Jasen left on Friday morning and since that time, the kids and I have just been really busy. That's always the best way to deal with a soldier's absence: fool yourself by not having time to think about him being gone! We haven't heard from him and I am surprised. Although the brigade commander (Col. Gibbs) had said no cellphones, Jasen was under the impression he'd be able to take his and call us until they were "in the box," which is when they will be training out in the boonies of NTC. Since he hasn't called, it makes me wonder if his cellphone was confiscated! Either he's afraid or unable to use it or he's very busy. He was a little anxious about this training because he went to NTC not fully knowing what was expected of him.
I have to tell you how proud I am of Jasen. I know I've mentioned how many of his superiors have said he has a big challenge in front of him. It really hit me this weekend that they must think he can get the job done or they wouldn't have put him in the job. There's no way for me to truly convey what a mess this HHC is in. Well, I can tell you one thing: there was over $700,000 worth of equipment unaccounted for by the previous commander. Yes, 3/4 of a million dollars worth of stuff that no one could find. Now, Jasen thinks it is there somewhere, but the previous commander couldn't find it for Jasen to sign for. That should give you an idea of how poorly the unit was managed before. I think Jasen was brought in to clean it up. And I trust he will!
On the topic of Jasen's unit, I've been working hard to get the FRG (family readiness group) running. There pretty much wasn't one before now. There were a couple of rosters floating around, but they are all incomplete. I feel a real need for accurate information, especially with rumors of deployment running rampant. In the event of a deployment order coming down while the guys are at NTC, I want to be able to let each spouse know from me, because I am the "official" civilian contact for them. And I can't contact them if I don't have good information. I am working with brigade commander's wife, Nolly, on this. She's super supportive of Jasen and me, and feels strongly that we need to get information out quickly, when and if the need arises. She hasn't said this, but her actions indicate that she knows she can get people to act quicker for her than they would for me, so she's being pretty hands on with the whole thing right now. That's a huge help.
While Nolly and I were talking the other day, she mentioned that I shouldn't worry about a deployment order coming down for the next ten days. She and her husband have pointed out more than once that they expect any announcement to come after election day. So I'll be holding my breath until then.
The kids are doing well. Davis says "Dadadadada" all the time. We're all Dad to him! He's crawling all over. I am going this week to buy gates for the stairs. Of course, that's his favorite place to play. I have to put an end to that!
Grace is doing okay. She has cried for Jasen a few times. It helps that she and Jasen marked on her calendar when he was leaving and when he expected to be home. Today, they dressed up in their Halloween costumes for school. She was so excited to be Princess Aurora. Last night, I called her "Princess Grace" and told her how there was once a famous Princess Grace. She asked if it was back when the dinosaurs lived. I got a laugh out of that!
One more funny thing Grace has said; a few weeks ago she made reference to her "leg wrist." Any idea what she was talking about? Yes, her ankle! Too funny!
Monday, October 30, 2006
Thursday, October 26, 2006
All Done!
We are finished with the changes of command! It was pretty stressful, having two in one week. Now that they are over, Jasen and I both feel a great sense of relief. Yesterday, after we left the reception, we just took a deep breath because they were finally OVER!
My day started early yesterday. Up at 6, ready by 7. I ran to the commissary to get the cake and fruit trays. I'd already purchased the drinks. We also borrowed a "silver bullet" coffee maker from our church, which was great, since it was an early reception. Anyway, I met Jasen at the battalion conference room at 8. We set up with the help of three soldiers. Once the room was ready, I raced home where I got the kids and myself dressed. Granny and Papaw had come early, early and stayed with Davis and Grace so Jasen and I could get those early morning things ready.
We had about the same attendance at this ceremony as we did before. At least from our friends. We are so blessed to have neighbors who care enough to come to things like this. There were a few more higher-ups this time, notably Col. Gibbs and his wife. Col. Gibbs is Jasen's brigade commander. He chose Jasen, after some input from Jasen's battalion commander, Lt. Col. Gadson, for this second command. He is known by various nicknames by the soldiers and officers of Jasen's brigade. I can't print many of them. Let's just say that most of his unit fears him. I have never seen grown men look so nervous around their boss. It's kind of funny to me.
