The Silent Ranks

Wow 6 months since last post!

2011-07-08T21:52:00.001-07:00

Like they say life gets in the way. Where to start I don't even know. So here's a snippet of the last 6 months, in no particular order.

End of April Kamden participated in his 12th dance recital and he was in 11 dances. He choreographed a solo that was pure beauty. I wish I had it to show you, maybe later.

April 12 Kenley Joe Miller was born to Jordan and he is so sweet and has gotten so big and pudgy!! I love it

Our sweet Presley turned 3 this year. He is working on potty training and getting rid of the devil binki. He will go to pre-school and start dance this fall. His dance teacher is already so excited she has the dance song all picked out. So the next generation of Hough dancer's will begin! If you are looking for Presley, head outside, or look for grandpa he won't be far behind.

June 30 Kooper Wyatt Hough was born to Kolby and Kelsey. He is a darling little boy, he weighed 5lbs 15oz and is SO tiny. We thought he would be bigger since his dad is such a big guy. And today Kolby learned he got a job in Kingman, AZ. we are so sad of course. He will start August 2nd his dad is the most sad.

Well for tonight that is all

Christmas Eve ~ Presley's Christmas ~ BB Gun

2010-12-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

Opening his Red Ryder BB Gun from Uncle Kolby and Kelsey, not sure who was more excited. Kolby or Presley.

Hiding Presley and Andro Dog

2010-10-24T22:04:00.004-07:00

Look close there he is hiding behind the wall.

Taking grandma and Andro on a walk.

Presley's latest thing is hiding, it is so funny. No matter what you are doing he will walk around the corner and hide.

Also he LOVES Andro Dog, no fear, he has no idea the power Andro has in his body. But Andro is so cute with Presley he lets him just love on him.

Andro Dog

2010-10-24T21:58:00.003-07:00

Jeff got a new position at work, Andro is his new partner! He is one of the K-9 handlers and is going to "Dota" Dog officer training academy in Tucson for the next 9 weeks. Jeff and Andro get to come home for a 3 day weekend each week and Andro has become part of the family. A little intimidating still to think with one simple word he could rip holes in you or take you to the ground without you even having a chance!

Some Catch up

2010-10-18T19:09:00.002-07:00

So many things ~ on Sept. 28th Jeff and I had been married 25 year!! What a blessing Jeff has been in my life. Than on Sept. 29th I went in for major back surgery, again, 26 years later, I needed a remake of the back. I have been home 4 days and so thankful to be home again, in my own bed and house. The day after week got home Jeff took me on a ride to see the beautiful Escudilla mountain turning colors.

Jeff got a new position at work. He got the canine position and so is once again in Tucson going to what Kolby calls DOTA Dog, Officer Training Academy. He will be so amazing at this position.

Well I am getting tired and need to let Kam on the computer for a few minutes.

Try to post again soon.

16? Really he is 16!?!

2010-06-23T19:37:00.004-07:00

My baby is 16, where does the time go? Yesterday you hurriedly came into the world so quickly you couldn't wait for the doctor. And now you are all grown up and so SUPER AWESOME!! Thank you for being my 2nd best friend!! I love you SO MUCH!! Shoes by: Steve Madden (Birthday gift) Socks by: Ed Hardy

Shirt by: Army National Guard Vest by: G by Guess

and of course the Pants steal the show by: True Religion

Is he not so awesome, his style is just his style and he could careless what others think of him. One of my favorite things about you sweet boy!!

Our Mechanics

2010-06-08T20:53:00.002-07:00

It doesn't matter what Jeff is doing, Presley is right, and I do mean right in the middle of it. Here they are changing the brakes on Kolby's truck. If you ask Presley what he is doing, he will tell you "I'm workin'" and he is serious, don't bother him!!

Mr. Presley

2010-05-16T18:45:00.002-07:00

Here are 2 new pictures of Presley. The first one is from today 5/16 he went fishing with his mom and some friends and this is on the ride home.

The second one is one of my new favorites he found grandpa's BCG's these are military issue glasses and are lovingly called Birth Control Glasses, cuz' who would want to you know with anyone where those. But they are SOO cute on lil' man!!

He's Home, YEA!!!

