Because He lives!
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| Christie with Gator, Monkey, and Bull |
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| Hubs leading worship at the Sunrise Service in Iraq |
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
4/24/2011
Happy Easter!
1/28/2011
82 Days
Last week, we set a new record for the longest we've been apart. Mind you, this is not a record that I wanted to set and then break with each passing day. But each day apart means one day closer to him coming home.
The past 11.5 weeks have been both easier and harder than I expected.
Easier - There hasn't been as much drama as I expected from the boys. They are adjusting without many issues. Most rough spots are resolved with a reassuring hug and a Skype call. By the way, if I ever meet the people who invented Skype, I may embarrass myself. I am so thankful for this mode of communication. My boys love it too. Bull leaves the funniest voicemail messages for Hubs. Gator enjoys showing Hubs all sorts of new tricks and things he's created. And Monkey is so cute when he points, waves and babbles at his Daddy. I love that my baby knows his Daddy's voice and his face. As long as I have my phone, we can video chat anytime!
Harder - I am tired and rely on Diet Dr. Pepper WAY too much. Oh, how I wish I liked coffee. It's much warmer than DDP! The boys require a great deal of energy, as one may expect. The big boys miss their Daddy's physical presence. They've started beating up on each other (and suffered swift and appropriate consequences)! They soak up any attention they can get from our guy friends. Monkey has gotten a bit better about sleeping through the night. I thought that this weekend would be our breakthrough. Alas, we all have the sniffles and coughs/wheezes, so no one is sleeping well these days.
Easier - There are days that I really do forget he's on the other side of the world and fully expect him to walk through the door in time for dinner. Does anyone else experience this phenomenon? Maybe it's because the rhythm and busy-ness of our lives didn't change much when he left? I don't remember this happening before though, and it's a bit disconcerting.
Harder - The gremlins typically de-rail my day. Shoveling snow, dead car batteries, losing my keys for four days, rabbits/mice in the garage, snowstorms, viruses....the list could go on. I've accepted that these things will happen (thank you U.S. Navy for teaching me this at the beginning of my marriage!), and just try to roll with the punches.
Easier - It's been much easier to loosen my standards than I thought. Really, I haven't had a choice. There aren't enough hours to get "it" all done. Bedtime has gotten a bit later as has wake-up time. The house is much messier than I would prefer (it's winter though and we spend a GREAT deal of time inside right now). I've let dinner planning slide big-time (being remedied this weekend though!). I chalk all of this up to adaptation. I'm ok with it and working through it.
Harder - Everything takes more time, especially in the winter. The coats and the gloves and the hats and the snow and the boots and the mud...It seems that it takes so much longer to get anywhere and do anything. Maybe I'm understanding what the really important stuff is.
Easier - The boys are much better this winter than last with getting themselves ready to get out the door. They even get Monkey's jacket on him and get the dog in her kennel. I also know to start 15 minutes before we actually have to leave. Really, the kids have been amazing. They have stepped up with helping me more than I expected.
Harder - We have been really sick (for our family) this winter. There was the birthday trip to the ER in October for wheezing, the 2 weeks of Norovirus that got all of us in December (while on the road no less!), the sniffles, runny noses and cough that have plagued all of us at different times. Monkey still hasn't had his shots because he's been sick off and on for over a month!
Easier - We have hit our stride with school. Gator is accomplishing more in less time than before, and with a good attitude. Bull started pre-school this week, and I'm able to use free childcare for Monkey.
Harder - It's really tough to see guys in uniform all. the. time. They look so similar to one another (in uniform that is) that it's easy for my mind to play a trick on me and think that my soldier is walking toward me. I don't resent them or pout when I see them. I am looking forward to him being home though.
Easier - The community of which I am a part is absolutely amazing. I can't get over the support and the camaraderie that exists with this group of people. Though I have my "surviving" days, mostly we are in "thriving" mode. And when it's really hard (like it was a couple of weeks ago when our unit lost a Soldier), I know I have people who can sympathize and walk me through it.
I've heard that many hit a wall during months 4-6. What say you? Any ideas for making it through?
The past 11.5 weeks have been both easier and harder than I expected.
Easier - There hasn't been as much drama as I expected from the boys. They are adjusting without many issues. Most rough spots are resolved with a reassuring hug and a Skype call. By the way, if I ever meet the people who invented Skype, I may embarrass myself. I am so thankful for this mode of communication. My boys love it too. Bull leaves the funniest voicemail messages for Hubs. Gator enjoys showing Hubs all sorts of new tricks and things he's created. And Monkey is so cute when he points, waves and babbles at his Daddy. I love that my baby knows his Daddy's voice and his face. As long as I have my phone, we can video chat anytime!
Harder - I am tired and rely on Diet Dr. Pepper WAY too much. Oh, how I wish I liked coffee. It's much warmer than DDP! The boys require a great deal of energy, as one may expect. The big boys miss their Daddy's physical presence. They've started beating up on each other (and suffered swift and appropriate consequences)! They soak up any attention they can get from our guy friends. Monkey has gotten a bit better about sleeping through the night. I thought that this weekend would be our breakthrough. Alas, we all have the sniffles and coughs/wheezes, so no one is sleeping well these days.