As I mentioned in my previous post, the incoming commander's speech is supposed to be short. As Jasen went to the podium, Col. Gibbs looked at me, then looked at his watch, making sure I knew he was timing Jasen. Jasen's speech took 24 seconds, which elicited happy chuckles from the soldiers. Col. Gibbs mentioned he hadn't been to one that short (which is good) in a long time!
After the ceremony came the reception. We had a great turnout. Col. Gibbs reminded me that we would be judged on our food. I reminded him that we might have had more to offer if the ceremony time hadn't changed four times, just in the last week!! He laughed. I am not sure he knows what to think of me. I am respectful, but I don't quake like most people do around him. He's also a tea-sipper (a fan of "the" university of Texas), which means we are always giving each other a hard time. Davis' sweater did have a little burnt orange in it, which I pointed out to the "Gibber." That's one of his printable nicknames. He was impressed that Aggies would put their child in any orange at all. Oh, he said our food was acceptable, except the cake wasn't all chocolate. Note to self: chocolate is good for the Gibber.
Oh, I didn't get any pictures from yesterday. I was too busy running around. But I have to tell you that Grace looked like a million bucks. I mean, really. I got her some black, white, and pink plaid pants from Boutique Target. I also got a velveteen blazer and pink tank top. She looked absolutely precious. When it was Jasen's turn to speak, she said "Okay, Dad, it's your turn." It was pretty funny. Again, she sang the Big Red One song loud and proud.
I am hoping someone else got some pictures from yesterday. I have some more from the Alpha change of command that I'll send out soon.
Jasen leaves tomorrow for NTC. It's only a month, but when I look at Davis, I am reminded how much can happen in a month. The way this boy pulls up, I would not be completely surprised if he isn't walking by Christmas.
My day started early yesterday. Up at 6, ready by 7. I ran to the commissary to get the cake and fruit trays. I'd already purchased the drinks. We also borrowed a "silver bullet" coffee maker from our church, which was great, since it was an early reception. Anyway, I met Jasen at the battalion conference room at 8. We set up with the help of three soldiers. Once the room was ready, I raced home where I got the kids and myself dressed. Granny and Papaw had come early, early and stayed with Davis and Grace so Jasen and I could get those early morning things ready.
We had about the same attendance at this ceremony as we did before. At least from our friends. We are so blessed to have neighbors who care enough to come to things like this. There were a few more higher-ups this time, notably Col. Gibbs and his wife. Col. Gibbs is Jasen's brigade commander. He chose Jasen, after some input from Jasen's battalion commander, Lt. Col. Gadson, for this second command. He is known by various nicknames by the soldiers and officers of Jasen's brigade. I can't print many of them. Let's just say that most of his unit fears him. I have never seen grown men look so nervous around their boss. It's kind of funny to me.
As I mentioned in my previous post, the incoming commander's speech is supposed to be short. As Jasen went to the podium, Col. Gibbs looked at me, then looked at his watch, making sure I knew he was timing Jasen. Jasen's speech took 24 seconds, which elicited happy chuckles from the soldiers. Col. Gibbs mentioned he hadn't been to one that short (which is good) in a long time!
After the ceremony came the reception. We had a great turnout. Col. Gibbs reminded me that we would be judged on our food. I reminded him that we might have had more to offer if the ceremony time hadn't changed four times, just in the last week!! He laughed. I am not sure he knows what to think of me. I am respectful, but I don't quake like most people do around him. He's also a tea-sipper (a fan of "the" university of Texas), which means we are always giving each other a hard time. Davis' sweater did have a little burnt orange in it, which I pointed out to the "Gibber." That's one of his printable nicknames. He was impressed that Aggies would put their child in any orange at all. Oh, he said our food was acceptable, except the cake wasn't all chocolate. Note to self: chocolate is good for the Gibber.
Oh, I didn't get any pictures from yesterday. I was too busy running around. But I have to tell you that Grace looked like a million bucks. I mean, really. I got her some black, white, and pink plaid pants from Boutique Target. I also got a velveteen blazer and pink tank top. She looked absolutely precious. When it was Jasen's turn to speak, she said "Okay, Dad, it's your turn." It was pretty funny. Again, she sang the Big Red One song loud and proud.
