Amazing all over the World

Daniel is Awesome!!

2011-03-06T12:08:00.000-08:00

Daniel pulled out his own tooth yesterday much to the relief of his mother. it the top one and the tooth next to it is loose. the one on the bottom he lost last week.....so crazy how fast our kiddo is growing up.

Steve!!!

2011-02-16T14:48:00.000-08:00

An Adult!!

2011-01-03T18:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday while I was sitting and talking to my mother in law, Daniel ran into the room and said "Mom, I'm ready to be a an adult." "Come Look!" So I got up and went to see. This is what he showed me. He has a car key, a house key, money, a ring and credit cards. Now where on earth did he learn that:) i love this kid!!

this is daniel, truly daniel.

2010-12-07T08:58:00.000-08:00

okay so this is just standing in line at a ride. he does this all the time. just break out in moves. i love this kid.

Disneyland Photos!

2010-11-13T07:46:00.000-08:00

Okay so we went on a wonderful trip to Disneyland. Daniel's first time, mine that I remember and Steve's' that he could actually go on rides. It was beyond fun and I will be posting more on facebook. I LOVE MY FAMILY! We had a 2 day park hopper pass and just enjoyed the fact that it was not crowded and we got to go on every ride we wanted without wait.its a small world and buzz were closed though:(.i am not a roller coaster rider and neither is Daniel so we waited for Steve to do that stuff but we got see tons of the characters. it was just perfect!

mothers day!

2010-05-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

I am still a mother. bad things happen and i don't plan for them but i prepare. i find joy in my journey everyday. i have a son who is now six and done with kindergarten. i love him to pieces he gave me a makeover. he did warn me though that "this stuff if for girls" who knows maybe i am not a girl but he loved me enough to do the girly thing.

No More Happy News!

2010-03-02T16:45:00.000-08:00

I was 17 weeks and three days and went in for a very basic check up. I had passed the bleeding and the yuckiness and was feeling very good. Low and behold I went to the checkup and the baby had decided his turn on earth was over. So I went to the hospital and delivered him and after a long night am finally home. this is not good or easy news but i am okay and so grateful for the love and support of my family and friends.
Becky, Steve, and Daniel

Big News!!!

2009-12-09T16:12:00.000-08:00

we are going to have a baby in eight months and are moving just around the corner. fun fun fun......!!

things we have been up to

2009-11-24T19:12:00.000-08:00

we are just running..........as the rest of the world is this time of year. we love it. we got daniel a new bed had cousin who played transformers and a field trip. just to try and catch up. we are so blessed.

Happy Halloween!!

2009-11-06T10:09:00.000-08:00

Steve was frankenstein for a spook house. all of these pics are from the clinics halloween party. as you can see we had a blast.

Fall Break Utah Trip!

2009-10-25T20:38:00.000-07:00

we are so behind in our blog but here is our trip to Utah. We had so much fun seeing "The Ranch", deer in Grandmas yard, and snow. We also got to go to the Pumpkin Patch and see the Daughter of DUP Monument that Grandma was a part of. I love My Utah Family!

our utah trip part 2

2009-10-25T20:21:00.000-07:00

Student of the Month

2009-09-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

So I can't believe my son is in Kindergarten and yet he is so big. Daniel made student of the month for September. To be S.O.M you don't have to be the best student or perfect at anything you just have to try your best, that pretty much somes up Daniel. Then me being the proud Mom that I am have to point out that there is 24 kids in his class(used to be 28 up until a week ago). So I am just loving my kiddo. It was also spirit week and so he did Pirate Day and Tie Day. I myself was not about to put a tie on him and so we drew on a stain shirt. LOVED IT. I drew the tie and Daniel decorated it.

HE IS REALLY HERE!!!!

2009-08-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

LIFE IS GREAT!! i really love him and Daniel is in HEAVEN. we have so loved being reunited.

TODAY IS THE DAY!!!!

2009-08-14T22:40:00.001-07:00

my little firefighters!!!

