Sinus infection

Yes, that's what Grace has: a sinus infection. She woke up today with more swelling in her eyes and fever. I was glad they were both still there when we went to the doctor. We saw a physician's assistant, which upset me as I wanted to see a doctor, but oh well. She's on antibiotics and Dimetapp. Evidently, giving her Zyrtec was not the thing to do. Instead of draining the congestion out, I was trying to dry it up. Because it couldn't drain out, it got infected. We'll see how this goes.

Davis is doing so well. Man, he wants to crawl so bad, but won't move those knees once he gets up on them. He spit up quite a bit today, which concerns me. Every time I think we're over that, he does it again. It's quite frustrating. Along those same lines, I'll be renting a carpet cleaner soon. We've got spots all over from his eruptions.

Okay, here are the "final" dates for Jasen's changes of command. I don't think they'll change, but you never know. He'll give up command of Alpha battery on October 23rd at 1:30 p.m. He'll take command of HHC on October 25th at 3:00 p.m. Again, we hope some of you can make it but know that the times are not great. The times are really bad for our kids; that's nap time for both. I don't know what I am going to do. Davis will be a pickle the whole time, I am sure, and I would be so upset if I had to get up with him during the ceremony. I am hoping one of our friends from church will be there to help me! And Grace will miss a field trip to go to the second ceremony. Hopefully, she'll be excited to sing the Big Red One song at an official ceremony.

Our schedule is just busy, busy, busy the next few weeks. This weekend is the Fort Riley Open House, and Jasen's battalion is doing a fundraiser food booth. That means we'll both have to work it, I'll be making kebabs and baked goods, hosting a sign making party, etc. Then our church small group begins meeting on Sunday. We are excited about this new group! My mom will be up the next weekend, too. So many things to do!

The week begins

Before I forget, I have a funny Grace story for you. Yesterday, Grace wore her red boots to church. On the way, she said she wanted to take her socks off. Jasen and I both told her wearing her boots without socks would be uncomfortable. Jasen told her she might even get a blister. She matter of factly told him "Dad, you only get blisters from boots when you road march." Only an Army kid would say that!

So Jasen was home to go to church yesterday and small group meeting last night. He's feeling very anxious right now: about his changes of command, the changes to their training, and possible deployment. Most units that go to NTC (where he's going in late October) deploy withing a few months of training there. We have no definite word and I am trying not to worry about it. Jasen is really feeling uptight about the possibility. You might say a prayer for him.

Davis is trying to crawl! He's getting up on all fours now and rocks back and forth. He loves to get on his belly from the sitting position, but can't get back up. It's a little annoying to all of us. He just shrieks until one of us gets him off of his belly.

I am going to take Grace to the doctor tomorrow. Our Sunday school teacher is also the head nurse at our clinic. I was telling him about Grace's fever issues yesterday. This morning, he called and made sure he understood what her problems seem to be. He talked to one of the doctors and then called me back. He even gave me my choice of appointments. That's unheard of from a military facility! It's nice to have such good care!! But it makes me sad that we had to know someone from elsewhere to feel like we matter. Anyway, hopefully we'll get an answer about Grace's fever. I am also going to ask about allergy testing.

Today, Grace is going to the afternoon preschool class. On days that there is something special going on, her class will combine with one of the others. This afternoon, they are hosting a Junction City police officer. She's very excited. We're making some brownies for him to take back to the station.

Oh, the gourmet dinner party was a blast! Julie and I had a really nice time. One of the other couples goes to our church, so we knew someone else there. We had such a nice meal. First time I'd ever had lamb and it was very good.

I have struck gold with our current babysitter. She watched Davis once for me this past spring, but spent the summer working at a Christian camp, so I hadn't used her since. She did a great job with the kids, complained I was paying her too much, even cleaned up the kitchen. Jayme will be back, for sure!!!

He's back

Jasen's home from the field for a few hours. Because half of his unit is out in the field and half have come in, Jasen and the first sergeant are taking turns coming in for awhile. Jasen has to be out there when they are firing live rounds, which is at night. So he'll be here until mid-afternoon today, go to the field for the night, then do the same thing tomorrow. We're glad to see him!