I am hoping someone else got some pictures from yesterday. I have some more from the Alpha change of command that I'll send out soon.
Jasen leaves tomorrow for NTC. It's only a month, but when I look at Davis, I am reminded how much can happen in a month. The way this boy pulls up, I would not be completely surprised if he isn't walking by Christmas.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
One down, one to go
Whew! One change of command down, one to go! If the second goes as well as the first, we will be very blessed! Yesterday was a really special day. My dad and Jasen's mom's parents were here, so that was nice. We also had some friends come to the ceremony, too. The picture above is the beginning of the ceremony. That's the first sergeant holding the guidon. Jasen is on the right. LTC Gadson has his back to us and Brian McCall is facing Jasen. The public affairs officer for the brigade said he got some great shots that he put on disk for us. I'll get those up when we get them. I'll also send out all the ones I got soon.
It was very chilly yesterday morning, but it was bright and sunny. We were at the ceremony at nine and it started at 9:30. I got some pictures of Jasen and his lieutenants and one more of the 1SGT and Jasen. The first order of business at a change of command is the handing over of the guidon. The battery is standing out in front of the crowd. The battalion commander and two battery commanders (incoming and outgoing) march out to the battery. The 1SGT hands the guidon to the outgoing commander, the outgoing commander hands it to the battalion commander, then the battatlion commander hands it to the incoming guy, who then transfers it back to the 1SGT. It was moving yesterday, seeing Jasen pass the guidon to LTC Gadson, knowing his time as Alpha battery commander had ended.
Then they all march back and the speeches begin. LTC Gadson had some really nice words to say about Jasen. Then Jasen made his speech. It was really sweet and strong. He thanked the soldiers for the job they had done and he thanked the NCOs for their efforts as well. He thanked his lieutenants. Then came thanking the 1SGT. I choke up just thinking about it, knowing how very much Jasen has appreciated 1SGT Johnson. I don't know if I've ever seen a better one. I know I've seen worse, which makes me appreciate how much 1SGT has done for Jasen.
Then, Jasen talked about the kids, but not before he got choked up. He told them that no matter how hard his day had been, seeing them at the end of the day made it all better. I think he made most of the audience tear up with that one. Then he was very sweet about me. He gave me too much credit, but I appreciated his words nonetheless. I don't think I've felt more of a team effort from the two of us than I have experienced these past three weeks. We've been working together, not pulling apart, which is what we've done in the past. So I've felt really blessed.
Then, Brian McCall spoke for the thirty seconds he was given. They say the change of command ceremony is for the outgoing commander and the reception is for the incoming. Anyway, we sang the "Big Red One Song" with Grace singing proudly, the "Army Song" and then we were done. We had a receiving line right there and then that was it. No one was around except our family and Jasen's time as Alpha battery commander was over. For me, it was a hollow feeling, but Jasen said it felt like a relief. He hated to give up this command, but knows there is a huge challenge waiting before him. He's ready to take command of HHC so he can start facilitating some good changes. Be in prayer for him!
The kids were great yesterday. Grace sat on her granny's lap and Davis sat on mine. Davis started to get unhappy near the end of the ceremony, but when we stood up to sing, he was fine.
Tomorrow will be a little more stressful. The ceremony will be at 9:30 and we'll have the reception afterwards. That means I'll have to be up there preparing for the reception around 8. Then I'll rush back to get the kids and me ready. I think my neighbor is going to watch the kids for me. No rest for the weary.
Oh yeah, and after all of this, Jasen will leave on Thursday. No rest for the weary.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Riding on Caffeine
I don't know how Jasen is surviving this week (we haven't seen too much of each other), but I can say I am living on caffeine. Things are just too crazy. Thank goodness, Davis is finally getting well. Otherwise, this whole week would be a nightmare.
