Its Snowing In West Texas!

It's snowing here! I absolutely love this. I don't have the baby here, but I hear that he is having a ball in Pecos with the snow. I can't believe it has already started snowing down here. Let's hope it keeps up! Well, I do hope anyways. I miss snow some days pretty bad! Here are some pictures. I will add more as the snow gets heavier.

Deep In Thought

A Penny For Your Thoughts


Just got this out of an email from Kelsey. Thought it was cute so I am sharing. This was at Big John's birthday party.

Thanksgiving and baby free

Well, it definatly has been a while since I have updated. We have been slightly busy trying to get moved into our home. Now we don't actually get to move in yet, but we are allowed to move our stuff in and not be charged rent. We are still waiting on our septic system at this point. They just got the electic wires layed right before this wonderful freeze we had. Hopefully we will be in there by Christmas.

Thanksgiving was wonderful. We didn't go anywhere, but it worked out great anyways. Clint had to work that day which is why we decided against going anywhere. So, I prepared dinner for us. We had turkey, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, and gravy. It wasn't too much but it was good. Oh, I also made a buttermilk pie for dessert. Luckily, I didn't burn anything or catch anything on fire. *sidenote* I did catch the stove on fire two Thanksgivings ago when we couldn't go anywhere. We had bacon for breakfast that morning and I spilt grease on the burner and didn't get it all cleaned up apparantly. When I went to start the potatoes POOF! fire started. Anyways. This year I did think that I had everything out of the turkey (giblets and stuff), but I forgot the neck...ugh. Anyways, everything turned out wonderfully. Our neighbor came over to have supper with us. Clayton woofed down some corn and turkey. For some reason he then took some stuffing or turkey and stuck it on his head and just let it sit there for a while. I didn't have time to get my camera :(

Shortly after we finished dinner Mason came over to the apartment Clint and him are going hunting this weekend with their daddy. About 30 minutes or so after that Sharon and Joe get here to pick up the short guy so he can spend the weekend with them. Picking up on what's going on? I get peace and quiet for the weekend! I can hopefully get some stuff done around here. Fold some laundry, pack a little, lay around a little. hehe

Well that is all that is going on in our exciting lives. I will just throw up some random pictures and such.







The dog pictures are our puppies and my baby Cheyenne. Most of the puppies look like the spotted ones. We have just one brown pup.

Exciting Weekend

Yesterday we went to the Hounshell family reunion. What a day! Clayton's older cousins had a blast with him. Normally this little guy has a nap around 11am, give or take 30 minutes. He did not take one until 2:30! He was pooped! Clint and I take him over to his great-grandma's house for a nap. He was really fussy and so tired he did not want to go to sleep. Clint had to hold his legs so he wouldn't try to climb off of the bed. The stinker fell asleep right there in between Clint's legs while trying to climb off the bed. Poor guy. So he slept for about an hour until he was moved in between Clint and I to stay warm. He spent the day running around, playing with those people who had wheel chairs (trying to play with the wheels), and pushing his great-grandma's walker around.

Not too much special happened today. Just his normally little busy self. We will be going back to Crane tomorrow. Kinda of excited for the sheer fact of maybe getting rid of these annoying allergies. I am also hoping to see our house out on the lot we will be renting. If this has happened then all we will be waiting on is the lovely electrician. I hope we can be moved in soon!

Our Activities

Clayton is such a doll baby. He is taking big jumps in his learning too! Monday night we had meatloaf for supper, which was good by the way. When he was finished, he decided to take his meatloaf from his high chair tray and put it on the table. As he was doing this he said "No thank you." No lie you guys! He really said this. He is beginning to say so many things, its almost unbelievable. "See ya", "Night, Night", "Here ya go", "Bubble", "Boot". Now these phrases and words do need some work. I guess I know what he is trying to say because of when he says them. They are like one giant word.

Clint finally got here last night! YAY! I missed seeing him so much. Clayton was very excited to see his daddy as well. The only thing that is hard is Clint seeing him after two weeks of not. He really has to catch up on everything the little guy has learned. The two have been pretty unseperable though, well, except when Clint was trying to wash the vehicles.

