TJ, Britney,Takoa & Kiele

!!!DADDY'S HOME!!!!

2010-03-05T01:32:00.001-08:00

After along wait TJ is home!!! We were lucky and he got to come home on one of the first flights!! He got home January 13th!! We were up REALLY early to get there on time just to sit and wait and wait. Takoa was just ready for daddy to be here already. Takoa helped make the sign and we made one for the house that I didn't get a pic of that the kids both colored it was so cute. We had balloons all over the house and takoa picked out a mickey mouse balloon to take with us to see daddy cause he knew when daddy got home we get to go to Disneyland!! Takoa was in the post paper holding his sign that made his day when he saw that! When takoa saw tj he just started to laugh...makes me cry...he was so happy to see his daddy!! Kiele was to she wasn't sure she wanted him to hold her but that wore off in about ten mins. We had to wait for a little speach thank goodness it was only five mins. when they said we could go it was a mad dash to daddy Takoa and Kiele were trying so hard to get to daddy as fast as they could. Kiele's legs just don't move as fast as Takoa's. So cute to see them running together! We are so glad the our daddy is home and glad he is home safe!! thanks to everyone for your support and paryers this last year!

our christmas

2010-03-05T00:58:00.000-08:00

Here is our christmas!! We had a great christmas. Just bitter sweet we just wish daddy was home.. We did lots of baking made gingerbread houses and gingerbread men and carmels. Had lots of fun helping. Takoa was so excited for santa to come he had his list ready!! The kids got lots of toys to share! As you can see Kiele loves babies she is so cute with them! Takoa is in a band the "Rockin' out kids" along with kiele and sometimes me! we have had lots of fun with the drums! (got a great deal on them!! $10 at walmart!!) they don't look to happy in the pic with the kitchen but that was the one thing they both wanted takoa had asked for one and our friends have one that they love to play with so they really do like theirs. Takoa also got some transformers...they are very complicated I don't get them out very often it takes to long to change them back. Takoa wants them changed every five mins. I call them daddy toys! I love the pics I took of the kids buy our tree. they just grow way to fast. Our really exspensive real tree but worth it. I was so fun to take the kids and let them pick one out. Decorating was fun to kiele just took them on and off I think all month! more updates to come

4 Years old!!!

2009-10-28T01:48:00.001-07:00

TAKOA IS 4!!!Takoa and his new bike we live on a huge hill so he can't really ride it but in our drive way right now. We can go to the top of the hill and then he can ride better!

He LOVES BYU for those of you that know my family and my parents we say Takoa is more of a fan than my dad! He is a true cougar fan!! Koa bleeds blue!

I have never seen kids not go crazy... they all just picked the candy and toys they wanted I was putting handfulls into their bags!

(not the best pic oh well) Takoa and Mommy

the cake!! BOLT

Takoa had a great Birthday!!! I can't believe my "little guy" is 4! We ate dinner mac and cheese homemade, (takoas request) also had stake, chicken, fish, salads, jello gigglers a lot of food... To finish off with cake and icecream!! Takoa couldn't decide what theme to have for his birthday so it was a mix. He loves bolt and also Transformers so we did both and he loved it. We had a pinata full of tons of candy and little toys!! I was glad we were home so he could have his Grandparents there and cousins at least some of them. When we got back to Alaska Takoa got to pick out his new bike!! He was so happy to get one transformers it was!! I has been able to ride it a little and he is doing really good! He is growing so much and says the funniest things I love it! I wish he could stay little. He loves to dance (hip-hop dance as he says) play with his sister, talk to daddy on skype, he is great at tae kwon do, ride his bike, be a big helper!! love you Takoa

