Yesterday was church day. There was no children's church, so both of the Graham kids sat the whole way through big church. They were so well-behaved. At lunch, we had our regular round robin question and answer session. Every person gets a turn (or two) to ask a question of the rest of us. Because we had just finished up at church, we had a Bible/church themed set of questions. We discussed favorite Bible stories, favorite Bible characters and the like. Davis asked his usual question, though: what's your favorite color?
Although Jasen and I were both raised in the same denomination and thought we would continue in that denomination, our military life made that hard. In our 12+ year marriage, we have been church of Christ, military chapel attendees, Church of the Nazarene members, and non-denominational.
Our final question at lunch yesterday was what is your favorite church of the ones we have attended. I loved hearing everyone's answers and thoughts behind them.
Grace had trouble deciding between two: our churches in Junction City, KS, and our church in Charleston, SC. She loved the church in S.C. because they had a lot o fun but also learned a lot. She loved our church in J.C. because she learned a lot and had good friends there.
I was torn...because I have loved and disliked all of our churches. Our church in OK provided critical support and friendships during a horrible time in our marriage. In Germany, I learned so much about God and what a true church family does for each other. I could go on and on about how I grew to know Christ as my Savior there. In J.C. I saw what a real church family LOOKS like: people of all different races, socio-economic backgrounds, you name it. The leadership there was a TEAM, too, with no part bigger than the other. Our church in Charleston was lively and energetic. And our current chapel is so rich with knowledge from retirees and permanent party Army people. People who are so wise, I just want to sit with them. So no way for me to choose!
Jasen decided his favorite was our church in J.C. He mentioned how that church worked together, was a real team, had a missional mindset (both around the world and in J.C.), and created in Jasen a spark that started a new desire to learn.
Davis doesn't remember most of the churches we have attended. I thought I'd asked an unfair question for him. However, his answer was the best.
Davis' favorite church is the church he attends every week with his Catholic preschool. Jasen and I looked at each other, not knowing what to think. When we asked Davis why, he said that the chapel has statues of people from the Bible and he likes to look at them, so he can see what people from the Bible looked like.
Is there a sweeter reason? I mean, Davis and Grace have grown up hearing Bible stories over and over. They have seen two illustrated children's Bibles since they were babies, with the stories being told over and over to them. I can imagine Davis enjoys seeing the statues and seeing that the people of the Bible were real, not some animated version. He doesn't care about worshiping them; he just wants to see that they are like him.
I am so thankful that my kids are learning how different churches work and the benefits of all. Very, very special....
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Alo-ha-ha
Two weeks ago tomorrow, we found out where the Graham family is going next: Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Now, let me fill you in on some cool things about that: Hawaii was #1 on our list. Jasen wanted to put it there and, although I would have preferred Ft Lewis, outside of Seattle, WA, I said go for it. Because every army wife knows no one gets their first choice.
Well, the joke was on me! I don't know why, but the day I knew we were going to find out was pure torture for me. Thankfully, I had PWOC that morning and I am currently leading a study, so I knew I would be distracted for at least two hours! Jasen's appointment with the field artillery assignments officer, wasn't until 1:15, so after PWOC, I was like a cat on a hot tin roof.
Once again, God provided a way for the tension to be bearable. I came home after PWOC, really on the edge, and asked God to show me how to deal with my anxiety. I had a Kari Jobe CD my friend Jen gave me. I turned that baby on (and up!) and just bowed down in my living room floor, full of worship. I reflected back on how God has provided, blessed, and amazed us with every other assignment He has given us through the Army. That hour or so was so precious to me. I hope I'll remember how good that felt next time I am being taken away by nervousness.
Jasen had told me he would text me when he knew what we were getting. Imagine my shock when he texted me that we were going to Schofield and he had to be there by JUL 15. Shock. Truly, I am not sure I am over the shock yet. After his meeting, Jasen went back to school, but ducked out early so we could talk. When he got home, I hugged him with all of my might and then collapsed in giggles and crying. I mean, NO ONE gets their #1. It's still shocking.
At that point, Jasen told me the best news in the whole deal: the unit he was assigned to was currently deployed, but would be back in August, which meant he wouldn't have to join them downrange. Typing that, it sounds wrong. But I think most of you out there know that if Jasen needed to deploy, he'd go and we'd deal with it. But at that time, I was elated to know he wouldn't be deploying right away.
Those great feelings were dashed just a few days later, on Sunday, when Jasen got an email from his sponsor in the unit he is going to. We were still going to Hawaii, but Jasen was now going to a different unit who just deployed in December. That meant that Jasen was expected in Hawaii no later than JUL 15, and in Iraq, no later than 1AUG.
Well, didn't that just send me for a loop. And Jasen, too. I can't tell you what it's like to think you know what the plan is, then find out that the cards have been knocked out of your hands, scattered all over the ground for you to look at and wonder what in the world just happened.
One thing that happened is our plans completely changed. Now, instead of us going as a family to Hawaii in July, Jasen will go without us. Since he was going to deploy only two weeks after we arrived, that didn't give us anytime to get our house, our stuff, our car, etc. I didn't want to start out our time in such a new and different place without Jasen Honestly, after the last few years, I have realized that, although I am a decent military wife, the moving isn't in my nature. And I wouldn't be moving to Hawaii if not for Jasen and I don't want to be there without him.
