This is the season of Thanksgiving. Hannah class has created a huge turkey body. Each visit, they grab a blank feather-like piece of paper, decorate it, and have the teacher write what the student is thankful that day on the paper.
"Hannah? What are you thankful for," asked Mr. Ray.
Without hesitation...
"Chickens."
"I have heard all things, Hannah, but you always manage to bring something new to the class," Mr. Ray replied.
Later that evening, Madelyn and I had words with each other. It was her birthday, and she was displaying a very ugly attitude. I called her on it and sent her to her room. I was destroyed. I was sad that she had to behave that way and be sent to her room on her birthday. Seriously, I had tears about it.
I had called a friend to ask for advice, and her words really settled my heart. Jay walked in the door as I was hanging up and saw I was upset. Madelyn came out of her room and noticed it, too. Jay took her out back and had a talk with her, and she came back to apologize. I forgave her and we finished with her evening of birthday fun.
As I was putting her to bed, I had a sentimental thought.
"Madelyn, can I sing 'Hush Little Baby' to you one more time, or are you too old for that now that you are eight?"
"Sing to me, Mom!"
So I sang her the lullaby I've sung every night since I found out I was pregnant with her. I looked up at her on the top bunk and noticed that she had tears streaming down her face. "Mom, I love you so much it hurts me. Why does my heart hurt when you love someone like that?"
"Because it is God's way of showing you how Jesus felt on the cross; what unconditional love is all about."
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If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
Friday, November 9, 2012
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Seriously? Seriously...
Today was Saturday. We started the day by shopping for Halloween costumes. I can't do that again this year. I am so tired of little girls changing their minds. It was horrible! I am glad Audrey has no choice. She's Elmo.
After we got home and had lunch, Jay fell asleep on the floor watching football. The girls and I went to my bedroom and played. I gave them my make-up bag and they 'decorated' me. It was fun.
Until...
I noticed that Audrey had dumped all the loose bronzer out into the carpet. She was painting the closet wall with it.
In a panic, I lept up to get to cleaning. Dawn in a dish rag worked great on the closet door. Spray-N-Wash from the laundry room tackled the carpet. I was busy rinsing the carpet by pouring water over it and soaking it up repeatedly when I heard the girls bickering from the dining room.
Dining room / Office
Yes, it ended up being a squabble over who got to play JumpStart on the computer first.
I told them to back up so I could log them in.
They just stared at me.
"Honey, move over. I need to pull the chair out so I can sit to log you in."
Blank stares.
I tried to sneak through them, but knocked Hannah with my elbow.
"See?!? I asked you to move, but you didn't. I wasn't just trying to listen to myself talk. It was for a reason. I am sorry Hannah, but you should have stepped aside."
Madelyn jumped to her defense.
"Mom, how do you expect us to take you seriously looking like that?"
I thought about it.
I really had no idea what she was talking about.
Kids!
Later, after supper, Jay was taking the training wheels off of Madelyn's bike. Hannah was his assistant.
"Hannah, you have a runny nose. Go take care of that before we play."
"Oh, ha, Daddy! It's okay! I can wipe it with my tongue," as she proceeds to lick the top of her top lip in a hilarious manner.
"Oh Hannah! That is so gross!"
It's nice to see 'kid' in her sometimes!
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
After we got home and had lunch, Jay fell asleep on the floor watching football. The girls and I went to my bedroom and played. I gave them my make-up bag and they 'decorated' me. It was fun.
Until...
I noticed that Audrey had dumped all the loose bronzer out into the carpet. She was painting the closet wall with it.
In a panic, I lept up to get to cleaning. Dawn in a dish rag worked great on the closet door. Spray-N-Wash from the laundry room tackled the carpet. I was busy rinsing the carpet by pouring water over it and soaking it up repeatedly when I heard the girls bickering from the dining room.
Dining room / Office
Yes, it ended up being a squabble over who got to play JumpStart on the computer first.
I told them to back up so I could log them in.
They just stared at me.
"Honey, move over. I need to pull the chair out so I can sit to log you in."
Blank stares.
I tried to sneak through them, but knocked Hannah with my elbow.
"See?!? I asked you to move, but you didn't. I wasn't just trying to listen to myself talk. It was for a reason. I am sorry Hannah, but you should have stepped aside."
Madelyn jumped to her defense.
"Mom, how do you expect us to take you seriously looking like that?"
I thought about it.
I really had no idea what she was talking about.
Kids!
Later, after supper, Jay was taking the training wheels off of Madelyn's bike. Hannah was his assistant.
"Hannah, you have a runny nose. Go take care of that before we play."
"Oh, ha, Daddy! It's okay! I can wipe it with my tongue," as she proceeds to lick the top of her top lip in a hilarious manner.
"Oh Hannah! That is so gross!"
It's nice to see 'kid' in her sometimes!
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Homecoming 2012
Yey! I got the video done! So excited!
This is his return from his fourth deployment. Three to Iraq, and one to Afghanistan.
Already slated for another in late 2013 :(
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
This is his return from his fourth deployment. Three to Iraq, and one to Afghanistan.
Already slated for another in late 2013 :(
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
A Soldier's Welcome
Finally getting around to posting the video we all made for Jay's return.
He was on a plane direct from Germany to El Paso, and from Afghanistan direct to Germany just before that. Unfortunately, he was three hours later than planned, and he was so so exhausted.
So, when we got him home and to his chair, we played this video for him.
He returned on July 26th. The homecoming footage in the video was from his R&R back in January.
A week after his homecoming, his mom had a little heart-spell. We went on emergency leave for a month to go spend time with her, and to take a small vacation. She is doing well now, and we are back home in our regular routines.
I am trying to get the actual homecoming footage organized. So stay tuned for that!
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
He was on a plane direct from Germany to El Paso, and from Afghanistan direct to Germany just before that. Unfortunately, he was three hours later than planned, and he was so so exhausted.
So, when we got him home and to his chair, we played this video for him.
He returned on July 26th. The homecoming footage in the video was from his R&R back in January.
A week after his homecoming, his mom had a little heart-spell. We went on emergency leave for a month to go spend time with her, and to take a small vacation. She is doing well now, and we are back home in our regular routines.
I am trying to get the actual homecoming footage organized. So stay tuned for that!
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Busted!
A few evenings ago, I walked into the girls' room to see what they were up to. They were playing Barbies. I didn't think anything of it.
Until I noticed that Madelyn's Barbie's hair was tangled in Prom King Ken's crown.
"How did she get her hair caught, Madelyn?"
"I guess from being in the tub," she replied, shakily.
"Oh really? You sure they weren't... kissing?"
Blatant stare. Dropped Jaw.
"I saw you through the crack of the door. So you can tell me what your dolls were doing, or you can make up a creative story. The latter will result in punishment, but I am curious as to what you will come up with. You choose."
Embarrassed grin.
"Well, they were kissing, Mom. But, seriously! They are in High School! You can't expect me to have them act like they are in Kindergarten!"
Well played, Child. Well Played.
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
Until I noticed that Madelyn's Barbie's hair was tangled in Prom King Ken's crown.
"How did she get her hair caught, Madelyn?"
"I guess from being in the tub," she replied, shakily.
"Oh really? You sure they weren't... kissing?"
Blatant stare. Dropped Jaw.
"I saw you through the crack of the door. So you can tell me what your dolls were doing, or you can make up a creative story. The latter will result in punishment, but I am curious as to what you will come up with. You choose."
Embarrassed grin.
"Well, they were kissing, Mom. But, seriously! They are in High School! You can't expect me to have them act like they are in Kindergarten!"
Well played, Child. Well Played.
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Oh my!
So, while I was in D.C. with my hubby, my girls were staying with Gramma.
Auntie Megan brought Baby Kenton by to visit.
While Kenton was having a diaper-change, Hannah walked through the room and made an observation.
Remember, she hasn't ever seen what makes boys boys...
"Oh, look! He has a handle!"
***
Madelyn leaves me little surprises. I find "I love you" notes around the house and the word MOM with hearts around it.
Tonight, it was the bathroom floor after she neglected to put the shower curtain liner INSIDE the tub.
Ahhhh. Memories...
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
Auntie Megan brought Baby Kenton by to visit.
While Kenton was having a diaper-change, Hannah walked through the room and made an observation.
Remember, she hasn't ever seen what makes boys boys...
"Oh, look! He has a handle!"
***
Madelyn leaves me little surprises. I find "I love you" notes around the house and the word MOM with hearts around it.
Tonight, it was the bathroom floor after she neglected to put the shower curtain liner INSIDE the tub.
Ahhhh. Memories...
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
Monday, July 23, 2012
My Oldest
Madelyn is all girl. She is a very passionate person. Her temper lets you know that. But, as quick as she is to blow up, she's just as hasty when it comes to her sisters, or someone in need.
