Beautiful day

We are enjoying a beautiful day up here in Kansas. Bright blue skies and temperatures in the 70s. It doesn't get much better than that!

We have a date for the first of Jasen's two changes of command. He'll give up command of Alpha Battery on November 17th. We still aren't sure about the second one. More than likely, it will not be on December 1st, which is what Jasen thought originally. I'll keep you posted.

And while I am on the whole calendar topic, I just wanted to let those of you who care know that we won't be coming to Texas for Thanksgiving. We'll stay here for Christmas day, too, but we'll come to Texas a couple of days after Christmas to stay for a week or so. A lot will depend on Jasen's work and our pocketbook. We just can't afford to come home twice and pay for the change of command reception we are responsible for. Ugh!

Grace's school Open House is today. We are all so excited! I even dreamed last night about who would be in her class. That will be the most exciting part of the Open House, seeing who will be in her class. School will start one week from today. Yippee!

Davis has two more teeth! I can't remember if I mentioned it or not, but he now has six teeth. As a result, I am considering weaning him to the bottle. No wonder he's been fussy lately. The boy was essentially cutting four teeth at once. All the top ones. Thank goodness that is over!

This weekend, we're going to the Eisenhower Library and Museum with the Roberts. Then Saturday, we plan on watching some college ball. I sure wish the A&M game was on; we have a neighbor who went to the Citadel, so we could have fun watching together. More than anything, I wish I could be there to go to the game! I guess the rest of my family will be there.... Another UGH!

Great Weekend

We had an absolutely fabulous weekend. Friday night, the power went out here just about the time Jasen's grandparents pulled into Junction City. Good thing they wanted to take us out to eat and I wasn't cooking! It was one of those fluke deals, I guess. It was really hot and humid that day, so I assume the power grids were being taxed. Or that's what I told myself!!

Anyway, we rode into Junction and had dinner with Granny and Papaw. Grace had been asking all day when her Granny and Papa were going to be here. She says Papaw different than she's ever heard any of us say it and I think it makes Papaw happy that Grace has her own name for him. Friday was Granny's birthday so seeing the kids was a special treat for her. I am so glad my kids know their great-grandparents and can be a part of their lives. They are so blessed, we all are, to have five "greats" to call their very own.

Once we got home, the power had just come on. Then it was off. Then it was on again. Living on post sometimes is a pain! Then the storms came. Granny and Papaw left for their hotel during the heaviest rain. Jasen and I watched them go, saying "They should stay..." but they made it to their hotel fine. Slow going, but they made it there safely. We lost power two more times, but that gave us a good reason to get out on the porch and watch the lightning show. It was spectacular to say the least. I have never seen such lightning activity. Since then, it's still been humid, but cooler, so that's good!

Saturday, Granny and Papaw came for breakfast. We had a big one and it was great. They also gave us a large, framed and matted picture of Jasen's mom. It is absolutely beautiful and perfect. We love it and have it up already. Grace loves to go by and say "Granma Lori!" She was a beautiful woman and there isn't a day that goes by that she isn't missed in this house. Even by Grace, whose memories of her must be cloudy. Jasen won't talk about it much, but I know there are times the pain is palpable. Being around Granny and Papaw is good for him and I think it's good for them, too.

We spent the rest of Saturday with Granny and Papaw. We ate out again and again, which was fine by us and I hope okay with them! It was good just to visit. And we love having people here at our home. When we're in Texas, there is always such a rush to see everyone. Up here, we can just relax and talk.

Jasen has decided the discipline streamer is cursed. He currently has a soldier who is AWOL and there was a fight between some of his soldiers on Friday night. He said he can't wait until this quarter is over so he can take the darn thing off!! Jasen has a tendency to act like the battery is going to heck in a handbasket but the fact is that he's been blessed not to have any isssues until now.