UTAH

2009-10-21T09:32:00.001-07:00

Well we made it back to Alaska!! Last month I was really in need of family so I took a military flight to Boise (that was closest I could get) and had my sister come pick me up! Military flights are great they are FREE....they are just REALLY loud and it's stand by. It was nice cause TJ is deployed I was in a higher category. The kids loved it they got to walk around Takoa went up on deck to see how they fly and on the way home the last flight there was a hammock and takoa went up and got to wear a headset and talk to the pilot. He told me he got to fly!! I was in Utah a little over 3 weeks. We then got to Washington planning on staying until we got a flight 10 days later and some tears we made it home I was so ready and couldn't handle it anymore! I missed one flight cause they changed the time and then they weren't going to let me fly cause my paper work didn't have all the info they wanted it to have ( the same paperwork I got there with)! We didn't have to stay in a hotel we have great friends that we stayed with that didn't want us to go. I was an experience but I would do it again...it saves us a ton of $$$ Why didn't we do this before? We had loads of fun spending time with family and friends! I was so excited to see some friends I hadn't seen for years thanks Heather for taking the time to see us Takoa had so much fun and can't wait to play again. It was sure great to catch up with you! Takoa was decked out for 3 of the BYU games he got to go to! As soon as we would leave the game he would ask when the next one was. I think he is more of a BYU fan than my dad its so funny. We only wish we were going to be there this weekend for ESPN game day. He told me he would be screaming so loud! We also had Takoa's birthday! I will post more on that! we went to the zoo saw the baby elephant! We went to lagoon! All in all we had a great get away!!!

YES...we are still alive!

2009-09-05T22:33:00.000-07:00

Well I haven't had a computer since march and have just been using whatever one i can so I finally went and bought one!! Here is some of what has been going on...

SPORTS CRAZY!! Takoa takes after his dad in wanting to play every sport out there... he loves them all and is very good at all! He is getting so BIG! he will turn 4 soon! he makes the funniest faces is a great helper and will start preschool next week!! He can't wait. Koa loves to play at the park! There is a park about a mile from our house we walk there about 3 times a week at least. Takoa loves it

KIELE'S B-DAY!! Our baby is 1!!!

Kiele is getting so big!? well maybe not big considering she only is 17 lbs in the less than 3%. Her and takoa are opposite on that he was a HUGE baby! She is a fun little girl she started walking at 10 months she loves to play with her bother and talk to daddy on the phone ...she carries it with her all day! Sweet girl with an attitude!

kisses for her baby

she loves ice cream I did put it in a cone I just thought this was cute

R&R TJ was home for about 2 weeks in august!!! It was SO nice to have him home!! We had a blast with him kept busy and just relaxed too!

We have many more...My family came out this summer that was great! It has been so much fun to get to explore Alaska! It is so beautiful here!! I will post more pics soon!!

!!!CRAZY!!

2009-03-31T23:53:00.000-07:00

So life has been a little crazy to say the least! Adjusting to TJ being gone, being in a new place and also buying a house our last 2 months have been exciting, fun, sad, and stressful. We are so happy to have bought a house!!! Our first! We weren't planning on it but the cost of living is crazy here so it just worked out for us. I will post some pics when I get a new camera and computer! TJ took both with him! Trying to unpack and put together a house with 2 kids and no one else to help has been not so much fun. We closed on the house 3 days before TJ left and we got our things last week. So I have my work cut out for me! It has been hard for all of us adjusting to TJ being gone he will be gone for a year deployment. We get to talk on the phone and e-mail so that has helped! If anyone would like to send care packages I can email you his address just let me know! So far so good here in Alaska! We are ready for spring/summer to get here so we can play outside, but it just wont stop snowing!
Kiele is getting so big she is crawling and now pulling herself up against things...she is to little I want her to stay a baby. Kids grow to fast! Takoa is also getting big all the pants we got him for Christmas he is to big for!! So much for buying them big so they would fit longer! Everyday he is doing or saying things that just make me laugh. I love the things he comes up with!! I will be getting so new pics up soon!!! love you and miss you all!!

Takoa

2009-02-24T11:00:00.000-08:00

Takoa is such a funny little guy and so smart!! some of the funny things he says

In the car driving he says he wants mommy to get a hockey stick so we can play together. he tells me ...mom you have to be good so I can buy it for you...tj asked him if he has money he tells tj..I will just use your wallet!