Grace and Davis have taken the news of Hawaii really well. Both seem to be really excited. We haven't told Davis about the change of plans. It's too early and would only give him a lot of time to think about things that would probably make him anxious. Grace is handling the news of Jasen's deployment well. We are all buoyed by the fact that Jasen will only be deployed for about six months.
The kids and I will stay here at Ft. Leavenworth, where we know the schools, have a great church, and a really good support system of a little bit of family, friends, and some retirees. It won't be easy, but I think we'll do better here than in Hawaii without Jasen.
So, for now, our Hawaii assignment is on hold. And I prefer to say "Alo-ha-ha!"
Well, the joke was on me! I don't know why, but the day I knew we were going to find out was pure torture for me. Thankfully, I had PWOC that morning and I am currently leading a study, so I knew I would be distracted for at least two hours! Jasen's appointment with the field artillery assignments officer, wasn't until 1:15, so after PWOC, I was like a cat on a hot tin roof.
Once again, God provided a way for the tension to be bearable. I came home after PWOC, really on the edge, and asked God to show me how to deal with my anxiety. I had a Kari Jobe CD my friend Jen gave me. I turned that baby on (and up!) and just bowed down in my living room floor, full of worship. I reflected back on how God has provided, blessed, and amazed us with every other assignment He has given us through the Army. That hour or so was so precious to me. I hope I'll remember how good that felt next time I am being taken away by nervousness.
Jasen had told me he would text me when he knew what we were getting. Imagine my shock when he texted me that we were going to Schofield and he had to be there by JUL 15. Shock. Truly, I am not sure I am over the shock yet. After his meeting, Jasen went back to school, but ducked out early so we could talk. When he got home, I hugged him with all of my might and then collapsed in giggles and crying. I mean, NO ONE gets their #1. It's still shocking.
At that point, Jasen told me the best news in the whole deal: the unit he was assigned to was currently deployed, but would be back in August, which meant he wouldn't have to join them downrange. Typing that, it sounds wrong. But I think most of you out there know that if Jasen needed to deploy, he'd go and we'd deal with it. But at that time, I was elated to know he wouldn't be deploying right away.
Those great feelings were dashed just a few days later, on Sunday, when Jasen got an email from his sponsor in the unit he is going to. We were still going to Hawaii, but Jasen was now going to a different unit who just deployed in December. That meant that Jasen was expected in Hawaii no later than JUL 15, and in Iraq, no later than 1AUG.
Well, didn't that just send me for a loop. And Jasen, too. I can't tell you what it's like to think you know what the plan is, then find out that the cards have been knocked out of your hands, scattered all over the ground for you to look at and wonder what in the world just happened.
One thing that happened is our plans completely changed. Now, instead of us going as a family to Hawaii in July, Jasen will go without us. Since he was going to deploy only two weeks after we arrived, that didn't give us anytime to get our house, our stuff, our car, etc. I didn't want to start out our time in such a new and different place without Jasen Honestly, after the last few years, I have realized that, although I am a decent military wife, the moving isn't in my nature. And I wouldn't be moving to Hawaii if not for Jasen and I don't want to be there without him.
Grace and Davis have taken the news of Hawaii really well. Both seem to be really excited. We haven't told Davis about the change of plans. It's too early and would only give him a lot of time to think about things that would probably make him anxious. Grace is handling the news of Jasen's deployment well. We are all buoyed by the fact that Jasen will only be deployed for about six months.
The kids and I will stay here at Ft. Leavenworth, where we know the schools, have a great church, and a really good support system of a little bit of family, friends, and some retirees. It won't be easy, but I think we'll do better here than in Hawaii without Jasen.
So, for now, our Hawaii assignment is on hold. And I prefer to say "Alo-ha-ha!"
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Team Graham Basketball
Well, basketball season has begun! Davis is enrolled in something they do here called Start Smart. The kids learn the basics of a sport, with his or her parent acting as their coach. Jasen did the majority of football with Davis, except for one hilarious time around with me when I managed to fall and roll over backwards to catch a pass. At least I caught it!
Anyway, since I was the basketball player, I was chosen to help Davis with his skills. It's been challenging for me. Davis really excels in some areas, including passing, catching, shooting, and yes, even running. Sadly, he can't dribble to save his life. Oh, it's so frustrating to me! I don't know how to help him. The youth sports facilitator has tried, too, but with little progress. I am hoping for some great strides in dribbling, now that he can do everything else.
Grace's season has started, too. I offered to help with her practices and that morphed into me sitting on the bench during games, wearing a coach's shirt, and being called Coach Sara. Can you imagine? Believe me, I can't. I am doing okay with it. I know that sounds silly, but you have to understand: since I quit playing round ball, anytime I step in a gym, my face gets red, my heart races, and I want to scream when someone does something wrong. Oh, wait, I had that even when I was playing....