Clayton's Uncle Mason got here this evening. Clayton was a little shy at first, although he was telling him hi. Clayton then proceeded to follow him to the house, but Uncle Mason wasn't paying attention and shut the door behind him, leaving Clayton outside. Well, we were updating Mason on some things and Clayton started handing him a little radio thing and taking it back. This went on for like five minutes. We had to inform Uncle Mason that he needed to tell Clayton thank you when Clayton handed him the toy and your welcome when Clayton takes the toy back. We are really trying to teach him manners and it seems to be working as well.

One last thing. We are finally trying to get Clayton off the bottle. The only time he gets it is when he goes down for a nap. Well, we are starting to put an end to that, and it is working nicely. He normally takes about 15 minutes and falls asleep.

Tomorrow we have the Hounshell family reunion. This should be fun with Gary Wayne's daughters down there to play with him. They love him.

Want help? I hope not!!!

I am seriously disgusted! There was this show on the other day making fun of a website www.ashleymadison.com. Supposidly there was a billboard that said, "Life is short, have an affair" Well, I thought the website was just going to be some backward ideas or something stupid. Needless to say I forgot about it. Today I was checking on something in my myspace page and a friend posted a bulletin about it the webiste. She thinks its ridiculous, so I go check it out. It is a website about helping married people cheat on their spouse! This is wrong! What is this world coming too? Don't believe me go check it out!

You Have Got To Watch This!!!

I promise you will like this ladies!

Few New Things With The Short Stack

Today Clayton and I went to go visit his Great-Grandma and Great-Aunt MaryBeth. When we went to leave this afternoon, I was telling Clayton what kind of shoes I was putting on. Boots. I said it several times and he got it! Well, we get down to Cross Plains (after a BIG mess with soft chocolate chip cookies). I tried to put him down when we get to the house and he cries. He is not used to Grandma and MaryBeth yet. Well, after a bit of coaxing, he finally is used to them. We spent about an hour visiting. When we leave Clayton starts saying bye-bye (not too terribly new), but when we get out to the car (MaryBeth is carrying him) she tells him love you, and yes, HE SAYS IT BACK! Now, it doesn't come out like you and I say it but it's there! Its just all smooshed together. My little man is getting it out!

Here lately we have noticed Clayton, not repeating what we say, but repeating the tone of our voice. In the last 2 days or so, Clayton is getting good at starting to repeat words. This is absolutely wonderful.

I Just Want To Vent

Seriously, I am complaining here....I don't need sympathy at this point. I just wanted to write it down so maybe it will make me feel better. I miss my big baby!


Well, really more complaining than venting. I had to spend somewhere between 8-9 months without seeing Clint at all while we were dating, on top of the worriment of me having to deploy. This was bad because, well, we were dating. Just establishing a relationship and having to worry about if he was coming home to me alive. I know he was pretty safe where he was at, but still, those inmates where pretty bad. Anyways, then, I had to live 6.5 months without him except weekends because of going thru the academy. Now, somedays I didn't know which was harder; not seeing him at all or having to say goodbye every Sunday. Also, to make the academy harder, Clint and I were married and have Clayton. This makes it hard on the little guy to know that daddy is always going to be there. Right? So, I think after August 3rd everything is going to be great and we are finally go to be together for good. Nope! Trying to find a house in Crane is really hard. We have found a place to stay, but we are playing the waiting game here! Not being able to be with my husband full time is terrible. It is very hard on the baby, what with all the traveling and not being in one place for more than a week, with the exception of this Abilene trip. It is also very hard on Clint because he can't be with Clayton. He has hardly gotten to see his baby for the last what 9 months! With Clayton's age, this is valuable bonding time that both of them need. I understand that everyone goes through these hardships, but I feel like Clint and I were dealt the bottom of the deck with all of the seperations we have gone thru. I am really ready for this all to end. It is emotionally and physically draining. I miss Clint so much everyday it hurts! This is why I say I only want to do stuff if Clint can go. I want to spend as much time with my husband as possible. No, this is something that will probably never change. I just want to spend as much time with my husband as possible. Clint's job is one that requires for him looking for trouble. I love that he gets out there to help protect people, take drunks and druggies off the road, and slow down outrageous speeders. I just get scared during these times that I am not with him. Case in point, the Odessa shootings. I just want to spend time with Clint. I miss him terribly. Alright, I don't think I can say anything more that hasn't already been said. Told you I was just complaining. Thanks for listening.

Night, Night!