He loves to play hockey with his new stuff daddy bought for him! We are in a apt right now so there isn't much room to play but he finds it. Takoa is running all over then I see him stop and start singing I was listening try not to laugh. First was the Canada anthem? then he put his had over his heart to sing our National Anthem. It was so funny he got some of the word right...plus his own..."I am going to play hockey I love hockey." to the tune

Takoa wants to got to school so bad we going to start him in pre-school next month but here is what he tells us. "my teacher is going to be mad if I don't do my homework."... " I have to go get on that school bus" "mom help me with my homework" " I will do my homework first then I can play"

Getting ready to go anywhere he tells me while I'm doing my makeup...mom we are leaving in 5 mins you have to hurry we are going to be late..I think he has heard his dad one to many times

he will get the stuffed animals we have here his "friends" and play with them with and sissy. She loves it they all lay on the floor for "nap time" says takoa

tells me mom we can't cry when daddy leaves it will be ok...he is going to keep having to tell me that

driving in the car he said daddy we need to go to the airport. we asked him why he said I'm going to see Grandma, Papa, Trent and Donny all by myself!!

tells me daddy is going to have a sword like Jack Sparrow when he helps at the war

going to ihop he knows what daddy is going to get and is telling us on the way what everyone is getting he tells daddy you like the butterhopscotch pancakes=butterscotch rocks pancakes!!

tells kiele "I love you sissy don't cry" he is such a big helper

I'm sure there are many more I have forgot and many more to come. We love our kids and the joy they bring to our life!!!

HAPPY V-DAY

2009-02-15T12:34:00.000-08:00

We started the day going to the Alaska Zoo. It was lot of fun we weren't there long but we able to see lot of different animals. It was very cold... We went and ate at IHOP!!! TJ surprised us with tickets to the hockey game!! It was tons of fun they won!!! some of pics from the day. my love!!

takoa loves to play hockey...in the house!! We took him ice skating last week for the first time he did really good once he got the hang of it.

TJ was wanting to leave to the game you know we have to be there on time!!

I was trying to act mad like was in the other pic!! Don't think it really worked

takoa and boomer

6 months old

mommy and kiele oh and a new hair cut!!!

the boys at the game!

the family kiele all bundled up tj never wears a coat he is crazy. He did have the blanket around him

!!!SALE!!!

2009-02-11T14:19:00.000-08:00

I have been selling cookie lee jewelry for almost 2 years I just haven't been that into it if any one is interested I am going to place an order for Cookie Lee Jewelry... you can check out the catalog online at www.cookielee.com
From the home page click view the catalog, then on the next page click on the catalog you will see it on the right!!! I will also be giving 15% off all orders or 25% off orders over $50.oo you can send an e-mail Britney813@msn.com or leave a comment I just need to item #. Please let me know by 20th. You can also place an order with me anytime!!!

!!!UPDATE!!!!

2009-02-05T13:18:00.000-08:00

BYU bowl game

the temple at christmas time

thanksgiving

halloween

Sorry I am really good at keeping up on this. Life has been life...crazy. Alot has happened but We are starting to get back to normal. We were in Utah for 3 months with the plans to stay until TJ got back from being deployed. Well that plan changed and we are all in Alaska now!!! After being away from Daddy for three months we are glad to be back together until next month when he leaves. I don't think we are ready for this but who ever is. I will try to update on the kids hope i can remember everything.

Takoa is big as ever and just a smart little guy. A very big helper but only when he wants to be!! He loves to sing his ABC's not always in the right order but he gets them all. He loves to play with his sissy girl (Kiele). He is really good with her! He is getting use to the cold weather here in Alaska. Koa loves every sport and wants to play them all. Takoa loves Batman!!!

Kiele isn't a little baby anymore. They grow way to fast. She loves her big brother!!! she just giggles at him as soon as she sees him! she rolled over on new years day, she is sitting up and her new thing is getting up on her knees and rockin mostly when she gets mad. she moves around the room on her tummy and on her back. Its so funny!!! She has discovered her voice the two weeks and never stops she gets that from me!! She even says DADA. She loves her daddy She has a ear to ear grin when she sees him.

Life is going great just spending lots of time together before TJ will be gone we don't look forward to that but know he will be safe.