There was a big welcome for the senior ladies of the Big Red One yesterday. It was such a nice reception and reminded me why I am proud to be a military wife. Mrs. Ham, the wife of the division commander was so eloquent and sincere. She just reminded all of us in attendance what a wonderful "job" we have: to support our soldiers and each other. I was there with Julie, and was thankful to be standing with one of my favorite Army wives. It was a special time and brought back special memories, mainly of our time in Germany. That whole experience was just such a blessing. Sometimes I am just overwhelmed with gratefulness with how God used that time to grow us and bless us. Listening to the ladies speak yesterday, I was reminded of so many friends that I miss and how many wonderful, sad, fabulous, funny times we shared. It was a special day.

Nothing exciting

Nothing new going on around here. Davis is still clapping, and loves for us to say "Yea Davis!" so he can clap some more. It is precious. Last night, before I took him up for his bath, Jasen and Grace were waving bye-bye to him and we think he was trying to wave back. You know how it is at this stage: you think it might be an intentional motion, but it could just be a reflex!

We've been walking this week. On days that we walk, the day goes by really fast. Usually, we leave with Julie and Jackson around 8, then get back by 9:30. Our new next door neighbor, Tara, and her three year old, Marisa, are usually outside when we get home, so we have a little playtime. Then I try to squeeze in a bath before lunch. It makes for a busy day, but I know exercise is important. It's been hot here and I am ready for school to start; pushing Grace's 40+ pounds, along with Davis' 20 lbs., is really, really wearing me out.

Speaking of school, we took a picture of Grace by yesterday for Mrs. Peggy to put up on her "Welcome to School" bulletin board. We are all ready for school!! Hard to believe next year, Grace will start kindergarten.

Jasen's grandparents are going to come up for a visit tomorrow. I think they'll just be here overnight, but we are excited for them to come. They won't recognize Davis. Today, he and Grace were "playing" (re: he was watching her from his exer-saucer, while she was acting goofy for him) and he just laughed and laughed. Grace has been the best entertainment for him.

Oh, and the PWOC Fall Kickoff was on Tuesday night. I am so excited to get back to that exciting and worthwhile organization. I need some Christian women in my life, whom I can share with. I have missed it this past year and cannot wait for our studies to begin. I will be doing the Proverbs study. I am really tired of the "feel good" studies most people favor and need some real meat to chew on.

Happy Birthday!

Well, today is Jasen's 34th birthday. I can't believe and neither can he. I gave him his birthday present almost two months ago: a rack for his military coins. He's been wanting one for awhile so I went ahead and bought it. Of course, when we received it, he said he wanted it to be his birthday present. That made it easy for me! Tonight, we'll have his favorite meal: chicken enchiladas with all the Mexican side dishes and apple pie for dessert. We'll all be full, no doubt!

Jasen had a great time at Promise Keepers. I think he goes less for the speakers than for the camaraderie with the men from our church. But God really spoke to him about some things this weekend and that was good. One of the speakers (I think his name is Joe White) was a former assistant coach at A&M. That was awesome for Jasen and our friend, Jack.

Grace is presently upstairs in my room, resting, instead of taking a nap. She was awake in her room until 10 p.m. last night and had real trouble sleeping. I think it's because she had a long nap. We'll see what her demeanor is like this evening. Naps might be going by the wayside.

Davis has started clapping his hands together. It's precious. We all say "Yea Davis!" when he does it and he looks both pleased and confused. He's such a sweetheart.

I got some good news today. My cholesterol was just fine, with only my good cholesterol slightly elevated and my thyroid is functioning just fine.

Two great mornings

First, let me start with yesterday morning. I woke up to Grace scratching on my side of the bed. Since we got our new bed, she can't get up in it because it's so high. Well, she can get up, but she has to grab ahold of the sheets to hoist herself up and she can't do that when Jasen and I are both in bed. Anyway, so there she was, scratching on the side. She said "I can't get my hopscotch together." I thought she was sleepwalking and talking. I looked at the clock: 7:25. That can't be, I thought. That's almost an hour later than the time Grace usually comes in.