Well, tonite as I am about to put Clayton to bed Larry tells him "night, night". Which in turn the cutest thing happens. Clayton says "nigh, nigh" Yes! My little boy said night, night! Well, without the "t" on the end. It was too cute. I kept telling him that to see if that was what he was truly saying. He was! I love it! He is such a smart little boy. Also, earlier today I happened to notice Clayton is now trying to climb into his playpen, yes in. On the outside of the playpen Larry has is a mesh type pocket. In this pocket I have a flip flop (Clayton I think stuck in there) and a book or something. He figured out that if he stands on those he can start to climb. He has got some strong arms too. He would slip and still have a hold on the side, and no feet on the floor. Well, that was our eventful afternoon and evening. Hope you enjoyed.

LeAnn Rimes

Finished Week and Good News

Well, we spent about a week in Pecos as you all know. We had tons of fun. I got to see the Husky that Mason has. She is absolutely beautiful! If Mason wanted to keep her though he was going to have to get her fixed, and he didn't want to do that. I had told Clint about her (a week or two previous to this visit to Pecos) and he said that if the new landlord said it was ok, that we can get her. Well, the landlord said we could have her! I have a new dog! Her name is Cheyenne. I will have to get some pictures up of her soon.

Things are moving along smoothly with getting the rent house on their property. I am so excited. Can't wait to get out of our "hotel room" apartment. Hopefully by the time I leave Abilene and head back to Crane it will be ready. I will be here for about 2.5 weeks, and leaving after the Hounshell Reunion. All I can do is hope at this point in time. I am ready to be out of this 400 (guessing) sqft place!

Clayton is so happy that he is with his grandpa. Both of them are just so happy to be together. Clayton clings to him so much. It is too cute! I found out tonite that I made the Dean's List! YAY! Definatly gonna keep that up! I realized if I try I am good in school. If only I would have tried in high school. And last but not least, my best friend from high school had her second baby! She is a gorgeous little thing! I am so excited. I can't wait to meet her one day.

That is all for now. It has been a little over a week since I have last written, so everything in our exciting lives has not been included. More later!

Phew...

Well, it's my last night in Crane for about a week. :( I really wish I didn't have to go. I will be spending the next week in Pecos. Saturday I may go into Odessa for a trooper's wives get together. Who knows?! Can't wait to see Sharon and everyone, but I will miss my hunny.

Got to spend some time with Clint tonite by myself, OK, wait, I got to watch Clint sleep by myself tonite. On days that Clint and Joey (his partner) work past three in the afternoon I pick his and Andrea's kiddies up. So I was sitting over there talking with Andrea, the guys weren't home yet, and I get a call from Clint. I apparently locked him out of the house because he left his keys out for me to get the mail. Well, I am getting ready to leave and Andrea offers to watch Clayton for me. She normally does, but I don't take the offer because I don't want to, man whats the word, be a bother. Well, tonite I took it. I am actually glad I did and very grateful. I came home and cooked Clint supper while he took a nap in peace, than we at a nice quiet supper together. It was really nice to not have to clean up a huge mess of food, as a matter of fact, I didn't clean anything! I asked Clint to wash the dishes for me while I went back to Andrea's to get the baby, and he did! Such a sweetie. I sat over with Joey and Andrea for a bit, talked about Home Interiors magazine and than came home. It also has been raining for quite awhile this evening. Thank goodness. This part of the country needs all the rain it can stand. Clayton enjoyed watching it while he was on the porch before we left. He seemed like he was either talking to the rain or maybe to the passing cars, who knows.

Now we are just working on getting that little boy to sleep. He has not been sleeping well since we all have to sleep in the same room for another month (or at least when I am here). That was my exciting day though! Night ya'll!

The Temperature Goes Up

Well, most of you already know that I was at Tanya's the other day, so there is no need to elaborate on that day. We had tons of fun! Can't believe how much Clayton liked the trampoline (of course after I got up there).



Well, not to much went on this past Friday. Just spent time around the house. Clayton got these little hot wheels type cars and runs them all over the place making car sounds. It is the cutest thing you ever saw! We also did go into Odessa to look at a manufactured home that we are possibly going to rent, more than likely now, but we weren't sure at that point in time.

