My Life.....As I Know It

My Verse for 2010

2010-01-07T09:06:00.000-05:00

Philippians 4: 6-8
"Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything, through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is ... See Morehonorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is right, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things."

I read this on my friend Audrey's facebook page and asked if we could share it. It is a great verse and covers many of the areas in my life that I'm wanting to improve on in 2010.

What about you all? Do you have a verse for this year?

Choices!!!

2010-01-03T19:53:00.002-05:00

That's my word of the year. It's all about choices, making the right ones for me. The right ones for my husband, and the right ones for my kids. I need to start making better, smarter choices for myself. In all areas of my life. I need to choose better foods to eat, choose foods NOT to eat and to stay away from. Choose more wisely when making purchases to help our finances. Choose my words carefully before I speak to my kids or husband in anger. Choose a good church to get involved with down here in GA, which means getting off my hiney and actually attending some so I can choose the right one for our family. I need to choose to get up and go for a walk instead of sitting around watching TV. Choose to keep the house nicer and the laundry caught up (this one needed desparately!!!) :)

CHOICES!!!! TO MAKE THE RIGHT ONES!!!!

Watch out 2010, here I come!!!!

Know What I'm Sick Of?

2010-01-01T19:51:00.002-05:00

I'm sick and tired of all these commercials that show these stick skinny women. Like we are all supposed to look like that. Newsflash, Victoria, I know I'm overweight, I don't need to see your Secrets every other commercial on TV, to make me feel bad about myself. But then I think, why should I let them make me feel bad about myself. Only I can do that, by allowing them to get a reaction out of me. I know what I need to do to make a better me, I just need to do it!!!

TWENTY TEN IS MY YEAR!!!

First Day of 2010

2010-01-01T11:22:00.002-05:00

So it's the beginning of a New Year. Twenty Ten, fun ring to that I think. First thing that pops into my head, where did the last 10 years go? I can't believe how times flies. We were talking last night at the NYE party, about how crazy everyone was when it was getting ready to be 2000, Y2K, OH NO the end of the world. Computers are gonna crash, what are we gonna do? And now look here we are ten years flying by like that.... A new decade......last decade I got two more boys, brings the count to three...wonder what the next decade will bring....hopefully no more boys!!! :) (this is for my pregnant sister in law, who I'm praying has a girl next summer!!!)

Last year had it's ups and downs for the Drake family and I'm praying that 2010 is a better year for us!!!

We had a great NYE party last night with some new friends in Georgia. Got to spend the evening with my brother and sister in law and thier friends. Who I am happy to say are our new friends, it's nice to move to a new place with built in friends. We played Texas Hold'em into the wee hours of the night, and I walked away ahead I'm proud to say. That's saying something with these cardsharks!!! Thanks to the Hamilton's for thier hospitality, and thanks to my niece for being our DD and driving us home!!! Love you guys!!!

Here's to a great Twenty Ten for everyone!!!

Last Day of 2009.....

2009-12-31T10:44:00.003-05:00

So here we are again, the last day of the year. It's hard to believe that another year has come and gone. People always use this time to reflect on things that have happened the past year or about what they want for thier new year. Resolutions I believe they call them. I've always been one for making resolutions, and start the year out strong with them. That lasts maybe a month, if I'm lucky or diligent. So this year I've decided not to make resolutions. Why set myself up for disappointment and failure at every turn?

I've been reading different friends blogs and reading what they want for thier 2010 and laughing at some of the things they've come up with. I have one friend who just wants to find that perfect man, or maybe a few friends want that, just not saying it out loud. :) I've got another friend who is going to try something new every month, wether that's a new food, or some sort of new adventure, like parasailing or snowmobiling. That sounds interesting, maybe I should try that. I've got another friend who just wants to get organized in 2010, that seems like one everyone wants, doesn't it? Then there's the one that most people make, get fit, lose weight, get healthy, however you wanna put it, they all basically are the same, depending on your BMI I guess. So these all sounds great to me.

So this year instead of making resolutions, I'm just gonna look at my friends list and try and accomplish some of thiers. Other than the man one, I could stand to try all of them!!!

So things I'm going to try AGAIN in 2010:

Get organized, perfect time since we just moved.
Get healthy, however that means for me. Eat right and get some exercise.
Try something new every month, what better place to try that than Atlanta, all sorts of new adventures await me here.

CRAP, I think I'm just made resolutions!!!

Almost a New Year....again!!!

2009-12-29T15:41:00.002-05:00

So in honor of another new year, and a new post, I changed my template too. This one makes me smile as it looks like scrapbook paper. One thing I love to do, scrapbook. I haven't done it forever and oh how I've missed it.

It's been a LONG time since I've posted anything on here. I know a few (very few) have been checking in randomly to see what I've been up to. A lot has been going on in the past 8 months since my last post. Bruce moved to GA for 6 months while the boys and I hung out in New York trying to sell our house. Which we finally did in November, thank you God!!! Now we are all living down here in Georgia, together finally!!! It was hard being in the same country and not being able to live together.

Bruce is working in Atlanta with an hour commute each way, if he's lucky, and loving his new job in FORSCOM as a Pulic Affairs guy. I've started working at Michael's, which I did in NY, for a few months before we moved. I've enjoyed getting out of the house and back to work if only for a few hours a week. A little extra money doesn't hurt either.

The boys are adjusting to new schools and so far so good. They are loving thier new teachers. Mostly the go on about how good the lunches are. Though compared to Watertown anything has to be better. :) DJ loves his gym class the most because they are playing flag football. Adam is enjoying making new friends. He's a bit behind in math compared to where he was in NY, but we are working on it with him. Jack has made friends as well and is getting used to having homework every night.

Will try and keep posting for all to read!!!

I've missed this, hopefully I can keep up with it!!!

Mean People Suck!!!

2009-04-15T00:18:00.002-04:00

I don't hate a lot of things in life, but I hate mean people. And if YOU are reading this you know who you are!!!!

I was tagged and just saw it...my bad....

2009-02-21T04:32:00.003-05:00

Two Names you go by

1. Marti
2. Martha

Two things you are wearing right now

1. PJ bottoms
2. PJ shirt :)

Two of your favorite things to do

1. hang out with friends
2. scrapbook

Two things you want very badly at the moment

1. to sell our house
2. to be financially stable

Two favorite pets you have/had

1. Blue...sure miss her
2. Princess Leia

Two things you did last night

1. Watch Steel Magnolias for like the 100th time
2. Facebooked way too much...

Two things you have eaten today

1. Nothing yet....it's 4:30 in morning
2. Yep, still nothing...

Two people you last talked to

1. Bruce
2. Mandy

Two Places You have been in the past year

1. Kennesaw, GA
2. Indianapolis, IN

Two favorite beverages

1. McD's Sweet Tea
2. Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi

People who are tagged:

If you read this...tag you are IT!!!!

It's 4 am do you know where your kids are????

2009-02-21T04:04:00.002-05:00

Oh yeah, I know where mine our. My oldest is downstairs sleeping away in HIS OWN BED, my baby boy is downstairs sleeping away in HIS OWN BED....where is my middle child you ask? Oh yeah, laying right beside me snoring away, and on the other side of him lays my darling husband, oh yeah, snoring away. Aren't I the luckiest girl in the world?

It never fails, I get woken up in the middle of the night, no matter what time, or what wakes me up and I can not fall back asleep. No matter how tired I am. I tried laying here for the last hour almost, just tossing and turning and of course my mind going a mile a minute on all the things that I need to do before the realtors come on Monday and Tuesday. Things to add to my to do list below, and things to add to Bruce's list of things to do. Things to have the boys do today when they all wake up, oh I don't know in like 4 hours, if they are lucky.

I hate when I'm so tried that I can't fall asleep. It makes no sense to me how that is even possible. How can my body be so tired, but not my brain. I wish I had an off switch so I could turn off all my thoughts so I'd fall asleep. Because let me tell you I have the wierdest thoughts in the wee hours in the morning. For example, in the past hour I started thinking of why my husband has so many gloves, why does the Army issue so many really? Then I remember, hey we are in the north country that's why. Then the whole glove things makes me think of this movie Serendipity, which has been on cable a lot lately I guess, and they are trying to match a set of gloves throughout the movie finding the love of thier lives...then I go from that movie to Pearl Harbor with Ben Affleck because I'm trying to figure out if the same lady that was in Serendipity was the same woman in Pearl Harbor...then I start playing scenes of the movie in my head...trying to think of the characaters names in the movie....which then makes me think of Hollywood people and thier crazy names for thier children....I'm thinking oh what a pretty name Ben named his daughter...Violet, pretty flower, pretty little girl...then I think why did Madonna name her kids Lourdes and Rocco...then I think why do I care what these people are naming thier children? Why can't I just go to sleep? UGH!!! So I start with a pair of gloves, and end on Hollywood people and thier crazy named children.

Shut my mind off please.....

My To Do List...

2009-02-20T08:23:00.004-05:00

I'm writing my To Do List on here to hold myself somewhat accountable. If I write it on here then maybe I will actually get busy and get it all done.... :) Hopefully

TO DO LIST:

1. Finish up the scrapbook room
2. Get all the clothes separated in our bedroom
3. Get the bedding put up in the playroom
4. Move the furniture around in the playroom
5. Get the clutter cleaned up in bedroom
6. Organize the kitchen cupboards
7. Take the extra coats out of hall closet
8. Steam clean the living room carpet
9. Clean out the refigerator

I know there is more....but it's a start..

Hopefully I can get it all done before the weekend is up....wish me luck!!! Will be checking in marking things off my list...

Exciting, edge of the seat stuff on my blog today I know!!!

Wish Us Luck

2009-02-18T09:48:00.002-05:00

Hey, I'm just asking for prayers and good thoughs for us this week. We are going to be meeting with two different realtors this week to put our house on the market, finally!!! So hopefully we will be able to know which one to choose to go with. Then we have to keep the house clean all the time. Which those of you that know me well, know how hard that is going to be. Especiall with three little boys running around all over the place!!! Should be loads of fun!!

So I just wanted to update everyone with what was going on with us. Nothing too exciting to write about much. We are definately in "Sell The House Mode" at the Drake house from here on out!!! So if you see me and I'm cranky, don't mind me I'm sure it's just me!!! :)

Thanks all!!!

I know...I know...

2009-02-13T09:35:00.002-05:00

I've been terrible about updating my blog. It's all Facebook's fault. I spend all my time on there now it seems like. That and there hasn't been too much exciting stuff to really post about. :)

I'm branching out into the business world. I've decided to start my own home business. Something to make a little extra money and doing something I love to do. So I just signed on to become a Close To My Heart consultant. I signed up under my friend Angela Fenske. I know some are really surprised, but I think it's something I can get in to and it's something that people will buy.

I've already got a club started, so I'm excited about that. So my first 6 months are taken care of. If anyone is interested in purchasing anything let me know, I'd love to help you out.

New Year's Resolutions 2009

2009-01-07T16:58:00.002-05:00

I know these are like a week late, but hey it's me we are talking about. I never do anything in a timely manner, just ask my mother.

1-To get fit in 2009-Not just a diet to lose weight, but a lifestyle change, it's the only thing that is going to work.

2-Be a better mom, not yell so much and have more patience with the boys.

3-Be better at how I spend my time. I waste a lot of time on silly stuff, like being on the computer, watching too much TV, going shopping when I don't need anything.

4-Spend time everyday with the Lord, I need to really get my quiet time in every single morning.

5-Make more time to spend with just Bruce. When Mom and Dad are happy, everyone is happy!!!

I think 5 should do it for now. Those aren't the easiest resolutions to follow either. But with hard work and a whole lot of prayer I know I can make this a great year of changes in my life!!!

I hope your New Year's Resolutions come to pass everyone!!!

I can't believe it's 2009!!!

2009-01-01T10:17:00.005-05:00

I can not believe how time flies now that I am older. I remember when I was working at the bank and everyone was flipping out about Y2K and all the computers messing up and everything. And here it is almost a decade later. Where does the time go???

What a year we had at the Drake house in 2008 though. We had a year of laughter and a year of tears. We said goodbye to some loved ones, and hello, goodbye, hello again and goodbye again, and finally welcome home to Bruce returning from Iraq. A day that seemed would never come, but it did, and that was 6 or 7 weeks ago. Sometimes I just wish life would slow down just a bit.

This year doesn't seem like it will be much slower though for the Drake family. We have an upcoming move in a few months. Bruce will be gone again for a three month school. We will be selling our first home we ever purchased. Moving away from wonderful friends we've made here in New York. Moving to Georgia, and being close to family and friends down there.

It seems in the Army that is the way of life. There is always change just around the corner. Life definately doesn't get dull in the Army. Just when you are settled and things are somewhat normal, here comes another big move. The good thing about this one is, though we are sad to leave our friends behind, we are all anxious for another adventure. The boys are so excited to be moving so that helps. They can't wait to be by Uncle Jon and Aunt Lori, and are convinced they will be over there every weekend. :) Sounds good to me. :) (Just kidding guys, sort of) :)

Well from our family to your family, we wish you a very very Happy and healthy 2009!!!

My kids.....

2008-12-22T08:23:00.003-05:00

So I love being a Mom, most of the time. I used to always secretly, ok not so secretly, wish that I had had at least one girl. But obviously God had other plans for me when he blessed me with three beautiful baby boys. Who knew that the next 11 years of my life I would be blessed with all the disgusting things boys love to do, eat, say, and act out.

DJ has had his moments over the last 11 years, dont' get me wrong. But I think he is finally at that age that he has calmed down somewhat in the disgusting factor. Although he still loves to watch some disgusting things on TV, that whole Dirty Jobs show gets me everytime. God has a special place in heaven for the people that do some of the jobs we've seen on there.

Adam I guess is just Adam. He doesn't really anything too disgusting I guess. He loves to watch a lot of shows on TV that involve animals and thier disgusting habits. I know he loves anything to do with animals. But they can be disgusting as well. But he did the funniest thing yesterday. He wanted a hard boiled egg like Daddy was eating and asked if he could peel his own, so we of course said yes. He comes in the living room a few minutes later, and says I think there is a chicken in my egg still...all freaked out. We were like what?? So Bruce goes in there to check it out, he apparantly got a raw egg out of the carton instead of the bowl of hard boiled eggs sitting in there. He managed to peel a good portion of it before he cracked the whole thing. We couldn't stop laughing...

