Yesterday, when I talked to my friend, Renee, she shared with me that a friend of hers believed that this deployment year would be a full of "surprise blessings" for Renee, and Renee felt it would be the same for me. Let me share with you a couple of surprise blessings that have come my way:
First off, Grace has two wonderful babysitters that she absolutely loves. That alone is a huge blessing to us all! One of them, Bethany, attends our church with her family. Bethany is a senior at Junction City High and was in an adaptation of "A Midsummer's Night Dream" at the Junction City community theater. She hasn't been able to babysit a lot for us lately because of those practices. Anyway, this morning before church, Bethany approached me and asked if I thought Grace would want to see the play (the last show was this afternoon) and that Bethany's mom, Kim would like to take her. I immediately said yes, knowing Grace would want to see Bethany be a fairy!
During church, I thought more about it and decided to ask Kim if she wouldn't mind staying with Davis (he would be napping) so that I could go with Grace to the play. Kim said that sounded great, so I was able to take Grace to her first Shakespeare experience. It was a good little production, with over half of the cast coming from our church. It was nice for Grace and me to have some alone time and do something fun.
The second blessing I want to tell you about is one that I just came from a meeting about. A few weeks ago, a lady I am involved with both in our brigade and at PWOC approached me about a retreat that Officer Christian Fellowship (OCF) was going to host at Buena Vista, CO, for spouses of deployed soldiers and their kids from Fort Riley. I was hesitant at first to commit, because it falls during the week of our VBS here at our church and it was right before the time I was planning to head to Texas.
The more I thought about it, though, I really felt like God was giving me a little gift. It's still about three months away, but I can already feel that God is going to bless me greatly with this retreat. We'll have Christian speakers/programs/studies, great watchcare for Davis, a VBS program for Grace, and time in the mountains with other spouses going through the same thing. As the lady whose brainchild this was said "We just want to love on you, pamper you, equip you so that God can then use you in the Fort Riley community." I cannot think of a bigger blessing, for me, for my kids, for this community.
We were able to talk to Jasen for a little bit today. It's a long story, but communication with him has not been what I wanted it to be. He purchased an Iraqi cellphone that I had to go online and buy a phone card to use to call him. Well, the dialing directions online are incorrect, because I tried half the day yesterday and half the day today trying to make contact. It was so frustrating. But I think I've got the problem worked out. I'll be trying to call him shortly. Can you imagine I'll be able to call my husband in Iraq on his cellphone????
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Saturday, February 24, 2007
First rough spot
Well, it was bound to happen and yesterday it did. I was feeling down when I woke up at 5 a.m. for the 10th day. I have no trouble going to sleep at night, but I wake up way too early. Most days, I've been just going with it and getting up to workout. Yesterday, I tried to workout, but by 5:30, I was sick of the working out and wanted to go back to sleep! Most of you know I need a lot of sleep, especially when Jasen is gone and I am handling the house on my own.
Anyway, I was just down and by dinner time, Grace was, too. She spent the last thirty minutes before dinner in her room, screaming that she didn't want me, she wanted her dad. Don't we all?! Davis was unhappy yesterday afternoon, too. So yesterday just wasn't good. But like I told Grace, everyday is a new day. And we can choose to be unhappy or try to make the day better.
I knew my day was going to be better today when, about 15 minutes after I woke up, my phone rang. No, not Jasen, but my dear friend, Renee. She's one of my best friends from Germany; I just can't tell you how close I feel to her in every way. Her daughter, Ari, and Grace were close, and I served with Larry and Renee on our Parish council. Larry has deployed, too, just a couple of days before Jasen. It's their first deployment. We talked for a long time and it was just what my soul needed; a friend's loving ear and to hear that what we are going through here is all normal. I mean, I already knew that, but sometimes, you just need to hear it from someone.
Renee and her kids (Ethan will be two shortly) are going to come see us sometime during this year. Renee and I have lamented many times about why we are going through the same thing and we aren't together. But we know God has a reason: we'd likely have relied on each other during this year instead of Him. So we'll go on, connected at the heart, praying like crazy and waiting until we can see each other.
