So Why Are You so Distant?

Okay... So I have put this off long enough and before I lose all of my firends let me break it down for you...

My Mom is DYING!!! Yeah, so this isn't something new, but my Mom has been going down hill rapidly. Many of you know that it was a big debate for me to even move down to Texas because M & I both knew that Mom wasn't doing well. My Mom insisted that we move for two reasons first, she didn't want the boys to watch her die. And second because IF something happened to M, she wanted the boys to have time with him. So, we packed and moved down here.

Since leaving, my Mom has really struggled with a lot of things especially trying to get help in her home, and has had two hospital stays... I've done most of the work remotely to help her and have remained here as I don't have anyone that will watch the boys and M's schedule is completely unpredictable.

A couple of weeks ago we thought Mom had a stroke... I did book the first flight home to be with her (Thank you, Shasta for being my angel. You were the only one who stepped up when everyone else stepped back. You have no idea how blessed I am to have you as a friend)... It was not a stroke, but the cancer has spread to her bones and it is in her spine... Coupled with osteoperosis the cancer is breaking her spine and she had to have surgery to help build the bones back up for pain relief. While there... My Mom asked me to put her in a nursing home. This was a HUGE decision for her and a big acceptance for me. I NEVER thought I would have to even consider that... EVER! She needs a lot of care for both physical and pain relief. And while I don't mind doing it... It's a 24 hour job and I have two little boys that also need me. So our decision was not on the fly, but it was a difficult decision.

Unfortunately, dealing with a nursing home and emotional issues with my mom's side of the family have been difficult for me. I spend most of my days talking to nurses, doctors, family, social workers, insurance people, and various other people to make sure my Mom is taken care of. It's miserable for both of us as this is NOT what we want in our hearts, but is the best solution for both of us.

I have felt so stressed, I've had to make personal decisions of my own. I had to give up being the FRG leader, and some of the volunteer things I do. Not because I want to, but because I am not emotionally there to help and I don't want to find myself having to choose. That isn't fair to anybody! I've let people down with my decisions, I know. And it hurts me to know that I did let them down, but at least I was honest... Honest to myself and to them.

So I am sorry I haven't been online much or I haven't returned your calls. It isn't because I don't care or that I'm mad at you... It's probably quite opposite. I've probably thought of you and wondered how you are, but have been busy working other issues that I haven't written or called. I've prayed for many of you as I know right now I am not the only one with turmoil in my life.

So there it is... And there it will be for awhile. Losing your best friend is the hardest thing EVER! My Mom is my VERY BEST friend in the world. We have walked many roads together and this one we will walk together as well.

Just in case I miss someone... .Happy Holidays and have a blessed New Year too! :)

Happy Halloween!

This Halloween was a pretty good one. Both boys were able to make the trek around the neighborhood and neither one complained about being tired. :) No even slinging 25 pounds of candy seemed to slow them down.

I walked the first hour and Mark (yeah he made it home! Woo Hoo)walked the second hour while I handed out candy. Amazingly I was the cool lady... Ha Ha Ha... I handed out candy to everyone... My only request to the older ones was that they sing a song. Yep, any song they could think of. I heard Happy Birthday in English and Spanish, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and several other songs. The older kids just smiled and broke out into song. They loved it. The younger ones even sang if they heard the older ones sing... I love Halloween!

This year was the best!

Phase Two...

Today it truly hit me about what it is going totake to be a Bone Marrow Donor. 5.5 Million people join the Bone MArrow list. 1 in 200 ever makes preliminary matching to a recipient. 1 in 12 matches 5 or the 6 genetics markers of the patient needing the transplant.

I am scared as nothing in my life seems settled. I know this is important and I have been praying. Praying that this is all in God's hands, and if it is meant to be it will be. I am a bit scared of pain. Who isn't? But when I find myself in fear, I ask myself what would I feel if a doctor told me the donor back out because she was scared. There will be another one, and we will not give up. Then I realize the importance of this if it is meant to be.

Prayers are still definiately needed for me and a sick person. Please pray that no matter what... Good things come from this. : )

God Has Given Me a Blessing

If you are thinking I was pregnant... NO WAY! While that too would be a blessing, you need your hubby home for that one! :)

Yesterday I was doing my typical Monday routine when I got a call from Georgetown University Hospital. The man on the other end of the phone was very formal and very militarily oriented. I was really concerned. He asked me if I was still interested in being a Bone Marrow Donor. "Of course!" I said. And then he said that was good because I matched a potential recipient.

I have to admit, I am in shock like it isn't really real. I knew a family that needed a bone marrow transplant which is why I became a donor, but it is very hard to find a match randomly. Many donors usually come from siblings, and not total strangers. But apparently I preliminarily match someone in need of a transplant. Wow!

What does this mean? It means next week I will go to a clinic on post and have a blood draw. The blood will be screened to make sure I don't have anything I could give to the recipient and to make sure we are indeed a close enough match. If everything in clear, then I will undergo an extensive physical to make sure that this procedure will not harm me in any way. Then... I will donate to the recipient.

Bone Marrow can be harvested in 2 ways. The traditional way is of course where they use an epidural to numb me from the waist down and use a drill to extract 4 oz of marrow from my hip bone. The second method is a little less invasive where they will give me hormone injections for 5 days and then I will donate via a platelet method where they will extract blood from one arm and put back in the other.

This is all very overwhelming to me. It still isn't sinking in and I don't have everything worked out just yet. The recipient is not in Texas, so I would have to go to them since I am the healthy one, so who will take care of the boys if Mark is gone? So... I'm starting now to find out how this is going to work. Pray for me and the person in need.

I am blessed!

http://www.dodmarrow.org/
National Bone Marrow Registry

TDY and A Letter from Home

Well all MArk is gone TDY for the month of October, so I have been sooooo busy! :) Apologize for not posting more often. Between Cubscouts, soccer and FRG I am tapped out many nights... Loving it, but it's a full plate. How many days until 1 November? :)

We did receive a note from home. Hands down I miss our extended family in VA. My neighbors were the best, and by far they were my angels! Maggie, our little neighbor wrote the most fantastic letter to the boys. It's funny because it touched me. She talked about the new neighbors and how they weren't the same as C and B, and a sadness rolled up. I remember the three kids playing most of the day in the vines and trees. I have so many memories of them playing and feel a little sad because we just don't have that here in TX. I know... I know... We need to make new memories, but I miss you guys on the Coast! Remember that! I'm thankful for the blessings you have given us. We all miss you very much!

Yee Haw All!

Soccer

So, we wanted to make Connor more well rounded, and decided we would try him in soccer. I'm not sure if this is his sport, but here are the photos from our first practice. I'll download more once I have some more photos...

Hope you are all well! My hugs go to you all!

Shannon

Long overdue post...

Our lives have been crazy over the last few weeks... I am sooo sorry for not being better on here. I will try to schedule more time to maintain this blog because I'm sure I've lost my readers. :(

Last weekend, we did enjoy a day at the farm... Mark is gone for the month of October, so we opted to take the kids early to the pumpkin patch and have some fun. We did have a great time although a warm October (in the upper 80's) just doesn't seem like Fall to me. I like changing leaves and cooler temps. We are still in shorts here, but it appears the leaves are changing. I'm not sure if it's because the temps are cooler now or if it's because we haven't seen rain in over a month. Any how....