Saturday rolls around and that morning we were meeting with the gentleman who would be renting to us at 11. I roll around and pick up Andrea (partner's wife) and head over to the house. I meet up with Clint who is already over there, and we all start to go thru the house. Let me tell ya'll this could have been a nice house! Of course, this would have only been with the repairs that I thought needed to be done. Ya know, tub replaced, panelling stuck around the jacuzzi, painting the outside, and some repair work in the kitchen. Really it wasn't anything all that big, until the rental property guy shows up. We then go on to add some more things to the repair list, the roof will need to be replaced, they found asbestos tiling on the back outside wall, more kitchen work than I thought, not just that tub would have to be replaced the whole bathroom would have to be torn out, and some other things. In all it would add up to 15,000-20,000 dollars. YEAH RIGHT! So we are just going to be renting the manufactured home. It has really grown on me and I am wanting to be out there pretty bad. I may prolly be able to have pets, finally! Clint is supposed to call and ask. If that is the case, I will get my bird from Sharon, maybe the pony, and maybe a Siberian Husky Mason rescued. Also, I will get to have my gardens and flowerbeds.

After we get finished with the house and talking with that gentleman, we go to Joey and Andrea's. We were over there from like 1230 till 8 or so that night. Had a great time, we bbqed and just had a good time. Joey's parents were there visiting before they left for Del Rio. Clayton had a blast out there. The kids love playing with him. Well, we finally leave and I come home and hand in my homework.

Sunday comes and Clayton wakes up. I go to do something in the kitchen while Clint gets the munchkin out of the crib. Clayton was burning up! We didn't have a thermometor, we didn't figure it was that bad at first, until Clayton wasn't really himself. Clint goes to the store and gets a thermometer and we take his temp. The boys fever was above 102! We immediatly give him a bath, feed him some soup, and give him some tylenol. Nothing worked all that great. For a better part of the day we cuddle with him trying to keep him happy. His fever slowly does break. It began bouncing back and forth between 100.8-101.8. Well, Larry was on his way out to El Paso that day and we had already planned to go visit with him for a bit. We get out there and Clayton was happy to see his grandpa, he clutched onto him the whole time. As we are getting ready to go, Larry tries to hand him off and he just didn't want to let go. It's really the most heartbreaking thing to see! When Larry finally gets him in the car the tears really started to pour. He didn't wanna see his grandpa go! So sad!! We at this time still have the fever. We end up calling the E.R. who tells us to put him in a bath of luke warm water for 30-40 minutes. It worked! Didn't realize we had to do that for that long. So now Clayton's temperature is finally gone. What a stressfull day!

Oh and....

Kelsey or Tanya how do I add people so I can just click on their blog page? Maybe I can figure this out. I will update if I figure it out.

Homecoming in Crane

This weekend is our homecoming weekend. Well, at 4:30 was the parade. Clayton loved it, he enjoyed watching the all the floats go by, especially those with lights and noise. Than the game began around 7:30. We sat outside our apartment with the apartment owner for about an hour and a half before we left (started at 6:30). She was protecting the tenants parking spots. Clayton had a ball running around the parking lot. OH! Speaking of. While we were standing outside I noticed Clayton got a little stinky, well I took him in to change him. I turned my back for a minute and he had the iced tea pitcher in his hands and tea all over the floor. While I was trying to get it cleaned up he continued to play in it, slipped and busted his face! Man, did I feel terrible! I got him cleaned up, changed and stuck him in the playpen so I could continue to clean uninterrupted. Got that done and continued to play outside. Around 8 I went over to the football game with Clint's partner's wife, Andrea. Her daughter had a blast with Clayton, which was nice, because I didn't have to chase the monster around. She did so well with him. Crane won the football game, I believe 27-14. I think don't quote me on that! YAY! I also got picked on because I was wearing a purple shirt, I don't own one! Rather I, not knowing, wore red and that is Iraan's colors. Oops! Oh well! I will be buying a Crane t-shirt tomorrow I suppose. So now finally about 3 hours after Clayton's bed time I get him down. That poor boy is pooped! Passed right out.

Tomorrow, to continue with homecoming, Elmer Kelton will be here. He is my favorite author! I am definatly going to get a book signed. YAY! I will let all know how that turns out. Ok need to go work on school work now...ugh.