Jack on the other hand, is a whole story in himself. God gave this kid the funniest sense of humor, he is always making us laugh. His comedic timing is perfect. I really think that John Ritter had to have been like Jack when he was little, with as physical with his comedy as he was. Jack is the same way. But lately he is on this kick of how to best totally gross out Mommy and everyone else around me. He has become a farting machine. How a little kid can fart on cue is beyond me. Not only does do it constantly but really smells like something crawled up in him and died. He doesn't eat anything different than the rest of us, so I really don't understand. Now yesterday he has decided that everyone in the house needs to come in and see what he has produced in the toilet. I know this is way too much info, but really he is cracking me up. I try to get mad at him and tell him how gross it is, but I'm a wee bit outnumbered in this house on the gross factor!!

Oh the joys of living with all of these boys.....and I'm including Bruce in that too!!!

All I want for Christmas is three well behaved little boys who are not constantly doing something to gross me out!!!

It's My Blog...

2008-12-19T10:21:00.000-05:00

And I think this is funny.... :)

Life Post Deployment....

2008-12-06T18:21:00.003-05:00

I feel like most of the time the past year I only wrote on here to complain about something, or how much it sucked Bruce was gone. Or I wrote about what the boys and I were up to, so Bruce could keep up with our day to day stuff, even though it turned out he couldn't pull up this website. :) Now I am not sure what to write about. But I love the idea of writing on here, so I will continue to bore you all with my ramblings. :)

We have been having a good time with Bruce home. We are finally getting into a groove of sorts with him home again. I got so used to him being gone, I didn't really worry about what his schedule was. We were talking the other day and he mentioned it was hard getitng used to four other people's schedules he has to worry about instead of just himself. So we are on the same page with that for sure. It's nice not having to run the boys everywhere all the time by myself now. The boys are wanting him to do stuff for them instead of me. Adam insisted that Daddy warm up his pop tarts the other day because surely I didn't know how to do it. Nice huh? But I know it is just him enjoying having Daddy home and wanting him to do stuff for him, instead of me. It's ok, it hurt my feelings a little at first, but I understand better now. And honestly it's kind of nice. :)

We went home for Thanksgiving. We hadn't been home for that for a long time. At least 5 years or more. Overall it was a great weekend. It was a bit of a rough start but ended up being a lot of fun. I got to see my favorite cousin and his lovely wife, whom we hadn't seen since the last Thanksgiving we were home I'm sure!!! It was so nice catching up with them, and I hope we get to see more of them in the future. We will have to plan a weekend to visit them next summer, I know you may be reading this Jess, so I'm inviting myself, hope you don't mind. :)

I went shopping on Black Friday for the first time ever!!! It wasn't nearly as bad as everyone made it out to be. I got everything I went out for and a few things I didn't go out for. :) Lori showed me the ropes, and my three nieces joined us, it was a lot of fun. Most of you know I hate to shop, but it really was a blast. I enjoyed hanging out with my nieces too, and my SIL of course. And hey we stopped by Starbucks for a pick me up half way through, so that is always good. :)

It snowed here a lot the past few days, and it's beautiful outside. Cold and lots of snow, but beautiful, since I don't have to drive in it. :) We all went up to Thompson Park and went sledding yesterday, but of course I forgot my camera, :( and I would have gotten some great pics too. So Bruce promised to go another day so I could take pics. The boys had so much fun sledding. Jack even went on the big hill, he went flying down, his sled flipped over in midair, a somersault if you will, landed and went down the rest of the way. What does he say when he gets done? "That was totally awesome!!!" He is such a litte daredevil that one!!!!

So all in all we are adjusting well to having Bruce home and are looking forward to the holidays!!!

Also for those that don't know, though all who read probably already know. :) We are moving next summer!!! Bruce got orders to Ft McPherson, in Atlanta GA. So we are super excited to be close to my brother and sister in law and niece and nephew!!! And we have really close friends only a few hours away down at Stewart!!! So we couldn't be happier, and so we are enjoying our last winter here in the North Country!!!

Check back in a few days, I will be posting more pics of Bruce's homecoming last month, and pics of our trip to the North Pole on the Polar Express, that the two little ones and I are taking tomorrow with some friends!!!

Mean People Suck!!!

2008-12-04T14:28:00.002-05:00

I really hate it when horrible things happen to the nicest people!!! So I just want to put it out there that I think mean people suck!!!

That's all for today!!!

What to write about today???

2008-11-17T08:57:00.002-05:00

We are all getting used to Bruce being home again. It's amazing and sad how we all got so used to him not being here. I know that might sound harsh or whatever, but you do what you have to do when he's gone. The boys still keep coming to me to ask everything, even if Bruce is sitting right next to them. Just because they are so used to asking my permission to do everything. The one thing that is super sweet though, Jack has been having a toothache the past few days and really only wants Daddy to comfort him, even in the middle of the night, poor Bruce. They are all coming around. DJ brought home a test the other day that he had to have signed and I went to do it and he said no I want Daddy to do it, you've done it for the last year or so. I was a bit taken back, but understood. So even though we are super excited Daddy is home, there is som adjustment time for all of us. Bruce is having a hard time making it through the day without having to take a nap. It's hard to get his sleep schedule on track with ours. I had DJ wake him last night at 5, after a 3 hour nap after church, and he told DJ he'd get up at 6, so I woke him then. He thought it was 6 in the morning and wondering why DJ was up so stinking early. Poor guy. He's doing good though. It's just so nice to have him home. I went to the mall the other night all by myself, and I have to tell you it was so nice. Even though the boys are at school all day, it isn't the same as knowing they are home with Dad and I can just relax and not have to hurry home to pay a babysitter. :) Anyways, I guess I've rambled on enough. Will have to think of new things to write about since most of the time it was all about Bruce being gone. :) It's still Life on the Homefront, it's just life with our soldier by our side again!!!

Veteran's Day Story

2008-11-15T08:52:00.003-05:00

So we were all so excited that Bruce finally came home, and on Veteran's Day no less!!! What a more appropriate day right? So the boys all went to school on Wednesday, and Bruce and I are sitting there and we get a call from the principal from Jack and Adam's school. I'm thinking, oh goodnes, what now??? First thing he said was "This is Mr. Friend, the prinicipal at (school), everything is fine, and this is a great call. I asked the kids if they had any Veteran's Day stories they'd like to share with the school to please come to my office and tell me. And Jack came down and told me about how his Dad had came home yesterday and he was so excited and wanted to share with everyone. We do the TV announcements in all the classrooms every morning and I'd really like Jack to do the morning announcements in the morning and tell his story. And I'd love to meet your husband" So of course Bruce and I thought that was great so we went in the next morning and dropped off the boys and then snuck into the resource room, we didn't want Jack to know we were there. So for some reason the principal wasn't there, who normally does the announcements, it was one of the teachers. So he said of course Jack can do it. So here we are waiting, I've got my camera ready to videotape the whole thing. Since this teacher didn't normally do it, he didn't think to pick Jack up so he could be seen completely in the screen, which was so funny!!! But if you know Jack at all, this is so him, so it's alright!!!

We are so proud of him that he wanted to share this with the whole school and it is so neat that it's on the TV so all can see. Of course once Adam heard what Jack said about him and his brothers crying they were so happy, he was sooooooo mad at Jack. LOL He said I can't believe Jack told everyone I was crying and it isn't even true!!! :) You gotta love kids!!! But I thought you all might enjoy this little video of Jack!!!!

He's Finally Home!!!!

2008-11-14T10:53:00.004-05:00

For all who follow my blog and have read my crazy rants the past year I just wanted to share with you the good news!!!! Bruce came in @ 12:30 on Veteran's Day. Couldn't have picked a better day than that one. Thought it was very appropriate!!! I videotaped him marching into the gym for the Welcome Home Ceremony. He is in the very front row marching in right in the middle!!!

Make sure to pause my music I have playing on the blog, down on the right side of the screen first, before you play the video!!!

Such sweet friends....

2008-11-09T21:04:00.003-05:00

I have the very best friends. :) One of my friends, who shall remain anonymous, she hates to be called out :) was so sweet and came over and gave me a pedicure last night as a surprise. I was telling her and a few other friends how I didn't have time to get a pedi before Bruce came home and my heels were so rough they kept sticking to the bedsheets, that's romantic huh? :) So she thought that I needed one before he came home and came to my house with everything you'd need including a foot spa. It was so sweet and unexpected and I loved it!!! So thank you, you know who you are.

Then today, since Bruce didn't get to come home like planned I had 4 friends invite me and the boys out for lunch or dinner just to keep our minds off of things. Then I got a few offers to hang out at thier houses or they'd come to mine. I'm truly blessed in the friendship department!!

I love you all and I truly appreciate each and every one of you!!!!

Gotta love the Army.......NOT

2008-11-08T08:24:00.002-05:00

So Bruce informed me last night that there has been a change in plans. I guess I don't know why I'm so suprised, that should be the Army's motto. Instead of Army Strong, it should be "Surprise Changes Around Every Corner"

Apparantly they are switching some things around, whatever that means, so Bruce won't be home this weekend now. He has been delayed a few days. I know it's not that many, but we were so excited and of course we've told everyone. All the boys' teachers yesterday at their conferences said "you must be so excited, (insert son's name here) only talks about his Daddy coming home this weekend." so now of course they will have to go in Monday morning and answer all the questions now.

We've waited for 14 months, I know a few more days isn't going to kill us. But it does suck that is for sure!!!

A New Era in America...

2008-11-06T14:24:00.003-05:00

Those of you who know me well, know that I have had some pretty strong feelings about this election. Though I may have not posted so much on my blog about it, it's about all I could talk about these past few weeks. I know there are many of my friends that read this blog that don't necissarily agree with my political views and that is ok. That is the great thing about living in this country, that we have the freedom to have our own views and religion choices. We don't have to agree on everything and we can still be friends. As long as we are respectful of one another.

So, though I am not happy with the outcome of this election, I will still respect the office of the Presidency and ask that you should do the same. I won't lie, I was bitter yesterday when I woke up and heard Obama had won. But then I had a good friend remind me, that ultimately God is still in control of this world. He knew that Obama was going to be elected. So I remember this verse.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future

God has a plan for each and every one of us. We may not know what that plan is just now, but take comfort in knowing that God has a purpose for everything.

I was very vocal about my dislike for Obama around my children, so they were disappointed about him winning. They were so excited because I took them to vote with me and they helped me do all the buttons in the voting booth. I had to explain to them, just as my friend did to me though. We will be respectful of him because he will be the next President of this country. We will be respectful to those who voted for him, since my youngest Jack is so vocal to anyone who will listen to him how he didn't want Obama to win.

I wonder how this will effect my life in the future and my kids lives, but I have to remember that God holds our futures in His hands and He knows what He is doing!!!

We Can See the Finish Line!!!

2008-11-06T14:19:00.004-05:00

Our time of waiting is almost over. Bruce is returning this weekend from Kuwait/Iraq and the boys and I couldn't be happier. I can't believe we made it through this deployment. I have to tell you it so nice coming out the other end of this long tunnel. It didn't seem like we'd ever see that light at the end but glory be to God, we see the light and we are so close to walking into it. Thank you to all my friends and family who have lifted us up this past year!!! I know I've said it before but it's worth repeating, you have no idea how much it's meant to my family and I all the prayers and thoughts you have had for us this past year. In a few days I will have homecoming photos to share I am sure!!!

The Final Countdown..

2008-10-21T08:49:00.002-04:00

I know I haven't posted in awhile, life has just been crazy. And my lovely friend introduce me to Facebook which has been a lot of fun and addicting to tell you the truth. :) I'm loving the scrabble game feature!!! :) But I have missed being able to just write out a post and pour my heart out, so I'm back!!!

I know a lot of you have followed me through these past 14 months, you've cried with me, and been there for me, and supported me and you've prayed for me and my family. I just wanted to thank you all. It means the world to me and we can feel the love and prayers coming in all around the place.

I am happy to announce that we are on the final countdown to Bruce's return home!! We have only a month left give or take a day here or there. The boys and I are so excited for his return home we can hardly stand it!!!

Bruce is actually in Kuwait right now, one step closer to home. He is filtering guys through who are headed home, which is great, but also hard for him watching everyone come and get on a plane back to Drum. But soon it will be his turn to get on that Welcome Home Plane. Then soon after I will be posting pics of his welcome home ceremony!!!

Thanks again for all your support and prayers over the past year!!! I love you guys!!!

Fall...my favorite season!!!

2008-09-28T20:14:00.003-04:00

Top 10 Reasons I Love Fall!!!

10) The crisp air.
9) Jeans and sweatshirts all the time
8) Changing of the Leaves
7) Playing in said Leaves
6) The start of the holiday season
5) Halloween
4) Carving pumpkins with the boys
3) The start of Christmas shopping
2) Anything pumpkin

And the number 1 reason I love fall...

Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks!!! YUM!!!

Our Broken Hearts....

2008-09-18T20:37:00.002-04:00

Our hearts are breaking this week at our house. For the last 8 years we have had the best little friend with us,our dog Blue. This past Tuesday we had to say goodbye to her. She was such a good dog and we loved her so much. She started getting sick this past Sunday and wasn't any better by Monday so I took her into the vet to get her checked out. After blood and urine checks Blue was diagnosed with diabetes and her pancreas was not functioning properly. After much discussion with the doctor we chose to have her put down as opposed to being in any pain or discomfort for the rest of her life. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Two of my friends went with me on Tuesday when they actually did it. She was so sweet and and kept giving me kisses and rubbing her head on me until she fell asleep in my arms. It was so sweet and so sad at the same time. We are going to miss her so much!!! We love you Blue!!!

hmmm....

2008-09-12T07:22:00.002-04:00

I sat down this morning thinking I have time to write something on my blog. Got up early today and the boys are all up and moving. They are almost ready for school, just finishing up breakfast now. Which leaves 45 minutes until we have to leave for school. I now have time to sit and write something clever or amusing and what do I have? Nothing, nada, squat!!! I got nothing to say today I guess. I know hard to beleive huh?

I guess have a great day!!!

7 Year Anniversary

2008-09-11T14:38:00.004-04:00

It's hard to believe that it has been 7 years since the tragedy of September 11, 2001 took place. We will never forget or never stop praying for the loved ones of the victims on that tragic day!!!

Here is what I wrote a year ago with the same feelings as I have now. And with a husband who is still deployed fighting this fight.

