Stress relief...

The words "head down" have never been so exciting and relieving to me. On Friday I had an appointment with my Doc and the ultrasound revealed that good ole Henry is in the launching position. I have been in fear of a cesarean since the OB told me nearly five weeks ago and then two weeks ago that stubborn #4 was not only head up but completely stretched out. The stretched out part is just as important as the head's up because my torso is relatively short if everyone recalls correctly. I'm stubby, not much room to expand up and down so everything has been poking out. Waaaay out.

I cannot imagine how women not only give birth but have c-sections... major abdominal surgery! Cheers to them because for me it is heightened fear. I have no desire to be gashed open when my body has a perfectly working launching system. Ok, I'll say this (my disclaimer): if anything were to become emergent of course I would go into surgery. That's over. Seriously, I will be upset if I have knife marks on me. Anywhere.

On a happier note, I tour the OB floor at the delivery hospital tomorrow. It should be interesting to see the place. I think that I'm a bit more nervous this go around. There will be a lot out of my comfort zone. That is a funny statement; what about child birth is within a comfort zone? I make it sound like this is my tenth birth rather than the fourth. I'm just used to me and Erik. This will be a great practice in spreading my wings.

The close of a season...

The end of the football season was on November 6. Wesley scored a touchdown and had a few tackles that night, which of course completed the season on the right note. He's really had a great time this year and worked hard. His coach was great and I think his style was really great for Wes especially since Erik wasn't here to be in on the practices and all that jazz they do with football. It is lost on me, I just know when a hit is weak. My child can crunch when he hits and I believe all of his tackles should make lots of noise. I have to admit it is likely I've frightened some other mothers at the games with my calls for harder hits. It amazes me, this is already Wes' third year of football and he continues to get stronger and faster... and he loves the accolades given to him with his sports accomplishments. One thing that is a constant this season is when Wesley checks in with me, "would Dad like that game?" Just to hear, "Dad would've loved that game."

Small updates from abroad...

Taken from several emails, Erik has been sending some pictures into his time in Kuwait and Iraq thus far...

Here are 4 pictures. The first is of my bags in the army lodging facility in Alaska prior to leaving. I took 4 duffle bags, an assault bag, my computer bag, and a rucksack for my deployment. The other 2 are of the pie/cake area at the DFAC at Camp Beurhing in Kuwait. Right next to this which I don't have a picture of is the Baskin Robbins ice cream area. 31 flavors weren't available, but we were able to choose from about 6. The last is of me on my first day in Kuwait just after we got off the buses which took us from the airport to Camp Beuhring. Calling this area a theatre and seeing that decorated concrete barrier made me realize that I was entering a warzone.

One photo is of the Hooter's aid station sign that one of the medics from West Palm Beach, FL got and threw in one of the connexes. It is up with the PA and 4 other male medics. Would've been nice to have here, but given the sole female medic remained at Caldwell thought it would be better served up north. The other is of the non-alcoholic beer selection at one of the PXs in Kuwait at Camp Beuhring.


Here is a picture of me and the PA in front of a mosque in Balad, Iraq. You can see my pistol in it, so I hope this satisfies your request of a picture of me with my pistol.

Attached you will find a picture of a donkey that I saw on my way from our FOB to the nearby Iraqi Army Medical Clinic, a couple of frogs sunbathing on a nice day in the drainage ditch, SPC Petty and his buckets catching some rainwater as it drips through our porous roof, and a face that was carved out of a watermelon by the Indian workers. They dressed up in witches' hats and decorated the DFAC for Halloween. It was very nice of them to celebrate this American Holiday with us.

Making a formal complaint...

I would like to make a formal complaint to the producers and program directors of TLC's "A Baby Story." I find it a very, very bad idea to show an episode of an expecting mother going in for a scheduled c-section without her husband. You see, her husband died a couple months prior serving in Iraq. If TLC would like to show these programs they should take it to a market that does not have pregnant, military spouses that could be watching.

Anyway, at least the baby and his sister were cute. The mom was pretty together, if you ask me. They could've just left out the main details. Would have worked for me.