She loves fashion. I am talking way passed Fashion Plates Fashion Designer. She is always organizing clothing for everyone. Dolls included. She's been playing with material and a little fashion mannequin, too. I am getting scared. I can't imagine what her wardrobe is going to entail when she gets older. I am talking emotionally. Like when I tell her that $100 jeans are out of the question. Thank goodness the middle school here requires uniforms.
We never pass up an opportunity for a party.
Or pink.
Standing still would be an insult. Life is for dancing.
So we dance.
All the time.
Everything she does is over-the-top.
Everything.
So now there are a slug of commercials for products that Madelyn has on her wish list. There is a pillow with LED lights that glow for fifteen minutes, and change color. There are Stompee slippers where the critters blink their eyes every time you put your weight on that foot. Stuffees are stuffed animals with special pockets to hide your stuff in. Cuddle-up-its are part blanket, part puppet.
And there are the Slushy Magic cubes. Have you seen them? You add these to a shaker. Add your favorite beverage, and shake for sixty seconds. Out comes a slushy. So fast. So magical.
I wasn't going to pay for these three cubes. So I poured salt water into snack-sized Ziploc baggies. I turned our freezer as cold as it could go, and let them freeze. I had so much salt that it took two days for them to freeze completely. I was very careful when I handled them. I knew that if I scratched a hole in the side of one while it was frozen, I would never know it. But I would discover it quickly when trying our slushy.
I placed the frozen baggie into a two-cup shaker that I use to make salad dressings. I added a cup of Kool-Aid. I shook for about thirty seconds.
And it worked!
Madelyn was slurping it down in a hurry. Well, I only do these things after the other two go to bed, in case they don't work. They will get to try it in a day or two when the salt water re-freezes. I did place the water in new baggies. I am worried about it leaking and I wanted a fresh plastic barrier.
As I was cleaning up the kitchen, I found a pack of gum.
"Madelyn! I have gum. Do you want some? I have no idea how old it is, but it's sealed. It could be hard."
"Thats because you have to chew it first, Mom."
Right...thanks for the insight, kid.
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
She loves fashion. I am talking way passed Fashion Plates Fashion Designer. She is always organizing clothing for everyone. Dolls included. She's been playing with material and a little fashion mannequin, too. I am getting scared. I can't imagine what her wardrobe is going to entail when she gets older. I am talking emotionally. Like when I tell her that $100 jeans are out of the question. Thank goodness the middle school here requires uniforms.
We never pass up an opportunity for a party.
Or pink.
Standing still would be an insult. Life is for dancing.
So we dance.
All the time.
Everything she does is over-the-top.
Everything.
So now there are a slug of commercials for products that Madelyn has on her wish list. There is a pillow with LED lights that glow for fifteen minutes, and change color. There are Stompee slippers where the critters blink their eyes every time you put your weight on that foot. Stuffees are stuffed animals with special pockets to hide your stuff in. Cuddle-up-its are part blanket, part puppet.
And there are the Slushy Magic cubes. Have you seen them? You add these to a shaker. Add your favorite beverage, and shake for sixty seconds. Out comes a slushy. So fast. So magical.
I wasn't going to pay for these three cubes. So I poured salt water into snack-sized Ziploc baggies. I turned our freezer as cold as it could go, and let them freeze. I had so much salt that it took two days for them to freeze completely. I was very careful when I handled them. I knew that if I scratched a hole in the side of one while it was frozen, I would never know it. But I would discover it quickly when trying our slushy.
I placed the frozen baggie into a two-cup shaker that I use to make salad dressings. I added a cup of Kool-Aid. I shook for about thirty seconds.
And it worked!
Madelyn was slurping it down in a hurry. Well, I only do these things after the other two go to bed, in case they don't work. They will get to try it in a day or two when the salt water re-freezes. I did place the water in new baggies. I am worried about it leaking and I wanted a fresh plastic barrier.
As I was cleaning up the kitchen, I found a pack of gum.
"Madelyn! I have gum. Do you want some? I have no idea how old it is, but it's sealed. It could be hard."
"Thats because you have to chew it first, Mom."
Right...thanks for the insight, kid.
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
Sunday, July 22, 2012
My Middle Child
Not much to say to introduce this entry. It is just some things from my Hannah that I am ready to share.
"Who is my Godmother?"
"Vonda, Sweetie."
"Oh wow! I didn't know she had wings!"
"Not that kind of Godmother, kid."
Audrey was running down the driveway.
"Hey! Get back here, Kiddo!"
"Hannah, you did a great job eating your supper. You are going to grow tonight, I can tell it!"
"That's because I'm a Cretoxyrhina."
(That is one of the huge shark creatures from back in Dinosaur times)
"Oh really. I didn't notice all the rows of teeth. I'll look closer next time."
"Yea. But be careful. They bite!"
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
"Who is my Godmother?"
"Vonda, Sweetie."
"Oh wow! I didn't know she had wings!"
"Not that kind of Godmother, kid."
Audrey was running down the driveway.
"Hey! Get back here, Kiddo!"
"Hannah, you did a great job eating your supper. You are going to grow tonight, I can tell it!"
"That's because I'm a Cretoxyrhina."
(That is one of the huge shark creatures from back in Dinosaur times)
"Oh really. I didn't notice all the rows of teeth. I'll look closer next time."
"Yea. But be careful. They bite!"
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
It's Here!
So back in June, Hannah informed me she had a baby in her tummy. We don't have anyone who is pregnant that we hang out with on a regular basis, so this shocked me.
"Oh, really? Wow. Is it a girl or a boy?"
"Girl."
"What will you name her?"
"Summer."
So the weeks go by and Hannah becomes bedridden. She can't clean up her messes because her lower back is just killing her. That baby hurts, you know!
She can't sit still anywhere because that baby is constantly tickling her.
She can't eat anything that I fix her, but watermelon, because the baby doesn't like that kind of food.
Well, I was about to my limit. It was adorable, but too realistic for me. It was like she was the first person ever pregnant. I think we've all encountered mommys-to-be that were the same way.
Anyway, the other night, I came into the living room, after my shower, to find Hannah on the couch wadded up in a huge blanket.
"Mommy! You missed it! My baby came!"
"Oh finally! Was it a girl, like you had planned?"
"Yes. Her name is Summer! Would you like to meet her?"
"Sure! (takes baby that is as big as the palm of her hand) Oh, so tiny. What will you feed her?"
".... Spaghetti and Corn."
Okay, then.
The new diet for newborns is Spaghetti and Corn.
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
"Oh, really? Wow. Is it a girl or a boy?"
"Girl."
"What will you name her?"
"Summer."
So the weeks go by and Hannah becomes bedridden. She can't clean up her messes because her lower back is just killing her. That baby hurts, you know!
She can't sit still anywhere because that baby is constantly tickling her.
She can't eat anything that I fix her, but watermelon, because the baby doesn't like that kind of food.
Well, I was about to my limit. It was adorable, but too realistic for me. It was like she was the first person ever pregnant. I think we've all encountered mommys-to-be that were the same way.
Anyway, the other night, I came into the living room, after my shower, to find Hannah on the couch wadded up in a huge blanket.
"Mommy! You missed it! My baby came!"
"Oh finally! Was it a girl, like you had planned?"
"Yes. Her name is Summer! Would you like to meet her?"
"Sure! (takes baby that is as big as the palm of her hand) Oh, so tiny. What will you feed her?"
".... Spaghetti and Corn."
Okay, then.
The new diet for newborns is Spaghetti and Corn.
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Home Town Staple
Warning: This post may upset some of you. I'll get over it.
Our family's lifestyle has had an added blessing of being able to move around a lot. We are far from both sets of grandparents, so there is always a road trip available, if we so choose to spend all day in a vehicle with three small children. Granted, these trips usually occur when Jay is gone and I get restless. Some call me brave to embark on these endeavors alone with the children. I look at it as trying to not change habits or traditions.
We met in Kansas while Jay was stationed at Ft. Riley. We've lived in Manhattan, Ks, Olympia, Wa, Norman and Moore, Ok, Highlands Ranch, Co and now El Paso, Tx.
There is one thing that all of these places have in common. One thing that my family can always turn to when we get a little 'homesick'. Granted, we aren't anywhere very long to grow too attached to it to pine for our lives 'back there'. But, it happens. Especially with the kids.
That element is Wal-Mart.
Most Wal-Mart stores have similar floor plans. So the chances of walking in to one in your new town and feeling like you at the store in your previous town are pretty high. Unless you are in Coffeyville, Ks. That store is crazy. Sorry. Crā-Crā. (Its how all the kids are saying 'crazy' these days. I try to stay hip.)
Anyway, I have gone to Wal-Mart with the kids many, many times to kill time. I've gone because I've needed a break from trying to establish friendships for myself. I've gone because I've needed a break from trying to help establish friendships for my daughters. I can linger there for hours. I don't realize that I am trying to set up a new 'home' in a new town until I walk out to find my van in the parking lot.