Every generation has that EVENT in thier lives that is always associated with that generation. That question of where were you when...... For my grandparents it was where were you when Pearl Harbor was attacked? For my parents it was where were you when JFK was shot? For my generation, it will be where were you when the first plane hit and the second....

A day that will forever live in our memories. Yesterday marked the 6th anniversary of that horrific day. The day that terrorists attacked our country on our soil. Even though I didn't know anyone that perished that day, it is a day that changed my future forever.

I was working at The Mulberry Bush with my friend Patty when we heard the news. I was sitting there rocking a baby, when Patty came in and told me what had happened. I believe by the time we'd found out, the second plane had just hit the World Trade Center. We sat there in disbelief listening to our radio for any word on how they were doing. Patty and I sat there and prayed immediately for all those that had died and all the children that were now without a mom or dad. The day just progressively got worse, with word that the Pentagon had been attacked and then another plane that crashed in a PA field somewhere. I remember being confused and not completely understanding what was happening. I couldn't wrap my mind around the idea that we were under attack.

I called Bruce at Ft Campbell and asked how he was and what was going on there. He just said everything was nuts, and they were bucklin down Campbell as is if it were it's next target. It was so scary and all I wanted was to see him and hug him. There were huge lines to get on post that day, people were waiting up to 4 or 5 hours to get on post, so I didn't know what I was going to do. Adam was only 3 months old at the time and I knew we couldn't stay in those lines that long. So we ended up spending the night with Patty and Chuck.

I remember just crying for days after it happened, and still to this day it brings tears to my eyes thinking about all the life that was lost. It was so senseless and stupid. Watching the people on TV looking for thier loved ones with pictures posted on the wall to find them. It was just too much to watch, but I couldnt' tear myself away either.

It changed life on post for us for quite awhile as well. We had to stop and get our cars checked for day, and we had to start showing ID which, we'd never had to do. OUr sticker on our care was good enough. Then there were the humvees on every corner with armed soldiers all around them. That was not easy to explain to my then 4 yr old son DJ why they were there. We had to pass them everyday on the way to school. It was just very eery all over post.

I can't believe that it has already been 6 years since that day happened, when you see the images on TV it takes you right back to it all, like it was yesterday. They held a Memorial Service yesterday on post and they had some amazing shots from that day that I wanted to share with you.

No matter your political view or which side of the house you are on, I believe these images are the reason Bruce is where he is. So please continue to pray for him and all the other thousands of troops that are deployed right now. May God Bless you all!!!

Busy Time of Year...

2008-09-10T08:43:00.002-04:00

It's that time again. With school starting up and all of the boys' different activities getting back into full swing again. We have most our week nights full of sports, piano lessons and scouting. With soon to come gymnastics and hopefully art classes. I promised DJ he could sign up for soccer since football fell through this year, those practices start next weeek, with games on the following 6 or 8 Saturdays I think. When I signed him up, Jack wanted to play too so now we have 2 games on Saturday and 2 practices, of course different nights. DJ is scouting on Monday, Jack's is on Tuesdays, which I'm the leader of this year. Go Tiger Cubs!!! Can you see me as a Cub Scout leader? Should be loads of fun I tell you!!! Then on Wed DJ and Jack both have piano lessons. Adam will hopefully be starting gymnastics soon, I have to talk to the teacher about a good time, she only had one time slot on Sat. in the middle of the day, and that just didn't work for us. Also, I was excited to find out she is also going to offer art classes. Which will be awesome, Adam's been wanting them forever. We just haven't been able to find anyplace that offered them. So I'm hoping that works out for him and then I am done!!! that will surely fill my entire week with activities. That does't even include my two bible studies I'm doing during the day while the boys are at school!!! Yes it's getting to a busy time again.
Which will make time fly and Bruce will be home before we know it!!!

Have a great day my blog reading friends~~~

Pics as Promised

2008-09-09T09:49:00.003-04:00

So I finally downloaded pics and without further ado, here are the boys on their first day of school!!!

New School Year

2008-09-04T23:05:00.003-04:00

So all three boys started school yesterday. Woohoo!!! We made it through the summer with no major issues. :) None of them were very excited to go to school, but they didn't have a choice. Mommy had a breakfast date with friends to celebrate the first day back, no chance of me missing that for sure!!! :) I still need to download the photos of them then will post them on here. Having pc issues with my new printer and downloading. Go figure!!! :) Anywhoo, DJ is riding the bus again and still in the same school as last year along with the same teacher. She looped over to the next year, which was great because DJ really likes her and so do I. Adam and Jack are walkers still, which translates into me driving them because if we actually walked we'd have to leave an hour and a half before school started since I have the slowest kids in the world. Adam seems to like his new teacher, she's an older teacher but seems very nice and appreciated Adam using his manners all day long. So doesn't seem to be any problems there, though he never has teacher issues, he's a great kid. Jack got Adam's 1st grade teacher from last year that we adored. She is young and just had her first baby in April and we didn't think she was coming back, so that was a pleasant surprise and she is really nice. Jack is already smitten with her. I wonder what they are expecting when the get a younger sibling of a previous student. Because let's face it, Adam and Jack are completly different. They are both good, and are no trouble at school. But Adam is much more subdued and quiet than Jack, so it's always fun to see what they think of it. :)

After dropping them off it was my turn for fun. I met a friend at Cracker Barrell for breakfast and while I was waiting ran into a friend from PWOC who was dancing in the store celebrating school starting too. So we all decided to sit together to celebrate, it was so much fun!!!

Part of me was sad to leave them, but the other part was like woohoo!!! I feel like the fact that they go in there without any issues and are well behaved and they thrive in school is some reflection on how Bruce and I are raising them. So proudly and a little selfabsorbed maybe I'm giving myself and Bruce little pats on the back for raising such great boys!!! They all have thier moments, what kids don't, but for the most part they are great kids and I love them and I'm so proud of them!!!

I'm Excited...

2008-09-04T22:56:00.003-04:00

I'm getting super excited about this election. I'm loving McCain's VP pic. I wasn't real sure at first since I had never even heard of Sarah Palin. But the more I hear about her and what she's done in Alaska the more I'm impressed with her. She seems to be a great mom and just a great person in general. I'd love to sit down and just have a chat with her, she seems like she is really down to earth and cares what she can do for this country along with John McCain. It's going to be an interesting few months for sure!!!!

Let's Get Real

2008-09-04T22:38:00.002-04:00

OK, why is it people can't just say what they mean? Grow a pair and move on. Why can't people just be honest with other people? Life would be so much simpler. Why does everyone have to like everyone else? Newsflash they don't. And those people who don't like everyone aren't bad people just because they don't like you or care to be around you. Try looking in the mirror sometime and seeing what the problem is, because it's looking you right in the face.

Newsflash, I'm having a bad month. So the fact that I'm venting on my blog and writing what I feel doesn't make me a bad person. Like I said in a previous post I'm not always Miss Sunshine and never have a bad day.

Today was one of those rough days. Bruce left one year ago today. Part of me can't believe it's been a year and part of me is like it seems like longer. I look back on the past year and at the ups and downs there were and say hey, I survived it. We (my boys and I) we survived it. Even though we still have a few months left we are on the downslide. There is an end in sight and for that I am thankful.

DJ brought home a paper today that he had to fill out part of and I had to fill out part of. It asked what his Hopes and Dreams are for this year. He wrote that he hoped his Dad didn't get extended in Iraq and that he had a good school year. A lot of the time I think of how deployments effect me or more so my little guys because they are the ones that get emotional and really talk about it. DJ not so much. Occasionally one of his brothers gets him going when they are upset, but for the most part he's pretty strong. And in my mind that is a good thing, he's being strong and courageous. Then I see this statement and I remember he's just a little boy, though he'd disagree at 11 that he's a little boy. But really what other kid, minus all the kids around here of course, have to worry about wether thier Dad is going to be able to come home from Iraq after 15 months or if the President is going to say they need him longer? This is in no way a bash on the Pres, because I'm not even going there. :) DJ should be enjoying the fact that he is starting 6th grade and excited about what this year holds in store for him. But he is worried about wether his Dad will be home when he is supposed to. I just love this kid and his tender heart. I hope he never loses it.

Summer Colds...

2008-08-28T09:14:00.001-04:00

They suck....that's all.

Give me a break...

2008-08-27T21:12:00.002-04:00

Not 6 months ago the Clintons were telling the country how they couldn't trust Obama to run this country and how he was the wrong person for this job. And now they want everyone to believe that he is the one that is going to save our country from the last 8 years. Give me a flippin' break!!! Enough said!!!

Missing my husband...

2008-08-24T22:46:00.002-04:00

I am really missing Bruce tonight. Doesn't help when someone sends me a link to the Soldier Wall, at http://www.soldierwall.com/wall.php I remember going and looking on here when our friend Jay was deployed last year. I was sad for his lovely wife Kristin and thier kids, but it is so different when it's you. I'm missing him tonight and this song that Mark Dakota wrote is so moving. We are on the count down now, and I know time is gonna fly these next few months. I just can't wait, I'm so ready for my husband to be home. Don't get me wrong I love technology and being able to talk on the phone and on email, but it just isn't the same as being face to face to talk. Pray for me please that I can make it these last few months and for strength for Bruce to finish up his tour over and come home safely to us!!!

I miss my best friend.

Kimmarie Tagged Me....

2008-08-24T13:05:00.002-04:00

If you are tagged, you must first post the rules:
* Write 7 strange characteristics about yourself. They interest us all!
* Tag 6 other people at the end of your Post.
* Visit everyone that you have tagged and leave a comment on their blog to let them know that they have been tagged.

1) All three of my sons were delivered by C Section
2) I have a tattoo on my left ankle, that surprises most people
3) I don't know how to say "no" to people very often, but I'm working on it
4) I feel guilty a lot, about a lot of things, things I shouldn't feel guilty about
5) I can dance like there is no tomorrow and love it
6) I am way too nice sometimes, and people are shocked when I'm not, I have bad days too
7) I'm super shy until I get to know you and then you can't shut me up

So now I have to tag 6 people, who will the lucky ones be?

Kristin, Krystin, Jolene, Trisha, Beth, Nicole

Love ya girls!!!

End of Summer Survey

2008-08-24T12:54:00.002-04:00

End of Summer Survey!
Remember everything you did this summer!

Did u go to the beach? We just got from a beach on a lake

Did u have a summer romance? On the phone and internet, does that count? :)

Did someone tell u they loved you? Everyday

What is your favorite summer moment? Hanging with family in friends the whole summer

Did something awesome and cool happen this summer? My boys and I all turned a Yr. older ?

What is the best movie you saw this summer? What Happens In Vegas, hilarious!!!

Did u read any books this summer? Not much reading this summer, a few Karen Kingsbury

Had any all nighters? I'm too old for all nighters...

Had any sleepovers? We were gone all summer so we sleptover a lot of places

went to any pool parties? yes, and itw as awesome

Went boy/girl watching? uh, NO

Make any new friends? No new friends, but grew closer to some other friends

Was this the summer before college for you? No

Did you watch Camp Rock on Disney Channel? No, but I did listen from the other room a few times...

Did you go anywhere besides the beach? Visted friends and family in VA, GA, and IN and just got back Camp of the Woods, great summer!!!

Did you see The Dark Knight? Nope, and don't plan on it either

Did you kiss someone this summer? Only my three little men to be...

Any hearts broken? DJs when he found out he didn't weigh enough to play football, broke his Mom's heart too

Do you wish you could change anything? I'd have Bruce home to enjoy it all with us

Are you ready for the school year? Oh yeah, definately, escpecially when the kids are fighting...

Do you think this summer was better then last years? No, because Bruce was home last year

In one word describe this summer? Traveling

OK, I'm tagging my blogging friends out there, if I have a link on my blog to yours you are tagged!!! :) Not naming names as you know who you are!!!

Going on vacation again....

2008-08-15T19:29:00.003-04:00

I know, I know, I just got home. But we are off again for another adventure tomorrow. :) Tomorrow we are headed to Camp of the Woods.

http://www.camp-of-the-woods.org/About/COTW-About.shtml

It's a Christian camp with all sorts of fun things to do. Think Dirty Dancing except it's run by Christians and there is no Dirty Dancing. :) We have a room right on the lake and we get to go white water rafting, canoeing, hiking, zip line. It should be loads of fun, and great photo ops I'm sure. Just wanted to let everyone know where we were headed so you weren't wondering why I wasn't posting for awhile. :)

Especially about our Awesome American Athletes over in China right now who are kicking serious butt in the medals race. GO USA!!! :)

Was great seeing USA take Gold and Silver in the woman's all around last night, another night of staying up too late watching all that stuff!!! :)

GO TEAM USA!!!

I will see you all back in a week!!!

Later gaters!!!

Stay out of trouble while I'm away!!! and if you don't make sure you post about it on your blog so I can read all about it!!

XOXOXO

We Live In Hope...

2008-08-13T18:32:00.003-04:00

One sunny day in 2008, an old man approached the White House from across Pennsylvania Ave., where he'd been sitting on a park bench. He spoke to the Marine standing guard and said, "I would like to go in and meet with President Obama." The Marine replied, "Sir, Mr. Obama is not the President and doesn't reside here" The old man said, "Okay," and walked away. The following day the same man approached the White House and said to the same Marine, "I would like to go in and meet with President Obama." The Marine replied, "Sir, as I said yesterday, Mr. Obama is not the President and doesn't reside here" The old man thanked him and walked away. The third day, the same man approached the White House and spoke to the very same Marine, saying "I would like to go in and meet with President Obama" The Marine, understandably agitated at this point, looked at the man and said "Sir, this is the third day in a row you have been here asking to speak to Mr.Obama. I've told you already several times that Mr. Obama is not the President and doesn't reside here. Don't you understand?" The old man answered, "Oh, I understand you fine, I just love hearing your answer!" The Marine snapped to attention, saluted, and said see you tomorrow Sir."

This guy is amazing...

2008-08-13T07:29:00.004-04:00

I can't even imagine being so young and yet accomplishing so much as Michael Phelps. This guy has done it again, winning gold medals number 10 and 11 yesterday. Makes your proud to be an American doesn't it?

I tried not to stay awake last night and watch the girls gymnastics. It was on so darn late. I DVRd it to watch this morning, but as soon as I started watching I couldn't stop. I cringed everytime one of the girls messed up and cheered everytime they stuck a landing or did a cool move. Which to me is pretty much everything they do. How they jump on that balance beam w/o falling off, most of the time, is amazing. I know they went there for gold, they all did, but silver isn't so bad!!! So kudos to all those young ladies who did a great job!!!