Kiele's Blessing

2008-11-10T22:11:00.000-08:00

So I'm sure you all think I have forgot about blogging... We have been busy with moving and the last couple of months have been crazy. I wanted to post theses pics from the blessing. The dress is over 100 years old. It was my Great Grandmothers... long story My dad just got 5 dresses and a baby doll that were his Grandmothers. He had know idea what had happened to them. My dad's uncle that had all of it past away when I was in high school then his wife about 4 years ago so we thought they got passed to her family along with all of our other family things. Come to find out my dads Aunt gave them to a friend/ neighbor that was a family friend. When my dad went over this summer to the house the neighbor asked about the doll and the dresses then gave them to my dad he was in shock. So when I was out looking for Kiele's dress my mom told me I should see if the doll dresses would fit her. well we got to play dress-up and I love this dress!!! It is very old and VERY fragile.

TWINS!?!

2008-09-11T15:37:00.000-07:00

I took this picture the other night...I thought that she looked like me but this pic proves me wrong. What do you think??

our beautiful kids

2008-09-11T15:12:00.000-07:00

WOW how time flies...takoa is going to be three in about a week my little guy isn't so little. We didn't get kiele pictures taken at the hospital because they never came to do it. We were planing on getting the kids pictures taken anyways so 3 days old this is what we did!! something that should have taken an hour maybe two took almost all day. TJ and him being so into fashion the kids not only had to match but also had to have new outfits. I just wanted them to match most of kiele stuff is new...but i was so tired and in pain I didn't care. We found the dress for her and then found takoas shirts!!! It worked out perfect. I'm glad my husband has fashion sense...

I think these turned out a lot better than hospital pictures!!! They are cute kids if I do say so myself.

kiele

2008-09-11T14:50:00.000-07:00

This was when we left the hospital!!! Going back home where it all started!!
The missionaries came over to see her!! We love having them come to our house they are so great and always bring such a good spirit with them. We do miss Elder Parker he had been here since December. Elder Vainuku, Kiele and Elder Parker
First Sunday going to church

tattoo

2008-09-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

TJ got a new tattoo....TJ got the first one takoas name and tribal while he was in school about a year and a half ago...I didn't know he was getting takoas name too. I think he did it so he could get more than one...I guess is worked cause now we have kiele and the gardenia ( that's was kiele means in Hawaiian). it wouldn't be fair just to have takoas name so now I have said I guess we should be done having kids. oh well I do like it

some of august

2008-09-10T12:14:00.000-07:00

At the baseball game one week and one day yes we were crazy!! We wanted to go to ALT with mom my before she left back home to spend more time together... so we went to the Braves game it was alot of fun.
fighting over the cotton candy at the games silly boys

takoa and kiele
grandma and kiele
so I had to take a pic of this it was to precious this is how I sleep too.

takoa giving his sister a bath. I was helping too... so i didn't put it on the other post but she was 6lbs 13 oz and 19 in. She is really little compared to takoa but he got big sooo fast I'm sure most of you know how big of a chunck he was.

takoas football time

2008-09-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

Takoa is pretty funny kid. He was playing football with his animals and bowling toys. I was watching him for like ten mins while he was doing this then I told my mom to watch him. it was like he was the only one around. he loves to play and ALWAYS has the energy to just keep going.
he has to much fun and if no one is around he will find friends or toys to play with.
tackels them all and then sets it up again...he is to smart I love this little guy.

4 Years!!!!

2008-08-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

On the 13th Tj and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary!!! It has been crazy 4 years looking back . Going from Utah to Nevada now being in Georgia and moving to Alaska in a couple of months. That was never in the plan joining the Army wasn't even a thought in our heads but now it has turned out to be the best thing for us. We have our amazing little family two beautiful kids that we adore!!

My mom was here to help us so we were able to spend sometime together tj had the day off because of just having the baby so we went and got pedicures!!! It was so nice to have a relaxing time right after I had the baby. This is something we are doing every month just to have some time together. Then all of us went to a movie, not checking on what time it let out. Tj had to leave to go pick up his mom and sister from the airport in ATL so he had to leave the movie early. of course the movie we picked was almost 3 hours!!! We had a great day!! It has been a great 4 years with many more to come!!

I'm so luck to have Tj he is such great husband that has sacrificed a lot for our family. I have been so blessed to be able to stay home with Takoa and now with Kiele. He is a great husband also an amazing father. I look forward to spending eternity with him!!