What are we so busy with? Mainly, making the arrangements for Jasen's changes of command. Are you sick of me writing about this yet?? Well, until they are both over, they are our lives. Poor Jasen is running back and forth between Alpha battery, where he is trying to stay plugged in, and HHC, where he is trying to inventory all the stuff there. Yesterday, he was inventorying computers (towers and monitors) until almost 8:30. He had trouble sleeping last night and he said it's because his mind wouldn't slow down, thinking of 15 digit serial numbers. Today, he had to rush home to pack for NTC. I feel really bad for him.
I am trying to take care of the "woman" side of the ceremonies/reception. Making sure the kids and I have appropriate things to wear, getting tablecloths, plates, napkins, etc. I also need to order the cake, fruit trays, and buy all the drinks. Really, there is so much to do and so little time to do it.
Oh, I wanted to tell you about Jasen's new command. It's not a great situation Jasen is going into. It's been evident to Jasen for awhile and has crystallized for me just this week that things are not in order in his new company. Let's put it this way: the lieutenant colonel that Jasen will be working directly under told me that Jasen has a "significant challenge" in front of him. Oh good! Poor Jasen. He really is busier than a three legged cat in a sandbox. I've said this before and Jasen reiterated it to me this morning: there's a real disappointment that this new unit is so messed up because it's taking time away from Jasen's current command. His last few weeks in Alpha battery, he's not even there because he's so busy trying to get things in order in HHC, which isn't even his unit yet!! UGH!
This afternoon, we have a meeting with the colonel and his wife and the new first sergeant and his wife regarding the new unit's FRG. Tomorrow night, Jasen is going out to dinner with the NCOs from Alpha battery. Saturday night, we'll be cleaning (I'll be cleaning tomorrow, too!), I'll get my hair done, then out to dinner with the lieutenants from Alpha. Sunday, my dad and Jasen's Gee grandparents arrive. Then Monday morning, we get the emotional change of command out of the way.
What are we so busy with? Mainly, making the arrangements for Jasen's changes of command. Are you sick of me writing about this yet?? Well, until they are both over, they are our lives. Poor Jasen is running back and forth between Alpha battery, where he is trying to stay plugged in, and HHC, where he is trying to inventory all the stuff there. Yesterday, he was inventorying computers (towers and monitors) until almost 8:30. He had trouble sleeping last night and he said it's because his mind wouldn't slow down, thinking of 15 digit serial numbers. Today, he had to rush home to pack for NTC. I feel really bad for him.
I am trying to take care of the "woman" side of the ceremonies/reception. Making sure the kids and I have appropriate things to wear, getting tablecloths, plates, napkins, etc. I also need to order the cake, fruit trays, and buy all the drinks. Really, there is so much to do and so little time to do it.
Oh, I wanted to tell you about Jasen's new command. It's not a great situation Jasen is going into. It's been evident to Jasen for awhile and has crystallized for me just this week that things are not in order in his new company. Let's put it this way: the lieutenant colonel that Jasen will be working directly under told me that Jasen has a "significant challenge" in front of him. Oh good! Poor Jasen. He really is busier than a three legged cat in a sandbox. I've said this before and Jasen reiterated it to me this morning: there's a real disappointment that this new unit is so messed up because it's taking time away from Jasen's current command. His last few weeks in Alpha battery, he's not even there because he's so busy trying to get things in order in HHC, which isn't even his unit yet!! UGH!
This afternoon, we have a meeting with the colonel and his wife and the new first sergeant and his wife regarding the new unit's FRG. Tomorrow night, Jasen is going out to dinner with the NCOs from Alpha battery. Saturday night, we'll be cleaning (I'll be cleaning tomorrow, too!), I'll get my hair done, then out to dinner with the lieutenants from Alpha. Sunday, my dad and Jasen's Gee grandparents arrive. Then Monday morning, we get the emotional change of command out of the way.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Sick and Busy
As the title suggests, we are indeed sick again. It seems we all get over something just to pick up something else. I am hoping that because we are sick this week, it means we'll all be well next week, which is when we will be extremely busy, with both of Jasen's changes of command.