"I need help with my hopscotch," Grace said again. I asked her what she was talking about. She said she was putting her Princess indoor hopscotch together and couldn't get it to fit. That's when I realized her bedroom light was on, too. I asked her what she was doing. She said she was playing in her room because "you needed some extra sleep." OH, THE JOY!!! I have no idea how long she'd been awake, but I suspect it had been at least thirty minutes. Anyway, I was thrilled at her thoughtfulness and so pleased with the extra sleep, no matter how long it was. Davis was playing quietly in his crib when I went in to check on him.

And this morning, she and Davis slept in again. Until almost 7:30. It's fabulous!

Yesterday, Jasen was off work, so after I went and had my blood drawn, we went out for a late breakfast. It was great and the kids acted great. It's so nice now that Davis can sit up in a highchair and I can give him a piece of toast to gnaw on. After lunch, Jasen left for Promise Keepers. I am anxious to hear about how it was. He'll be home late tonight, because they were staying to watch a Royals game. I hear the tickets are pretty cheap; they should be since the Royals stink!

The kids didn't want to nap for me yesterday so they had an early bedtime last night. Grace was pretty sweet last night, too, for not having had a nap. I wonder if it's almost time to give those up. I thought we'd try not taking one today, but she threw the worst tantrum this afternoon. Julie and Jackson were here and I was so embarrassed. It was one of those where she was crying, slobbering, snotting, all over the place. I can't even tell you what set her off. Thank goodness, she was in her room, so Julie didn't see the worst of it. So, Grace had to have a nap after that spectacle!

Early return

Last night, while watching "Project Runway" and cleaning the bathrooms, I got a call from Jasen. His unit had met their field requirements early and he would be home a day early. So he got home last night instead of tonight. It was a nice surprise. Despite having clean bathrooms, the rest of the house was a wreck. I had hoped to get everything done before Jasen got home from the field, but his early return made for a sloppy house. Oh well! He said he didn't care and I think that was true!

We finally heard from Grace's school about when she'll be starting. She'll begin on September 6th. She is so excited. We have an open house to go to before school starts. It will be exciting to see who is in her class. I don't know how many, if any, will be in her class from last year.

Davis has been very happy lately. And he's just so content. I would love to meet a better baby, but have serious doubts about whether one exists.

I am on a fast right now; I am having my cholesterol and thyroid tested tomorrow. I am anxious about the tests, but have needed to have them done for awhile. Of course, I am hungry for some dessert!

Tomorrow, Jasen has the whole day off, as a result of his battery's discipline award. He's going to Promise Keepers with a group from our church tomorrow afternoon. Our friend, Jack is going, too, so Julie and I will get together for dinner tomorrow night with the kids. Their son, Jackson, is all boy! Very mobile, too. Davis just sits and watches and Grace tries to corral him. It should be fun!

Entertaining Kids

Just a few stories about the kids:

Davis has discovered his tongue. He has had it in and out of his mouth all day. Quite entertaining! Grace and I have been licked a few times. He also has started "crawling" on his back. When I lay him in the floor to change his diaper, he pushes off with his feet and gets away from me. It's quite a game for us all!

This morning, when Grace was having her T.V. time, she was very excited to hear that one of her favorite shows was on. When I told her that American Dragon was on, she said "Gig 'Em Aggies!" I don't know what the Aggies had to do with it, but I guess that's her way of saying she was happy!! Too funny!

Big Weather Changes

We had some really bad storms last night. Jasen and I aren't quite sure when they came through because there were a couple of really, really loud claps of thunder and then the electricity went off. We think they hit between two and four this morning. Truly, it was the loudest thunder I had ever experienced. It felt like the lightning was hitting in our backyard. Maybe it was!

The strangest thing about the storms? Grace and Davis slept right through them! The best thing about the storms? The temperature here is at least 15 degrees cooler. It's muggy out, but we'll take that over debilitating heat anyday!

Grace has been playing in her Cowboys cheerleader outfit. It's a hand-me-down from Natalie Christensen. Today, she was cheering for the Dallas Cowgirls! I wonder if I can let T.O. know?