Anyway, I am doing well being a coach. I love seeing the kids, Grace included, master something they hadn't been able to do before, be it scoring a goal or stealing the ball from the other team. The smiles are their faces are priceless. There is only one tiny issue: we have one extremely mouthy kid who complains if he is taken out of a game or practice. The really bad part? His dad is the other assistant coach and he does very little to stop his son. Last Saturday at the game, this little brat yelled at another kid after an airball "Why did you take that shot? It was stupid." Finally, our head coach said something in the huddle and spoke to the kid's father after the game.
Back to Grace, she is the tallest and most experienced player we have. The first game, she was in a shooting slump. Grace is naturally left-handed, but she's always felt more comfortable using her right to do most sports things. However, she was having such a hard time with her right, I suggested trying her left. Bad idea. Then her shot got even worse, possibly because she was using both hands at that point. She's gone back to her right.
It appeared to work in the second game. Beforehand, I told Grace that I would give her a quarter for every shot she made and rebound she got. Well, guess what? The little girl came alive! She had three baskets and got five rebounds. I was so excited! She's also started listening to her mom about some things. I don't know why, but she's decided the round, old woman has some knowledge of the game!
It's so fun to see my kids (and other little kids) enjoying a game that I loved so much growing up. Honestly, I still love it. I am not sure I am much of a teacher of the game, but I love to encourage them. Such fun! I'll post pictures soon.
**I tried to become a registered marrow donor, but sadly, because I am on a prescription strength NSAID (Ibuprofen on steroids) for hip bursitis, which is very painful. I cannot even register being on that medicine, which is not having much of an effect on the pain. I am going to stay the course with the medicine, but once that's over, I am registering!!!
Anyway, since I was the basketball player, I was chosen to help Davis with his skills. It's been challenging for me. Davis really excels in some areas, including passing, catching, shooting, and yes, even running. Sadly, he can't dribble to save his life. Oh, it's so frustrating to me! I don't know how to help him. The youth sports facilitator has tried, too, but with little progress. I am hoping for some great strides in dribbling, now that he can do everything else.
Grace's season has started, too. I offered to help with her practices and that morphed into me sitting on the bench during games, wearing a coach's shirt, and being called Coach Sara. Can you imagine? Believe me, I can't. I am doing okay with it. I know that sounds silly, but you have to understand: since I quit playing round ball, anytime I step in a gym, my face gets red, my heart races, and I want to scream when someone does something wrong. Oh, wait, I had that even when I was playing....
Anyway, I am doing well being a coach. I love seeing the kids, Grace included, master something they hadn't been able to do before, be it scoring a goal or stealing the ball from the other team. The smiles are their faces are priceless. There is only one tiny issue: we have one extremely mouthy kid who complains if he is taken out of a game or practice. The really bad part? His dad is the other assistant coach and he does very little to stop his son. Last Saturday at the game, this little brat yelled at another kid after an airball "Why did you take that shot? It was stupid." Finally, our head coach said something in the huddle and spoke to the kid's father after the game.
Back to Grace, she is the tallest and most experienced player we have. The first game, she was in a shooting slump. Grace is naturally left-handed, but she's always felt more comfortable using her right to do most sports things. However, she was having such a hard time with her right, I suggested trying her left. Bad idea. Then her shot got even worse, possibly because she was using both hands at that point. She's gone back to her right.
It appeared to work in the second game. Beforehand, I told Grace that I would give her a quarter for every shot she made and rebound she got. Well, guess what? The little girl came alive! She had three baskets and got five rebounds. I was so excited! She's also started listening to her mom about some things. I don't know why, but she's decided the round, old woman has some knowledge of the game!
It's so fun to see my kids (and other little kids) enjoying a game that I loved so much growing up. Honestly, I still love it. I am not sure I am much of a teacher of the game, but I love to encourage them. Such fun! I'll post pictures soon.
**I tried to become a registered marrow donor, but sadly, because I am on a prescription strength NSAID (Ibuprofen on steroids) for hip bursitis, which is very painful. I cannot even register being on that medicine, which is not having much of an effect on the pain. I am going to stay the course with the medicine, but once that's over, I am registering!!!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Obsession Adjustment
In case you didn't know, Davis has had quite the obsession with Star Wars since mid-October or so. He's completed Jedi training in the basement, received all the Star Wars action figures one could imagine, even requested that we call him "Luke" and given his family all the corresponding names of Luke's family. His favorite birthday gift? His Jedi robe. College? Not anymore because, according to Davis, Jedis don't go to college.
Yesterday, I think Davis changed his obsession. I bought him his first pair of cowboy boots. I won't go into why it took me until he was 5 years old to get him a pair, but it did. Anyway, after we bought them, Davis had to school but the minute he was home, he asked to put them on as soon as he got home. He has worn them non-stop since then. Thankfully, he had a cowboy hat that was given to him by his cousin, Randall. We borrowed a Western shirt from next door, then I remembered: I have a hand-me-down TX flag cowboy shirt and a belt complete with big buckle, also from Randall! Our neighbors also had a kids' pair of chaps, so Davis has those, too.
