Deployment Pictures

Here at home, The Stars and Stripes are waving in the wind everyday. We proudly display our Nation's Colors as we continually are thinking of Aaron and all the other soldiers bravely serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.



Over in Afghanistan, Aaron, and the others, are busy doing what they do. Thanks to Facebook and Battalion and Company newsletters we get a glimpse into life at FOB Andar in Ghazni, Afghanistan. It's a happy day when my soldier is one of those pictured. Of course, talking to Aaron is the best way to feel connected to him, but seeing a picture of him is the next best thing. I've been lucky enough to see several shots of my hubby, so far, and I love every one of them!



Aaron doing a radio check in his vehicle before heading out on a mission

1st Platoon, Delta Company, 2-2 Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division

Aaron is in the front row, holding the "Stars" side of the Flag



Aaron with some local children while out on patrol



Aaron, all "geared up" and ready for work

As always, we truly appreciate the prayers and thoughts you are all sending out there each day. We are nearly 3 months done and trucking along until 2012.

We Love Retirement!

My parents' retirement that is! My dad has been making the solo trips down to help out and visit since he retired a while ago. Last week was my mom's turn! Now that she is officially retired she is able to come down and stay more for than just a long weekend. I even talked her into staying an extra day. After all, she couldn't use work as an excuse anymore!


Our long-distance contribution to Grandma's retirement party in February.

We had a really nice visit with my mom last weekend. She and Clara had a Date Day on Sunday that started with church, took them to Target, landed them at Big Boy for lunch, and ended with more shopping at Kohl's before heading home for nap time. My motivating mom helped me re-organize the pantries in the basement and in the kitchen; both of which were in desperate need for TLC. Brave Grandma even stayed home with the kids on Monday while I went to work. There was plenty of playing and plenty of fun and we can't wait for the next time.

Family Pics

We had our family picture taken in December last year. It dawned on me that I haven't posted them on here. They turned out so great and I was so excited to get them. I was quite impressed with the photographer. Clara and Colton weren't exactly the most cooperative little subjects. When one was cute and smiling the other was protesting or distracted. But, somehow, the magician of a photographer was able to catch a pic of all four of us, smiling, looking at the camera, and not blinking all at the same time.

For the picture of the kids, we didn't get many poses to choose from. But of the few choices, there was one that would do. I'll admit that at the time I wasn't thrilled with it, but it was the best of the options. But, now, having walked past it hanging on our wall multiple times a day and seeing it by my desk at work, I have grown to absolutely love it! It completely captures Clara's and Colton's personalities at this particular stage in their childhood. Clara is full of goofy energy and Colton is Mr. Inquisitive, just taking it all in.

Colton is 10 Months Old!

Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached the double digits. 10 months down and I have enjoyed nearly every minute of it! Come on...if I'd said "all" of it we all know I'd have been stretching the truth a bit. Colton is busy learning how to walk by mastering the art of the push toy. Whether we are in basement where he has lots of free space to roam around on, the limited path of the living room/dining room/kitchen, or the scenic view of the patio in the yard, he just loves his freedom.

Here are his 10 month stats. And, I will state with it my disclaimer that the numbers, particularly the weight, are merely an estimate! Silly scales that only round up to the nearest half pound. But, hey, something is better than nothing. If I had to guess, he's not quite 20 lbs yet, probably just under.

Have I mentioned what a wimpy teether this little fellow is? Now, Aaron will frown when he reads this and think "My son is NOT a wimp." Sorry darling. Perhaps Colton will not be a wimp when he is older, but for the moment I'm standing strong with this statement. Compared to Clara who would be mildly cranky, have a low-grade fever and wake up with a tooth, this guy has it rough. On the bad nights I won't even dream about a full nights sleep unless Colton has had the triple action power of teething tablets, Tylenol, and Orajel; even then it's not a guarantee. Oh well. This too shall pass and we will be smiling at a fully-toothed grin before we know it.

For Daddy

Colton has really taken off with his walking with push-toys! He will pace back and forth across any space as long as you keep turning him around - he loves it! He is becoming quite steady and coordinated. I'm posting this today because I really want Aaron to see Colton doing this! I don't want Aaron to have to wait the 3 weeks or longer it will take to send it snail mail. I've tried emailing it, but apparently even the shortest film is just too big and takes too long to send it.  I hope you all enjoy watching this, especially you, Daddy!

Our Snuggle Bugs

This morning, after letting me sleep in until 7:00 am, my babies and I snuggled in bed. Clara wanted to hold Colton, but, he's getting a little too big for that. So, she settled for this....

It was so sweet! We had such a nice time. I enjoyed my coffee, they enjoyed a little Curious George; it was a lovely start to a Sunday.

Spring is Coming!

It's almost here! The tulips, daffodils, and irises are sprouting. The birds are chirping. We've been wearing spring jackets or NO jackets! And, we've been playing outside! That one is likely the best of all of the signs that spring is nearly here. We've been going for walks, swinging on the tree swing, and playing in the yard. It has been marvelous!