Happy Memorial Day! This Memorial Day weekend was particularly special for me. It marked the end of our journey at Northlake and the beginning of our journey into the active duty Army as a Chaplain family.
We almost didn't make it to church on our last Sunday because . . . guess what! Someone was sick! This time it happened to be Jonah. It actually worked out for the good because all the chaos kept my mind off the fact that I was going to have to say goodbye - plus I had extra time to make monkey bread which I happen to love. Sunday night was a milestone for Danny. The church held a commissioning service for him during which he took the Oath of Office as a Captain. The oath was given by Col. Pyott who also commissioned Danny when he became a Second Lieutenant right out of college. I got to pin on his crosses, so now he is all blinged up and ready to go! That service reminded me of what a loving church family we have. Both praise teams showed up and sang our favorite songs (even one they had never heard before). They had a delicious reception where everyone said such kind and encouraging words. We were surrounded by love, and I really never wanted it to end.
The next morning we ran in a 5K with Danny's dad, mom, and brother. It was only the second 5K I have run for time. I walked a few with the stroller, but this time Mr. Ron volunteered to run with the stroller, so we could see how fast we could go. Jason and I decided to run together since we keep pretty much the same pace. By the way, I love that guy. He shares my same love for. . . particulars? My goal was sub 24, but when I rounded the corner and saw the clock just ticking to 23 minutes I was stoked! I got a personal best of 23:09 and placed second in my age group! Danny got 2nd in his age group too (but with a much faster time). Mr. Ron got the joy of everyone cheering him on since he was the main attraction with our hummer of a stroller.
After the race there was a parade complete with horses, motorcycles, tractors, "oooga" cars, karate men, floats, and marching bands. Who loved the parade? JONAH! He got so tickled at the horse in a "dress" and then got scared when a little 3 year old boy came up and yelled "Hi-ya!" complete with a karate chop. His favorite part . . . the candy! I think he managed to talk us into four Dum-Dums. In the middle of the parade, there was a soldier-like formation of people carrying signs. It made me cry when I realized they were holding signs of each Georgian who has been killed in action over the last 10 years. No one watching the parade could forget the sacrifice or the reason for the holiday. Amazing memorial!
After the parade we went back for a cook-out lunch and then on to see my family. It was such an enjoyable weekend that we will never forget.
Now, back to packing . . . T-3 days until we pull out for North Carolina!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Friday, May 25, 2012
Poor Little Guys
I hate to always post depressing stories about how sick my kids are, but lately that is all that is going on around our house. So, here is another update on my three precious boys . . .
After visiting the doctor on Wednesday, we got a referral to a Pediatric GI doctor! Woohoo! So, I called to set up the appointment in NC knowing we would be up there in a week and a half (yikes!) "Our first available appointment is August 22nd." Really? If I have to clean up throw up until August 22nd someone is going to have to come drag me out of the bathroom I lock myself in. So, they found another doctor with an appointment in July, but said I would have to call our insurance to make sure they would cover the other doctor. Well, during my discussion with the insurance company I discover that once our insurance flips over to the active duty insurance the referral is void and I would need to wait to be assigned to a doctor, make an appointment, get a referral from the new doctor, and then set up an appointment with the GI doctor - and I thought August was a long time to wait. So, my sweet husband called to see if they could swing something for us. An appointment tomorrow morning? Sure! So this morning we headed down to Atlanta to visit the doctor.
We had to leave the house at 6:15. Around 7:15 a terrible smell starts filling the van. Once we parked we found out that Huck had filled his car seat with a big present for us! It was just what we wanted to smell the rest of the day. We couldn't even get the smell off him! Ugh!
We loved the doctor! Of course, we knew he had to be great since he worked us in before all his other appointments that morning. He was thorough. He listened. He made a plan. He explained everything so well. Then, he ordered blood work :/ " How in the world do they get blood from a 13 month old?" I asked myself. The answer: the same way they get blood from an adult. It broke my heart to hold my sweet babies down. The technician tried one stick in each arm, but couldn't get any blood. So, they sent us across the street to Scottish Rite to see if they could work some magic. I had to practically lay on Eli this time. He is a strong little guy! However, two more sticks and they got all the blood they needed. Huck and Eli both have tests scheduled early next week, and all results should be back by Friday. I finally feel like we are headed in the right direction to get the little boys some help.
