Thanksgiving,Christmas and travels

I just read my last post. Yes, I laughed. I would be changing my background more. Hehe. Not at all. Well it is updated now for Christmas which is only a week away.
Our Thanksgiving was wonderful. It was so great having things normal with Jim here. We did the usual. He leaves for football and the kids and I watch the parade. Then we headed over to my parents house which was so fun. The kids played. There were lots of adults to visit with. At the end of the day Brayden started hanging out with my parents neighbor doing math. Yes you read that right. The boy LOVES learning. It is fun right now because he is learning to read.
The next day the craziness started. Mom and I did our annual black friday shopping. But with more of a mission. You see we are spending Christmas in Canada. Which means presents all had to be opened and done ahead of time. So the following weekend we did Christmas with my family, then all our Christmas parties. Oh yes and we spent an afternoon up in Portland with Jim's extended family which is one of those things. I love going. They are great people. But everytime we get together Jim's niece and the older cousin who is in 5th grade pick on Brayden. And when I say everytime this is everytime since he was two and they berated him for being a boy. Well this time we were in a 3 story house and you had to go to the basement and out to go outside. Well, the kids did and I watched from upstairs and Brayden and Cole. The only two boys were busy digging and having fun and who knew what the girls were doing. (Riley was in with me) Well, next thing I know the kids come running in and shut the bedroom door. Well, I went to open it and heard them say yay we locked him outside. Well, I of course knew who they were once again talking about. So, I flew down the stairs and found my sweet boy crying outside the door. Working so hard to get it opened. I opened the door and just hugged him so tight. He asked me why they did that. Was he just to slow. Oh my it was everything I could do not to just plummal those girls. I mean I get the whole kid thing and all that but seriously they crush him everytime. Jim's niece plays okay with Brayden when it is just them but she is mean to Riley then. So, Riley doesn't even like her.
Anyway, we haven't had to be around them again for sometime. I am glad. We have done the talking with the parents but that doesn't help. So, we think we may pull Jim's niece aside and tell her we know. Cause the rest of the day she was very quiet. She did hit her head but I also think it was the anticipation of what was to come. We will also keep the distance for awhile.
Which will be easy as we are heading to CANADA TODAY.
Yep we are packed and ready and just waiting until after basketball. We are so excited. Cousins, Aunts and Uncles, grandparents. So fun. Oh yeah and snow.
So, Merry Christmas to you all.

Figuring things out.

So I just figured out how to do the new background thing. It is so easy mine will be changing more often. Such a fun idea.

Jesus

The other day it was so cute. We were eating lunch and talking about Jesus living in our hearts and Brayden was explaining how it works to Riley. Like he is in there but he is really small and you know all those important thing. And I informed Brayden how Riley hadn't asked Jesus into her heart yet but that we needed to pray she did. I said that he asked Jesus into his heart when he was almost 4. So, he stops and prays. "Jesus, please go into Riley's heart" There now it is done.
Don't you wish it could be that easy. Just ask Jesus into whom ever you love and want to go to heaven with you. I love my kids and the great things they do. So much fun.

Facebook

So I am not sure how many of you have facebook but it sure sucks my time. Not all day just in the evenings. It is easy to look at pictures and see people and what is going on in there lives. Great idea and all. Mine hasn't been working right for a week and you know. I am not to sad. I am only able to get on every few days and I am enjoying that. I am enjoying checking all your blogs and seeing how those of you who we are kind of blogging aquaintances are doing.
I got to go on Brayden's first field trip yesterday. We went to the pumpkin patch. So fun. I know I have said it before but fall is so my favorite. I just love it. It is so perfect out. Cool enough for a sweatshirt and yet you can still be outside. I just love it. So of course the pumpkin patch is on my list of favorite things. I love it so much we are going again as a family. I will post some pictures later.
Glad to see what you are all up to.

Still here

I am still here. Life has been crazy for the last 5 weeks. Jim came home and school has started and just life. I will try and post pictures soon. I just didn't want you all to think I was done blogging. I am just in a funk and trying to figure out what to write and all that. I am in a writing funk not a personal funk. Although the last few days have had migraines and I don't do well with those at all. I am also tired. I am also trying to figure out when to write. with Kindergarten, time with Riley, helping Jim at the office and all that. Then at night trying to spend time with Jim and everything. It is just an adjustment.
So, I have not forgotten nor will I.

Canada

We have just gotten back from two weeks in Canada. We had a great time with Family. We enjoyed a couple of days in Carstairs with my dad's parents, where we fed baby goats, road quads and were pulled in a train that my grandpa built. We also swam and played with kittens at my uncles house. Then we headed to Edmonton for the majority of the trip. There we stayed in the country at my grandparents "cottage'. My mom stayed with them in the city. We rode the gator a LOT and fed the horses and played with the dogs and yep that's right rode the gator some more. Brayden got to go and have some fun on the tractor with my uncle hauling hay bales. Then after a bad storm he got to help with the clean up as well. There are lots of good times on the farm. Riley learned all about male horses and that as well. And Brayden got "hugged" a lot from the dog. They also had so much fun with my grandparents and cousins. There was wrestling and berry picking and golf ball picking up as well. We also spent some time at the park across the street from my grandparents condo and it was amazing. Every park that we saw was amazing. Then we headed back to Carstairs for a couple more days. That is where my children's lives were changed. You see Brayden has been saving for a four wheeler for almost 2 years. And he is doing pretty good as well. Now, he is still saving for a four wheeler but he has something else that he has decided he needs to. A Dirt bike. Yep that is right. My cousin Justin used to race motor cross and has just gotten back into it. So, he was practicing down the road and went to watch. Amazing. And then he took B for a ride. Well, we hear about Cousin Justin at least once a day. And not only is my son hooked. Riley is now saving for a pink dirt bike with a pink helmet. She wouldn't go on it because she didn't have a pink helmet. But, she can't wait. Justin also took B over the BIG jump. They stayed on the ground but not that it would matter because Justin said B was hanging on so tight he wouldn't have fallen off.
I know many of you are wondering how long of a trip that is and how did we do it. Well we drove. But we had my mom and sister on the way up and mom came home with us. (Jodi is staying due to her boyfriend living up there) My kids are troopers. The travel very well. (Correct me if I'm wrong mom) They had there moments but did well. We looked for wild animals but didn't see anything other than deer. I will add pictures. It was a great trip. Now the waiting for the hubby to come home has begun.
I will not be going to Colorado to meet the soldiers as was originally planned. But, he will be home soon.
Auntie Jodi's pretty toes after letting the kids paint them in the hotel.