Gordon's musical career...

It seems everyone has an idea as to what a guitar should sound like. Clearly Gordon believes this one needs a tuning. The rendition of Twinkle Little Star is much nicer a) without my voice and b) with Gordon singing. Perhaps another day.

Well, this is all set...

The carrier is officially ready to receive it's cargo. I have taken it apart and washed straps, cushions, crevices, handles and the Bundle Me. Less than 5 weeks to go and one less thing to do. Yay me.

What in Iraq has Erik been doing?

Erik continues to settle in at FOB Caldwell. He has been seeing patients and an occasional emergency such as sprains. There hasn’t been much complaining about the dining facility (dfac) food, so I am guessing he’s growing accustomed to it. He’s got a schedule of sorts with reading, his patient time, exercising, using the internet, etc. We are able to chat frequently via Skype, however my laptop needed to be sent for repairs rendering me without a webcam or microphone for 1-3 weeks. That is a serious bummer for me and the kids but we shall survive.

The initial requests have come out for care packages, of which I’ve sent one of three. In one of the packages is his acoustic guitar, which he cannot wait to get. Any of you who have “campfire song” suggestions should go ahead and email him or leave a list in the comments. It seems in each package he needs more of his medical library sent over, I am happy to do it but those books weigh a ton! I try to think of small odds and ends to send him to remind him of home, however I have been creatively challenged lately and keep drawing blanks. I wish I could send him a patch of grass as he keeps mentioning how brown every thing is. Erik said the sand is so fine that Kuwait imports sand to make concrete. Wes really would like some sand. I do believe he wants it for two reasons: to awe his friends with “war” sand and to feel closer to Erik.

For the most part, however, Erik seems a bit bored. Let’s not get me wrong here… being bored in a combat zone is always good but I suppose it is the things he took for granted he misses most, like my fine lawn and real beer in lieu of near beer. He’s been gone from up for 51 days now and it hardly seems possible it has been that long. I am so happy I have the kids and other things to keep busy, as it seems to make the time tick by quickly. One thing that does stun me a bit is that there are only 42 days to go before we take on another kid! This pregnancy has flown by. One frequent request from Erik is for pictures of my expanding rented out womb. I just have to insert here how amazing skin is that it can stretch so much!

As Erik asks for news, stories and updates from home I find myself asking him questions with the same amount of fervor… what’s it like? how young are the soldiers? are you feeling useful? I would love to ask the gritty questions and receive the uncensored answers but I understand fully and support the need for security. It’s still frustrating, I like a good story as often as possible. As I always say, I just like knowing things. Ok, so I am nosy. I can say it.

All in all, Erik’s doing well. It is hardest on him since he feels so out of the loop with our family. I think missing Wes’ football season has really taken a toll on the old boy. He does like to be involved as much as he can with sports. Then there is the impending arrival of Henry, Erik is a micromanager and is surely going to miss the opportunity to look at the beeping machines and supervising the birthing process. I am sure once he sees pictures and videos he’ll have advice to offer.

Drop him an email erik.manninen@us.army.mil or send a note to his address in the upper right of the blog.

What am I grateful for?

I am so grateful for so many things.

I have a wonderful family
My husband supports me despite my many and varied flaws
I have healthy children
They love each other... way too roughly sometimes
I am healthy
My husband serves his country with pride
I have an outstanding house
My yard is lovely
I am not living in the UP
I am able to do projects that make me feel useful
I have wonderful friendships
I have forgiving friends
I am a registered voter
I learn from the actions I take... the good, bad and ugly
I have a wealth of memories to cheer me up when I am not so cheery
I have the best neighbors anyone could wish for
I love to hear my neighbor's boy say monkey... it can brighten any dark moment for me
I can find joy in the tiniest of things
I have challenging children
I relish the fact I've stayed out of jail by using good judgement with said challenging children
I have a good education
I have my own opinions
I know the feeling of forgiving and of being forgiven
I have been humbled by making some monumentally poor choices in my life
I have too many items to list and not enough time to do it, for which I am also grateful

Something is missing around here....