We went to pick up Jonah and then headed home. The boys all napped until 5:00 in the afternoon! Then, more fun. Eli threw up (what's new) and Jonah waited to throw up until we were at the Y. Nice! Then again at dinner! I needed to mop my floors anyway. Poor fella!
So, here I sit. Once again too tired to do anything even though they are all asleep and this could be a most productive time. Continue to pray for my sweet little boys (and maybe a little prayer for this momma, too)!
After visiting the doctor on Wednesday, we got a referral to a Pediatric GI doctor! Woohoo! So, I called to set up the appointment in NC knowing we would be up there in a week and a half (yikes!) "Our first available appointment is August 22nd." Really? If I have to clean up throw up until August 22nd someone is going to have to come drag me out of the bathroom I lock myself in. So, they found another doctor with an appointment in July, but said I would have to call our insurance to make sure they would cover the other doctor. Well, during my discussion with the insurance company I discover that once our insurance flips over to the active duty insurance the referral is void and I would need to wait to be assigned to a doctor, make an appointment, get a referral from the new doctor, and then set up an appointment with the GI doctor - and I thought August was a long time to wait. So, my sweet husband called to see if they could swing something for us. An appointment tomorrow morning? Sure! So this morning we headed down to Atlanta to visit the doctor.
We had to leave the house at 6:15. Around 7:15 a terrible smell starts filling the van. Once we parked we found out that Huck had filled his car seat with a big present for us! It was just what we wanted to smell the rest of the day. We couldn't even get the smell off him! Ugh!
We loved the doctor! Of course, we knew he had to be great since he worked us in before all his other appointments that morning. He was thorough. He listened. He made a plan. He explained everything so well. Then, he ordered blood work :/ " How in the world do they get blood from a 13 month old?" I asked myself. The answer: the same way they get blood from an adult. It broke my heart to hold my sweet babies down. The technician tried one stick in each arm, but couldn't get any blood. So, they sent us across the street to Scottish Rite to see if they could work some magic. I had to practically lay on Eli this time. He is a strong little guy! However, two more sticks and they got all the blood they needed. Huck and Eli both have tests scheduled early next week, and all results should be back by Friday. I finally feel like we are headed in the right direction to get the little boys some help.
We went to pick up Jonah and then headed home. The boys all napped until 5:00 in the afternoon! Then, more fun. Eli threw up (what's new) and Jonah waited to throw up until we were at the Y. Nice! Then again at dinner! I needed to mop my floors anyway. Poor fella!
So, here I sit. Once again too tired to do anything even though they are all asleep and this could be a most productive time. Continue to pray for my sweet little boys (and maybe a little prayer for this momma, too)!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Family Road Trip!
Sunday and Monday we took a whirlwind trip up to Fort Bragg to run a billion little errands. The drive in itself was an adventure. We left at 4:30 thinking we would drive for a little while, stop and eat dinner, and then travel the rest of the way while the boys slept. Ha!
During our first stop to get gas, I hear a strangely familiar noise in the backseat. Huxton was throwing up EVERYWHERE! It took 30 minutes to clean everything up and then the gas pump didn't even work. On the road again, and then we stopped at a rest stop to have a picnic. Jonah wanted introduce himself to a busload of "sistas" heading to NYC. I think they would have taken him with them if I would have let them. We decided picnic meals are perfect with kids because they can run around for a bit and it is cheaper and healthier. Jonah didn't really feel like sleeping so he stayed up and talked us to death until 10:30 or so. I guess that was his way of keeping himself and us awake. We finally crawled into the beds at the hotel at 12:30. Oh, and Jonah thought the hotel was our new house in "Carolina". Easy to please.
The next morning, Huxton woke up hungry at 5:45. So we fed them, bathed them, and went for a run. Then we got ready to go see our . . . . . NEW HOME!
Since Jonah is a little two much like his mommy, I have already been talking about the move to help prepare him. Type A's have to stick together like that. We have tried to help Jonah with the transition by talking about his new house. He is very excited! A few of the things he is excited about:
1. Stairs
2.Tthe swing set (or playground as he called it)
3. His own big boy potty (Can you tell what we are going to work on this summer?)
I just hope this excitement stays when he realizes we are going to stay there, and we won't be coming back to his old house. He also thinks the little boy that currently lives there is going to be there when we move in. Uhhh . . .
A few of the things I am excited about:
1. SPACE!
2. Big ol' kitchen
3. A playroom that does not double as my kitchen, living room, or bathroom
I really wanted to post pictures, but we forgot to take any and the ones the owners sent won't work. Oh well! I guess everyone will just have to come visit and see it in person!