Here are the pictures from the farm. Hope you enjoy...







I did enjoy a couple of comments that day... Here is one conversation:

Daddy: B look at the horses
Braedan (petting the horse's nose): Yeah, but becareful petting him. He might be a little skiddish.

Later in the day:

Connor: I want to stuff a scarecrow
Daddy: Okay, let me get a ticket.
We work on the scarecrow and he's finished...
Connor: This thing smells... He is not sitting next to me on the ride home. (folds arms and walks away.)
Mom and Dad sit there wondering where we are going to put this huge straw thing.

Hope you enjoy the pictures... Love and prayers to each of you.

S

What do you get after a long week?

So, last night, I asked my hubby to pick up the boys from daycare, take them home, give Connor a practice Spelling test, and put them to bed....

When I came home late last night.... This is what I came home to:



Now that is the biggest damn hamster I ever did see!!!

Oh, don't worry... He didn't eat the hamsters... He laid on them!

They are all okay

Ike

Just a quick note from us... We are all well and safe. Ike did just a predicted and went up the I35 line, but stayed East. WE did get some gusty winds, but nothing too uncommon with bad thunderstorms. We didn't even get very much rain. So, we spend our day inside drawing and watching college football. Nothing overly exciting...

Tomorrow, Mark is back to work prepping for training in two weeks. How sucky is that? We had him home for 1 day! Guess I can't complain because at least he was home for one day. Gone for a year, home and working, gone for another year... This sucks!

Anyway... We are all safe. Please keep your prayers for down South... They did get massive damage in Galveston and Houston. Love to you all...

A little more stress in my life...

So I need more stress in my life so it seems. I went to the doctor today b/c I had heart flutters. Nothing totally bad, but enough to make me feel wird and my stomach to want to throw up... So I did the EKG... Normal... Chest X-ray... Normal... I am doing a 24 hour test on Thursday, so we will see what it tells us before we go to the cardiologist. Woo Hoo...

So, I ask the doctor... What do you think it is? She thinks it is stress. Ummm... I left the high paying long hours job 2 months ago... My Mom hasn't changed, Mark is still in the field (aka gone)... What is there to be stressed over? She gave me a med that has too many side effects... I am NOT going there.

So I guess I need a little more stress... Apparently, my life is not complete without it. LOL

Halloween Costumes

So... Today we were in Target wit ha friend, and Braedan found his PERFECT Halloween costume. So all day long he asked about. When Connor came home, we headed out to Target to look at the costumes... Well, thanks to grandma, the boys got early Halloween costumes... Connor is Commander Fox and our dear little Braedan is Darth Vader... And Darth... He lights us. So tonight we are wearing our costumes... I am surrounded by Star Wars... Dum. Dum da dum dum da dum dum da dum dum....

Off to the ER

Okay... This blog is old, so I will combine two in one... First, Braedan is okay. After flying off the bed backwards, he cracked his head open on out antique dresser. Six hours later, he was getting staples in his head. Sigh... Many of you know this from my blogg on MySpace, so I won't go into details...

Anyway, he's doing well and recovering... We will see how tomorrow goes as he will have the stples removed... Bless his little heart. He's a wee bit (let me emphasize wee here) more cautious now when there may be danger. Silly boy! He was ready to go back to school this morning though. I was too... It gave me a great chance to relax... A much needed relax too. I feel much better emotionally now that I've had sleep. And before I laid down, I left my anxiety with God. He is amazing!

Well, I am off to pick up kiddos. Love ya'll!

Today was the First Day of School for Child #1

So today was a bit nerve racking for poor Mom. Here the school starts at 0730, so the kids must get on the bus rather early... So early it was still dark outside for poor baby C.Oh, did I mention bus? Yes, this was the first time my oldest rode the bus to school. I was a wreck. Calmly we walked to the bus stop this morning. We had to wait a little while and soon the bus pulls up. Connor quickly jumps in line with the other kids. Completely oblivious that he has never ridden a yellow bus before. Things happened so quickly, I didn't get a chance to shoot a picture of him on the bus until he was already seated. (Pictures coming soon). At least the bus driver was nice and walked us through the sequence of events for morning and afternoon drop off. Phew...

So I wasn't sure how it worked once they arrived at school, and again I prayed that C knew how to get to his classroom. Sigh... His elementary is WAY bigger than the ones I went to. I figured by 9 he was okay because the school never called, so I ventured out with my number 2 son for groceries, etc.

Along came the time for him to arrive home... Alas, I worried about what if he fell asleep on the ride home? He was up so early... Or what if he forgots his bus stop? Luckly, he was awesome. The bus driver requires ID to pick up, so he couldn't just get off the bus. He was a trooper. When the driver called his name... He appeared beaming! He had an awesome day, and met many new friends!

I am thrilled! Number two son starts tomorrow... Do I have to go through this roller coaster again??? I hope not! What am I going to do with the free time I have without two kids???? Stay tuned!!!!

Family Day at the Range

Okay... We had family day at the range and it was a ton of fun... Minus the blazing heat! The boys really enjoye themselves!!! They climbed the tallest tower to see everything in the land, climbed on Bradleys and sat in the drivers seat of the humvee. Both boys manned the .50 cal and everyone enjoyed pizza and sodas. It was very fun! We even had some excitement as one of our families got lost and we ended up with Division Commander at our Family Day. Poor Company Commander almost had a heart attack! All was good though! :) I'm attaching pictures for you all! I hope you enjoy them!

Love to all of you... My small following! :)

School Starts in 4 days

So today, we did the whirl-a-wind trip of meet and greets. It was fun, but very exhausting. It seems that it decided to rain during these times... Texas hasn't seen rain in forever!!! So, obviously it's going to rain while we have to carry a ton of school supplies... Anyway, Brae is super excited about his class. He has 3 great teachers! I signed up to be the Room Mother... Crazy, huh? I'm super excited! Connor has a new Ms Texas 1992 teacher. There is even a Texas flag in the classroom. Everything here has Texas flags, big hair or the shape of the state on EVERYTHING! It drivs us nuts!!! But here is to a GREAT new school year!!!! 4 more days!!!! Wooo Hoo!

Close to My Heart Tonight

Sigh... I'm not sure where to begin this blog. I'm just a bunch of feelings and at a loss of for words. Tonight someone close to me got the "visit." The dreaded "visit." I know to night my hubby is in the field, and he should be safe, but I want to grow old with him and he will eventually make it out there... I didn't even know what to say, just started cooking food. My heart is sad tonight...

Oh yeah, I have a blog...

OK, I have been MIA for about 2 weeks now, and I am SUPER sorry! It's been a bit of a roller coaster since Mark signed into the unit. He's been home, and away... A really erratic schedule. So erratic it makes making dinner nuts some nights! Sigh...