A Fun Layout

2008-08-12T19:10:00.002-04:00

Here is a layout my friend Patti did for me. I gave her this pic of Jack from down in GA to scrap. I knew she would do it justice. We were all playing poker and he had my sunglasses on like he was a player. He is such a nut and Patti did such a great job with it. I just had to share it with ya'll~!!! Thanks Patti!!!

The Olympics

2008-08-12T10:12:00.004-04:00

So we have been watching the Olympics every night staying up way too late. I hate that all the sports we want to watch aren't on until 10 or later. I guess I should start DVRing it all so I can watch it the next day. I'm so tired the next day that I've been falling asleep and taking naps.

Two nights ago we stayed up and watched the American win the relay race and I was screaming so loud I woke up Jack who had fallen asleep. I was so excited to see them win and see how excited the four of them were. I loved the looks on all of thier faces and how proud they were. Then when they do the medal ceremony and hearing our national anthem, it always chokes me up. I'm so proud to be an American and I'm so proud of these athletes that are over there, I feel like I'm there when I hear that song. And my heart just flows with joy and pride for each of these young men and women representing our country.

So last night we were watching the men's gymnastics, well Adam and I were anyways. Adam asked me who I was rooting for. He thought maybe I was rooting for the Chinese since they were so impressive. I told him of course not we are rooting for our own country Adam. So we had to have this whole discussion about pride for your country and patriotism which I'm not really sure my 7 year old understood. Everytime one of the guys messed up on one of the aparatus' I just cringed and felt so bad for them. I feel like it's me out there and my heart just goes out to them. I was so excited when they were leading, then got so nervous as they started slipping. But they never gave up and the kept going and going up the very last routine and they still medaled. The underdogs that they didn't think would medal at all and the earned the bronze. So kudos to the men's gymnastics team!!!

Then of course there is the much talked about Michael Phelps. I kind of felt sorry for the "Fab Four" from the relay race, as all the buzz was about Phelps. He tied the record last night with the most gold medals of any olympian, very cool. We will definately be watching him go for the record of 10 and 11 tonight.

So just a proud American here posting about her fellow Americans who are doing our country proud!!!

OK OK I owe you an update!!!

2008-08-08T21:02:00.004-04:00

So, I've been getting in trouble left and right for not posting an update to my blog. :) So here goes. Life isn't really all that exciting though. So I'm giving your fare warning, you may want to stop reading now. :)

The boys and I headed out of Indy Tuesday morning and drove the entire day until we got to New York around 7 pm. The thought of stopping at a hotel and getting out and getting the boys out and the dog, don't forget the dog, was overwhelming. So we trucked through and made it in one day. It wasn't all that bad. The first three hours were not much fun. It was pouring down rain so bad that I considered turning around about 30 minutes into my trip to go back to Mom and Dad's. I'm sure my knuckles were white for the three hours we drove in that mess. It was really bad, the worse I've driven in ever I think. It was barely visible in front of us. But at last it lightened up and the sun started to shine for us. It still rained off and on all the way, but nothing like the beginning of the trip.

We haven't done anything exciting since we got home though. We've pretty much layed around and been rather lazy, in fact our clothes are still packed in our suitcases. but that is ok, because they are clean as I washed them all before we left Indy. I actually left the house today to get groceries for the boys, they were dying for some milk, poor guys. :)

We are actually having some friends come in tomorrow to visit that we haven't seen in a little while. So that should be fun, she is bringing her little boy to spend the night so he can hang out with my boys. So we have been trying to clean today so the house isn't a total disaster when they visit.

I'm hoping to scrap this weekend although my room is a mess. I just sort of dumped everything when we got home from Indiana. I need to unpack as I got all sorts of new goodies from shopping and our annual crop that my Secret Sistah totally spoiled me with. Thanks Kelli!!! I'm still trying to flatten those papers you gave me. I will try and see if I can post a pic. :)

We had a lot of fun visiting family and friends this summer. So thanks to everyone who let us stay at their homes for numerous days and put up with all of us, including Blue!!! :) (Special thanks to Chuck for that) :) I have all my other pics on discs and those are still packed up so I will have to post more pics from our summer late on.

So that is what we have been up to since we got home. Boring huh? Can't say I didn't warn you!!!

Greetings from Indiana

2008-07-29T09:22:00.002-04:00

Yes, we are still in Indiana. Can you believe it? No one has killed each other yet, and I don't think we are getting on each other's nerves, too much anyways. :)

We've been having a lot of fun just hanging out. Mom and I have been doing a bit of shopping and scrapbooking. While the boys are either playing outside, playing the Wii or just having a ball with thier cousins. DJ has spent the last 2 nights there actually. Tonight we are spending the night with Aunt Nicole and going to see the free movie tomorrow morning. Will probably pick up the girls to hang out with us.

Since my last post Mom and I took an adventure along with her long time friend Cathy. We drove down to a B&B in Kentucky for a scrapbooking weekend with some of our SBO Sistahs!!! We had so much fun visiting with everyone and getting great new ideas to scrap with. Thanks to Celeste, we all made a bunch of cards to send to Bruce to pass out to his guys to use while they are over there. I think there ended up being about 40 cards or so. I also managed to get a few layouts done too, I need to take pics so I can post them in my gallery at SBO. It's always a good time when we get together. I'm sure we get a lot more giggling and laughing done than actually scrapbooking, but hey it's totally worth it.

While we were away Dad and Dan took care of the boys for me. So sweet of them. Dan actually took Adam and DJ out to the girls house to take care of thier horses while they were away for the weekend. Adam loved getting up early and helping Dan get the horses out and take care of cleaning up the stalls and feeding them. He can't quit talking about it actually. DJ got to do the not so fun job of cleaning up after the horses, he hasn't said too much about it since. :) Jack had a great time with Dad it seems. He loved having papaw all to himself. They ate out all weekend, and went to play Putt Putt and went to church together, where Jack as always, made quite an impression. As he does everywhere he goes. :) After church they drove out to the cemetary so they could visit Uncle Jack's grave, which little Jack had requested to do. Dad said he was a bit emotional, but they prayed over his grave and then went on to visit other family members, like my grandmother who passed away before I was born.

All in all it was a great weekend had by all!!!

Since getting home from there we've just been staying close to home, other than our shopping trips, and our visits to Mexico for margarita night of course. :) This past weekend we did go to my Mom's family reunion. I know she had a great time visiting her aunts and cousins, but the more we go it seems the less people we know. Mom made the comment if all of us hadn't gone, which was 10 there wouldn't have been too many people there this year. It gets smaller and smaller that's for sure. It was nice seeing the aunts and uncles I do know, and got to visit with. We did miss seeing our cousins Little John and Jess though!!! Maybe next time!!! :)

Last night we went to Mexico for the Mariachi band, I took Adam and Jack and they really enjoyed it. It was a bit loud though, so funny. Jack asked if they knew any Elvis songs, sadly they did not.

I haven't downloaded my photos the past few weeks, but I will and then I will post some photos from the summer.

Take care and I will see all my NYer friends soon!!!

July 16,2002

2008-07-16T00:17:00.002-04:00

That is a date I will never forget. It's the day that we went from being a family of 4 to a family of 5 with the birth of our little man Jack. When I first found out I was pregnant just 4 short months after giving birth to our second son Adam, I was not real excited about the impending arrival of this new little person in our home. Six years later and many many many laughs I wouldn't trade him for anything in the world. He has brought so much joy into everyone's life that knows him. You can't spend five minutes with this kid without smiling or laughing. God must have known our family of 4 wasn't quite complete. Here is a pic of Jack, that is just so Jack.

This particular date holds another special place in my heart. As I was going in that morning for my scheduled C-section. My dear friend Dorothy was going into the hospital as well, for a kidney transplant. Dorothy was my boss at The Mulberry Bush, a daycare I worked at in Clarksville. You couldn't ask for a better boss than "D" as we so fondly refer to her. :) Not only was she my boss, she was a wonderful friend who I still call my friend to this day!!! "D" had problems with her kidneys for a long time and they were getting to where they weren't functioning that well at all. Her amazing husband Gregg was her living donor. That is one loving husband!!! We used to joke all the time about "D" and her kidney transplant, and no one had a better sense of humor about it than she did. Her and I would joke about it all the time. To the point that some of the other employees didn't think it was a laughing matter. But that is typical Dorothy style to laugh it off. I love that about her. My favorite memory of her is at my last Christmas Party right before I left Ft Campbell and we were all opening up our gift exchange presents and I was Dorothy's secret santa. She was so suprised to find out that I'd had her. We had to give gifts the whole week before and some of the gifts I gave her was a can of kidney beans, a pill box (for all her pills she has to take for the rest of her life) and some other gifts that were funny and light. Dorothy got the biggest kick out of all those gifts and thought it was the funniest thing. For her final gift I'd given her a scrapbook with a poem that I had written to her and I can't remember everything I wrote in it but I know the final lines on it were something like this...

" July 16th was so wacky and wild, you got a new kidney, I got a new child"

The look on her face was priceless. She was crying and I was crying. I literally left from that party and drove out of town for our next duty station, so I was a mess. But before I left, Dorothy, Patty and a few other girls stood up and sang me "That's What Friends are For" I will never forget as long as I live how sad I was to leave Clarksville TN. I know that people there loved me and they knew how much I loved them. It was our very first duty station in the Army and one I will never forget. That is because of the amazing people I met there like Dorothy!!!

I love you Dorothy, even though we don't see each other very often and don't talk all the time!!! You will forever be in my heart and every year when we celebrate Jack's birthday I will always be thinking of you too my friend!!!

Happy Birthday Jack!!!

Happy Birthday to Dorothy/Gregg's Kidney!!!! :)

After a loooong drive....

2008-06-29T05:27:00.002-04:00

I finally made it down to Patty and Chuck's new house down in Virginia. Was worried I'd never make it. We got a really late start on Friday and then on the way out of town a friend noticed a nail in my tire. Great!!! So after stopping by Goodyear on the way out of town to have that taken care of, we finally got on the road at almost 7 that night. I had every intention of driving as far as possible to make the rest of the drive on Saturday a little more bearable. I drove until around 11:30 and stopped at a not so nice Lodge, but was cheap and took pets... I called Patty and gave her the 411 on our location in case the boys and I were never heard from again. :) After getting a good nights sleep we got back up and headed out around 6:30. Uneventful drive yesterday thank goodness. It was beautiful out.

Got to Patty's around 4 and was pretty beat from being in the car for so long. Got the 15 cent tour of her house. It's gorgeous, and I love all of her color choices. We hung out for a bit and then took the kids swimming at her old apt complex, they had so much fun. Patty and I were talking about how awesome it is that we haven't seen each other for exactly a year and the kids just pick up like they saw each other last week. We always hope these kiddos have this connection with one another. We've decided it helps since thier Moms do too.

We are hoping to take the kids to a water park today, they are going to be so excited. Will try and get some pics to post on here before I take off. We are all so excited to be here finally.

I love that no matter how far away we move that I know we will always have lifelong friend with the Bartlett's.

Will post more on our adventures later!!!

Late nights....and cell phones!!!

2008-06-22T01:19:00.005-04:00

I hate nights like this. It's almost 1:30 in the morning and I should easily be passed out in bed. But here I sit surfing the web wide awake. It's been a long time since I couldn't sleep. Maybe it's the new meds the doc put me on for this allergic reaction thing or maybe it's just me. The boys were having a rough night going to bed tonight and Jack comes out crying how much he misses Daddy and asks if we can call him. Bruce got a cell phone not too long ago and we can now call him when we want. Except that Jack came out at 9:30 which is 4:30 the next morning for Bruce. I kind of gave Bruce a hard time about getting the cell phone actually. But now it seems so worth it. It was so nice to be able to pick up a phone and be able to call him and let the boys hear his voice when they needed to. Even though the boys were still upset when they got off the phone they were able to get to sleep. Bruce was a trooper even though we woke him up. He's such a good daddy!! I thought it would be easy for me to lay down and go to sleep too, but I guess not. Thank goodness for our modern day convienences though, I can't imagine going through this deployment without emails and phone calls.

So does anyone have any good websites for to check out? :)

Father's Day!!!

2008-06-16T11:33:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was Father's Day and it was a hard day. Not only do I not get to see my Dad on that special day this year, but my boys didn't get to spend it with thier Daddy either. Add to that it was Bruce's first Father's Day he couldn't pick up the phone to wish his dad a Happy Father's day and to be so far away from all of us who love him so much. It was a rough day on him I'm sure, not that he would ever let us hear it in his voice. We did get to talk to him twice yesterday which was nice and he sounded in good spirits. We had a great service at church yesterday, totally dedicated to our Dad's. It was very emotional for me and for a lot of people there. DJ had a rough time for a little bit but he got through it. Adam and Jack did just fine, which I'm happy for that and sort of sad. It's totally true the old saying "Out of sight out of mind" I'm not saying we don't think about Bruce all the time and we don't miss him everyday, because there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him or mention him to the boys. But I think for the boys it is just a coping mechanism. It really hit me though when Adam, who believe it or not is the one that has the least emotion when it comes to talking about Daddy brought home his gift from school to send to Bruce. It was a poem that he wrote and in it he says his favorite thing about his Dad is that he only has to be in the Army for 5 more years and then he gets to stay home with him. It broke my heart and made me realize that he is effected a lot by Bruce being gone even if he doesn't show it. I just wanted to wish all the Dad's in my life a very Happy Father's Day and I love you all.

Here is a pic of Bruce that he sent me of him and some local children at a opening ceremony of a youth center for them:

Rough times for 1st BDE

2008-06-09T08:43:00.002-04:00

It's only the 9th of June and 1st BDE has already lost 5 soldiers. My heart goes out to all these families and to everyone these losses touch. Which is pretty much everyone I know. When you hear about a death your first instinct is to think of your loved one that is over there. Wether it's your husband, your son, your brother or sister. I know it sounds funny to say I feel lucky. I feel lucky because for the most part my husband stays behind a desk out of harms way 99% of the time. For some of my other friends, thier husbands are in infantry units which is obviously more dangerous. My heart aches for them and what they must be feeling. My good friend's husband is a chaplain and has had to deal with so many deaths since he's been there and though I don't know him really I think of him often and pray for him. For the things he's seen and heard, and what he must be going through as he does memorial ceremonies for these young men and women. I see how it effects his wife and I worry about her, how much she can take. Not only does she have to deal with her husband's safety but worries about his mindset with everything he goes through. She is so strong through it all and I really admire her for that. I know that she couldn't do it without Christ to cling to during this. That's how we all make it through each day. We put our husband's in His hands to protect them and keep them safe. Not only thier bodies but thier minds and thier spirit as well. I know for me personally it makes it easier for me to get up everyday and focus on what I have to do back home, while he is over there.