After viewing the house, we had lunch with Jonathan, Ronnie, and Ronnie's friend Rachael. The boys were so good at the restaurant - couldn't have asked for better. Well, we could have asked for the changing table in the restroom. My guess is that they will get one after they saw Danny changing the boys on the booth in the back! :D
We spent the afternoon on base. Danny got to meet his Chaplain's Assistant. She is super sweet and has little boys too! He also got to meet some commander (I will understand it all one day - I promise!) who is a Christian and could be a great friend for Danny once we move up there. He was a great help. Danny is going into a strange situation. This unit has never had a Chaplain or even a Family Readiness Group, so there are lots of opportunities for ministry to families and soldiers. Unfortunately, since they have never had a Chaplain they don't have a fund for him, an office, a phone number, or a clear picture of what to do with him. Thankfully, we ran into a very kind man who is getting Danny a sponsor (kinda like a mentor) and is going to help get things squared away. Prayers in this area are greatly appreciated! I know my handsome husband is a hard worker and is dedicated to ministering to soldiers. I just don't want someone's lack of with-it-ness(?) to make him look unprofessional. I feel like I should break out in a chorus of "My Guy" or "Stand By Your Man". Hee hee!
So, we sweated to death getting the boys in and out of the van all over post, but is was s successful visit. Our trip home was much less eventful and much faster! Now we just await the move day - June 1st. I can't believe the time has finally come. We have been working toward this for 6 years and now it is here. I am quickly becoming the most emotional being on the face of the planet. The hugs are getting a little longer, and I am seeing people that I may never see again. I just keep reminding myself that it is all part of God's plan for us. He never promised His way would be easy, but our way will be blessed because we follow it.
During our first stop to get gas, I hear a strangely familiar noise in the backseat. Huxton was throwing up EVERYWHERE! It took 30 minutes to clean everything up and then the gas pump didn't even work. On the road again, and then we stopped at a rest stop to have a picnic. Jonah wanted introduce himself to a busload of "sistas" heading to NYC. I think they would have taken him with them if I would have let them. We decided picnic meals are perfect with kids because they can run around for a bit and it is cheaper and healthier. Jonah didn't really feel like sleeping so he stayed up and talked us to death until 10:30 or so. I guess that was his way of keeping himself and us awake. We finally crawled into the beds at the hotel at 12:30. Oh, and Jonah thought the hotel was our new house in "Carolina". Easy to please.
The next morning, Huxton woke up hungry at 5:45. So we fed them, bathed them, and went for a run. Then we got ready to go see our . . . . . NEW HOME!
Since Jonah is a little two much like his mommy, I have already been talking about the move to help prepare him. Type A's have to stick together like that. We have tried to help Jonah with the transition by talking about his new house. He is very excited! A few of the things he is excited about:
1. Stairs
2.Tthe swing set (or playground as he called it)
3. His own big boy potty (Can you tell what we are going to work on this summer?)
I just hope this excitement stays when he realizes we are going to stay there, and we won't be coming back to his old house. He also thinks the little boy that currently lives there is going to be there when we move in. Uhhh . . .
A few of the things I am excited about:
1. SPACE!
2. Big ol' kitchen
3. A playroom that does not double as my kitchen, living room, or bathroom
I really wanted to post pictures, but we forgot to take any and the ones the owners sent won't work. Oh well! I guess everyone will just have to come visit and see it in person!
After viewing the house, we had lunch with Jonathan, Ronnie, and Ronnie's friend Rachael. The boys were so good at the restaurant - couldn't have asked for better. Well, we could have asked for the changing table in the restroom. My guess is that they will get one after they saw Danny changing the boys on the booth in the back! :D
We spent the afternoon on base. Danny got to meet his Chaplain's Assistant. She is super sweet and has little boys too! He also got to meet some commander (I will understand it all one day - I promise!) who is a Christian and could be a great friend for Danny once we move up there. He was a great help. Danny is going into a strange situation. This unit has never had a Chaplain or even a Family Readiness Group, so there are lots of opportunities for ministry to families and soldiers. Unfortunately, since they have never had a Chaplain they don't have a fund for him, an office, a phone number, or a clear picture of what to do with him. Thankfully, we ran into a very kind man who is getting Danny a sponsor (kinda like a mentor) and is going to help get things squared away. Prayers in this area are greatly appreciated! I know my handsome husband is a hard worker and is dedicated to ministering to soldiers. I just don't want someone's lack of with-it-ness(?) to make him look unprofessional. I feel like I should break out in a chorus of "My Guy" or "Stand By Your Man". Hee hee!