Easier - There are days that I really do forget he's on the other side of the world and fully expect him to walk through the door in time for dinner. Does anyone else experience this phenomenon? Maybe it's because the rhythm and busy-ness of our lives didn't change much when he left? I don't remember this happening before though, and it's a bit disconcerting.
Harder - The gremlins typically de-rail my day. Shoveling snow, dead car batteries, losing my keys for four days, rabbits/mice in the garage, snowstorms, viruses....the list could go on. I've accepted that these things will happen (thank you U.S. Navy for teaching me this at the beginning of my marriage!), and just try to roll with the punches.
Easier - It's been much easier to loosen my standards than I thought. Really, I haven't had a choice. There aren't enough hours to get "it" all done. Bedtime has gotten a bit later as has wake-up time. The house is much messier than I would prefer (it's winter though and we spend a GREAT deal of time inside right now). I've let dinner planning slide big-time (being remedied this weekend though!). I chalk all of this up to adaptation. I'm ok with it and working through it.
Harder - Everything takes more time, especially in the winter. The coats and the gloves and the hats and the snow and the boots and the mud...It seems that it takes so much longer to get anywhere and do anything. Maybe I'm understanding what the really important stuff is.
Easier - The boys are much better this winter than last with getting themselves ready to get out the door. They even get Monkey's jacket on him and get the dog in her kennel. I also know to start 15 minutes before we actually have to leave. Really, the kids have been amazing. They have stepped up with helping me more than I expected.
Harder - We have been really sick (for our family) this winter. There was the birthday trip to the ER in October for wheezing, the 2 weeks of Norovirus that got all of us in December (while on the road no less!), the sniffles, runny noses and cough that have plagued all of us at different times. Monkey still hasn't had his shots because he's been sick off and on for over a month!
Easier - We have hit our stride with school. Gator is accomplishing more in less time than before, and with a good attitude. Bull started pre-school this week, and I'm able to use free childcare for Monkey.
Harder - It's really tough to see guys in uniform all. the. time. They look so similar to one another (in uniform that is) that it's easy for my mind to play a trick on me and think that my soldier is walking toward me. I don't resent them or pout when I see them. I am looking forward to him being home though.
Easier - The community of which I am a part is absolutely amazing. I can't get over the support and the camaraderie that exists with this group of people. Though I have my "surviving" days, mostly we are in "thriving" mode. And when it's really hard (like it was a couple of weeks ago when our unit lost a Soldier), I know I have people who can sympathize and walk me through it.
I've heard that many hit a wall during months 4-6. What say you? Any ideas for making it through?
12/22/2010
Monkey is one!
My sweet Monkey,
I can't believe that it has been a year. You are a delight!
You light up when you see Daddy on the computer screen. And your brothers are your favorite people. You call out to them and get louder if they don't respond in a timely fashion. You respond to your name now too. When I say "No!" you usually laugh at me unless I use a very stern voice which always makes you burst into tears.
I can't believe that it has been a year. You are a delight!
You still have curly blond hair. Those ringlets are so sweet. They have become your trademark. Your eyes are greenish. I'm still not sure what color they will be! Right now, they look a lot like your Daddy's. However, since we're at your grandparents' house right now, I compared you to my baby pictures. You are (nearly) the spitting image of me as a baby!
It took you a long time, but you are finally eating table food. I still give you baby food at least once a day to make sure you're getting enough. You drink out of a sippy cup with ease, though I can't seem to figure out what you like to drink. Let me know when you decide, OK?
You took your first steps before Daddy left, but you are walking all over the place now (and have been for a number of weeks). You point at things all the time, wave, and charm with your four-toothed grin. You are very vocal when you want to be, and pitch a fit when someone takes something from your little fingers.
You light up when you see Daddy on the computer screen. And your brothers are your favorite people. You call out to them and get louder if they don't respond in a timely fashion. You respond to your name now too. When I say "No!" you usually laugh at me unless I use a very stern voice which always makes you burst into tears. We are having a little bit of trouble with your night sleeping. I am still not sure why you won't sleep through the night. We've got to work on this! Maybe after the holidays. I've figured out your daytime schedule! I can't believe that you gave up your morning nap so early. Then again, it was very hard to get a good one established. Usually you take a cat nap in the morning and a good afternoon nap.
You are getting over your first major illness. You've had colds and allergy issues before, but this virus really got us! Bull, Gator, Grandmommy, Granddaddy, you and me all got a nasty stomach bug.
We're going to have your birthday party after Christmas so we can celebrate with more of our family. Today, we had a mini-celebration for you! You got a new ride-on toy. Your smile was priceless when we sang to you.
Monkey, I am so glad that you are a part of our family. Your smile lights up the room and your sweet demeanor always encourages me during my hardest days. You have taught me to slow down and really enjoy this stage of your life. You'll be giving your brothers a run for their money soon enough! I am looking forward to seeing you grow over the next few months into a very busy toddler. I love you, sweet baby boy!
Love,
Mommy
11/09/2010
Hello again!
The keyboard has been quiet for a little while. We have spent our days savoring and squeezing every sweet drop of time together before Hubs left.
And now begins our long separation.
It is surreal to me. I can't wrap my mind around this length of time. From what I've been told, that's normal. Take it day by day. Break things into bite-size chunks. Make plans. Set goals. Remember that mercies are new.
