I keep thinking that it's been a while since I've posted, I should update it. Then I think... I've got nothing to say.
So, I'll start with Brad. Goodness. What happened? He's adament about wearing those pj's everywhere for days on end. I can only get them off when I talk him into taking a bath. Then he freaks out that I move them out of his sight and down to the laundry room. He's really learned "my buttons". He's developed toddler colic. He cries and whines for hours on end for no apparent reason. He only does this for me, so I guess I should crack the whip on my sweet little innocent newborn.
Cole is doing so great. He's loving school. I went to his school one day and he got to show me his routine. He walks in and finds his shelf work, lays a towel down and does his work. When Mrs. Ray says it's ellipse time, he cleans up his shelf work and...... FOLDS THE TOWEL!!!! I was more amazed at this than the academic work! Seriously, I love that school. They talk about the weather, the days of the week, sing in German, the Pledge, and sing Flag of America. He's learning sight words, to read recipes, and following directions. Mrs. Ray comments all the time about how happy he always is!
Keith is TDY for 3 weeks to Red Flag. I honestly don't know how we surivived a deployment. This 3 weeks seems like 10. I'm ready for him to be home. To break up the routine Ashley and I headed down to Salt Lake City. First stop: Chick-fil-a. To all those who think that's silly... just spend 2 years away from the yummy goodness. We hit up the world's smallest aquarium, shopping, and stayed in a horrible hotel! Man, I have a gift of finding bad hotels. I search all over for the "best deal" and then am grossed out. We've been seriously spoiled with that Marriott discount. Kinda like after flying for free all those years, buying a plane ticket seems rediculous. You want me to pay how much? We went to a bird avery, to the outlet malls in Park City, and then home. It was a busy 2 days, but I'm so happy we got to get out of town for a bit.
We also threw Ashley a baby shower. She's so cute - and so loved. It was a great time and she was blessed with lots of gifts. Erin coined the nickname "puffin" for the baby. Now that she's officially going to be a Brooke, I can't help but want to still call her puffin.
And then.... we got orders. Keith volunteered for a one year remote to Korea. For so many reasons, this is a great move for Keith's career, and it's a great move for our family. I am happy to support my husband and I love hearing how excited he is about the experience. I don't want to go. I just envisioned moving to our next base with Ashley and Erin, and living happily ever after. I know all too well, that this is part of military life. But my heart isn't ready. I should have another year with my friends. I just want to push the goodbyes back another year. I don't know how I'm going to look at sweet precious Brooke, fall completely in love with her, and then leave. Military life adjusts you to change, and prepares you to separate from your family. They just don't prepare you to leave the rocks you lean on.
I told the boys we are moving. They were excited. I told them they have to leave their friends, and they were ok. I told them they have to leave the dogs and cat in Texas and not see them for a really, really, really long time. They were ok. I told them that we can't take any of their toys. They were ok. I told them that we would have to fly in the plane. They were ok. A few days later, Cole mentioned something about Ashley being in Korea. I had to tell him that Mr. Steve and Ashley were not going. He was not ok. It's been the first and only thing to upset him about this whole move. I'm sorry honey, I know. I know.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Battle of Wills
Houston, we have a problem. Well, I have a problem. Brad has not a care in the world - as long as he's wearing superman pajamas 24/7. He's finally grown into Cole's old Superman PJs. We dressed him in them on Sunday night - it's now Tuesday night. I tried to change his clothes this morning and we had a mother of all meltdowns. As soon as we got home, he promptly ran upstairs and fixed his situation. Currently he's in the bath and I've shuttled them off to the washer. What are the odds that he forgets about them and settles for fireman pjs?
On a side note: I was trying to play with him this afternoon and asked him how Superman flies. I demonstrated my finest lift off, but it didn't pass Brad's expectations. He told me how to do it and I tried again. This time my shirt came up a bit. To which he replied "Superman keeps his belly in, Superman does not show his baby"! Thanks son - that flabby "baby belly" is due to you my precious pet.
If you see my son around town (or in pictures) wearing his pajamas, just smile and wave. He's pretty strong willed and I am no longer fighting this battle.
On a side note: I was trying to play with him this afternoon and asked him how Superman flies. I demonstrated my finest lift off, but it didn't pass Brad's expectations. He told me how to do it and I tried again. This time my shirt came up a bit. To which he replied "Superman keeps his belly in, Superman does not show his baby"! Thanks son - that flabby "baby belly" is due to you my precious pet.