So, we sweated to death getting the boys in and out of the van all over post, but is was s successful visit. Our trip home was much less eventful and much faster! Now we just await the move day - June 1st. I can't believe the time has finally come. We have been working toward this for 6 years and now it is here. I am quickly becoming the most emotional being on the face of the planet. The hugs are getting a little longer, and I am seeing people that I may never see again. I just keep reminding myself that it is all part of God's plan for us. He never promised His way would be easy, but our way will be blessed because we follow it.
Out of the Mouths. . .
Here's another one for you:
We were visiting my grandparents, Maw and Poppy. Poppy has false teeth and use to stick them out at us to make us laugh. He stuck them out at Jonah for the first time. Jonah looked at him and said, "Poppy, don't do that again or I will put you in timeout!" I asked Jonah what Poppy did to deserve timeout. After trying so hard to come up with words to explain, he threw his arms down by his side and exclaimed, "His mouth fell off!"
I love this boy! Other words he has added to his vocabulary: fantastic, comfortable, and Ughh! (Thanks to a certain Man's Night video)
We were visiting my grandparents, Maw and Poppy. Poppy has false teeth and use to stick them out at us to make us laugh. He stuck them out at Jonah for the first time. Jonah looked at him and said, "Poppy, don't do that again or I will put you in timeout!" I asked Jonah what Poppy did to deserve timeout. After trying so hard to come up with words to explain, he threw his arms down by his side and exclaimed, "His mouth fell off!"
I love this boy! Other words he has added to his vocabulary: fantastic, comfortable, and Ughh! (Thanks to a certain Man's Night video)
Friday, May 4, 2012
Getting Creative
Well, I have been working on birthday/graduation/Mother's Day presents. Of course, I could go to the store, buy a gift card, and be done with it, but I prefer to put some heart into it. Little did I know that I would not only put heart into these gifts but they would get rather close to getting sweat and blood into them as well.
First, I finished my mom's birthday present. It is only a month late :/ I fell in love with several kitchen fabrics at the store and decided to make casserole carriers. I found the tutorial here. I made a few changes so the carrier would fit a larger variety of casserole dish sizes and . . . . voila! It turned out beautifully!
The actual sewing took a little creativity. My sewing machine is a peddle machine which means that having children underfoot could mean a sudden surge in the speed of my needle if, say, a child decides to crawl on the peddle or use the peddle as a car ramp. My solution -
Yes, I had to stand and sew with my foot on the table the whole time, but I was afraid I would never get it finished if I only got to sew while they were in bed. It was a great stretch!
My second project will take 18 years to finish so I thought I would go ahead and share it. When Jonah turned one we took a picture of him in one of Danny's shirts. It swallowed him whole but wasn't he oh so cute?
Then on his second birthday we put him in the same shirt. Still cute but a lot more wiggly!
So, this year we put the boys in Danny's shirts, too!
Once they are grown, I want to put all the pictures together in some sort of frame so we can see how they slowly grew to fill out the shirt. I am so excited, but I guess I will have to wait a while for the finished product :)
Now it is time to get back to sewing some more casserole carriers! More birthdays are coming!
First, I finished my mom's birthday present. It is only a month late :/ I fell in love with several kitchen fabrics at the store and decided to make casserole carriers. I found the tutorial here. I made a few changes so the carrier would fit a larger variety of casserole dish sizes and . . . . voila! It turned out beautifully!
The actual sewing took a little creativity. My sewing machine is a peddle machine which means that having children underfoot could mean a sudden surge in the speed of my needle if, say, a child decides to crawl on the peddle or use the peddle as a car ramp. My solution -
Yes, I had to stand and sew with my foot on the table the whole time, but I was afraid I would never get it finished if I only got to sew while they were in bed. It was a great stretch!
My second project will take 18 years to finish so I thought I would go ahead and share it. When Jonah turned one we took a picture of him in one of Danny's shirts. It swallowed him whole but wasn't he oh so cute?
Then on his second birthday we put him in the same shirt. Still cute but a lot more wiggly!
So, this year we put the boys in Danny's shirts, too!
Now it is time to get back to sewing some more casserole carriers! More birthdays are coming!
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