This morning, Davis got up and put his boots on. Then we had to get his cowboy hat down (we put it up in his closet because we don't him and other kids thinking it's a play toy) from the closet. Now, he has the belt on, too. After he got all dressed up, he told me he needed a horse. I reminded him that he has more than one stick horse to choose from. Well, that wasn't good enough. He informed me he needs a real horse, since he has real boots.
I can't wait to find out what his cowboy name is! I'll keep you posted on that one!
Yesterday, I think Davis changed his obsession. I bought him his first pair of cowboy boots. I won't go into why it took me until he was 5 years old to get him a pair, but it did. Anyway, after we bought them, Davis had to school but the minute he was home, he asked to put them on as soon as he got home. He has worn them non-stop since then. Thankfully, he had a cowboy hat that was given to him by his cousin, Randall. We borrowed a Western shirt from next door, then I remembered: I have a hand-me-down TX flag cowboy shirt and a belt complete with big buckle, also from Randall! Our neighbors also had a kids' pair of chaps, so Davis has those, too.
This morning, Davis got up and put his boots on. Then we had to get his cowboy hat down (we put it up in his closet because we don't him and other kids thinking it's a play toy) from the closet. Now, he has the belt on, too. After he got all dressed up, he told me he needed a horse. I reminded him that he has more than one stick horse to choose from. Well, that wasn't good enough. He informed me he needs a real horse, since he has real boots.
I can't wait to find out what his cowboy name is! I'll keep you posted on that one!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Post for Clara
Okay, this post is not about me or mine. It's not about our family, our times, our lives. It's about a sweet little girl who is in the fight of her life.
The backstory: many, many moons ago, there was a guy that lived in Stephenville who was a friend from A&M of my dad's cousin. I didn't know this until much later, but he only lived in the 'ville for six months. He needed a job after college and my uncle Brad hooked him up. After a little while, he decided the 'ville wasn't the place for him and he moved on.
For whatever reason, his name always stuck with me: Frank Shannon. I don't know why. Some of you know I have a knack for remembering things that are either insignificant or shouldn't matter much. Well, Frank's name stuck in my head. I didn't have any contact with him, minus a few visits at Texas A&M, when Frank was the director at the 12th Man Foundation.
Flash forward to our time in Charleston. I learned that Frank lived in Charleston and not only did he live there, but he had been the head of fund-raising at The Citadel. I got in touch with him and he graciously agreed to meet me and my family for lunch. It was neat to visit with him; to talk about the people we had in common (my family and people from the 'ville) and for he and Jasen to talk about the people they knew at The Citadel.
Because of that meeting, we "friended" each other on Facebook. I friend almost everyone and I love to see what people are up to. The day we met Frank for lunch, he and his family were getting ready to move back to TX, where he would work at Baylor. I told him to tell Coach Briles hello!
A few months ago, I was sad to see a post from him via Facebook that his brand-new granddaughter, Clara, had been diagnosed with leukemia. I was immediately taken back to Germany, when a precious family in our small military community was affected by the same disease in their own newborn baby girl.
I have been able to keep up with sweet Clara through her mom's blog (www.brookebabble.blogspot.com). She recently had a bone marrow transplant and it's either going to work or it's not. Some kid (I think Brooke, Clara's mom, said he was under 25) was a match for Clara. How did they know he was a match? Because at some point he went and had his marrow tested. From what I understand, they can type your bone marrow pretty easily.
Which brought up the question within me: why have I not been tested? Why am I not making sure I am in the bone marrow "clearing house" for them to call me if someone needs my marrow? I've heard it's painful to donate and I guess that's why I haven't been willing to do it.
But when I go to Brooke's site and see pictures of Clara, I am confronted with the same question over and over. Why? Why, if it could save some other precious baby, child, mother, father, have I not been willing to do this? And I challenge you...can you not do this? Could the pain of donation be greater than the pain of losing someone you love?
Listen, I won't ask you if you will or have done the matching. I won't ask you to make a commitment. I will only ask you this: what if you were the missing link that could save Clara's life?
The backstory: many, many moons ago, there was a guy that lived in Stephenville who was a friend from A&M of my dad's cousin. I didn't know this until much later, but he only lived in the 'ville for six months. He needed a job after college and my uncle Brad hooked him up. After a little while, he decided the 'ville wasn't the place for him and he moved on.
For whatever reason, his name always stuck with me: Frank Shannon. I don't know why. Some of you know I have a knack for remembering things that are either insignificant or shouldn't matter much. Well, Frank's name stuck in my head. I didn't have any contact with him, minus a few visits at Texas A&M, when Frank was the director at the 12th Man Foundation.
Flash forward to our time in Charleston. I learned that Frank lived in Charleston and not only did he live there, but he had been the head of fund-raising at The Citadel. I got in touch with him and he graciously agreed to meet me and my family for lunch. It was neat to visit with him; to talk about the people we had in common (my family and people from the 'ville) and for he and Jasen to talk about the people they knew at The Citadel.
Because of that meeting, we "friended" each other on Facebook. I friend almost everyone and I love to see what people are up to. The day we met Frank for lunch, he and his family were getting ready to move back to TX, where he would work at Baylor. I told him to tell Coach Briles hello!