A stop to stretch and cool off on the drive up.

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.

Canoer???

So Brayden makes a big deal when ever we pass a dairy. He also remembers where they are so when we head that way again he asks repeatedly if we are almost to the dairy. Well, tonight on our way past the dairy, he was explaining to Riley about the "Canoer" (manure) that was spraying out of the sprinkler and yes it stinks way worse than mommy's poop.
I was dying. I couldn't stop laughing. Brayden chuckled and said well it's true.
Oh what children say.

Coveting

I REALLY love being in the country. I think it is from growing up going to my grandparents farm every summer. I love the quiet and the space and the ability to have animals and not have to worry about going out early in the morning and waking the neighbors. You also can go out in your swimsuit or pajamas and it is just more okay as an adult.
Well, lately I have been kind of in an attitude of coveting I would say. Then this weekend I helped out at my parents house.
(Now, a little disclaimer their house isn't finished and neither is there yard oh and they have 3/4 of an acre but have a field on one side and a power company on the other so they seem to have more.) So there is a lot of work to do outside. Anyway, I was looking for tadpoles with Brayden and in turn ended up finding a really great little spot for the kids to wade in the creek. Anyway so I started cutting bushes and blackberries back. Then today the guy who mows our grass came and also put some weed killer on the grass. I am very funny about that and don't like the kids to go on the grass until it is absorbed. So, we loaded up and went back to our wonderful snail finding, shade loving creek to hang out. Well, Riley has learned how to cross the bridge alone and it freaks me out because it is just a piece of wood. So there was no way I was going to be able to relax while she is crossing back and forth. I started raking leaves and limbs into the burn pile and I realized that maybe I don't want a big piece of property. I come home to my already finished yard that is mostly grass which I love!! My yard is fenced. (Not that that stops my daughter from getting out in her underwear.) I have great neighbors. My street and neighbors are quiet and the older kids come and play with my kids. I really have the best of both worlds. A great home in a great neighborhood for my kids and my parents place really close by with all the feelings of the country. Snakes and all :( Even though that is just up a little boys alley.
Here are some pictures of snail hunting this weekend with my sister and her boyfriend Landon whom we met for the first time this weekend. He was down from Canada. They have a great story and I will write about that soon.




This is Riley yesterday after another fun filled day outside playing. She fell asleep during dinner.

This is at 7:30 in the morning checking on the snails. They then proceeded to jump on the trampoline. This has been a favorite morning activity the last few mornings with our wonderful weather.

Pictures

These are some pictures from life lately. One is our first Backwards day, crazy day. Riley being crazy (or at least dressing crazy) And then us enjoying this wonderful weather we are having right now.

1 Corinthians for Moms

I just read this on someone's blog and I had to copy it. I love this.


If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place, but have not love, I am a housekeeper, not a homemaker.

If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements, but have not love, my children learn cleanliness- not godliness.

If I scream at my children for every infraction, and fault them for every mess they make, but have not love, my children become people-pleasers, not obedient children.

Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh. Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window. Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk. Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.

Love accepts the fact that I am the ever-present "mommy", the taxi-driver to every childhood event, the counselor when my children fail or are hurt.

Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, and runs with the child, then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood.

Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection. Now I glory in God's perfection of my child.

All the projects I had for my house and my children have faded away into insignificance, and what remain are the memories of my kids.

Now there abides in my home scratches on most of the furniture, dishes with missing place settings, and bedroom walls full of stickers, poster and markings, but the greatest of all is the Love that permeates my relationships with my children.

Ag Fest

I have never been to Ag Fest before. I didn't know what to expect. But, I was sure that the animals alone would be worth it for the kids. Oh MY. I had no idea how cool it was. With in a few minutes of being there we were looking for a bag for all the free stuff we got. (I am also a sucker for free) We got plants, food, seeds, rides on horses. The kids got to watch a sheep get sheared. Pet tons of animals. We were there for almost 4 hours. And we could have spent longer. But, I had a very tired 2 year old and I was so sleepy. I highly recommend it. It was amazing. I had my hands full by myself and so I wasn't able to get many pictures. But it is going to stay in my memory for a long time.

Gardening

I have been feeling guilty lately. I have to start off by saying I love my yard and all that it offers. Lots of grass, little amounts of flower beds and a side of just concrete which is flat and great for ball and riding bikes. Oh yeah and it is fenced. Lately though I have been feeling like I am letting the world down by not having a garden. I feel like I am somehow not contributing to "helping the earth" I mean my goodness even the white house is getting rid of some of there grass for a garden.
But, then I go out there to play with the kids or weed and I am so happy with the usefulness of my yard. It really serves it's purpose for us. Room for the swing set, trampoline and yet we still have room to play ball and all that. If I did put in a garden what would I have to give up to make room for it? The good places for it would be where the swing set is or right in front of the shed which means that balls would land on it all the time. I LOVE grass. It is soft to run on and fun to lay in and look at the sky. So my question to you all, is it bad that I don't garden and do my part to help out. If that is what I am truly doing.

What can you do?

I for the most part don't feel like I complain a lot about my situation. I mean it truly is what it is and me complaining only rubs off on the kids and really what does it change?
But, something always happen when my husband is gone. Something always goes wrong. So my husband was home for two weeks and the day he left the ants showed up. Now it really isn't a big deal. They come every year at this time. It was just kind of a coincidence. Then the next day the blind string came off so they won't open and close with the string. Again no big deal. At least I have blinds and can still close and open them. The thing that stinks it when the kids are sick. Like now. I am again so thankful for my family. Riley has had a goopy eye and then this morning she started vomiting. Now thankfully she hit the toliet and bucket most of the day. I took her to the doc. And sure enough another ear infection. 3rd one since January. And the vomiting stopped. Until tonight. We went to get the RX after nap and went to my parents. The doctor had said to wait until later in the day to give her the meds to make sure she could keep it down. We got to my parents at 5ish and she threw up right as we got there. Then she played for awhile and she still wasn't herself, but had more energy. Then she had a piece a of toast and then started whinning and wanting to go home. We get home and I set her on the counter and gave her the first part of her meds and she threw up. Yep, and this is when you want your husband. All over me, herself and the floor. I have to say gross. Not the first time but usually my husband is here and we head right for the shower. But, how do you do that by yourself. You can't bathe her and then hope she doesn't fall in the shower and you can't shower alone because what if she throws up again and you are in the shower. I mean Brayden is a huge help in grabbing towels for me and all that. He has been a trooper. Just a sweet, sweet boy. So, I had Brayden call my mom and ask if my dad, or siblings were home so she could come over and let me shower. But, she couldn't but once again they rescued me. My dad and sister stopped by so I could shower. So, while I waited I gave Riley a bath and got her situated. Now we just pray that Brayden and I don't get it. Thankfully, she is sleeping now and we shall see how the night goes. But, situations like this really make you wish you other half were here.