I have been struggling to find my niche since we've been here. Of course you all know about the dental stuff, and then there were appointments for the boys and alas I was drafted to be part of family support. Err... I probably need that more than I can give. Anyway, it's been meeting after meeting and training... Every week is something, and while it makes the time go by while Mark is gone it makes a crazy evening schedule for the boys. And I am tired too.

Anyway... Look for a great 5 for Friday coming later this week. Big hugs to all of you reading. I miss you all!

I do leave you with a few of my favorite photos!

The house

At last the long awaited photos... Here are a few:









Scary highways & service roads. OH, BTW, main roads yield to ramps. :)

5 for Friday

I know I have been slack! But it's back and here it is!

5 Things YOU CAN'T DO in Texas

1. Try to beat the guys coming off the off ramp. This will certainly end in disaster, and many people will be forced to wait because you were in a hurry. YIELD NEXT TIME DINGBAT!

2. Never tell a Texan they have a Southern accent! THEY DO NOT!

3. Go ahead and steal a breadbox from Walmart... The guy checking receipts has no idea what it is and nods his head! Well, afterwards he asked me what that "thing" was. Umm...

4. Kill a spider... The terancula (okay, it was just a REALLY big spider) I killed would die, so a vacuumed the bad boy up... He crawled back out dilapidated. YUCK!!!!

5. Out run rain you see off in the distance. I did try this with my three year old in tow. We were trying to check our mailbox when I saw the valley below us turn a bit white a sure sign of pelting rain. I tried to out run it... We ended up arriving home soaked! :-) It was fun for sure though!

So there you have it... 5 for Friday... Ya'll come back now, ya hear! :)

Tacos!

Tacos... Our new hamburger chicken nugget meal! We love them!!! I think they have a Taco Bell here, but we have been enjoying Buenos! They are amazing!!! Even Brae loves tacos from there! WE are a taco eating family these days!

Can you tell we are near the border? LOL

I hope this post finds you all well! We miss you VERY much!

Household goods?

Yep... DAMAGED! The delivery driver said he's never had so much damage. Our antiques... All damaged. Hardware? What hardware? You name it... Even my diploma from State is missing. All the toys arrived... Thank heavens, I think?! :-)

Oh did I mention I have a toothache and NO dentists in Texas works on Friday? Can this get any better? Ahhhh...

Well, it's a short one... We are weeding through the boxes... I'm hoping to find the picture connector so I can download the pictures. I have a great one from today... Braedan decided putting the laundry basket over his head was much better than putting the laundry in it. :)

Good night ya'll. :)

Texas Here We Are?!

Sorry I’ve been MIA. We’re still in the hotel with dial up and I keep getting kicked off. Besides we have been super busy.

I’ve also been a little in a funk. From talking with my family it seems this is common when you go from one totally different place to another. And yes, it’s been a culture shock for me. I’ve REALLY tried to be optimistic, but every time I count my blessings something else comes up and I feel like we can’t catch a break. Crazy… I know, but it’s true.

Shaking the funk off… Here are the details thus far…

Just after being pelted with fertilizer in the Tennessee/ Arkansas borders, our hamster died. Yes, he was in my car and I am solely responsible for his death according to my son. This makes Arkansas my almost most hated state! Besides, they have these horrible service roads that suck! Long story there!!!

Texas… Now, I’m really NOT sure how to bring you all up to speed in one post on this subject, but here is my attempt…

* We found a house. Okay, it took us 3 days to do this, but we did and it’s nice and we (well mostly I) want MANY visitors!!! We live about 45 minutes from Austin. It’s hot here & we our electricity (see next bullet) isn’t quite on yet, but we have a house!

* Electricity… Most of Texas is deregulated! Yes, that means you get to pick all of your utilities and mix and match… Kinda reminds of that Progressive commercial where you see people shopping for their stuff… Yep you do that with independent companies here. IT’S CRAP! It’s taken us a week to get power and we still don’t have it! We have water, sewer, and trash… None are good without power….

* People… I haven’t quite gotten a real feel for this… No one beats our neighbors from back home. I doubt anyone ever will. I can tell you, my friend Ana here has been a real God send as she has given me the trips and tricks of the area. Thank you Ana! My friend Melissa has been helpful too. I haven’t met our neighbors yet… So stay tuned!

So stay tuned YA’LL… I promise a Howdy soon!

update

Phew… It’s nice to be back online. Just to catch you up from a week ago… Day 2 of packing wasn’t much better than day 1 only we found out our pick up date was wrong. The packer hurried around to pack stuff up because Mark was so mad. I was beyond mad, but screaming doesn’t do me any good, and I am already planning my actions on this one.

We were packed in a hurried fashion on the 2nd. Of course the packer forgot to pack the linen closest and pictures. And then she didn’t leave any extra boxes, so the driver who loaded was VERY unhappy!!!!

Mark and I are using the Caravan method to move. Our car which was supposed to be picked up wasn’t, so alas, I am driving the VW. Sigh… It hasn’t been bad so far though and the kids are enjoying the pools. They are great travelers!!!! We will hopefully finish our journey on Wednesday. 

Here is a list of things we have discovered on our trip:

1. Some things never change. Lexington and VA Tech are still the same (from the 81 prospective). There is still a Ring Figure rock painted for the next class, and Christiansburg is just bigger.

2. Armadillos live in Tennessee.

3. Wild turkeys can be viewed on the side of the road of Tennessee in the wee hours of the morning.

4. It is impossible to enter the state of Arkansas from Tennessee without having a heart attack between traffic pattern changes and speed limits, and BIG trucks!!!

5. It is possible to be pelted with fertilizer and who knows what by crop dusters.

Stay tuned…. We think we may have found a house. 

13,000 pounds & 1 packer = day 1

13,000 pounds of household goods
2 days of packing
1 day loading
# of packers on the fist day.... 1!

Uh? Huh? Yep, that is right... 1 packer! I came home from outprocessing to a single man in my kitchen packing things up. I just wanted to jump in there and help, but governement regulations and company policies prevent me from doing that. It has to do with liability and who pays if something breaks. :(

I am STRESSED OUT!!!!! We still have 3 days, and most of the 2nd floor is packed up. But there still looks like so many things need to be packed.

On a separate note... I miss my co-workers already. I am so blessed to have worked with a company that REALLY does believe in their employees and the importance of family! You know, if you treat people well, they serve you well. I wish I could have served longer, as Calibre will ALWAYS have my vote as a best company.

Let me go inspect.... Arg.... A sea of boxes, and a bunch of unpacked stuff.... UGH!

5 for Friday

This blog was inspired by my friend, Jen. So here it is...

The 5 things I should have done during mt last lunch hour in DC:

1. Drink a cold frosty milkshake from Maggie Moo's while getting my feet massaged and pampered.... With Jen and Hope.

2. Gone shopping at the mall at my favorite stores! Clarks, Lucy's, Anne Taylor....

3. Had lunch at Labanese Taverna. OMG... This place is amazing!!! The JCS introduced me to this a few Christmas's ago... AMAZING!

4. Taken the Metro back to the Office... Oh no, that wouldn't have been as much fun as the walk we had! :)

5. Visited the Pentagon Memorial Chapel. Good bye, Skip. I will continue to honor you by serving and supporting those who bravely fight against terrorim. :)

This World is a Small World

Ironic....

