Monday

We had a wonderful Martin Luther King Jr day. We went to an Army Recreation Center. About 45 minutes from home. We went with the Muller's and Hardman's. We had a blast checking out the cabins and trailers, getting ready for this summer. I want to camp in the cabins. They are so nice. It was a super cold day. BURRRRR you can see we are all bundled up.... If only chandler would keep his hat on. GRRR The kids had a wonderful time playing with all the sea shells and throwing rocks into the lake especially Jeremy. It was a little muddy so everyone had to take their shoes off before we went home. We had the Muller's and Hardman's over for FHE and then we play City and Knights. What a fun evening.
First row:
Isaiah, Brooklyn, Kayden, Sydney, Kayla,Michael, Samuel, Josh & Gracie in his arms
Second row
Jeremy, Tina Ashley with Chandler, and Stephan. Slywia was taking the picture.


Daddy helping chandler find the perfect "Rock" to skip How cute r my boys?











Here is Daddy & Brooklyn looking for sea shells. Brooklyn still has all her sea shells. She came home and put them in a bottle of water.

Love my kids

I just wanted to share with everyone my love for my children. I wake up every morning to three beautiful children. There isn't a day that goes by that I do not thank my Heavenly Father for these wonderful blessings. I love each and everyone. When I had Kayden I never knew my heart could love another human being as much as I love him. Then when I had Brooklyn I didn't know how I was going to love her as much as I love Kayden but my heart grew so much when my little princess Brooklyn was born. I had my boy on one knee and my little girl on the other I thought I was in heaven. Then I became pregnant with Chandler I was like how is my Lap going to hold three beautiful miracles Some how my lap grew and I am able to hold all three of my children in my lap. I love my wonderful children so much they are so very special. I want to dedicate these next couple paragraphs to each of my miracles.

Kayden is my biggest helper ever. He is really so sweet all he wants to do is just make us happy. We catch him all the time doing nice things for all of us. Kayden is so dang smart. (He knows it too) Giggles. Kayden use to think I hung the moon and the stars and the sun. He now tells me "Mom you don't know everything." It's amazing what a couple years does to a "8" year old boy. He has a couple times told me how to do several things like yesterday he proceeds to tell me how to shower:) Hello Like I haven't showered for 30 years. Giggles. Kayden is so excited about Scouts. He loves this program I think he really enjoys the new friends and activities. Kayden has such an awesome heart. He is always concerned about everyone. Kayden has such a love for the Lord. I learn so much from my son. The other day at school Kayden's teacher called to tell me what Kayden was doing. They have had a couple new students that moved in and Kayden befriended all of them. Not just saying hi to the point he was giving them his earned snow balls so they had some. He was doing so much his teacher noticed and called me. I told Kayden his teacher called and told me all the wonderful things he was doing and how it was helping these students so much. Kayden said "Mom the Holy Ghost told me to do it." :-Aweee how sweet is that. Kayden was so excited to bear his testimony in church two weeks ago. He couldn't wait to get up. He was like the third person to bear their testimony. His Spirit is so strong, I was crying the whole time. It's amazing to me that Kayden chose to be baptized and is making great decisions. His prayers are longer than Jer's and mine. Now I don't know if that is a good thing or bad? Does that mean that Jeremy and I are not praying for all the things we need to? Your children really are your example. My Kayden helps me stay strong and definitely on my toes. We are all reading the Book of Mormon together we have a family tree, Jer and I have our individual trees, Kayden said he wanted his own tree because he wanted to read the Book of Mormon by himself. It's hard to see them grow up... Kayden is way too fun. He is really into games. I have no idea where he got his love for games. Giggles. He is getting old enough that he can start to play some of the more complicated games. It's fun we have special time with Kayden after we put Brooklyn and Chandler down for bed. Kayden is such a blessing and I really love watching the world open through his eyes. I love you Kayden