Jasen is doing well. I got to see him for a couple of minutes yesterday when I went to see his first sergeant's wife (her name is Rozlynn, we call her Roz) and the guys got on the webcam. His head is indeed bald, but doesn't look as bad as I remembered from last time! I'm still working on the computer, webcam options for us here. It's just a huge expense to buy another computer, so I am taking my time deciding what we want.
Just keep praying for us, guys. When Grace and Davis were screaming yesterday and I wanted to, too, I just went into the laundry room and prayed. I know days like yesterday will happen again and I just hope I can handle them a little better.
Just a few weeks until we get to head to Texas for Spring Break. I am so ready.
Anyway, I was just down and by dinner time, Grace was, too. She spent the last thirty minutes before dinner in her room, screaming that she didn't want me, she wanted her dad. Don't we all?! Davis was unhappy yesterday afternoon, too. So yesterday just wasn't good. But like I told Grace, everyday is a new day. And we can choose to be unhappy or try to make the day better.
I knew my day was going to be better today when, about 15 minutes after I woke up, my phone rang. No, not Jasen, but my dear friend, Renee. She's one of my best friends from Germany; I just can't tell you how close I feel to her in every way. Her daughter, Ari, and Grace were close, and I served with Larry and Renee on our Parish council. Larry has deployed, too, just a couple of days before Jasen. It's their first deployment. We talked for a long time and it was just what my soul needed; a friend's loving ear and to hear that what we are going through here is all normal. I mean, I already knew that, but sometimes, you just need to hear it from someone.
Renee and her kids (Ethan will be two shortly) are going to come see us sometime during this year. Renee and I have lamented many times about why we are going through the same thing and we aren't together. But we know God has a reason: we'd likely have relied on each other during this year instead of Him. So we'll go on, connected at the heart, praying like crazy and waiting until we can see each other.
Jasen is doing well. I got to see him for a couple of minutes yesterday when I went to see his first sergeant's wife (her name is Rozlynn, we call her Roz) and the guys got on the webcam. His head is indeed bald, but doesn't look as bad as I remembered from last time! I'm still working on the computer, webcam options for us here. It's just a huge expense to buy another computer, so I am taking my time deciding what we want.
Just keep praying for us, guys. When Grace and Davis were screaming yesterday and I wanted to, too, I just went into the laundry room and prayed. I know days like yesterday will happen again and I just hope I can handle them a little better.
Just a few weeks until we get to head to Texas for Spring Break. I am so ready.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
He's arrived
Jasen arrived at FOB Falcon safely. I knew he was travelling yesterday and was scared when I heard on the news that a helicopter was taken down in Baghdad, with no one injured. I kept repeating what Jasen had said to me: Baghdad's a big city. I assume since he didn't mention it, that it must not have been the copter he was on. Thank goodness!
We've had a couple of days here in Kansas. It's been 55+ and sunny, which means it feels like the middle of summer compared to the last couple of weeks we've had! So we spent a couple of hours outside yesterday afternoon. It was heaven to be out in the sun with only a jacket on. I had Davis in his Aggie ball cap. I'll send some pictures soon. Like I said, I still haven't loaded the software on this computer. And now that I've talked to Jasen, I might not do it...
Jasen's first sergeant, whom he is sharing a room with, has the greatest set up and, now that Jasen has seen what it is and has someone to help him get it all set up, he's decided he wants it, too. So, I'll probably be sending this computer to Jasen downrange so that he can get a webcam (oh wait, that's another thing I have to do!), set it up and then we can see each other and talk. I'll have to get a new computer for the house. It's a big expense but if it means we'll be able to see each other, it's worth it.
Other good news from downrange: Jasen got a cell phone. So we'll be able to call him. Can you imagine?? This deployment doesn't feel like the last one. It seems we'll have some great advantages this time that we either didn't use or didn't have last time.
