tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84731821364991613572024-03-21T20:15:40.631-07:00The life and times of an Army wife and SAHMMy attempt at keeping it together through the madness and chaosMrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-77423995457486648952008-09-21T15:37:00.000-07:002008-09-21T15:39:05.255-07:00I've moved!!!I moved my blog to another site....To visit me, click <U><a href="http://amazingamie.wordpress.com">here</a></U>Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-88326617850386547652008-09-19T14:53:00.000-07:002008-09-19T16:00:48.928-07:00Everybody is getting OLD.....Yesterday was my youngest sons birthday. I am still in awe that my lil guy is now.....5! Holy crap how time flies. Back on the 6th of September I turned 27 and yesterday my lil man had his big day. On March 1st Jonathon will turn 8 (gasp!!!) Its totally unbelievable.<br /><br />Some you may remember the <a href="http://ah032002.blogspot.com/2008/02/i-just-want-to-give-up.html">problems I had with Jonathon</a> last in school. We found out the problem was a hearing problem. Over the summer he had ear surgery and was given the all clear! Well, now we're onto our next problem. Not at school though, so far everything is going great at school! He loves his teacher, and the classmates. But our new problem, I took Jonathon too the eye doctor the other day, and guess what? He has eye problems, not just a simple eye problem that getting him glasses is going to fix. No, this problem is warranting us to a Pediatric Ophthalmologist Specialty clinic. Not exactly sure what the problem is at this time, but we'll be getting to the problem about this soon.<br /><br />I've nominated myself for the worst mom of the year award.<br /><br />Anywho....back to homework time for me.Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-13022051007474473952008-09-12T06:31:00.000-07:002008-09-12T06:39:57.609-07:00What was I thinking???I've been asking myself that question quite a bit lately. I love going to school, and love the fact that I am furthering my education, but shesh it's not easy at all. I figured with the boys back in school, I'd have plenty of time to work on schoolwork. Which I do, but at the same time, I feel like I am constantly working on homework when I'm not running the boys to and from school, or AJ to and from soccer practice. <br /><br />The whole time Rob was deployed all I could think of was it would be really helpful if he was home to help with the boys. Even though he's home, he has so many schools coming up, that I'm slowly sinking into the mindset that he isn't around, just so I don't rely on him.<br /><br />Recently I've been given a great opportunity to go to Washington, D.C. When I was first nominated to go, I didn't really think much about it, but now that I have all the details, I am truly honored to be able to go and represent Rob's unit. I have a meeting with the Lieutenant Colonel coming up, so I'll post how that goes after the meeting.Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-27799396362157681342008-08-26T15:13:00.000-07:002008-08-26T15:30:56.580-07:00Updates...updates....updatesWow so many updates, so little time. Okay well really I have all the time in the world to post my updates, but really who wants to read hours worth of whats been going on in my life?<br /><br />Well here's the skinny about whats been happening in our lives.<br /><ul><br /><li>Rob has gone back to work (woooohoooooo)<br /><li>We went on a week long marriage retreat to a <a href="http://www.younglife.org/">Younglife</a> resort in Canada called Malibu<br /><li>The boys have officially made me a soccer mom (no minivan for me!)<br /><li>I'm now in week 5 of my 10 week courses, midterm week<br /><li>4 more weeks and then I get a 3 day break from classes just to start back up again<br /><li>I am looking into a volunteer position at the JAG office here<br /><li>I have to find a legal professional to interview for my final paper for one of my classes<br /><li>The boys start school next week!!!!!!!<br /></ul> <br /><br />Ok I think thats about it for now, although I'm sure I can keep naming things! On a serious note, we had an awesome time on our retreat in Canada. I'll be posting more about it over the next few weeks, because I have so much to share.<br /><br />I encourage anyone with middle school or high school kids to check out <a href="http://www.younglife.org/">Younglife</a>. And for those in the military, on most military installations they actually have Younglife on posts worldwide. I hope that when my kids reach middle school that they will want to get involved with Younglife. Its so much more than just being preached to about God. But I'll stop here, if you have any questions feel free to comment and I can help you find out the answers you're looking for.<br /><br />Well that time has come for me to get Austin ready for soccer practice....I'll be back blogging on a regular basis from here on out.<br /><br />Here are just a few pictures from our retreat<br /><br />Here is the boat we rode on for 3 hours....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52_-iYj88VtR8Q2Mbdw6b0CBKz4fDtb56m9sSHTDKwJm9rLXpMAIHTpv60YaMIrI5UOGZgpcM79EuPdcN8QYx6eXB7hLyHv5Ov6pT58Sij75rrxeh4u92L8zhsV_IutKcancmGu3BoyI/s1600-h/Malibu000.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52_-iYj88VtR8Q2Mbdw6b0CBKz4fDtb56m9sSHTDKwJm9rLXpMAIHTpv60YaMIrI5UOGZgpcM79EuPdcN8QYx6eXB7hLyHv5Ov6pT58Sij75rrxeh4u92L8zhsV_IutKcancmGu3BoyI/s320/Malibu000.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238956353013807554" /></a><br /><br />The group that was at Malibu before us, they were chanting...USA...USA....USA<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtUZPcdnSbuy0mZkOHBCiUYr90I-a1Apv4LwRkUER_IixeDwYl5qytycMhboSrShtaZqGu_S3LnavxmpVFwjibc8gPMqN0Pu4ECIp9kEreKAxm5AkGxhsGXQCGJRwEnuNKaOtstKOInk/s1600-h/Malibu003.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtUZPcdnSbuy0mZkOHBCiUYr90I-a1Apv4LwRkUER_IixeDwYl5qytycMhboSrShtaZqGu_S3LnavxmpVFwjibc8gPMqN0Pu4ECIp9kEreKAxm5AkGxhsGXQCGJRwEnuNKaOtstKOInk/s320/Malibu003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238956866435555426" /></a><br /><br />I have so many more to post but I'll spread them out over several posts.Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-69888682459906957252008-08-08T12:04:00.000-07:002008-08-08T12:22:18.487-07:00What do you do when the electric is out?Yeah, we had the unpleasant pleasantry of dealing with a power outage yesterday. It wouldn't have been so bad if it was only an hour or two, but no, it was well over 8 hours! The worst part? They teased us...it came back on around 4:00 for about 10 minutes or so, then bam! Right back out again.<br /><br />Really it didn't bother me, I had planned on cleaning out the boys' dressers yesterday. So I just put some batteries in my radio and got to work.