Miss Brooklyn is my sweet 5 year old. First of all how on earth is she 5 already? I really can't believe it. Brooklyn is my Drama Queen for sure. She is definitely the Princess in our home. Brooklyn amazes me with all that she does. She is not so into cleaning or organizing. (much to my dismay) But she loves to go shopping with me, putting on makeup, lets not forget about painting our nail she loves to help me cook. Every now and then Brooklyn will surprise me and actually clean her room without being asked. It's a "Big Deal" Brooklyn loves anything to do with Art and Animals. She is so into animals She even brings her favorite animal for the day down stairs for Scripture study and her and her animal has to take a turn reading. So funny. Hey whatever makes her excited to read the Book of Mormon. Right? She asks me everyday if she could have a cat. The answer is always the same NO but she keeps trying. :) Jer and I tell her when she grows up and has her own house she can have whatever animal she wants. She also wants a horse cuz a military family can so have one of those in their back yard. Giggles. Brooklyn loves to care for any animals. Brooklyn loves Cesar so much she packs him on her hip and then pushes him around. She kisses and wraps him up in a blanket. (Cesar is such a good dog) Brooklyn loves to do her home work I never have to fight with her. In fact today she just pulled out a paper and started writing her alphabet. How cool is that? Brooklyn is so creative. She makes up her own songs. She goes around the house singing them. It's so cute. She makes so many pictures we have to give half of them away. My fridge and her room are filled with her beautiful artwork. She never tires from coloring cutting painting you name it she loves it. Pretty soon she will be scrapbooking with me. Can't wait. My little girl is so special I love her so much. She never tires from snuggling us. She loves to hang with her daddy. Her daddy hung the moon stars and sun just for her. Boy oh boy does she have him wrapped around her finger. It's fun to watch them together. My love grows so much for both of them. Jer is such a wonderful dad and to see the relationship they have together reminds me of my relationship with my father. Got to love those dads. Brooklyn you are my special sweet Girl I love your independence and strong will. You are amazing and the world needs to brace itself when you grow up and accomplish all the wonderful things you will do with your wonderful personality and determination. I love you so very much.

Chandler is my perfect boy. He doesn't do anything wrong. I think that stands true for any "Baby" Right? Chandler gets away with so much because he is the last. He is so spoiled not just by Mom and Dad but by Kayden and Brooklyn too! Chandler is such a joy to be around. He is a clean freak. Oh my gosh how can a 2 year old know I put away his tools wrong? I was cleaning up the playroom and I put away his tools I guess I put the hammer and the screwdriver in the wrong spot. No my two year old did not go and switch them. Oh boy!!! Chandler makes his own bed. He is so awesome. He has such a fun personality. He is so fun. I get compliments all the time at what a good boy he is. He is by far my quietest child. not that he is shy he is just quiet. He can be loud if he gets hurt or offended. it's so funny he is at that stage where you can understand 80% of what he says but one thing you can understand free and clear is who hurt or offended him. Then he will "yell" Be nice and the persons name. We have put a couple toys in the corner because they have hurt him. Chandler loves Band aids (who ever invented these are going straight to heaven.) Band aids fix everything. Chandler loves to snuggle he is my snugly little boy he still lets me cradle him. I love it. I hope he never gives this up. I know he will but I am going to love it as long as he will let me. Chandler is so funny he has to suck his thumb and play with his or my hair. He is by far my best sleeper. Chandler loves to sleep and goes right to bed. Even if we do not put him to bed and he is tired he will go up to his bed and go to sleep. Chandler loves cheese and popcorn. I think he could eat them all day long. okay I know he could. Chandler I love you so very much I am so blessed to have you as my last child. What a blessing you are. Our family would not be complete without you. You are my baby and you always will be. I can't wait to continue to watch you grow and see your personality form and see all the great and wonderful things you will do in your life. Keep close to your Savior Chandler he will help you in all that you do. Make him your friend. Talk to him often. I love you so very much.

Well now that I have pored out my heart and soul to all of you. I hope I have encouraged you to want to tell you kids how much you love them and thank Heavenly Father for trusting these beautiful spirits in your hands. I love the Lord so much for blessing my life with our three wonderful beautiful children. I hope you all have a wonderful day...

Love to all

Bastians.

Christmas eve w/friends

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. We were able to spend Christmas with some wonderful friends. We spent Christmas eve and Christmas morning with the Pyne's the Patterson's came Christmas eve for dinner and games. We had a wonderful time Christmas eve doing all our traditions. Jeremy made his homemade lasagna yummy Stephani made some yummy Parmesan garlic bread I know we had more I just can't remember. I made a birthday cake for Jesus and we sang Happy B-day to him and each of the kids got to blow out a candle. We had Root beer floats with our cake. YUMMY!! I however forgot to put the card in my camera and I have super cute pics but I don't know how to get them off my camera because it was not on the memory disk. GRRRR so here are some pics that Stephanie took and e-mailed them to me. The kids had a blast hanging bells on the tree. We all enjoyed reading the Christmas story by the Christmas lights. Erik knows how to play the piano so we actually got to sing our carols with a piano not accapella. that made it really nice. The kids loved to sing. Especially The Pynes. You can tell they are all about the music. It was so nice. Erik even played my Mary's Lulliby. We all went home and got some rest. We woke up and everyone had their own Christmas then about 9:45am we hooked up at the Pyne's for a nice Breakfast. Stephanie and Erik make yummy eggs for the kids and adults.and sausage I made cinnamon rolls. My recipe was so huge that it made 7 pans. But they were soooo good. I woke up at 5am to make them I was done at 9:45am we were suppose to meet the pynes at 9am but my Cinnamon rolls were still cooking. I still cooked two pans at their house. When I make them for Christmas I will make the dough the night before and then just roll and cook them Christmas morning. We played with the pyne's for a little but had to come home cuz we were cooking dinner. At about 5pm the Patterson's showed up with all their goodies, followed by the pyne's we sat and ate a very nice dinner filled with Ham, salad, homemade rolls, funeral potato's, and green beans. We also had like 4-5 pies. Yummy! We had a wonderful evening playing games with our families. We even got to play Settlers of Caton. (Our new favorite game) We have such wonderful friends we almost didn't realize we weren't with our family. (Although we missed them) We laughed so much. I am so thankful for wonderful friends and for the love they show our family. You guys are awesome. I know our families are so thankful for you too!!!