Thankfulness and stuff

I have realized that even though we had talked about it lots and I really felt good about it. That I am really not having any more kids. I have really felt this peace about it. Now don't get me wrong. The idea of getting rid of the crib still chokes me up and anytime I think of my kids growing up it makes me sad. I have been making our pile of sell stuff for a garage sale and wow, babies come with lots of stuff. So now I am in a get rid of stuff phase. I am glad that the garage sale won't be until June. That way I won't regret anything. But we really don't have that big of a house and as the kids get older they get more stuff and as I have said before stuff really messes with me.
On another note I am loving how well my kids play together. I am loving that they are both potty trained. We actually cheered today when we walked by the diaper aisle at costco. My kids are incredibly healthy, happy kids. I have a husband who loves me and respects me and is all the things a husband is supposed to be. I just couldn't ask for a better life.

So much

We have been really busy and I think of ideas to blog everyday and never get here to type them out. Or it is bedtime and I am just to tired to type.
Riley has potty trained herself, even before she turned two. Yes, I was shocked. How can one have 2 easy potty trainers? I think it has to do with the fun song and dance mommy and Brayden do. But she was ready. She was asking and I was putting her off. I have a hard time letting my kids grow up. Riley turned two.
I had a meltdown about Kindergarten. How do these kids grow up so stinkin fast. It just isn't right. I had to go through that without being able to talk to Jim. He was in route to come home on leave. But, that was all resolved when he came home. I spoke with God a lot and I spoke to his preschool teacher and she really made me feel better. And after a good chat with Jim about our options and what is best for Brayden we(I mean all of us, including Jim) went and toured the school and met his teacher. Then when we went to the library we met the librarian who when she said her name I remembered my mom knew her. I wasn't sure how but when I told her who my mom was she got down at Brayden's level and said we have something in common. I have Jesus in my heart to. Yep, you guessed it. I felt better and I almost cried. God is looking out for my little boy who is so sweet and loving. It was so great.
We were blessed to have Jim come home for 2 weeks. It was wonderful. It honestly felt like he never had left. He just came right back in and the kids were all over him and we just enjoyed our time. We went to the beach for a couple days and the weather was great. I mean when you can go to the Oregon coast in March and not fly a kite because there is no wind that is great weather. We went to the light house and bowling. Which Brayden is good at. We beat Jim which is hard for daddy to take. (He is a good bowler, just not with bumpers) Jim and I got a date night and a whole day. We painted our bedroom and put up Brayden's new bunkbeds. Yep it was romantic. We had a great movie and dinner the night before.
Now he is back in his big sand box. And we miss him again but will get through. We have so much to look forward to when he gets back for good.

Thoughts

I have had a bunch of thoughts lately. Like now a days weddings and honeymoons are a huge deal and cost tons of money and people don't respect each other nor do they stay married. Back in the day (and I mean before my time) they had little weddings that if there was food and what not it was more of a potluck and the honeymoon was getting to be together for the first time in there new home. Most of the people from back then stayed married. Not saying anything against women who work, but moms stayed home to take care of the kids and the dads worked and their was less teenage pregnancy and drugs and just all that stuff. More families went to church together. Isn't it interesting. Just thoughts I have been having because my grandparents have been married 60 years and still share a bed, spend every day together and my grandpa has been worried sick over my grandma being in the hospital. They truly love each other and treasure that love. Has everything been perfect no. They have raised 7 kids had foster kids, had farms and businesses and moved and all that. But they were in it together and loved the lord and they now have tons of grandkids married and we are giving them great grandkids.
I also watched the 18 kids and counting last night and wow. Great show. I love how open they are with there faith. I pray the Lord doesn't give me that many children and all though we do what we can to prevent it, I agree with them that all children are blessings from the Lord.
Lastly, I am so excited to have my husband home soon for his 2 week leave. We are so excited. And Riley has decided to go potty on the potty and we are done day two with 1 accident and that was poop. I am just excited.
Oh and I have pink eye. It is no big deal I have had it lots.

Messes

I watch Jon and Kate plus 8. I love that show. It makes me very thankful that I only have two children and a lot less stress in my life. There are some things they do that I don't agree with and some that i think are great ideas. Well, a few years ago they took the kids to Crayola or something where they saw where crayons and all that are made and then they got to the marker room and she was like nope gotta go after just a few minutes. She didn't like them getting dirty. And then last week she let them paint on the walls in there basement. I was like wow.
Well, I am in the process of primering my bedroom and it is taking me a long time. So, I thought. Hey, we will do this as a quiet time project. So, I got everything set up and had Brayden help me. He had fun drawing a sun on the wall and all that. Well, I was completely stressed. I didn't want paint to get all over. Now, when they are outside. I am all for dirt. and when they have paint shirts on I am all for painting. We did find a way to make it work and he ended up really helping and my room is pretty much done. I must say though. I really don't enjoy painting. I would love to just have it done.
I was kind of tense from the whole thing and did feel like I started out the project snappy so I said do you want to paint a picture. And he of course did. And by then Riley was up and ready to go. I don't mind her painting either. But I was on an army call and they kind of dived in before I was ready. They did great. I was ready for the crayons after though.

So I don't forget

It is always so funny to me what our kids pick up and what they hear. Tonight at dinner the kids were "cooking" while I was making dinner. They set the table and Riley sits while Brayden brings her all kids of stuff. They also have pots and pans and all that. Well, dinner was ready and I moved there stuff over and I don't know where they went but I got the table set and then called them to eat. Brayden didn't like where I set his plate. Okay now mind you that is where he has always sat. Except now that daddy is gone we have been tending to play musical chairs and I am not really a fan. So, when he got upset that he wanted to sit where Riley was I said No you can sit where you are tonight. He started crying and proceeded to tell me that I broke his heart. i said I'm sorry what? And he proceed to repeat how I broke his heart. I was trying so hard not to laugh cause it was so cute. But, I comforted him and apologized for breaking his heart but that tonight he had to sit there. So sweet. Now to clarify. I don't ever tell them they are breaking my heart. I do remember saying it once but it was something about them growing up.
Okay and something completely different. Have any of you ever seen or heard from an X-boyfriend? I just had one find me on facebook. So, it was very cool hearing from him. But isn't God amazing. Hearing about him and his wife just made me so thankful for my husband and the way that God brought him into my life and how so wonderfully glad I am that he is my husband.
Thank you God for the man you gave me to be my husband. He is perfect for me.