A few months ago, I was sad to see a post from him via Facebook that his brand-new granddaughter, Clara, had been diagnosed with leukemia. I was immediately taken back to Germany, when a precious family in our small military community was affected by the same disease in their own newborn baby girl.
I have been able to keep up with sweet Clara through her mom's blog (www.brookebabble.blogspot.com). She recently had a bone marrow transplant and it's either going to work or it's not. Some kid (I think Brooke, Clara's mom, said he was under 25) was a match for Clara. How did they know he was a match? Because at some point he went and had his marrow tested. From what I understand, they can type your bone marrow pretty easily.
Which brought up the question within me: why have I not been tested? Why am I not making sure I am in the bone marrow "clearing house" for them to call me if someone needs my marrow? I've heard it's painful to donate and I guess that's why I haven't been willing to do it.
But when I go to Brooke's site and see pictures of Clara, I am confronted with the same question over and over. Why? Why, if it could save some other precious baby, child, mother, father, have I not been willing to do this? And I challenge you...can you not do this? Could the pain of donation be greater than the pain of losing someone you love?
Listen, I won't ask you if you will or have done the matching. I won't ask you to make a commitment. I will only ask you this: what if you were the missing link that could save Clara's life?
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Seen, Heard, Watched
What could you have seen around the Graham house this week? Well, kids were home for three days. Listen, I love being with my kids. However, by the third day off, the temperature was below 10 degrees and the windchill was below zero. So, no playing outside. Besides, we had a friend over for Grace, which was good, but the kids were done entertaining themselves. Enter Mom. Again, I love my kids, but that was one heck of a five day weekend!
What could you have heard around the Graham house this week? Kid noise, obviously. But also, the creaking of the wood floors under me while I got my sweat on via our Kinect XBox games. Man, it's not fun. Oh, and I've started an AWESOME...not...abdominal DVD workout. Ugh. Also, Davis had one of his great quotes. At the breakfast table on Monday, the day after his birthday, he told Grace "I feel sorry for you. You only have one lightsaber. And it's Darth Vader's. And it's broken." Think he's still obsessed?
What could you have watched around the Graham house this week? Well, despite the fact we have NO IDEA where we will be going in June, I've been researching houses for rent in our top three choices. Oh, man. I am so anxious to find out where we are going. Wait, anxious isn't the right word, because that would imply I am nervous. I am not nervous, but curious. Ready to start figuring out where we'll live, where the kids will be in school, etc. Oh the joys of military life!
What could you have heard around the Graham house this week? Kid noise, obviously. But also, the creaking of the wood floors under me while I got my sweat on via our Kinect XBox games. Man, it's not fun. Oh, and I've started an AWESOME...not...abdominal DVD workout. Ugh. Also, Davis had one of his great quotes. At the breakfast table on Monday, the day after his birthday, he told Grace "I feel sorry for you. You only have one lightsaber. And it's Darth Vader's. And it's broken." Think he's still obsessed?
What could you have watched around the Graham house this week? Well, despite the fact we have NO IDEA where we will be going in June, I've been researching houses for rent in our top three choices. Oh, man. I am so anxious to find out where we are going. Wait, anxious isn't the right word, because that would imply I am nervous. I am not nervous, but curious. Ready to start figuring out where we'll live, where the kids will be in school, etc. Oh the joys of military life!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Snow Day!
When we found out last January that we were moving back to Kansas for sure, all Grace said was "Yes!! Snow!" Until yesterday, we saw MORE snow in South Carolina in 2010 than we did in Kansas. That's just wrong! Also, I think it was just last week that I was bemoaning the fact that, although we purchased snow pants and boots for the kids, we had not had any measurable snow since. Well, today took care of that!
We were awakened at 5 a.m. by Jasen's alert roster/phone tree, that there would be a two hour delay on his school day. With that, I took a look outside and saw SOME snow. It didn't look like that much. By the time we were up at 7, there was more. Grace's and Davis' schools were both closed, so we got ready and the kids and Jasen were out by 8:30.
Now, I must say that I have no idea how much snow we have gotten. However, it has snowed all day, with only a hour of let up. The snowfall has been pretty heavy, too. So, I would guess we have gotten anywhere from 6-9 inches, easy. That's a lot of snow!
So, we've all been out on the sled, we've all taken a turn shoveling, and the kids' cheeks are well chapped!
And we've got another snow day tomorrow!!
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Our Birthday Boy
Ahhh, Davis Henry Graham.
The little man of the house. Our little prince. The sweetest Jedi we know. We can't believe you are 5!! How can that be? Your actions make us laugh, your facial expressions are priceless, and your heart is tender. No doubt, you are getting older, preferring your dad a little more everyday, speaking your own mind, instead of letting Grace answer for you. Your calls of "Okay, Mama Odie" ring in your mama's ears and warms her heart. Your fabulous Jedi play makes your sister laugh. Your Jedi robe combined with using the force via your hands make your dad smile.
We love you, sweet boy, Sunny D, D-man, Luke Davis Skywalker, Handsome!
Monday, January 03, 2011
Our Life in Pictures
So, I don't make resolutions. I do try to do better in some things, though. One thing I want to do better? Blogging!