2010-04-11T21:11:00.002-07:00

Jeff made it home on April 1st, No Foolin'!! We are so thankful for all our family and friends that kept Jeff and our family in their thoughts and prayers during this last 13 months. Jeff will be taking the month of April off, not sure what he is going to do with all that time?!? He has already set up a indoor archery range, took out the large apricot tree that was falling down, been in the mountains of course, gone and visited dear friends and just enjoyed being home.

Senior Prom

2010-04-11T21:04:00.003-07:00

My handsome boy, in a tuxedo, and of course a little camoflauge! Can't believe he is a senior and just 6 weeks away from graduation. His sweet girl, Kelsey looked just like a princess. What you can't see if she has a big knee brace on under that gorgeous dress. The other 2 couples are such great friends and I love to call them all "my kids"

Jessica and Jim

2010-04-11T20:59:00.002-07:00

I took this picture of Jim, Jessica and Chewie. I love this picture they are so cute together.

Loving grandpa

2010-03-19T23:02:00.003-07:00

Presley sure misses being able to "see" his grandpa on SKYPE. Now everytime my cell rings he says grandpa?

A great picture of Presley

2010-03-19T22:57:00.003-07:00

Once again what can I say but THOSE EYES!! Likes his mama's beautiful and oh so blue. He is now getting to that lovely terrible two's part of his life. He is into everything, on top of everything. If there is something to be climbed or even not to be climbed he is climbing it. Jordan went in to go to the restroom the other day and when she came out he had climbed to the top of my piano. What a sweet little boy! Even on his ornery days, gma loves him!!

The last few days

2010-03-12T22:49:00.003-07:00

Kamden and Presley being silly!!

Kolby and Kelsey on Ace enjoying a great day, after several snowy and freezing days

Presley getting some practice in for Gym Khana on Ace

Kolby, Kelsey and Kamden (the KKK) at Kamden's Dance Competition

Family Update

2010-02-09T10:46:00.007-07:00

It has been a while so I thought I would just do a quick family update.

Jeff ~ just got back to Camp Arijan, he went on his first mission into Iraq. I was very glad to hear he was back on "safe" soil. He has approx. 2 months till he will be home!! Will keep everyone posted on that.

Myself ~ got a crazy hair and decided to go back to college, I am taking Math, Fundamental Writing, Physcology 101 and Piano. With working at the Dance studio on Tuesday nights I am gone 4 nights a week.

Jessica ~ Has been out of work since just before Thanksgiving, and just got a job 2 days ago. She will be a personal shopper and chef, for a couple moving here from Scotland. She is so excited. She is going to be starting Culinary School in the near future.

Jordan ~ I having a hard time finding a job, and may have to go elsewhere to find a job.

Kolby ~ Is in the home stretch for graduating on May 20th. He is fairly confident he will get a job with The Forest Service for the summer. He now has ,2 horses, a dun filly named Dos, and a blue roan named Ace. And horn hunting starts soon. Kolby just got back from FFA regionals, where he took 3rd place in Ag. Mechanics, so proud.

Kamden ~ is such a dedicated school goer, he worries if he doesn't have an A. His first semester of high school he worked really hard to maintain a 4.0GPA. He is of course busy with dance, he helps Ms. Erica teach on Wed. and than his classes are Tuesday night 7-9pm and Thursday 4-9pm. Competition is coming up and he is so excited to go and show how well they have done.

Presley ~ is living with us full time for now, Oh the energy he takes. He is on the go from the time he wakes up, and boy do I look forward to noon and nap time. He is so smart! If you say something you better be prepared for him to repeat it. Kolby taught him to shake hands today, but when you tell him to shake he shakes his little body, with his hand in yours, super funny. What a blessing he is to have.

Can you say Dennis the Menace!?!

2009-12-21T16:08:00.003-07:00

If he wants it he will figure a way to get it. I believe the drawer climbing must be hereditery as Patty has pictures of Jeff in a similar situation, but he is after cookies, not tools.

And Presley loves to help with the laundry, I just have to be VERY fast moving the clothes from the washer to the dryer or I get a extra "lump" in the dryer.

We love have Pres back with us, even though he keeps Grandma going 25/7

Nursery is very tiring

2009-11-15T21:16:00.002-07:00

It was lil' man's first day at nursery in church and it sure tired him out. Sweet lil' boy

Look at those eyes!!