Davis has been really sick since Friday night. His fever got as high as 103 degrees yesterday. That's my cut-off point for comfort, so I called the ER. They don't want to see a baby with a fever until it hits 105 or their are seizures involved. So we were given an appointment for today. There's nothing wrong with him (ears, throat or chest) just a little cold and teething. I knew that would be the case!!! Anyway, we were given the proper dosages for ibuprofen for him. I was glad about that because, just like Grace, Davis' fever has not been responding to Tylenol. Hopefully he'll be feeling better now.
Grace had a great time at the football game on Friday night. One of her babysitters, Bethany, is a Junction City High cheerleader. We had to take her down to the railing numerous times to yell at Bethany, who only heard her once. But that was just before we left and Bethany waved to her. Oh the joy of being waved to by your favorite cheerleader!! Grace also got a football, which we all know means the night was a success! So we came home happy campers, even though Junction City lost to Manhattan High. Oh, Kansas football does not compare to Texas football!
Jasen continues to work like a dog. He was up at work on Saturday and Sunday nights until quite late, working on evaluations that were due this morning. We had some conflicts in scheduling as far as meetings go. 2-32FA (his current unit) and 610 (I think?) BSTB, which is the new company's next level of organization (very confusing, I know), were having their "deployment" to NTC (National Training Center, the place they are going to for the month long training) meeting for the FRG's (Family Readiness Group, the support for families, way for them to get information on what is happening with their soldiers, on-post, etc.) tonight at 6 p.m. Although Jasen is still a commander in the old unit, the new unit wanted both of us (I will be leading the new FRG, we think) there for some face time. After talking to some people, we were encouraged to go to the new unit's meeting, because by this time next week, Jasen will be out of the current unit. Whew! All of this is happening so fast. New unit, old unit, change of command, reception for one change of command, dinner with Jasen's lieutenants, etc., etc. Then two days after all of this dies down, he'll be gone for a month. I'll get a chance to catch my breath, but he won't.
I was sick this weekend. I think I mainly got rundown because Davis wasn't sleeping at night. Those of you who know me well, know that I am emotional, especially when I don't get my eight hours at night! Anyway, I began to really think about Jasen being gone for even a month and I have to tell you, it really upsets me. I rely on him so much, especially now that we have two kids. I don't want him to be gone from us for one minute. Just pray for strength for both of us because this is a crazy time and then he'll be gone. It's not going to be a lot of fun for any of us.
Davis has been really sick since Friday night. His fever got as high as 103 degrees yesterday. That's my cut-off point for comfort, so I called the ER. They don't want to see a baby with a fever until it hits 105 or their are seizures involved. So we were given an appointment for today. There's nothing wrong with him (ears, throat or chest) just a little cold and teething. I knew that would be the case!!! Anyway, we were given the proper dosages for ibuprofen for him. I was glad about that because, just like Grace, Davis' fever has not been responding to Tylenol. Hopefully he'll be feeling better now.
Grace had a great time at the football game on Friday night. One of her babysitters, Bethany, is a Junction City High cheerleader. We had to take her down to the railing numerous times to yell at Bethany, who only heard her once. But that was just before we left and Bethany waved to her. Oh the joy of being waved to by your favorite cheerleader!! Grace also got a football, which we all know means the night was a success! So we came home happy campers, even though Junction City lost to Manhattan High. Oh, Kansas football does not compare to Texas football!
Jasen continues to work like a dog. He was up at work on Saturday and Sunday nights until quite late, working on evaluations that were due this morning. We had some conflicts in scheduling as far as meetings go. 2-32FA (his current unit) and 610 (I think?) BSTB, which is the new company's next level of organization (very confusing, I know), were having their "deployment" to NTC (National Training Center, the place they are going to for the month long training) meeting for the FRG's (Family Readiness Group, the support for families, way for them to get information on what is happening with their soldiers, on-post, etc.) tonight at 6 p.m. Although Jasen is still a commander in the old unit, the new unit wanted both of us (I will be leading the new FRG, we think) there for some face time. After talking to some people, we were encouraged to go to the new unit's meeting, because by this time next week, Jasen will be out of the current unit. Whew! All of this is happening so fast. New unit, old unit, change of command, reception for one change of command, dinner with Jasen's lieutenants, etc., etc. Then two days after all of this dies down, he'll be gone for a month. I'll get a chance to catch my breath, but he won't.