I work in one part of Defense. My DH works in another.... Today, I was finishing up some things on my side and met a really great soldier. We talked a bit an laughed about our upcoming PCS, laughing at strategy and shaking our heads. Business called and we were off...

Four hours later, I receive an e-mail that my documetns are signed and ready for pick up oh and " I talked to you husband today." Inquisitive, I picked up the phone and wondered if we talking the same person... Yep. Apparently, my husband knows her husband... He was my husband's instructor in a school a few years ago. So they talked and of course she mentioend she knew me.

I always tell people how small the world really is, especially the military. We can't really ever say good-bye because we often run into them again. It's a nice feeling... OF course, I don't say goodbye because I like to keep in touch!!! :)

Such a small world!!!!

5 for Friday... Saturday Edition

Okay, here is my 5 for Friday. sorry I didn't post it sooner. It revolves around PCS (Permanent Change of Station).

Here are my 5 dreaded things about a PCS Move:

1. Sorting. You'd think that being a LEAN practitioner I would be good at this. Not a fat chance in hell... Sorry. I collect things like sheets, towels, papers, toys... Well, I don't collect them ,but some how they multiple in my closets or my children's rooms?!

2. Dealing with anyone who doesn't understand a military move. There is a time table, yes, but the Army wasn't so generous as to give us more than 4 weeks true notice because everything hinged on my Mom's health (okay we won't blame the Army for that) and if Mark passed his class (which BTW, only 31 passed out of 91). Work with 2 weeks people... I have TWO weeks to schedule a walk through, carpet and chimney cleaning... Work with me.

3. The Army~ We need every thing duplicate and triplicate... Oh can we see those orders one more time? We need a copy for every person in your household. Umm... Why do you need all that crap. They should have a bar code system at the bottom that scans ONE copy of paper orders, but checks you out as you out process... Can Someone from the BT office look into that process for me??? :-)

4. Cleaning~ I hate this anyway, but... Oh, look I found the shoe Connor was missing three weeks ago... No just kidding. You do have to do a certain amount of cleaning. :)

5. 4 days... 6 hours a day... Driving in our minivan... Ahhhhhh.... PCS moves suck!!!!

6. Saying good bye to my friends. Of course... I don't like saying goodbye because I intend to stay in touch and visit everyone!!! And I know you all will visit me! :) I will miss goofiness, and cool strategy sessions... I'll miss the spur of the moment BBQ's and play dates at our park. What you truly don't know is that I purchased a magic wand to pick up everyone and move them with me every time I move. :) Oh, don't worry, you won't have to sort, clean or deal with triplicates... I'll just "Blink" and you'll be here or I'll be there. :)

I'm gonna miss you guys! Bust stay tuned... The movers arrive in a week. Now won't that be fun! :)

Sadness... A Need to Vent

There is much sadness in my heart tonight, and I need to relieve a little of it before I can go to sleep. Many of you know by now of my hubby's great success! I am so proud of him for trudging through a year full of crap to seek better retirement for our family. But alas with great success comes an inevitable PCS move. Yes, we will be on the move again. I can't say I don't harbor alittle excitement, because it will be something new. I'm excited to try something new, visit some place new. But... I'm sad to leave my East Coast home. This is the place where I feel most happy.

Mt life has revolved around the East Coast. The warm sands, and the waves. The crazy Southern people with their drawls. I will miss it. I will miss the comforts of my dearest friends. I know I will make new ones, but nothing beats the ones your known for half your life. :)

This weekend, I walked the house that my parents have owned since I was born. And it saddened me to think it would be some time before I slept in my old room again or ran through the lush grass on the side of the house. I guess my saddest thought is that I might not share all of this with my Mom. She is very sick. And I know we never know what life is going to hand us. I just have many good memories. And they make me smile. I want to be selfish and make millions more. It was hard to leave to come home... I will miss my east coast home. Somehow this will always be the place where my heart will feel the happiest.

Nature Girl I am Not

So most of you know I don't like bugs, or snakes, or cute little furry things that scuttle. I'm not warm and friendly towards cave crickets or jumping spiders... And just so you understand, I DO NOT LIKE scary creepy raccoons! Ack!

The wildfires from the Dismal Swamp are pushing so many critters up and out of the ravaged areas to the suburbia of Va Beach. I am sad, but at the same time. I don't think I like playing a part in the Over the Hedge movie. Ack!

Tonight, I was eating a bite of salad, when I noticed a visitor on our front porch looking in the glass windows... Ick! I looked at me ,and I looked at him and we stood there looking at him with his raccoon creepiness before my Mom yells for me to scare him off. The neighbors are outside and this did not phase the critter. He ran away, but I stood there watching... Just watching how fearless this creature actually was... Needless to say, I had to locked the car doors. What city slicker wouldn't?

Change

I have watched a beautifully orchestrated transition occur since we moved up here to DC. When my husband first took his position up here, I had the wonderful opportunity to view the Pentagon in it pre-form. Pre- transformation... As most of you know, the transformation is a post- 9/11 happening starting with the part of the building that was hit by the plane. They have done a wonderful job building the memorial chapel and the new areas.

In our time year, I have seen parts of the building close only to unfold into a beautifully transformed area. Everyone is enjoying their new luxuries. But as time has gone by there is only one section that is due to have a facelift. I love that part of the building. It has the 40's appeal with cool built in book shelves, and latches on doors. Many of the tenants there are probably wishing they had the luxuries of the new areas. It's like stepping through time... I love it! It's also a sad time since it's a time to say good bye to the times of the past. I hate that part! I'm sure it will be captured somewhere in the building. Parts of it in showcases somewhere, but I still love it and it's old freight elevators. I just has an appeal.

I can't wait to see the entire finale, but I'm still saddened at the change. New is not always the best.

Weekend

Okay, I wish I could say it was restful, but... It was not! I did accomplish many things though.

Connor graduated from Kindergarten. I cried. I cried because it was just yesterday that he loaded on the bus to go off to school. He had his little lunch bag and his name badge that told the teachers who he was and where he needed to go. Today he hops right out and goes right into the classroom. All the teachers know him. And I'm a bit saddened that Mark has missed many of the joys I have gotten to enjoy this year.

Saturday was a fun day because the boys and I headed out to have a little fun in Reston at the stamp shop. A Happy Stamper is my favorite store, and it is kid friendly! Thank you Angela! We bought paper for the most part and three stamps including an Army one that I love, and used last night for a thank you note. And then my Mom bought me a Cuddlebug embosser/die cutting tool. Woo Hoo... Can't beat 50% off coupons at Michael's. Of course my Mom was set on buying a Cricut which she was convinced was only $49.95. I was like great deal!!!! ( BTW, Cricuts allow you to make 1" die cuts to 23" die cuts) Until I read the fine print... $49.95 for the first 30 days and then just 3 more easy payments of $49.95... That sounded more realistic since I priced them at Michaels the other week at $400.00! OUCH! I like scrapping, but not that much! :) Anyway... I've been making cuts with my scraps in between things all day. This machine is awesome! Woo Hoo! Thank you, Mom!!!!