Taking it day by day...I know this will be hard for me. I am a planner so looking at the first day of deployment and not seeing the long line of days attached to it is nearly impossible. I hope that our daily rhythm of life will help me. Home schooling has forced me to be more present with my kids than ever before. What blessings these children are to me! Bull will be my secret weapon in this. The night that Hubs left, he said, "So Daddy's not coming home from work tonight?"
Break things into bite-size chunks...I've already done this a little bit, reminding myself that there are only five weeks until we leave for Christmas vacation. I haven't gotten much past that though: part of that "being present" thing. Actually, this proved useful tonight with Gator. He was lamenting how long it would be before we could see (meaning touch) Daddy again. I was able to share some of our "chunks" with him and the length of time didn't loom so large anymore.
Make plans...No problem! We have plans made until this time next year. I need to confirm them and add a few more to make time a bit more bite-size. There's a good chunk of time between January and Spring Break - time that is ripe with potential for the blues because of the weather. After Spring Break, we'll be trying to get re-settled after a long winter and looking forward to R&R. Summer will fly by as usual with a trip to Spring Canyon, and trips to see family sprinkled in there. Then, we'll hit the new school year. And soon after that Hubs will be home!
Set goals...I'm a great planner, but a terrible goal-setter. I have a love-hate relationship with that type of accountability. Using this list as a starting point, I've managed to set some goals!
- I want our family to be physically resilient and fit, to adapt the "culture of fitness" that is prevalent in the military. I want to be back to "pre-pre-pregnancy" weight by the time Hubs comes home. So, I will exercise for at least 20 minutes every day, whether that is by myself, by doing PE with my kids, or by working out with friends. I will also strive to be in bed by 10:00 every night, allowing myself at least 7 hours of sleep. By using Once a Month cooking, I will be intentional about our menu so that I don't resort to cereal, macaroni and cheese, pizza, and fast food every night of the week.
- I will develop a good, working routine/schedule for our lives, to include new responsibilities for everyone, as well as some changes in the earning department for the kiddos. This will lighten my load considerably AND eventually score me some points in the daughter-in-law department! :)
- I will be using this space as a journal of sorts for me, a place to process my thoughts, documenting our life while Hubs is gone, and maybe getting his point of view every once in a while. I will also be hiring a sitter and/or using my free childcare hours as an added sanity maintainer. Most importantly, I will stay connected to my energy source by studying the Word.
Remember that mercies are new...every day in fact! Some days will be harder than others. I know that I will fail by allowing my exhaustion and sorrow to overtake me. And every day that I wake to new mercies is one day closer to Hubs being home.
It is my prayer that I will look back on this deployment and say, "Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family that you have brought me this far?" We are looking forward to what He will complete in us during our time apart.
Here we go!
10/03/2010
Vacation!
After Hubs returned from training and before we started school, we went on vacation to visit family and friends.
Our first stop was in Tennessee to visit wonderful friends. They home school all five of their kiddos, so I picked her brain to pieces! We had a lovely time, so much so that I completely forgot to get my camera out to take pictures. Ugh!
We moved on to Central Florida to visit my extended family.
Gator got to meet Chandler and a friend of his, and played HORSE with a whole bunch of BIG kids. They had to get pretty fancy with their shots to knock him out of the game! On my dad's side, there are 11 grandchildren of which my sister and I are the only girls. Of the 8 great-grandkids, there are only two girls, who belong to my sister.
After spending the night, we travelled to North Central Florida to visit Hubs' family. While we were there, we did some exploring and observing.
We also got to see Hubs' sister and her family.
(four generations - the oldest will be 99 in a few days, the youngest is due in December)
We also got to see the football stadium, explore the museum with all the trophies, and see the other fields and courts. They were painting the stadium, so we had to throw Hubs' shorts away when we got back to his parents' house. That orange paint doesn't come out of khaki shorts!
We travelled to Northern Florida and spent a few days with my parents. We visited Wild Adventures and had a blast! Gator and Bull rode their first roller coaster. We all played in the water park too. We also got to see my mom's side of the family as well. We ate some yummies at their restaurant while they chewed on Monkey and played with Gator and Bull.
On our way home, we stopped in Louisiana to visit our friends from our seminary days. It was so great to see all of them! We haven't seen most of them since leaving there in April 2009. We met new babies and couldn't believe how big the kids had gotten! We worshiped on Sunday with our church.
Feeling refreshed, we began our journey home, passing through Tennessee once again. A couple weeks later, we travelled south to see my sister's family to celebrate my niece's first birthday. It was so wonderful to see so many loved ones.
Our first stop was in Tennessee to visit wonderful friends. They home school all five of their kiddos, so I picked her brain to pieces! We had a lovely time, so much so that I completely forgot to get my camera out to take pictures. Ugh!
We moved on to Central Florida to visit my extended family.
Gator got to meet Chandler and a friend of his, and played HORSE with a whole bunch of BIG kids. They had to get pretty fancy with their shots to knock him out of the game! On my dad's side, there are 11 grandchildren of which my sister and I are the only girls. Of the 8 great-grandkids, there are only two girls, who belong to my sister.
(my boys with my grandparents)
After spending the night, we travelled to North Central Florida to visit Hubs' family. While we were there, we did some exploring and observing.
We also got to see Hubs' sister and her family.