So roughly six weeks or so to go before we add another to our bunch. I've started to become acutely aware of what that means for me, in particular. I have a friend coming down from Maryland to go into the delivery room, wish the other friend from MD could be here too, but her husband's schedule is a bit hairy. I decided I can do this with a friend if I didn't have to look them in the eye very often afterward, since they will ultimately be exposed to a lot of me. Lots. Phone conversations, great. Chatting over the fence daily knowing she may have flashbacks of exposure, not wonderful.

As far as home, I am happy to say that Lori will be here with the older three (and me) for a bit before Henry arrives, which leads me to believe we will be able to hammer out a routine before the delivery. My neighbors are truly wonderful and can be called upon if needed, so that adds to the reassuring list. I realize how very fortunate I am, it just feels like something instrumental is missing. Sure, of course it is Erik but it's more than that.

I am not great at being vulnerable with witnesses around. I would rather keep tears inside my body, where they have a place moisturizing my eyes and not my cheeks. I would rather not lose control in the presence of individuals other than Erik and the kids. Now I'm not talking about a tantrum of screaming and ranting about behaviors that are undesirable, but the feeling that the bottom has dropped out. For all you ladies out there, this comes around 8cm dilation without pain meds, discovering your child really hurt another intentionally, making a verbal faux pas that affects a friendship, the moment you realize your husband is really on a deployment, etc. That feeling.

I believe what is missing is excitement. Pure, innocent, excitement. Of the past three impending births, I was quite excited in good and bad ways. By bad I mean so excitable I was anxious. What has always trumped the anxiety was remembering how Erik handled the situation before. (Now, Wes was just an unusual birth so that is somewhat discarded.) But after the baby comes and we are all transitioning, the actions and motions Erik goes through are so deliberate, predictable and soothing. I simply adore these qualities in him. Erik is my foundation, someone I rely on to bring reason to me when I am irrational.

I wish he could write a set of directions for the nurses and doctors that will treat me and the kid. "No unnecessary talking. Be firm but not a dictator with requests/directives. Give all information, no matter how terrible, but answer questions. Unless absolutely necessary, hands off. Roughly 24hrs after birth there will be a hormone crash, alert your staff that there will be many tears, requests of being discharged immediately, and much pacing... the best way to handle this is to sit and watch. By no means should you take the baby away without a detailed list of where he will go and who will be touching him, you will avoid tense and terse words when you return."

I will be missing my foundation. It will be difficult to be strong missing a foundation.

All these children.

I have been mulling over really creative ways to update on the kids. I suppose I could convey anecdotes from the weeks past, but how do I choose? The days have been so very busy with carting kids around to various schools, appointments, practices and games that I usually do not remember the full account of any given story until reviewing the pictures. Thankfully I carry my camera with us just about everywhere! Gordon has taken to saying "Don't take me," in an ultra-whiny voice meaning not to take his picture.

To update on the kids.... They are all doing very well. School is great, all enjoy thier time, comply with teacher requests and bring home wonderful work.

Wesley and football are like a hand and a glove... no, seriously, he loves hitting and running which have come together well this year. Positions seem to change for Wes but he consistently works hard and seems to have a knack for the game. As far as I go, I'm not the mother who cowers with each crunch of pads. Rather, I relish in the runs, hard hits and short rests on the bench. All of the ingredients listed, lead to a fabulous recipe of "Tired Kid." (In the photo above he is #20 slightly crouched.)

Dance is going well for Donna. She enjoys what she is doing and is proud to show the new move of the week to anyone who may ask. In other words, the girl is a diva. Donna is changing. She is developing quite a streak to her personality. There was a time (birth until recently) that Donna was fairly easy going, loved chilling with anyone willing to accompany her, and she was quiet. The Donna of late is demanding, whines and cries with any injustice done to her, any amount of flexibility is gone, she is openly defiant and has stopped accepting hugs and kisses. Where is my daughter?