Sunday is a catch up day... Laundry, grocery, and of course a bit of unfinished work from Friday have managed to creep into my schedule. I can't believe it's 2:45 already. We did manage to use out big beach ball sprinkler. I would have pictures to post, but I played too. I think our neighbors thought we were insane! After all, we live on the water & it's free (expect for th homeowners fee each month) why run a sprinkler? Well, because it was just something different and fun. :)

Well, this is a boring blog... I'm sorry. :( Thought I'd catch you up since I haven't been on much. I'm going to use my cuddlebug now!!! :)

5 for Friday

Here are a few things I'd like to try over the next week.

1. Strawberry Pie doesn't that sound good. It just sounds fresh, and I love strawberries.

2. Our new beach ball sprinkler Come on!!! Click it and tell me it doesn't look like fun!

3. No! No! Not get a cat or build a hammock (although that would be nice... The hammock part.). I think I could use some well deserved sleep. Those storms were REALLY bad!

4. Pa ruse (and maybe buy) some bumpy labels for the boys sippy cups...

5. Count my blessings! Over the past few weeks, I've really neglected thinknig about the things I'm really blessed with! I have two bright, loving, energetic kids! My husband loves me and our family very very much! I have strength! Lots of strength that I didn't know I had and many fear using the strength they have. I am surrounded by WONDERFUL friends! Ones that love me no matter what the circumstance. I am very blessed, and I don't think I've truly appreciated any of it! BTW, there is more than what is listed... I'd write novel if I listed everything. :)

Well, that's our weekend! Hope you have a safe one! :)

War & Peace

I've learned over the last few days that hot stormy humid weather bring war among the troops in our house! For two days we weathered severe storms. Now, don't get me wrong hearing the pitter patter of rain on the roof is fantastic! Hearing the wind howls, green clouds, and threats of funnel clouds does NOT make me relaxed, and the troops get a little edgy too!

I've also learned that cool breezes from a fan are FAN-tastic! The troops like cool breezes! They also love ICEEs. We ALL enjoyed ICEEs today! Cool treats and cooler air keeps the troops VERY happy!

And that makes the CinC VERY VERY Happy!

Photos...

Here are a few of my favorite photos from the past two weeks. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

What Makes a Mom Happy?

When parents ask you on playdates and tell you they love their kid playing with yours! Awesome! :)

I've had this happen several times... And, it lights up my inner person! I am definiately doing something right! :) Woo Hoo!

A Good Day

For all the Mom's who ever feared their child would never potty train... There is light at the end of the tunnel! Today, B did it! All day long except for one accident that he admitted to just not making it he stayed dry and used the big boy underwear. When I brought him home I thought for sure he would wet himself. NOPE! He hopped up said he had to go potty and did it! All by himself! :) Can you feel the grin!!! I hope tomorrow is just as wonderful!!!! I asked him if he wanted to wear a pull up or underwear and he wanted underwear. Sigh... I hope this is it!!! I have been doing diapers for 1/6th of my life & I'd really like to stop it all together. :) Woo Hoo! You go B!

Are we there... YET?!

Our family has been in the pursuit of being an Officer for just shy of 11 months ( 11 months exactly next week), and I am tired! I don't want to complain, but it was HARD to put my loving husband back on the plane today! I have to admit, I had him all to myself after 9am, and we had a lovely day in DC. It still wasn't easy at the gate to say good bye though. I know he will be home soon, but still... This is NOT easy!

Sigh...

So alas, what did we do? We visited Scott and Ivika at Arlington this morning. I wish I could say it was good to see them, but I would have gladly wrapped my arms around them in a minute if we could turn back time. I was amazed at how the cemetray had filled up since our last visit. So many young lives... It truly took my breathe away, and I wonder how enlistments could possibly be up, but they are better than they were...

After visiting with "the boys" we headed out for lunch. I love DC when it comes to food. Most of all, I love going to lunch with my husband and wished in some ways we had gone more frequently together when we were in the same building? But atlas, our schedules were super full.

After a great lunch we walked around and just held hands. It was nice, and I miss it! I miss so many things... Like the laughter in a our bed after the kids are all dried from a bath... I miss story times and listening from around the corner as the boys asked a zillion questions, I miss the help I used to get in packing up to get out in the morning... I miss the little things.

Are we there yet???? How much farther must we go??? Time... I'd like to keep on foot on the gas and the other on the brake. Pictures from out wild weekend coming soon....

5 for Friday

It's Memorial Day Weekend! The kickoff to summer. For those of us in the mid-Atlantic region it doesn't feel like summer! With temperatures in the 60's and low 70's what are we in for in August... Here is a patriotic 5 for Friday...

1. Rolling Thunder~ If you even get a chance to visit DC during the Memorial Day weekend, checkout the ultimate Biker's Week! Men and women from miles around come to meeting and rally at the Vietnam Memorial. They make sure we Never forget! Join them as the remember our fallen and raise awareness for POW/ MIA.

2. Wounded Warrior~ I LOVE this foundation, and not just because they called me COL. (Actually I'm the CinC of Household 6, but they don't know that). Please remember those who have come back wounded from Iraq and Afghanistan. Families and soldiers need your prayers and encouragement.

3. America Supports You~ If you know a Veteran, soldier or spouse of an active duty soldier, please check out this site! I was very honored to be awarded a plaque from this organization for my support. It was quite a surprise from General Schoomaker.

4. Memorial Day info for Kids ~ This site has everything for kids to learn about Memorial Day!

5. We leave you with some of the people we are proud of this Memorial Day! May you rest in peace! You will always touch our lives and live within our hearts forever! We know you watch over our deployed forces, and our families! We miss you very much!

Scott Sather
Ivica Jerak
Bob Horrigan
Kelly Hornbeck
Andy Fernandez

What is Happiness?

I have thought about this... And after tonight, I know what happiness is. For my oldest, happiness is playing with your best friend ever! Using your imagination to discover new things, find treasures on the beach, and well.... Just be goofy!

Frightening...

This is my incredibly handsome husband.




This is my incredibly handsome youngest son. Who loves daddy very much!




The resemblance is SHOCKING!

5 For Friday!

I'm editting this as I think I want to take 5 for Fridays in a little different direction... So let's talk about the 5 big event happening in our household..

1. Next weekend will be the bst weekend EVER! All military wives know what I mean! I cannot believe I've made it to almost the one year mark! Oh my goodness! Phew. When we started out journey being an Officer, we knew things would be tough. We have some dynamic circumstances in our family, and we knew that getting through a year without a hiccup would be something huge, and so far we have been so blessed.

2. My best friend is coming into town in a few weeks! I am so excited! I get the hubby and then my best friend right behind it! WOO HOO! She hasn't been up here in forever and I canno wait. Well, we will more than likely be doing more waiting than not, if any of you know what DC traffic is like! I am so excited as out beach is open and the park and there are so many things to see!!! Yeah....

3.Our beach is open! I love when the beach opens, because you can hear the laughterof little people as they splash in the water. And of course it brings the teenagers making out on the picnic tables at night... LOL. It reminds me of younger days myself. And NO..... They aren't having sex or doing drugs! WEll, maybe the sex part... I'm NOT getting up personal for that one!