2009-10-28T14:34:00.002-07:00

Oh my goodness, how gorgeous Jordan is, and what a cutie that lil' man is. I can't help but want to give him a big smooch. This is a portrait taken by Dumas Portraits, it is being done through a group that has donated their time and 1 5x7 for families with deployed soldiers. It's called "Portraits of Love:

Gma misses you!!!

2009-10-17T23:50:00.002-07:00

Oh sweet, sweet baby boy, your grandma sure is missing you tonight. Remembering how you loved lotion so much, cause you would help grammy put it on every morning. I loved walking in and finding you on mine and grandpa's bed getting yourself some lotion. I can't wait to hold you in a month. I am sure I will be shocked how much just 2 short months will have changed you. Imagine grandpa seeing you for the first time in 10 months, I don't know if he will be able to let you go!!

Love you so, so much! Lil' Man

First Day of School 2009-2010

2009-08-19T19:18:00.003-07:00

My handsome two boys off to their first day of school for the 2009-2010 year.

Kolby is a Senior (YAHOO) what a good looking boy. All western and sporting the latest in Surgical boots!! Kolby was lucky enough to work this summer with a good friend who has a ranch, he did a lot of fench fixing. But he was able to buy a cute little filly, he named her "Hell Bitch Dos. As her mama's name was HB

Kamden is a Freshman this year and excited to be in high school working on getting into a great college. Always so handsome. These two boys couldn't be any different even if they love being brothers.

Kamden is sporting all of the top brands, pants by: G by Guess, Muscle shirt by: Ambercrombie and Fitch, Shoes by: Puma, and jacket by Arepostale. Must look his best at all times!!

Pictures of SGT. Hough

2009-07-28T15:48:00.004-07:00

ITS OFFICAL YOU NOW CALL ME SGT HOUGH GOT IT!!! This is the e-mail I had waiting for me this morning when I woke up. Love Jeff's little smile in the first picture, so Proud. He waited along time for this day

He did it!!!

2009-07-26T22:05:00.002-07:00

Jeff made SGT. of course I knew he would. It was offical on July 21st. He was 6th on the list for his unit. So proud!!! He was so nervous and wondered what was taking so long. And is now so relieved and can't wait till they have their next formation as that is when he will be promoted. So AWESOME.

Never to early to learn to Rodeo!!!

2009-07-12T10:03:00.005-07:00

Sweet little Presley at 13 months rode in his first Gym Khana On June 12th. He does pole bending, barrel "racing" and than gets off the horse and pulls the ribbon off a goats tail. Super cute. The first pictures are of July 10th I don't know if it shows in the photos but it is downpouring like crazy the second set of pictures is his first time on June 12th . The horse he is riding is named Auckmed the first pictures our friend Alexa is leading, second pictures his cousin Ashley is leading. With his mom holding on to his belt loop.

GONE

2009-07-04T20:07:00.006-07:00

Well it has taken me forever but I was finally able to download my pictures from my new blackberry Smart phone, way to smart for me most of the time.

On May 27th I flew into Indianapolis, IN. to meet Jeff for a last little trip before he headed out of the country. We were able to go to a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley field, if you ask either of us how the game was we would have to tell you we don't remember any of it, as we were FREEZING is actually an understatment!! The field was great and it was exciting, we road the train into Chicago and than took the EL to the field. The next day we tried to go see Mary Poppins the Broadway Play, we weren't able to get tickets and so rode the bus out to the Field Museum, which is amazing and we might of spent more time there, but I had expected to be sitting watching a play and therefore did not wear the proper shoes and my feet were KILLING me and still are by the way. We also were able to go see some friends of Jeff's and saw some gorgeous IN. country. The time flew we had a great time but of course it was to short. Before I knew it we were at the airport for me to catch my plane and Jeff to catch the bus back to Camp Atterbury. You want to see airport men move quickly really be crying that seems to motivate them to an high alert status!! LOL (now anyway wasn't so funny that day)

Jeff has now been in Airifjan Kuwait since June 4th.

Going...

2009-04-10T12:28:00.003-07:00

Saying goodbye is tough - Saying it more than once is almost unbearable!!