Jasen's brigade commander told him last week he should go to Air Assault school. It's been weighing heavily on Jasen's mind. Today, Jasen was able to talk to his battalion commander who said he didn't think it was a priority right now. Jasen was so relieved! Oh, and Jasen found out last week that Brian McCall will take the battery when Jasen changes command. Some of you will remember him and his wife, Amber, from Germany. Jasen thinks he is definitely the right fit for Alpha. I think Jasen's just excited to hand command to a guy he trusts to take care of the Aces.

Davis' top two teeth are now poking through. It's about time! He was all smiley today. He has the shiniest eyes in the world. Oh, and we finally got some decoration up in his room. I bought a nude shelf, stained it and Jasen hung it yesterday. It looks good with the few things I have to put on it.

After the kids get up, we'll go for a walk with the neighbors. I don't want to, but know it's a necessary evil. More than anything, I want my kids to see the example of an exercising mom. Grace loves to run right now and I want her to continue that. Goodness knows the "love of running" gene flew right past me!!

Good time

We had a good time in Topeka yesterday. Chuck E. Cheese was great for Grace. At first, she loved the mechanical band, then she got tired of them and wanted to go play games. By then, Davis was excited about the "show." He loved the lights and the movement. The pizza was gross, but we weren't there for the pizza, right? We were there about an hour and a half. At one point, Jasen and I were cracking ourselves up at the absurdity of it all. It's good to have a husband who is also my buddy!

Then we went to the mall. We only went to a couple of stores. Grace got some school clothes. It's amazing how fast she is growing. She's too big for toddler clothes, but her waist is so tiny for the big girl sizes. I can't believe how fast our girl is growing.

I forgot to mention last week that on the hottest day of the year (we topped out at 108 degrees, with 110+ heat index), Jasen's unit was in the field, wearing their full body armor. I was so worried about him and his soldiers. There were three guys that had some trouble; two were treated in the field, the other had to go to the hospital. It has just been so hot up here. We need a serious break from the heat.

We're hosting a barbecue tonight. Just some of our neighbors and friends. We'll get the Slip'N' Slide out for the kids and we'll sit under the shade of our canopy. It should be fun!

Married to the Man!

I have to brag on Jasen for a minute. He had his evaluation yesterday with the colonel who is the brigade commander. He his Jasen's senior rater, while Jasen's battalion commander (a lieutenant colonel), is Jasen's primary rater. Anyway, LTC Gadson was very, very complimentary to Jasen. Even said Jasen would make a "stellar battalion commander" one day. COL Gibbs (who chose Jasen for the HHC command) commented that Jasen is one of the top three battery/company commanders in the entire brigade. That's about 30 guys! Jasen is really in his element right now.

They both stated Jasen "must" be promoted "below the zone" (that means early for all of you civilians) to Major. Too bad Jasen's chance for that has already come and gone. That's the one drawback about him taking command so late as a captain. But he'd probably never have gotten the chance for two commands. Six one way, half a dozen another.

Today, Jasen is off so we are going to Topeka. We'll do some back to school shopping for Grace and take her for a fun time at that hotbed of fun, Chuck E. Cheese. Yes, are finally giving in. It's pretty sad when your child says Chuck E.'s is her favorite restaurant and she's never even been there. This will be a special treat for her. And we'll be sure she knows it's a once every blue moon treat.

Davis is all over his bed these days. This morning, he was on his tummy. It looks like he might end up being a tummy sleeper, like Grace was. Oh, and I know this is probably not cool for me to tell this, but he has found his extra parts. He is forever grabbing and pulling on them when I change his diaper. It's a little distressing to me, because he's so forceful with himself, but I am hopeful if it starts to hurt, he'll stop!

This morning, two of my neighbors and I walked without our kids. And we did a little interval training. We walked the downhills and ran the uphills. Not fun, but I feel so good for having done it. I despise running, but both of my neighbors are working up to it, so I guess I will, too. Wish I ran prettier! It's a lot easier to run when you aren't pushing almost 60 extra pounds. Oh, and we're walking the perimeter of the golf course. From our house, it's just over 4 miles.