<br /><br />The boys were insanely weird about it though. Normally they'd be outside playing at the park or in the yard with their friends. But not yesterday, they wanted to stay inside and watch cartoons. Of course this could not be accomplished, so they decided to stay inside and play in the playroom, most action that room has seen it quite a while!<br /><br />The only downfall to the power being out? I couldn't participate in one of my weekly seminars for college last night. Wasn't to bad, I just had to go back and read the archives from the seminar and write a paper on the topics discussed.<br /><br />My mom is talking about taking a job in NC, which by the way my parents live in GA. So anywhoo...I said thats great how long before you'll all move up there. She then proceeded to tell me that my dad and sister would stay in GA for two years and then move up after my sister finishes high school. I am highly against this. The biggest reason? My dad has heart problems, and his last heart attack came out of no where, what happens if it happens again? My mom won't simply be 20 minutes away. There's more to the reason I'm against it, but I just won't go there.<br /><br />Moving along now. AJ will be turning 5 next month. Holy hell where has the last 5 years went??? I can not fathom that my little baby is turning 5, it honestly doesn't seem possible. Heck my oldest will be 8 in March, still a good ways off, but not that far. It just amazes me how time truly does fly.Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-43851392550847623622008-08-05T13:31:00.000-07:002008-08-05T13:47:15.361-07:001 week down......9 more to goI completed my first week of classes...woohooooo! Last night I even took my first test and got a 100...go me!!! go me!!!!<br /><br />Anywhoooo..moving along now. Rob went back to work yesterday, its insanely quite around the house now...HA who the hell am I kidding. I have two wonderful active boys running around. No really though, it was completely awesome having Rob home for the last month. We did things I never thought would be cool, like crabbing. Its insane at the amount of times we have been crabbing. I think its because we get to be near the ocean that smells oh so wonderful (can you sense the sarcasm?) look at the pretty boats, and above all, the other people who are out crabbing are the nicest people. I'm not kidding, everyone is nice and respectful of others.<br /><br />On Sunday night we went to a meeting about our upcoming marriage retreat. We are going to a resort called Malibu. It was cool seeing pictures of the activities that we get to do. The downfall? We are leaving here at midnight...YES midnight. We get to take a bus, then onto a ferry, then onto a cruise ship. Oh yeah and we get to cross the border. Fun stuff! I'm actually very excited about going, never the been on a ferry, or cruise ship...or heck never been to Canada for that matter.<br /><br />The boys are eagerly awaiting school to start back up. What weirdo's! When I was kid I dreaded the end of summer, not my kidlets, they wish they were back in school now. I have to admit though, I am looking forward to them going back to school. I love helping them with their school work, and volunteering in their classrooms.<br /><br /><br /><br />We recently added a new addition to our family...and here he is....Everyone meet Smokey<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vj7U9GANqs2P5tcr5pz1KvPQtf0eiG95S1za3BAI61LeVMn-GtngukaR0kfE5IftT4nQtTpdQ1rqcyZ72zGyF66IJQg3z30h9UE-liGTRfOwbxabvMndC9Qkzu3fQwONdMerYN4Lncs/s1600-h/013+%282%29.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vj7U9GANqs2P5tcr5pz1KvPQtf0eiG95S1za3BAI61LeVMn-GtngukaR0kfE5IftT4nQtTpdQ1rqcyZ72zGyF66IJQg3z30h9UE-liGTRfOwbxabvMndC9Qkzu3fQwONdMerYN4Lncs/s320/013+%282%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231137559504158194" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Is he not the cutest thing ever?<br /><br />Ok now I'm off to do some chores. Hope everyone is having a great week so far!Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-30846264212029414302008-07-22T17:55:00.000-07:002008-07-22T18:20:41.120-07:00I'm really doing it.....A little over 2 years ago I was in school full time, and had a 4.0 GPA. When my father in law passed away I had to travel to Virginia for two weeks to help Rob and his step mom get everything done. Since I was gone for two weeks, I failed out of two of my classes and in the end couldn't catch up, so I ended up dropping out.<br /><br />I was extremely sad about it, I really enjoyed going to school. For the past two years I've been saying I was going to go back, but timing was just never right. Well, starting next Wednesday, I will be going back to College to get my Associates in Paralegal. After I get my Associates, I hope to get a job, and then continue my education to get my bachelors. I'm doing all my classes online, so really I have no excuse not to be able to finish. When we travel, and move, I'll still be able to do my school. I'm extremely excited about this :).<br /><br />We've been so busy here lately, I finally told Rob last night that I didn't know if I was coming or going. So we're taking things a bit slower. Today we haven't really done much, I've done some cleaning and laundry, and the boys have been fishing most of the day.<br /><br />Last Saturday we went to a cookout that a church in a local town had to welcome home Rob's company. It was nice, the church had several dinners for the spouses while the guys were deployed. It was good to go out there, eat some good food, and actually interact with other adults.<br /><br />Then on Sunday we went to the McChord Air Force Base <a href="http://www.mcchord.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123107590">Air Expo</a>. We had a blast! Every time they had the Expo, we always said we wanted to go, just never did. So this year we made it a point to go. I took lots of pictures, some didn't turn out so well, but hey....I tried.<br /><br />Here are a few of the pictures I took.<br /><br /><br /><b><u>The boys looking at some displays</u></b><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgLEMMsjv1KGaL-ZS8yNwq3PP9T3sgFtG7S-PZ4ydRw_4hMOwCMqekTF6vRUk9GI8pYyebxUdRpRV_Pp_6Ihpb5fJNY_M1K11ARCBdhKuTMq0L2lBy4_aSHGsstur7q38zyMdKrBDTZk/s1600-h/air+show+023.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgLEMMsjv1KGaL-ZS8yNwq3PP9T3sgFtG7S-PZ4ydRw_4hMOwCMqekTF6vRUk9GI8pYyebxUdRpRV_Pp_6Ihpb5fJNY_M1K11ARCBdhKuTMq0L2lBy4_aSHGsstur7q38zyMdKrBDTZk/s320/air+show+023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226010148059943234" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b><u>The Thunderbirds</u></b><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetpSIgM2oYLcx3hgv1FQjLQY1j15YUYEfnE8FHTR8kYFKJbt098kYSjkeFNUMciY-zHRirLinro2zxhQbUx9sXY-GCtTKVBcQ7K8FTlfZiEavHP_Q0aM8qQW3zwDtmFmqKQslgSnXdZc/s1600-h/air+show+063.