Grace had a pajama party at school today. So after she got out, we went for breakfast at noon! She was excited about the whole thing, of course. I've got to get you all pictures of her hair. It's too precious.
We've had a couple of days here in Kansas. It's been 55+ and sunny, which means it feels like the middle of summer compared to the last couple of weeks we've had! So we spent a couple of hours outside yesterday afternoon. It was heaven to be out in the sun with only a jacket on. I had Davis in his Aggie ball cap. I'll send some pictures soon. Like I said, I still haven't loaded the software on this computer. And now that I've talked to Jasen, I might not do it...
Jasen's first sergeant, whom he is sharing a room with, has the greatest set up and, now that Jasen has seen what it is and has someone to help him get it all set up, he's decided he wants it, too. So, I'll probably be sending this computer to Jasen downrange so that he can get a webcam (oh wait, that's another thing I have to do!), set it up and then we can see each other and talk. I'll have to get a new computer for the house. It's a big expense but if it means we'll be able to see each other, it's worth it.
Other good news from downrange: Jasen got a cell phone. So we'll be able to call him. Can you imagine?? This deployment doesn't feel like the last one. It seems we'll have some great advantages this time that we either didn't use or didn't have last time.
Grace had a pajama party at school today. So after she got out, we went for breakfast at noon! She was excited about the whole thing, of course. I've got to get you all pictures of her hair. It's too precious.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Our Soldier
I thought I would share with you guys this picture Jasen sent me. It was taken at a range in Kuwait. True to Jasen, he posed for the picture! Gotta love that man! Doesn't he look handsome? I think his hair is gone. He had asked me if I wanted him to do it before he left and I told him no. That's one "downrange" thing that I hope stays there: Jasen with a bald head! I told him he better quit tempting fate. He has such a good head of hair. Things here are going fine. We're all fighting colds, but we're making it. Today Grace was a little more high-maintenance than she has been, but I know that's to be expected.
Our neighbor, Katie and I decided it was time to get back into our walking routine, since it was almost 60 here today. After two flat tires on two different strollers, we decided a walk was not in the cards for us! We went to the playground up the block, where Davis proceeded to eat dirt, grass and rocks. We didn't stay long.
Davis is taking 6 or 7 steps at time. The only person he really wants to walk to is his sister. Of course, I think that's precious. Those two love each other so much. There is nothing Davis likes more than his sister to try killing him with her "wrestling" moves. Truly, he loves it. Scares me to death, but Davis can't get enough.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Still busy
We're still staying busy here at Fort Riley. I got a special night out last night. Friends of ours (the Ewings, for those who know them) had an extra ticket to see MercyMe in concert in Salina. So their youngest daughter, Alicia, who babysat for us in Germany, came to stay with the kids while I went with Mary (the mom) and Bethany (the oldest daughter) to the concert. It was just the spiritual lift I needed! And Mary, Bethany and I were able to catch up on everyone and everything. It was good night away.
MercyMe was great in concert. I think the mark of good band is that they sound just like their CDs. Well, Mercy Me does!!
When Grace heard that Alicia would be coming to stay with her and Davis if I went to the concert, she told me "Mom, you don't want to miss your favorite band!" She just wanted to hang with Alicia. This morning, Grace said Alicia was a good babysitter and couldn't believe that Alicia once babysat for her when she was Davis' age. Grace is all about the babysitters!!
Davis is having trouble with his teeth again. I wish the last four would just come in already!! He's just very fussy, his nose is running all the time, etc.
All in all, we're doing okay here. I've found myself taking on projects around here that I've been neglecting. I shovel the snow immediately when the snow stops, have cleaned the laundry room, mopped floors, etc. all in the name of staying busy. It's been good to keep my mind off of things but I know at some point I'll have to start processing and dealing with the deployment. At this point, I think I'll just find some more chores to do.