I love Wal-Mart.
Target is a snob. They aren't as widespread and they are so much more expensive. I like Target, but they don't seem as well staffed, and they just don't have 'everything'.
As Sophia, from the Golden Girls, would say: Picture it. 2011. El Paso. Our family just got the key to our new living establishment. Needing supplies, I found the closest Wal-Mart and we headed off.
Boy, was I surprised!
The staff was so slow. The parking lot was crowded. The store was dirty, disorganized, and dimly lit.
I felt like I had lost a friend. I was broken hearted. The one thing that I had constant in the ten years that I have been with Jay was a Wal-Mart that I enjoyed to shop at. One that I felt safe both inside and out. I didn't realize how much I mourned this loss until this summer when I got back to El Paso.
A brand-spanking new Wal-Mart opened up just down the street!
I was skeptical. I was scared. I had so many hopes for this store. Once I walked in, they could shatter like Madelyn's porcelain fairy did on our tile floor.
Or...
It could be a dream come true.
You know what?!? It was!
The aisles are the widest of any store I've ever been in. The checkout stands are open. I've never been more than the second person in line. It's clean. The carts are smooth. It has a great variety of everything that I go in there looking for. I love going there!
What makes it even better is the customer service.
A few weeks ago, Madelyn's bike was stolen. We had it for only three days until it was missing. Madelyn was so broken hearted. We filed a report with the MPs and chalked it up to being gone forever. I went and got her a new one that day. Out of curiosity, I went to the Customer Service desk and asked for a manager. I told him the story, and he said he could't do anything about it. There is no store policy. But, he could give me 10% off the new one if I replaced it.
I didn't expect a bike given to me as the replacement. I was just curious what he would do. He could say, "Sorry," and walk away. But, he didn't! I thought that the 10% was very generous. So we got a new one and were on our way.
An hour after being home, the doorbell rang. The MPs were there with Madelyn's bike. They had found it. We were completely shocked. It was only the second bike they've ever recovered.
So, the next day, I tried to return the second bike. They took it back, no questions asked. I even told them that she had ridden it for the afternoon. They said it was in sellable condition. Yey!
I am told that Wal-Mart is ruining 'America' by only selling stuff from China. But, everyone is. Look at the Dollar Store, Dollar Tree, anything off the fun shelves at Walgreens. You can't get around it.
I am posting this from an iMac. It is most definitely made in China.
I feel like I have a 'home' now. I know, subconsciously, its because I am happy with my neighborhood Wal-Mart.
I just can't live without it.
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
Our family's lifestyle has had an added blessing of being able to move around a lot. We are far from both sets of grandparents, so there is always a road trip available, if we so choose to spend all day in a vehicle with three small children. Granted, these trips usually occur when Jay is gone and I get restless. Some call me brave to embark on these endeavors alone with the children. I look at it as trying to not change habits or traditions.
We met in Kansas while Jay was stationed at Ft. Riley. We've lived in Manhattan, Ks, Olympia, Wa, Norman and Moore, Ok, Highlands Ranch, Co and now El Paso, Tx.
There is one thing that all of these places have in common. One thing that my family can always turn to when we get a little 'homesick'. Granted, we aren't anywhere very long to grow too attached to it to pine for our lives 'back there'. But, it happens. Especially with the kids.
That element is Wal-Mart.
Most Wal-Mart stores have similar floor plans. So the chances of walking in to one in your new town and feeling like you at the store in your previous town are pretty high. Unless you are in Coffeyville, Ks. That store is crazy. Sorry. Crā-Crā. (Its how all the kids are saying 'crazy' these days. I try to stay hip.)
Anyway, I have gone to Wal-Mart with the kids many, many times to kill time. I've gone because I've needed a break from trying to establish friendships for myself. I've gone because I've needed a break from trying to help establish friendships for my daughters. I can linger there for hours. I don't realize that I am trying to set up a new 'home' in a new town until I walk out to find my van in the parking lot.
I love Wal-Mart.
Target is a snob. They aren't as widespread and they are so much more expensive. I like Target, but they don't seem as well staffed, and they just don't have 'everything'.
As Sophia, from the Golden Girls, would say: Picture it. 2011. El Paso. Our family just got the key to our new living establishment. Needing supplies, I found the closest Wal-Mart and we headed off.
Boy, was I surprised!
The staff was so slow. The parking lot was crowded. The store was dirty, disorganized, and dimly lit.
I felt like I had lost a friend. I was broken hearted. The one thing that I had constant in the ten years that I have been with Jay was a Wal-Mart that I enjoyed to shop at. One that I felt safe both inside and out. I didn't realize how much I mourned this loss until this summer when I got back to El Paso.
A brand-spanking new Wal-Mart opened up just down the street!
I was skeptical. I was scared. I had so many hopes for this store. Once I walked in, they could shatter like Madelyn's porcelain fairy did on our tile floor.
Or...
It could be a dream come true.
You know what?!? It was!
The aisles are the widest of any store I've ever been in. The checkout stands are open. I've never been more than the second person in line. It's clean. The carts are smooth. It has a great variety of everything that I go in there looking for. I love going there!
What makes it even better is the customer service.
A few weeks ago, Madelyn's bike was stolen. We had it for only three days until it was missing. Madelyn was so broken hearted. We filed a report with the MPs and chalked it up to being gone forever. I went and got her a new one that day. Out of curiosity, I went to the Customer Service desk and asked for a manager. I told him the story, and he said he could't do anything about it. There is no store policy. But, he could give me 10% off the new one if I replaced it.
I didn't expect a bike given to me as the replacement. I was just curious what he would do. He could say, "Sorry," and walk away. But, he didn't! I thought that the 10% was very generous. So we got a new one and were on our way.
An hour after being home, the doorbell rang. The MPs were there with Madelyn's bike. They had found it. We were completely shocked. It was only the second bike they've ever recovered.
So, the next day, I tried to return the second bike. They took it back, no questions asked. I even told them that she had ridden it for the afternoon. They said it was in sellable condition. Yey!
I am told that Wal-Mart is ruining 'America' by only selling stuff from China. But, everyone is. Look at the Dollar Store, Dollar Tree, anything off the fun shelves at Walgreens. You can't get around it.
I am posting this from an iMac. It is most definitely made in China.
I feel like I have a 'home' now. I know, subconsciously, its because I am happy with my neighborhood Wal-Mart.
I just can't live without it.
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Final Countdown!
So we are finally within the two week mark in our countdown to Daddy returning. I have grown so much with him gone, through my children. I have grown in my determination, too. I just wish my patience had improved. But, I guess I am just not wired that way!
We have been back in West Texas for several weeks now. I was excited to be here for the entire month of July. No, going to the desert in July does not sound like fun. But July in El Paso is special.
It is the rainy season!
For about ten days, we have been forecasted to have 30% chance of precipitation every day and night. The high temps have been around 86 degrees. We've even had a lot of rain, too!
Here is a picture of the rain coming in from just the other night:
I was really pretty intimidated about seeing that. I was driving home from the new Wal-Mart (yes, that will be another blog) and had to pull over to take a picture of it. It was weird and spectacular.
So it started raining around 8 in the evening. It was a huge thunderstorm for about four hours, then gentle until 5 AM. It was so relaxing! The girls slept until 8:45 that morning.
Then we went outside to see what a wet desert looked like.
Audrey found the mud. She was laughing so hard. She kept jumping back into it. Face first.
It rained again this afternoon. The ground was so saturated, we had a little collection pool at our back door. This time, the girls put on their suits.
So we have been doing a good job of keeping ourselves entertained. We went to the theater for the summer movie series. For $3 a person, you got a popcorn and a soda and admission. Today's flick was Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked. Audrey did not fare well there. Forty-five minutes into it we called it quits and went to play at the park.
I've also learned a lot about bike tires. My bike buggy had suffered from the sand spurs that are everywhere down here. I've learned how to remove the valve stem core and install the never-flat serum into the tube. I was airing it back up, and noted that it said forty PSI. I stopped at thirty to check it, and it blew up in my face. I had the slime all over me and my ears were ringing for about ten minutes.
After feeling completely deflated, hahaha, I let it sit a day. I decided to tackle it this afternoon. I went to Wal-Mart and found a new tube that stated it will never go flat. I even found a tool to use to get the tire off the wheel. It took me two minutes to have the new tube installed and the wheel mounted back on the buggy. I was feeling pretty good about myself. I reflected on all the things that I have learned via self-taught. I am glad that I am building quite a library!
I've been playing in the kitchen as well. I made a frozen lemonade pie to see what it was like. Audrey loves it. But its really rich. Way too sweet, even for me. So it's all hers.
Our nights have been getting smoother. Now that I don't have Gramma and Papa D spoiling the girls, they are getting used to their routine. Audrey down at seven. Then Hannah, Madelyn and I get some puzzle time. Hannah down at eight, and Madelyn down at eight-thirty.