2009-08-01T15:20:00.001-07:00

we have Jacob and David staying with us this week (forever) and David fell asleep so i didn't get him in action. Jacob and Daniel though did not disappoint though.......they have had a great time this past week saving this house from fire; more often with more dramatics but still aren't they still the best looking firefighters you ever saw.

Daniels' summer in a nut shell!

2009-07-31T16:04:00.000-07:00

Michigan Trip

2009-07-31T15:55:00.000-07:00

I didn't take pics of our "Michigan Trip." these are the three that were on my camera. The pictures I took were on my phone to instantly send with Steve and will see if I can get those uploaded soon. This is the arch when were crossing the state line. The middle is Navuoo Temple and the third is the funniest sign. i tried to take the restrooms home with me.......didn't work.

HAPPY ANNIE VERY SORRY!!!

2009-07-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

oh i wish you were here to kiss. you are the bestest husband. i am more in love with you everyday. i really am just happy that you are mine and that we are in this together FOREVER. i know you know that i love you and am so proud of you and grateful for you for all you do for daniel and I but i don't mind telling you again. we are a family and i am blessed with the best. our time apart is almost up and i get butterflies in my stomach thinking about seeing you again. you are so HANDSOME!!! i can't wait! thanks for the best seven years a girl could ask for and here is to forever more. I LOVE YOU!!!! (when i get to a scanner i will post a pic of our wedding). SMILE!

Summer Lovin, Havin a blast!

2009-06-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

I should have put the TV picture last to show you just how I let him rest but oh well. We have done swim lesson, bible school, and played with cousins. this has been a great start to the summer and the heat has not killed us. Daddie we love you and wish you were here, ENJOY!

this is well said.............

2009-06-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

steve has thankfully never seen battle but this poem is still well said.
The Final Inspection

The soldier stood and faced his God,Which must always come to pass;He hoped his shoes were shining bright,Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, soldier,How shall I deal with you?Have you turned the other cheek?To my church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,"No, Lord, I guess I ain't;Because those of us who carry guns,Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,And at times my talk was rough;I've had to break your rules my Lord,Because the world is awfully tough.
But, I never took a thingThat wasn't mine to keep;Though I worked a lot of overtime,When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,Though at times I shook with fear;And sometimes ... God forgive me,I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a placeAmong the people here;They never wanted me around,Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,It needn't be so grand;I never expected or had too much,But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was a silence all around the throne,Where the saints often trod;As the soldier waited quietly,For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, soldier,You've borne your burdens well;Come walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,You've done your time in HELL!"~ Author Unknown ~

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

I just want you to know Steve how grateful I am to you. I am honored and humbled to be your wife. I am truly grateful to the husband and wives who are in the journey with us. My heart and prayers are with the people who grasp the full concept of this day. I am proud to be the wife of the soldier and proud to be an American.

Steves new address..........

2009-05-08T06:17:00.000-07:00

Hi honey,
Just to let you know that we have a new address for mail. It is as follows:

SSgt Steven Brinkerhoff
732 ESFS/Det2 USAF
1-120 CAB, 30 HBCT
FOB Mahmudiyah
APO AE 09322

We just got switched units thanks to the pull out the one we were under is pulling out, so now we are under another. The new address goes into effect Immediately. I was told that if you do put the old address on the letters it will still make it to me, but it will most likely take an extra month. Any way just a little heads up. Also just to let you know I just got Daniels card in the mail, and also a letter from Mom and Dad Flake. If you could let them know that would be awesome. I have to go hopefully I will have internet tonight so I can Skype you. Talk to you later.
Bye,
Love Steven (Daddy)

Daniels 5yr old pics.

2009-05-03T12:01:00.000-07:00

hello.