Jasen's been able to email pretty regularly. Well, at least every other day. I am so thankful for email and the internet. (thank you, Al Gore!! ha!!!) Jasen sounds good. He went to two church services today: traditional and contemporary. Would you believe our good church of Christ boy preferred the contemporary?! I loved it. Our pentecostal friends are eating that up, no doubt. All of you C0fCer's, don't worry. Usually the traditional service is more like Lutheran, not church of Christ!
MercyMe was great in concert. I think the mark of good band is that they sound just like their CDs. Well, Mercy Me does!!
When Grace heard that Alicia would be coming to stay with her and Davis if I went to the concert, she told me "Mom, you don't want to miss your favorite band!" She just wanted to hang with Alicia. This morning, Grace said Alicia was a good babysitter and couldn't believe that Alicia once babysat for her when she was Davis' age. Grace is all about the babysitters!!
Davis is having trouble with his teeth again. I wish the last four would just come in already!! He's just very fussy, his nose is running all the time, etc.
All in all, we're doing okay here. I've found myself taking on projects around here that I've been neglecting. I shovel the snow immediately when the snow stops, have cleaned the laundry room, mopped floors, etc. all in the name of staying busy. It's been good to keep my mind off of things but I know at some point I'll have to start processing and dealing with the deployment. At this point, I think I'll just find some more chores to do.
Jasen's been able to email pretty regularly. Well, at least every other day. I am so thankful for email and the internet. (thank you, Al Gore!! ha!!!) Jasen sounds good. He went to two church services today: traditional and contemporary. Would you believe our good church of Christ boy preferred the contemporary?! I loved it. Our pentecostal friends are eating that up, no doubt. All of you C0fCer's, don't worry. Usually the traditional service is more like Lutheran, not church of Christ!
Still busy
We're still staying busy here at Fort Riley. I got a special night out last night. Friends of ours (the Ewings, for those who know them) had an extra ticket to see MercyMe in concert in Salina. So their youngest daughter, Alicia, who babysat for us in Germany, came to stay with the kids while I went with Mary (the mom) and Bethany (the oldest daughter) to the concert. It was just the spiritual lift I needed! And Mary, Bethany and I were able to catch up on everyone and everything. It was good night away.
MercyMe was great in concert. I think the mark of good band is that they sound just like their CDs. Well, Mercy Me does!!
When Grace heard that Alicia would be coming to stay with her and Davis if I went to the concert, she told me "Mom, you don't want to miss your favorite band!" She just wanted to hang with Alicia. This morning, Grace said Alicia was a good babysitter and couldn't believe that Alicia once babysat for her when she was Davis' age. Grace is all about the babysitters!!
Davis is having trouble with his teeth again. I wish the last four would just come in already!! He's just very fussy, his nose is running all the time, etc.
All in all, we're doing okay here. I've found myself taking on projects around here that I've been neglecting. I shovel the snow immediately when the snow stops, have cleaned the laundry room, mopped floors, etc. all in the name of staying busy. It's been good to keep my mind off of things but I know at some point I'll have to start processing and dealing with the deployment. At this point, I think I'll just find some more chores to do.
Jasen's been able to email pretty regularly. Well, at least every other day. I am so thankful for email and the internet. (thank you, Al Gore!! ha!!!) Jasen sounds good. He went to two church services today: traditional and contemporary. Would you believe our good church of Christ boy preferred the contemporary?! I loved it. Our pentecostal friends are eating that up, no doubt. All of you C0fCer's, don't worry. Usually the traditional service is more like Lutheran, not church of Christ!
MercyMe was great in concert. I think the mark of good band is that they sound just like their CDs. Well, Mercy Me does!!
When Grace heard that Alicia would be coming to stay with her and Davis if I went to the concert, she told me "Mom, you don't want to miss your favorite band!" She just wanted to hang with Alicia. This morning, Grace said Alicia was a good babysitter and couldn't believe that Alicia once babysat for her when she was Davis' age. Grace is all about the babysitters!!
Davis is having trouble with his teeth again. I wish the last four would just come in already!! He's just very fussy, his nose is running all the time, etc.