Yesterday was the day we dropped Jeff off in Bellemont for him to head to Indiana. For the kids this will be the last time they see him until he gets to come home for his "Vacation". So this was a very emotional day. We were very lucky, My parents came, and also my sister Jo and her husband Gib, came they were part of the Patriot Guards (second picture) that came. There was a quick ceremony, and than a bbq put on by the American Legion, the VFW and NAMA. We hung out till about 3:45 and than it was time to go. Lots of hugs, lots of kisses and TONS of crying.

Competition 2009

2009-03-14T13:10:00.002-07:00

A few pictures from Competition.

Going

2009-03-12T19:54:00.002-07:00

So we dropped Jeff off in Flagstaff on Saturday morning Feb. 28th. So as of this weekend he has been gone 2 weeks. This past sunday Jeff called, he has been asked to work at Headquarters as the dispatcher, he will still go to Kuwait, but will only occassionally go on missions into Iraq. He has very mixed feelings about this, it is a privilege he was asked, but he also doesn't want to let his platoon down. He has worked so hard to get into physical shape to be ready to be strong and prepared.
Kamden and the dance team went to competition this past weekend, they danced great especially on Saturday, we all feel they were robbed, they should of taken at least 3rd in pom. I will post pictures later.
Lil' Man threw his first stomping fit today, kind of funny. He wanted to step on our keyboard, and when we wouldn't let him, he started crying and stomping his feet. Could thing he is so cute.
This weekend I was able to see 2 of my best friends from high school, Krystal and Amber. It was great to get to see them and chat, hopefully next time we can go to lunch or dinner and really get to visit.

The beginning of the end

2009-02-19T15:35:00.002-07:00

Well it has finally begun. I drove Jeff to Show Low today to go to a 3 day training. He will be home Sunday evening. Then the boys and I will take him to Flagstaff next Friday night to drop him off Saturday morning, to begin his Arizona time.

Grandpa and Presley

2009-02-11T16:53:00.001-07:00

Here is grandpa and Presley putting together Presley's John Deere tractor we have had for him since before he was born, he was so helpful!! He thought it was great fun to ride and get off.

Grandpa decided to give Presley a cupcake with chocolate frosting on it just handed it to him, both Jordan and I were yelling "NO" but you can see they won and grandpa had to clean the mess!! great memories.

what blogging?

2009-02-09T13:44:00.002-07:00

So I have not been very good at this blogging thing, haven't done a post since end of December. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by all that is going on this week. But I have decided it will all fall together as usual.
the kids and I went to the valley this past weekend, we had a great time, the weather was great until yesterday on the trip home of course, rain and snow all the way home till we hit 10 mile hill than nothing!!
I am SO excited for Jeff's party this weekend, and for all my family to be here to share this time with us.
well I best get busy as I am starting on some of the small snacks we can freeze for the week.

Where does the time go?!?

2008-12-31T11:53:00.002-07:00

Amazing! Frustrating! Unbelieveable! TIME, it seems like just yesterday it was the new year, 2008 that is.
It seems like an eternity since Jeff got the call he would be deployed this year, 2009 that is, but looking back it has been just shy of 1 full year. And now we are starting to countdown the days, and we just wish it would get here, so it can hurry up and be over!! His State orders start on March 3rd., just 2 months away, it still seems like a while to go, but I know I will blink and he will already be gone.

2008-12-09T15:38:00.003-07:00

Here are our family pictures we took this past weekend while we were all in flagstaff. Going to the military briefings for the families. I think they turned out pretty good!!

Good Ole' Boys

2008-11-29T12:41:00.002-07:00

We truly live in one of the greatest towns! There is a man that lives here in town, that recently was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The town has really rallied around and there was a HUGE benefit for him. I asked Kolby if he thought he would like to donate a load of wood and ask Cody and Bronson if they would like to help also? These great boys did not even have to think about it their answers were yes. So the night of the benefit we went to the great dinner that was provided and than we stayed around to see what the load of wood would go for. It was a load of Fir and went for $275. Can I say how proud I am of these "good ole' boys" that donated not only their time and $$ for another person!! This is the load that they took to the family that purchased the load from the auction. How thankful I am to call all three of them "my boys"