(four generations - the oldest will be 99 in a few days, the youngest is due in December)
We also got to see the football stadium, explore the museum with all the trophies, and see the other fields and courts. They were painting the stadium, so we had to throw Hubs' shorts away when we got back to his parents' house. That orange paint doesn't come out of khaki shorts!
We travelled to Northern Florida and spent a few days with my parents. We visited Wild Adventures and had a blast! Gator and Bull rode their first roller coaster. We all played in the water park too. We also got to see my mom's side of the family as well. We ate some yummies at their restaurant while they chewed on Monkey and played with Gator and Bull.
On our way home, we stopped in Louisiana to visit our friends from our seminary days. It was so great to see all of them! We haven't seen most of them since leaving there in April 2009. We met new babies and couldn't believe how big the kids had gotten! We worshiped on Sunday with our church.
Feeling refreshed, we began our journey home, passing through Tennessee once again. A couple weeks later, we travelled south to see my sister's family to celebrate my niece's first birthday. It was so wonderful to see so many loved ones.
9/27/2010
Home School - Month 1
(making cave paintings for Art and History)
Whew! What a month it has been! I'm exhausted in ways I didn't know possible, but soooooo thankful for our decision to keep the boys at home. We have been able to spend precious moments together as a family before Hubs deploys.
Our first week was a little bit trying. I think that besides getting used to school at home, we had a number of other things going on in our family and the stress level was very high. Also, we had to tweak some of the curriculum. We're still using the stuff I described here. We just had to adjust some of the leveling and pace. Once all of our activites started, extroverted Gator was much happier. I think he felt trapped for the first couple weeks before we got to see people other than each other. Mostly, it has been me learning how to manage my ever-present household duties, mothering, and now teaching. We've really settled into a great rhythm. We still have hiccups, but they are all managable.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday mornings:
7:15-8:00- PE with other home school families (when we can make it)
8:00-8:30- breakfast, morning chores
8:30- review memory work (AWANA verses for both; poems for Gator; days/months for Bull)
8:45- handwriting/spelling/grammar (videos/PBS, phonics, games, letter practice for Bull)
10:00- breaktime, Monkey's naptime
10:00-12:00 - math, science reading (tangrams, math games/manipulatives, and some formal lessons for Bull)
12:00- lunch with Daddy!
Monday and Thursday afternoons:
1:00- finish up science, history (formal instruction is done at this point)
2:00- reading time (Gator)/quiet time (Bull)/naptime (Monkey)
3:00- snack, playtime
5:00- dinner
5:30-6:30- Gator's football practice on Thursdays (Hubs coaches the team)
Wednesday afternoon:
1:00- occupational therapy for Bull, science/history for Gator
3:00- Musikgarten for all three boys
4:00-6:15- library and dinner
6:30-8:00- AWANA
Tuesday:
9:00-12:00- PWOC (I'm teaching Precept's Marriage Without Regrets), Gator has assignments (memory work, handwriting, science/history reading) that he completes in the home school room at PWOC, Bull has a blast in the preschool room, and Monkey smiles in the nursery.
12:00- lunch with Daddy!
1:00- spelling, grammar, review assigned reading (Bull plays)
2:00- reading time (Gator)/quiet time (Bull)/naptime (Monkey)
3:00- snack, playtime
5:00- dinner
5:30-6:30- Gator's football practice (Hubs coaches the team)
Friday:
7:30-8:30- breakfast, morning chores
8:30- review memory work (AWANA verses for both; poems for Gator; days/months for Bull)
8:45- handwriting/spelling/grammar (videos/PBS, phonics, games, letter practice for Bull)
10:00- leave for co-op
10:30- Art class for Gator and Bull (taught by local college students)
11:45- Presidential Physical Fitness Program (coordinated/coached by a home school mom; Hubs comes to help)
1:00- lunch with Daddy!
2:00- science experiments, history timeline and special activities
Our first week was a little bit trying. I think that besides getting used to school at home, we had a number of other things going on in our family and the stress level was very high. Also, we had to tweak some of the curriculum. We're still using the stuff I described here. We just had to adjust some of the leveling and pace. Once all of our activites started, extroverted Gator was much happier. I think he felt trapped for the first couple weeks before we got to see people other than each other. Mostly, it has been me learning how to manage my ever-present household duties, mothering, and now teaching. We've really settled into a great rhythm. We still have hiccups, but they are all managable.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday mornings:
7:15-8:00- PE with other home school families (when we can make it)
8:00-8:30- breakfast, morning chores
8:30- review memory work (AWANA verses for both; poems for Gator; days/months for Bull)
8:45- handwriting/spelling/grammar (videos/PBS, phonics, games, letter practice for Bull)
10:00- breaktime, Monkey's naptime
10:00-12:00 - math, science reading (tangrams, math games/manipulatives, and some formal lessons for Bull)
12:00- lunch with Daddy!
Monday and Thursday afternoons:
1:00- finish up science, history (formal instruction is done at this point)
2:00- reading time (Gator)/quiet time (Bull)/naptime (Monkey)
3:00- snack, playtime
5:00- dinner
5:30-6:30- Gator's football practice on Thursdays (Hubs coaches the team)
Wednesday afternoon:
1:00- occupational therapy for Bull, science/history for Gator
3:00- Musikgarten for all three boys
4:00-6:15- library and dinner
6:30-8:00- AWANA
Tuesday:
9:00-12:00- PWOC (I'm teaching Precept's Marriage Without Regrets), Gator has assignments (memory work, handwriting, science/history reading) that he completes in the home school room at PWOC, Bull has a blast in the preschool room, and Monkey smiles in the nursery.