If you see my son around town (or in pictures) wearing his pajamas, just smile and wave. He's pretty strong willed and I am no longer fighting this battle.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Bonds
It's a lazy Saturday and we're trying something different - staying in! Not going anywhere! Not spending any money! We're getting caught up on-around-the-house stuff. We watched a movie together, cleaned the boys rooms, started laundry. Sidebar: Can you really start laundry when it never actually ended in the first place? My darling husband started doing our taxes. He pulls out our safe to find the boys social security numbers and pulls out a stack full of savings bonds.
Papa and Florence would give us savings bonds every year. $100 for our birthdays and $200 for Christmas. As a young child, while appreciative, they were never that exciting. We would stash them away and wait. And then wait some more. It was not until my teen years did those little bonds start reaching maturity. Along comes Keith. College pulled us in separate directions and Papa's gifts from long ago came in quite handy. At the time, I'm sure he did not envision his granddaughter cashing them in to go see a boy. He did not plan on them being spent to skip school and fly to Colorado. He did not know that they would one day help foster our relationship developing into marriage. I cashed in quite a few, but they've all gone towards traveling to see Keith.
So, Keith pulls out the savings bonds and starts looking up their value on the computer. I sat staring at them. All of them. And it hit me, those are it. I will never receive another one. I'll never get another non-exciting bond for Christmas or my birthday. And I won't see him again this side of heaven. It's so weird how grief can come and go. A few of them have not reached their face value, but to me they are priceless.
I now have to figure out what to do with them. I'm fairly certain I'll keep rolling them over in some kind of cd for the boys. I'm also fairly certain they will NOT be using that money to travel around the country with some girl either. Famous last words, huh?
Papa and Florence would give us savings bonds every year. $100 for our birthdays and $200 for Christmas. As a young child, while appreciative, they were never that exciting. We would stash them away and wait. And then wait some more. It was not until my teen years did those little bonds start reaching maturity. Along comes Keith. College pulled us in separate directions and Papa's gifts from long ago came in quite handy. At the time, I'm sure he did not envision his granddaughter cashing them in to go see a boy. He did not plan on them being spent to skip school and fly to Colorado. He did not know that they would one day help foster our relationship developing into marriage. I cashed in quite a few, but they've all gone towards traveling to see Keith.
So, Keith pulls out the savings bonds and starts looking up their value on the computer. I sat staring at them. All of them. And it hit me, those are it. I will never receive another one. I'll never get another non-exciting bond for Christmas or my birthday. And I won't see him again this side of heaven. It's so weird how grief can come and go. A few of them have not reached their face value, but to me they are priceless.
I now have to figure out what to do with them. I'm fairly certain I'll keep rolling them over in some kind of cd for the boys. I'm also fairly certain they will NOT be using that money to travel around the country with some girl either. Famous last words, huh?
Monday, January 26, 2009
Waiting... waiting... waiting.... still
If women ran the Air Force.... I know that might sound sexist. What am I trying to say? Basically, if women ran the world, things would be different. Not better, not worse, just different. There are a thousand different ways to accomplish a goal and I'm just sayin' if I were in charge we would already have an answer to the PCS question.
We have no news. Keith volunteered for a remote forever ago. Actually more like 2 weeks ago, but it seems like forever when your future hangs in the balance. Are we leaving dear friends? Are we packing a years worth of possessions in a 1,000lb shipment? Am I going to homeschool my boys next year? Do I need to start getting shots and passports? How am I going to control 2 kids in an airplane for 19 hours? Do we sell a car, sell the 4 wheelers, sell the trailers? When do I start pricing storage units in Texas for the van and motorcycle? What am I going to do to insure that pictures won't be damaged in storage for over a year? Do we seriously have to make that drive to Texas again so soon? Am I suppose to ignore Pottery Barn's ridiculous sale because we're moving anyway?
So, I wait and think of a million other questions that send a mother into a stress tornado. The only thing that brings me peace is knowing that I don't run the Air Force, or world for that matter.
We have no news. Keith volunteered for a remote forever ago. Actually more like 2 weeks ago, but it seems like forever when your future hangs in the balance. Are we leaving dear friends? Are we packing a years worth of possessions in a 1,000lb shipment? Am I going to homeschool my boys next year? Do I need to start getting shots and passports? How am I going to control 2 kids in an airplane for 19 hours? Do we sell a car, sell the 4 wheelers, sell the trailers? When do I start pricing storage units in Texas for the van and motorcycle? What am I going to do to insure that pictures won't be damaged in storage for over a year? Do we seriously have to make that drive to Texas again so soon? Am I suppose to ignore Pottery Barn's ridiculous sale because we're moving anyway?
So, I wait and think of a million other questions that send a mother into a stress tornado. The only thing that brings me peace is knowing that I don't run the Air Force, or world for that matter.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Success
Maybe (ok, definitely) it's a little premature, but Brad's potty trained. YEA!! Time for me to put my foot in my mouth. Every now and then it's good to have record of that for my kids. Piece of cake.