Gordon simply adores Wes. He loves the guy so much he's trying to be just like his big brother. After a game, practice, any situation that Gordon witnesses Wes in his uniform, he seeks out Wes' helmet, tugs it on and wedges half the mouthpiece into his own mouth. The boy looks like a lollipop walking around; it is quite a sight. However, the moment sealing the cuteness quotient is when he lowers his voice and begins to bark out, "down, set, hipe!"

Catching up is hard to do.

I've been avoiding the blog. I keep thinking of fun, witty things to write and file it away for "another time." I guess you have to start somewhere, right? First and foremost, all are doing fine including Erik and my pregnancy. On to other things...

Let us start with Erik.
Erik is en route to his final destination at some point soon. At present he is in Iraq awaiting transport to his end point. They left Alaska somewhere around September 20 on over to Kuwait with a stop over in Ireland. While in Ireland, Erik was able to meet up with another Doc out of Walter Reed. He sounded quite surprised and happy that he got to have lunch and catch up on some folks still up at WRAMC. I, myself, would've been thrilled with seeing a friendly face on my way to uncertainty. Once arriving in Kuwait, Erik began his stay in a tent with AC and filling the time with some sick call and wandering Camp Buehring. According to his reports, the PX has plenty, there was a Starbucks, quite a choice of food options. On to the next layover within Iraq until the final destination. (I have to say, does every military move feel the same? This is a deployment and still it is eerily familiar to a military move.)

However, through it all as far as communication goes, we've been able to talk on the phone so much more than I imagined. The kids are not always around when he is able to call and the lack of direct communication via web cam is certainly missed. Gordon has resorted to watching slide shows on the computer and talking to the Daddy pictures as if he were chatting with Erik on web cam.

I can wholeheartedly say, as I did to Erik today, our situation today is so much better than it was ten years ago. You see, we were apart for about 9 months then for Basic Training, AIT, Airborne, and RIP... Ranger Indoctrination something or other. In reflecting on that time we chuckled at how far we've come:

Then

Newly engaged

Erik was heavily restricted on movement as he was training.

Waiting in lines to talk on the phone for Erik, disappointment if I missed the call for me.

I was teaching kids, not caring for them 24/7.

We were at relative peace, Erik wasn't going into a war zone, he wasn't a doctor or a father or a husband.

I was muddling through my last year of college, nowhere near thinking I'd be a mother one day or a military wife supporting the home front expecting tax deduction #4 waiting for a year to be over before it begins.

We were so, so young... or was it naive?

Now

Married nearly 10 years (April 2009).

Erik can freely roam any US post/base he is on barring safety hazards.

Waiting in lines to talk on the phone for Erik, disappointment if I miss the call for me and our gaggle of kids.

Obviously we are not at peace, Erik is in a war zone, he is a doctor and husband and father of almost 4!

I am still knocked out cold on what has happened to me in these years.

How can I still feel so young? At times too young to fully realize the magnitude of what this year will signify for us. Or is it naivete?

If I could talk to us then with what we know now...

"Despite the unconventional routes you will take to accomplish some monumental achievements, you will enjoy your time together. You will look back at the upcoming decade with pride, humor, admiration of your struggle together, but most of all you will revel in the sweat in tears that have made such a wonderful life." I wouldn't give away the details, you see. To do that I might cause a change that would threaten this life I know, adore and am so thankful for.

Erik's day...