All in all, we're doing okay here. I've found myself taking on projects around here that I've been neglecting. I shovel the snow immediately when the snow stops, have cleaned the laundry room, mopped floors, etc. all in the name of staying busy. It's been good to keep my mind off of things but I know at some point I'll have to start processing and dealing with the deployment. At this point, I think I'll just find some more chores to do.
Jasen's been able to email pretty regularly. Well, at least every other day. I am so thankful for email and the internet. (thank you, Al Gore!! ha!!!) Jasen sounds good. He went to two church services today: traditional and contemporary. Would you believe our good church of Christ boy preferred the contemporary?! I loved it. Our pentecostal friends are eating that up, no doubt. All of you C0fCer's, don't worry. Usually the traditional service is more like Lutheran, not church of Christ!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
News from downrange
I received an email from Jasen today. It was by far the longest email I have received from him in awhile. Probably since last time he was downrange. He's in Kuwait and will be for the better part of a week. Here's just a bit of what he said to me:
I miss ya'll so much and it's hard to be here but I'm managing. The work we'll do is going to be interesting and exciting enough to still wet my appetite for this job. Yes Sara, I still love my job.
So I think he's doing okay. It's always good to hear that he still loves his job. It makes it slightly easier to handle the separation.
We've had an eventful evening of weather last night. First, we had rain about 4. By 5:30, it had changed to sleet. At 7, we had blizzard-like snow. It was unreal how fast and hard the snow was coming down. So school has been shut down today, the soldiers had a delay to come to work, etc. Grace is currently over at "little Ashleigh's" house playing and Davis and I will join them after he rests a little.
I am weaning Davis off the bottle. He's 13 months now; it's past time. Anyway, he's been a real pill this morning and I know it's because he wants his bottle. Tough stuff, I say! He has just cried and pitched fits all morning, which meant that, for my sanity, he'll be taking a morning and afternoon nap.
I know Grace will want to get out in the snow today, but I am not looking forward to it. The wind is blowing like crazy and it is really cold. I don't want her to feel like she's missing out since her dad is gone (Jasen did most of the snow play), but I don't think we'll be sledding today. Perhaps tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow, Grace has her Valentine's party at school. Back in August, before I knew about the deployment, I signed up to be the room mother for the V-Day celebration. Now, it's just another thing I have to do. Davis will go to the sitter and I will spend the day in Grace's classroom. I am buoyed by the fact that Grace will be thrilled to have me there. At least, I hope she will be. Last year, she loved for me to come to school.
I miss ya'll so much and it's hard to be here but I'm managing. The work we'll do is going to be interesting and exciting enough to still wet my appetite for this job. Yes Sara, I still love my job.
So I think he's doing okay. It's always good to hear that he still loves his job. It makes it slightly easier to handle the separation.
We've had an eventful evening of weather last night. First, we had rain about 4. By 5:30, it had changed to sleet. At 7, we had blizzard-like snow. It was unreal how fast and hard the snow was coming down. So school has been shut down today, the soldiers had a delay to come to work, etc. Grace is currently over at "little Ashleigh's" house playing and Davis and I will join them after he rests a little.
I am weaning Davis off the bottle. He's 13 months now; it's past time. Anyway, he's been a real pill this morning and I know it's because he wants his bottle. Tough stuff, I say! He has just cried and pitched fits all morning, which meant that, for my sanity, he'll be taking a morning and afternoon nap.
I know Grace will want to get out in the snow today, but I am not looking forward to it. The wind is blowing like crazy and it is really cold. I don't want her to feel like she's missing out since her dad is gone (Jasen did most of the snow play), but I don't think we'll be sledding today. Perhaps tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow, Grace has her Valentine's party at school. Back in August, before I knew about the deployment, I signed up to be the room mother for the V-Day celebration. Now, it's just another thing I have to do. Davis will go to the sitter and I will spend the day in Grace's classroom. I am buoyed by the fact that Grace will be thrilled to have me there. At least, I hope she will be. Last year, she loved for me to come to school.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
One down!