So to all my fellow Army wives I'm so proud of you all and I love you guys and pray for you and your husband's everyday. HOOAH!!! :)

Saying Goodbye...

2008-06-05T08:44:00.002-04:00

Last night I went to a going away party for a friend who is moving to a new Army post, aka PCSing in the Army world. We had a great time sitting around eating dinner and just talking. Someone made a video with pics of our time together with beautiful music. It was just a great time of fellowship. It got me to thinking though of all the friends I've made along the way in this Army journey I somehow signed up for when my husband signed on the dotted line. I've made amazing friends at every post we've been stationed at. This is our 5th duty station since Bruce and I got married.

It's never easy to move to a new place and have to meet new friends. But there is a women's ministry at each of these posts I've been at called PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel) a women's bible study group. I found this group on our 3rd duty station in Maryland. It has truly been a life save for me. You go to this group and it's like you have built in friendships just waiting for you to show up. Obviously you don't always click with everyone, but it's just been so great at how wonderful this group of ladies are.

The ladies at Ft Drum are no different. I've been here for three years and I've made some really great friends, that I know I will be friends with for life. I've been so blessed to have made friends like this at each duty station. To all those friends you know who you are, I love you guys and you all hold a special place in my heart!!!

So to the Voyles family who are leaving tomorrow to thier next chapter in the Army world good luck and know that your family will be missed!!!

The Garden

2008-06-04T11:12:00.003-04:00

So I DO NOT have a green thumb. I can't keep plants alive for anything. It's a miracle all three boys are still breathing. :) Just kidding!!! So I had sort of decided not to really do anything with the garden this year, since Mr. Green Thumb himself wasn't going to be here. Well since plans changed so did the garden idea. :)

Bruce spent a lot of time while he was home and the boys were at school working on the garden and the yard. He and the boys planted a garden on the side of the house growing, carrots, radishes and of all things corn. Three of the boys faves. :) Then he took out all the rocks we had before and put in timbers that look really good. He then planted beautiful flowers and he put the bigger rocks in the middle and painted some things around the porch. Then we got a lovely garden statue from Mom & Dad and Jon & Lori, that looks great in there.

So after much hard work this is our garden after Bruce finished it:

Adam turns 7!!!! Where has the time gone?

2008-06-04T09:48:00.006-04:00

So my middle son Adam had a birthday this past Sunday, June 1st. He is now a 7 year old, YEAH!!! We sort of ended up celebrating his birthday a few times actually. We had a surprise party for all the three boys the night before Bruce left to go back to Iraq. We figured it was pretty close to all three of theirs and Daddy was home so why not right? :) Here are a few pics from that night:

Then we went home to Indiana and had a celebration with my family. The cousins and uncles and aunt!!! We had so much fun!!! It's always nice being with family on our special days!!! Here are a few pics from that celebration:

Then for his actual birthday, we got up Sunday morning and went to church and came out and it was sprinkling outside. But I said what the hey, let's drive down to Syracuse and hopefully the weather will clear up and we can go to the zoo down there. The one in Watertown is a poor excuse for a zoo. So the further we drove sout the better the weather got. It was a perfect day to go to the zoo. It wasn't busy, it a was a bit cloudy, but still warm. But not so hot you were miserable and the animals were out. So it was a great day and Adam said the cutest thing. We were walking up to the elephants I think and he said " Mommy I just want to thank God for making animals, because if He hadn't made animals there wouldn't be animals for me to love" Is he sweet or what? He got super excited when I told him the Adam in the bible is the one that got to name all the animals, he thought that was really cool. Just goes to show you we picked the perfect name for this kid!!!

Happy Birthday Adam, I love you Sunshine!!!!

Slide Show

2008-06-03T17:23:00.001-04:00

Here are a few pics of our month:

Where did May go?

2008-06-03T16:29:00.002-04:00

I can't believe I didn't post a single thing in May. It was a busy busy month for us. As some of you know, Bruce's dad passed away unexpectedly the beginning of May and he flew in from Iraq to attend the funeral. Thank you to everyone who sent cards and prayers and good thoughts.

With the heartache of why Bruce had to come home, we did get to spend a few more weeks with him that we weren't expecting. So that was a blessing in disguise. He came home in January for his R&R so we weren't expecting to see him again until Christmas time. It was good for all of use to see him again. I think the boys were starting to get missing daddy crazy, so he came home at a good time.

Bruce and I went to Maine for the funeral for a few days and my dear friend Rachel watched the boys for me. She is such a dear. Then we came home and spent the rest of his 2 weeks leave just hanging out with the boys. We took the boys fishing, to the park, we went out to eat, and we played games. It was so nice to be in a normal family setting again. That is what I miss the most when he is gone, our family time together.

Jack got to do the Drake tradition and got his first shooting lesson with Daddy. Bruce made sue he took each one of them and spent one on one time with them. It was so nice for all of them.

After seeing how rough it was in January when Bruce left and how awful the boys were I thought we needed a change of scenery, as my friend Leslie called it, and I decided at the last minute to go home to Indiana for the long Memorial Day weekend. We actually stayed a few extra days to boot. It was the best decision. The boys had so much fun hanging out with grandma and papaw and thier cousins. And Uncle Jon and Aunt Lori too. Uncle Dan took them to a movie and played football with them and we all played the Wii together. That was fun and made my arms sore the next day.

We took 2 days to drive home and we decided to stop at Niagra Falls to stay the night. DJ had been to the falls a few times and I've never been and neither had the little ones, so we went. We just went to the American side, since we didn't have our birth certificates with us. It was a lot of fun and it was really pretty there. We really want to go back sometime and go to the Canadian side.

I just wanted to give everyone and update with what is going on with us. May was a crazy month for us for sure. The rest of the summer is looking like a lot of the same business. But that is alright with us, if ever there was a time we wanted time to fly it would be NOW!!!

TO all reading thanks for not giving up on me and I will try to be better about updating what is going on here!!!

Have a great week!!!

Thank You

2008-04-18T19:02:00.001-04:00

A big thank you shout out to two of my friends who have been so sweet to me today. Just coming over and hanging out, when I've had such a bad day, a bad week. Thanks for coming over and helping me out and just hanging out with me. :) Love you girls!!!

I'm Still Here.....Don't Lose Hope....Keep Visiting Often...

2008-04-05T21:58:00.001-04:00

I know I have been so bad about keeping up with my blog lately. Sorry to all my friends who actually read it to get updates on our lives. I’m so bad about calling people back lately, or emailing. So if that is one of you my dear friends my deepest apologies to you.

I guess the main reason no new what nots is there isn’t much to tell. Life has been relatively boring lately. Which really is a blessing right?

Bruce is doing really well. I just talked to him today and he sounded in good spirits. He got good news that he is moving from the BN at the end of the month to Brigade to be the new Public Affairs Officer. Which will be great for him since that is his new MOS now. He is really excited to get the opportunity to do this. It is the job he had when he was in the Marine Corps and he loved it, so I’m really excited for him. It’s not often he sounds like he’s in a good mood when he calls so that was nice. The boys all got to chat for a few minutes with him and tell him about their report cards, that was good. Sometimes he can only get a chance to call while they are at school.

The boys and I went to PA last weekend to scrapbook with some of my friends from SBO. Special thanks to Kelli and her Mom for letting us invade their home. We had a great time. The weather was beautiful the whole time, so the kids could actually play outside, which was nice. It was a wee bit warmer there and no snow, as Adam kept pointing out.

The boys got their report cards this week. They all did really well. DJ got straight A’s again, first time in 5th grade. He’d always gotten straight A’s up until this year. He did well before, but it’s nice to see him working up to his full potential that I know he can do. Adam got all great checks where he was supposed to and is doing really well in his reading and his writing. He is very imaginative in his writing and loves to draw pictures with his stories. Future writer maybe? Then there is Jack, who also got great marks everywhere he is supposed to as well. He is actually a year ahead in his reading and his sight words. He knows a lot of Adam’s words from this year, will work with him over the summer probably. My favorite thing on Jack’s report card was in the comment section where Mrs. Oliver wrote, “Jack always walks in each morning with a smile, and always makes me laugh.” Is that our Jack or what?

I took the boys to the dentist this week and two of them walked out in the cavity free club and one did not. Even though when Jack walked out he proudly proclaimed “No Cavities” today Mommy!!! All the while the nurse behind him is shaking her head at me. It appears that he was confused when she told him he didn’t have to have anything done today with them. He has lost a few of his fillings that he’d received before. The hygienist said he is a handful isn’t he? I was like oh yeah. It’s so funny that everyone has that first impression of him. She had a hard time cleaning his teeth because he wouldn’t quit talking to her and asking a million questions. Yep that’s Jack alright. He gets that from Bruce obviously right?

It looks like we are going to be heading to Indiana next weekend to stay with my parents for a week while we are on spring break. Unfortunately it didn’t work out to go to TN to visit Patty and Co. Hopefully they will be able to come up and visit with us while I’m home.

Had fun scrapping with a few of my friends today, though I didn’t get anything done. It’s always nice to sit around and just chat and hang with good friends.

Well I guess that is about it for now. I hope to get some pics off my camera and loaded on here in a few days.

Bruce is the best Dad ever

2008-03-03T16:10:00.004-05:00

The boys got a package in the mail today from Bruce. He sent them some new movies and letters and two special friends. He sent us two little stuffed puppies, Spike and Tracker. Along with the pups he sent a CD that we put in the computer and it's a book that he wrote for the boys about the two pups along with his voice reading the book to them. It's so cute, and the boys loved it. Here are the different pictures in the book that he used:

Welcome to the Story of Spike and his day in Iraq. Here is Spike’s house in Iraq. It is small and made of metal with two windows and a door.

This is the inside of Spike’s room in Iraq. See how his bed is made nice and neat. Spike likes a clean room to live in.

In the morning, after he wakes up, Spike likes to go running with his friend Tracker. Tracker is another dog that Spike works with in Iraq

After Spike runs with Tracker, he goes to work on the computer. Some days, he is on it from morning until night.

After work is over for the day, sometimes Tracker comes over to play games with Spike. They both like to play chess. Sometimes Spike even lets Tracker win!

Some nights, Spike and Tracker play Poker like their friends Marti Drake and her Mommy, Grandma Heck. Spike is going to win this hand.

After the games are over, Spike knows the best thing is for him to get a good night’s sleep so he can work the next day. Soon he’ll be home in New York with his friend Tracker. Until then, it is best to say Good Night for now and may you also have pleasant dreams.

The beginning of my adventure....

2008-02-20T11:55:00.006-05:00

So most of you know that I went on a Superbowl Cruise with my parents and my brother Jon and his lovely wife Lori. We had so much fun. But first I have to say a humongous thank you to my dear friend Rachel who watched my little guys so I could take this fabulous vacation. I really missed Bruce a lot while there who couldn't go because of being deployed. But I already signed us up to go next year after he gets home. He's gonna love it and it will be nice to be a couple.

It was a trip that almost didn't happen. I got stuck in Syracse when I was trying to flyout to FL at first due to weather, than to mechanical failure on Delta's part. Something to do with thier deicing equipment on the plane. So Delta was great to me, put me in a taxi with a nice older gentleman and drove us to Rochester and put us up in a nice hotel, and gave up vouchers for dinner, breakfast and lunch. Took us to the airport in the morning to flyout, only to find out my flight was delayed. OY!!! But at last I got to New York Kennedy just in time to catch a flight to FT. Lauderdale. I landed at about 2:20 and had to be on the ship by 3:00. Luckily the airport is close to the docks, and I made it. And my lovedly family and friends that I met up with, FINALLY, had drinks waiting for me!!! gotta love that :)

This is the Navigator of the Seas, the ship we were on:

So the cruise was amazing, I'm so glad I went. I had so much fun. I was a little seasick the first night at dinner because our table was right by the window so we watched the water go by. Makes me dizzy now just thinking about it. But other than that I did pretty well with it.

Of course we sailed the rest of Saturday and just hung out by the rails upstairs and watched the land disappear. Lori and I did a little Electric Slide with the dancers on the pool deck. So much fun. Then of course Judy got a piece of a$$ from the dancer guy on board.!!!

Then Sunday was the SuperBowl of course. :) We had so much fun hanging out in one of the lounges watching the game. I thought for sure my brother was going to get into a fight with all the Patriot fans around us, he was being a wee bit obnoxious. :) Lori of course had gameday goodies for everyone. I ended up with a football necklace!!! I wore it proudly, as I rooted for the Giants. Although at halftime, we'd had all we could take of the Pats fans, and Lori, Denice and I headed out to show on board of music from the 70s and 80s, which was awesome. At the end of the show the cruise director came out and was talking and his cell phone went off, and he was like excuse me please.... then said " I thought you all might like to know that the New York Giants are the new Superbowl Champions"

So of course we were screaming and hollering and high fiving each other. Others were cringing. :) I heard we missed a great end to the game though. Oh well, the Giants won and that was the important part. :)

My Jamaician Adventure

2008-02-20T11:00:00.012-05:00

Monday we pulled in Jamaicia Mon. :) The weather didn't look very promising, very cloudy. In fact while we were walking down the plank thing we got poured on. It rained for a little while, but a warm rain. Then we found our tour guide, Phil, boy was he a talker. So proud of his country and all the flowers and plants. We learned lots we didn't want to know or could even remember. He was super nice though!!! He drove us into Ocho Rios (Eight Rivers) and we went to the famous Dunn River Falls.

It was scary looking but we all conquered it without anyone getting seriously injured, one guy lost a toenail, but that was pretty much it. We actually climbed up the water falls. I didn't think I'd be able to do it when I saw it.

We all did a great job though. They actually stopped quite a bit, as we waited for those in front of us to go. There were some spots that were scarier than others, and we stepped in a lot of holes, and lots of slippery rocks. Thanks goodness for our water shoes. It was great!! I'd do it again in a heartbeat!!!