Madelyn has been a big help, too. She's even helped with meal planning.
Thats about all for now. I am anxious to see what happens when Daddy gets home. I am excited, and am sure he will grow accustomed to living with women again.
If that's even possible.
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If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
We have been back in West Texas for several weeks now. I was excited to be here for the entire month of July. No, going to the desert in July does not sound like fun. But July in El Paso is special.
It is the rainy season!
For about ten days, we have been forecasted to have 30% chance of precipitation every day and night. The high temps have been around 86 degrees. We've even had a lot of rain, too!
Here is a picture of the rain coming in from just the other night:
So it started raining around 8 in the evening. It was a huge thunderstorm for about four hours, then gentle until 5 AM. It was so relaxing! The girls slept until 8:45 that morning.
Then we went outside to see what a wet desert looked like.
Audrey found the mud. She was laughing so hard. She kept jumping back into it. Face first.
It rained again this afternoon. The ground was so saturated, we had a little collection pool at our back door. This time, the girls put on their suits.
So we have been doing a good job of keeping ourselves entertained. We went to the theater for the summer movie series. For $3 a person, you got a popcorn and a soda and admission. Today's flick was Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked. Audrey did not fare well there. Forty-five minutes into it we called it quits and went to play at the park.
I've also learned a lot about bike tires. My bike buggy had suffered from the sand spurs that are everywhere down here. I've learned how to remove the valve stem core and install the never-flat serum into the tube. I was airing it back up, and noted that it said forty PSI. I stopped at thirty to check it, and it blew up in my face. I had the slime all over me and my ears were ringing for about ten minutes.
After feeling completely deflated, hahaha, I let it sit a day. I decided to tackle it this afternoon. I went to Wal-Mart and found a new tube that stated it will never go flat. I even found a tool to use to get the tire off the wheel. It took me two minutes to have the new tube installed and the wheel mounted back on the buggy. I was feeling pretty good about myself. I reflected on all the things that I have learned via self-taught. I am glad that I am building quite a library!
I've been playing in the kitchen as well. I made a frozen lemonade pie to see what it was like. Audrey loves it. But its really rich. Way too sweet, even for me. So it's all hers.
Our nights have been getting smoother. Now that I don't have Gramma and Papa D spoiling the girls, they are getting used to their routine. Audrey down at seven. Then Hannah, Madelyn and I get some puzzle time. Hannah down at eight, and Madelyn down at eight-thirty.
Madelyn has been a big help, too. She's even helped with meal planning.
 |
| Pork loin, steamed veggies, and homemade mashed potatoes |
If that's even possible.
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Fourth of July
"Madelyn! Happy Fourth of July, Sweetie!"
"Why? We can't shoot fireworks in the dessert, even though it rained last night," came a sleepy reply from a lump under the covers somewhere near the foot of my bed.
"Well, I know that it won't be like it is at Gramma Mary's house. But, you are old enough to appreciate the other tradition that we had on Firecracker Day with Grampa Kent."
"Humph."
"We got to drink all the pop we could drink, as long as we finished the can we opened before we opened a new one."
"So. That doesn't sound like fun."
"Really? So if I took you to Wal-Mart and said you could buy any soda you wanted, you wouldn't care at all?!? I always loved Strawberry. Gramma Shirley always made sure her granddaughter had Strawberry in the cooler for the Fourth."
"Eh"
"Wow. I never let you have soda. You surprise me, Madelyn. Oh. Wait. I said 'any' soda, right? That includes Dr. Pep..."
"..OKAY! Yes!"
I have no idea what happened to that blob in my bed. The covers were ripped off and something somersaulted down the hallway to get dressed. I had no idea Dr. Pepper was such a prize.
But Madelyn's Aunt Megan understands. I will have to ask her.
So here is to all the soda you can drink, the hotdogs you can grill, the corn on the cob you can slobber over, and the watermelon you can slurp. Here is to all the dogs who will be hiding, the firemen on call, the police protecting the roads from drunk drivers, and the soldiers protecting your freedom to make all of this possible.
But, most of all, here is to the politicians. May you spend this day reflecting on your history lessons from your youth. May you remember what this country is about, why it was founded. Read up on the path that our Founding Fathers were forced to take in order to make this country so unique, and so great. Understand what lengths the writers of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution went to to protect its citizens, and the intentions behind these two documents. Study, so you can do your job more efficiently, because of right now, all I see are two three year-olds fighting over broken toys. Stand up, grow up, and fix it!
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If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
"Why? We can't shoot fireworks in the dessert, even though it rained last night," came a sleepy reply from a lump under the covers somewhere near the foot of my bed.
"Well, I know that it won't be like it is at Gramma Mary's house. But, you are old enough to appreciate the other tradition that we had on Firecracker Day with Grampa Kent."
"Humph."
"We got to drink all the pop we could drink, as long as we finished the can we opened before we opened a new one."
"So. That doesn't sound like fun."
"Really? So if I took you to Wal-Mart and said you could buy any soda you wanted, you wouldn't care at all?!? I always loved Strawberry. Gramma Shirley always made sure her granddaughter had Strawberry in the cooler for the Fourth."
"Eh"
"Wow. I never let you have soda. You surprise me, Madelyn. Oh. Wait. I said 'any' soda, right? That includes Dr. Pep..."
"..OKAY! Yes!"
I have no idea what happened to that blob in my bed. The covers were ripped off and something somersaulted down the hallway to get dressed. I had no idea Dr. Pepper was such a prize.
But Madelyn's Aunt Megan understands. I will have to ask her.
So here is to all the soda you can drink, the hotdogs you can grill, the corn on the cob you can slobber over, and the watermelon you can slurp. Here is to all the dogs who will be hiding, the firemen on call, the police protecting the roads from drunk drivers, and the soldiers protecting your freedom to make all of this possible.
But, most of all, here is to the politicians. May you spend this day reflecting on your history lessons from your youth. May you remember what this country is about, why it was founded. Read up on the path that our Founding Fathers were forced to take in order to make this country so unique, and so great. Understand what lengths the writers of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution went to to protect its citizens, and the intentions behind these two documents. Study, so you can do your job more efficiently, because of right now, all I see are two three year-olds fighting over broken toys. Stand up, grow up, and fix it!
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
Sunday, June 24, 2012
The Great Migration
The time had come for my girls and I to make the journey back to El Paso.
And boy was it a trip.
In so many ways...
We left last Monday. Audrey stayed behind with Gramma. They were flying down on Wednesday. I decided to take a path that I hadn't taken before, US Highway 54. I was excited because I got to see the largest hand-dug well.
Then, we went through Liberal, Ks. There is an attraction there about the Wizard of Oz that is wonderful! I was very happy that I took the time to pull over and share it with Madelyn and Hannah.
After that break, we headed on down to Tucumcari, NM. That was our overnight stop.
After three fifteen mile stretches of 45 mph construction zones, we arrived at home around 2:17 PM on Tuesday. We went to work right away sweeping the house and cleaning the window sills. The place looked great, considering I had been gone for seven months! My friend came over a few days before I arrived and turned our A/C on for us. That was refreshing to walk into the house and it was cool!
Gramma arrived with Audrey on Wednesday a little before 4 PM. The girls and I had spent the previous day waiting in lobbies for doctor visits, vehicle inspections, and tags, so we were happy to be out and ready for some company.
We all had supper at Buffalo Wild Wings and settled in for the evening.
Gramma and I spent the next two days organizing the house, and the girls' clothes. The kids went to Mommy's Day Out from 8-3. They came home exhausted. Most of them. Audrey had some spunk left to her. She helped with the hangars. She decided they needed to be out of the tub.
Audrey had also received glamour lessons from her oldest sister. She put together her own outfit for a trip to the P/X, complete with handbag.
Today was our last day with Gramma. We all went to Freedom Crossing before her flight.
After Gramma left, we played Glamour Shoppe with Madelyn's stuffed animals during Audrey's nap time.
We also made a parade float with Glamourized Ponies flanking the sides.
The last project of the evening was adding a dolly to the baby basket of Madelyn's Fancy Schmancy new bike, and installing the front plate holder for the van. Texas plates at last. Yee Haw!
One of the funniest moments of the weekend was from a comment by Hannah. She watched The Wizard of Oz on the way home, and she called it the Toto Movie. The girls had on their headphones, so I was listening to Sirius Radio. I had no idea what scene was on their screen. Hannah started yelling, "Oh Mom! I don't like that wicked witch!" After a moment, she said, "Its okay, Mommy. That witch is gone now!"
Well, fast forward four days. Audrey sneezed about two tablespoons of mucus all over her face. I was rushing to get a tissue. Hannah was running around screaming, "Audrey is melting, mommy! Put the water away!" frantically.
I laughed for hours over that.
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
And boy was it a trip.
In so many ways...