Kiele Thalia Byrd

2008-08-10T16:48:00.000-07:00

So we have our baby girl Kiele. She is such a blessing to our family. She had a grand entrance to the world!!! She was born at home in the bathroom we think around 3:25 on August 8 2008 (08/08/08 cool b-day) (we weren't really concered about the time!!) No this was not a planned home birth. I dont think I will do that again . So here is what happened. I went the doctors on the 7th for my normal appt. everything was great I was at a 2. Went home and did my normal day stuff. I was having contractions but really wasn't keeping track so when I went to get TJ from work I thought I would time them while I was waiting. This was at 6:00pm I was contracting every 3 mins. We had to go to the store and run erands so I just kept track. We ended up going to dinner with a friend I at this point couldn't eat cause it was making me sick. I told TJ when we were done we needed to go to the hospital. TJ was just rolling his eyes thinking I was crazy (for some reason he thought you dont go in until your water breaks). When we got home we had some friends come over to be with takoa. We got to the hospital at 11:11 (I just know that cause there was a clock right in the hall) We checked in got into the room and they hooked me up to the monitor I was now contracting every 1-2 mins....the resident came in about 11:45 checked me I was at a 3 so they told me I couldn't be admited until I was at a 4 so the sent me home and told me I would most likely come back the next day. I was shocked mind you I was still contracting every min. We headed home...once we were home I couldn't sleep I took a bath helped for a little bit. I woke up about 2:40 called the hospital because I was having some bleeding to see if i should come back in...the nurse and the doctor told me no I didn't need to cause they had checked me so that would make me bleed. well about 30 mins later I took a short bath I got out to go wake TJ up so we could just go in to the hospital I guess it was to late cause my water broke I put my hand down to feel and her head was right there I stared yelling for TJ to come help me. I had her in seconds thank goodness for the medical background I have I was able to stay calm and take care of her with TJ's help. Our friends that had stayed with takoa also were a big help to us as well. They were in shock as were we. We are just thanking our heavenly Father that nothing bad happened. We are healthy and now back home. As you can tell from the pics takoa loves his little sister.

4th of july!!!

2008-07-25T08:34:00.000-07:00

takoa getting his face painted with stars and fireworks!!
the two prego girls nia and myself
takoa playing on the silde
on the boat ride he liked it at first but then he got scared when it started going faster.
our family we had a good 4th it just wasn't the same as home the fireworks weren't very long and it was really realy hot!

Alaska here we come!!

2008-07-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

So for those of you who haven't heard we are heading to Alaska in December. Tj re-enlisted for 6 more years. We will be in Ft.Richardson. It is going to be very different but cool to see another part of our country. Tj will most likely deploy in march after we get there so I'm not looking forward to that part but the move will help him advance. I do have some family there so that part will be nice. TJ is doing really good in the Army some of his NCOs have told him the Army needs more soldiers like him. He is very dedicated to the Army and his country We are very proud of him and all the he does for our family.

Rugby

2008-07-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

getting ready to go to the after party
going to get daddy
takoa is the winner
trying to tackle daddy

Tj playing rugby

tj and koa at the rugby game
the team after the game!! this was the military nationals
takoa when we got home had to put on the gear and play

Take me out to the ball game

2008-07-25T07:46:00.000-07:00

We went to the Catfish game. Takoa got to run the bases after the game!!! he was very happy about this and you know he was the only one that had to slide in at home!! I guess he has watched his uncles and dad to much (even in flip flops too!!)

My boys at the game it was so hot!!!
Lewis and Tj
mom and koa
one of the players gave takoa a ball he was so excided to get it
running around the bases!!

More of our trip home

2008-07-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of fun back home even though we were there for a month it still went by really fast. it was great to see our family and friends again. We are sorry if we didn't get to see you but we are planning a trip back home in november so plan then. I think we will get the baby blessed when we are home we will let everyone know. one family pic my mom has the other I still have to get. Jaquel is missing from this side of the family

surprise!!!! TJ came out to visit for 5 days we didn't tell anyone. I dont have all the pics yet but it was a very good surprise

Erin and I at the surprise party
tj and his nephew
Tj and riley
the kids all together

uncle jaquel
My great grandma sadie she is 97
great great grandma with the kids they all love her
papa and koa at trents baseball game
trent is the catcher!!