2009-04-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

update for you. we are busy but yet not busy. i feel like some days all i do is love on kids and others i can't seem to sit down. my house is getting better at being maintained cleaned. it is me who needs the most training after all. it is starting to get hot here and so we are trying to milk are outside time. we go to the park some but i love love love having a backyard. we have dentist and doctors and birthdays this month. Steve's is tomorrow. well i guess with ten hours different his is soon. he is doing well and i miss him terribly. i have kids running just felt like rambling. hope all is well with you all.

This is for you HONEY!!

2009-04-11T21:58:00.000-07:00

we love you Steve in case you didn't hear that enough. missed you tons and tons but are so proud of you and hope you know you can always count on us to toot your "horn!" i know i am not a great video person but you get the message.

Daniel's BIRTHDAY!!

2009-04-11T21:05:00.000-07:00

Uncle Russell made this awesome super yummy cake. thanks.

Daniel is opening his gift from Dad. He loved it. Then the next one is the shirt from The JR Flakes. So nice to have them here.

a letter from steve

2009-04-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody, our internet is still down, so I am typeing this fromthe MWR. Last night I went on a mission with the Security Forces,the Iraqi Police, and the Iraqi Army. We were to raid a house sincethey were stealing fuel from a fuel refinery, and useing the money tofund AlQuita (SP). We did not know what time it was going to be at,so after I finished chatting with Becky yesterday morning I went tothe meeting place, but no word yet. So we were sent away, and told tocheck in every so often. I went back to my tent, and played games onmy computer. At lunch there was still no word as to if we were stillgoing, or if it was canceled. So After lunch I went back to my tent,and just layed down for about 1 hour, just resting, not doing much.At about 3:00 we were finially getting the trucks up and running, andour stuff loaded. About 4:00 we headed to the TOC for the missionbrief so it was on!! So after the mission brief we headed back to thetrucks, got our gear on, and loaded up. We headed to the clearingbarrel (to load our weapons), when we were notified that somepaperwork was not compleated. So we pulled over to the side while theconvoy commanders went to finish the paperwork. We sat around foranother hour and a half waiting for word if they were going tocontinue with the mission, or if it was going to be canceled. Atabout 7:00 we are heading down the road to the Iraqi Arny station tomeet with the Iraqi Army, and the Iraqi Police. We are at thecompound for about 30-45 minutes going over drills with them so theycan perform the house clearing. We head to the house, turn off ourlights, and park a few houses away. The security forces along withthe IP, and IA head to the house for the raid. I just stayed in thecar waiting for something to happen. We were there for about an hourand a half to almost 2 hours waiting for them to finish. Apearentlythere was nothing to be found only had 2 guys there arrested forweapons violations. After all this fun we came back home here to theFOB. We got back about 11:30 at night, and I went straight to bedafter I showered. This was the most exciting and interesting day yet,even though nothing happened. I'll talk to you later.Love you,Love Steven

dbg

2009-04-05T22:54:00.000-07:00

So wonderful Melanie got me off my duff and to the Botanical Gardens they have the Butterflys and the glass exhibit. It was so much fun but little Jane stole the show. She was just charming everyone. The weather was amazing and so was the company. thanks melanie.

spring and gardens.............

2009-04-05T22:45:00.001-07:00

the kids were super cute the weather was nice. why not take pics.? i love my job.

Daniels new Bike

2009-04-05T22:37:00.000-07:00

Okay so the wonderful kind people of APS decided to donate bikes to kids whose have deployed family members. Daniel is turning 5(a whole nother subject) very soon and so what better for your fifth birthday then an awesome cool bike. he is such a little pro and was so bummed it was windy because it made riding to hard. he is so amazing at riding though and is just the cutest. thanks so much aps for the smiles.

THE AIR SHOW

2009-04-05T22:30:00.000-07:00

SO I LOVE THE PLANES!!!!! I LOVE THE PLANES!!!! they are amazing. love them.

2009-04-05T22:20:00.000-07:00

The Air Show at Luke Air Force Base brought 13 people in my house. i was in heaven. we have Alan and kids, my folks, the guevaras and robbie. So much fun. I love the PLANES i really do.......thanks for coming everyone.

my super sexy honey........