4. Our van will return to our house in less than 30 days. Okay, this is NOT my favorite upcoming event, but it's Brae's and he wanted his moment in the sun. He misses that van wit ha passion... So much room and his own seat that he doesn't have to share with big brother! Oh, and it opens wit ha push of the button. So, the Jetta is newer, but the van ROCKS!

5.I am going to driving range with my girlfriends! Okay, this kinda happens inbetween Mark's visit and the really cool best friend, Amber visit. There is a golf tournament. And the ladies want to rock... Everyone is in charge of something... I am incharge of practice practice practice... I don't understand why I wasn't put in charge of the really cool golf gear. I imagine it's because the boys would just HATE being asked whata do you think of this pink... LOL.

So there you have it... Our exciting next 3 weeks! Life is good!!!!

And they call her, “Mother Goose”

This is my new office code name. When you work with people who have “code names,” you have to have one yourself… Even Mark has a nickname. Murph, Scooby, The Intimidator, and these are only the ones I can share with you.

I first learned of my name today. Apparently I’ve had it for awhile just came out today. They call me… Mother Goose! Ack! I’m a wobbly old bonnet wearing duck! What in the ___? Apparently I received this name because I am somewhat of a peace keeper. You know I like to “just get along.” I’m not big on ganging up, and would rather have allies than enemies… Who wouldn’t? Don’t get me wrong… I like my say and winning it’s #1, but there are times when you should just be nice! So when I didn’t choose sides today in big debate (over golf teams no less), it came out… “See, you are Mother Goose!” Always trying to calm the waters making sure no one gets hurt.” I have to say, my sway to defend my co-worker was not necessarily to be right or wrong, but I have been the person that isn’t picked and it sucks! He’s not much of a team player, but he was powered up about this golf thing and then… Well, everyone created teams without him. I felt kinda bad in part because I think he thought I was going to be on his team. Anyway…

So now I know… My identity has been hidden. I just hope they don’t yell… “That Goose is cooked!”

Wilderness Discoveries

Since Mark has been gone we have had so many wilderness discoveries at our house. In the Fall we had our friend the flying squirrel return down out chimney. He was a real treat too! I always worry that the little squirrel will get stuck or die in the chimney. Lucky for me they find their way out... Phew.

This Spring we had a BIG box turtle. Connor toted that sucker everywhere for about 15 minutes before things were a little quiet and I notice what he was carrying. I've never seen two six year olds move faster until I told them turtles carry Samonella and they could get stomach bugs. Turtles are to be looked at NOT touched. He apparently didn't like the journey either as we left him in the back yard and when I came back he was out of there! :)

Oh, and there is the red fox that is pregnant that decided to make a nest under the neighbor's deck. Umm... Yeah. I left the basement door a jar and swore for the rest of the weekend it had made a home in our basement. I am NOT a fox fan!

And tonight... WE FINALLY saw a chipmunk. I have been wanting the boys to see one as I have had to explain them more than a dozen times & how they are NOT like squirrels. Well, they are, but they aren't. Phew... This was was sitting right outside our patio door and he was just too cute!

Wildlife in DC... Who would have guessed?

Mother's Day Weekend

We had a fantastic Mother's Day weekend! We spent it with my Mom down South which was a lot of fun for all. My favorite part all weekend was when we arrived at my Mom's, it was late and Braedan looks at my Mom and crawls up in her lap and says I'll hold you. Aww... It melted my heart. :)

There were a few hilarious times like Saturday night... Here is the conversation...

Simply Stated number 1

Shannon: I really am very lucky. My boys love each other very much. Braedan, do you love your brother?

Braedan: Yes.

Shannon: Would you trade him in for a new brother?

Slight pause. Connor: Braedan! You're supposed to say NO! You love me remember?

Braedan: Umm... No, I guess I'll keep you.


Simply Stated number 2:

Sunday as we are leaving....

My Mom is sitting in a chair by the door, and Braedan is looking at her with his head cocked funny (like he was looking underneath something).

Mom: What are you looking at Braedan?

Braedan: I'm looking up your nose to see if you have boogers.

Mom: Well, do I?

Braedan: No, but I was just checking.

Braedan exits stage right, and Mom is asking Connor and I if she has boogers... It was hilarious.

So there you have it... Out of the mouths of babes....

Hope you all had a great Mother's Day!

5 for Friday

Okay... Here is what's on my mind for this week...

1. I HATE DC traffic. It's this mash of cars that ooze into and out of the city usually between 5 am and 9 am. Grr...

2. I am incredibly blessed! I am surrounded by the best people around! Thank you guys so much for helping me, lending your shoulder and just letting my sit and talk with you. You have NO idea how much it means to me! I pray for you every day, because you all are such a wonderful gift to me! I love you!!!!

3. Good Moms are great things! I am privileged to know far too many women both with an without kids that are fantastic mothers! Celebrate your Mom this weekend!

4. I am dreading Hampton Roads traffic... It's long and blah...

5. I'm hungry, and I can't think of anything I really want that's' yummy... Any ideas? :)

Until next week....

May 7th

2 boxes of cake mix $2.00
6 cups of butter cream icing $4.00
24 tiny hand made webs Too much Labor & Love

1 VERY happy little boy!



PRICELESS!!!!!



Happy Birthday Little Man! You know you will ALWAYS be Mommy's little boy! :)

And I say... Let them eat cupcakes!

Okay, this is my newest and greatest thing! Cupcakes! Carrot cupcakes, margarita cupcakes, yellow cupcakes with cool Spiderman topping. Woo Hoo! I love cupcakes!So do the boys and I've found my neighbors, teachers and co-workers do too. And I'm pretty sure my husband would love them too... (I promise to make you some when you get home in 3 WEEKS! WOO HOO!) As a mobile Mom, I wonder if I could make a living as a cupcake road show?? Hmmm... Mmmm... Maybe I need to stick to my day job. :)




I love this video! I hope it makes you smile! :)

Five for Friday

I've decided that each Friday I will leave the Five things that are on my mind. Feel free to post...

1. I think my husband is pretty awesome.



2. I need to let things go, and be at peace about it.



3. I think the Memory game and Legos are pretty cool.





4. I want healthy kids! 'Cause a sick child is more stress than the biggest brief to the Boss!

5. I wonder if anyone is reading this???

No I am not insane...

I am a Mom trying to balance work and two sick (now well) children.

Connor and Braedan have been VERY sick the last three days. VERY high temperatures and just plain yucky. Anyway, the daycare wouldn't take Connor this morning because he was not fever free for 24 hours... Okay. So, after being out for 2 days and what looked like a third, I had to check in at work. Besides, the BIG ceremony was last night and I HAD to get the scoop. Anyway... I loaded up the boys, dropped Brae at daycare and head off with Connor to work. You all know where I work, and we are not on the metro line, so I told Connor we were picking up a "slug." He gave me the weirdest look like why does a slimy worm thing have to do with going into the office, but accept it and we were off. So we arrive at a commuter lot and we are in a line of cars... This is how our conversation goes:

Connor: What are we doing here?!
Mom: We are picking up a "slug"
Connor: What is a slug?
Mom: It's person going to DC
Connor: A stranger? Do you know this "slug?"
Mom: No. But the person is looking to get a ride into DC
Connor: This is NOT safe! We do not let strangers in this car!
Mom: Youre right it isn't 100% safe, but we need another person to get in the car so we can get to the office.
Connor: Well, don't talk to this strnager. We do not talk to stangers!