I was sick this weekend. I think I mainly got rundown because Davis wasn't sleeping at night. Those of you who know me well, know that I am emotional, especially when I don't get my eight hours at night! Anyway, I began to really think about Jasen being gone for even a month and I have to tell you, it really upsets me. I rely on him so much, especially now that we have two kids. I don't want him to be gone from us for one minute. Just pray for strength for both of us because this is a crazy time and then he'll be gone. It's not going to be a lot of fun for any of us.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
NTC date
Jasen will be leaving on October 27th for his training at NTC. That's only two days after his second change of command. Nothing like being brand-new in a job when you leave for major training. He's been busy, busy this week, inventorying (is that a word??) the new unit. The current commander has not kept up with things very well, so Jasen hasn't been home a lot. We miss him!
Grace has finally decided what she wants to be for Halloween: Aurora a.k.a. Sleeping Beauty. I am not sure why she changed from a bunch of grapes, which was her first desire for Halloween. When she changed her mind, I asked Jasen if he wanted me to get a cheaper, generic princess costume or if I should buy the real Sleeping Beauty costume. He gave me permission to get the "real" one. Grace needs a new dress-up outfit anyway.
Now that Davis is crawling, he is ALL OVER! If I put him down in the living room and go to the kitchen, he takes off after me. He's very clingy right now, the result of his new teeth coming in. Oh, and yesterday, he had a poop accident while napping (the new Huggies stink!!) and proceeded to play in it for awhile. Such a special time for Mom, cleaning her precious boy's poop off the wall --- GAG! He's standing in his crib now, loves to play Pat-A-Cake and peekaboo, too.
Tomorrow night, Jasen and I have a date, with Grace. We're all going to the Junction City/Manhattan football game. Grace has been dying to go to a game. She loved the Yellow Jacket games we went to last year and one of our babysitters is a cheerleader for the JC Blue Jays. Davis will have a sitter, as it's too cold for me to feel comfortable taking him out to sit at a game. The little toot wants to go to sleep at 7 p.m. anymore, anyway. So the game starts at his bedtime!
Some in 4th Brigade are being told that they'll deploy in February. We just don't know though. No one will commit to anything official, of course. And even if they do, it would likely change. Just like I listed Jasen's change of command dates, I am sure his NTC date will change, too!
Grace has finally decided what she wants to be for Halloween: Aurora a.k.a. Sleeping Beauty. I am not sure why she changed from a bunch of grapes, which was her first desire for Halloween. When she changed her mind, I asked Jasen if he wanted me to get a cheaper, generic princess costume or if I should buy the real Sleeping Beauty costume. He gave me permission to get the "real" one. Grace needs a new dress-up outfit anyway.
Now that Davis is crawling, he is ALL OVER! If I put him down in the living room and go to the kitchen, he takes off after me. He's very clingy right now, the result of his new teeth coming in. Oh, and yesterday, he had a poop accident while napping (the new Huggies stink!!) and proceeded to play in it for awhile. Such a special time for Mom, cleaning her precious boy's poop off the wall --- GAG! He's standing in his crib now, loves to play Pat-A-Cake and peekaboo, too.
Tomorrow night, Jasen and I have a date, with Grace. We're all going to the Junction City/Manhattan football game. Grace has been dying to go to a game. She loved the Yellow Jacket games we went to last year and one of our babysitters is a cheerleader for the JC Blue Jays. Davis will have a sitter, as it's too cold for me to feel comfortable taking him out to sit at a game. The little toot wants to go to sleep at 7 p.m. anymore, anyway. So the game starts at his bedtime!
Some in 4th Brigade are being told that they'll deploy in February. We just don't know though. No one will commit to anything official, of course. And even if they do, it would likely change. Just like I listed Jasen's change of command dates, I am sure his NTC date will change, too!
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Busy times
Sorry it's been awhile since I blogged. When Jasen is in the field, like he was last week, lots of things fall by the wayside. Now that Jasen is home, I am playing catch up: catch up on laundry, dishes, etc. And since my mom was here this past weekend, I didn't catch up on much then!