Well, we're off to Topeka. Hope this bold font is a little easier to read.

Nothing new

There isn't a lot to report today, but I know how some people like seeing something from us everyday. The bake sale for Jasen's unit went GREAT! We had so many donations of baked goods from the wives. We made enough money for each battery/company in Jasen's battalion (there are four) got over $140! That is just fabulous. For me, it was uplifting and a real reminder of who the average soldier is. So many privates are just babies, and if they aren't that young, they have a family at home that they are working hard for. Sometimes, even I forget who the GI Joes are who are willing to put their lives on the line for us. It's good to be reminded.

Davis wore his "crossed cannons", which is the insignia of the field artillery, onesie to the bake sale. He got some compliments on it. Jasen's battalion commander asked if Davis would be required to be a redleg when he joined the army. I nearly cried; the idea of my baby boy being a soldier is too much for this mom to handle. But I guess if he's going to do it, I will support him. I know all too well that there is no stopping your kids from doing something they really want to do. You can reason, cry, plead, etc. and if they want to do it, they are going to! Don't ask how I know!

That's about it from here. It's hot and only going to get hotter in Kansas. I thought I'd get a little break from the heat up here, but it's been hotter than Texas. UGH!

Good weekend

We've had a good weekend. It was pretty relaxing, actually. Today should have been really busy, but we "gave ourselves permission" to take some time to ourselves. We went to church this morning, but were supposed to stay for a newcomer's lunch (to welcome recent visitors to our church) then go back to church for dinner with our small group. I think I've just reached my maximum as far as being gone from home, even if it's just a drive to our church building! So we stayed home after church today and it was refreshing.

Jasen and I worked on a budget this afternoon. For the first time in our marriage (and in my life!), we will be spending money according to how we have budgeted it. Jasen is so excited he's been smiling all evening! He's wanted to do this for awhile and I've seen the real need for it, too. I am anxious to see how this first month goes.

On the way home from church, Grace said "What a fascinating trip!" That kid! She just kills me sometimes! I wonder where she gets that stuff. Her latest favorite phrase is "Speaking of...." I think it's because she heard me tell Amy about one time when she said it and we laughed. So now she knows she can get a laugh out of it. We're all anxious to hear about when she'll start school. She'll have an open house at the end of August before school starts after Labor Day.

Davis continues to be a bright spot in all of our worlds. He and Grace just delight in each other. She'll get right in his face, which should annoy him, but he just laps up the attention. And if she lets him pull that hair, he just chuckles. He's very ticklish under the arms, so that is a fun game of mine! His top two teeth are expected any day now; they are just painful lumps on his gums. He keeps that top lip tucked in most of the time. Oh, and he won't eat his green peas unless they are masked by something else.

Tomorrow is a bake sale with Jasen's battalion. Grace is going over the neighbor's house to play and I'll take Davis with me. I finally get the see the red carpet they put into his office. I don't know the last time I was up at Jasen's office. I think it was sometime in March??

Yesterday, my friend, Julie and I went to Aggieville in Manhattan for a little mommy time. Many of you have heard me talk about her, her husband, Jack, and their son, Jackson. We were in Germany together and they are at Fort Riley now. Jack is a JAG officer (lawyer) who went to A&M and law school at Tech. Julie is from Lubbock and went to Tech. Oh yes, we were fast friends with them! We are so glad they are here!

Good weekend

We've had a good weekend. It was pretty relaxing, actually. Today should have been really busy, but we "gave ourselves permission" to take some time to ourselves. We went to church this morning, but were supposed to stay for a newcomer's lunch (to welcome recent visitors to our church) then go back to church for dinner with our small group. I think I've just reached my maximum as far as being gone from home, even if it's just a drive to our church building! So we stayed home after church today and it was refreshing.

Jasen and I worked on a budget this afternoon. For the first time in our marriage (and in my life!), we will be spending money according to how we have budgeted it. Jasen is so excited he's been smiling all evening! He's wanted to do this for awhile and I've seen the real need for it, too. I am anxious to see how this first month goes.