12:00- lunch with Daddy!
1:00- spelling, grammar, review assigned reading (Bull plays)
2:00- reading time (Gator)/quiet time (Bull)/naptime (Monkey)
3:00- snack, playtime
5:00- dinner
5:30-6:30- Gator's football practice (Hubs coaches the team)
Friday:
7:30-8:30- breakfast, morning chores
8:30- review memory work (AWANA verses for both; poems for Gator; days/months for Bull)
8:45- handwriting/spelling/grammar (videos/PBS, phonics, games, letter practice for Bull)
10:00- leave for co-op
10:30- Art class for Gator and Bull (taught by local college students)
11:45- Presidential Physical Fitness Program (coordinated/coached by a home school mom; Hubs comes to help)
1:00- lunch with Daddy!
2:00- science experiments, history timeline and special activities
(Glider experiment)
I know that this will undergo many revisions in the coming months as Hubs leaves, Monkey grows, and Gator and Bull advance. This is what is working right now. And I'm happy to say that we're pretty much staying on track with what I had laid out in my lesson plans (which are written in pencil!).
9/25/2010
9 months old
My sweet baby boy,
You are now nine months old. I would like for you to slow down please! It makes me a little bit sad that you will be one year old in a very short three months.
You crawl and cruise all over the place, and leave evidence of your presence. I'm constantly side-stepping and sometimes tripping over toys, books you've pulled off the shelf, magnets that are no longer on the refrigerator, recyclables that are waiting to go outside, and shoes that you've pulled out of the shoe bin. And wires - you love wires! I have caught you about two steps up the staircase, so there are gates at the top and the bottom of the stairs. You'll stand for a few seconds on your own now too.
You are now nine months old. I would like for you to slow down please! It makes me a little bit sad that you will be one year old in a very short three months.
You crawl and cruise all over the place, and leave evidence of your presence. I'm constantly side-stepping and sometimes tripping over toys, books you've pulled off the shelf, magnets that are no longer on the refrigerator, recyclables that are waiting to go outside, and shoes that you've pulled out of the shoe bin. And wires - you love wires! I have caught you about two steps up the staircase, so there are gates at the top and the bottom of the stairs. You'll stand for a few seconds on your own now too.
You love a bath now, but still only for a few minutes. We have to keep the lids on the toilets closed and Duchess' bowls are another favorite. You also like Duchess' kennel...a lot (so did your brothers and just about any other kid that comes over!).
You're doing better with solid foods, but it's still slow-going. You like peaches, pears, applesauce, sweet potatoes, and bananas. You're not so excited about peas, green beans, or carrots. I have to sneak them in with the sweet potatoes or trade bites of fruit with bites of green veggies. You gag and complain every single time they enter your mouth. I've made most of your food - it's so easy! And so cheap! I've been using some of these recipes by a friend from my childhood. I am looking forward to experimenting with some more! We're going to be working on your sippy cup skills over the next month also.
We need to have a talk about a little problem we've been having for the last three weeks. It started because you were teething. You have your two bottom teeth now. However, you are not currently teething, so you should not be waking up at 1:30 and 4:30 am anymore. Last night you actually slept until 3:00 before crying. We have to work this out quickly, because Mommy is very tired right now! On the other hand, you've fallen into a very regular schedule of napping - what a relief! It's still hard on some days to get you down for both of your naps, because of your brothers' activities.
You started clapping the day that you turned 9 months old. Sometimes you get so excited that your eyes get really big, your arms are wide open, and you shake. It makes me laugh every single time! We've been attending a Musikgarten class once a week with your big brothers. You love it! You tap along with the music and play the instruments like a pro!
Your hair is growing and keeping its curl. And your eyes are looking more and more green. I really think that the color will settle on some shade of hazel. The other day you had a blue shirt on and your eyes were blue again! Who knows?! Regardless, your eyes are so smily and melt my heart on a regular basis.
We're going to be embarking on a new adventure together - cloth diapering. It seems very silly to me that I haven't done it before now, especially since we're at home so much. I'm still doing some research, so we won't be starting quite yet. It will be soon though!
We'll be embarking on another adventure too. Your Daddy will be deploying soon. He switched units to serve some different Soldiers who need him. We've been very busy getting prepared for his departure. I wouldn't mind if you started walking before he left so he could see you take your first steps. But you take your time. You'll grow up soon enough!
We're going to be embarking on a new adventure together - cloth diapering. It seems very silly to me that I haven't done it before now, especially since we're at home so much. I'm still doing some research, so we won't be starting quite yet. It will be soon though!
We'll be embarking on another adventure too. Your Daddy will be deploying soon. He switched units to serve some different Soldiers who need him. We've been very busy getting prepared for his departure. I wouldn't mind if you started walking before he left so he could see you take your first steps. But you take your time. You'll grow up soon enough!
You are such a content baby. I am so glad that you're mine. Your smile can light up a room!
We love you so much!