We had a really good day today. We went to church, but snuck out early from Sunday school because the kids and I needed to go to the commissary. There were lots of kind words today from our church family. They are special to us.
Grace has been so big today. Sometimes, her maturity makes me hurt! Tonight, after our church small group left, Grace picked up all of Davis' toys both upstairs and downstairs, with only one request from me. Then she sat with me while I gave Davis his bottle. She talked about how lucky we are to have each other. It just makes my heart sing and so thankful for her precious little heart. Someone please remind me to look back at this blog when she's been disobedient, disrespectful, etc.!!
Davis is just Davis. If he doesn't get what he wants, he squawks, and I mean, squawks for what he wants. It's that irritating noise that Jasen says plants itself in the base of your neck. I am trying to break Davis of it, but it's not working very well. He is learning quite a few sign language signs, though.
Grace has been so big today. Sometimes, her maturity makes me hurt! Tonight, after our church small group left, Grace picked up all of Davis' toys both upstairs and downstairs, with only one request from me. Then she sat with me while I gave Davis his bottle. She talked about how lucky we are to have each other. It just makes my heart sing and so thankful for her precious little heart. Someone please remind me to look back at this blog when she's been disobedient, disrespectful, etc.!!
Davis is just Davis. If he doesn't get what he wants, he squawks, and I mean, squawks for what he wants. It's that irritating noise that Jasen says plants itself in the base of your neck. I am trying to break Davis of it, but it's not working very well. He is learning quite a few sign language signs, though.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
It begins...
I wasn't going to blog today, but decided I would while Grace watches the Winnie The Pooh special on Valentine's Day. Jasen left the house around 3 p.m. It was every bit as gut-wrenching as we thought it would be. The whole day, beginning last night even, were just not much fun. I think Jasen's been on the verge of a breakdown for a couple of days. He told me the impending separation was like a weight on his chest, almost like a heart attack getting ready to happen. Grace was awake when he left, which made things harder. She and Jasen traded special items to hang onto; he's taken her very first Pooh with him, while she's keeping a handkerchief of his to wipe her eyes with.
It just stinks, there's no other way to put it. Having done this before, we know we'll get through it. But we also know the pain associated with a deployment. Tonight, I felt like Davis could tell something was missing. It might have been me just projecting my feelings, but I swear it was there.
This evening wasn't too bad. Grace is going to be a big help to me with Davis. And she and I are going to get through it. It's going to be harder this time because she's going to be able to voice her emotions. I didn't realize how hard that would be until she kept crying after Jasen left. One day at a time.
Okay, on a lighter note, guess what Grace and I did yesterday, at Jasen's urging? We went and got haircuts. Grace's is precious, although a little shorter than I thought it would be. It's just above her chin in front, and a little shorter in back, so it's poofy back there. It is so cute! I was a little shocked at first, but it's what she wanted, so that makes it perfect. Jasen loved it, too, which made it even better.
And today, Davis took about three steps on his own! Jasen said "Well, we're counting those as his first steps, whether it takes him another six months to take anymore!" So Feb. 10th, Davis took his first steps!!
This week is going to be a crazy one, which will be good. I've got three meetings and Grace's Valentine's Day party at school. It will keep us busy, until the weekend, which I expect will be especially difficult. The weekends are always the hardest, because that's when you really miss the extra hands, the family time, seeing other families together, etc. But we'll be fine.
It just stinks, there's no other way to put it. Having done this before, we know we'll get through it. But we also know the pain associated with a deployment. Tonight, I felt like Davis could tell something was missing. It might have been me just projecting my feelings, but I swear it was there.
This evening wasn't too bad. Grace is going to be a big help to me with Davis. And she and I are going to get through it. It's going to be harder this time because she's going to be able to voice her emotions. I didn't realize how hard that would be until she kept crying after Jasen left. One day at a time.