2009-03-19T22:47:00.000-07:00

these are the first and hopefully not the last pics from steve. it only took us about two months to get them but i love them. doesn't he look amazing and wow......how did i get so lucky. he looks happy and that just makes me happy. love you steve.

FLOUR

2009-03-04T22:29:00.001-08:00

okay so these two are best friends in trouble. here are a few of the things i have caught them doing. enjoy. i sure did.

MILK

2009-03-04T22:23:00.000-08:00

Learning.....................

2009-02-19T20:38:00.000-08:00

Okay so everyday I learn something new. I am so grateful for that. I am grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves ME, my son, my wonderful husband and everybody. Tonight I was snuggling with Daniel and he said to me "Mom, why can't Dad come home from Iraq?" I told him the standard Daddy is working in this is job to keep our country safe and he loves us so much that he is willing to go to a new country and do that. To which Daniel replied "Why can't they just call another guy to sit over there is his chair.?" I never really can figure out what that boy is thinking but i realized i can't live anybody else's but mine. The good, the bad, the ugly, are all mine. I don't really want anyone to come sit in my chair so to speak so I need to step back and quit trying to sit in theirs. Anyone who knows me knows I am busy body want to save the world girl but.....................I have to love them for who they are and not save them. Okay this may not make sense to you but my honey is not here and I am always rambling to him about this stuff. But you get it until he comes back. I am so thankful for my chair and my awesome amazing husband and son. be on again soon.

Iraq

2009-02-11T22:52:00.000-08:00

i have some super cute pictures to add to tomorrow but let me just update you on Steve. As far as know he now is Iraq. He has been Kuwait training since he left and was set to head to Iraq today.I am grateful to have the Gospel and wonderful friends who love us and support us. We are so blessed and lucky to live in America. I love me husband more then life itself and miss him like mad. The thing I am having the hardest time with is lack of contact. I get to talk to him everyday but this is my best friend we are talking about.....I usually talk to him 7 or 8 times a day. I now have to limit to One, two if I am lucky and share him with Daniel. It is okay just an adjustment. At least I have that much contact with him. I have no idea how people lived without email and skype. Thank you all for you prayers and love. We are doing great. Will post pics soon.

Here we go again......

2009-01-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

The countdown to Steve coming home begins again. I just don't know if i am counting 20 days or 7 months. Hopefully we will know soon. Steve is off for training in Texas and was said to be heading straight to Iraq but.........they gave him a return ticket. Go figure. I am so sad. Last time Steve left Daniel didn't really understand but this time he CRIED. Oh it broke my heart. I do know that either way my Honey will come home safe and I am so grateful for the internet to send info back and forth. We love all of the prayers and support thanks so much.

2009-01-04T18:27:00.000-08:00

the last couple shot and the brother who sat and waited with us. daniel took these photos.

2008-11-18T05:57:00.000-08:00

My Honey is in Wisconsin for a month at Fort McCoy and it is combat training to prepare to go to Iraq. He is will be gone for a month and they gave us less then a weeks notice. I wasn't sure about posting that he was gone becaue i didn't want to make myself vunerable but.........he has been gone a couple of days and i am never alone so life it good. Daniel doesn't understand and keeps asking "why did daddie go over there to sleep?" If anyone has any good tips to make this easier bring them on. we love our honey and hope that he pays attention in training to keep him safe. but that is what is up and our lives and i have to tell you I love paying attention to your lives. they blogs are wonderful. i get to see such cute kids and hear how you are doing. thanks everyone for your support.

counting down the days.....

2008-11-14T09:02:00.000-08:00

We watched you leave today Daddy and know you will be safe but we love you and it was hard to see you go. Come back soon. love us

Field trip to Cabelas

2008-11-14T08:56:00.000-08:00

Daniel preschool class had a wonderful fieldtrip to cabelas yesterday and these are some of the shots i took. the kids went crazy!! it was so much fun.