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetpSIgM2oYLcx3hgv1FQjLQY1j15YUYEfnE8FHTR8kYFKJbt098kYSjkeFNUMciY-zHRirLinro2zxhQbUx9sXY-GCtTKVBcQ7K8FTlfZiEavHP_Q0aM8qQW3zwDtmFmqKQslgSnXdZc/s320/air+show+063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226011460624416562" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><b><u>Another picture of the Thunderbirds</u></b><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9gxi18s-5IRbPcpwNp5D0DXLkDH7VylQ158io_NYu2K13BPGydVo_t-geoPHuhYdOJn-CqSMbCWEUzx3NZrHQBN3KDK3zijC75RXoPZpqLTAFg3KodGWU_sHf7wjHjnC1-cx2Nmusaw/s1600-h/air+show+126.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9gxi18s-5IRbPcpwNp5D0DXLkDH7VylQ158io_NYu2K13BPGydVo_t-geoPHuhYdOJn-CqSMbCWEUzx3NZrHQBN3KDK3zijC75RXoPZpqLTAFg3KodGWU_sHf7wjHjnC1-cx2Nmusaw/s320/air+show+126.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226012296818139714" border="0" /></a>Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-39891888473972660962008-07-19T11:43:00.000-07:002008-07-19T12:08:55.150-07:00Our new favorite pastimeSo, we have found a new hobby. Its quite an odd hobby if you ask me. However, I can assure we are not the only people doing it. The coolest thing about it, the kids can even do it with us! Nothing like being out near the cool ocean breeze trying to read a book.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />So I'm sure that you're wondering what exactly our new hobby is....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEp1MInCdvwI3lgOZGWiumGDBMkGODatCBrlppt8wnu1-lOTFPOkLxdu-JQTcj2a7s29Au5f_s70aZOneWAaz1dirUsbzxjn58fI4hE3fGgANyvIaOMsFNbuoQKBDtsINDHYWQw_7bpo/s1600-h/098.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEp1MInCdvwI3lgOZGWiumGDBMkGODatCBrlppt8wnu1-lOTFPOkLxdu-JQTcj2a7s29Au5f_s70aZOneWAaz1dirUsbzxjn58fI4hE3fGgANyvIaOMsFNbuoQKBDtsINDHYWQw_7bpo/s320/098.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224798880081828962" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Yes, we have taken up crabbing. I figured at first it would be quite boring, but it is very refreshing and a lot of fun. Our first couple of times we drove down to Westport, WA. Such a beautiful little town with lots to see. Recently we found a spot much closer to home. Much easier to drive 30 minutes to do some crabbing vs. driving over an hour. So we have decided that Westport trips will be mainly on weekends.<br /><br />The boys seem to enjoy crabbing just as much as we do. It would be much better if it wasn't so darn windy and chilly though.<br /><br />Here is Austin enjoying the nice sunny chilly day down at Westport.<br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ed9YIYxlp7346VZzuZgHp_2LJkq16A69hiHWGNqX_US-IFljhiB9CvRayW8h3YJmCD5egOmyz_xV6c1pyi1ePZDZTsePxUhifs2KpWGw3ldE1ZI7-OFN-m2PcrHPGhkOL7VAUM3fomI/s1600-h/092.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ed9YIYxlp7346VZzuZgHp_2LJkq16A69hiHWGNqX_US-IFljhiB9CvRayW8h3YJmCD5egOmyz_xV6c1pyi1ePZDZTsePxUhifs2KpWGw3ldE1ZI7-OFN-m2PcrHPGhkOL7VAUM3fomI/s320/092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224801240510552370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And here is Jonathon being grouchy because he is tired and cold.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVACBgBSkpzhbibyuEuQxkiR1OyUZEWjsrib2B2ktYTElfefcIOVEvRk0GPVJn36SFYZydel1tG4qnoCJFnTET5T2a7GIpJeKwTyJ29_9PGraU5S6fFMDCztv4Ye0Et28n3FqLaHfhMI/s1600-h/095.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVACBgBSkpzhbibyuEuQxkiR1OyUZEWjsrib2B2ktYTElfefcIOVEvRk0GPVJn36SFYZydel1tG4qnoCJFnTET5T2a7GIpJeKwTyJ29_9PGraU5S6fFMDCztv4Ye0Et28n3FqLaHfhMI/s320/095.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224801878457205794" /></a><br /><br />If you live near a place you can go crabbing, and like eating crab, I highly recommend trying it.<br /></span>Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-81021318678421882852008-07-12T15:09:00.000-07:002008-07-12T15:18:04.165-07:00I'm back!Well really I have been back since the 1st, I've just been too busy to write on here. I flew out of Seattle on Saturday the 28th of June, and arrived back at Fort Lewis on July 1st at 6:30am. It was an interesting trip to say the least. <br /><br />My sister came back with me, which was a big help. We didn't leave Little Rock until Sunday afternoon. I drove as far as I could Sunday night and then pulled over in Russell Kansas and got a room. I really wanted to be back at Fort Lewis by the 1st because 4th Brigades redeployment ceremony was that day, and I was asked to be their to receive an award.<br /><br />The award isn't much, but to me it means a lot. I'll have to get it and post what it says on it later.<br /><br />Anywho, my sister and I got up at 5:00am Monday morning, and together we decided we were going to drive all day and night so we could be back here for the ceremony. And we did it! I was one hell of a long trip, but so much fun at the same time.<br /><br />I got to see my parents, I hadn't seen my dad since we moved out here over 3 years ago. Here is a picture of my dad and I at the airport.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7RwEw7RBB9BNJdVHadnPEEKJKJNB_5JEEM1R5jNS2C4bdLcYKpD_4vTA1aSn8PrXS4Di3-VoWwuZ9yHZQ2VWf_tj_T46OZY9DFje5ZQtJE_z1LVCNLJv-JsVbEuZFCoxzHjooKRJAjXg/s1600-h/amie+and+dad.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7RwEw7RBB9BNJdVHadnPEEKJKJNB_5JEEM1R5jNS2C4bdLcYKpD_4vTA1aSn8PrXS4Di3-VoWwuZ9yHZQ2VWf_tj_T46OZY9DFje5ZQtJE_z1LVCNLJv-JsVbEuZFCoxzHjooKRJAjXg/s320/amie+and+dad.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222254840790373698" /></a><br /><br />And here is a picture of my mom, dad, sister and myself. First time we have all been in a picture since my wedding, over 6 years ago!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyaxKRCepwUg1BPWlNStifh015ZrtOwLekrss0hGPEfftOi_TlFcei24bYPz8FJPyU2HLjYckhknk79mYk5j16dzMxmwJ3s54mhbc1oBuANNG2EndFqpcN5i_6QM_71ZK7LIkLdCCQHw/s1600-h/the+four+of+us.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyaxKRCepwUg1BPWlNStifh015ZrtOwLekrss0hGPEfftOi_TlFcei24bYPz8FJPyU2HLjYckhknk79mYk5j16dzMxmwJ3s54mhbc1oBuANNG2EndFqpcN5i_6QM_71ZK7LIkLdCCQHw/s320/the+four+of+us.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222255253142276594" /></a>Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-339293724930934192008-06-25T23:36:00.000-07:002008-06-25T23:45:31.818-07:00I'm leaving on a jet plane.....So much going on around here lately. Jonathon had his surgery this past Monday, things went well, and he is getting better each day. <br /><br />It was rough when he latched onto me and didn't want to go into the operating room, and then when he was waking up, it was so irritable, but that was totally to be expected. <br /><br />The deal on the car we were buying fell through. The sales man and sales manager were trying to pull a dirty deal on us. Not sure why they tried, when we were all talking, I told them I worked in the car business for over 6 years, I know how things work.