Funny things

Brayden is very funny and lately the things that come out of his mouth crack me up. Like when I get hurt and I say Son of a Gun. And he walks around saying Cinnamon gun. And just now he came running in and told me he saw something really cool on tv and you snap your food in it and is snaps and it is only 5.99. Mom it is only 5.99. You have to buy it. Or when he was sitting next to Riley and said you are my best friend.
He is also going with his Uncle tomorrow and he gets to ride in his race car. He is very excited.
I have to write these things down or I will forget.

Remembering

The last few days have been hard for me. Do you ever have those things in life that just remind you that you can't count or rely on others. God is the only one that won't let you down. I mean I have a great husband. He is an amazing man and I am so proud of what he is doing right now and what he does all the time. But he can't be everything I need him to be all the time. Same with my family. You think things are going to go down one way and then they get busy or life happens to them as well. (crazy siblings growing up and having lives of their own) Friends change and Friendship adjust. People you used to be close to aren't as much anymore and old friendships that were so special and treasured are restored. People get sick and can't be there as much as they used to or they move away. But GOD is always there. You don't have to worry. He is there. You can call him in the middle of the night and don't have to wonder if he was sleeping. He knows your stresses of the day. Your lows. And he will be there to pick you up when you fall and he will be there when you need him to hold you up.
As hard as it is to have people let you down. I am always drawn closer to God when that happens and am reminded of how he is always there.

Uggs

I have realized I have the perfect soultion. The kids and I have started puppy sitting. We watch my brother and his fiances puppy "Uggs" Tuesday and Thursdays. I have the joy and fun of a dog but only 2 days a week. He is a small dog and I don't have lots of poop to clean up. I am not responsible for the expense. And he goes home at night. Oh and he loves our cat and our cat loves him. They chase each other around the yard and house and it is just so great.
I have a question for you. Now, I go to the post office A LOT. With Jim gone we go almost weekly. They have flyers all over and I let the kids get one each time and usually by the time we are done I just put them back. So, today there was quite the line and Riley was over looking at the flyers. Mind you I am standing in line directly across from her. She picks up a flyer and this lady 2 people up from me goes over and take it from her and tells her no. I was like I'm sorry sweetheart. But I didn't say anything to the lady. Brayden then went up and took one. I loud enough for her to hear said make sure you just take one sweetheart. And he did. Was I wrong? First of all should I not let my kids touch the flyers. They aren't climbing on anything. They are at their height. Should I have said something to the lady or just gone and let Riley get another one? Do you think it is okay to step in when you don't agree with something, even if their parent is standing right there?

Costco

I was at costco today and some interesting things happened. First of all I have to let you all know how much I love costco. I think it is one of my favorite stores. I buy everything there. Books, clothes, food, and toiletries. I just love that I can go and my kids get snacks and it is reasonably priced. Today their were only 3 samples. How odd. And I think the Christmas spirit has left people. I was getting cut off and people were in a big hurry I guess. But the samples were good and the ladies were friendly. We paid and went to get in line for lunch. Not something I had planned but it was late and I new Riley would fall asleep on the way home. I noticed there were more than normal amounts of soldiers their today but I do know that some Salem National Guard soldiers are getting ready to deploy. So that was why. But it sure made me miss my husband. Remembering back to just 4 short months ago when he left. I love you honey.
So, we get our food and go to sit down and there is a lady there. She has at least three kids. She has the one move so I can get by and we sit in our spot. Not next to them but down a ways. However, we were blessed :( to be close enough to hear her yell, humiliate her child and herself and call the child stupid. Now I am sorry. But is that really necessary? Now I know we all have our moments of pure frustration but seriously. I mean to say that the child (whom I never heard or saw do anything) needs to have her mother tell her what a brat she is. How life is easier with out her and how dumb and stupid she is. I was dying inside for the poor little thing. There were others sitting around that could also hear it. And as the mother says look everyone is looking at you because you are such a brat and being so bad. I wanted and still wish I would have leaned over and said actually we are all looking at you and the fool you are for talking to your kid like that. But of course me being me just couldn't do it. I just pray some one wonderful and kind comes into that childs life and shows her Jesus.

Lot of thoughts

I know this is a similar title as the recent ones but I have such a hard time coming up with titles. I have been reading "Marley and Me". Very funny book I am really enjoying it. But it has gotten me thinking more and more about this dog that we are going to get when daddy comes home. I am scared. I am not a big dog person. Little dogs are okay but I don't want that yappy snippy thing. However, I also don't really look forward to the poop and smell and all that dogs bring. Our Cat is either really smart or dumb I can't decide. He fetches and doesn't get to upset at the kids when they play rough. At least if he does he strikes and then moves on. And by that I don't mean run and hides. He just moves past the problem. Typical male right? I love how men handle problems. Anyway, Sisco has been a perfect fit for our family. I don't mind cleaning out the litter box. At least I know where he has gone and all that. Again with a dog we can't just play outside and have no worries. The fish are doing excellent. I was struggling to keep it clean and then we got two little alge eaters and wow. They are some serious eaters. So, again just nervous about the dog thing.
I have a question to throw out there. Is it ever too much to push your religion. Especially if the people are already believers? Just curious.
Oh and just a couple more random thoughts. I was giggling last night at my husband. We were talking about the crazy weather and he said that when he got out of the shower his flip flop froze to the ground and he had to kick it loose. Now isn't that funny when you think of Iraq. I thought it was very funny. I guess at night it has even gotten into the single digits. Also, the other morning Brayden and I were watching the news and we have gone from snow to rain and there is some flooding north of us and we were watching the landslides and whatnot and Brayden said, "Mom, I am so glad dad is safe in Iraq. Otherwise he might have to try and drive in that up to the Army unit." Isn't that just the sweetest.
Well, I am off to read my book.