After climbing the Falls Phil took us to a nice little off the road type place to eat.

We had real Jamacian food, all kind of different meats, and fried bread, and well it was delicious. And some Jamaician rum, that was really strong.

After we left the Falls, Phil drove us into a not so nice part of Jamaicia and I was a little bit nervous. Especially when he stopped because of people blocking the road. I've seen way too many movies and could just see the guys coming out with machine guns and killing us all or kidnapping the Americans. My imagination ran a little wild. :) But all was good as he took us to another part of Dunn River to go tubing down it. That was a lot of fun too.

I of course was the only one that flipped over in my tube after I ran into a big rock. Luckily I was right by the edge and grapped a tree root to stop, then out of no where this man jumps in and saves, regular day Robin Hood. He helped me get my tube back and got on it, and I contiued down the river where everyone had left me. :) They couldn't help it, the current had taken them away.

So then we got out for a bit, and jumped off a cliff into the water, right where the guy had jumped in to save me. I can't believe that my Dad actually jumped off the ledge too, I was so proud of him, and worried about his back. But he did great, and wasn't sore at all. Here we all are after we jumped in:

We finished up in Jamaicia with a little shopping before we got back on the ship. I bought a few souviniers for the boys and that was about it.

The boys at Dry Hill

2008-02-20T09:31:00.003-05:00

So this past Sunday, DJ had a ski day with Boy Scouts. He earned his first Merit Badge as a Boy Scout. He earned his Snow Sports Badge. He was a bit bummed when we got there and he had to ski instead of snowboard. He went snowboarding last year and loved it. He was a little nervous he'd fall and break something skiing. But when I saw him come down the hill the first time, after about an hour of lessons, he had a huge grin on his face and gave me two thumbs up. He is definately hooked I think. I asked if he liked it better than snowboarding but he said no, that is was a tie. Here is a few pics of him with his skis.

While DJ was off learning how to ski, I took Adam and Jack over to the tubing part. Jack absolutely loved it, and I thought it was fun. Adam went down one time and decided that wasn't for him. He was scared he was going to flip over in the tube, no matter how many times I promised him it wouldn't. And even though we never saw anyone flip over. It was nice because all we had to do was sit in the tube and be drup up the hill to slide back down. No work involved, my kind of fun. Here are a few pics of these crazy boys.

We all had a really fun time for the most part!!!!

Thieves In Iraq...

2008-02-20T09:23:00.003-05:00

So I guess it doesn't matter that my husband is in the middle of a war zone, he can still have his identity stolen. Or at least his debit card number. Some how someone got a hold of Bruce's debit card number, because he still has his card, and have charged over 3600.00 to our checking account in Brazil. Nice huh? So, for the past few days I've been on the phone with our bank trying to rectify this situation. I have no idea how this happened or when or where. But just beware of the threat if you husband is deployed, that it can happen. My friend seems to think that maybe when Bruce used his card in Kuwait, on the way back from R&R someone got a hold of his number then, and maybe printed a new card which takes a few weeks I guess, which would be about the time that this happened. So now I get to deal with that headache for a week or so. Since it may take up to 10 days for them to reverse all the charges. Don't be jealous!!!! Just pray it all gets taken care of please!!!

Wow, it's been almost a month!!!

2008-02-20T09:04:00.002-05:00

Where has the time flown? I can't believe it's been so long since I posted anything. I have been super busy the past few weeks I guess. No time to sit and write down my thoughts and our going ons. I will have to break all of our adventures down into a few posts though. Too much info overload to put into one.

The boys are on winter break this week, typically the coldest week of the year. It hasn't been too bad temp wise, and we haven't gotten too much snow. In fact a lot of the snow started melting on Sunday because of the rain, and some more yesterday morning. Then we got hit with a big band of snow last night and got a few more inches. You have to love Lake Effect Snow!!!

Sorry I've been MIA...

2008-01-21T07:39:00.000-05:00

We have been enjoying our time with Bruce and haven't been online much since he's been here. Today is our last day though, we take him to the airport tomorrow morning!!! We can't believe how the time flew by. I was almost in tears last night as we were watching the playoff games and I looked over and Jack had fallen asleep in Bruce's lap, and Bruce was just rubbing his head, kind of looking far off. I always kind of think of how this deployment is effecting me and the boys, and not so much Bruce. It's really selfish. We at least have each other to lean on for comfort, he has no one really. I could tell he was thinking it's gonna be a long time til I get to do this again. It doesn't help Jack not leaving his side, and reminding Daddy how many days he has left. "I want to snuggle with you Daddy, you only have 2 days left." So sad, but so true!!!

So I'm sure I will be back in a few days, with my normally bubbly attitude. And to post pics of some of the fun stuff we did while Bruce was home. If everyone could please remember him in your prayers while he is traveling the next two days that would be great!!! Thanks everyone!!!! "see ya" in a few days!!!

Happy Birthday Jon!!!!

2008-01-12T13:23:00.000-05:00

Birthday wishes going out to my big brother Jon down in Georgia!!! Man is he getting old!!! :) He's 44 today, whoah nellie!!! hope you have a wonderful day big bro!!!

Love you!!!!

Introducing our very own Boy Scout....

2008-01-11T20:49:00.000-05:00

Yes it has happened DJ isn't a little Cub Scout anymore. He can no longer wear his Webelos hat and hankerchief. As of 6:00 pm tonight he is officially a Boy Scout. He earned the highest honor a Cub Scout can receive, the Arrow of Light!!! We are so very proud of him, and I even teared up a little bit. Pride and sadness I guess, knowing he is growing up right before my eyes. Bruce and I are so proud of the young man he is turning out to be, and I know he has learned so much as a scout, and will continue to learn in years to come. He informed me yesterday that he would like to become and Eagle Scout, the highest you can go as a Scout. I'm just can't say it enough how proud of him we are. Just thought I'd share some pics of our handsome Boy Scout!!!

It is ON in my house....

2008-01-08T07:37:00.000-05:00

If I hear one more thing about the upcoming playoff games between the Patriots and Jaguars and between the Colts and the Chargers it will be too soon!!! Now that my darling husband is back, which we love, DJ has someone else on his side!!! It was bad enough to have to listen to DJ talk trash about the Colts. Now we are so blessed to have two of them. No fear though Colts fan, I still have the two little ones on my side, so we still have them outnumbered!! It's not that I don't like the Patriots, yeah right, but I just don't want to have to play them in Foxborough. I'm just being honest, so if Jacksonville could just do me this huge favor by knocking them out of the playoffs I' be eternally grateful. Is that asking for too much?

GO COLTS!!!!

Year in Review 2007

2008-01-07T08:47:00.000-05:00

I copied this from my friend Patty's Blog, so much fun!!! Though her year is much more interesting, I thought it would be fun to do, so what the hey!!!

Jauary 2007

Bruce turned 36

February 2007

The Colts won the Superbowl!!! (do I hear a repeat?) I HOPE SO!!!
Went to visit family in Indiana for Winter Break

March 2007

Bruce was in LA doing some training for his upcoming deployment

April 2007

Bruce came home from LA!!! YEah!!!
Enjoyed a visit from Mom and Dad during Spring Break
Horrible Winter Storm, that Mom and Dad were lucky enough to be here for
which is why they will never come back in April again!!!

May 2007

Enjoyed a road trip with Rachel down to KY for the SBO
Sistah Crop!!! I loved seeing Mom, Nicole, Beth, Kristy
Jolene, and Patty!!! Good times!!!

June 2007

Went and visited Bruce's family in Maine for a family reunion
Celebrated Adam's 6th Birthday there
It's absolutely beautiful there
DJ finished up 4th Grade
Adam finished up Kindergarten
Jack finished Pre-K and can't wait to go to big school in the fall

July 2007

I turned 35 (where did the time fly)
Our baby turned 5
Visited with the Bartlett's for a bit in TN, went to a waterpark with
them loads of fun, and had awesome Chinese food, thank you Mom Ketron!!!
Then on to GA to spend a few days with Jon and Lori, celebrating my niece,
Stephanie's graduation from HS!!! So proud of her!!!

August 2007

DJ turned 10, seriously where did the time go?
Got the boys ready for school and began the countdown for deployment
Went on a few day outings with Bruce and the boys, such great memories!!!

September 2007

Busy month for all of us!!!

We started the month off by saying goodbye to Bruce for 15 months, we sure
miss him but we are so proud of him!!! Love you babe!!!

The very next day, all my boys started back to school, DJ into 5th, Adam 1st,
and little Jack Kindergarten

FREEDOM for Mommy!!! :)

Then the next PWOC started back up, life saver, and I am the VP of Programs, it's
been a lot of fun preparing the programs for this amazing group of women I'm so
blessed to call my Sisters In Christ as well as my friends!!!

October 2007

Enjoyed a visit from my Dad for a few weeks
He helped me with a lot of projects around the house
Including totally revamping our garage with shelves and
organization (Bruce loves it by the way)
Thanks for all your help Dad
Enjoyed Halloween with my little Ninja Turtle, Scary Pirate, and Dark Spiderman!!!

November 2007

Dad stayed through the beginning of November to help take care of the boys while
I went away for 4 days with my PWOC sisters to Fall Focus in PA. It was so much fun, and a great time of fellowship and worshipping our Lord!!!
Went to West Point and spent Thanksgiving with the Fenske's, so much fun. DJ had fun playing on the field where the West Point Knights play!!! Learned a new game called Settlers of Catan also, that was loads of fun. Thanks for the hospitality!!!

December 2007

Enjoyed several Christmas parties at the beginning of the month
Went to Indiana for Christmas to celebrate with my whole family
Had a surprise party for Mom and Dad's 40th Anniversary!!!
And rung in the New Year with family and good friends!!!

It's been a crazy year for us!!! Started out sort of slow, but by summer we were going 120mph it seemed and it hasn't slowed down yet!!! but hey, when you are wanting time to fly, that's a good thing.

I pray each and everyone of you have an amazing 2008!!!

The Best Late Christmas Present Ever...

2008-01-06T14:58:00.001-05:00

So this past Thursday night I went to Syracuse and picked Bruce up from the airport for his R&R. It was so funny, he didn't realize I was allowed to go to the gate to meet him with my ID. So I was sitting there waiting, surely he won't be the first person off. But he was, and he was running off of the plane, it was so cute. He ran off so fast he ran behind the ticket counter instead of the way he was supposed to, and then he saw me and got this big grin on his face. It was so great to see him, and get a kiss and a hug!!! The boys stayed with my friend Angie over night and Bruce and I stayed in Syracuse for the night. Then we got up and did some shopping before we headed back to Watertown. We then picked up the boys at school and surprised them. I didn't get the best shots, as the boys buried thier faces into Bruce. But I was so excited to see how excited the boys were to see Bruce. DJ was in disbelief, and Jack was confused!!! They were so excited to see him, and we are just enjoying having him home, even if for a short time!!! Here are the pic of the boys with Bruce at school!!!

Happy New Year!!!

2008-01-06T13:34:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it is 2008 already. Time sure flies, even if you aren't having fun, though we did have a few great weeks in Indy. It's been quite a crazy few weeks in our house or out of our house. Things really never slowed down since Thanksgiving, truth be told. One Christmas party after another, then we all had a bought with the stomach flu, sans Jack, lucky dog. Right before we were heading home to Indiana for Christmas no less. Our trip to Indy was an easy one, fairly uneventful. Made great time, only took 12 hours, which is awesome. Especially with the three little people in the car who can never agree on when it's time to stop and use the bathroom. But they were all troopers and really didn't even argue much along the way. We got into Indy the Thursday before Chrismtas, and then were joined by my brother Jon and his family on Friday, we had lots of fun with them before they headed to Michigan to be with Lori's family on Christmas Day. We all went to church to listen to my Dad's solo in the choir, which was by far the best of everyone, and I'm not saying that because he's my Dad. I'm saying that because there wasn't much competition. :) Love you Dad!!! (LOL) I know a joyful noise. :)

Then after church that first Sunday Dad and I drove DJ to downtown Indy for the Colts/Texans game. A first for both DJ and I. I'd never seen a pro game myself, but DJ was as close to heaven as he's ever gonne be I think on earth. He loved everything about it, and was listing off everyone's stats and everything else he knew about football. It sounds very impressive to his Mom even if I have no idea what he is talking about most of the time. Here is a picture of he and I at the game.

Then we had Christmas morning at Mom and Dad's with my other brother's daughter's. It was lots of fun to have so many kids there on Christmas morning, always makes it more exciting. My mom loved having everyone there I'm sure. And it helped take some of the sting away that Bruce wasn't able to be with us. But he was there in spirit and in voice, as he made these before he left for Iraq to give the boys for Christmas. He did the voice boxes and I stuffed them after he left. I can't seem to post the video so here is a pic of the boys with them.

Jon and Lori and the kids came back down from Michigan and joined us a few days after Christmas, when we threw Mom and Dad a surprise 40th wedding anniversary party. Thier anniversary is actually at the end of January, but since this is the first time we've all been together in like 5 years we decided to do it now. It was a great turn out, and it was nice to see so many of my parents friends and families come out to help us celebrate. My parents were so excited and really surprised, it was so fun seeing the look of disbelief on thier faces. It meant so much to them to see all those faces looking at them when they walked in to the restaurant. So kudos to Lori who really did a great job pulling this off. I'm so glad Jon married someone so organized. :) And it was a great time to get pictures of the grandkids together. Who knows when that might happen again, with all of them growing up and going off to college!!! Here is a pic of the whole family, except for of course Bruce, who was surely missed by all. :)

Then of course we all rang in the New Year together at Mom and Dad's. It was great, we had a Texas Hold'm tournament, which Jon and I won. We had so much fun. We had some old friends there and some new ones too. It was a great visit over all, and we all had a really great time. I always love going home. And it really made this holiday bearable with Bruce being gone. So to all my family, thanks for putting up with me and my rugrats for 2 weeks. I know it's never quiet when we come home, and secretly you are glad to see us go, so you can get your house back and some peace and quiet, I can't blame you. So until next time, we love you guys and miss you all. Thanks for making this such a wonderful Christmas and New Year's for the boys and I.

Life's Been Busy!!!

2007-12-28T10:37:00.000-05:00

Can you believe how busy it is around the holidays? I have tons to write about but no time to sit and actually type it all out. So will be back soon to get that done. So keep checking back and I promise there will be an udate soon!!!