9-11-2008
We had our deployment ceremony today for the 1st SBCT 25th ID. It was nice, but quite long. Two generals, Sarah Palin the governor of Alaska, and the brigade commander all spoke. The ceremony took about 90 minutes. It was quite cold at first until the sun decided to come out and warm us. The secret service was present and protecting the governor. I looked for my friend Phil, but knew that he was likely not on this detail, but it sure would have been nice to see a familiar face and share a beer in Alaska with him. I’m sure this is a big difference for the governor as the reports of her prior to being named Senator McCain’s running mate had her driving herself around Alaska to decrease the cost of the state trooper protection detail. The day today being September 11th brings a lot of memories back. I still remember sitting in the radiology lecture that morning and hearing the news. Watching the images on the big screen in the lecture room and then preparing to help at the National Naval Medical Center with the overwhelming number of casualties from the Pentagon that never came. My children will never know that America prior to 9-11-2001. Coming onto post and having to show our IDs is normal now and just one of the restrictions put on America, but it was nice not having to wait in line and simply drive on post prior to that day. The new memorial at the Pentagon looked very nice and I would like to visit that some day.
The highlight of the day was seeing the kids on the webcam. Gordon was showing me his new I-Spy Truck and Bus book, Donna was dancing and singing a Hannah Montana song, and Wes showed me his new football jersey (he got #20 just like last year—Barry Sander’s number for those who don’t know). I wish I could be at Wes’ football practices and games, but I did get to see 1 video clip from his practice. I’m sure Wes isn’t too disappointed; however, as the amount of dad-coaching from Alaska is limited, but I still get in a few pointers. I’m going to miss most if not all of next year’s season as well because I think they are usually done by November. Melisa has started scanning some guitar music for me, which will be much appreciated if I can get my acoustic guitar sent over to Iraq in once piece. It will be nice to try and learn some songs for around the campfire.

The Wall and The Fence and Me

The completion of the backyard renovation... strangely I am having completed-project-let-down. Now I can't wait to stain it, but I do have to wait for it to bake dry. I love it. I provided a couple pictures of the French Gothic pickets that are popular down here. I really couldn't be happier with the custom cuts the fence guys did. Best feature has to be that Gordon hasn't figured out the latches, yet.

Braces

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Wesley made the big step of acquiring braces today. He looks so old to me now. What a trooper, from having trouble falling asleep last night wrought with anticipation to waltzing out of the office claiming, "that was easy!"

Updates from abroad...

9-5-08
I received pictures of our new refrigerator and it looks great. I hope that Melisa didn't have to use a hacksaw on any of our countertops to fit it in. In case you don't know what I am referring to some of you may remember that Melisa received a refrigerator at our Maryland home that had a slightly larger depth than the one she ordered. In her haste to have a new refrigerator (she hated the old one that was still functional), instead of telling them to take it back and get her the one with the correct measurements, she proceeded to use a hacksaw to cut off a lip of wood on the windowsill to the kitchen that was in the way. So, you can imagine my curiosity regarding the recent delivery of another refrigerator to our home when I am away. I'm sure our countertops are intact, but I just hope I can say the same for my wife's sanity by the time I return. Miss you too much already.

It's cold in Alaska with the temperature in the 40s in the a.m. and peaking in the 60s during the day. I think the high is supposed to be in the 50s this weekend. The leaves are already starting to change colors and it is quite beautiful. Again, it reminds me a lot of Michigan, but with lots of mountains in the area. One of the family medicine docs here had a barbecue at his house out in the woods last night and invited all of the medical providers over. Some brought their children and one of the PAs (physician assistants) had a 2 month old daughter. I know I am not all that helpful with new babies (Melisa recently stated that I am good for letting them fall asleep on my chest and change a diaper or two), but seeing her made me think of how much I do miss seeing Melisa with them. I will miss those first few months when she is a new mother again. I miss the kids a lot already and every time I see one near their age think of them. Anyways, salmon, hot dogs, hamburgers, and even shark was on the menu. One of the PAs caught the shark on a recent fishing trip. It took 5 guys taking turns fighting the shark to finally get him in the boat. Mosquitoes are still out here. Everything is not only tougher in Alaska (pardon the reference to the show on TV), but it is also more expensive. I paid $10.25 for a haircut on post (<$9 in Georgia) and $6 for a 12pack of Diet Coke.