On the way home from church, Grace said "What a fascinating trip!" That kid! She just kills me sometimes! I wonder where she gets that stuff. Her latest favorite phrase is "Speaking of...." I think it's because she heard me tell Amy about one time when she said it and we laughed. So now she knows she can get a laugh out of it. We're all anxious to hear about when she'll start school. She'll have an open house at the end of August before school starts after Labor Day.

Davis continues to be a bright spot in all of our worlds. He and Grace just delight in each other. She'll get right in his face, which should annoy him, but he just laps up the attention. And if she lets him pull that hair, he just chuckles. He's very ticklish under the arms, so that is a fun game of mine! His top two teeth are expected any day now; they are just painful lumps on his gums. He keeps that top lip tucked in most of the time. Oh, and he won't eat his green peas unless they are masked by something else.

Tomorrow is a bake sale with Jasen's battalion. Grace is going over the neighbor's house to play and I'll take Davis with me. I finally get the see the red carpet they put into his office. I don't know the last time I was up at Jasen's office. I think it was sometime in March??

Yesterday, my friend, Julie and I went to Aggieville in Manhattan for a little mommy time. Many of you have heard me talk about her, her husband, Jack, and their son, Jackson. We were in Germany together and they are at Fort Riley now. Jack is a JAG officer (lawyer) who went to A&M and law school at Tech. Julie is from Lubbock and went to Tech. Oh yes, we were fast friends with them! We are so glad they are here!

Commanders Dinner

We had dinner at Jasen's battalion commander's house on Wednesday night. That's us at the first "Commanders Dinner" with the other battery/company commanders, their wives, LTC Gadson and his wife. I cannot say enough good about the Gadsons. They are just real people; no putting on with them. I am finding not many people are "what you see is what you get." Anyway, it was nice time.

We've had a pretty good week. Poor Davis is suffering, though. His top two teeth are giving him trouble. He doesn't want to eat most of the time. He keeps those jaws clamped down; he won't open for anything! And today was his six month check-up. For those of you keeping track, yes, he is almost 7 months old. Welcome to the world of "free" healthcare. You get what you pay for, which means long, long waits for appointments. So he had shots today, too. Not a great time for our boy. However, he is so rarely fussy, that times like this aren't unbearable. He weighed 19 lbs., 7 oz. and was 27 inches long. His head is large, I can't remember the circumference, but it's bigger than 95% of other six month olds. It's funny; we never noticed he had a large head!

I forgot to mention the other day that the 1st Infantry Division has returned to Fort Riley. The big change over was on Tuesday. Jasen went to the ceremony and said it was great. Hardly anyone knew the 24th ID (outgoing unit), but everyone, according to Jasen, sang the Big Red One song. Jasen is thrilled for them to be back. I never considered how much that division meant to Jasen, but having gone to Iraq with 1ID has made it "his" division. Which makes me happy. I am a good Big Red One wife; I even know the song!!! It won't be long and Grace will be singing it, too.

For those of you who are interested, there are dates being proposed for Jasen's changes of command. It looks like Jasen will give up command on either Nov. 11 or Nov. 15. And he'll take the new command either on Nov. 15 or Dec. 1. We'll keep you posted. I am not going to lie to you all; we'd love for any and every one of you to come to the ceremonies. It appears Jasen will relinquish command to a guy whose hometown is Junction City so they'll have a big turnout. I don't want to be sitting by myself with the kids on the other side of all his friends and family! Besides that, I know it would mean so much to Jasen for anyone to be able to come. When we were in Germany, we laughed that no one would ever be able to make it if he took command there. I know Kansas is closer, but it's a long way from so many of you!

Let's see, I can't think of much else to report. I got a new double stroller, which means the kids and I will be on more walks. It's still hot here. It cooled down yesterday, but was still 90 degrees. Not much of a cool down!

I've got more pictures on the digital camera I need to download. I'll be sending those soon!