Happy New Years

I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year. I am probably not going to even make it til midnight. I am just to tired and my little ones are all tucked in and asleep and with no one else to kiss at midnight. I think sleep will come early for me.
I was kind of having a little pity party today. And then an Army family issue we have been dealing with for 3 weeks now continues to bother me and the kids and I were headed to Walmart and they were talking in the back and I thought. Lord, Thank you for my wonderful husband. He adores me and provides for us and my kids are amazing. They play together well, and for the most part are great kids. I am so truly blessed. I am not one for true New Years resolutions but I can't really think of anything I want to change. I mean the obvious for sure. But all the begging pleading and all that won't bring him home sooner and we are thankful he is deployed now of all times. I mean when you are in real estate in your civilian job and the sole provider. You really are glad for a regular income during this recession.
So, I hope you all have tons to be thankful for from 2008 and may you all have a very blessed 2009.

Merry Christmas

I love Christmas. It is such a wonderful amazing time. I have truly savored it this year and it came and went faster than ever. I missed my husband dearly and don't want to do it again apart. But am I the only one who when it is over is ready to get the decorations put away. I am savoring the Christmas magic and feeling and want that to linger for a long time. i am just ready to have my house back to normal and find out where the new toys belong.
I will miss all the movies and music. I am even still enjoying the snow.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Random Thoughts

I have been out and about and have some thoughts. Why are people more friendly in the snow? I have been waved at and smiled at more in the few days than when it is just raining. I appriciate and miss my husband even more right now. He is an amazing man and I miss him always however, when you have to wait for others to put chains on and all that you so appriciate a husband who can do that. I just shoveled our sidewalk and driveway. Woo who for the burned calories and it just made me think of how if Jim were here he would have done it. Even though I do enjoy that sort of thing. We rescheduled Christmas with his parents due to not knowing how the weather will be tomorrow. And they live a ways out and I am not comfortable driving up those hills in this crazy weather. I have also been so appriciative of a wonderful neighborhood and great neighbors.
As I write this I sit here and here formiluar sounds. Rain is falling. Merry Christmas all. Hope you all are with the ones you love.

Can't decide

I can't decide if I am loving all the snow or am ready for it to go away. We got over 4" It may be up to 6 I am not sure. But it is so beautiful. I love it. The thought of having to drive anywhere doesn't excite me at all. I almost ended up sliding into the ditch today. That is what I don't like. Now that we are done with school for the Christmas holiday and I don't have anywhere to go I am fine with the snow. I also love how everyone has to slow down and enjoy life. No rushing here and there It just isn't an option. So, I guess for now I will stick with loving it. I will say again it is beautiful!!

Snow and stuff

It has been crazy weather for us. It was crazy to have school canceled this week. I was so glad that Brayden's school changed there minds last minute and at least had school Thursday. I was able to go and watch their practice program. Otherwise we have lots of food and my Christmas shopping is done and so all is well for us to be stuck at home.
We have had a crazy week with Army stuff. We had to do a red cross for a family and that is a terrible situation. Wow, I realize over and over how great my life and husband are. Then I have a lady that works at our unit who called today and said that they don't have food. She has 6 kids and a husband who was recently diagnosed with Diabetes. Oh yeah and he is unemployed. Such a sad thing. We are pulling all kinds of things and she and her family will have a wonderful Christmas. It just reminds me how much I truly have. Yes we aren't rolling in the money but I was able to give my kids a good Christmas and there is lots of food in the cupboards. I have a husband who loves me and the kids and works so hard for us. He loves God and he is faithful to me and devoted and commited to our family.
Christmas always seems to come up so fast and I am always ready for the tree and that to be done. However, this year I have enjoyed things so much. We haven't done tons of things. I haven't baked nearly as much and we have just played and something else I did this year that we have never done. We put a cradle with a baby under the tree. Every time I look at our tree, it reminds me of Jesus' birth. I just love it. I think having kids also changes things. The one thing in the world that I want more than anything in life is that my kids love the Lord all the days of their lives. So, I pray daily and I try to show his love to them. But sometimes I feel like I do a really bad job. So, it is great to be able stop and look at my tree and be reminded of the reason for life and the season.
Merry Christmas.

What to say?

I haven't blogged in awhile but I have been busy. But I still lay in bed thinking about things I should blog. Lets see. Where to start. Last weekend I did an FRG thing (Family Readiness Group) I am the leader and I LOVE IT. I love the people I am in contact with and the things I get to help them with. This being our 3 deployment and my hope in Christ I feel like I have been able to give hope to some of these people who struggle. Although thankfully we haven't had to many. But, I organized a packing party. We collected donations from schools, friends, family. And it was wonderful. I can't say enough about our families. The really stepped up. They were wonderful. The helped us decorate stockings for each and every soldier and they helped package and label all the boxes. I love my families. They are so great!!!
I also clean houses. I have had a busy week. I have cleaned 2 houses already this week and one thing I always love about cleaning other peoples houses is how much I love coming home. It makes me thankful for my non cluttered house and my lack of a big house. I just look and know that as wonderful it would be to go away for a day and come home to a cleaned house, I am glad that my house it so easy to up keep.
I also am so excited for tomorrow. I love Thanksgiving. NO presure. I love that. All the fun of family and friends and not all the work. I mean I love Christmas and the joy of giving gifts is wonderful but thanksgiving is just simple pleasures. Wonderful food, friends, family and Macy's parade, football. And also a reminder of all we have to be thankful for.
So HAPPY THANKGIVING to you all.