7/31/2010
My Boys
Gator painting his treasure box (orange and blue with a football applique):
Bull painting his treasure box (red with a robot applique):
Monkey with his new favorite friend, Duchess:
Gator's "war face":
Bull screaming "Bye, Elmo!" during Sesame Street Live - The Military Experience:
Monkey in his dedication outfit, being sweet as ever:
Bull painting his treasure box (red with a robot applique):
Monkey with his new favorite friend, Duchess:
Gator's "war face":
Bull screaming "Bye, Elmo!" during Sesame Street Live - The Military Experience:
Monkey in his dedication outfit, being sweet as ever:
7/28/2010
Lessons Learned
The Army is big on After Action Reviews (AAR) and use the leadership technique ad nauseum. It's only appropriate that I conduct an AAR regarding our recent trial run for deployment!
1. Get in bed on time.
2. Have a list of projects to accomplish while he is gone, but don't overspend while accomplishing said list.
3. Don't rely on technology (TV, Wii, and internet) quite so much, setting limits for all of us.
4. Use a schedule for me and for the boys, including exercise time, weekly library trips, and a fun event once a week. This was harder to do since it's summer. It will be easier once the school year starts.
5. Have a plan for bad weather, and go outside more on good weather days.
6. Figure out a better meal plan with lots of quick and easy meals, including a really easy night (like pizza) once a week.
7. Play with the dog and take her on walks.
8. Plan big events at regular intervals.
9. Hire a babysitter once a week for "Mommy stays sane" time.
10. Get up earlier than the boys, giving me time to read my Bible regularly.
What are some other tips for thriving during a military separation? Any really easy recipes? Any ideas for big events?
1. Get in bed on time.
2. Have a list of projects to accomplish while he is gone, but don't overspend while accomplishing said list.
3. Don't rely on technology (TV, Wii, and internet) quite so much, setting limits for all of us.
4. Use a schedule for me and for the boys, including exercise time, weekly library trips, and a fun event once a week. This was harder to do since it's summer. It will be easier once the school year starts.
5. Have a plan for bad weather, and go outside more on good weather days.
6. Figure out a better meal plan with lots of quick and easy meals, including a really easy night (like pizza) once a week.
7. Play with the dog and take her on walks.
8. Plan big events at regular intervals.
9. Hire a babysitter once a week for "Mommy stays sane" time.
10. Get up earlier than the boys, giving me time to read my Bible regularly.
What are some other tips for thriving during a military separation? Any really easy recipes? Any ideas for big events?
7/03/2010
One Word
At the beginning of the year, one of my radio stations gave listeners a challenge to come up with one word to define 2010. My word - margin.
This word came as a response to a very trying, although fruitful, first 10 months of life in the Army. We were very far away from family for the first time in our marriage. I had a hard first 18 weeks of pregnancy. The demands of Hubs' job were far more than we could have ever imagined. I found us having a hard time just surviving life through the fog of exhaustion that we were experiencing. We were living reactively for the first time in our lives. I knew something had to change if we were going to thrive in 2010.
I made a commitment in January to plan for more margin in our family life. Six months into it, I'm glad to say that we are succeeding for the most part. It's been hard though. I'm a classic first-born people pleaser with perfectionist tendencies. It is in my nature to say yes to everyone and everything. Saying no to opportunities has both stretched me and freed me. And my family is reaping the benefits.
We have tried to reserve Saturday for family time and rarely schedule things that would cause us to spend time apart. For most people, Sunday tends to be the day to lay low and reconnect with family (while Saturday is spent at sporting events, running errands, or doing yardwork). But we are the family of a Chaplain and Sundays can be one of the most stressful days of the week for us. Hubs has responsibilities at the Chapel, which means we arrive and leave at different times on Sunday mornings. I've had to let go of my "big Sunday dinner" dream. Instead, we have a special meal on Friday or Saturday night. On Sundays, we go out to eat and have leftovers or sandwiches. As for yardwork, we live on post and lawncare is provided for us.
We have tried to say no to things that would require us to be out of the house every night of the week. Therefore, Gator didn't play a sport during every season (though he really wanted to do so). I don't go to all the coffees I'm invited to attend. Hubs tries to keep after-hours counseling down to one night a week, if any at all. I have given up on having a perfectly clean house. I've stopped blogging as much. I've limited my computer time and the boys' TV/Wii time.
Our biggest change will begin in August. We will be home schooling our boys next year: Gator in 2nd grade and Bull in Pre-K. Yes, the girl who didn't major in education because she didn't want to write lesson plans bought a lesson planner a couple of weeks ago. We decided that margin is our priority. The boys and I will be here when Hubs comes home from PT and for lunch. We will be available when Hubs has a 4 day weekend. We can "do school" in the van on a road trip and not worry about the make-up work when we return from our trip. And these times spent together will fill our love bank accounts so we can make the withdrawals that a potential deployment will require. I know that bringing the boys home for school will not be "all sunshine and roses." However, I believe that the benefits will far outweigh any discomfort that I may feel! I'm certain that we will be able to create and preserve even more margin in our family life with this choice.
Ultimately, I've recognized that saying no to some things allows me to say "Yes!" to so many other more important things. I'm looking forward to the newest chapter in our margin-filled grand adventure!
This word came as a response to a very trying, although fruitful, first 10 months of life in the Army. We were very far away from family for the first time in our marriage. I had a hard first 18 weeks of pregnancy. The demands of Hubs' job were far more than we could have ever imagined. I found us having a hard time just surviving life through the fog of exhaustion that we were experiencing. We were living reactively for the first time in our lives. I knew something had to change if we were going to thrive in 2010.
