

2008-02-09T08:16:00.001-08:00

Ethan is 14 months old now and on the move. He spends his day exploring around the house -- most recently the stairs (we've pulled out the old baby gate that we used with both Jared and Corbin). He also likes exploring what's behind every door and pulling out what he finds. Fun! Fun!

Deviney Family Portraits

2008-02-07T12:35:00.000-08:00

In January, while back home in Texas, we loaded up the whole Deviney clan in a rented 15-passenger van and headed from from Lake Corpus Christi to San Antonio. Our friend Donna is a photographer and agreed to do our photos. We were very pleased with how the pictures turned out. If you're ever in the San Antonio area and need a photographer, we highly recommend Donna.

Counting School Busses

2008-02-04T16:33:00.000-08:00

We have a 14 mile commute to school each day. When we're not cramming for 2nd grade spelling words or weekly Bible memory verses, we like to play this game -- Count the School Busses. It's basically counting all the school busses we see going to and from school each day. But, like Grandpa says when we're counting deer back home in Texas, "two people have to see it for it to count!" Our top count is around 50 busses (when we add both the morning and afternoon commute counts).

Little League

2008-02-03T10:01:00.001-08:00

Baseball Time! Little league is beginning – Jared is in his second year of T-ball and is on the Gators. Corbin is in his fourth year of Little League and in on the Rivercats. We're especially proud of Corbin, who's great tryouts got him in the Minors Division. He's the youngest on the team – most other 8-year olds are in the Rookies Division.