Lots of thoughts

It has been awhile and I have had lots of those "I should blog that" moments.
I have been thinking a lot about the holidays and how different they are going to be this year. Jim LOVES the holiday. He loves playing football on Thanksgiving and hanging out with family and friends. He LOVES everything about Christmas. The music (which we start listening to in October) and the tree, which he cuts down for me. The decorating, the lights, even santa. And on Christmas morning he is up before any of us. I just love that. So, this week I started listening to Christmas music. I started crying on "I'll be home for Christmas" I am missing my husband as this season starts and just hope that he is able to have a decent Christmas.
Anyway with all this thinking about Christmas I was thinking about what to get the kids. Now I am a big one in getting them things they will really like. This year is hard. Brayden doesn't have one toy that he absoultly loves. He pretends a lot and does crafts and we love books. Those are his things. So, I am thinking some sort of fort or something, and more craft stuff. He has found some train, plane things he thinks is cool so those are ideas as well. Riley well she does what brother does. But she does love her baby. I am thinking a tea set. (Her and I have tea when B is at school) and a shopping cart. I would get her clothes for her baby but she doesn't like to have them in clothes most of the time. Question for you, What do your kids just love doing?
I just got a call from a mom of a kid that Jim coached in high school, he also stayed with us on occasion and we just loved him. Well I guess he has joined the army and is heading off to boot camp and they wanted to invite us to his going away party. We chatted for awhile and I explained to her our situation and that Jim wouldn't be able to make it. Bless her heart she asked if she could pray for us and you know what is so cool? She did right then and there on the phone. It was the sweetest and most sincere prayer. I just love when God blesses me like that. And even prayed for something I didn't mention. Guidance in parenting.
That brings me to having a humbling moment. I am a doer. I tough it up and just deal. I don't spend a lot of time in self pity and as great as that is at times that isn't so good when you need to rely on God. I know this may sound weird but I rely more on God when Jim is away. It helps me remember that people will always fail me and God is always there. Now on to my moment. So, I have always felt like I was a good mommy. I love my kids more than life and love that I am blessed to stay home with them. I don't need a lot of time to myself, I just love being with my kids. But, parenting a four year boy is difficult. They do and say things that are just odd to me. And after a tryiing morning (following a great morning at hearts where we had a reminder of God our provider, I burst into tears and realized that I can't do this. I have to give my kids to God and I need his help in parenting with patience and Love. My greatest desire is that my kids know Christ deeply. So, I picked Brayden up from school and just felt refreshed. I apologized to Brayden for being short and for yelling lately. I have done really well the last couple of days. Thank you Lord for helping me.

What a week

So as you know my husband is gone with the army. And some days are easier than others and some days are just overwhelming. Today is one of those days although not for why you would think. Let me start with yesterday. Brayden is a very rowdy, ornery boy. At least in the evenings if he doesn't nap. Which I don't like him to do because then he stays up late. But yesterday I was just so frustrated with him wrestling with Riley and just being a pest to her. Now I know "Sibling rivlary" However it is still frustrating. I had tucked Riley in and was tucking Brayden in and I told him how even when he is ornry and a pest and even just plain mean at times I still love him very much. And he said how hard it is to be nice and all that. I said well then maybe we need to call the neighbor boys more or have U. Kyle come and wrestle him more so that he can have fun doing that and not hurt his sister. And he started to cry. Mommy, I don't want you to have to call the neighbors. I just want daddy home to wrestle with me. (yes, I am at this point crying as well) I said I know sweetie, but daddy has to be gone awhile longer. Then he asked if his surprise on Saturday was daddy coming home (Yep, I am crying still and harder) I said no but wouldn't that be a great surprise. Anyway that is tough on a parent.
Today we woke up happy and well. And I got to help with the harvest party at school which was great fun. Daddy even called and so he got to talk to daddy.
Now the thing I am overwhelmed by today. Brayden's school as well as friends and family have been collecting stuff to send to our soldiers for Christmas. I am overwhelmed by there generosity. I picked up the things from Brayden's school today and OH MY. They are so generous. The soldiers will be truly touched. Thank you all so much. I means so much.

Going on

We have been very busy since I got back from NYC. Jim has headed out and is in limbo. We have had fun going to 2 pumpkin patches. One of my most favorite thing to do. Have I said it lately. I LOVE FALL!! We also added a member to our family. The kids have been wanting a dog and cat. So, when I was in NYC I asked Jim if we could get a cat and then when he gets home we will get a dog. He said sure no prob. When I got home I told the kids daddy said ok. Then every day Brayden asked if we were getting his kitty. And when you asked Riley if she wanted a kitty she would say no. It was really cute. So, after looking on craigslist and the humane society's website. We went there and got out little sisco kidd. He is really great. He loves the kids and something we realized just today. His birthday is the same as Brayden's. He chases toys and is doing great with his litter box. He is almost four months old and really great. Another bonus we still have all six fish and our frog.
I also spoke at our moms bible study this morning. Oh how I don't like that. I am a behind the scenes or not in front of a big group kind of person. I hope it went well and people have a better understanding of how big God is in my life and how even though life is more difficult when Jim is away, life is good and I have so much to be thankful for. One lady did tell me that she was impressed with my possitive outlook on things. So, that was nice.
You know how when you have to do something that you don't really enjoy doing and it weighs on you and you wake up nervous about it at night, every spare second it spent working on it and all that. I was feeling that for weeks. Ever since she asked me and I agreed to speak. I am just not a public speaker. Now, in the army I am in charge of the family group. And when I speak in front of people it is different. I am giving them information. I mean I guess it is the same. This today was just much more uncomfortable. Anyway it is done and hopefully someone learned something. Now I will probably sleep great. I feel much more relieved.
Here are some pictures of what has been going on.

NYC

I got back on Monday night late from NYC. My mom came and stayed with our kids for 5 nights and I flew out and saw my husband for 4 days. What a city. It is great. So much to do and see. Lots of learning. Wow. I am so amazed that more pedestrians aren't ran over. The subway is great. Don't mind that at all. My favorite parts were Central park, Staten Island ferry at sunset, The chapel that stood at ground zero. Amazing. I could not live there and anymore than 3 days would drive me nuts. There are so many people and just the thought of living in an apartment where my kids couldn't be outside as much as they are now. I mean if they want to swing while I am making dinner that is great. I was showing Brayden some pictures and told him those kids can't just go outside. And he was like wow.
I am so glad to be home. I really missed my kids. I had so much fun with my husband. And am sad that he is heading out soon. It just seems so much more real when he is overseas. He travels so much stateside and so it wasn't that much different. We could call him every morning and text throughout the day. Now it is just emailing and waiting. I love you so much Jim. Be safe.

Kids and NYC

I leave tomorrow moring to go to see my husband one last time before he heads overseas. I am so excited to have 4 days with him alone. However, I have never left my kids before. I mean they have slept at my parents but other than one trip to the beach and one night in Portland. I have never been more than 5 minutes away. I know they will be well taken care of and all that and I am so blessed that my mom is coming to my house. (less to pack) but I am going to miss my kiddos and if something happens know that God and my parents are with them until I can get home to them. Brayden has mentioned several times today he doesn't want me to go. And I should stay with him forever. He is to young to understand all this. But he will be fine.
Another thing. Aren't kids just so cute with money. When we play store. Riley and even Brayden could care less about the paper money. They just want the coins. I love the innocense that my kids have. It is just so fun to hear Brayden say he is going to marry his babysitter who is 10 years older than him and Riley being such a mommy to her little dolly as she faithfully walks it around the neighborhood daily. And also keeps the little boy next door from pushing her. I mean he might hurt her dolly right?
I was cleaning the house earlier and it got me thinking What is my favorite room of the house. I have decided my bedroom. I love my soft cushy bed and I get to relax in here. Even if the kids are cuddling in bed with me. It is all good memories. What is your favorite room of the house? Do you love your kitchen? Bathroom because you love baths?