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><br />But at any rate the deal went south, and we actually ended up buying a 2009 Subaru Forester. Which brings me to the title of this post. We actually bought the car from a dealership I used to work at in Atlanta, and we were going to have it shipped out here to Washington. However we are impatient, and I was going to fly to Atlanta and drive the car back out here. My parents are actually going to be in Little Rock, Arkansas this weekend for my sisters' karate tournament, so they are going to drive my car (along with theirs) and I'm flying into Little Rock to pick it up and drive it out here.<br /><br />I am beyond excited about this. I haven't seen my mom, dad and sister in 3 years. My sister is going to drive back out here with me and spend a few weeks, so the boys are really excited about that. <br /><br />Its funny, I've never flown by myself, always had family, or Rob and the boys with me. This will be a totally new experience for me! I have to admit, another reason I am stoked about this trip, I seriously need a break from my kids. Don't get me wrong, I love them more than anything. But, after 15 months of being a "single" parent, I desperately need a little vacation.<br /><br />Well, I'm off to read some more of my book, "Moment of Truth in Iraq" It really is an awesome book! <br /></span>Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-54344865401474693342008-06-16T09:59:00.000-07:002008-06-16T10:08:39.071-07:00It still feels like a dreamRob has been home for almost 3 weeks and it still feels like a dream. Its like I keep expecting to wake up, and him not really be here. Its a weird feeling, sometimes my brain keeps saying don't get to close he'll just be leaving again. Yet in reality, I know this isn't true.<br /><br />Things have been great so far with him home. The boys are becoming less stuck up his butt. We expected them being attached at the hip to him though, I think they keep wondering when he'll be leaving again as well.<br /><br />We got all of Jonathon's pre-op appointments out of the way, now we just have to wait until Thursday to get the actual surgery time. <br /><br />Oh and I have a cheese....We bought a new car over the weekend! We were driving a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500, but the gas prices were straight killing our checking account. So we went out and got a <a href="http://www.dealerrater.com/classifieds/2007-Subaru-B9-Tribeca-7855-fad-0/">2007 Subaru Tribeca.</a> Ours is gold, with beige leather interior. We love it! Went out driving yesterday, and was getting 27 MPG, big difference from the Dodge, in the truck we would have only been getting 16 MPG. I have some pictures, I'll post them later.<br /><br />I have been reading a lot lately. Currently I'm reading "The moment of truth in Iraq" by Micheal Yon. I really suggest this book to anyone, its a great read.Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-16685504386396368412008-06-12T07:56:00.000-07:002008-06-12T08:06:10.239-07:00We are going to Canada!We have been busy busy busy around here. Making plans for July, since Rob is on block leave for the entire month. We're going to go over to Spokane, WA for a couple of days and do some camping, sightseeing, and hit up SilverWood Theme park thats over there. Other than that we don't really have to much planned aside from doing local stuff. We are totally doing to the "staycation" thing this summer. <br /><span class="fullpost"><br />But we get to go on a really cool trip this summer. Back in April the boys and I went to <a href="http://ah032002.blogspot.com/2008/04/what-great-weekend.html">Ocean Shores</a> for a spouses retreat.<br /><br />Well the Chaplain offices here on Fort Lewis got grant money to be able to hold several retreats over the summer. I had signed Rob and I up for one of the Ocean Shores retreats, but I received a call from the Chaplains assistant and she told me that we had been selected to go on a retreat to Canada. I was beyond excited about this. The trip, for a family of 4, would normally cost $5,000 dollars, but because of donations and such we (and 17 other military families) are able to go on this retreat with no out of pocket expense. Now I just have to wait until August to go.<br /><br />Tomorrow we have Jonathon's pre-op appointment, and on the 23rd is his surgery. I'm so excited his surgery is around the corner, and grateful that Rob is able to be home for it.<br /></span>Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-5082667924657208432008-06-06T15:25:00.001-07:002008-06-06T15:46:13.938-07:00A True HeroUnless you are living under a rock, I'm sure most of you have heard of SPC Ross McGinnis. I have been following this story closely, and watched the video of his parents receiving his Medal of Honor.<br /><br />Here is the video of the ceremony to induct Medal of Honor recipient SPC Ross McGinnis into the Hall of Heroes.<br /><br /><iframe src='http://dodvclips.mil/linking/index.jsp?skin=oneclip&fr_story=FRdamp275591&rf=ev&hl=true' width=324 height=280 scrolling='no' frameborder=0 marginwidth=0 marginheight=0></iframe><br /><br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><br />Also while searching around on some websites reading about SPC McGinnis, I came across <a href="http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/mcginnis/">this</a> website. If you click on profile you can read about SPC McGinnis. Also on there are links to <a href="http://www.army.mil/-slideshows/2008/05/22/9359-remembering-spc-ross-a-mcginnis/index.html">photos</a>, his <a href="http://www.myspace.com/skrawnywhitekid">myspace page</a>, and a <a href="http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/mcginnis/profile/video.html">video of his parents speaking</a> of Ross.<br /><br />I've sat here for about the last hour or so just reading over different websites about him, and reading his myspace page. A few of the guys that Ross saved, have left comments on his page, that will truly bring tears to your eyes.<br /><br />Every fallen hero has a story to tell, and I encourage everyone to read about them, and remember them.<br /><br />I am truly grateful for being able to learn about this True American Hero.<br /></span>Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-54187630810885233352008-06-04T08:41:00.001-07:002008-06-04T09:06:35.633-07:00He's home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I am a few days late in posting this, but Rob made is safely home last Saturday. When I got the call from Rear D Friday they told me the plane was expected to land at noon and the ceremony would be at 2:00. Well at 5:00am Saturday morning I get a phone call from Rear D again saying that the plane is ahead of schedule and will be landing at 8am! I was shocked to say the least, and actually said to the Sgt on the phone "No shit" LOL, and chuckled and said yes ma'am.