Erik, Jordon, Elizabeth, Stephanie and Carly Pyne

Ben, Ian, Emma, Naomi Patterson

Chandler opening his Santa gift. Oh boy what is it?
Geo Trax. Chandler got the Geo Trax Grand Central
Station and the Fire station Several trains and tracks.

Look at his face. I guess he didn't know the train would go
down the track. He thought that was the funnest thing ever.
I love this face.

Brooklyn, Mom, and Chandler having fun with our
trains. Chanlder was the Yellow one, Brooklyn was the fire truck
and I was the Green snowplow. We had so much fun playing.

Daddy was the Blue train, chandler still the yellow train,
Brooklyn the Fire train and kayden was the Yellow truck
Everyone has so much fun playing Geo Trax together.

Kayden opening his Santa gift. is it what I asked for?
I'm almost there.

Awee I love me new Spy Car. Kayden is thinking
Up ways to sneak up on his family. it's a remote control
car with a camera. Oh boy Kayden!

Kayden is at the Pyne's spying where ever the car goes.
He loves this car. he plays with it all the time. How cute is
his crinkled face? Don't you know you can see better with it crinkled?

Brooklyn is opening her Santa gift. She is so
Cute in her Tinker Bell Pj's

it's what I wished For my very own Puppy that Grows
Check out that smile. Brooklyn was so happy!

Look you get to measure and feed and comb the puppy!
Lots of fun things to do with my new puppy

This year for Christmas eve Grandma & Grandpa Bastian & Smith gave the whole family new PJ's and slippers. They were a huge hit. Got to love those grandparents! Jermey was so nice to let us match. Giggles. Look at his face. He is like do I have to??? My husband doesn't really care to match but he does it because he loves me. He would be happy if we just wore the same color. Thanks Babe. The color theme this year was "Blue" Jer wanted green but I couldn't find green for everyone. So he changed it to blue. I had so much fun looking for our pj's. I think Jer was okay with the selection. If you have to match why not match in Snowmen. Giggles. Take a look at Jer's slippers. He chose them. They are Donkey off Shrek. Cute hu? his feet go into Donkey's mouth. they look so cute. Unfortantly they are super hot... His feet cook inside. giggles. I love this tradition.

Here is Kayden in his Piarate of the Carribian pj's
and his Spider man Slippers.

Princess Brooklyn in her Tinker Bell Pj's
And her Brat blue slippers.

Chandler still loves "Cars" so for the second year
He got "Cars" Pj's but the biggest hit of all
were his Sponge Bob Square Pants Slippers.
he loves them. We had a hard time taking them off.
So fun!!!!

Brooklyn's Christmas Program

The kids sang Santa Clause is coming to
town. And guess who walked in the door you got it the one and
only "Santa Clause". The kids were so happy. They each got to hug him
and then sit on his lap Brooklyn still wants a Puppy that grows in 4 days.

Brooklyn was the "Star" at her Christmas Program
She was so cute. She sang and danced.AWWEE
wishing I had a video camera I could have shown you.
Hummm maybe I will ask Santa next year.

Chandler was so excited he got to sit with Brooklyn
he enjoyed being big and hanging with Brooklyn's
Pre-K Class. They are so cute...

I love my kiddos.

