Army Brief

Yesterday I was privillaged to give the Welcome home briefs for our families. (the ones in the army) I have such love and yet frustration at these people. I take my volunteer position very seriously and I work very hard to do what I can to help the transition be easier and all that. So the frustration part is when not many people come and yet they want me to "mail them something". Well that is hard to do and all that considering I just put a lot of time and energy into what I just did. Anyway, if I was able to help just one person than I did good right? We had several other people there as well who spoke and did a great job and are great people.
Well one of the men who came is a retired 2 star general. (big deal in the army) and his retired job is to make sure reservist and their families get what they need. He works with big wigs in the army, govenors, senators. all those people. Well, he is wonderful and he came up to me and gave me a coin. Now again coins in the army are a big deal. You only get them when you did something good and it is a way to say thank you and honor you. When he was giving this to me a father of one of our soldiers came up and said I am so glad to see this. You really deserve this.
He had come up to me earlier and said thank you. But that those two words didn't do justice to how he was feeling about what I had done. I of course choke up. I mean all I am doing is not in vain. The people do appriciate it and are thankful I am here doing this for them.
I really do love my military family. But, even with that I came home exhausted and ready for bed.

My 5 year old

I can't believe that 5 years ago at this time me and my little man were just getting aquainted. Oh how the time flies. He is a great kid. I never knew I could love someone so much until I had my kids. It is amazing that no matter how they behave or what they do you love them more and more.
He had a fun birthday today. He talked to his dad, went to VBS, and had his preschool friends over for a birthday party. They had such a fun time in the water, on the trampoline and hitting the pinata.
Happy Birthday Buddy. I love you so much.

New Fence

We have great neighbors and I feel so blessed to live where we live. We have always only had chain link fence on either side and haven't had a problem. But a new fence is something on the to do list. Well, we are doing it. But, right now I am wondering why. Jim is still away. I obviously can't do it and the neighbor is great but I don't expect him to do it all himself. I have some great friends who are going to come and make sure the posts get in right and all that. But that is really hard for me. I ordered the material and my WONDERFUL, AMAZING, FABULOUS dad came by when he was so tired and pulled the old posts out and so that made that easier. But, post holes have to be dug and concrete and boards and all that. And that is just between the two neighbors. Then I have to figure out gates. Oh well, my life could be so worse.

Catching up

It has once again been awhile since I wrote anything. We have been so busy. I thought with summer things were supposed to slow down. Oh well. This week is busy and yet not as much.
Brayden has been taking swimming lessons and they are everyday from 1-1:30. Which in thought was great. Eat lunch go to swimming and then home for naps. However, I never thought of the errand and whatnot that I do before lunch. So, everyday I had to take his swim suit and lunch in case errands or play took longer than expected. Lots of fun though. But, he has decided that he wants to wait to take more lessons until daddy comes home. Something I am totally fine with. Especially since he starts VBS this week. I am so excited about it. It is at the church where he went to preschool. It should be so fun. Then his birthday is this week. He is going to be five. Yep, I am so sad and yet so proud for my little guy. Such a fun boy he is. And he has requested a boy only party. Should be fun.
We went to the kids first Rodeo last night. That was so fun. It was SOOOO late. They did great and are now sleeping. Which is good because we have a parade today. They are going to be in the kid parade for the first time today. And we LOVE parades. Then home for some swimming and relaxing and just playing. We are bbqing tonight and doing fireworks with the neighbors. Oh the 4th of July. I just love it. It is one of my favorite holidays.
I will post pictures later.
Oh and a side note. Riley LOVES her swimsuit. She picked it out herself. It is princesses and the only way I got her out of it for the Rodeo was to tell her there were Rodeo princesses there. She did like the princesses and all the horses and cows.