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />I jumped out of bed, because of course I had so much to get done due to my bad habit of procrastinating. I remember I called my mom and was all excited telling her the plane was landing 4 hours early. The I hopped in the shower and started getting ready. Got the welcome home banner I made hung up, got the boys up and got them dressed, and off to the gym we went.<br /><br />They had a live feed going, that showed the plane landing and all the guys getting off the plane. We spotted Rob a few times, it was surreal knowing that in about 2 hours we would be face to face. The boys kept giggling all morning. Then about 10am, we were told the ceremony would begin in about 5 minutes, my heart started racing, I was beyond ecstatic! <br /><br />It was so amazing watching all the soldiers walking into the gym, people erupted into massive cheers, and tears were flowing from just about everyone in there. The boys and I even managed to spot Rob, which I might add is not an easy task when at a distant, they all look the same in uniform, luckily for us, Rob is quite short!<br /><br />The ceremony last about 13 minutes total, and bam they were released. I thought for sure Rob had seen us, I mean we were literally in front of him at the top of the bleachers. But he didn't so as the boys and I made our way down to the floor he was standing in one spot looking for us, after making it down and going to were he was, he was gone! I was like oh crap, we're standing in the middle of a see of families and tons of soldiers, but I happened to look to my right and spotted him, he wasn't looking our way so I ran over to him and about tackled him. I honestly can't even begin to describe the emotions that were running through me at the moment.<br /><br />He latched onto me, as quick as I latched onto him. We both didn't want to let go, but I finally broke the hug and the boys jumped right in. I have only seen Rob cry a handful of times in the 7 years we've been together, and it kind of shocked me that he was crying, but I understand the emotions he was feeling. <br /><br />Things have been going good so far, he's adjusting to a few of the changes I made over the last 15 months, and we're taking it easy, not rushing our reunion.<br /><br />Anywho, here are a few pictures.<br /><br /><U>Rob hugging the boys for the first time in 9 months</U><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovzcQcsa28fDRMB4XTqGSi4k9Xrwca5y-GMMJ6NC3ak7PQLAKcC1qsrO37gfpXTq_GB9RwMziIP2ODpMqliEAzFRropkgn1IYXAhIm6qEpHWJAXwb8NMeqkUXVkXFzB5N60tP24ljQco/s1600-h/Rob+hugging+the+boys.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovzcQcsa28fDRMB4XTqGSi4k9Xrwca5y-GMMJ6NC3ak7PQLAKcC1qsrO37gfpXTq_GB9RwMziIP2ODpMqliEAzFRropkgn1IYXAhIm6qEpHWJAXwb8NMeqkUXVkXFzB5N60tP24ljQco/s320/Rob+hugging+the+boys.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208057209074670514" /></a><br /><br /><U>Our family is complete again!</U><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeLknoVMtt5bARlNt_1HpwYx8_2OvYPAPybPLe4UByh12RK0UtiooznrF2FRrQEUvy8DfQej0CLpSPoRisAEVxAM_wtGwcJrnHA_MMDyCPPXyrVUsD3FufjL1MkbgezjIhsVNGgBDpeo/s1600-h/Family+homecoming+pic.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeLknoVMtt5bARlNt_1HpwYx8_2OvYPAPybPLe4UByh12RK0UtiooznrF2FRrQEUvy8DfQej0CLpSPoRisAEVxAM_wtGwcJrnHA_MMDyCPPXyrVUsD3FufjL1MkbgezjIhsVNGgBDpeo/s320/Family+homecoming+pic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208057716791153970" /></a><br /></span>Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-77431170845474660282008-05-28T13:29:00.000-07:002008-05-28T13:36:34.868-07:00I'm a horrible bloggerSo I'll admit it, I'm horrible when it comes to actually keeping up with this blog. There are so many things I want to write, but time just slips away, and I find that I neglect my blog. <br /><br />I'm really trying to get better, and I promise from here on out, even if just for me and no one reads it, I'll make a post at least every other day.<br /><br />I have so much to catch up on.........<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />Jonathon is doing well in school, had a few problems here and there, but not like before. His surgery is scheduled for the end of June, we're all excited to get it done so we can find out what is going on with his hearing.<br /><br />Austin is also doing well in school, and has increased his vocabulary incredibly. Rob won't know what to think about him talking so much now.<br /><br />Speaking of Rob........He'll be home before next week! I obviously can't go into to many details due to OPSEC reasons, but I'll be sure to post when he has made it home!<br /><br />As for me, I'm doing well. Lost 20 pounds since November, and I really haven't even been trying. Just watching what I eat, portion control, and of course I'm very active with the boys and things. Been really busy with the FRG, and preparing for homecoming.<br /><br />So there is my little update for now. I'll try and post again later tonight or tomorrow and post some recent pictures. <br /></span>Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-50707833600729550492008-04-17T21:19:00.000-07:002008-04-17T21:33:46.564-07:00Beyond upsetLast week baseball practices began, and the first night the coach wasn't even there, his wife was. Well we were told that Thursdays practice would be held on Saturday so the real coach could be there. We get called Thursday morning saying that practice would take place Thursday instead of Saturday. So I take Jo to his practice, all is fine. <br /><span class="fullpost"><br />Well as most of you know, I was <a href="http://ah032002.blogspot.com/2008/04/what-great-weekend.html">out of town</a> last weekend, something that had been scheduled weeks in advance. So, Friday night, I get a phone call from the coaches wife saying they will be having a practice on Saturday, and I told her "well Jo will not be there we are out of town for the weekend" and she hung up on me.<br /><br />This past Tuesday my neighbor took Jo to practice because I had a meeting, but from what I hear, everything went fine. Then tonight, the coach wasn't there again. Now when I signed Jo up I specifically asked for a male coach. Jo just seems to listen better to a male coach over a female. But the real coach is hardly ever there, and to be brutally honest, is wife has no freaking clue what she is doing. The boys had not been taught thus far the rules about "outs." <br /><br />Jo is up to bat, and the "fake" coach has some parent out there pitching, and this man couldn't hit the broad side of a barn if he tried. But Jo finally managed to hit a poor pitch and he ran to first. On his way to second, he was tagged by the 2nd base man. Now Jo doesn't really know the rules really comes to "outs" and when <S>the coach</S> starts yelling at him telling him he's out, he got upset because he thought he had done something wrong. Jo then asks the coach why he was out, and instead of answering him, she just replies with "because thats the way the game is played"<br /><br />WTF?!?!?!?!!?! are you kidding me? He's 7, up until now, he's played t-ball, they don't outs in t-ball, and she just expects him to automatically know????????? Needless to say I was livid. Then, she decides to make a smart ass comment, "well I'm glad to see the ones who couldn't make it to Saturday's practice decided to show up tonight" Oh heck to the no she did not.