Lights of the South

We had a wonderful time with Sterling, Staci, James, Daniel, and Sophia Packer we went to see "The Lights of the South" in Grovetown GA. It was so much fun the kids enjoyed eating at Mrs. Clause Kitchen. (Only Mrs.Clause must have been on vacation cuz it wasn't very good.) After dinner the kids each took turns sitting on Santa's lap the list goes as follows:
Daniel wants some Pirates
James wants a 4 Wheeler
Kayden wants A spy gear car
Brooklyn wants a puppy that grows to be a dog in just four days. It also says her name. Oh boy!
Chandler wants Geo Trax (they are cars of course) I tell you what Santa's elves are really getting technical. The spy car Kayden wants is a Remote Control Car with a camera and you see what the car see's. Oh boy!!!! And what do you think about James wanting a 4 wheeler. These Elf's sure are busy.
The kids loved hanging with Santa. They really enjoyed the treat Santa gave them. After visiting Santa we took a hay ride around the grounds to see all kinds of lights. We saw lots of different animals, characters, movies,land of trees, and of course Santa's workshop. it was so cool. Some of our pictures didn't turn out. GRRR My friend Staci gave me her pics so between the two of us we go enough pics to scrapbook. yeah! thanks Staci.
The next picture is The Packer's Daniel, Staci, James, Sterling, and Sophia. What a cute Family. We love the Packer's. The last picture is the Bastianclan on our hayride. You can tell from the smiles on our faces how much we all loved the lights of the south

Here are the Cute Packer's

All bundled up. Keeping warm together.

Here is Sterling rosting Smore's with his boys. What a fun dad to help his boys....

We walked back up to Santa's Workshop. Chandler & Daniel had the best seats in the house. I think Jer & Sterling had a great time too!!!Here we are keeping warm and roasting smore's. We finished the night up and went home and had yummy Hot Coco. what a fun evening. Happy Holidays

Kayden's Look

I have a funny story to tell you, we have a tradition in my family that every night we go around the table and ask what three nice things were about our days. It was Kayden's turn he had finished his three nice things but then he proceeds to tell me something embarrassing that happened at his school. One of Kayden's friends mom came into class she kissed her son Brian in class where everyone saw and Brian was so embarrassed. my son laughed and laughed then told me how glad he was that I didn't do that. HELLO what happened to being able to kiss your son? I mean come on what happened to Mom's kisses fix everything. Kayden was laughing when he told me the story cuz his friend was so embarrassed. Kayden was like he was so embarrassed mom. Oh boy!!!! I guess it's kisses at home and in the car for Kayden How sad is that?... Who ever said they can grow up and not need their mom's kisses? I can't believe how fast they want to grow up. Kayden also asked when he got his own Cell Phone. Hello like an 8 year old needs a Cell phone. Giggles. I was like you have to be a teenager before you get a cell phone. He was like mom that is so unfair. When did you get your first cell phone. I was like UMMM yeah that is a great idea kayden you can have a cell phone the same age I did. I got my first Cell Phone when I was 23... Kayden was like no no no I will take one when i am a teenager. Kayden so wants to drive. Hello he is 8. Aweee why does he want to grow up so fast? I defiantly am not ready for a teenager!!! I just wanted to share this funny story with everyone.

Happy Thanksgiving

When we had dinner the other day I asked the kids what they were thankful for Kayden said Family, Food, Water, a house to live in, friends,and air to breath. Brooklyn said Friends, Family, our home, Animals, and ceaser. Jeremy is thankful for his Family, The Gospel, his beautiful wonderful wife, Friends,and for his Job. some things I (Tina) am thankful for, The wonderful Gospel and the joy it brings into my life, I am thankful for my Eternal Companion and for all the service he gives to me, I love him so very much. My awesome Children kayden, Brooklyn, and Chandler who amaze , and bring joy to my life everyday, and for my friends. I am greatful for the Army and where we are because of the Army.

We had a wonderful Thankgsgiving. We had the opportunity to host two other families and the missionaries. We had a great time cooking, laughing, cleaning and playing games. I made my very first turkey. I must say it turned out okay. I thought it was a little dry. (Everyone said it was yummy) My friend Stacy had the men cook a huge pot of potatoes. They peeled 10lbs of huge potatoes. We could have served an army with those potatoes. It was so funny. We had so much food that everyone was able to take home leftovers. I am so very grateful for wonderful friends that fill the void of our missing families. I just wanted to say how thankful I am for my friends. I am so excited where ever the Army sends us we are able to make such wonderful friends... Friday Morning My friend Stephanie and I got up at 3:30am to start our adventurous Our first stop was Toy R Us we stood outside in the freezing cold for about and hour until they opened. We really made out like bandits. We hit 5 stores before 8:00am We were on fire. We got all our treasures. The only thing we really missed out on were the Character PJ's at Walmart for $5.00. We finished the day with lunch at Panera Bread and went to see the movie "August Rush". We got home about 3:30pm 12 hours later. Talk about shopping until we dropped. We had a wonderful time. We hope you all had a wonderful thanksgiving.