Discipline streamer

Just a quick story from Jasen's work for you. This past week, Jasen's battery was awarded the "discipline" streamer for their guide-on. To get the streamer, they have to have had one whole quarter with no bad discipline issues. I could go into what discipline issues disqualify you, but I won't. Just know that Jasen's battery had been so good, they got the streamer. And they were one of only two batteries/companies in the brigade (like 15 companies included) to get the streamer.

On the EXACT date his unit got the streamer, which happened to be payday, Alpha Battery had an issue. It was the battery commander's (Jasen's) driver and he was picked up for shoplifting a pack of cigarettes and a can of snuff from the PX. On payday!! Jasen was so mad. Now, this counts as minor offense, which means his battery can keep the discipline streamer, but it's still not good.

Jasen has a new driver now....

Fun times!

We are back in Kansas! I can't tell you how good it felt to get home. I think part of it is not having to live out of a bag. Grace and Davis are happy to be back, too. They sat in Jasen's lap for a bit after we got home last night. The smiles on Davis' face were priceless. You could tell he was happy to be with his daddy again.

The rest of our trip was great. My cousin's wedding was beautiful. I had never been to Galveston before so that was nice, too. Anyway, the wedding was great and the reception was a lot of fun. Grace danced a lot! She did the grand march with her Uncle Clancey. In case you didn't know, he is a favorite of hers.

Davis was great at the wedding, too. Despite being up late and eating off-schedule, he acted like an angel. Only a little fussing. Oh, during the ceremony, he did try to nail the guests behind us with one of his toys. He has started holding onto his toy and moving his arm up and down really fast. Invariably, he lets go of whatever he is holding and it shoots out of his hand like a shot. You can imagine my relief when I realized the toy had only hit the ground!! We got up and stood at the back after that!

Before I forget, you wouldn't believe how good Grace is getting with her manners. It is like a switch turned on in her mind. She's very good about "yes ma'am," especially when she's in trouble. I guess she knows that's when it counts! Anyway, just now I was building a dog house (not a tent! she says) for her and she said "Thanks, Mom." Those are great moments!

Back to the rest of our trip, it was a great weekend because all of my sisters and my dad were at Amy's house. It's rare that we are all together like that, "qualled up" as my dad would say, and it was great. We had a belated birthday celebration for my dad's 60th. Egg custard pie for him, chocolate cake for the rest of us! Football season is beginning for my nephew, Randall, so he and my brother-in-law, Jeff are extremely busy with that. Jeff is Randall's coach and has been very successful. He even had another dad quasi-begging Jeff to pick his son in the draft; that dad said Jeff reminded him of Coach Landry. So Jeff has a new nickname! Amy is team mom and boy, I don't envy that job! But they all enjoy it. Reagan and Grace played so well the last couple of days. Oh, they had their moments, but it's all because we have some strong willed girls. They both have ideas about how they want things done! Reagan is a sweet girl, too, and Grace pushed some of her buttons. It made me mad at Grace, but I am not sure how to resond to Grace when she does that. Another parenting dilemma!

Some of the other highlights from the trip: two trips to DoubleDave's, Pappasitos!, Katie's dancing, my new "stylists," new Aggie gear for both kids, and just time spent with family. It doesn't get any better than the last thing!

Our trip home was relatively uneventful. Our plane took off from Houston late, but we were able to have a quick lunch with Katie in the DFW airport at, where else, McDonald's. Gag! But Grace was happy. Grace talked incessantly yesterday. I mean, she talked nonstop, ALL DAY! By the time we arrived home, I just wanted a break from her talking. While we were at DFW, I was in line at Mickey D's and I could hear Grace talking from across the crowded eating area. It was just nuts! We had a nice shuttle bus driver who helped us get our stuff onto and off of the bus. That was a plus, since the other bus driver when we went to airport just watched me lug our stuff on and off. I tipped the driver yesterday!

There are a million other things going on that I'll remember to tell you all. Today, we're headed to Target and then Jasen and I have a dinner at his battalion commander's house. It's for the battery commanders and their wives. It should be fun.