I made a commitment in January to plan for more margin in our family life. Six months into it, I'm glad to say that we are succeeding for the most part. It's been hard though. I'm a classic first-born people pleaser with perfectionist tendencies. It is in my nature to say yes to everyone and everything. Saying no to opportunities has both stretched me and freed me. And my family is reaping the benefits.
We have tried to reserve Saturday for family time and rarely schedule things that would cause us to spend time apart. For most people, Sunday tends to be the day to lay low and reconnect with family (while Saturday is spent at sporting events, running errands, or doing yardwork). But we are the family of a Chaplain and Sundays can be one of the most stressful days of the week for us. Hubs has responsibilities at the Chapel, which means we arrive and leave at different times on Sunday mornings. I've had to let go of my "big Sunday dinner" dream. Instead, we have a special meal on Friday or Saturday night. On Sundays, we go out to eat and have leftovers or sandwiches. As for yardwork, we live on post and lawncare is provided for us.
We have tried to say no to things that would require us to be out of the house every night of the week. Therefore, Gator didn't play a sport during every season (though he really wanted to do so). I don't go to all the coffees I'm invited to attend. Hubs tries to keep after-hours counseling down to one night a week, if any at all. I have given up on having a perfectly clean house. I've stopped blogging as much. I've limited my computer time and the boys' TV/Wii time.
Our biggest change will begin in August. We will be home schooling our boys next year: Gator in 2nd grade and Bull in Pre-K. Yes, the girl who didn't major in education because she didn't want to write lesson plans bought a lesson planner a couple of weeks ago. We decided that margin is our priority. The boys and I will be here when Hubs comes home from PT and for lunch. We will be available when Hubs has a 4 day weekend. We can "do school" in the van on a road trip and not worry about the make-up work when we return from our trip. And these times spent together will fill our love bank accounts so we can make the withdrawals that a potential deployment will require. I know that bringing the boys home for school will not be "all sunshine and roses." However, I believe that the benefits will far outweigh any discomfort that I may feel! I'm certain that we will be able to create and preserve even more margin in our family life with this choice.
Ultimately, I've recognized that saying no to some things allows me to say "Yes!" to so many other more important things. I'm looking forward to the newest chapter in our margin-filled grand adventure!
6/25/2010
Sweet Baylee Girl
We had to say good-bye to my sweet Baylee this morning.
I remember the first time I saw her, bounding up and down a chain link fence, begging me to play while I raked our new backyard in Charleston, SC. She lived two doors down with her humans who were about to add a fourth boy to their family and had two other dogs. But base housing would only allow two animals, so they had to give one away. It worked out well because her little boy could come over and play with her any time he missed her (he came often). I think it eased the blow a bit.
Our household of boys was no surprise to her! She was infinitely patient and never snapped at anyone, even when babies would pull her ears and her fur and her jowels and her tail.
She had the softest, velvety fur, much longer than most other boxers - like down feathers when compared to flight feathers. She hated lightning and thunder and tried to chew her way out of any confining space (which is why we had to kennel her).
She was a petite little thing. At her highest weight, she was only 56 pounds, I think. She had these big soulful eyes, the same fawn brown of her coat.
She used to run with Hubs and me, before we needed a jogging stroller. One time, while Hubs was training for a marathon, she decided that she was done running. She stopped and lay down in the cool grass. No amount of coaxing would get her up. Hubs ended up carrying her most of the way home! She loved to chase a ball too - tennis balls were her favorite.
She was my buddy through all of Hubs' deployments and even at the end rarely left my side. She needed to know where all her peeps were. She convinced my farm boy husband that animals could, in fact, live inside!
She had a litter of 6 pups when she was 6 years old. My sister and I kept two of them (she owned the father of the litter). My sister just had to say good bye to Duke a few weeks ago. It will be nice to have two reminders of her running around for a little while longer.
I'll never understand the way an animal can connect with a human. It is a gift. I will miss my girl!
6/24/2010
6 months!
My little monkey is 6 months old!
You weigh almost 19 pounds now. You've got cute chunky thighs and roll around all over the place. You're trying to get up on your hands and knees, but I'm in no hurry for that to happen! You've started sitting up on your own now, though you're still a bit unsteady. I'm waiting to switch out your carseat until you're really steady.
We moved you into your crib in your room a couple of weeks ago. You had been sleeping in a bassinet in Mommy and Daddy's room (Mommy liked having you close). You promptly started waking up in the middle of the night. Finally, last night you slept through the night again! I think that it might be too quiet in your room. You're used to a lot of noise while you sleep! Maybe I should get a noise maker for your room?
We've tried solid food with limited success. You like sweet potatoes, kinda' like peas, and don't really like cereal at all. You will NOT take a bottle. I'm not sure if it is the taste of the formula or the type of bottle that we have, but you won't have it. We're going to have to work on this. Mommy needs to be able to leave you every once in awhile for longer than 2 hours!
I am wondering when your eyes will decide what color they will be. When you look closely, they are blue with a khaki-colored sunburst around the iris. That combination makes them look green on some days, especially if you're wearing brown, khaki, or green. I suppose time will tell! Your hair is curly! And blonde! I guess it's finally long enough for it to look more than wavy. It's made for some fun hairdos over the last few days!