9-6-08
It is quite an experience waking up at 9:00a.m., turning on the tv, and seeing that college football has already started its day without me. The layout of the hotel room is very adequate given that I can sit on the toilet and still have an unobstructed view of the University of Michigan Wolverines. Their new freshmen RB #2 is quite effective and should be exciting to watch this year. Sorry Krista and Doug for your Mountaineers’ performance. I know how you feel given Michigan’s lost last week to Utah. Accommodations now are great, but I anticipate a stay in circus size tents with about 100 or so other soldiers in my not too distant future. Last night for dinner was pizza and beer night. Alaska Amber is palatable and goes nicely with an Anthony’s pizza (found on almost every army post, it is no Pizza Patch) and a side of boredom. Today, however, I will be going to see a movie with some of the other providers which will be nice to get out of this hotel room.
I wanted to mention my thanks to NWA for bumping me to first class for my 5 hour flight from Minnesota to Alaska. I had to fly U.S. Airways from Augusta to Charlotte to Minneapolis and then boarded an NWA flight to Alaska. I had very short layovers at all stops and had aisle seats arranged on all my U.S. Airways flights, but they couldn’t change my NWA seat assignment. Upon my arrival to the home of the ongoing Republican National Convention I checked in with the gate agent asking if I could change to an aisle seat and she already had a first class ticket waiting for me. I was not traveling in uniform, and in my excitement failed to ask why I was bestowed this privilege. Maybe in the computer they saw that I was traveling on a government ticket, or maybe NWA saw my meager accumulation of frequent flyer miles and wanted to get me to fly more. I haven’t quite figured out what the cost of legroom is, but it sure is nice to have on a 5 hour flight. The pre-takoff drink of diet coke, complimentary chicken dinner, beers, coffee, etc. were also all very nice. It certainly would be nice to travel like that all the time.
9-7-08
The day did not start without me as I was sure to wake up at 0830 Alaska time to see the start of the NASCAR race at 0900, as well as the start of the NFL games. Turn left Jeff Gordon, turn left. It was a nice day as the #24 Dupont Chevrolet Impala was able to finish 8th and qualify for the chase, which is equivalent to the NASCAR playoffs. Wes’ driver, Jimmie Johnson, won for the 2nd week in a row. I’m looking forward already to my return and plan on attending several NASCAR races that year. Anyone interested please check your schedule and let me know. On the list of possibilities would be Daytona 500 (likely will not be able to get tickets, but would try), Atlanta (spring), Talladega, Darlington, Martinsville, and Bristol (August race).
I got to speak with the kids on the phone today and Gordon had quite a bit to say, although I do need a translator when I can’t see what he is either holding or pointing to. Donna was disappointed to find out that there are no penguins at the hotel where I am at. Wes was excited to learn the results of the race and when asked what he was doing he said, “I was watching TV until mom turned it off.” They were getting ready to go to the pool which I’m sure they all enjoyed in the 95 degree Georgia weather. It is quite a bit colder here, but that didn’t stop me from going for a 3 mile run. During the run in the relative cold of Alaska, however, I experienced Gordy Bud upper respiratory infection equivalent nasal discharge. Again, it is tougher in Alaska.

Only 13 hours!

that will be the headline in roughly one year. Until then...
We will miss you!

Six days...

Packing for deployment. This is it, in terms of clothing, for a year. Sure there will be a Camel Back added, body armor, canteens, pillow, laptop, camera, books, and among other things a picture or two of the kids and me.

The next step is actually loading the green bag on the right and looking at what other little luxuries we can squeeze in....

On Saturday our neighborhood will be having a going away bash for Erik and Nate (a neighbor up the road). Nate is also going over seas and his wife, too, is pregnant. I will be in good company-- two p.o.'d pregnant ladies with nothing but time to gripe about their husbands leaving them at this inopportune time. In our rationale, of course it was their choice to leave us at this moment. I am quite positive our argument would make so much more sense if we had oodles of cocktails in our system. However, since that would be a big moral no-no, we'll wait until January when she is done baking her bun then we will get all tipsy and cuss them out.

WOW! Sorry about that slight little tangent. These hormones just overcome me at times. I expect this weekend to be very busy, but low key and fun. On Saturday Erik will go get his mom, who is visiting for a few days, and then he will likely start eyeballing the location for the bonfire we are destined to have. In the spirit of a wonderful farewell, I have invited our whole neighborhood. It sounded like a good idea when I was thinking about it, but we'll see. I am sure the kids will have lots of fun, as they always do. I really just hope the weather cooperates. Usually at 7pm the afternoon shower has passed. 50 families just would not fit nicely in my house. OK, so I am exaggerating just a bit. You get my drift though, right?