We had a great visit with Mom. She came in on Friday morning. We went to pick her up in Kansas City. She flew in at 8:00 a.m. so it was going to be hard for me to pick her up. So my cousin, Jennifer, who lives in Kansas City with her husband, Jimmy, and son, Joe, picked Mom up. We went to Jen and Jimmy's house, then we all went to the Legends, a shopping area on the west side of KC. We walked around and ate lunch. Sometimes, you forget how much fun it is to visit with your family! Then we headed back towards Fort Riley.
Saturday, Jasen and I were able to go to the A&M game with our friends, Brian and Amber. Yes, the Aggies won, but I have to tell you, we weren't that thrilled. You always want your team to win, but the Aggies were so flat the whole game, we left with a bad taste in our mouth. So much for Coach Fran being A&M football's savior. I don't think so anymore. After the game, Brian, a KU alum, took us to a great restaurant/brewery. Then we came home. It was a beautiful day for a football game. Sadly, the Fightin' Texas Aggie band wasn't there. We knew the game wouldn't be the same without them!
Sunday, we had church and small group. Mom was a big help with the kids and getting ready. Jasen and I are really enjoying our small group. It's just very real, for lack of a better word.
Monday, the kids and I took Mom back to the airport. We were able to eat at Abuelo's with Jen and Joe. Then we shopped around the Zona Rosa area of KC. It's a very nice shopping area. After that, we headed to the airport. Grace cried and cried saying goodbye to her grandmama. Those two have a special bond. I can remember feeling much the same way when my grandma ever left me. The only thing I could think to make Grace feel better is that her grandad, granny, and papaw will be here in just a few weeks. That made her smile. Of course, she wanted to know how many days!
Davis has been extremely fussy these past couple of days. I think his teeth are bothering him, again. He's a slobbering machine and just miserable at night. Hopefully, he'll cut the next two and move on!!
We had a great visit with Mom. She came in on Friday morning. We went to pick her up in Kansas City. She flew in at 8:00 a.m. so it was going to be hard for me to pick her up. So my cousin, Jennifer, who lives in Kansas City with her husband, Jimmy, and son, Joe, picked Mom up. We went to Jen and Jimmy's house, then we all went to the Legends, a shopping area on the west side of KC. We walked around and ate lunch. Sometimes, you forget how much fun it is to visit with your family! Then we headed back towards Fort Riley.
Saturday, Jasen and I were able to go to the A&M game with our friends, Brian and Amber. Yes, the Aggies won, but I have to tell you, we weren't that thrilled. You always want your team to win, but the Aggies were so flat the whole game, we left with a bad taste in our mouth. So much for Coach Fran being A&M football's savior. I don't think so anymore. After the game, Brian, a KU alum, took us to a great restaurant/brewery. Then we came home. It was a beautiful day for a football game. Sadly, the Fightin' Texas Aggie band wasn't there. We knew the game wouldn't be the same without them!
Sunday, we had church and small group. Mom was a big help with the kids and getting ready. Jasen and I are really enjoying our small group. It's just very real, for lack of a better word.
Monday, the kids and I took Mom back to the airport. We were able to eat at Abuelo's with Jen and Joe. Then we shopped around the Zona Rosa area of KC. It's a very nice shopping area. After that, we headed to the airport. Grace cried and cried saying goodbye to her grandmama. Those two have a special bond. I can remember feeling much the same way when my grandma ever left me. The only thing I could think to make Grace feel better is that her grandad, granny, and papaw will be here in just a few weeks. That made her smile. Of course, she wanted to know how many days!
Davis has been extremely fussy these past couple of days. I think his teeth are bothering him, again. He's a slobbering machine and just miserable at night. Hopefully, he'll cut the next two and move on!!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Another year together?
Jasen and I celebrate another year together today. We're not together, of course, courtesy of the Army, but we are still married so we'll celebrate when he gets home. He did steal away while he was out in the field to call me and tell me happy anniversary. I was so glad to hear his voice.