Yesterday, Grace woke up with a fever and terribly swollen eyes. I asked her if anything hurt (ears, throat, face, etc.) and she didn't complain of anything. I gave her some decongestant and acetaminophen, which helped her a lot. I am afraid she would really benefit from some allergy testing. I think shots would be bad for her right now, but she's taking Zyrtec everyday and still wakes up with "allergy shiners." We'll just keep taking it and see what happens.

One thing she said the other day was that she was going to have a son and name him Jasen Davis Eelin. Eelin is her made-up name right now. If we play anything with her, Eelin is the name she gives us. This morning, on the way home from a nice breakfast at Panera Bread, she said "Maybe Mom and Dad will give us another baby, Davis." Jasen and I looked at each other and told her, only slightly nicer than this: "NO WAY!" She put her pouty face on and said "Maybe God will give us another one." Jasen and I both agreed it would have to God's doing because we are not interested!

Davis woke up extremely unhappy today. I am not sure why, but he just cried and cried. He is cutting more teeth so I'll attribute it to that. He loves to stand up these days. I put him on his feet and he can balance for a short time. He loves holding onto the coffee table, but can't do it for very long. He pulled his legs up underneath himself the other day, but was not really interested in going forward.

Jasen told me there is a chance he'll be able to go to the A&M game. His battalion commander is trying to make sure they come in from the field that Friday instead of Saturday. We'll hope for the best. It looks like Jasen will be relinquishing command sometime between October 2nd and November 2nd. He thinks they'll probably both take place the last week of October. He doesn't think they'll have much hoopla surrounding either event. We are both a little relieved but a little sad.

Jasen will be training at NTC November 2 through November 17. Of course, there will be some travel time on either side. I am hoping he'll be home for Thanksgiving!!

Date change?

Jasen called me today from the field. Looks like training is changing for his brigade. Sadly, he'll be out in the field when we are supposed to the A&M game. So will Brian, the other guy we were going with. I'll try to unload the tickets on Ebay, but I told Amber, Brian's wife, that we might have to go for a few minutes of the game to say we used the tickets, then shop in Lawrence while everyone else is at the game.

It also appears the dates for Jasen's changes of command will change. We don't know how they are going to change or to what. Leave it to the army to change stuff as soon as you tell people a date is definite!

The reason for the changes in the change of command is that the brigade will be going on a rotation of training at the National Training Center (NTC) in California from late October to late November. I don't know what this means for all the plans we had made about the holidays and such, but we'll see. Like usual, we'll try to stay loose and flexible and we'll keep you posted.

Just another day

Well, today was another day. It's amazing how mundane life can feel when Jasen isn't here with me. Grace woke up with a slight fever. She had no other indications and it went down as soon as I gave her Tylenol. So I went ahead and sent her to school. Besides, if she gets anyone else sick, it's only two other little kids! ha! On a happy note, Mrs. Peggy told us that she's going to leave the class the way it is indefinitely. I think she's really enjoying having just three kids to corral. Grace loves it because she gets some really good one-on-one play time with Mrs. Peggy.

Oh, a cute thing: Grace can sing the "Big Red One" song. It's absolutely precious. I am a proud Army wife!

Davis has started throwing some real fits. I've just let him roll around on the floor when he does it. He loves to hit his highchair tray when he wants more Cheerios. Then he hits the table when I get up. It's quite annoying.

I've joined the Gourmet Dinner Club through the wives' club. We have our first dinner on Saturday night, so Jasen won't be there. Darn it. My friend, Julie is going with me. She needs a night out, just like I do! I have to make two frou-frou dishes to share so it will be interesting, getting the kids ready for a sitter, getting myself ready (and staying clean until time to go!) and making Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes with Herbs and Bacon-Wrapped Dates.

Davis and I went to church tonight. I've been anxious about it because he usually is in bed at 7:30, but he did okay in the nursery. Theresa, one of the child care workers who also works for me on the side (some things never change!), gave him his bottle and kept him happy until I returned. The class I am doing is about the priniciples of discipline from James Dobson. I really value his child-rearing ideas. I was reminded the best thing I can do is clearly define the boundaries for my kids and follow through on them. I need to be better about defining the boundaries!