Because I am so far behind, I am going to post a bunch of pictures with explanations and call it good!
Here we go....
This summer, we purchased a blow-up water slide. Best money we've spent in a long time! Can you tell which two kids are ours?
For the third year in a row, Jasen was here to walk Grace to school. And so were Reagan and Amy!
One of the blessings of being at Ft. Leavenworth? All the time w ehave spent with my cousin, Jennifer and her family. Here are the four kids at the KC Irish Festival:
And me and Jen. I have always adored her and that hasn't changed one bit!
In August, we went back to Ft. Sill, to see Jasen's 1SG, 1SG Johnson, retire from the Army. What a special day! We caravan-ed with the McCalls (1SG Johnson was also Brian's 1SG), got to see COL Gadson, the Pichts and our friends, the Andersons, ate at Los Tres, then went by our old house for Grace to have a picture where we brought her home from the hospital. She was really annoyed, but we told her not many Army kids get to do that!
Our girl started back playing soccer this fall. As before, she had a great time. She's discovered she prefers defense.
We were blessed to be able to see my cousin's son, Joe, play one of his Angel League games. The field is behind a house in a random neighborhood. It was so special to be able to see Joe play.
Four pretty cute kids, if you ask me!
That same day, we visited the Red Barn Farms pumpkin patch.
This would be our son, playing dress-up. Can you guess what he is? Puss (notice the cat ears!) 'N Boots, of course!
We took the kids to their first A&M game at Kansas University. Although, it wasn't at Kyle Field, we were glad to be able to take them to a game so close to our current home. We got to see the Yell Leaders, too!
Isn't that a beautiful sunset? I've always thought royal blue was a weenie color for a football team. However, it sure does look sharp on a bright green field! (As I say this, I recognize no real sports fan will care about how it looks on the field!)
We had quite a few times to dress up in October. Both kids had character parades at school.
Davis dressed up as a Cowboy football player for his last day of Start Smart football. Can you see the medal around his neck? He was so proud of it!
The week of Halloween, Grace's school participated in Red Ribbon week festivities. Each day was a different dress-up theme. This one was crazy hair day.
Here are Alice in Wonderland and Dash Incredible on Halloween.
Ahhh, look at that happy girl! We had quite a pile of leaves going in our small backyard.
Grace decided this would be how she dealt with a not-so-nice friend. A few days after posting these signs, the kids' had a new restaurant in Grace's room called Romans 12:21. No, I am not kidding!
We learned a lot about Mother Xavier Ross, the nun who founded Davis' school. Here he is, bringing in the money he collected for the local Catholic-run free medical clinic.
I wasn't able to get a good picture of him this day. Too many competing parents were in the way!
We took Fergus on a walk one day and this is how the kids decided to dress. Thank you, Mom, for modeling "Who cares?" behavior for me. The kids appreciate it!
Okay, they aren't New England fall colors, but we got some pretty ones here at Ft. Leavenworth!
We visited the WWI museum in KC. It was awesome and I hope to go back before we leave. We went on Veteran's Day and Jasen fulfilled his Public Affairs requirement for school by wearing his uniform.
Those are our little ones, watching one of the videos on the war. I know I learned a lot!
The grounds are also beautiful, even under an overcast sky!
They had a display of blue star flags and this was a special field artillery one. Once a redleg, always a redleg. Or redleg wife!
That same day, we met Jen and Maggie at Fritz's. It's the neatest restaurant in Crown Center (there are other locations, too!) where your food is delivered via an overhead railroad car. Also, a sweet lady paid for our meal so her kids would know what you do to show a veteran how you can thank them for their service.
Obviously, Davis' school talked about Indians. Here is our little Running Deer...
Okay, long story here. In the field next to our house, our kids and our neighbors' kids found some old wood that they fashioned into a teepee. Again, not kidding! They were dying to have a bonfire and camp-out out there. Camp-out hasn't happened, but our neighbor did supervise them having s'mores out at the site.
We had Thanksgiving with our friends, the McCalls and their immediate McCall family. We had such a nice time and really stuffed ourselves!
Me 'n' Amber. Together in Bamberg, at Fort Riley, and here. Sometimes, the Army throws you a bone in the way of an old friend being nearby!
Shortly after Thanksgiving, we decorated our house.
We hung our stockings on the bookcases.
Not too shabby!
Davis had a Christmas program at his school. Can you tell he's trying not to smile at me?
Afterward, I finally got a smile from our boy!
We won't soon forget Grace's Christmas play at our chapel on-post. She did great. The play? Um, well, let's just say that after three months of practice, we thought it would be a little more put together. The directors bit of a lot to try and chew.
This was Grace's favorite dance move, I think.
Here she is, grooving out to the '50s tune they sang.
She was also Mary during the discussion of Christ's birth.
Right after that, we had our first snow. It was really blowy, not very wet, so it wasn't much to play in. I went out and got them snow pants, boots, etc. We haven't had any measurable snow since then, of course!
Davis helped me get the sugar cookies stirred together.
I helped with Grace's school party. She's got a really small, really sweet class.
