In The Harvest

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

My Future Song Leader

Jackson singing "Sound the Battle Cry." One of his favorites. =)

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Birthday Fun, Part I

In his PJ's on the way to TN. We left EARLY in the morning.

Getting ready for party #1

Checking out the new toys

Jonathan and Jonathan (Cole)

Getting ready to whack the pinata

Waiting for a turn

Papaw and Coley Bug

A birthday ride

Sunday, October 23, 2011

I know October isn't completely over yet, but it feels like it should be. This month has worn me out! And honestly, I am ready for it to be over with. I have some birthday pictures to post later (when I have time to download them), but for now here is a recap of our busy month.

-Prepare for trip to TN
-10 day trip to TN (4 days driving)
-2 Birthdays
-2 Birthday parties
-Missions conference
-Base Exercise (12 hour shifts, no off days)
-Stomach bug x 4
-Cold/cough/fever/congestion/headache x 5
-Minor surgery

Yeah, that about sums it up. Except for the usual...cooking, cleaning, homeschooling, church, family time, etc. Those were in there too. =)

I am also soooo looking forward to my neighbors removing their less-than-innocent Hallowevil decorations.

Hurry, November.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Birthday Boys

Tyler age 5, Jackson age 3, Cole age 1/2

Monday, September 19, 2011

22 Down, 2 To Go

Today is just another ordinary day for most...and truth be told, nothing is out of the ordinary here at home either. But today is a special day for us. Today marks 22 years of active duty Air Force service from my husband. Today he also reenlists for 2 more years...his last two.

B2 dropping missiles

It's kind of a bittersweet feeling. Part of me is so ready for this journey to be over, and for us to start a new chapter. A chapter where (hopefully) we won't be wondering when the next time Daddy will be leaving. A chapter where Daddy can be more involved in our day-to-day lives. A chapter where we can learn what it is to be a "normal" family.

But, there is a (big) part of me that will be sad to see it all end. The military has been Keith's only job...ever. In the end he will have given 24 years of service to his country. It has, in many ways, been his life. And it has become mine too. When we got married almost 10 years ago, I had no clue what military life was and it was quite the adjustment in the first few years. But, after the adjustment phase came a deep love for this life of ours! I can't explain it, except to say that I feel like I have been woven in to this military family. I feel as much a part of it, in many ways, as I do my own biological family. And when it comes to an end, I feel I will mourn the loss of it. Yes, we will always be a part of the military family. But the everyday-ness of it all will come to an end. It must. And it's only two short years away.

I'm feeling very reflective today. And very thankful as well. I hope you all have a blessed day in the Lord!

(P.S.- The significance of the picture is that my husband is assigned to a B2 base, and his job is to build the bombs that they drop. Pretty neat picture, I think.)

Monday, September 12, 2011

What I Did This Summer

You remember writing those essays at the beginning of the school year? Well, he is the mom version.

This summer we tried to purposely take it easy, tried not to be too busy, and to enjoy the simple life. I told Keith a few months ago that we spend so much a month on our mortgage, yet spent so little time at home. Such as waste! It just didn't make sense. We also renewed our fervor to save money (after replacing our completely dead A/C unit during a heat wave), so simple inexpensive fun was on our agenda this summer. We enjoyed lots of backyard fun using the swing set, trampoline, slip and slide, and kiddie pool. We also did a few other things, such as fishing, a few trips to the big pool in town, and a few trips to Burger King for their indoor play area when it was just too hot to be outside, and camping at the state park.

My baby trying out the big-kid swing set

They LOVE to swing

Cheap entertainment-pouring water on the back porch

Riding the "camel" that Tyler made. Very creative!

A friendly game of chase your brother with the water hose

Watching Dora on Netflix

Early morning tickle sessions

Chilling out with our green friends at BK

It wouldn't be summer without the big shades! =D

Teach a Man to Fish...

One of the things Keith started doing with the boys this summer was taking them fishing. At first I wasn't sure how well it would go considering Tyler (almost 5) has an attention span about the size of a grape and Jackson (almost 3) has one about the size of a pea. But, they absolutely love it! It probably helps that at the spot where they usually go, the fish start biting about as soon as they bait hits the water. I love that my boys love fishing. I hope it is something they carry with them all through their lives.

My Boys after their first trip to the lake

Their first catch-one for each of them

My handsome honey.

Is it just me, or does he look like Troy from Swamp People?

My boy after a good day at the lake

If you look closely, you'll see that Jack was so excited that he peed his pants ;)

My sweet baby, hanging out on the bank with his mommy

Thursday, September 08, 2011

The Heart of a Child

Yesterday Tyler was playing quietly in his room when I heard him pray this:

"Dear Lord, Thank you for all these toys-especially these bad guys who are about to destroy the world. In Jesus' name, Amen."

LOVE. THAT. KID.