The next few days will surely pass too quickly. I'm hoping that at the very least, we fill them with some great quality time together.

Ballerina girl...

For days Donna was excited and talking about going to her dance class. She wanted to wear her tights around the house and seemed genuinely excited. The day of the class I woke up at 0535 to go on a 5-mile run with some friends, which was much easier than dealing with the Little Princess when she decided that she did not infact want to go to dance class, but instead wanted to stay at home. Consistent crying from the moment of getting buckled into her seat to arrival at the dance studio. Not even Hannah Montana's "Rock Star" could calm her down. Fingers had to be pryed from the minivan doors as well as the entry to the dance studio. Parents are not allowed to stay for the class, but I was that day after the teacher saw how distraught the Little Princess was. She quickly jumped into the action once she saw the other kids and participated magnificently in all of the activities. She really enjoyed the tap shoes and was proud of being in her dance class. I'm happy I was able to experience this before leaving, but on my last upcoming Saturday here in Georgia I think I may let her mother have the opportunity to take her.

Getting dunked to save their souls...

So they made it!

Donna and Gordon were baptized on August 21. Chaplain Williams officiated a Lutheran baptism at Ft. Gordon. Chaplain Williams was very informative and funny. He included Wes by asking various questions and asking Wes to hold Gordon's certificate so the urge to call him Oliver would not overtake. Wes was very proud to help out. I have to say he was very responsible during the whole thing.

The kids were great. Gordon slept through most of the service and Donna was very proud to do her job of standing, looking pretty and "getting wet on her head." Gordon did wake up just in time for his turn, but was a little disoriented and confused when he saw Major Williams coming toward him with glistening fingers. All in all, it was a good time. We've been meaning to do it, just haven't made the time. It was important both Erik and me. Wes was baptized when he was 10 months and had a bit more fanfare but I have to say this was a very nice service. I can imagine that Chaplain Williams helped many of the soldiers he has deployed with, he really was very kind.

This leaves me with a lingering thought... since they were officially cleansed, Donna and Gordon should be really good now right?

Gordon's first day of school.

Gordon started school. He was so excited to get his backpack, do some calisthenics to loosen up, and enter all alone. We didn't have any tears on the first day. The second day, however, was a bit more eventful. Gordon quickly realized what exactly was going on and that I may just be having some time to myself. He appropriately started his blood curdling screech as soon as we entered the classroom door. FREEDOM!

Countdown is on...

Last night was one for the books. Erik and I decided having a small last-minute cookout was a great way to relax on a Saturday night. It was a beautiful day (despite some much needed rain), Erik decided to enjoy a drink while cutting a neighbor's lawn, and we were thrilled about the lifting of the rain just in time for the event. Little did everyone in our neighborhood know, Erik had alternative plans for the quiet evening we all assumed we were going to have... Really not taking much more than the mere mention, the several pallets we've enmassed between the sod and retaining wall supplies, we were on our way to having a bonfire. In the area, we are in a drought status. Under drought warnings one usually does not pop up with the idea to have a fire, that is unless you are my husband.

Here is the Georgia fire:

I really believe Erik has been missing his time spent in the great Up North this summer. Wanting to expose our dear neighbors and friends to what we do for kicks UP there, Erik cultivated quite a fire for everyone's enjoyment. At the beginning of the evening, he was breaking apart the pallets and adding the planks to a portable fire bowl some neighbors provided. By the time we really got going, there were full pallets stacked upon this bowl as it warped under the heat. During our recovery efforts this morning there were a few discoveries: easily a hundred or so burned nails, the morphed frame of the fire bowl... which I believe to be a nice sculpture at this point, and a huge burned circular pit in the middle of my lawn. All in the spirit of a good time. Selfishly, I have to say I think we did. My poor neighbors.

17 days until the departure. We have begun talking to the kids a bit more about the upcoming event. The little ones seem to glaze over a bit, but Wes has been making tons of inquiries and making very appropriate comments and discoveries about Iraq. It is a confusing time; so busy with daily life yet needing to make necessary preparation without losing any precious moments. The days are escaping us quickly and we must make ourselves pause and appreciate the small, quiet, mondane minutes that really do dictate our days.