Love All,
Dashielle

Been Too Long

Well, it has been awhile since I have been on here. Things have been so hectic with living in three different places! Clint is living in an apartment here in Crane. Since the apartment is so small and liability issues, Clayton and I cannot live here full time. Well, since we cannot live here full time I am bouncing back and forth between Sharon and Larry. It is a frustrating living situation, but we have just gotten a wonderful offer. While Clint and I were out driving to Odessa one day we came across a for rent sign about 10-15 miles outside of town. We didn't turn anything up, but later found out from the Chief of Police that the place was already rented out, so the search continued. Well, today we found out the place may have been open again, yes quickly, and Clint got the phone number to the owner to give him a call. Come to find out the place was already rented out again. The gentleman told Clint that if our search still proved to be fruitless that he was going to be putting a double wide on another piece of property he has which will take about 45-60 days. Also, he said that if we found a house in town in the meantime, and it of course is reasonable, that he will buy it and rent it to us with the option to buy at the end of contract. As of right now we don't know if he would put the rent towards buying the house. Clint wants to sit down with him and discuss these options. So tomorrow, I will begin calling again for a list of houses for sale, which I could probably count on one hand anyways! We shall see.

Clayton is doing wonderful. We found out on Sunday at lunch he has a molar coming in! Sharon, Bev, and I were at lunch in DQ when Sharon noticed this. We had to look like a bunch of fools! We were sitting right in the middle of the restaurant and Sharon and I were having a fit over it. Didn't expect those to come in so soon! He also got his second hair cut this morning. Clint decided to whack it all off. Now he looks even more like his daddy. Other than that nothing new is going on with him. Same walking, talking, rambuncious little boy. Oh and he is learning the meaning of please and thank you which greatly pleases me!

Clint started his job with DPS at the end of August. So far he is loving it. His partner seems to be a great guy and it's a shame he is transferring. From what I can tell he is teaching Clint quite well. We went to the volleyball game the other night because they were acknowledging local law enforcement and military for 9/11. Clint's partner and his wife were there along with their children. Wonderful people. Anyways, Clint's first test is coming up, I will update and let you know how that is going.

As for me, nothing new. I am doing pretty good with my school work. So far I have a 97 in my class. This is only my second class, but I am still feeling pretty confident that I can do well. Starting in October I take two classes at a time. That ought to be fun.

I am going to try to be better with this blog thing and hopefully update at least every other day. We shall see how that works out. OH! Elmer Kelton will be here this weekend, so I am pretty excited. Gonna get a book signed. I am such a dork, but I LOVE his books. This weekend is our homecoming weekend. Ought to be a busy weekend for us all. Here are some pictures...Enjoy! If anyone wants some of these down below with Clint in his uniform let me know and I can email them to you.

Anniversary Night

Today was Clint and I's second wedding anniversay. It started out by him going out to work with his dad and picking up their old GMC. When he got home he brought in the most beautiful bouquet of flowers. White roses with pink tips and purple daisies. It was gorgeous and smelled so good! I loved it. Later tonite we went to Olive Garden for supper. It was a really nice supper together, baby free! Larry watched the baby for us, which was wonderful. Now I know it wasn't much but with trying to move across the state its hard. We spent half the day getting stuff together just to leave for Crane tomorrow. It was wonderful just being with Clint and having him get me flowers, especially since my favorite flowers are daisies.

After supper we went out to check out all of the damage from the tropical storm that hit the Texas coast. Yes Abilene and surronding areas got hit and it wasn't pretty. There is still a lot of flooding (or whatever is left from the flooding). The creeks around the area are up like 3-5 feet, the ponds are completely filled and actually two-three times the size since they overfilled. One of the roads that leads from Buffalo Gap area to Tuscola is under water in at least one of the parts of it. The lake is up incredibly high and all the barditches are like little streams! It's amazing what water can do! Anyways, tomorrow we leave for Crane to get pretty much everything out there except clothes and food, then head to Amarillo to get our new fridge, microwave, and toaster oven.

My First Blog

According to Tanya, this is something I need to get set up...so here I am! We almost have Clint moved into his apartment, we just have a few more small things to go. I wish that I could stay with him the whole time, but because of liability and the lack of room for Clayton to play we cannot stay there for more than a week at a time. Well, here we go, I am going to continue to bounce around! I am so ready to just be settled into one place. I know it will come, I am just ready for it to be here now! On to more things, I am going back to college to get my associates degree in business. I just finished my first class, on to the next. For those who don't know Clayton is just a rambunctious little thing. He is so full of energy, literally running around the house. He gets into everything! He can turn off and on a t.v., put keys in locks, he is talking up a storm. Just so much going on. Sorry if this is bouncy, this being my first blog, I am trying to get everything in at once. My next blog won't be like this, I hope! Talk to everyone later!