Good visit

We had a really nice visit with my uncle Tommy and aunt Pattie. They arrived here on Friday afternoon. They arrived bearing too many gifts!! Aunt Pattie and Grace had a great time and Davis was enthralled with his Uncle Tommy! We took them to Jasen's favorite restaurant, Little Apple Brewery, on Friday night, then Saturday morning, we went to Jasen's office and around Fort Riley. They left on Saturday after lunch. When they were leaving, Grace got quite choked up. After the kids went down for their nap, I told Jasen I always feel really far from home when someone leaves us up here.

Saturday evening, we went to a birthday party. The Ewings, Mary, J.R., Bethany, and Alicia, were in Bamberg when we were. I played Bunco with Mary, Alicia and Bethany babysat Grace, and Jasen kind of worked with J.R. when we were in Germany. It was great to see them and reminisce. They miss our community in Germany as much as we do. We also got to meet some of J.R.'s family and Alicia's friends. I love big Catholic families: I don't think I held Davis but a few minutes the whole night. It was great to be with old friends. We'll be seeing more of them, I am sure!

Davis was not very nice to his dad this evening. Grace went with me to the small group facilitator's training at church and the guys stayed home. Evidently, Davis cried and screamed the whole time we were gone. I feel bad because once we got home, Davis settled down.

Jasen heads to the field tomorrow for about 9 days. He'll be able to come home once during that time, but just for a little bit. We're going to miss him!

Davis' First...

This is Davis getting his first haircut and the results from that cut. He sat up in the chair like a big boy, but was none to happy once the actual haircut began. I felt bad for the barber! By the time it was all over, Davis had gotten me all slimy with tears, slobber, and snot! Gross! I thought Davis needed just a little trim around the ears, but the barber did a complete high and tight. Can you believe it?? He still looks like a baby! Amazing how he has his great-grandad Thomas' head! He might be the carbon copy of Jasen, according to many, but he has the Thomas head!

Davis is also feeling much, much better. I think part of it is that he slept almost the whole night last night. He's finally able to breathe. The wind has been blowing here, so I am afraid we'll all be fighting allergies.

Oh, here is a picture of Grace from his first day of school. Doesn't she look grownup??

Getting better

Things are getting better around here. Grace appears to be completely well. She got a prescription for Zyrtec yesterday when we went to the doctor for Davis and I think I can already tell that it's working better than Claritin ever did for her. Like mother, like daughter, because I have always been the same about those two medicines.

Davis is getting better, I think. He's still horribly congested and has a terrible cough, but his ears and lungs were clear when we went to the doctor yesterday. He got some Dimetapp, so that's helped loosen up the congestion. Sadly, he's not sleeping very well, which means I am not either. Poor thing can't suck his pacifier because his nose is all stopped up. He wakes up in a pool of drool, too. I am ready for this all to be over.

We're having visitors this weekend. My aunt and uncle, Pattie and Tommy Thomas are headed this direction and are going to stop in for at least Friday night. We are so excited! Grace is especially excited because she has some questions for her Uncle Tommy. There is a huge building project going on here on Fort Riley and lots of excavation right now. Grace is anxious to learn the names of all the big machinery.

Sick and School

I am running a sick house today; both of my babies are ill. Jasen had the crud last week and I thought we had all managed to avoid it. Then, Davis started running a fever on Friday. He hasn't been particularly congested, although he has developed a cough in the last two days. He's drooling a lot, so I think his might be related to teeth. He's sleeping with the humidifier on, just in case. Davis and I stayed home yesterday from church as a precaution.

Grace was fine until this morning. She got up and said she didn't want to go to school. I told her if she didn't go to school, she'd spend the day in bed. That got her going right quick. After she ate a couple of bites of breakfast, she said she was tired and not hungry. That was a warning sign right there; Grace always wants breakfast! After she got dressed, she laid down on her bed, then got sick a few minutes later. I think it's all related to congestion. Let's hope everyone is well soon! And I hope not to get any sicker. I've just had some congestion.