The ride is silent other than the radio. WE arrive at our drop off point, the man gets out and says thank you.

Connor: See. I did NOT say anything to THAT stranger. It isn't safe. Do you hear me, Mom! It is NOT safe.
Mom: I hear you, and you are right it isn't safe.
Connor: Mom, what do you do if a stranger approaches you? You run... You run and tell your Mom or dad... Or Ms Jessica. Mom, you DO NOT talk to strangers!

End of conversation! I guess I taught him well... Now how do I get to work?????

3 blogs in one day?!

So this one is short... I miss my husband! This has been THE longest week! Sigh....

Dear Grandma, This One's for You!

Okay, just to give you a little bit of background, when I was young (1st grade). I was playing outside with my friends in our cul-de-sac. My Mom told me NOT to put the roller skates on because they were he wrong size and fit for me. The belonged to Angela my bestest of best friends who was slightly smaller than me and about a shoe size and a half smaller than me. Well, at 6/7 who can resist skates? I had skated many many times at the roller and ice rink, how in the world could the cul-de-sac be any different? So, after my Mom warned me and returned inside, I HAD to try the skates on. So, I did and jumped in the air only to have the skate catch the cover to a water line and fall flat on my tummy with one arm under me. I was completely winded so Angela and another neighbor kid screamed for my Mom who met me as I hobbled back to our house. Once I was able to catch my breathe, and Angela's grandfather from next door made it over to our house, my Mom and Mr. Tegeler made the decision that my arm was indeed broken (simple diagnosis as there was a bone sticking out in a bump just under my skin). Anyway... Get to the hospital, x-rays say: yes big broken bone need a pediatric orthopedist to set and it may need surgery. Ack! I was REALLY scared... I can only imagine what my Mom was feeling... Oh, did I mention my dad was at sea too. Sheesh? Her hands were full! Anyway... orthopedist comes in and things he can set it, but it will be touch and go and may need surgery. So.... As they pull the arm back and put it in place, I YELL, "JONATHAN, HELP ME! THEY'RE HURTING ME!" Err... My Mom was mortified! Most kids call for their Mom/ Dad... Oh no, not me... I call for the kid down the street. OF course the Dr's are like who's Jonathan? and why is this kid calling for him???

So, today... We are home because there is a virus going through our house. A NASTY little bug with a HIGH fever. Anyway, Brae is home today just because I didn't feel like treking to the daycare if Connor was going to be home. Anyway, it's nap time and Connor has been quiet all day because this fever has completely wiped him out. Brae wants to nap with Connor. I explain about Connor not feeling well, but Brae is not buying it! He is sleeping with "His" Connor! So I usher him into my room, so we don't disturb Connor, and he YELLS and breaks into tears... " I want my Connor! I want to sleep next to my Connor! He's my Connor! I can't sleep without my Connor!" Poor Connor is awakened by this and assures me it's okay if Braedan sleeps in their room. There I stand with a completely unrational three year old blubbering about being with his Connor, as my six year old ushers him in and even helps him up into his (Braedan's) bed. Then with one glance back at me says, "We're going to take a nap now, Mom. We love you. And all is okay." I stand there in wonderment as I take in what just happened. Most kids cry for Mom and Dad....

Hey, Grandma, I guess we are even!

A Touching E-mail

I don't gush over forwarded e-mails, but I liked this one... Of course it asked to forward to a million people, which I won't because I'm sharing with you all here minus the "so and so is tracking and will send money..." I liked this saying though, because we should all do this once in awhile as parents. Because time flies and kids grow up, and in a minute the time you had is replaced with other things. :-) I hope you like this as much as I did. :-)

To My Daughter - by an OK. Police Officer

*Just for this morning, I am going to step over the
laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

*Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the
sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours
together.

*Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and
keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and
blow bubbles.

*Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a
tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream
truck and I will buy you one if he comes by.

*Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are
going to be when you grow up, or second guess every
decision I have made where you are concerned.

*Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake
cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

*Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and
buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

*Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell
you a story about how you were born and how much I love
you.

*Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub
and not get angry.

*Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while
we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

*Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for
hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

*Just for this evening when I run my fingers through your
hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has
given me the greatest gift ever given.

*I will think about the mothers And fathers who are
searching for their missing children, the mothers and
fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of
their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital
rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and
screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

*And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little
tighter, a ittle longer. It is then, that I will thank God
for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more
day......... ...

Attachments

I can't possibly be the only Mom with attachments to children's clothes or toys. This weekend, we came home with so many toys we had to make room for them. So, I've been weeding through the stuffed toy animals and some of the other smaller kid toys. One by one I went through the stuffed animal shelf. Stuffed animals that aren't loved anymore that sit on the shelf and collect dust. So I pick up and Eeyore, the one that was Connor's very first stuffed animal. The one he hugged and drooled on and loved one hundred times over. I looked at Connor and he said throw it away. Pausing for a minute I ratioalized why I would want to keep it and we're military so we move...I threw it away. Along with a little people farm (Brae prefers Diego over little people), and a little people garage (both boys prefer Hot Wheels).

All day yesterday I pondered what I had done. These were first toys for my first child. But rationally they had been outgorwn and shouldn't they bring joy to some other little person??? Sigh... So when I got home last night, I pulled the Eeyore. I put him in the trunk that we have fort he boys. And around his neck has an envelope with a note. And it reads:

"Dear Connor,
This was your very first stuffed animal. He went everywhere with you the first six months of your life. I know it's silly of me to be attached to a stuffed animal, but I couldn't throw him away. If you are reading this, you are old enough to decide whether you want to keep this or get rid of it. Eeyore shared many happy times with us. I love you. Love, Mom"

Am I insane? It's a stuffed animal! There will be many toys that don't make it to boys' chest, but it's sometimes so sad to let them go. Sigh...

Happy Birthday

party

Okay, I'm exhausted! We did a double birthday for the boys at a Bounce House! It was so much fun, and it was easy for me... Well, I had problems buying a cake. I've always made mine home made!!! Different blog all together! Anyway... It was nice to let the boys run around with them friends and play. The attendants that run the party were awesome. They served cake, the had everything set up. They were awesome!!!! It was nice to NOT have to plan everything myself! Of course we are still opening presents. Wow!

Once we came home, Braedan crashed. I guess all of the excitement was just enough! I'm tired.... Yawn!

Tuesdays with Morrie

What an absolutly wonderful book! I have to admit, I saw it on the kitchen table while visiting my Mom and felt compelled to read it. This is traditionally not like me since I'm really not into the "How to" books, or sci-fi, which is what most of the books on the table reference... I'm more of a romance kinda gal. I still didn't know when I would read this book... I'm working full time with two small people at home that demand my extra time, but I still felt compelled to take it home and read it.