So, I leave in the morning. My friend Tami and I have a long day tomorrow. But we will enjoy talking, laughing and reading. So, it will be lots of fun. Then I get to see my hubby tomorrow night. YAY.

Cooking

For about the last week I have been watching parts of Rachel Ray. That woman makes me want to like to cook. I like to bake. I love the smell of baking and measuring the ingredients. I am a type A person. So anyway I have been watching Rachel Ray and she inspired me to go through my recipes. You know the ones that look good in magazines. So, i found several I thought looked good and took Riley shopping and we got all the ingredients. Well, last night was okay. Nothing exciting but it was devoured and all gone. And tonight was less exciting and I probably won't make it again. My kids hardly ate any of it. But here is the main thing I don't like about cooking. MY HOUSE STINKS. Tonight's recipe called for onions and garlic. Now I know Rachel loves garlic and cooks with it in like everything. But gross. As yummy as it is and good for you to. I just do not like my house smelling this bad two days in a row. So, I think tomorrow I will bake and right now I have a yummy candle burning. But we will take a break from the new recipes for awhile. I just can't take the smell. Oh and I think I will turn off Rachel. Love ya girl but I don't like how you make my house smell.

Stuff and single parenting

I don't know if I have said this before but I am not a stuff person. I am not one that goes shopping looking for stuff for my house. I am one who goes through what she has and says how can I get rid of stuff. It weighs me down and I just get a heavy feeling if I feel like my house is cluttered. Now don't get me wrong. We have pictures on the walls and I have a book shelf with books and "stuff" and my kids have toys. Today I was doing some tidying up out in Jim's shop and I started to have that feeling. Like we don't use this why do we have it. Why can't I get rid of all this stuff. I Love Ipods and computers for the shear fact that I don't have to see stuff. I don't like buying many DVD's because I don't see the point. I would love to get rid of the baby stuff but I am to practical for that. We are done having kids. (God willing) but I worry that what if when Jim gets home. Now the one thing I haven't gone over board with is the kids pictures and art and stuff they get. I love all there art and things. That we may get overboard on. So I have a question for you all. If you could only take 3 things with you what would they be. Clothes, tolietries and bible (Your going in a really nice RV, fully loaded) what would you take.
Mine would be a laptop, camera and my special blanket. Of course with this my husband and kids are with me.
Now, the single parenting. How do you get 4 year old boys to not get so upset about such small stuff. Yesterday was horrible. Brayden was just out of control and no matter what happened or what we did we had a complete melt down. Now today was great until the end. Right as I got out of the shower he freaked out. I guess Riley wouldn't play with him while I showered and he was upset that I got out before she would play. I think part of the better part is the fact that during quiet time I did art with him and didn't do all my stuff. I got up at 4:30 to do all the banking and army stuff I had to get done. So we have done lots of time outs in his room. He does not like that. Tonight he lost his books and only got devotions and bible stories. That was of course devasting. Then he said sorry for not obeying. I had to explain he didn't disobey. He just can't act like that. It is okay to be mad, sad, angry and all that. He just can't scream and wail. That won't be allowed. So I guess we shall see what tomorrow brings.

First day of Preschool

Today was Brayden's first day of Preschool. He was so excited and was ready and waiting. He wants to go back everyday. I am glad we are starting with 3 days before he starts 5 days with Kindergarten. He had so much fun and loves his teacher. She is someone who will truly shape his heart.
Riley and I didn't quite know what to do after we dropped him off. We came home and went for a walk. And just hung out and played. I don't think Riley quite knew what to do. She was grumpy. Then when I said okay lets go get Brayden she started smiling and getting excited. This is going to be an adjustment for her. And me.
I am so glad that he likes it. The whole school has also decided to adopt our unit and send them packages for Christmas. They are going to love it.
There are so many caring people out there and people that love my kids. Thanks.

Heaven and a great sister

I did some yard work the other day and I don't know if it is because Jim is gone and I have more time to think, Or if I just really hate weeks. But, I was pulling a few weeds which turned into there are weeds in the grass and the flowers need to be dead headed. Anyway, it all got me thinking about heaven. A friend of mine said that in heaven she wants to be a master gardener. So, I thought about it and something I am looking forward to (I mean besides God) is no weeds. Beautiful grass for miles and great trees that don't sprout other trees in your grass or leave pine-cones or poking things. Beautiful flowers that when they are done blooming (because I still want the changing of the seasons) the dead heads just disappear. I think that is going to be great. I am a doer. I want to be Mary. Who really gets it. I want to sit at my lords feet and not get restless. I want to be with the people I love and not be thinking of things that I have to do. That leads into my sister. Okay so we are very similar. Sorry Jodi. We both have a deep passion to know Christ deeper. To have positive relationships. And we both really love my kids. She is amazing with them. Now we are also so different. But, I completely look up to her. She is amazing. She has such love. She has great friends. She desires to see all her friends follow Christ. She wants to serve Christ as her life. That is a major priority to her. We are different because all those things that I just mentioned to her come before the things that are important to me. I like to have things cleaned up and put away, before I go make a new mess and do stuff. Nothing like coming home to a clean house when you are tired. Jodi could live in a seriously dirty room. But her friends and family know how much we mean to her. Sometimes she seems a little spacy. But, seriously I am believing she just has a lot of people in her head she is thinking about and praying for at all times. So, Jodi. You are amazing. You are a wonderful woman of God. I am so very proud to call you my sister. I had a lot of fun being open and vulnerable with you tonight. Keep up the work girl. I love you.