We left last Monday. Audrey stayed behind with Gramma. They were flying down on Wednesday. I decided to take a path that I hadn't taken before, US Highway 54. I was excited because I got to see the largest hand-dug well.
Then, we went through Liberal, Ks. There is an attraction there about the Wizard of Oz that is wonderful! I was very happy that I took the time to pull over and share it with Madelyn and Hannah.
 |
| Dorothy's House |
 |
| My Munchkins |
 |
| Dorothy Statue by Yellow Brick Road |
After that break, we headed on down to Tucumcari, NM. That was our overnight stop.
After three fifteen mile stretches of 45 mph construction zones, we arrived at home around 2:17 PM on Tuesday. We went to work right away sweeping the house and cleaning the window sills. The place looked great, considering I had been gone for seven months! My friend came over a few days before I arrived and turned our A/C on for us. That was refreshing to walk into the house and it was cool!
Gramma arrived with Audrey on Wednesday a little before 4 PM. The girls and I had spent the previous day waiting in lobbies for doctor visits, vehicle inspections, and tags, so we were happy to be out and ready for some company.
We all had supper at Buffalo Wild Wings and settled in for the evening.
Gramma and I spent the next two days organizing the house, and the girls' clothes. The kids went to Mommy's Day Out from 8-3. They came home exhausted. Most of them. Audrey had some spunk left to her. She helped with the hangars. She decided they needed to be out of the tub.
Audrey had also received glamour lessons from her oldest sister. She put together her own outfit for a trip to the P/X, complete with handbag.
Today was our last day with Gramma. We all went to Freedom Crossing before her flight.
After Gramma left, we played Glamour Shoppe with Madelyn's stuffed animals during Audrey's nap time.
We also made a parade float with Glamourized Ponies flanking the sides.
The last project of the evening was adding a dolly to the baby basket of Madelyn's Fancy Schmancy new bike, and installing the front plate holder for the van. Texas plates at last. Yee Haw!
One of the funniest moments of the weekend was from a comment by Hannah. She watched The Wizard of Oz on the way home, and she called it the Toto Movie. The girls had on their headphones, so I was listening to Sirius Radio. I had no idea what scene was on their screen. Hannah started yelling, "Oh Mom! I don't like that wicked witch!" After a moment, she said, "Its okay, Mommy. That witch is gone now!"
Well, fast forward four days. Audrey sneezed about two tablespoons of mucus all over her face. I was rushing to get a tissue. Hannah was running around screaming, "Audrey is melting, mommy! Put the water away!" frantically.
I laughed for hours over that.
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
Saturday, April 21, 2012
What's Your Balloon?
A few Sundays ago, Nita Cummings spoke about her experiences during her time of recovery from a stroke. It made me wonder about a few things upon reflecting on her story.
1) How long did it take her to be able to laugh about her drug-induced hallucinations?
The recurring phrase during her message was, “I just wanted to go home.”
3)
One of her experiences was trying to communicate to a helium-filled balloon.
a. Her mind was convinced that it was really a deaf mute sent to communicate with her about how to get discharged from the hospital.
b. If she could figure out a method of communication, it would tell her how she could go home.
c. Nita would throw anything within reach at the ‘deaf mute’ throughout the night to get its attention.
d. Of course, the situation was never fruitful. The ‘deaf mute’ had no control over how, or when, Nita would get to go home.
During Nita’s message, my mind started to whirl. That balloon part seemed silly. Nita was even giggling while she was admitting it to the congregation. I was smiling, but I got a sinking feeling in my heart. I couldn’t figure it out.
And then I did.
Nita clearly wasn’t living in reality. But, if you break that down a little further, you can question if we are living in reality, or just a reality.
Suppose, for a moment, that we are truly Spiritual Souls. Sure, this isn’t hard to believe. We are all striving for that. But, imagine that the reality we are living in now is the false reality similar to what Nita was experiencing.
What balloons are you trying to communicate with?!? What, in this material world, has consumed your attention so much that you are reduced to throwing parts of yourself at, to gain its attention? And, is it something that will reward you with the knowledge of how to go home?
Of course, now, I have switched the literal meaning of go home from our dwelling here on Earth, to going home to Our Heavenly Father.
I think this realization folds gently into the event of Lent. Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ - his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial and resurrection.
Lent is a time to identify our deaf-mute balloons, and pop them.
Now that we are in our fourth Sunday of Easter, our journey of repentance should not end.
I challenge you to examine your reality. Identify your balloons.
Mark your calendars. Have the first of the month be your balloon day. I challenge you to fast from that balloon for the entire month, or a few weeks, at least. See if your reality morphs, or changes, so that you can see your Spiritual-self, again.
And, if you find yourself missing the opportunity of throwing things at your balloon, then you better practice ducking. Because, when you get to those Heavenly Gates, St. Peter will be throwing those things back at you to defend.
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If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Forget 'Terrible Twos'
Hannah is three years-old. She is a character. Every time she speaks to you, whether it being an answer to a question or telling you a story, she ends with a swivel of the hips and a final pose. It just cracks you up.
But, she is an obstinate little thing.
Her bedroom is my mom's office, for the time being. I send her in there, quite often, actually, for her time-outs. I shut the door so I don't hear her whining.
She enjoys the time alone, I have discovered.
Yesterday, I pulled the curtains back and found all of Gramma's office supplies lined along the window sill. That wasn't a problem. Then I found 'other' evidence of what she's been doing.
Smiley faces in blue Sharpie all over her folders
Blue Sharpie 'ocean waves' along the arm rests of the futon
Blue Sharpie 'mermaid tails' all over the two week-old bedspread
Envelopes that have weird bite marks all over them. Took me a while to figure out it was punches from a staple-remover tool.
Red 'Punch' stamps all over the tower fan.
Bits of paper. Apparently, she has gotten fairly agile with the scissors.
I reprimanded her for touching Gramma's stuff. She cried. She got over it.
Later, she was having a melt-down, so I put her in her room with her t.v. on to rest.
I checked on her, and found her sitting at the computer with QuickBooks open to Gramma's hospital accounts. (She volunteers for the auxiliary group and does their accounting.)
Another spanking, and she was put back on her bed. I snuggled her for a bit. Then we got up to play.
After we picked Madelyn up from school, I walked by the office and the door was shut.
I opened it.
I found Hannah cutting a hospital's manilla folder.
Spanking.
Three minutes later, I walked passed the door again. Noticed it was shut.
Hannah was cutting the check book for the hospital.
Spanking.
I came out exasperated. Obviously I could't hide everything in the office from her. And spanking wasn't working.
I went back to get Hannah and to pray with her, but when I opened the door she was typing on the computer again.
This time, I marched her out to the front door. I spread her legs apart and placed her hands high and wide on the door. I told her to stand there until I told her she could move.
She cried more than when she got a spanking. I was hopeful that maybe this will work.
After she was done, we raced outside to make wishes on dandelion fluffs. It was just her and me. Very fun!
"I wish that Hannah will stop touching Gramma's stuff!" I wished.
"Well, I wish that Mommy would stop opening my door!" Hannah wished with a huge huff that sent fluff flying.
I cracked up.
"I wish that Daddy would come home soon," I wished.
"Huh? Daddy's gone, Mom!"
"I wish I had new shoes," I wished.
"I wish I had new shoes, too,"
"I wish we could go to DisneyWorld!"
This time, Hannah's response was a jubilant "Yeah!"
After supper, I noticed that the office door was closed again. I went in and Hannah was stapling all of Gramma's envelopes shut. This time was enough for me. I just put her to bed. She was given the strict instructions to not touch the t.v.
Three minutes later, I went in and it was on.
I had had it! I unplugged the thing, gave her a spanking, and left her to fall asleep.
I quickly went and rummaged through my drawer to find a child-proof socket protector. I knew she would be trying to plug that t.v. back in.
I was gone about thirty-two seconds.
And, I caught her behind the t.v. trying to plug it in.
Ugh!
I picked her up, and cradled her on the bed. I told her that she couldn't touch the plugs because they could bite her and really, really hurt her.
I put her to bed and left the room.
Then I prayed. I prayed very hard.
She did fall asleep that time. She had no choice. She had an exhausting day being so defiant.
I went to bed smiling last night. After all of that, she makes me laugh. She is always happy, and ready to play. I love her to death. I just need to find a way to channel her energy better. Or she will be in a pack-n-play in the laundry room.
I was lamenting on thoughts of the innocence of childhood curiosity while I was plugging my iPhone in to charge by the bed.
Then I found the twelve pictures that Hannah had taken of her ear, the floor, and her pillow pet.
When did she have my iPhone?!?
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
But, she is an obstinate little thing.
Her bedroom is my mom's office, for the time being. I send her in there, quite often, actually, for her time-outs. I shut the door so I don't hear her whining.
She enjoys the time alone, I have discovered.
Yesterday, I pulled the curtains back and found all of Gramma's office supplies lined along the window sill. That wasn't a problem. Then I found 'other' evidence of what she's been doing.