Your new favorite toy is a set of stacking cups that I picked up the other day. You really enjoy the exersaucer too. Your brothers are still your most favorite playmates. They can make you laugh like no one else can!
You've had your first dip in the pool, and are generally soaking up the summer sun.
I think you like the change in the weather, my sweet winter baby. My most favorite time of the day is right after you wake up in the morning. Before you even open your eyes, you're cooing, just waiting for someone to notice that you're awake.
We had your dedication a couple of weeks ago.
You were so enthralled with the candles on the altar behind us that you wouldn't look at the congregation. I had to turn you around so people could see you! You did a great job though and smiled at the Chaplain while he spoke to Daddy and me. It is our prayer that you will follow hard after God and love Him with "all your heart."
We love you!
You weigh almost 19 pounds now. You've got cute chunky thighs and roll around all over the place. You're trying to get up on your hands and knees, but I'm in no hurry for that to happen! You've started sitting up on your own now, though you're still a bit unsteady. I'm waiting to switch out your carseat until you're really steady.
We moved you into your crib in your room a couple of weeks ago. You had been sleeping in a bassinet in Mommy and Daddy's room (Mommy liked having you close). You promptly started waking up in the middle of the night. Finally, last night you slept through the night again! I think that it might be too quiet in your room. You're used to a lot of noise while you sleep! Maybe I should get a noise maker for your room?
We've tried solid food with limited success. You like sweet potatoes, kinda' like peas, and don't really like cereal at all. You will NOT take a bottle. I'm not sure if it is the taste of the formula or the type of bottle that we have, but you won't have it. We're going to have to work on this. Mommy needs to be able to leave you every once in awhile for longer than 2 hours!
I am wondering when your eyes will decide what color they will be. When you look closely, they are blue with a khaki-colored sunburst around the iris. That combination makes them look green on some days, especially if you're wearing brown, khaki, or green. I suppose time will tell! Your hair is curly! And blonde! I guess it's finally long enough for it to look more than wavy. It's made for some fun hairdos over the last few days!
Your new favorite toy is a set of stacking cups that I picked up the other day. You really enjoy the exersaucer too. Your brothers are still your most favorite playmates. They can make you laugh like no one else can!
You've had your first dip in the pool, and are generally soaking up the summer sun.
I think you like the change in the weather, my sweet winter baby. My most favorite time of the day is right after you wake up in the morning. Before you even open your eyes, you're cooing, just waiting for someone to notice that you're awake.
We had your dedication a couple of weeks ago.
You were so enthralled with the candles on the altar behind us that you wouldn't look at the congregation. I had to turn you around so people could see you! You did a great job though and smiled at the Chaplain while he spoke to Daddy and me. It is our prayer that you will follow hard after God and love Him with "all your heart."
We love you!
6/20/2010
5/31/2010
Granddaddy
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Though he was not killed in action, Memorial Day always stirs memories of my grandfather, a veteran who came home. So, in honor of those fallen, I am remembering my grandfather. Because of their sacrifice, I have had the privilege of life lived with my Granddaddy!
He left us just a few days before we knew we were expecting Gator. I see his money sense in his first great grandchild. "Never invest money in the stock market that you can't afford to lose," he said. Hubs and I bought our first car together just a few days before he passed. I like to think he was tickled that we paid cash for it. I was sure to tell him too.
I see his tenacity in the one who bears his name (Bull is named for him), though some may call it stubborn or strong-willed. These traits can serve a person well, if used properly.
My eldest niece has his twinkling eyes - bright blue, calm, piercing. In fact, all of his great-granchildren (so far) have blue eyes, but hers are the most like his.
He had beautiful silver hair and his favorite color was yellow.
He spanked me once for sassing him (I deserved it).
His hands were the lined, calloused hands of a working man - a farmer and mechanic. Yet they were pristine, clean nails neatly trimmed.
He used his small pocket knife for everything. The crinkle of a peppermint wrapper instantly takes me back to Sunday mornings at my grandparents' Church. He always had a pocket full of peppermints that he would send down the pew just before the service started. We learned quickly how to keep that cellophane quiet.
His pecan trees still bear fruit every year, though the rows of his garden have been fallow for a long time. Those acre peas were the best tasting ones ever! I used to snap beans from his garden with my grandmother.
Even though the house was on city water, he still had a well for irrigation. I remember watching him turn on that faucet to get a swig of cold, delicious water after mowing his lawn with a riding lawn mower. There's a picture of my sister and me sitting with him on that mower.
His perfect teeth always held a toothpick between them.
He let me shift the gears in his truck when I was little. It was fun and nerve-wracking at the same time!
He wore ankle boots that zipped up the inside and short sleeve, metal snap-up shirts with chest pockets on both sides.
He hated bluejays and squirrels because they pestered his songbirds. He always had the bird feeder full of seed, and the bath full of water and knew the name of every bird that visited.
He loved the Braves, cherry cordials, and McDonald's (spoken MAC Donald's). My sister and I loved going there with him for lunch.
He served in the Pacific during the Second World War. Hubs finally got him to talk about his experiences - he never would tell us much. We made a shadow box for him the year before he died. He was so proud of that.
How I miss him.
5/20/2010
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2/24/2010
2/23/2010
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