KAMDEN

2008-11-18T13:24:00.004-07:00

Well, just as Kamden lives life here he is Larger than Life itself. Kamden is our baby, and our Dancer!! Kamden has been dancing for 10 years this year, and he has been privileged to be asked to teach dance this year. He is also on the Round Valley - Genuine Dance - Dance Team, he dances with 11 girls. We are so proud of him, he follows what he wants to do, even if it means being teased and ridiculed for being DIFFERENT. As this time we are home-internet schooling him. And I sure enjoy having him around almost 24 hours a day with me. He is such a help, weather it is helping here at our store, or helping with Presley, or helping clean up the house. What a handsome young man, how lucky we are to have him in our home!! Love ya bud!!

KOLBY

2008-11-11T14:27:00.005-07:00

Here he is, our Kolby, not Cody or Koby as he gets called alot of the time. He is by far our most shy child. If he doesn't know you, he sure isn't going to talk to you, you might get a small smile or a nod of the head. But if you want to talk hunting, this is your go to guy!! If it can be hunted he has tried or dreams of it. If he has a free 20 min. he is in the woods, thank goodness we live so close. Kolby is lucky to have some great friends here in RV. Kolby also is very lucky to also have friends all over the U.S. He has friends in Ca., Alaska, Iowa, and Indiana. These of course are hunting buddies that he has met and been able to hunt with. Kolby and his dad leave for their Elk hunt tomorrow. Kolby sure enjoys having Presley around it is fun to see this big boy love the little one. The above pictures are of Presley and Kolby watching "The Bee Movie" it's very intense you know! Sweet boy, I love you!!

GO VOTE!!!

2008-11-03T14:05:00.002-07:00

Today Kamden who is just 14, wrote an email to each of his teachers and the principal of his school. He asked me to read it to make sure it sounded correct. I was in tears, how proud I am that he finds this years elections as important as others and far more important than some people. Here is what he wrote:
"Hi, I am just ONE more kid in this world and I am not the age to be able to vote yet and change the world with my ONE little vote but ONE is not so little at least not to me, so please go tomorrow and VOTE think about it ONE little vote can change the whole world. so do it for me, do it for the ONE you love in your life, do it for all the other children out there in the U.S., do it for you and, most of all do it for this great country we live in.

It is YOU that can change our future

Thank you

Kamden Hough"

So I hope you will go out tomorrow if you have not already done "early voting" and VOTE!! I will be at the polls, letting my ONE vote count.

Jordan

2008-10-23T13:52:00.002-07:00

Well here she is our sweet little Jordan. Jordan is our second daughter. She has been married to Grady for just over a year now, and has sweet Presley, she is such a good mom. We call her little cause she has always been so tiny compared to the rest of us. Jordan has recently taken up horse riding and seems to really enjoy that. And texting on her cell. Poor thing she is completely broken out right now in psorisis, they are covering her body head to toe, literally. Love you sweet girl!!

Jessica

2008-10-14T19:14:00.002-07:00

I told Jessica I was going to get pictures of all the kids on the blog, so I told her I needed a picture. And this is what she sends me. Her and Amy were at the Halloween Store, just being silly.
As an introduction, this is our Jessica, she is 22 and VERY independent!! Jessica is very much the oldest child. She is a go getter. Work, College and friends are her life, and I don't know how she does it all, she amazes me!! She is always calling and telling me about her latest adventures, oh to be young and lively.
Jessica I am so glad you are living the life you want!! Enjoy your freedom!! And remember I LOVE you!!!

PRESLEY better known as Lil' Man

2008-10-10T14:29:00.002-07:00

Here is our Presley, he was 5 months old yesterday and is such a big boy now, it makes me so sad. It is amazing how quick they grow up. Jordan had run to the store on Wed. and came back and he was sitting in the cart, with his arm thrown over the back like, "hey look at me". Sweet Presley, your grandma sure loves you!!!

My 2 obsessions

2008-10-10T14:22:00.002-07:00

So I thought I would write about my 2 obsessions. My Hair and My Nails. Here is a picture of my nails I have the BEST Nail gal ever!!! Janet is so amazing you tell her what you are thinking and she does it. These nails are hand painted those are not decals!! And my hair lady, Carolyn, same way, I tried to get Kamden to take a picture of my hair put I didn't like them. Oh well next time.