Smiley faces in blue Sharpie all over her folders
Blue Sharpie 'ocean waves' along the arm rests of the futon
Blue Sharpie 'mermaid tails' all over the two week-old bedspread
Envelopes that have weird bite marks all over them. Took me a while to figure out it was punches from a staple-remover tool.
Red 'Punch' stamps all over the tower fan.
Bits of paper. Apparently, she has gotten fairly agile with the scissors.
I reprimanded her for touching Gramma's stuff. She cried. She got over it.
Later, she was having a melt-down, so I put her in her room with her t.v. on to rest.
I checked on her, and found her sitting at the computer with QuickBooks open to Gramma's hospital accounts. (She volunteers for the auxiliary group and does their accounting.)
Another spanking, and she was put back on her bed. I snuggled her for a bit. Then we got up to play.
After we picked Madelyn up from school, I walked by the office and the door was shut.
I opened it.
I found Hannah cutting a hospital's manilla folder.
Spanking.
Three minutes later, I walked passed the door again. Noticed it was shut.
Hannah was cutting the check book for the hospital.
Spanking.
I came out exasperated. Obviously I could't hide everything in the office from her. And spanking wasn't working.
I went back to get Hannah and to pray with her, but when I opened the door she was typing on the computer again.
This time, I marched her out to the front door. I spread her legs apart and placed her hands high and wide on the door. I told her to stand there until I told her she could move.
She cried more than when she got a spanking. I was hopeful that maybe this will work.
After she was done, we raced outside to make wishes on dandelion fluffs. It was just her and me. Very fun!
"I wish that Hannah will stop touching Gramma's stuff!" I wished.
"Well, I wish that Mommy would stop opening my door!" Hannah wished with a huge huff that sent fluff flying.
I cracked up.
"I wish that Daddy would come home soon," I wished.
"Huh? Daddy's gone, Mom!"
"I wish I had new shoes," I wished.
"I wish I had new shoes, too,"
"I wish we could go to DisneyWorld!"
This time, Hannah's response was a jubilant "Yeah!"
After supper, I noticed that the office door was closed again. I went in and Hannah was stapling all of Gramma's envelopes shut. This time was enough for me. I just put her to bed. She was given the strict instructions to not touch the t.v.
Three minutes later, I went in and it was on.
I had had it! I unplugged the thing, gave her a spanking, and left her to fall asleep.
I quickly went and rummaged through my drawer to find a child-proof socket protector. I knew she would be trying to plug that t.v. back in.
I was gone about thirty-two seconds.
And, I caught her behind the t.v. trying to plug it in.
Ugh!
I picked her up, and cradled her on the bed. I told her that she couldn't touch the plugs because they could bite her and really, really hurt her.
I put her to bed and left the room.
Then I prayed. I prayed very hard.
She did fall asleep that time. She had no choice. She had an exhausting day being so defiant.
 |
| My Hannah, passed out from her long, hard day at the office |
I went to bed smiling last night. After all of that, she makes me laugh. She is always happy, and ready to play. I love her to death. I just need to find a way to channel her energy better. Or she will be in a pack-n-play in the laundry room.
I was lamenting on thoughts of the innocence of childhood curiosity while I was plugging my iPhone in to charge by the bed.
Then I found the twelve pictures that Hannah had taken of her ear, the floor, and her pillow pet.
When did she have my iPhone?!?
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
Thursday, March 29, 2012
When Children Use Logic
I was told in my childhood education and development classes at KU that children do not have the mental abilities to use reason and logic until around the age of seven.
I agree.
You can debate me all you want with arguments about how you got little Becky to use the potty with bribes of Skittles, or how spanking your child the first time they did something 'wrong' so that they will remember the punishment and avoid the incident at a later time.
That isn't reasoning or logic. That is incentive. Incentive works across the board. Especially on adults. Work = Paycheck. Well, it used to be that way. The government has re-wrote the book on that one. But I won't go into that debate here.
Reasoning and logic are deeper.
Reasoning and logic apply to more of a problem solving set of skills. It is the process of figuring out how to get from one situation to another. Examining causes and effects. How to add eggs to a batter that has already been set to bake. Remember that story? Sheesh. (Click here for Rewind!Rewind!)
My cousin, Dub is how I will refer to him for his privacy, was about two and a half years old at the time. We had met his family at the Pizza Hut in Fredonia, Ks. While we were waiting for the pies to arrive, we were all chatting about everything under the sun. We are very close to their family, so, naturally, there was some ribbing going on. But, Dub and his older brother were playing with their sodas. The older, by about 18 months, was trying to suck it up the straw, then quickly place his finger over the top to keep it from receding. The goal was to see who could get the straw the fullest. Dub didn't waste any time. He quickly filled his straw, then bent the tip down with his tongue. He pinched it with his teeth, then removed it with his finger and thumb. Voilá!
My dad was watching intently. He noticed how quickly Dub had figured that out. We asked his folks if they had shown him that trick before. They said they didn't. We asked Dub if someone had shown him that. He said, "No," as well.
That is a young child using reasoning and logic on a very basic level.
It also applies to wit.
A few days ago, I was folding laundry. Madelyn was organizing some PetShopStory game on the iPad. I stopped and asked if she wanted to send an email to her dad on my iPhone. She thought that would be a good idea.
So there we were, punching letters in as fast as we could go. I made a comment at the end stating, "I must take after my mommy." I was referring to how well she was doing in school. She asked what that meant. I told her that I was teasing Daddy, and explained how we get our characteristics from our parents.
We hit 'send' and went back to our tasks.
A few minutes later, I told Madelyn that if she helped me, I would be done sooner and would be able to help her get Snuggles, her bunny, out to play.
"Nah," she said.
"Seriously? You can help me, Madelyn!"
She smiled victoriously.
"I get that from my dad," she said, through her satisfied grin.
Oh boy!
So, later, we were outside having supper on the patio and Audrey started throwing a mega-fit.
Madelyn watched her for a bit, turned to me, and said, "Boy, she sure can be a pissy little girl, huh?"
I. was. speechless.
But, not for long!
Later that night, as I laid in bed reflecting on my day, I got the giggles. She was so innocent when she made that comment. She was clueless during her discipline. The thing that I laughed at the most was at how accurate her use of the word was.
I am counting down the days until school is out. I miss my Madelyn and can not wait to spend more time with her.
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If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
I agree.
You can debate me all you want with arguments about how you got little Becky to use the potty with bribes of Skittles, or how spanking your child the first time they did something 'wrong' so that they will remember the punishment and avoid the incident at a later time.
That isn't reasoning or logic. That is incentive. Incentive works across the board. Especially on adults. Work = Paycheck. Well, it used to be that way. The government has re-wrote the book on that one. But I won't go into that debate here.
Reasoning and logic are deeper.
Reasoning and logic apply to more of a problem solving set of skills. It is the process of figuring out how to get from one situation to another. Examining causes and effects. How to add eggs to a batter that has already been set to bake. Remember that story? Sheesh. (Click here for Rewind!Rewind!)
My cousin, Dub is how I will refer to him for his privacy, was about two and a half years old at the time. We had met his family at the Pizza Hut in Fredonia, Ks. While we were waiting for the pies to arrive, we were all chatting about everything under the sun. We are very close to their family, so, naturally, there was some ribbing going on. But, Dub and his older brother were playing with their sodas. The older, by about 18 months, was trying to suck it up the straw, then quickly place his finger over the top to keep it from receding. The goal was to see who could get the straw the fullest. Dub didn't waste any time. He quickly filled his straw, then bent the tip down with his tongue. He pinched it with his teeth, then removed it with his finger and thumb. Voilá!
My dad was watching intently. He noticed how quickly Dub had figured that out. We asked his folks if they had shown him that trick before. They said they didn't. We asked Dub if someone had shown him that. He said, "No," as well.
That is a young child using reasoning and logic on a very basic level.
It also applies to wit.
A few days ago, I was folding laundry. Madelyn was organizing some PetShopStory game on the iPad. I stopped and asked if she wanted to send an email to her dad on my iPhone. She thought that would be a good idea.
So there we were, punching letters in as fast as we could go. I made a comment at the end stating, "I must take after my mommy." I was referring to how well she was doing in school. She asked what that meant. I told her that I was teasing Daddy, and explained how we get our characteristics from our parents.
We hit 'send' and went back to our tasks.
A few minutes later, I told Madelyn that if she helped me, I would be done sooner and would be able to help her get Snuggles, her bunny, out to play.
"Nah," she said.
"Seriously? You can help me, Madelyn!"
She smiled victoriously.
"I get that from my dad," she said, through her satisfied grin.
Oh boy!
So, later, we were outside having supper on the patio and Audrey started throwing a mega-fit.
Madelyn watched her for a bit, turned to me, and said, "Boy, she sure can be a pissy little girl, huh?"