Okay, on a lighter note, guess what Grace and I did yesterday, at Jasen's urging? We went and got haircuts. Grace's is precious, although a little shorter than I thought it would be. It's just above her chin in front, and a little shorter in back, so it's poofy back there. It is so cute! I was a little shocked at first, but it's what she wanted, so that makes it perfect. Jasen loved it, too, which made it even better.
And today, Davis took about three steps on his own! Jasen said "Well, we're counting those as his first steps, whether it takes him another six months to take anymore!" So Feb. 10th, Davis took his first steps!!
This week is going to be a crazy one, which will be good. I've got three meetings and Grace's Valentine's Day party at school. It will keep us busy, until the weekend, which I expect will be especially difficult. The weekends are always the hardest, because that's when you really miss the extra hands, the family time, seeing other families together, etc. But we'll be fine.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Things Change??
Well, we were all set for this to be our last 24 hours with Jasen. In the short time it took me to take Grace to school, that might have changed. Now, we might have as many as 5 more days with Jasen. That's the one thing you can count on about the Army: things are going to change. So we're on that emotional roller coaster for a few more days. We think.... Jasen's at work right now to find out what's up.
Okay, on a happier note, wasn't this a great weekend for the "good guys?" First, the K-State Wildcats beat the evil t-sips! Then the Aggies whooped up on the arrogant Jayhawks! And last night, a truly great team with a great owner and coach who gave the glory to who deserve it, won the Super Bowl. Jasen and I were so thrilled to see the Colts' owner voice his faith. Then for Tony Dungy to say he was more excited to be a Christian coach winning the big one was just unreal. I couldn't be happier for them.
I saw a glimpse into Davis' future today. I was sitting on the floor, watching a show and he was standing next to me, leaning back on the couch. It was just one of those things you can't explain, but I could see him at five or six, standing the same way. It was just precious. He's quite a fireball, that boy. He can be so sweet, blowing and giving kisses, left and right. Then, when he's mad, he's just out of control. Lately, when he's crying, he'll crawl around then go down on his belly, all sprawled out, to show how upset he is. It's really funny.
Grace is doing okay. She and Jasen went to the Geary County museum on Saturday and she impressed Jasen and the museum curator with how much she remembered from her trip with her schoolmates. She seems to be doing okay with Jasen's departure, but we all know that things will be different soon. It's harder for those left behind once the soldier is gone. I am preparing for some real emotional outbursts.
Thanks for all of your prayers. We're hanging in there.
Okay, on a happier note, wasn't this a great weekend for the "good guys?" First, the K-State Wildcats beat the evil t-sips! Then the Aggies whooped up on the arrogant Jayhawks! And last night, a truly great team with a great owner and coach who gave the glory to who deserve it, won the Super Bowl. Jasen and I were so thrilled to see the Colts' owner voice his faith. Then for Tony Dungy to say he was more excited to be a Christian coach winning the big one was just unreal. I couldn't be happier for them.
I saw a glimpse into Davis' future today. I was sitting on the floor, watching a show and he was standing next to me, leaning back on the couch. It was just one of those things you can't explain, but I could see him at five or six, standing the same way. It was just precious. He's quite a fireball, that boy. He can be so sweet, blowing and giving kisses, left and right. Then, when he's mad, he's just out of control. Lately, when he's crying, he'll crawl around then go down on his belly, all sprawled out, to show how upset he is. It's really funny.
Grace is doing okay. She and Jasen went to the Geary County museum on Saturday and she impressed Jasen and the museum curator with how much she remembered from her trip with her schoolmates. She seems to be doing okay with Jasen's departure, but we all know that things will be different soon. It's harder for those left behind once the soldier is gone. I am preparing for some real emotional outbursts.
Thanks for all of your prayers. We're hanging in there.
Friday, February 02, 2007
TGIF
Oh, we aren't that excited that it's Friday. But there's just something about Friday that makes you happy. Yesterday, Jasen was able to be off in the afternoon. We took a family trip to the Junction City Wal-Mart and laughed at how much fun it was. We hardly ever go to the store together, all of us. Maybe we'll head to Target this afternoon!