Happy Anniversary

Today is mine and Jim's 9th anniversary. Very exciting time. I cried a little this morning and Brayden said, Mommy why are you crying. And I said well today is mommy and daddy's anniversary and daddy doesn't get to be here. He said well mommy, Jesus and Riley and I love you. Later after going to visit his class he picked me some flowers will we were outside. That makes it feel a lot better. We are also going to have pancakes for dinner since that is Jim's favorite and Brayden suggested that for dinner.
Jim is so busy I have hardly even gotten to speak to him. He thinks after today things should slow down a little. I am hoping so. Otherwise I am worried that our time out there either won't get to happen or he will have to work. Oh well I guess that is life in the military.
Here are some pictures of the last evening Jim spent with the kids and Jim and his good friend Dan. Dan just switched over from the Navy and his wife and I are very close. They live not far so we will be spending even more time together than before.
God is good to give us such a great support system. I am also the family group leader for our unit and it has opened my eyes to other people to serve that don't have the hope of Christ in this deployment. So my prayer life has gotten even longer.
If you think of it please say a prayer for our men and women serving. As well as those left behind.

CLUBS

I have never been a clubber. I don't dance and am not a big drinker. I mean it is big for me to have one drink. But, last night a bunch of the soldiers and there significant others were going out. So we decided we would go to. Now to start it off. It was in Portland. An hour away. 2nd. They weren't going out until 9:30. Yep a half hour before I am sound asleep. And they were going to a very LOUD dance club. So, we went and am I ever glad that isn't the norm for us. First of all I totally see why people have relationship issues if they regularily go to those places. And what is the point of getting so drunk you don't remember what you said or did or how you got home. Why do stuff that will cause you to vomit. Jim isn't a big drinker either and we were talking about it on the way home and we just don't get it. I said I must be old and he said or we are just old fashioned. I don't enjoy the incredibly loud music or having to yell in peoples ears for us to have a converstation. I don't enjoy being pushed around or acosted by a woman who thinks the soldier I am standing by is my husband (which he wasn't, Jim had gone to the bathroom) and so she was in my face and clawing at me. I don't like having my space invaded.
So, overall I have once again come home and am so thankful for the simple life I lead and the fact that my life isn't that life. I never wanted that life and I am glad I am not living it now.

Crazy Times

Right now our life is up in turmoil. I am feeling on edge and I don't know if it is just rowdy boy or if Brayden is getting worked up about daddy leaving or what but Brayden and I are conflicting. He is such a great kid but lately he is so ornery with Riley and I feel like it is worse than normal. But then with all the stress in our life I don't know if it is just his way of getting attention or what. Riley is such a busy girl. She is a climber. She can get on the trampoline herself on the counters you name it that kid can get on it. I am so tired by the end of the day. But on to happier things.
We have had a fun summer. We went to the zoo, we are heading to the beach this weekend (Praise the Lord) We got a trampoline. If you have kids it is a wonderful way to use up energy. You can even put it in a small yard. We had family pictures done. They are wonderful. Thanks again Nancy. We went camping. And for the most part Jim has gotten to be with us. We are looking towards his leaving and he is full time Army now. So, we are heading to the beach this weekend for some much needed R and R and some quaility time before he leaves.
I am also excited about fall. We had a week or so of extremely hot weather. Which made me so thankful again that I have A.C. And we were watering for my parents, so not only were we glad to see the rain come and cool things down but also so that we didn't have to water so much. Something funny though is with a trampoline we used the sprinkler lots under it and the grass under the trampoline is so nice and green. We are glad that my family is back. They were missed. A month is just to long.
One thing okay two that I am not excited about with fall is extra clothing you have to wear and take with you. I love no socks and no sweatshirts and coats and all that. As much as I love being cuddly warm it just takes that much longer to get ready. And the fact that my husband is leaving (duh). Jim and I love Football and sweatshirts and just being cuddly in the fall. It will not be the same without him here. In so many ways. I am having a harder time this time. We talked about it the other day and we think it is because we know what to expect. And with the kiddos. Wow. Jim will miss them so much and they will miss Jim so much. Not to mention me. I have done enough single parenting over the month here and there to last. But, you do what you gotta do. We need men and women to keep us safe and my husband is proud to do that for us.
I also have gotten Brayden's school list. I can't believe he starts school so soon. Why do they grow up so fast????
Here are some pictures of our times and if you think of us please say a prayer that we do okay while Jim is gone and that Jim stays safe. Thanks.

God is Good

This morning was one of those mornings. It started out great. Playing, singing, just having fun. Jim didn't have to leave until 7 so that was great. Then we loaded up into the van to go to the post office and to take care of all the peoples places we are watching. (It is a lot of work) The water was loaded (one of the families pump went out so I have to haul the water to water their plants and pets) the kids were loaded all the stuff was loaded. I get in and I can't get the key all the way in the ignition. Now my first thought is Riley. She had gotten into the van via her brother and without my knowledge. I thought great she has put something in there and now it is jammed. So, I keep trying and nothing. I was so frustrated. Almost in tears thinking great. So, we moved carseats and all that to the truck. (thank goodness Jim carpooled and it was there) and went to the post office. On the way I called the dealership who told me it would be almost $300 to fix. Plus I would have to tow it there. Then I stopped off at the mechanic we have always used Westgate Auto. The one guy was like well let me just hop in and run up to your house and see. Well, he fixed it!!! Just a little juggling of the key and in it went. Praise the Lord. He then helped me transition everyone back into the van and we took him back where he lubed the ignition and away we went. $25. Yep that's right. I was saying sorry over and over to the kiddos. Not that I was mean I just had gone from a great morning to frustrated and upset. So, needless to say even when things look the worst they aren't that bad.

Catch up

It has been awhile since I posted and lots has happened. Jim ended up having to be gone most of July. The joys of being in charge. We did get to go camping and go to the zoo. The last 2 things I had on my list are coming up. This weekend is family pictures and later in the month we are going to the beach for two nights. I am so excited. I am dreading Jim leaving. It is coming way to fast. We started talking about it last night and we both were getting sad so we changed the subject. We have done this 2 other times and yet it seems harder.
On to other things. We found out Brayden gets the preschool teacher we wanted for him. I am so excited for him. He is going to have so much fun. He starts the week after Jim leaves. That will be a nice distraction.
Have any of you noticed how people who are very against the war. No if's ands or buts tend to be rude. Now I am not saying all but most of the ones I have met are grumpy, rude people who say they support the troops and yet are so rude about it you feel like saying please don't we don't need your kind of support. I say a lady at the post office like that. She had an anti war sticker on her car and then was in front of us in line. She was so snappy and rude. I just don't understand.
On a good note. As my kids get older it is so cute watching and listening to them play together. Brayden explains to Riley what they are doing and she mm-hmms along and they both end up giggling and having fun. I just love that I am here to be with them and enjoy it all.