We had quite a few visitors during the holidays. Our friends, the Kazors, came through town. What a blessing to share time with some of our Army family from our time at Ft. Riley. Here are our kids with theirs, Ashleigh and Brendan.
Jasen's aunt and uncle, Ann and Stan, and their sons, Andrew and Kenneth, came through while moving Ann to MN. Andrew and Kenneth wore Davis out! It was really neat to see them all.
Davis had an accident with the powdered sugar. He says he thought it was the bag of marshmallows and once he figured out it wasn't, he ran because he thought he would be in trouble. One of my friends and I have made countless jokes about this picture...I won't repeat them here lest the DEA is watching my blog. hahahaha
We were blessed to have my mom and grandma come for Christmas. Here we are on Christmas Eve, decorating cookies for Santa. And his elves! ;)
Ready for Christmas Eve service.
We read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas from the coolest book that Jasen's Graham grandparents gave us. It has awesome cut-outs.
Before bed, we lit the four candles in our Advent wreath: hope, peace, joy and love. Then we lit the Christ candle in the middle and read the account of Jesus' birth from Luke 2.
Can you believe I got no pictures of our tree just with the presents? That's probably best because it would have embarrassed me! Here are the kids before we let them go to the tree.
I'll give you one guess what toys captured Davis' attention!
Grace got a pogo stick. Once upon a time, Grace's mommy was a great pogo-er. Sadly, Grace's pogo stick looks rather flimsy, so Mom will not be trying out her skills.
Yep, here's the boy with his Star Wars action figures. He would have been fine if that's all he had gotten for Christmas.
Two years ago, Grace got her first cozy robe from her grandmama. That was about four sizes ago! Grace requested a new one and her grandmama came through, of course! Her is Grace in "The Changing of the Robe."
Hey, Jasen, are you helping or playing with those Star Wars action figures?
GGma and Grandmama getting in on the action!
Watching the inaugural brew of my new Keurig. It was worth every penny!
The family gift this year? A Kinect for Jasen's XBox. Oh, we have already had so much fun with it! Here are grace and Jasen getting their Kinect on!
Christmas afternoon, we went to the Orths (my cousin, Jen) house and ate Christmas dinner. Have I mentioned I love being close to family? I really do. So, so, so, so special! Here is Maggie and her cousin, Davis. Although she has called them both "GraceandDavis." When we aren't there, she just calls them her cousins. I am so glad Jen's kids and my kids know each other!
Here are Jen and my grandma. Special, special ladies. Two of my favorite people.
Okay, here's to doing better on the blog!! Next big event? A special boy around here turns 5...
Because I am so far behind, I am going to post a bunch of pictures with explanations and call it good!
Here we go....
This summer, we purchased a blow-up water slide. Best money we've spent in a long time! Can you tell which two kids are ours?
For the third year in a row, Jasen was here to walk Grace to school. And so were Reagan and Amy!
One of the blessings of being at Ft. Leavenworth? All the time w ehave spent with my cousin, Jennifer and her family. Here are the four kids at the KC Irish Festival:
And me and Jen. I have always adored her and that hasn't changed one bit!
In August, we went back to Ft. Sill, to see Jasen's 1SG, 1SG Johnson, retire from the Army. What a special day! We caravan-ed with the McCalls (1SG Johnson was also Brian's 1SG), got to see COL Gadson, the Pichts and our friends, the Andersons, ate at Los Tres, then went by our old house for Grace to have a picture where we brought her home from the hospital. She was really annoyed, but we told her not many Army kids get to do that!
Our girl started back playing soccer this fall. As before, she had a great time. She's discovered she prefers defense.
We were blessed to be able to see my cousin's son, Joe, play one of his Angel League games. The field is behind a house in a random neighborhood. It was so special to be able to see Joe play.
Four pretty cute kids, if you ask me!
That same day, we visited the Red Barn Farms pumpkin patch.
This would be our son, playing dress-up. Can you guess what he is? Puss (notice the cat ears!) 'N Boots, of course!
We took the kids to their first A&M game at Kansas University. Although, it wasn't at Kyle Field, we were glad to be able to take them to a game so close to our current home. We got to see the Yell Leaders, too!
Isn't that a beautiful sunset? I've always thought royal blue was a weenie color for a football team. However, it sure does look sharp on a bright green field! (As I say this, I recognize no real sports fan will care about how it looks on the field!)
We had quite a few times to dress up in October. Both kids had character parades at school.
Davis dressed up as a Cowboy football player for his last day of Start Smart football. Can you see the medal around his neck? He was so proud of it!
The week of Halloween, Grace's school participated in Red Ribbon week festivities. Each day was a different dress-up theme. This one was crazy hair day.
Here are Alice in Wonderland and Dash Incredible on Halloween.
Ahhh, look at that happy girl! We had quite a pile of leaves going in our small backyard.
Grace decided this would be how she dealt with a not-so-nice friend. A few days after posting these signs, the kids' had a new restaurant in Grace's room called Romans 12:21. No, I am not kidding!
We learned a lot about Mother Xavier Ross, the nun who founded Davis' school. Here he is, bringing in the money he collected for the local Catholic-run free medical clinic.