Davis update: he's getting ever so slightly closer to walking. Truly, only slightly closer, but it's something. Now, if he finds himself standing without holding onto something, he doesn't automatically go to the floor. He'll actually stand there for a second. The other day, he took two steps from the recliner to the couch. Jasen and I were so excited, but despite our attempts to recreate the situation, Davis won't do it again. Little stinker!
This morning, as we were watching Davis stand up holding onto something, Jasen and I both commented on how he still seems like a baby. By this age, Grace seemed almost grown, walking and babbling, not wanting to be held. Davis is so different and it makes me wonder exactly why. I can see ways I have babied him more than Grace. I can also see how having Grace around to help him has made him not so ready to do things. It's just funny to consider the differences.
Oh, Davis has discovered his nostrils. He's always trying to just put a finger there, like it's the place his finger should be. It's hilarious right now, but I know once he figures out there is something in there, it WILL NOT be cute anymore!! He still loves to give kisses and has started blowing them back to you. Too precious.
Our girl is doing well. We made a big parenting step yesterday. We finally put up our "IF-THEN" chart. It has a list of bad choices, followed by a Bible verse regarding that particular offense, and then we decided on a list of punishments for each crime. I felt really good about the consequences portion of the chart until this morning. Looking at it now, I feel like we might be a little harsh. But Jasen said it's always easier to let up a little later on than it is to get tougher. So we're going to go with what we have and I have Jasen's blessing to tweak our chart, if I need to. Jasen's excited about this whole thing because when he returns from the desert, this will help him be consistent with the forms of discipline I have been using and what is okay and what isn't.
Grace is much more excited about the chart than you would expect. She's always looking at it, asking what each offense is (there are pictures so she'll be able to put two and two together) and what the consequence is. She wants to go to the museum with her dad before he leaves so she can show him around.
Jasen got a new toy yesterday: an IPOD Nano. We worked on getting some of our CDs loaded until 11 last night and still have more work to go. I'll give you one guess who has been doing the work....
Davis update: he's getting ever so slightly closer to walking. Truly, only slightly closer, but it's something. Now, if he finds himself standing without holding onto something, he doesn't automatically go to the floor. He'll actually stand there for a second. The other day, he took two steps from the recliner to the couch. Jasen and I were so excited, but despite our attempts to recreate the situation, Davis won't do it again. Little stinker!
This morning, as we were watching Davis stand up holding onto something, Jasen and I both commented on how he still seems like a baby. By this age, Grace seemed almost grown, walking and babbling, not wanting to be held. Davis is so different and it makes me wonder exactly why. I can see ways I have babied him more than Grace. I can also see how having Grace around to help him has made him not so ready to do things. It's just funny to consider the differences.
Oh, Davis has discovered his nostrils. He's always trying to just put a finger there, like it's the place his finger should be. It's hilarious right now, but I know once he figures out there is something in there, it WILL NOT be cute anymore!! He still loves to give kisses and has started blowing them back to you. Too precious.
Our girl is doing well. We made a big parenting step yesterday. We finally put up our "IF-THEN" chart. It has a list of bad choices, followed by a Bible verse regarding that particular offense, and then we decided on a list of punishments for each crime. I felt really good about the consequences portion of the chart until this morning. Looking at it now, I feel like we might be a little harsh. But Jasen said it's always easier to let up a little later on than it is to get tougher. So we're going to go with what we have and I have Jasen's blessing to tweak our chart, if I need to. Jasen's excited about this whole thing because when he returns from the desert, this will help him be consistent with the forms of discipline I have been using and what is okay and what isn't.
Grace is much more excited about the chart than you would expect. She's always looking at it, asking what each offense is (there are pictures so she'll be able to put two and two together) and what the consequence is. She wants to go to the museum with her dad before he leaves so she can show him around.
Jasen got a new toy yesterday: an IPOD Nano. We worked on getting some of our CDs loaded until 11 last night and still have more work to go. I'll give you one guess who has been doing the work....
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