I. was. speechless.
But, not for long!
Later that night, as I laid in bed reflecting on my day, I got the giggles. She was so innocent when she made that comment. She was clueless during her discipline. The thing that I laughed at the most was at how accurate her use of the word was.
I am counting down the days until school is out. I miss my Madelyn and can not wait to spend more time with her.
-----------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Mid-Deployment Status
Every deployment is different.
Different lengths. Different circumstances at home. Different strengths of relationship before deployment. Different number of children back home to care for!
I feel that I have matured dramatically for this time of separation. My kids do keep things moving around here, that is for sure. There is usually one crying at every given moment, one begging for something to eat, and one getting into mischief while I am trying to address the other two. I am trying desperately to wait a beat before I react to anything the kids do, or ask, or say. I have never had much patience, but that is the lesson for this deployment.
I've been told by a dear, dear friend that I am so much better now with three children than I was with just one. I took that as a compliment. I did not look at it as saying, "Man, Stac, you were a psycho mom when Madelyn was a baby!" Honestly, I thought I was much worse, with patience, now.
And those who say, "Well, you are staying with your mom, so you have all the help in the world. Life is easy for you." Well, prepare yourself for an earful if that is your thought, as well. My mom does not sit around all day with nothing to do. She does have a job, volunteers at the hospital, and has a yard, garden, and cattle to tend to.
Yes! My mom is a blessing. Her David is a Godsend. They are glorious together, and do help me immensely. But, I am not sitting here all day while they are taking care of my children. I am still their mother. I am just not paying for groceries at the moment. :)
I have tremendous guilt, living here, however. Any grown adult would, if you think about it. Our lifestyle has led me to living with my folks at the ripe age of thirty-two. I lived with Jay's folks for three months last year. I feel like we live out of boxes, and are practically nomads. I miss my bed, and my life with my family. It was my 'normal'. I like to think that anyone gets antsy to 'go home' even after a few weeks of being away. I just didn't feel safe there, being alone with the girls.
The guilt stems from the feeling that people are starting to look at me like I am a free-loader. I do my best to earn my keep. I had kept the dishes washed and put away. I had made sure the laundry hamper was never full. I vacuumed, swept, and mopped the floors on a regular basis. I had even dusted the house a few times. I am using the verb 'had' heavily. Now that the sun has been shining and the temps are above seventy degrees, I have been spending more time outside than I have on chores. But, I still have the best of intentions.
I feel guilt over bitterness that I harbor. I see parents working as a team, as a single unit. I see them at Wal-Mart with their kids shopping for groceries. I see one buckling the children into the vehicle as the other loads their bags into the back. I run into them in the aisle debating a purchase of a carseat, or in the grocery section talking about what to have for supper. I hate to admit that it makes me turn around and go another way when I see that. What makes me feel even worse is the fact that I am aware of the behavior that I am exhibiting. I am not in denial. I should be able to fix it, and move on. But, I can't.
I miss hugs from my husband. My brother gives great hugs. I always run up to him for one when I see him. My step-brothers are generous with them, too. And, so is David. But, I miss that special hug that only your spouse can give you. I miss that human contact. I know, in my heart, that Jay misses it, too. It is just something that can not be duplicated.
Jay has a PS3 available to him, now. So I know he is feeling better at his camp than his last one. But, I have our three girls. So, I think that I win on that one. I am hoping that I can contain the sense of urgency I have about going home. Jay will not be there just because I will be. Me loading up the girls, and driving all the way back, will not speed his re-deployment up. So I will just have to enjoy this luscious green grass, the spring thunderstorms, and time with my family for a few more weeks.
Twelve.
Twelve more weeks.
Oh, and by the way, do not be sensitive about making a comment about missing a loved one around me. I will not come back with, "Oh, really? Hmm. Try having them be half-way around the world for months at a time. Then tell me how much you miss them." That will not be a reply you get from me. My husband's decision to join the military was made before we had even met. I knew he was a soldier the day we married. This is the lifestyle that we accepted as our duty years ago. And missing someone is missing someone. I miss my man when he is just at work for the day! It is okay to miss someone. Just don't let it consume your life. That isn't healthy.
And we all can listen to only so much...
(Yes, I am ending this post with the irony of whining, since that is all I have done today.)
(I still need a sense of humor, right?)
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
Different lengths. Different circumstances at home. Different strengths of relationship before deployment. Different number of children back home to care for!
I feel that I have matured dramatically for this time of separation. My kids do keep things moving around here, that is for sure. There is usually one crying at every given moment, one begging for something to eat, and one getting into mischief while I am trying to address the other two. I am trying desperately to wait a beat before I react to anything the kids do, or ask, or say. I have never had much patience, but that is the lesson for this deployment.
I've been told by a dear, dear friend that I am so much better now with three children than I was with just one. I took that as a compliment. I did not look at it as saying, "Man, Stac, you were a psycho mom when Madelyn was a baby!" Honestly, I thought I was much worse, with patience, now.
And those who say, "Well, you are staying with your mom, so you have all the help in the world. Life is easy for you." Well, prepare yourself for an earful if that is your thought, as well. My mom does not sit around all day with nothing to do. She does have a job, volunteers at the hospital, and has a yard, garden, and cattle to tend to.
Yes! My mom is a blessing. Her David is a Godsend. They are glorious together, and do help me immensely. But, I am not sitting here all day while they are taking care of my children. I am still their mother. I am just not paying for groceries at the moment. :)
I have tremendous guilt, living here, however. Any grown adult would, if you think about it. Our lifestyle has led me to living with my folks at the ripe age of thirty-two. I lived with Jay's folks for three months last year. I feel like we live out of boxes, and are practically nomads. I miss my bed, and my life with my family. It was my 'normal'. I like to think that anyone gets antsy to 'go home' even after a few weeks of being away. I just didn't feel safe there, being alone with the girls.
The guilt stems from the feeling that people are starting to look at me like I am a free-loader. I do my best to earn my keep. I had kept the dishes washed and put away. I had made sure the laundry hamper was never full. I vacuumed, swept, and mopped the floors on a regular basis. I had even dusted the house a few times. I am using the verb 'had' heavily. Now that the sun has been shining and the temps are above seventy degrees, I have been spending more time outside than I have on chores. But, I still have the best of intentions.
I feel guilt over bitterness that I harbor. I see parents working as a team, as a single unit. I see them at Wal-Mart with their kids shopping for groceries. I see one buckling the children into the vehicle as the other loads their bags into the back. I run into them in the aisle debating a purchase of a carseat, or in the grocery section talking about what to have for supper. I hate to admit that it makes me turn around and go another way when I see that. What makes me feel even worse is the fact that I am aware of the behavior that I am exhibiting. I am not in denial. I should be able to fix it, and move on. But, I can't.
I miss hugs from my husband. My brother gives great hugs. I always run up to him for one when I see him. My step-brothers are generous with them, too. And, so is David. But, I miss that special hug that only your spouse can give you. I miss that human contact. I know, in my heart, that Jay misses it, too. It is just something that can not be duplicated.
Jay has a PS3 available to him, now. So I know he is feeling better at his camp than his last one. But, I have our three girls. So, I think that I win on that one. I am hoping that I can contain the sense of urgency I have about going home. Jay will not be there just because I will be. Me loading up the girls, and driving all the way back, will not speed his re-deployment up. So I will just have to enjoy this luscious green grass, the spring thunderstorms, and time with my family for a few more weeks.
Twelve.
Twelve more weeks.
Oh, and by the way, do not be sensitive about making a comment about missing a loved one around me. I will not come back with, "Oh, really? Hmm. Try having them be half-way around the world for months at a time. Then tell me how much you miss them." That will not be a reply you get from me. My husband's decision to join the military was made before we had even met. I knew he was a soldier the day we married. This is the lifestyle that we accepted as our duty years ago. And missing someone is missing someone. I miss my man when he is just at work for the day! It is okay to miss someone. Just don't let it consume your life. That isn't healthy.
And we all can listen to only so much...
(Yes, I am ending this post with the irony of whining, since that is all I have done today.)
(I still need a sense of humor, right?)
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Washcloth Thief
Boy are we enjoying the new time change. I understand that daylights savings time is now 'on', and I am appreciating that terrible thievery of my sleeping hour on that dreaded Sunday more as the girls grow.
Time does tend to get away from me. Madelyn has been a great student and finished her homework as soon as we get home. We rip open the back door and race outside. We play with a little kitchen, have picnics with snacks and juice, and we even go hunting for neat fossils in the limestone rocks and gravel that is our driveway. It is not until someone's tummy rumbles that we realize that we need to go inside for supper.
And baths.
I hate giving the girls their baths.
We hurried and ate left-overs last night. Then Audrey and Madelyn took a dip in the tub. After much squealing about washing hair, shampoo in ears, and water in eyes, they were out, dry, and roaming around in their jammys.