Granted. Today has only been 1 day of big-boys all day and no accidents. But, I get a little sidetracked and forget to remind him. ALL DAY long he went by himself without prompting. I don't think that happened with Cole for a couple of weeks. AND - he even woke up from his nap with a dry pull up. Big Boy!!
Cole also learned to play the guitar on Guitar Hero this weekend. I'm telling you, he's good. I can't believe how fast he picked it up. Funny story - As I was sitting in the ski lodge on Saturday, I listened to a lady go on and on about how her family does not believe in video gaming systems. Chatting about they only use the Leapster Learning systems and her son doesn't feel the need to have a DS like his friends... hahaha I was SO you 6 months ago lady. So, I proudly say my son can join our family jam sessions on drums or guitar!
Another heartwarming mommy memory..... I took Cole to a music class for 6 months last year. We sang all kinds of songs with silly movements and during the entire class, Cole refused to participate. Fine. Not his thing, but he still went. So last Sunday I dropped him off at Church. Don't tell God, but we were a little late ;-) He walked in to Children's Church and he jumped right in to their worship service. He was singing AND doing the movements AND teaching his brother how to do it too. Father, thank you. Thank you for letting me see this. Actually, it was the best thing I've seen all week. I love that kid. Serious Success.
Granted. Today has only been 1 day of big-boys all day and no accidents. But, I get a little sidetracked and forget to remind him. ALL DAY long he went by himself without prompting. I don't think that happened with Cole for a couple of weeks. AND - he even woke up from his nap with a dry pull up. Big Boy!!
Cole also learned to play the guitar on Guitar Hero this weekend. I'm telling you, he's good. I can't believe how fast he picked it up. Funny story - As I was sitting in the ski lodge on Saturday, I listened to a lady go on and on about how her family does not believe in video gaming systems. Chatting about they only use the Leapster Learning systems and her son doesn't feel the need to have a DS like his friends... hahaha I was SO you 6 months ago lady. So, I proudly say my son can join our family jam sessions on drums or guitar!
Another heartwarming mommy memory..... I took Cole to a music class for 6 months last year. We sang all kinds of songs with silly movements and during the entire class, Cole refused to participate. Fine. Not his thing, but he still went. So last Sunday I dropped him off at Church. Don't tell God, but we were a little late ;-) He walked in to Children's Church and he jumped right in to their worship service. He was singing AND doing the movements AND teaching his brother how to do it too. Father, thank you. Thank you for letting me see this. Actually, it was the best thing I've seen all week. I love that kid. Serious Success.
Waiting... waiting... waiting
How many times can a person hit refresh in their email box? Today's answer: Lots. We are waiting for Keith to pass along the word of his next assignment. COME ON GREECE or ITALY!!! More than likely... Welcome to Korea.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Dropping the Ball
Man, I should have made a New Year's Resolution to post more regularly. Too bad I never made any resolutions. I'll get to it.... one day.
We traveled home for Christmas. It was bittersweet. The drive and the weather were hard and the pressure we put on ourselves to see everyone wore us out. We realized we can't do that anymore. We can no longer go home and run around like crazy chickens. It's not fair to our family and friends to limit quality time and it's not fair to the boys. So, I'm saying (usually full of talk and not alot of action) that our next trip will be different.
Now that I say that, it appears our next trip to Texas will be this summer for about 2 months. We came home and in the length of 2 days decided to put in orders to PCS. Keith feels it's time in his career to go remote. For a number of reasons it makes total sense, but I'm not ready. I can't even think about leaving Ashley. Leaving Puffin (aka: Brooke) turns my stomach. Korea seems like the worst of the worst. Homeschooling????? Oh my. The things military dependents do to support their loved ones. We find out next week where the next phase of our lives will be. No biggie, I'll just hang out while the government makes up their mind.....
On a parenting sidenote: BIG DAY ON THE FARM!!!!
Poo Poo in the Potty! Brad told us he wanted to go poop in the potty. Being the awesome parents we were, we continued sitting on the couch. He walked in there, took his diaper off, sat on the big toilet without a step or child lid, and called for me to come wipe him. I totally thought he was kidding. No joke. My baby did it!!! All on his own!! This couch-parenting method really works. He pooped 3 more times this afternoon (my boys have good plumbing) And in the most touching sweet voice, Brad says to me "Mommy, thank you for me wiping. Give me a hug"
I've started potty training when we got back last week. He got sick so we resorted back to diapers for a few days. It was funny, the day the vomit started he told me "big boys make me sick" Seriously, he is funny, quick witted, and steals my heart every chance he gets.