Grace's first two days of school went well. She loves Mrs. Peggy, of course, and likes the two boys who are in her class. A girl from her class last year was supposed to start in her class today, but her mom has decided to keep her in the afternoon class. So we need three more kids to sign up by the end of September to keep this class time going. I can't remember if I mentioned it or not, but Mrs. Peggy said she would probably combine the two morning four year old classes if we ended up not getting enough (she wants at least six) for this class. We'll see what happens; I am considering the afternoon class, too. It all depends. I am trying not to worry, but we'll see.

Yesterday, Grace and Jasen were dressed up in their Cowboy finery. Grace was yelling hard for the 'boys, to no avail. I didn't watch the whole game as I had a meeting. But I think Grace and Jasen enjoyed watching the game together.

My mom is coming up for Columbus Day weekend. We are very excited because that will allow us to go to the A&M game at KU! Our friends, Brian and Amber are going to go, too, as Brian is a KU alum. It should be a fun time and we are already looking forward to it. My sister, Angie, might come up too, but we aren't sure about that one yet.

Jasen's unit is very busy right now. Besides preparing for the field, they have command inspection going on. The big guns from 1ID are going to be inspecting every unit here at Fort Riley to make sure everything is up to snuff. Jasen's battalion is the first unit to go through this process so they are all a little anxious.

The 9/11 rememberances have had me all emotional this morning. Grace has been really confused and I've tried to explain it to her on four year old terms. It's hard to believe it's been five years. Then, I think back to that day. I was still working at "the Farm," getting ready for work when the first tower was hit. I was at work when the Pentagon was hit and called Jasen who was still at home getting ready for work. He hung up on me when he realized what had happened, feeling like he had to be at work immediately.

That night, with the fear that Jasen might be going to war soon, we decided to suspend our efforts to have a baby. Little did we know we already had our precious girl on the way. It's strange to think back to that time, when Fort Sill was all locked down and it would take hours, I mean HOURS for us to get home if we even went to Lawton. And we were so convinced that Jasen would be leaving immediately, then he didn't go to war for another two and a half years, not to fight Al Qaida in Afghanistan, but Sadaam in Iraq.

Replaying all of that in my mind reminds me not to worry: half of what you worry about won't happen anyway!!

Labor Day

This morning, we went for a walk as a family. Then Jasen and Grace went fishing at Moon Lake here on Fort Riley. Isn't the picture a hoot? She's stylin', isn't she? She had to get her hat before they went to the lake.

Yesterday, we had church, of course, then we had small group last night at South Park in Junction City. It's a really nice play area and the weather up here could not be better. It looks like Jasen and I will start facilitating a small group for church. We'd like to do it for a few ones, but we'd really like to host it in our house, so we don't have to drive into Junction City. It's hard with little ones to have to make that drive to and from.

Beyond that, there's not much to report from here. We've really enjoyed Jasen's four day weekend as we always do. I've posted a picture from the Eisenhower museum, too. I'll be sending more pictures soon!

Road to Abilene

We had a good visit to Abilene, Kansas, today. The weather was gorgeous again. The Eisenhower Center is really interesting. His boyhood home is in it's original location and the rest of the center takes up the acreage around it. There is a meditation chapel, where Ike, Mamie, and their young son are buried. The library is there, of course, and a really good museum. I'll post some pictures soon.

After our visit there, we went to Kuntz's, the local drive-in, then took our burgers to Eisenhower park. We ate our lunch on a picnic table, then let Grace play for awhile. There was a little boy there that she was having fun with, until he followed her down the slide a little too close. She didn't want to play with him after that!

Grace's open house went well at school. I was more than a little disappointed to find out that no kids from her class last year are signed up for her class this year. Most of them are going to the afternoon class Mrs. Peggy offers, and the other one is going to the two day a week. Grace will be going three days a week for almost three hours. The real kicker is that there are only two other kids signed up for Grace's class!!! Mrs. Peggy said we'll go September with the current situation, hoping there will be more kids who enroll in Grace's class. If that doesn't happen, then she'll look at combining the two morning classes. What was something I was really looking forward to has become a stressor for me. I am trying to remain calm and not worry!

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!