Then it was Hannah's turn. Hannah was alone this time. She usually goes with Audrey, but this time I wanted to see what Aud would do with Maddy in the tub. It wasn't as eventful as I had hoped.
So, this situation left Audrey roaming the house while I was busy with Hannah.
Are you ready?
Hannah hates having the water poured over her head. Really, what kid does?!? But, after every rinse, I have to have a dry washcloth there to dry her face off entirely. It is a lengthy process, but it gets the job done.
This time, I used the washcloth, and laid it beside me. I repeated the process. Dump water, grab cloth, wipe face. Dump water, grab cloth, wipe face.
Only this time, the cloth wasn't there. I thought I had dropped it in the tub and it had settled under the bubbles to a shallow grave.
No problem. I just reached in the cabinet behind me and grabbed another one.
Dump water, grab cloth, wipe face.
Dump water, grab clo...what?!? Where is my cloth? What did I do with it this time?!?
Hannah giggled.
"Mommy, you lost it!"
"Yep. I sure did! I have lost it in so many ways!"
I grabbed another cloth.
Wipe face. Dump water. grab cloth, wipe face. Dump water, grab clo...
Seriously?!?
I stood up. I took a step back and I knocked Audrey over.
"Oh, sweetie! I had no idea you were here! You were so quiet and...OH AUDREY! I DIDN'T KNOW YOU WERE HERE!"
I knew what happened to my washcloths now! I knew they had been hauled off by my stealthy toddler.
Audrey chuckled. She has moved beyond the giggle of a baby. It was a full blown chuckle.
I looked at her suspiciously. Why was she laughing like that?
Then I got a sinking feeling in my stomach. I know exactly where I needed to look for those three washcloths.
Do you?
I will give you a moment.
No, I can't wait.
In the toilet were three lovely washcloths, waiting to be fished out.
What is it with my kids and toilets?!?
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
Time does tend to get away from me. Madelyn has been a great student and finished her homework as soon as we get home. We rip open the back door and race outside. We play with a little kitchen, have picnics with snacks and juice, and we even go hunting for neat fossils in the limestone rocks and gravel that is our driveway. It is not until someone's tummy rumbles that we realize that we need to go inside for supper.
And baths.
I hate giving the girls their baths.
We hurried and ate left-overs last night. Then Audrey and Madelyn took a dip in the tub. After much squealing about washing hair, shampoo in ears, and water in eyes, they were out, dry, and roaming around in their jammys.
Then it was Hannah's turn. Hannah was alone this time. She usually goes with Audrey, but this time I wanted to see what Aud would do with Maddy in the tub. It wasn't as eventful as I had hoped.
So, this situation left Audrey roaming the house while I was busy with Hannah.
Are you ready?
Hannah hates having the water poured over her head. Really, what kid does?!? But, after every rinse, I have to have a dry washcloth there to dry her face off entirely. It is a lengthy process, but it gets the job done.
This time, I used the washcloth, and laid it beside me. I repeated the process. Dump water, grab cloth, wipe face. Dump water, grab cloth, wipe face.
Only this time, the cloth wasn't there. I thought I had dropped it in the tub and it had settled under the bubbles to a shallow grave.
No problem. I just reached in the cabinet behind me and grabbed another one.
Dump water, grab cloth, wipe face.
Dump water, grab clo...what?!? Where is my cloth? What did I do with it this time?!?
Hannah giggled.
"Mommy, you lost it!"
"Yep. I sure did! I have lost it in so many ways!"
I grabbed another cloth.
Wipe face. Dump water. grab cloth, wipe face. Dump water, grab clo...
Seriously?!?
I stood up. I took a step back and I knocked Audrey over.
"Oh, sweetie! I had no idea you were here! You were so quiet and...OH AUDREY! I DIDN'T KNOW YOU WERE HERE!"
I knew what happened to my washcloths now! I knew they had been hauled off by my stealthy toddler.
Audrey chuckled. She has moved beyond the giggle of a baby. It was a full blown chuckle.
I looked at her suspiciously. Why was she laughing like that?
Then I got a sinking feeling in my stomach. I know exactly where I needed to look for those three washcloths.
Do you?
I will give you a moment.
No, I can't wait.
In the toilet were three lovely washcloths, waiting to be fished out.
What is it with my kids and toilets?!?
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Beating Spring Break
This week, Jay and I traded in our beloved truck. I loved that truck since the day we took it for a test drive. It was a GMC Yukon XL. We had three full rows of seating, plus the biggest cargo area in the back. We could haul anything and everything, and we did!
But, the miles were getting up there. We needed new tires, again. (yes, I drive that much!) There were various other reasons to trade now.
It sure was fun doing it with Jay deployed. We had a lot of email conversations. But, in the end, it all worked out. I now have a 2011 Chrysler Town and Country. I hope it holds up as good as the truck did.
So, I drove the van home Thursday evening. Friday, we had scheduled a day trip to Wichita, Ks with the girls. Madelyn didn't have school, so we figured we would try to beat the Spring Break rush on the attractions.
Five miles down the road, a gravel-hauler met me on the highway going full speed and threw a rock.
Yep.
Exactly!
Chipped my windshield at eye level just in front of the diver. I was so mad I was seeing purple.
Seriously!?!?
I had to get over it quickly. It was supposed to be a fun day with my girls. Just let it go.
I phoned my insurance company, and they are sending Safelite Autoglass out to my house on Tuesday to seal it before it cracks. It is covered, without me using my deductible. But the idea of it is just sickening.
We made it to Wichita and pulled in to Old Town around eleven-thirty. We decided to eat lunch at some restaurant called The Loft.
We had a great meal, but I had struggled with Audrey staying in her high chair the entire time. She kept standing up, and I kept sitting her down. Other than that, it was an easy thirty minutes.
I turned to grab the key out of my purse and we heard a thump.
I looked up at mom, and she looked at me. We scanned the room trying to figure out what the noise was. We didn't notice anything. Then I figured it out.
The high chair was empty.
I got up, and gazed over it and saw a spread-eagle Audrey on her belly on the floor.
Whoops!
She didn't cry until I picked her up. Everyone was staring. At least she didn't cry long. We were up and out of there as fast as we could go!
We ventured across the street to the Museum of World Treasures. It was awesome! It had something of everything, yet had complete exhibits. If you want to see what few pictures I could take, then go to my Photos: Museum of World Treasures blog entry. I didn't write in that blog. I just posted the pictures. You can click on the images and they will enlarge for you.
Anyway, here are a few shots of the girls from inside.
------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
But, the miles were getting up there. We needed new tires, again. (yes, I drive that much!) There were various other reasons to trade now.
It sure was fun doing it with Jay deployed. We had a lot of email conversations. But, in the end, it all worked out. I now have a 2011 Chrysler Town and Country. I hope it holds up as good as the truck did.
So, I drove the van home Thursday evening. Friday, we had scheduled a day trip to Wichita, Ks with the girls. Madelyn didn't have school, so we figured we would try to beat the Spring Break rush on the attractions.
Five miles down the road, a gravel-hauler met me on the highway going full speed and threw a rock.
Yep.
Exactly!
Chipped my windshield at eye level just in front of the diver. I was so mad I was seeing purple.
Seriously!?!?
I had to get over it quickly. It was supposed to be a fun day with my girls. Just let it go.
I phoned my insurance company, and they are sending Safelite Autoglass out to my house on Tuesday to seal it before it cracks. It is covered, without me using my deductible. But the idea of it is just sickening.
We made it to Wichita and pulled in to Old Town around eleven-thirty. We decided to eat lunch at some restaurant called The Loft.
We had a great meal, but I had struggled with Audrey staying in her high chair the entire time. She kept standing up, and I kept sitting her down. Other than that, it was an easy thirty minutes.
I turned to grab the key out of my purse and we heard a thump.
I looked up at mom, and she looked at me. We scanned the room trying to figure out what the noise was. We didn't notice anything. Then I figured it out.
The high chair was empty.
I got up, and gazed over it and saw a spread-eagle Audrey on her belly on the floor.
Whoops!
She didn't cry until I picked her up. Everyone was staring. At least she didn't cry long. We were up and out of there as fast as we could go!
We ventured across the street to the Museum of World Treasures. It was awesome! It had something of everything, yet had complete exhibits. If you want to see what few pictures I could take, then go to my Photos: Museum of World Treasures blog entry. I didn't write in that blog. I just posted the pictures. You can click on the images and they will enlarge for you.
Anyway, here are a few shots of the girls from inside.
Hannah was the one who had a melt-down first. I thought it would be Audrey. So we had to leave and get the rest of our errands done. We stopped at Sam's Club, and then Quick Trip. We love Quick Trips. Can't pass one up!
The trip home was easy. Girls watched DVD while Audrey napped.
I kept blinking thinking that the chip on windshield was a blur in my contact.
Sadly, it wasn't. It stayed right there in the center.
We shall see if it can be repaired.
If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com
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