When my sister and I were little we would compete in everything. We made it a point to count the number of pictures of each other were hanging in the house or at my mom's desk at work. Whoever had the most was obviously her favorite. Is that a girl thing? If not, here are two sweet Cole stories to prove that my boys are heart breakers and they are equally my absolute favorites.
Cole got a DS for Christmas. Don't know what a DS is? Join the club. I had to ask the kid in the electronic department what he was referring to. Then, my previously terrified of costumed adults walked right up to Santa to tell him. I'm telling you, this child was so confident in his upcoming gift. He would say "when I get my DS I am going to play it in the car" I would tell him that he might not get one. Cole would reply to me "but I told Santa and he will bring it" so smugly. Anyway, guess what he got Christmas. He wasn't even excited when he saw it. That's not to say he doesn't love it. In fact, he's downright addicted. I've got a gamer in the making. However, when Santa found this little purchase it came with several different games. One being Brain Age. I play this every chance I get. One day I had (and I do mean HAD) to ask Cole in the middle of the day if I could play. Sweet kid says "here you go mom" He comes over and even switches the games out for me. Seriously, if you knew his obsession you would know this small gesture shows his heart. Love that kid.
My little man is growing up. He's started saying things like "I'm not even kidding" "This rocks like a champ" "For real" "My crainum doesn't even fit in this" Ha - he will say the most random adult things he's picked up from his hero (Daddy) It's so much fun to carry on conversations with him and to ask him questions. He's growing up!
Onto my newfound timewaster - FaceBook.
We traveled home for Christmas. It was bittersweet. The drive and the weather were hard and the pressure we put on ourselves to see everyone wore us out. We realized we can't do that anymore. We can no longer go home and run around like crazy chickens. It's not fair to our family and friends to limit quality time and it's not fair to the boys. So, I'm saying (usually full of talk and not alot of action) that our next trip will be different.
Now that I say that, it appears our next trip to Texas will be this summer for about 2 months. We came home and in the length of 2 days decided to put in orders to PCS. Keith feels it's time in his career to go remote. For a number of reasons it makes total sense, but I'm not ready. I can't even think about leaving Ashley. Leaving Puffin (aka: Brooke) turns my stomach. Korea seems like the worst of the worst. Homeschooling????? Oh my. The things military dependents do to support their loved ones. We find out next week where the next phase of our lives will be. No biggie, I'll just hang out while the government makes up their mind.....
On a parenting sidenote: BIG DAY ON THE FARM!!!!
Poo Poo in the Potty! Brad told us he wanted to go poop in the potty. Being the awesome parents we were, we continued sitting on the couch. He walked in there, took his diaper off, sat on the big toilet without a step or child lid, and called for me to come wipe him. I totally thought he was kidding. No joke. My baby did it!!! All on his own!! This couch-parenting method really works. He pooped 3 more times this afternoon (my boys have good plumbing) And in the most touching sweet voice, Brad says to me "Mommy, thank you for me wiping. Give me a hug"
I've started potty training when we got back last week. He got sick so we resorted back to diapers for a few days. It was funny, the day the vomit started he told me "big boys make me sick" Seriously, he is funny, quick witted, and steals my heart every chance he gets.
When my sister and I were little we would compete in everything. We made it a point to count the number of pictures of each other were hanging in the house or at my mom's desk at work. Whoever had the most was obviously her favorite. Is that a girl thing? If not, here are two sweet Cole stories to prove that my boys are heart breakers and they are equally my absolute favorites.
Cole got a DS for Christmas. Don't know what a DS is? Join the club. I had to ask the kid in the electronic department what he was referring to. Then, my previously terrified of costumed adults walked right up to Santa to tell him. I'm telling you, this child was so confident in his upcoming gift. He would say "when I get my DS I am going to play it in the car" I would tell him that he might not get one. Cole would reply to me "but I told Santa and he will bring it" so smugly. Anyway, guess what he got Christmas. He wasn't even excited when he saw it. That's not to say he doesn't love it. In fact, he's downright addicted. I've got a gamer in the making. However, when Santa found this little purchase it came with several different games. One being Brain Age. I play this every chance I get. One day I had (and I do mean HAD) to ask Cole in the middle of the day if I could play. Sweet kid says "here you go mom" He comes over and even switches the games out for me. Seriously, if you knew his obsession you would know this small gesture shows his heart. Love that kid.
My little man is growing up. He's started saying things like "I'm not even kidding" "This rocks like a champ" "For real" "My crainum doesn't even fit in this" Ha - he will say the most random adult things he's picked up from his hero (Daddy) It's so much fun to carry on conversations with him and to ask him questions. He's growing up!
Onto my newfound timewaster - FaceBook.
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