Anyway... It's a book by Mitch Albom about life and mentorship, and Albom's relationship with his mentor Morrie Schwartz. Schwartz is a professor dearly loved by Albom. Upon Albom's graduation, life takes the two on separate journeys only to be brought back in the final weeks of Schwartz's life many years later. The two rekindle thier friendship, and Schawrtz teaches Albom one more lesson....

Read it & then e-mail me or comment... Let me know what you think.

I leave you with my favorite quote from the book:

Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel. And if you are ever going to have other people trust you, you must feel that you can trust them, too--even when you're in the dark. Even when you're falling.

Morrie Schwartz, Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

I love that quote because it is something that I hold dear to my heart.

READ! READ! READ! And it isn't a tear jerker, so READ! READ! READ!

Funny things

I write this blog from home... My Mom's house really. We are visiting her for Braedan's birthday tomorrow. I love this house... Mark is reading this and looking inquisitively I'm sure. This is the only house I have lived in for more than 2 years! This house is a home. I love it! Anyway...

My Mom has been downsizing lately and reorganizing, so I walked in to my room (well, the boys are in my real room, so I am in the room we call the nursery (the house was built post WWII during the baby boom), and it is rearranged. Weird thing... It gave me flash backs to when I was eight or so. I feel like I've moved back in time. I love this flood of memories! Yippee! I loved being eight! It was a great carefree time! Now, if I can sleep like I'm eight and get up at the crack of dawn like I did when I was eight, tomorrow might be a GREAT day!

Good night!

One of the Best Things in Life...

...Is having you hands full and your 5 (soon to be 6 year old) son open your car door! He is my super awesome son with REALLY great manners! I must be doing something right!

Home is Where the Army Sends Us...

So... I am going HOME! I am pretty excited about this! There is just something about Army that makes me feel at home. Maybe it's because I feel like the work I do benefits my family and my friends' families? I don't know really, but I do know that taking over the Army contract is marvelous to me! Wooo Hooo!

I have learned A LOT from my current position, and I will miss all of the wonderful people I worked with! Especially Janette and Dexter the Dog. They have taught me so much especially about being a military spouse and working in DoD. There are a few things I won't miss.... I won't miss traveling the NCR as there were days I spent most of my time commuting... Sigh...

Alas, I will keep you all posted as I make my transition back home... :) After all, home is where the Army sends us.

The haircut...

Okay, so I FINALLY took a day to have something all to myself. I arranged the sitter, and made the appointment with my favorite hairdresser. I was set! Okay, so it's been since November since I've gotten my haircut! YIKES! I know! This is a much needed treat!!!!

So I walk in, and was shampooed, and chatted a bit. So, I tell her I want my hair to be just below the shoulders when it's DRY (so take off about 3 inches). Oh... She took off 4 or more inches, and the longest parts just touch above my shoulders! I thought I was going to flip, and you can't take it back after that first snip. :( Don't get my wrong, she didn't give me a buzz cut, and I can still put small hot rollers in my hair, but I miss my longer hair... Sigh... I just thought to myself, Mark would flip if I came home... No super long hair to run his fingers through. :( Guess I'm glad he's still away for awhile as my hair can grow out a bit. :)

Of course, Connor greeted me with a wonderful smile and a "I love your haircut, Mommy." What a great save. Ha Ha Ha... Well, It is warmer and my hair grows... Guess she showed me about waiting 6 months to have my haircut! :)

Lunch?

Many of you have not met the dynamic group of people I work with. They are a fascinating group from all backgrounds. Since we service contract throughout the NCR, we try to meet for lunch at least once a month... This month, the topic was What is harder?



Here is a snippet of the conversation:



Daniel: Which do you think is harder, staying at home raising two kids or working full time?



Jennifer (single, but living with someone): I'd say working because I look at the hours I pull and would love to nap.



Shannon: Wait until you have kids!



Daniel: My wife (who stays at home now giving up a high powered career as a DC lawyer) says that raising two kids is far harder than what I do. I am pulling 60 hour weeks, I don't take naps...



Shannon: You don't plan meals, clean the house, manage the finances, attend playgroups, help out at school, run errands, bath children, okay, so maybe you help bath your children...





I've thought about this; especially now that we will be moving and I debate on whether I want to work or what I want to do? Being a stay at home Mom is HARD! And it's not the hardest job you'll ever love either! When I was a housewife I had super long days. I know, my children where younger than, but the misconception that I took naps while my children were sleeping is far off from the reality. It was during nap times I pulled out the heavy cleaners to clean the kitchen/ bathroom, or mop the floors. I did the groceries, took Connor to school, cleaned, washed clothes, dishes, and balanced the checkbook, hosted play dates, played GI Joe, and many other things during my "lazy days". I also fed the baby at night or rocked someone back to sleep. There was something always going on... I was one busy Momma! That job is NOT for the wimpy!



So what about working? It's a necessity ( at least someone in the household has to do it) . Work is challenging because deadlines are short, you have to get up early, and rewards are little. But you get adult interaction, and people ask you about your thoughts. And not just thoughts about what does green poop mean? Or why are the clouds sometimes white? Sometimes gray? I personally like to be asked for guidance or see instant results of a job well planned and executed! These are happy things for me! When you work at a job you love, it's really rewarding on so many levels!!!


When you're a Mom, you have to wait to see the fruits of your labor. Carefully making sure you don't mold small minds incorrectly! And did I mention it's hard work!


So here was my response to Daniel:



Shannon: It is far harder to be a stay at home Mom. Hands Down! No one offers a bonus because you potty trained your son before he was 3. Just because a stay at home mom doesn't have the high tech suit on doesn't mean she isn't planning a presentation, and my guess is that she's not getting a nap everyday. Sure there are stresses on the work front because there are missed deadlines and layoffs, but there are bonuses and lunches with really dynamic people too. But most importantly.... That stay at home is shaping tomorrow's future every play date, shopping trip, checkbook balance at a time. :)

Daniel: Wow! Never thought of it like that. So how do you do what you do? Work full time and raise kids?

Shannon: By God's guidance, and REALLY great neighbors! :)

Spring

Being a military family has it's advantages... While most view moving as a pain (don't get me wrong, I do too) there are some perks. When we lived in Holland I loved getting closer to Spring. One because everything seemed to move again, and two because rich colors would begin to pop out of the ground. Beautiful bulb fields would decorate the farmscape's with rows and patterns like a well made quilt.

Here is DC, we celebrate the cherry blossoms and the tulip dogwood trees. My new job takes me all over the National Capitol Region, so I get to experience these wonders everyday in a different place. So far, my favorite is along the river front between the Pentagon and the Lincoln Memorial. There you will find beds of red and yellow tulips amidst flowering tulip dogwoods. It's a beautiful site especially with the sand stone buildings. Just enough color to let us know that it's time to bloom and start growing again.

Blog?

I've decided to try something new. I love to blog on MySpace, but so few of our family members have an account, I thought this would be a better way to communicate. Many of you loved our website while we were in Europe, so I hope you guys will continue to follow us on our journey through the Gypsy Life.