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and wishing you all a Happy New Year!!!

Shoveling Snow....

2007-12-12T09:42:00.001-05:00

I hate it.....that's all!!!

Christmas Tag stolen from Patty's Blog

2007-12-11T12:46:00.000-05:00

1. WRAPPING PAPER OR GIFT BAGS? For Christmas, I always wrap more fun to watch them rip it open, for birthdays I do a lot of bags, just becaue I'm always last minute

2. REAL OR FAKE TREE? Fake

3. WHEN DO YOU PUT UP THE TREE? Whenever I can find the time and energy to do it, we put ours up just last weekend this year

4. WHEN DO YOU TAKE THE TREE DOWN? Sometime after Christmas.......

5. DO YOU LIKE EGG NOG? It's alright, not my fave

6. FAVORITE GIFT RECEIVED AS A CHILD? I remember getting the Atari, and not being able to play it because we were grounded from the TV

7. DO YOU HAVE A NATIVITY SCENE? I have 2, a Home Interiors bear one and the Little People one and I would love to have the Willow Tree set!

8. HARDEST PERSON TO BUY FOR? DJ since he's getting older he doesn't really do toys much anymore.

9. EASIEST PERSON TO BUY FOR? Adam because he loves so many different things

10. WORST CHRISTMAS GIFT YOU EVER RECEIVED? It must not have been too bad as I cant' even think of one that I've hated. I do remember really disliking these jeans I got with Minnie Mouse on the back when I was too old to wear them. :)

11. MAIL OR EMAIL CHRISTMAS CARDS? I mail them, but I'm way late this year

12. FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIE? A Christmas Story, "you'll shoot your eye out kid"

13. WHEN DO YOU START SHOPPING FOR CHRISTMAS? I'm always late, so I'm just now starting

14. HAVE YOU EVER RECYCLED A CHRISTMAS PRESENT? I'm sure

15. FAVORITE THING TO EAT AT CHRISTMAS? How much nicer people seem to be, if only they could keep it up all year round

16. CLEAR LIGHTS OR COLORED LIGHTS ON THE TREE? Clear.

17. FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG? Mary did you know?

18. TRAVEL AT CHRISTMAS OR STAY HOME? We alternate, since Bruce is in Iraq this Christmas we are headed home

19. CAN YOU NAME ALL OF SANTA’S REINDEER? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen,Comet and Cudid, Donner and Blitzen and then there's Rudolph. Yep, I can name them! ( I couldn't but luckily Patty already did it for me )

20. ANGEL OR STAR ON THE TREE TOP? An angel that a friend of my family made for us from the materials she used to do our wedding flowers, I love it and use it every year

21. OPEN THE PRESENTS CHRISTMAS EVE OR MORNING? Christmas morning

22. MOST ANNOYING THING THIS TIME OF YEAR? How busy life gets

23. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CHRISTMAS? It's one of the few times of year people actually think about Jesus, and what He did for us

24: FAVORITE CHRISTMAS TRADITION? Reading out of Luke in the bible about Jesus' birth and then we also read The Polar Express, going on 6 years I think this year, someone different reads it every year, then we write inside the book who read it and a little tidbit about that year's Christmas

25. UP OR EARLY OR SLEEP IN? I love getting up early, I'm normally waking the kids up

26. DOES SANTA WRAP YOUR GIFTS? Yes, but I'm thinking of not this year

27. DO YOU TELL THE CHRISTMAS STORY? Absolutely

The Busiet Best Day

2007-12-09T07:08:00.000-05:00

So we had a jammed packed day yesterday. We started out going to the battallion Christmas Party which was a huge success. We had over 100 people there with kids. The kids crafts were great and the food was yummy, even my dump cake that Adam accidently stepped on top of in the car. Santa came and passed out presents to all the kids, it was fun. Then we had to run to the Boyscout Christmas party, which we ended up missing most of due to the first party. Then ran back to the BN party to finish up with Santa and help clean up. Then we got to go see this good looking guy on TV:

We did our VTC (Video TeleConference) with Bruce in between parties. We got an hour to sit and talk to him and just be able to see him. He looked great. I thought he looked skinny, but he said he hadn't lost any weight. Must have been the short hair cut. He's anxious to come home for R&R though. He will be home for 18 days, I can't wait. The boys don't know when he's coming it's going to be a surprise, all we know is it will be sometime in January. I really missed him yesterday after we left, the boys did absolutely fine. I cried all the way home, silently of course so the boys wouldn't notice. It just sucks he is gone, and yesterday I was feeling it.

Anywhoo, here are a few other pics from yesterdays festivities!!!

This was at our BN Christmas Party!!!

Then we had our PWOC Christmas party which was dress up. Everyone looked beautiful and we had so much fun. The food was delicious and the games we played were hilarious. :)

30 isn't OLD, not that Old anyways...

2007-12-02T07:18:00.001-05:00

This is what I keep telling my good friend Marie. We had a little party for her last Monday for her 30th birthday. We had a good time, for the most part. I was in charge of food, so I told her I'd make my chicken enchiladas. Which I did, and then on the way to the car I promptly dropped on my kitchen floor. Not one pan but two, it was not my day!!! So with a quick stop to the local Mexican restaurant we had a little party at the community center on post. Here are a few pics from the evening.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANOLA GIRL!!!

Time for Thanksgiving!!!

2007-12-02T06:37:00.000-05:00

I know this is really late in coming, life has just been so crazy busy lately it seems. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. It's hard when Bruce is gone to enjoy the holidays much, but we have some wonderful friends who invited us to stay with them at West Point that made it a great one. We have known Brad and Angela for 5 years almost now. We were stationed together at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland a few years back. In 2005 Bruce and I headed off to Ft Lee Virginia for a few months before ending up here in New York. Brad and Angela stayed a few more months in Maryland then headed off to Bloomington Indiana for Brad to get his Master's degree. This worked out nicely, because whenever we would go home to visit Mom and Dad we still get a chance to hang out with the Fenske's as well. Then last summer '06
Brad graduated, and they headed to West Point so he could teach. Turns out West Point is less than 5 hours away from Drum. You gotta love the Army in that respect anways, you always get to run into old friends. So last year Brad, Angela and the boys came up here for Thanksgiving, so they hosted this year. Here is a pic of all of us right before we enjoyed our Thanksgiving feast!!!

I'd never been to West Point before last week, and I can't believe how beautiful it is there. We took a tour on Friday and the views are absolutely breathtaking. It is in the Hudson Valley and thier is one spot that looks over the Hudson River that I was amazed at it's beauty, and of course you know me, I wanted to take pictures forever there, but it was particularly cold that day. We also visited the Cadet Chapel, where obviously the Cadets that attend there worship, it's architecture was gorgeous, and again the view from there unbelievable. Here are a few shots I got of the campus.

After we ate dinner on Thursday, since it was so warm out we took the boys down to the football stadium where the Army Black Knights play. This was definately the highlight I think for DJ. He is so into football right now, it's unreal. So we went down there and they played forever. I even got in on the action a little bit.
Unfortunately these pictures didn't come out all the great, but you can see the action in them.

So we all had a wonderful Thanksgiving as you can see. I just wanted to thank Brad and Angela again for welcoming us into your home for the weekend, we had so much fun. And I loved learning how to play Settlers.

Where are those boys?

2007-11-19T21:35:00.000-05:00

So I went in to check on Adam and Jack before I went to bed, and low and behold their bed was empty. No telling where they could have wandered off to. So I didn't have to look far. I peekded in DJ's room and sure enough there they were. They had snuck into his bottom bunk and fell asleep together. But how cute are they? I can totally use this pic as black mail one day, I can't wait!!! See they do love each other even if they have to be asleep to prove it. :)

And here is big brother on top, grinning because I just caught him watching Monday Night Football instead of sleeping. Little goof!!!

Bravo Company Bulldogs

2007-11-19T16:48:00.000-05:00

So Bruce's company mascot is a bulldog. So last week at our FRG meeting we decorated ornaments to hang on a bedsheet with a painted tree on it. I took pics of the kids then printed them off while we were there and they decorated frame ornaments and then I hung them on the tree. The tree turned out so cute, and I'm going to be sending it to Bruce to hang up in the company area over there. Just wanted to share a pic since it turned out so cute. Make sure to notice our tree topper!!! :)

Bruce and his guys

2007-11-19T16:38:00.000-05:00

Bruce sent me a picture of him and his guys in front of their company sign outside thier office. Just wanted to share with you all. Is it me or is Bruce looking tiny? He is really losing weight, I better send him some cookies or something to fatten him up some!!! :)

Scrapping with friends...

2007-11-19T16:32:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday I got to spend the whole days scrapping with girlfriends, minus kids. It was wonderful. My friend Rachel and I drove to Oswego, a little over an hour away, to hang out at my dear friend Patti's house. She had a crop and a little Stampin Up demo while we were there. I got to hang out with a sistah from SBO, JulieAnn also, and met Patti's neighbor Jen. We had so much fun just hanging out chatting and I actually got a few LOs done too. It's been forever since I scrapped anything. Just wanted to share a few pics from yesterday!!!

I've been tagged...

2007-11-14T16:24:00.000-05:00

I almost forgot. My friend Krystin from SBO tagged me on her blog and I promised her three days ago that I would do this. So sorry it's late sistah!!! So here goes:

I have to list 6 random things about myself.... If I can think of 6 things that you don't already know.... I'm like an open book...

Here goes:

1. All three of my beautiful baby boys were born by C Section

2. I got a little tipsy one night in Hawaii and got a tattoo on my left ankle.

3. I met Bruce in a bar on April Fool's Day, so I now always refer to him as my fool.

4. I love being an Army wife, and actually like moving around meeting new people, even though it's hard to leave the friends I've made behind when it's time.

5. I would do anything for a friend, all they have to do is ask.

6. I went to Europe the summer between my junior and senior year of HS and marched in the French Bicentennial.

I know I'm boring, what can I say.

but now I have to tage some people, so here goes:

I'm tagging Trisha, Marie, JulieAnn

Now it's your turn ladies, to post 6 random things about yourselves. :)

House Upgrades

2007-11-14T16:14:00.001-05:00

So I just love having a house. Most days anyways. My friends who are just wonderful, and you know who you are ladies, and gents, have been so helpful this past week. They have been over helping me paint and get ready for the new carpter that I ordered last month. It was crunch time and I was painting like a mad woman that last 4 days, along with my good friends, trying to get it all done before they came in with the new carpet and flooring. Well I didn't get the one bedroom upstairs done, but the carpet came today. I am so excited. I got new carpet in the two bedrooms upstairs and the stairway that had the ugliest carpet piece on there. it is beautiful. And it looks really great with all the new paint we put on. My stair case is sage green with white trim and the carpet is a tan color. It looks fabulous and I love it!!! I can't wait to get stuff moved back in the bedrooms now. It is so nice and comfy under my feet, it's great!!! I will have to take pics after I get everything moved back into the appropriate rooms. That of course knowing me will take a few weeks I'm sure. And besides I sitll need to finish painting that one room. Just have to be extra careful with the carpet in there. DJ actually started it for me last night and did a great job, as far as he could reach up anyways. They come tomorrow to finish the floor in the bathroom and then I can put my new vanity in with double sinks. I'm super excited about that. Who knew I'd get so excited about some home improvements? :)

Update on Bruce....

2007-11-14T16:04:00.000-05:00

So Bruce is doing well. He is really looking forward to his change of command which is scheduled for 16 December. I talked to him this morning and he sounds great. He said only 30 days left so I know is ready to move onto the next thing. He also got some great news that he will be switching his MOS. Which for you civilians is basically what his job description is. He is going to be going back to Public Affairs, which is what he did in the Marines. Anyone who knows my darling husband knows that this is the job for him. The man is a talker and loves the Army, so what better place for him than doing that. This also is good news for his family. When he picks up Major next year or the year after instead of moving to Kansas for a year of Major's course, it is only 4 months at Ft Meade, which is a lot closer to Ft Drum than Kansas. The family would probably stay here in our house until he gets done with the possibility of a return assignment to Drum, or possibly our dream of getting back to Campbell depending on what is open at the time. I'm just so happy for him because I can hear how excited he is in his voice when I talk to him. There is nothing worse than talking to him and he sounds exhausted and just really down all the time. Today he sounded happy and upbeat and was even joking around with some of his soldiers in the background. I just thank the Lord he sounded so great. I worry about him a lot less when I know he is in a good frame of mind. So please just continue to pray for him and lift him up, that the Lord would just continue to give him encouragement and safety all of his days there. Thank you all, we love you!!!

Life has been so busy...

2007-11-14T15:56:00.000-05:00

It is that time of year again when things just start passing me by at warp speed it seems. I can't believe that Bruce has already been gone over 2 months now. Time is really flying and that is a great. But everything else is flying by too. So much has been going on since I last posted, I don't know where to start. One big thing was I got to go to Fall Focus with the ladies from PWOC, but that whole trip will get it's own post, too much to write here. :)

My Dad came to vist for about a week and a half at the end of October and that was nice. It was nice having family around. Poor guy I worked him like a dog. He did so much stuff around the house for me. Working on all sorts of projects for me. He got the gararge cleaned up and organized, Bruce will be thrilled when he sees it. I can actually find stuff out there now. And the car, snow blower and lawn mower all fit in there so that is a good thing. :) He did a lot of cleaning and builind stuff in my basement to help me get organized. Built shelves in the boys' closets and built a whole shelving unit in the bathroom that is way more functional than what was in there before. He fixed my front door handle, and built shelves in my back entry way, which is great for the boys and thier boots and stuff this winter. So special thanks to my Dad for all his hard work while he was here. He is the best. Though the hardest work may have been watching the boys for me while I was away on my ladies retreat. The poor guy ate McD's 5 times in 4 days. That is what grandpa gets for letting the kids pick. :)

Bruce Update...

2007-10-26T01:00:00.000-04:00

I almost forgot to update everyone on Bruce, duh!!! :) I talked to him yesterday afternoon. He actually called not too long after I'd picked Dad up at the airport. So Dad got to talk to him for a few minutes, which was nice. He is doing great, he is just getting over a nasty ear infection, and just feeling crappy in general. He sounded awful last week when he called, but sounded great yesterday, so that was a pleasant change. He found out he is changing command December 16, which means he will no longer be a company commander, which in turn means I will no longer be the FRG leader. I've met some great ladies that I know we will still be friends, but I can't say I will miss being the FRG leader. That is not an easy job by any means, and bless everyone who steps up to do it. But more importantly Bruce will be making the next step in his career, and he is excited about it. He thinks he will still be working with the same battallion just in a different postition, but he isn't 100% sure yet. He's hoping to get up to brigade staff, but we will see. So if you could just continue to pray for him, his health and just for his well being mentally as well. Keeping a positive outlook is half the battle!!! Thanks for all your prayers you've spoken over him already, and thank you for the ones I know you will continue to pray over him. I'm so proud of him, and love him so much!!!