<br /><br />I'm sorry that we have a life outside of baseball. I'm sorry that we had these plans for almost 4 weeks. I'm sorry that my 7 year is not a pro at baseball and know all the rules.<br /><br />Needless to say, I will be making a trip to CYS tomorrow and making a HUGE complaint about this.<br /><br />Sorry for the vent. Just had to get it off my chest.<br /></span>Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-41451654986068780142008-04-16T08:04:00.000-07:002008-04-16T08:12:40.824-07:00How do you know its almost time for your soldier to come home?You start cleaning your house like crazy, and redecorating, and reorganizing stuff. The house really isn't dirty, not much decorating I can do, but I'm finding little projects to occupy my time. Luckily we are into baseball season, and I have a lot going on with FRG, so I am staying extremely busy with those things.<br /><br />When I talked to Rob yesterday, I told him, I really don't know if I'm coming or going half the time, but I love being this busy, its making time fly by!<br /><br /><br /><U>The boys and I at Ocean Shores</U><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9se_QhkaasK3Aaf6iLKyaWebss8cPtV8sbR6NI2aq4DnielfGWkQ8o1xisD7AIt56TW0eGeTv5en-9OoJa8gfO1FTHL2nY3L3NRf6Yr7L7WwpmPNXQEZsxikNbJJgJ2QBBY_okwRpBgY/s1600-h/me+and+the+boys+at+ocean+shores.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9se_QhkaasK3Aaf6iLKyaWebss8cPtV8sbR6NI2aq4DnielfGWkQ8o1xisD7AIt56TW0eGeTv5en-9OoJa8gfO1FTHL2nY3L3NRf6Yr7L7WwpmPNXQEZsxikNbJJgJ2QBBY_okwRpBgY/s320/me+and+the+boys+at+ocean+shores.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189860159609143602" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ImsLpsOh3WmCigPV-vWH9HmO5W_lWBqyc4D1D4mROos-x-xvDbvMLjmWTu3Kt0KB3ilihkrtucOI04Ba5LqUy5_PIbT0Ltl0RFwVUiu6m62NT3sgsAWGnh_DoVDBIan9en_MaZxVnAg/s1600-h/ArmywifeLong_byAmie.png"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ImsLpsOh3WmCigPV-vWH9HmO5W_lWBqyc4D1D4mROos-x-xvDbvMLjmWTu3Kt0KB3ilihkrtucOI04Ba5LqUy5_PIbT0Ltl0RFwVUiu6m62NT3sgsAWGnh_DoVDBIan9en_MaZxVnAg/s200/ArmywifeLong_byAmie.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189860816739139906" border="0" /></a>Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-28387654032844891922008-04-14T21:18:00.000-07:002008-04-14T21:39:35.533-07:00What a great weekend!The boys and I made it back from <a href="http://www.oceanshores.org/"><u>Ocean Shores</u></a>. We had such a great time. The reason for our trip was for a spouses retreat for spouses of deployed soldiers. The other 34 wives and I, were first group of wives to be offered a retreat in the lower 48 states, that was paid for by the Army.<br /><br />The retreat itself was very nice, and the Chaplain was very informative. I loved the fact that he was straight forward when he was talking to us.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />He covered many topics ranging from reintegration to commitment to his needs/her needs. The basic concept was stuff that is covered on marriage retreats, so he bounced around on certain topics. Rob's unit is planning on holding 3 marriage retreats a month starting in August and going through October, so I really hope we get the opportunity to attend one. Not that we have major problems, but it can only benefit our marriage to attend one.<br /><br />Not all of our time was spent in workshops. The resort we stayed at had an indoor water park that normally isn't open this time of year, but they opened for us so the kids could have some water fun. We went walking along the beach, and even though it was really cold, I let the boys roll up their pants and play in the water a bit.<br /><br />Here are a few pictures I took over the weekend.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejHkYd5X4EX_vmbivqqWjA9KNtPVz-CFXlr83X8vFAeGIDcOxQ2_8Q6PaRzHzE9IWIgi-Y0x7syUpLtFBXq8-uhXHp6cScRBdn9nJ46N4P-aoE0Czo95ak_S_gvwSoAs9IhPomgBq8pI/s1600-h/100_2449.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejHkYd5X4EX_vmbivqqWjA9KNtPVz-CFXlr83X8vFAeGIDcOxQ2_8Q6PaRzHzE9IWIgi-Y0x7syUpLtFBXq8-uhXHp6cScRBdn9nJ46N4P-aoE0Czo95ak_S_gvwSoAs9IhPomgBq8pI/s320/100_2449.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189324761870926050" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8J3SMhGLKRSqNMhkhgnrQ9IkNDqY3DGfvDIEMwy_wmDxL8K_KARTAX-YqtPQLKhsvxagol2L6MRglwMicj_jeT8zfjosVkS656BIljITG79j4EboEQdK2J-TVKbTpI0iyMZe7jqE948/s1600-h/100_2383.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8J3SMhGLKRSqNMhkhgnrQ9IkNDqY3DGfvDIEMwy_wmDxL8K_KARTAX-YqtPQLKhsvxagol2L6MRglwMicj_jeT8zfjosVkS656BIljITG79j4EboEQdK2J-TVKbTpI0iyMZe7jqE948/s320/100_2383.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189325672403992818" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUK_RH2BvbgkiWthayLD1hN_YWWvgAjFtkW8iZIBL0zo0lcy_MnlflcQm2jraHucC67A0Bn97KnSQ3bmtt_7nMGN1KAcCtevwv0_ENq8NgVqY9O2LTfrnzJuAfcnxiJzaYZCuI-2-CjI/s1600-h/100_2440.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUK_RH2BvbgkiWthayLD1hN_YWWvgAjFtkW8iZIBL0zo0lcy_MnlflcQm2jraHucC67A0Bn97KnSQ3bmtt_7nMGN1KAcCtevwv0_ENq8NgVqY9O2LTfrnzJuAfcnxiJzaYZCuI-2-CjI/s320/100_2440.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189326338123923714" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrT9Pd5qslOZv7CnwDqzHVCvniNICtSiI83ljt1RUbVw8I21ZXsEE3EzgFGEh5xHTXH9PTyu7Se3vH-VYeXZD47HubOBp4YUJ5chSxZvh3hpbpPPWNg_6u6q2_kTB8aSAocUFyHezXkw/s1600-h/ArmywifeLong_byAmie.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrT9Pd5qslOZv7CnwDqzHVCvniNICtSiI83ljt1RUbVw8I21ZXsEE3EzgFGEh5xHTXH9PTyu7Se3vH-VYeXZD47HubOBp4YUJ5chSxZvh3hpbpPPWNg_6u6q2_kTB8aSAocUFyHezXkw/s200/ArmywifeLong_byAmie.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189326801980391714" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-84591149187178857572008-04-11T07:22:00.000-07:002008-04-11T07:26:57.655-07:00Laundry done..Check..packing done...CheckJust finished folding the last load of laundry, over the past 2 two does I've folded about 6 baskets of laundry (yes I was major procrastinating). Got our clothes packed for the weekend.<br /><br />I was even lucky enough to get to talk to Rob last night! Wasn't expecting to hear from him until next week, so it really put me in a good mood, I love the unexpected phone calls!<br /><br />Anywho, Rob send me this picture, and I just thought I would share. I love sunset pictures.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusGtkfZP7tzKVD6omb6VdLXQD8dlsk62vZGeEwBej7ZMhhQC3pwvTD4WLBKo5fQtm8ulb08WDmNGSLdgAjW8JSoOeYCXxks02kKxgJbmORUGtgqBPT-amNIvW0rX_P8AAlOwXXfHyaSg/s1600-h/l_2bf6cc582f452165111d8012183d1182.