Roller skating

2008-07-25T06:58:00.000-07:00

Takoa went roller skating with his uncle matt and cousin. I didn't I figured I would fall and hurt myself plus your balance is off when your prego.

Matt Kai and takoa they had so much fun!!!
They were dancing it was so cute.They had so much fun!!!

Trip back home!! Part 1 in colorado

2008-07-24T18:53:00.000-07:00

Waiting with grandma for the train!
Takoa with his Great Great grandma moss
At the train station.

Takoa was so excided to see the train we were in Colorado visting family.
He wanted to ride the train. When we didn't get on he wasn't very happy but maybe next time! All of us got really sick while we were in colorado so we were ready to head back to grandma and grandpas.

He says hes a cool dude!
with uncle donny!!

on the airplane being silly. We are on our way to utah!!!!

I'm not good at this

2008-07-23T13:37:00.000-07:00

So I have not been very good about posting blogs. So much has been happening it has been crazy. Life gets a hold of you and where does the time go. I will be putting up some new pics this week. Alot has gone on we went home in April, getting ready for the baby, and just life. This last weekend we went to Panama City Beach for a marriage retreat. Takoa went with us the Army provided everything we needed it was a blast so there will be pics from that soon. We have 3 weeks until the baby is due I have been wishing she would come now but you know they come when they are ready. But we have been busy getting ready. WOW so much has happened... TJ signed up for 6 more years so we are heading to Alaska in December. It will be a good change for us. Its cool to see so many different places I'm not looking forward to the move and all that comes with it. But I will have some family up there with me so that will be nice. Well check back for more pics and more updates this week as I try to get caught up with it all

easter egg hunt

2008-03-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

Last weekend there was an Easter eagg hunt on post. Takoa had so much fun these are all his eggs!!!

He wouldn't look at the camera
as soon as they said go he took off and I didn't help him at all
running to get more eggs
looking to see what he got!!

OUCH!!!!

2008-02-05T17:47:00.000-08:00

So not this last sunday but the week before we went over to some friends house for dinner. About 30 mins after we were there this is what happened.
Takoa and their little boy were playing and some how managed to hit heads. Takoa hit the back of Ethans head. Takoa got the bad end of this deal. Takoa didn't cry at first but then he started Tj just stood there and watched the whole thing until I told him to pick him up. By that time he had a huge knot on his head. I held him for like 3 mins then he say through the tears I want to go play!! He didn't make a sound about it until we got in the car.I guess he was having so much fun playing. (thats a boy for you)
He really only hit his forehead. He got the black eyes about two days later!! We really haven't gone out of the house .
I took this when he was in the tub tonight it is looking better!
hope it goes away soon!

Takoa's First Hair cut

2008-01-16T12:39:00.000-08:00

Say cheese Koa!!! He is such a cheeseball I love it . It might not seem like we cut it but I promise we did more that what we really wanted at first but I think it looks great.

So this was not the best day for Takoa. He was not very happy to get his hair cut. I was thinking it was about that time to cut his hair. He hated to get his hair done it was getting to be a mess in the back . Tj wouldn't let me cut it he thought I would mess it up so after a couple of days of me driving him crazy he just said he would cut it.

He cut a little more than he wanted not thinking when you put it back you cut more off the back.

He had so much hair. I was sad to see it go but it looks so much better. The best thing is we don't have to fight him to do his hair.

Takoa is not happy at all he wouldn't let me take any pictures after it was done cause he was so mad so I will try to get one and put it up!

Georgia Aquarium (The worlds largest)

2008-01-16T12:07:00.000-08:00

The whales if you ask takoa they are sharks. There were 3 they are so big!!

Takoa loved the aquarium. All the fish you know he was looking fo Nemo and Dori most of the time.

Takoa was so scared of the sting rays it was funny. He did get to touch one or at least tried. At on point he freaked out and pulled his had out of the water so he might have. They were so deep for him to reach even for me it was a strech. I'm not to sure his arms were long enough but he had a blast doing it.

I thought these were funny looking the are called spider crabs. They do look like spiders

Christmas

2008-01-01T16:31:00.000-08:00

opening more presents!!!

Having a blast with uncle trent in his car!!!

Takoa and his gifts from santa!!! He didn't know what to think with this. He loves it. He liked it even more when we put the battery in it