Thanks everyone!!!

Another sleepless night...

2007-10-26T00:47:00.000-04:00

It's one of those nights again. They seem to keep happening more and more often lately. I'm wide awake. Frustrating really!!! Though I've gotte a few more loads of laundry done, so that's not so bad I guess.

My Dad got into town yesterday. He flew in to help with a few things around the house. He is also going to be watching my boys for me next weekend while I head off to PA with some girlfriends from PWOC for our annual conference. I'm so excited, I can't wait to go. I know the boys will have fun with Papaw, I just hope Papaw survives. Please pray for him. :)

Dad and I have been very productive so far. He is going to help build lots of shelves all over the place, help me redo my bathroom, and help get my basement into shape. And let me tell you that is no easy task. It's a disaster down there. I was actually just down there working on things for a little bit. It's amazing how much junk we have. I've got a whole corner dedicated to trash, sad really. I've still got lots to do tomorrow, but I wanted to take a break.

We also went to Lowes tonight and ordered a new vanity, toilet and looked at some new flooring. I'm wanting to put a dual sink in my bathroom. Since it's the only bathroom we have it will be nice, especially when the boys are in there arguing over who's turn it is to brush thier teeth. Driving mommy crazy.

Tomorrow I've got people coming to measure the two bedrooms upstairs for carpet, I'm hoping they can get it in next week while Dad is still here, but we shall see. I'm also going to ask if they can put new flooring in my bathroom too, before I get all the other stuff put in. It's going to look so nice when everything is done.

My good friends Leslie and Marie came over Wednesday night and helped me clear out those rooms and rip up the carpet so they wouldn't charge me to do it. Save some dough where I can. They played clean sweep while we were at it too, so I've got all kinds of trash bags out for the garbabe men in the morning, along with all that carpert. They are going to hate me I'm sure!!! I feel like I should buy them donuts and coffee or something.

I'm super excited about tomorrow night. I'm having some friends over for a little jam session. My friend Susan is bringing over her guitars and banjo so her and Dad can play, and then a few others are coming over too. I think it's going to be a lot of fun. Nothing better than some food, fun and friends, except maybe food, fun, friends and some good music.

I will try and get some pics to post tomorrow of everyone jamming out!!

Night all!!!

Warrior Walk

2007-10-22T09:38:00.000-04:00

All of 1st brigade is doing what's called the Warrior Walk. We made up teams of 10 walkers and we have to try and get to 5785 miles total. That doesn't seem like that much until you start breaking it down. That is about 580 miles per person in a 15 month time period. So that is still over a mile a day for each person. So it should be interesting to see what we actually accomplish. There are prizes for the first teams to get to the half way point and those who finish the whole thing. It's nice because the kids can get involved too. We had a big kickoff for the walk this past Saturday on post. We walked through the woods on Ft Drum at Remington Pond. They told us it would be a 3 mile walk. But the whole time I was walking I kept thinking this seems a lot longer. I was so proud of my boys. DJ and I both finished, and Adam and Jack made it about 3/4 of the way before a van picked them up and took them back to the gym where my friend was waiting for them. So DJ and I finish together only to find out they had miscalculated the distance of the trail they had us go on. It was really a 5 mile walk. So Adam and Jack made it about 3 miles, before they just couldn't go any further. I just wanted to share some pictures from our walk. It was a beautiful day for it too. :)

I got a card....

2007-10-18T19:15:00.000-04:00

It's like Bruce knew I was having a bad week, even though we haven't talked. His email is down at work, so no contact there either. Boy is he gonna get an ear full when the net comes back up over there though. :) wonder if I can delete an email already sent? I'm guessing no huh? :) Anyways, I was getting very annoyed that I hadn't had any contact, and just feeling bad, and then I get a card in the mail today from him. Such a sweet card too. One that reminds me of why we are together and that we are truly meant for each other. It's all part of God's plan, me being all the way in New York, a place I'd never have chosen for myself to live. Thank you to my husband for knowing exactly when I needed a word of encouragement and love. I really love that man!!! And thank you God for bringing him into my life. :)

Feeling overwhelmed...

2007-10-16T23:36:00.000-04:00

I can just feel the stress building up right now. It doesn't ever seem to go away. It's always something. There is always something going on around me that doesn't directly involve me, but somehow indirectly I get involved. Sometimes I feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders, and I'm so sick of it. I want to bury myself in a hole somewhere and just not come out. I don't want to answer my phone or my door, I just want to stay home and do nothing. Do you all ever get that way? Is it just me? I'm normally a pretty upbeat person but lately I'm just aaahh!!! All over the place. One minute I'm completely fine and the next I'm in a bad mood for no apparant reason. It's one of those nights again, the ones where I can't sleep. They are happening more frequently. The doctor gave me something to help me sleep, but wants me to try it out on a night I don't have to get up too early the next day and be somewhere. Yeah well that is never. So I hate to try it just in case the boys wake up and need me. Especially with them all passing this stomach bug around. I wish I was one of those stress cleaners. You know, we all have a friend like that. They clean to help relieve stress, I so wish that was me. I'm trying so hard to get this place just how I want it before Dad comes to visit, and something inevitably comes up. I'm thinking of staying in the house for the next week and not coming out. But that wouldn't work, I have a few commitments I can't miss. Such is my life. I guess I should probably go clean, and make use out of my insomnia.

You know if I just heard from my husband once and awhile that would probably help you know? His email doesn't work very well I guess, and his phone calls are few and far between. I can just feel it that he is having a hard time over there, maybe that is why he doesn't call. I'm just being sensitive and emotional I guess. Nevermind I'm just being silly. I just really miss him...

It continues....

2007-10-13T19:29:00.000-04:00

We are having a rough few weeks here let me tell you. It seems like we've taken care of some of the conflict that was gripping us emotionally and doing great. So what does Satan have left to do since he can't get to us mentally. Let's attack them physically. And boy has he. More people on the board are sick than not, and if they aren't sick then their kids are sick. All three of my boys have come down with whatever is going around, it's DJ's turn now. I've had an upset stomach the last few days, and it's isn't getting better. My good friend Rachel is in the hospital with pneumonia, although she is doing much better now, she really went through the ringer. It just seems to be one thing after another with us. I'm hoping tomorrow I have something more uplifting and positive to post. Just keep praying for us all, especially for our health!!!

Spiritual Warfare

2007-10-04T16:15:00.000-04:00

It seems like everytime you start doing well, Satan jumps in and messes everything up. No worries friends, I'm doing just fine. It seems many of my friends are being attacked by Satan lately. Most of it is going on within my PWOC group. Satan does not like that we are all praising our Lord and he is trying to take these ladies down. We had several ladies today that are just broken and Satan is just taking this oppurtunity to get in there and take full advantage of thier weakness. Another person thinks there is evil in her home and keeps hearing things even though no one is there. I just ask that you would pray for the entire body of PWOC at Ft Drum. Each one of these ladies need prayed over and lifted up to the Lord. We had an awesome devotion time today about this very thing and it is everywhere right now. Please just pray for us!!!

Triple Threat

2007-09-30T20:24:00.000-04:00

I had a much better weekend. I've been really down that Bruce doesn't get much time to call or write, but I was blessed three fold this weekend. Yesterday I got a letter in the mail, this morning I woke up to an email, and then when I got home from church he called and we actually got to talk for like 30 minutes. It was great, he'd been calling on the MWR phones and those calls get cut off after 10 minutes. So it was nice to be able to talk and not feel rushed.
He is doing well over there. The weather is getting better and they aren't burning up anymore. He said at night it drops to the 70's so it's comfortable to sleep, and during the day it's in the mid 90's right now. So that is great, anytime it's under 100 it's good.
He is getting ready to take over for the unit that they are replacing that is headed back home to Hawaii soon. He said that they had done a really good job and that the transition has been a rather easy one. He has been super busy signing for all of the equipment that he will be responsible for, for the next 15 months. It's almost done and that will relieve some of his business. I know it's stressful for him so I'm glad it's almost done.
Here is a picture of the place he will be living for the next year or so. It's a little bare, so I told him we'd make him pictures to hang on his walls. He's doing his laundry in his room too I guess as you can see his socks and such hanging in the window drying. It's kind of depressing to look at I think, so blah and boring. I need to send him a cheetah comforter or something and spice it up. What do you think?

Anyways, I was so happy to hear from him today. Hearing his voice is really a comfort for me. I don't think I posted, but the last time I talked to him, last week I think. We were interrupted with a siren in the background with a quick I gotta go I love you bye from him as he hung up the phone. It was really scary and that never happened his first deployment so it really freaked me out. But it turned out to just be a drill thank goodness. But it definately made me think about how dangerous it really is over there. So please continue to pray for him, just for safety and strength while he is over there. And for me with y patience with the boys. Though this was a much better few days than last week.

I hope you all have a wonderful week, I'm thinking I'm gonna have a great one!!!

Pray for me please....

2007-09-27T13:39:00.000-04:00

I am being totally vulnerable here, and laying my heart out to all of you. My friends and my family. I'm just having a really tough week, and I keep thinking next week will be better. And it just isn't. I've been more emotional this week and I think I've been in my entire life. I've cried more in front of people I don't even know than ever. I think I've always thought of myself as a strong person, fairly independent and able to handle things. But Satan is attacking me these past few weeks, and he is doing it in the form of my beautiful children that God has blessed me with. Satan knows where to strike me at and he is taking full advantage of it. My fear is that my kids are going to hate by the end of this deployment, especially my oldest, DJ. I hate myself these days for the way I react to them. I can get so angry in like 10.5 seconds it scares me. I don't even know where my anger comes from. I'm having a hard time with the boys listening to me. It's like Bruce has left and their ears went to Iraq with Daddy, because they don't even act like they hear me sometimes. And I just snap from complete calm to so angry and yelling at them. This is especially true when we get in the car, Satan loves to attack me and the boys when we are in the car and there is no where for us to run for cover. I know that this is a problem. And several of my friends helped me talk through some of this morning at PWOC but I'm just asking for prayer from you all too. I believe in the power of prayer, and through Christ all things are possible. I know this to be true, I just need to put this into practice and have faith that God will heal this relationship that I have with my sons. Thank you guys, I love you all!!!!

That's What Friends Are For.....

2007-09-22T21:53:00.000-04:00

I started this day out not feeling so great about myself, and really feeling sorry for myself and my whole situation. I just started this great new bible study called Becoming a Vessel God Can Use by Donna Partow. It sounded great when my teacher was telling all about it, and she totally had me psyched to do it. Then I started it, and today really hit me, and I felt horrible about myself. I know it is truly the Holy Spirit working in me and convicting me of many things in my life. I jokingly told my friends today, that I could hear God talking, I just didn't like what He was saying. I was really honest with myself today, and I didn't like what I saw. I need to have less self and more God. It sounds so easy right? Seems like an easy lesson to learn. Easier said than done I think. But at least I know it's a problem, and I'm going to be taking care of it!!! I was really feeling down this morning and in a fit of tears, and I get a call from one of the ladies from the FRG and she is sharing more news that was upsetting me (Bruce is fine no worries)and I had just had enough. I wasn't going to leave my house today, I wasn't in any mood to be around people. I'm not gonna lie, I was straight up foul. But of course my friends wouldn't take no for answer. So I went anyways, because honestly it's way easier than arguing with them, and truthfully they scare me a little bit. :) But of course once I got around my girlfriends, they had me in a fit of laughter and tears running down my face. There is nothing greater than hanging out with some girlfriends and playing games and just laughing together!!! Thank you ladies for cheering me up today, you know I needed it!!! I love you for it!!!

Family Country Line Dancing...

2007-09-22T06:12:00.000-04:00

We had the best time last night!! Every Friday night at a place called The Winner's Circle on post they do Country Line Dancing. And they want you to bring the whole family. It was so great. Not only do they do the dancing but they give you the dance lessons for the dances before each of the songs. Of course there were a lot of songs we already knew. They did the Hokey Pokey, and the Limbo, and the Macarena and the Chicken Dance, Electric Slide, all the standards. Then they showed us some new dances. It was just a great night to get out and have a good time with the kids. And it gave us a chance to get out and do something new for a change. Five different families went in together. Between the 5 of us we had 14 kids, those poor pepole didn't know what was coming when we came through the doors I can tell you that much. I'm so glad that we all decided to go out and do it. We are totally going to be doing it again sometime too.

I was kidnapped....

2007-09-20T08:05:00.000-04:00

Two wonderful friends came and kidnapped me yesterday. For a day full of fun and adventure. Kristin and I drove down south and met Patti at a scrapbook store that Patti just found recently. And the store if awesome!!! They had so many great things for a pretty good price. Patti just got picked up for thier design team, are they lucky or what? After we got done shopping til we dropped, we picked ourselves up with lunch at a chinese restaurant!!! It was delicious!!! Nothing better than good company, good friends, and good scrappin supplies!!! Thank you so much for a great day ladies!!! I had so much fun, and I really needed to get out of the house for some fun!!! Patti, thanks again for the snowflake and the goodies to go with it, and Kristin I love my little traveling pants and all my goodies. Especially my girlfriend coupon book. I'm so gonna be cashing some of those babies in my friend!!! You ladies truly blessed me yesterday!!! I love you girls!!!

Jack is a riot...

2007-09-20T07:55:00.000-04:00

So I got to school early yesterday, and with camera in hand I hid so Jack couldn't seem me when he came out of school. Kindergarteners get out 5 min before everyone else so Jack is supposed to wait by the tree for Adam to get out, then together walk to the corner to meet me. So I was ready to see what Jack really did while he was waiting for Adam. I got some great candid shots of him running around the yard in front of the school. He apparantly he is popular with the ladies, as little girls were chasing him everywhere. :)

Knew it would happen.....

2007-09-20T07:53:00.000-04:00

The other one finally came out!!! Daddy, Adam wants you to know he can drink out of a straw now with no problems!!! How cute is he?