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusGtkfZP7tzKVD6omb6VdLXQD8dlsk62vZGeEwBej7ZMhhQC3pwvTD4WLBKo5fQtm8ulb08WDmNGSLdgAjW8JSoOeYCXxks02kKxgJbmORUGtgqBPT-amNIvW0rX_P8AAlOwXXfHyaSg/s320/l_2bf6cc582f452165111d8012183d1182.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187993862468360386" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Hope everyone was a great weekend!Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-35710501517509500922008-04-10T12:29:00.000-07:002008-04-10T12:51:58.570-07:00A weekend getawayThings have been busy around the house lately. For one we are less than 2 months away from Rob coming home, so things have been very busy with FRG. Still working on getting Jonathon's surgery set up, we meet with the specialist next week. Last week the kids were on Spring break. The weather was actually nice, and we got out and did some things. I took the kids to the Olympia Hands on Children's museum. This weekend we are going over to Ocean Shores.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />Hubbies unit is doing a spouses retreat for the spouses of deployed soldiers. I figured this would be something really nice to do, and would give me a weekend break. The Army is providing lodging, meals, and childcare while I am in the workshops. So on top of getting a break from post, I'll get a few hours away from the kiddos. I'm actually very excited about the retreat, as I have never been on one.<br /><br />I know that Rob's brigade is planning on doing a few marriage retreats after they get back from deployment, so Rob and I talked about probably signing up for one. Over the course of this deployment we have both realized we need to communicate better with each other. No major problems in our marriage, but a retreat would be nice, and can only benefit us.<br /><br />Anyways, here a few pictures from the Children's museum.<br /><br />My future Radiologist<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVM1VxZCaBYKQWByLyfb9pzeeebitToEYwDlwAUWq8-VdLRlJKGwjOWLt4BISNyVPvCOuRI4zedNkTV2LAhXPzHVFaQg9TCeb6Vq3yXcukCj6xhX4nWhlLKQ0OyJn1MLLu1KINlvkVY0/s1600-h/100_2276.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVM1VxZCaBYKQWByLyfb9pzeeebitToEYwDlwAUWq8-VdLRlJKGwjOWLt4BISNyVPvCOuRI4zedNkTV2LAhXPzHVFaQg9TCeb6Vq3yXcukCj6xhX4nWhlLKQ0OyJn1MLLu1KINlvkVY0/s320/100_2276.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187704123974572178" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Perhaps he'll work on the barges?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZbfPYTUDyHUZZmuixTiXc0WVLacYiZTigE4MCsykzOrYJcv6rPzOqUGU40viNG-wd0q5S_4Ie-aTfjTkQTsqtKdyiVlT8mSzTj6AiE3-3CkYLc6XWct8rqYp0bVKUAxAO3_-HcODVSM/s1600-h/100_2287.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZbfPYTUDyHUZZmuixTiXc0WVLacYiZTigE4MCsykzOrYJcv6rPzOqUGU40viNG-wd0q5S_4Ie-aTfjTkQTsqtKdyiVlT8mSzTj6AiE3-3CkYLc6XWct8rqYp0bVKUAxAO3_-HcODVSM/s320/100_2287.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187704759629732002" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Just the 3 of us (they never cooperate for pics)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFAv1e0Sux1H19ZRFF4T5BTEsobSZMVMY9K-eAcjEfDgGzoaSnRAOU_vs2mpCJKz6ACKLtBVDoDPq6RSTKkbwcaMQAcpFvQWX55dYxwfUanU6iL77fwjNASsjMw3b0wrb99NnEojXtXM/s1600-h/100_2329.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFAv1e0Sux1H19ZRFF4T5BTEsobSZMVMY9K-eAcjEfDgGzoaSnRAOU_vs2mpCJKz6ACKLtBVDoDPq6RSTKkbwcaMQAcpFvQWX55dYxwfUanU6iL77fwjNASsjMw3b0wrb99NnEojXtXM/s320/100_2329.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187705829076588722" border="0" /></a></span>Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-38291639262588578982008-04-09T08:15:00.000-07:002008-04-10T11:15:49.132-07:005 hours and 24 minutes laterSo the the other day I was trying to open Microsoft word, but kept receiving an error message. So after playing around with troubleshooting the program, I discovered that I needed to download the service pack for 2007 Word. So I download the service, which says it will correct the problem I was having. Well it didn't help.<br /><br />Yesterday I drove to Portland with my friend to pick up her kids, and after we got back, I decided to call Microsoft to get help with the problem.<br /><br /><br />I called them around 3:30 pm, and after being on the for 5 hours and 24 minutes, we have temporarily gotten Word to work, only problem now, I can't have a printer on this computer. Basically my printer spooler program rewrote itself, so we had to remove it. Rahul from Microsoft informed me that I needed to put in the original XP disk that came with my computer so we could basically restore my computer without having to lose everything I have on here.</span><span id="fullpost"> Well, after much searching, either we didn't get the disk when we bought the computer, or I have misplaced it. Really unlike me though, I still have disks from college courses I was taking 3 years ago.<br /><br />So I guess for the meantime, I'm just lucky that our other desk top has the printer installed on it.<br />What a big head ache!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8dSwJnwE-ZBRnUvJ1ywRvVH3gvxb-4sTYnwqkpePcRhvxJlTJ-kDM43spM_UjpsB_dRQ9Cx8wkOxXEIqyPHEKbQ48aUGZVoKV1V5bxfyNNhHuJE583MTKwGfmxOUU9ragkNKCmkNXzs/s1600-h/ArmywifeLong_byAmie.png"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8dSwJnwE-ZBRnUvJ1ywRvVH3gvxb-4sTYnwqkpePcRhvxJlTJ-kDM43spM_UjpsB_dRQ9Cx8wkOxXEIqyPHEKbQ48aUGZVoKV1V5bxfyNNhHuJE583MTKwGfmxOUU9ragkNKCmkNXzs/s200/ArmywifeLong_byAmie.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187270897040478834" border="0" /></a>Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-24232757334656343582008-03-30T19:24:00.000-07:002008-04-09T08:34:01.425-07:006 years laterI almost can't believe it, we have been married 6 years today. Last year, Rob left 2 days before our 5th anniversary, and of course he isn't home this year. I told him yesterday that perhaps next year we will actually be together for our anniversary.<br /><span id="fullpost"><br /><br />Anyways here's a picture of us on our wedding day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1r9X9nASXo94_6ejxMjupef9nIqMknGozUNeSF55u68KInZa4LPETMSOi7nhwgPibPpn8p03NbqViySvjHZflDSDE_Cugqapa0yi81juFHx_tBSA3X9u3O5oCbGHkTGLWEguSbxlHmsk/s1600-h/rob+and+amie.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1r9X9nASXo94_6ejxMjupef9nIqMknGozUNeSF55u68KInZa4LPETMSOi7nhwgPibPpn8p03NbqViySvjHZflDSDE_Cugqapa0yi81juFHx_tBSA3X9u3O5oCbGHkTGLWEguSbxlHmsk/s320/rob+and+amie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183726604128473650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />And here is one of us back in September when he was home on R&R<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaVHDQvHOvcrReZcqD6LW9BnoM02VglDEMXAFuFIU-GordKpSlVws6jYfdHzI585eyEzirjF9HW196JHBLQeWViMPVKvH8CeadONHc7ipWrt7ApcHwC8huxONNBzriPQAupataOWYPTk/s1600-h/100_1803.