Daddie and Daniel

2008-11-14T08:54:00.001-08:00

I love you my boys and hope you know that.

happy holidays?

2008-11-13T21:20:00.000-08:00

Well we will no longer be heading to Utah for thanksgiving. i wont post alot on my blog about details but hopefully we will make it up there for Christmas. i hope all of you are doing well in your freezing weather and i am so sorry about not making it up there. be happy.

happy halloween

2008-11-04T12:26:00.000-08:00

maui and kirra and daniel

HOME STUDY DONE!!!

2008-10-20T21:49:00.000-07:00

I finally passed the home study but because it took me more then 90 days we have to rergestir with the courts. In about a month and a half we came truly start finding the perfect kid for our family. I am so glad to be one step closer. Thanks for your help everyone.

Okay here's the story

2008-10-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

So my sister Tricia took Daniel for originally a weekend so Steve and I could have a romantic get-a-away. Well I decided that since it is less then 100 degrees here (by a little bit) and we have our final home study coming up that our weekend rendezvous would be CLEANING!! I call it fall cleaning instead of spring cleaning. I mean dumping out drawers, throwing stuff away, and filing. I am a pack rat and to all my former roommates I am sorry. Cleanliness is not my strong suit. Daniel ended up staying for a week and I ended up busting my but scrubbing and going through stuff but in the end it is WONDERFUL. Now i just have to learn how to maintain. I am so stinkin proud of myself though that all of you have to see and hear about it. And.....you get to see my super cute kid whose return home today has made me so happy. I missed him. well I am off to watch speed racer with my boys. Our final home study is on Monday so pray for us. Will keep you posted.

the front room

2008-10-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

I love this kid!!!

2008-10-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

tv room and wall

2008-10-17T21:20:00.000-07:00

guest room and play room

2008-10-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

2008-10-17T21:15:00.000-07:00

more of the same

2008-10-17T21:13:00.001-07:00

I am so Proud!!!

2008-10-17T21:10:00.001-07:00

sorry

2008-10-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

i am so not a blogger. i love looking and have tons of stories i just never sit down to type. we are all doing well and still striving for that elusive home study. i am going to be babysitting again in about two weeks and so that will give me a cuddle partner. Daniel is growing up so super fast and talks all the time. his latest thing to say is "that doesn't make any sense" he says that every time i tell him no. He is also trying to use big words and want to say "wow that is impressive" but say mom instead "mom that is very impressing" he also love to read and is working on math things. Mom if i have one red monster truck and then take away one red monster truck then I have zero. he loves loves loves loves the xbox and would play all day everyday if given the chance. he is careful not to loose "privileges" as he call them by doing his chores. he wants a big brother so bad and is begging to adopt the neighbor kids. my honey is working hard and rides his bike to work so that keeps him fit and saves on gas. i am just waiting for it to cool down. it is still in the 100's. i read and have friends over play hi ho cherrio and candyland. draw and color. i am just rambling but thought i would kinda update you on the fact that our life is wonderful right now. hope everyone is doing well.

Look how well Dad is watching him......

2008-09-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

This was from the Father and Sons this spring and no he is not on fire just looks that way.

I LOVE HIM!!!

2008-09-15T14:14:00.000-07:00

We crack up everytime he closes his eyes. Isn't he the cutest.

when he was two

2008-09-15T14:08:00.000-07:00

We got this costume for 5 bucks at a thrift store and used it for his costume 2 years in a row. he is now to tall for it.

dust anyone??

2008-09-14T07:50:00.001-07:00

just thought it was cool. i had to drive through this lovely dust wall.

Okay.......

2008-05-11T10:28:00.000-07:00

I have a Flake Family blog and spend all my time there but I will work on this one now. We are all wonderful. I am happy to say we had our first home study in the adoption process and now are in the mounds of paperwork. Will keep you all updated and will post lots and lots of pics soon.

so fun

2008-03-07T08:53:00.001-08:00