Tough Morning Already

2008-10-10T07:52:00.002-07:00

As I woke up this morning it hit me that there is only 4 months before Jeff leaves, I started thinking of all the things that he will miss. And all the hard things we need to sit down and discuss. Kolby will be just weeks from graduating high school when he gets home, Kamden will be a month or so from getting his license, Sweet baby Presley will be turning 2! What about if he doesn't make it what do I do? Sale the house, keep the house? Stay in RV or start over somewhere new? What does he want, to be buried, or cremated. And if cremated where does he want to be taken, I'm sure to all the hunting places he didn't make it to, but WHERE!?!
Than as I decided to go ahead and get out of bed and start my day, of course first stop is the restroom, and the first thing I see that wasn't there last night, are Jeff's dog tags with all the plastic over the metal, so as they will make no sound. To Surreal.
These are the times I think what the HELL where we thinking, when he got back in!?! And than I rmember thank goodness, for strong and willing men!!

My Hero

2008-09-29T16:58:00.002-07:00

So on our way to the edge of the meadow, I swore I saw an animal hide hung over a branch. So on the way out I was showing Jeff, he told me no that it was just a log. Damn that man can never be wrong it seems. Sure enough he goes down and it is a log, and of course he drags it up the hill to show me I was wrong. Good thing I love him so much. You would think after 25 years of being with him, 23 married and 2 dating that I would learn!!

Well I'll sign off for now.

Anniversary Date

2008-09-29T16:42:00.003-07:00

Jeff and I have been marrried 23 years as of yesterday. And we went into the mountains to listen to the elk bugle, it is gorgeous and so cool to hear. Here is a Cow Elk we saw, we did see some bulls also just did not get any photos. Also a photo of some turkeys and a mule deer doe. And the photo of the meadow is where we walked and sat on the edge and listened to the elk. How lucky I am my grandpa Brown came to this beautiful little place. I love coming into the mountains it always reminds me of Grandpa Brown.

Jeff's Home!!

2008-09-27T12:33:00.002-07:00

Jeff made it home around 11:30 last night, sure good to have him home. Our friend Doug and a friend of his, Josh came up from the valley yesterday to come and listen to the Elk bugling. If you have never heard it, it is amazing!!

Kamden danced at half-time last night at the Round Valley Vs. Williamsfield football game, they danced to Cowboy by Kid Rock. Kamden is an amazing dancer!! RV won the game 35-0. I was lucky to have lots of friends with me at the game last night, Cherylann such a great friend, and her husband John and a friend of theirs. Doug and Josh and my "offical" date Paul. And of course some of my very best friends my mom and dad.

It looks like it might rain today, we have a little wind and the mountains look kind of misty. I hope so, I love the rain.

This weekend I am hoping to get pictures of my family on here. That will be an adventure I am sure.
Well I'll sign off for now.

Well here it is!!

2008-09-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking of doing a blog for some time and decided now or never!! The reason behind this blog is mainly to keep friends and family posted on Jeff while he will be gone to IRAQ for a 12 month deployment. The way I got the name of our blog is from a poem I found.

The Silent Ranks

Author: Unknown

I wear no uniforms, no blues or army greens

But I am in the Army in the ranks rarely seen

I have no rank upon my shoulders - salutes I do not give

But the military world is the place where I live

I'm not in the chain of command, orders I do not get

But my husband is the one who does, this I can not forget

I'm not the one who fires the weapon, who puts my life on the line

But my job is just as tough. I'm the one that's left behind

My husband is a patriot, a brave and prideful man

And the call to serve his country not all can understand

Behind the lines I see the things needed to keep this country free

My husband makes the sacrifice, but so do our kids and me

I love the man I married, Soldiering is his life

But I stand among the silent ranks known as the Army Wife

When I found this poem it just fit, even though Jeff is in the Army National Guard, Since he got the call in January telling him they were being deployed in 2009, it seems we live the Army life.

As I type this Jeff has been gone since Sunday, he is helping bring back 11 trucks that will be going with them. How proud I am that he is always willing to help get things ready, so that they will be prepared. Well I'll sign off for now.