I wasn't able to get a good picture of him this day. Too many competing parents were in the way!
We took Fergus on a walk one day and this is how the kids decided to dress. Thank you, Mom, for modeling "Who cares?" behavior for me. The kids appreciate it!
Okay, they aren't New England fall colors, but we got some pretty ones here at Ft. Leavenworth!
We visited the WWI museum in KC. It was awesome and I hope to go back before we leave. We went on Veteran's Day and Jasen fulfilled his Public Affairs requirement for school by wearing his uniform.
Those are our little ones, watching one of the videos on the war. I know I learned a lot!
The grounds are also beautiful, even under an overcast sky!
They had a display of blue star flags and this was a special field artillery one. Once a redleg, always a redleg. Or redleg wife!
That same day, we met Jen and Maggie at Fritz's. It's the neatest restaurant in Crown Center (there are other locations, too!) where your food is delivered via an overhead railroad car. Also, a sweet lady paid for our meal so her kids would know what you do to show a veteran how you can thank them for their service. 
Obviously, Davis' school talked about Indians. Here is our little Running Deer...
Okay, long story here. In the field next to our house, our kids and our neighbors' kids found some old wood that they fashioned into a teepee. Again, not kidding! They were dying to have a bonfire and camp-out out there. Camp-out hasn't happened, but our neighbor did supervise them having s'mores out at the site.
We had Thanksgiving with our friends, the McCalls and their immediate McCall family. We had such a nice time and really stuffed ourselves!
Me 'n' Amber. Together in Bamberg, at Fort Riley, and here. Sometimes, the Army throws you a bone in the way of an old friend being nearby!
Shortly after Thanksgiving, we decorated our house.
We hung our stockings on the bookcases.
Not too shabby!
Davis had a Christmas program at his school. Can you tell he's trying not to smile at me?
Afterward, I finally got a smile from our boy!
We won't soon forget Grace's Christmas play at our chapel on-post. She did great. The play? Um, well, let's just say that after three months of practice, we thought it would be a little more put together. The directors bit of a lot to try and chew.
This was Grace's favorite dance move, I think.
Here she is, grooving out to the '50s tune they sang.
She was also Mary during the discussion of Christ's birth.
Right after that, we had our first snow. It was really blowy, not very wet, so it wasn't much to play in. I went out and got them snow pants, boots, etc. We haven't had any measurable snow since then, of course!
Davis helped me get the sugar cookies stirred together.
I helped with Grace's school party. She's got a really small, really sweet class.
We had quite a few visitors during the holidays. Our friends, the Kazors, came through town. What a blessing to share time with some of our Army family from our time at Ft. Riley. Here are our kids with theirs, Ashleigh and Brendan.
Jasen's aunt and uncle, Ann and Stan, and their sons, Andrew and Kenneth, came through while moving Ann to MN. Andrew and Kenneth wore Davis out! It was really neat to see them all.
Davis had an accident with the powdered sugar. He says he thought it was the bag of marshmallows and once he figured out it wasn't, he ran because he thought he would be in trouble. One of my friends and I have made countless jokes about this picture...I won't repeat them here lest the DEA is watching my blog. hahahaha
We were blessed to have my mom and grandma come for Christmas. Here we are on Christmas Eve, decorating cookies for Santa. And his elves! ;)
Ready for Christmas Eve service.
We read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas from the coolest book that Jasen's Graham grandparents gave us. It has awesome cut-outs.
Before bed, we lit the four candles in our Advent wreath: hope, peace, joy and love. Then we lit the Christ candle in the middle and read the account of Jesus' birth from Luke 2.
Can you believe I got no pictures of our tree just with the presents? That's probably best because it would have embarrassed me! Here are the kids before we let them go to the tree.
I'll give you one guess what toys captured Davis' attention!
Grace got a pogo stick. Once upon a time, Grace's mommy was a great pogo-er. Sadly, Grace's pogo stick looks rather flimsy, so Mom will not be trying out her skills.
Yep, here's the boy with his Star Wars action figures. He would have been fine if that's all he had gotten for Christmas.
Two years ago, Grace got her first cozy robe from her grandmama. That was about four sizes ago! Grace requested a new one and her grandmama came through, of course! Her is Grace in "The Changing of the Robe."
Hey, Jasen, are you helping or playing with those Star Wars action figures?
GGma and Grandmama getting in on the action!
Watching the inaugural brew of my new Keurig. It was worth every penny!
The family gift this year? A Kinect for Jasen's XBox. Oh, we have already had so much fun with it! Here are grace and Jasen getting their Kinect on!
Christmas afternoon, we went to the Orths (my cousin, Jen) house and ate Christmas dinner. Have I mentioned I love being close to family? I really do. So, so, so, so special! Here is Maggie and her cousin, Davis. Although she has called them both "GraceandDavis." When we aren't there, she just calls them her cousins. I am so glad Jen's kids and my kids know each other!
Here are Jen and my grandma. Special, special ladies. Two of my favorite people.
Okay, here's to doing better on the blog!! Next big event? A special boy around here turns 5...
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