Anymore, I don't fear what might go wrong physically (car breaking down, A/C going out, etc.) when Jasen leaves as much as I fear Grace's behavior. When he is gone overnight, I can almost guarantee that Grace will have a meltdown. This morning, it was about her shoes and socks. (thanks, Mom) When Jasen called and I told her we had some trouble this morning, he said "Let me guess: shoes and socks." She is very, very specific with how she wants her shoes and socks to be put on. She can do the shoes, but she needs help with the socks.
For whatever reason, I didn't get the socks on right. She melted down. And when I say melted down, I mean, screaming, thrashing, crying, snotting, you name it. She's impossible to deal with in those moments and I don't handle them very well, either. Davis just sits and stares with wonder. After threatening to leave her at home, she finally calmed down, but not before her Aunt Amy heard her through the phone. I called Amy to get some reassurance and Grace kept on going nuts. It made her stop and think when she learned that Aunt Amy could hear her. Maybe I'll call someone every time!
That Davis is a crawling machine. He goes from room to room. He isn't fast yet, but when he wants to get somewhere, he stays on task. His favorite place to play right now is his sister's room. He just wants to be in there!
Remember that food booth Jasen's unit had for a fundraiser? Well, each battery made over $400!! All that work was worth it!
Anymore, I don't fear what might go wrong physically (car breaking down, A/C going out, etc.) when Jasen leaves as much as I fear Grace's behavior. When he is gone overnight, I can almost guarantee that Grace will have a meltdown. This morning, it was about her shoes and socks. (thanks, Mom) When Jasen called and I told her we had some trouble this morning, he said "Let me guess: shoes and socks." She is very, very specific with how she wants her shoes and socks to be put on. She can do the shoes, but she needs help with the socks.
For whatever reason, I didn't get the socks on right. She melted down. And when I say melted down, I mean, screaming, thrashing, crying, snotting, you name it. She's impossible to deal with in those moments and I don't handle them very well, either. Davis just sits and stares with wonder. After threatening to leave her at home, she finally calmed down, but not before her Aunt Amy heard her through the phone. I called Amy to get some reassurance and Grace kept on going nuts. It made her stop and think when she learned that Aunt Amy could hear her. Maybe I'll call someone every time!
That Davis is a crawling machine. He goes from room to room. He isn't fast yet, but when he wants to get somewhere, he stays on task. His favorite place to play right now is his sister's room. He just wants to be in there!
Remember that food booth Jasen's unit had for a fundraiser? Well, each battery made over $400!! All that work was worth it!
Oh, and I offered to facilitate a class for PWOC in the spring. I might live to regret it, but I doubt it. I think God has given me a love of talking and I might as well use it for His advantage!
Monday, October 02, 2006
Davis crawls!
We have a crawler on our hands. Davis really started crawling last week, but this weekend, he decided to take off. Everyday, he crawls another step. I put on his A&M t-shirt today and was sad to find it now shows off his mid-riff! He looked hilarious, crawling around with his shirt rolled up over his belly. He has to be getting more teeth, with all the drool coming out of his mouth.
Grace got up this morning and immediately said "I am so glad my grandmama will be here in four days!" It's all she can think about. Her class has grown to five kids! I am excited and Grace is, too. Her friend, Avery, from last year, joined her class this week.
Jasen left for the field today. They are just here on Fort Riley somewhere. And he'll be going back and forth from the field to do some inventories. That means just what it implies: counting and making sure whatever is on the books is there. The new person taking command must do it so that he doesn't sign for equipment that isn't there.
It looks like my dad is going to come up for Jasen's first change of command. We are so thrilled that someone will be here!!
Grace got up this morning and immediately said "I am so glad my grandmama will be here in four days!" It's all she can think about. Her class has grown to five kids! I am excited and Grace is, too. Her friend, Avery, from last year, joined her class this week.
Jasen left for the field today. They are just here on Fort Riley somewhere. And he'll be going back and forth from the field to do some inventories. That means just what it implies: counting and making sure whatever is on the books is there. The new person taking command must do it so that he doesn't sign for equipment that isn't there.
It looks like my dad is going to come up for Jasen's first change of command. We are so thrilled that someone will be here!!
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