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaVHDQvHOvcrReZcqD6LW9BnoM02VglDEMXAFuFIU-GordKpSlVws6jYfdHzI585eyEzirjF9HW196JHBLQeWViMPVKvH8CeadONHc7ipWrt7ApcHwC8huxONNBzriPQAupataOWYPTk/s320/100_1803.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183726874711413314" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Its amazing to see how much we have changed in looks over the years.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tSMedK-7J1cr476t65VW5xND8urN6CBOO-_Cq-XyN8kwm_JI1yD6wcMjE2nxmhc38n2TSLr2h-r3CAhLexl_BtXM0s_otp2pNTEQDU3AGs3XzGJbFpTKXr-jhcRb_1ksiftXCAMSwWg/s1600-h/ArmywifeLong_byAmie.png"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tSMedK-7J1cr476t65VW5xND8urN6CBOO-_Cq-XyN8kwm_JI1yD6wcMjE2nxmhc38n2TSLr2h-r3CAhLexl_BtXM0s_otp2pNTEQDU3AGs3XzGJbFpTKXr-jhcRb_1ksiftXCAMSwWg/s200/ArmywifeLong_byAmie.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183727080869843538" border="0" /></a><br /></span>Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-32189604175847986232008-03-29T19:34:00.000-07:002008-04-09T08:36:22.902-07:00Should Arlington honors go beyond rank?I was flipping through the Army Times on Friday and came across this article, and I have to admit, I found myself angry at it. You can read the article <u><a href="http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/03/army_burialdisparity_032508/">here</a></u><br /><br /><span id="fullpost"><br />I think this upset me the most<br /><br /><blockquote style="border: 2px solid rgb(102, 102, 102); padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> An enlisted service member killed in battle and posthumously awarded the Silver Star for heroism is rendered lesser honors at Arlington National Cemetery than an officer who dies in a car crash the day after being commissioned.</blockquote><br /><br />I, of course, don't really know who should and shouldn't receive full honors. In my personal opinion, all Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen killed while in Combat deserve a Full Honor Funeral.<br /><br />I'm sure there is nothing I can do myself to get this changed, I do however plan on writing my Congressmen about the subject. I really don't think rank should determine who gets what honors.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknw6PXbvjpgkY3VPJ9-nc2vrJDg8aTk6uyYiaXpeBpZcH-kpkHeJLN15CCKTWrDb2jWHGtD3vK-EQ3oS6KvrF5n4t6yGq6-3GgVRdqgAl0FFAWImBuV19wPscz0fxTm7wQ0zTlXI6OnI/s1600-h/ArmywifeLong_byAmie.png"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknw6PXbvjpgkY3VPJ9-nc2vrJDg8aTk6uyYiaXpeBpZcH-kpkHeJLN15CCKTWrDb2jWHGtD3vK-EQ3oS6KvrF5n4t6yGq6-3GgVRdqgAl0FFAWImBuV19wPscz0fxTm7wQ0zTlXI6OnI/s200/ArmywifeLong_byAmie.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183359040827281954" border="0" /></a><br /></span>Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-5200067914745068522008-03-28T15:56:00.000-07:002008-03-28T17:21:52.554-07:00FALLEN HEROES PROJECT<span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Michael Reagan, an internationally recognized portrait artist, is on a personal</span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" > journey to sketch each of our fallen service members.<span style=""> </span>His prints bring the person back to life and have</span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" > made a great impact to many family members.<span style=""> </span>To date, he has</span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" > drawn 925 portraits for family members.<span style=""> </span>Michael is a <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Vietnam</st1:place></st1:country-region> combat veteran (Marine) who is now retired</span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" > and totally focused on this incredible project. His goal is to insure our fallen are</span><b><span style=""> </span></b><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >never forgotten.<span style=""> </span></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >He is asking for all of us to let our families of fallen</span><b><span style=""> </span></b><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >soldiers know about this free gift and that he </span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >is a reliable and creditable man.<span style=""> </span>Please visit <a href="http://www.fallenheroesproject.org/"><span style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><u>www.fallenheroesproject.org/</u></span></a><a href="http://www.fallenheroesproject.org/"><span style=""> </span></a>to</span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" > fully appreciate his work of</span><b><span style=""> </span></b><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >arts.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMKDEjrzxOyvZpSvia1HfC6doS_ADGHT2e_sDDzMDLEmysUOdYLnouQ2EJo3oH3pmdM1_yW5lZ_ehnK5sSIBiZwKpS4FKZnwrpXsSnN8UiQ6-CtfetiusH50ObQ_bb4vnTV0IFLDU60c/s1600-h/ArmywifeLong_byAmie.png"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMKDEjrzxOyvZpSvia1HfC6doS_ADGHT2e_sDDzMDLEmysUOdYLnouQ2EJo3oH3pmdM1_yW5lZ_ehnK5sSIBiZwKpS4FKZnwrpXsSnN8UiQ6-CtfetiusH50ObQ_bb4vnTV0IFLDU60c/s200/ArmywifeLong_byAmie.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182952118445789714" border="0" /></a>Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473182136499161357.post-18158361923279944372008-03-27T23:39:00.000-07:002008-04-09T16:00:55.420-07:00They are more than just a numberA few days ago this article was posted on a Military spouses forum I visit. I can honestly say I was a blubbering mess while I was sitting here reading it. I wish the news put more into the fallen soldiers, instead of just a number. These people have names, and families, they are more than just a number.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/25/us/25dead.web.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1&hp&oref=slogin&oref=slogin"><u>Six of the Fallen, in Words They Sent Home</u></a><br /><br /><br />I really think the blog excerpt from Ryan Wood's myspace page is something everyone needs to read, and really think about<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFo1rG0RBLDYfeZgfHZSx2WUQKAMlycxfhTJhF-uIU6Xswm2Nizo8dSnI9-uRyLCJzIhoHe86LY4JOQySQpQ2knERBC0oo_TCQhtSsiqPHyeD7wDrvUwoDoC2N3jskmmNFyEqRgMEp_2c/s1600-h/ArmywifeLong_byAmie.png"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFo1rG0RBLDYfeZgfHZSx2WUQKAMlycxfhTJhF-uIU6Xswm2Nizo8dSnI9-uRyLCJzIhoHe86LY4JOQySQpQ2knERBC0oo_TCQhtSsiqPHyeD7wDrvUwoDoC2N3jskmmNFyEqRgMEp_2c/s200/ArmywifeLong_byAmie.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182680981455360514" border="0" /></a><br /><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><p style="text-align: right; margin-top: 0.3em; margin-right: 3em;"><span class="bold"></span></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: right; margin-top: 0.3em; margin-right: 3em;"><span class="bold"></span></p>Mrs Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694953218804899396noreply@blogger.com0