The first day of school, hooray!

It was the first day of school for the big kids yesterday. All went well, even when Donna discovered there was a designated "nap" time. She has started her Pre-K class at a local daycare that has two classrooms designated for the Georgia Pre-K program. Donna's teachers are new to the area and they are both Army spouses. Turns out that Wesley's teacher is also an Army spouse and according to Wes her husband "rides around in Strykers and has only been blown up 57 times." Wes seems to like her and is already talking about the fun things they're going to do this year.

Gordon, on the other hand, was not thrilled because 1) he left the house without his backpack, 2) he was not permitted to board the bus and 3) the older kids left him behind. Throughout the day, the poor soul would ask for either "Wessie" or "Dolla." His day will come on Monday. I do believe Gordon will be thrilled. Enjoy the snapshots!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

While the Captain's away I will play!

One of the really fun projects I've been working are these:
However, my sewing machine has not been cooperating with me. I believe after eight years my refurbished Kenmore is pooping out on me. I am distraught. I know how to work it, it is a simple machine which I adore. Hopping back on the quilting horse is a little patience tester this time around. The two I completed are for a neighbor who had twins a couple weeks ago. I was not entirely impressed for a few reasons... 1) I feel one is cuter than the other. Basically I seriously dislike pastels. 2) The quilt with stripes looks dirty like there are areas of cleaned defecation all over it due to the brown bleeding. Note to self: practically bleach fabrics before using them from now on. 3) I seem to have forgotten how to bind; I am sad about that. There you have it, tomorrow I begin to cut a replacement quilt.

A meme...

A)Age- 32
B ) Burger of choice- Whopper fast food, Deluxe Cheeseburger Red Robin
C)What kind of car you drive- Honda Odyssey
D)Dogs name- unfortunately we lack one (a dog, i mean)
E)Essential item you use everyday- soap
F)Favorite TV show- this is a tough one... Design to sell, let's keep it safe.
G)Favorite game to play- Cranium
H)Hometown- Sault Ste. Marie, MI
I)Instruments you play- drum, as in drumming my fingers on the table
J)Favorite Juice- Ruby Red
K)Whose butt you would love to kick- now what kind of example would that be for my kids?
L)Last restaurant you ate at- Pizza Joint
M)Favorite Muppet- Kermit the Frog
N)Number of piercings- two
O)Overnight hospital stays- 6, 2 pneumonia, 1 tonsils, 3 kids
P)People you were with today- kids and neighbors
Q)What you do in your quiet time- tv, computer, sew, read
R)Biggest regret- not joining the Navy
S)Status- Married
T)Time you woke up- 8:00
U)What you consider unique- effective multi-tasking
V)Vegetables you love- asparagus, green beans
W)Worst habit- lethargy
X)X-rays you have had- please, how do i count this! too many to count, i'll glow when i'm dead
Y)Yummy food you ate today- Cinnamon Raisin Biscuit
Z)Zodiac sign- Taurus

Donna's world

Erik has been in training since Thursday, which also is the last day we chatted. I imagine deployment to be this way; intuition telling me all is fine but wondering what he's doing. Today, Donna wondered, "Did my Dad run away?" She has been saying strange things like this, which I am convinced is only going to continue and get a bit more creative as we truck along through the year. I can't wait to hear what she comes up with, it adds entertainment to some stressful moments! My daughter is hilarious. I am continually finding little marks she's left in her wake. A prime example of Donna:

G'night Allen

When I discovered this I knew it was Donna, what must go through her mind? One of her other quirks is collecting. The girl loves her bags. Whether it is a purse or a duffle, a tin for magnets or a pencil case, it is filled with things. I don't mean make-up, barrettes, snacks... you know the things a true lady needs to make it through a tough day in Georgia. Nope. The remote control, a band-aid, spool of thread, a fork, business cards pinched from her Dad's stash, and of course some sort of lip stuff. I had to tell my family while we were in Michigan, check her bags before she left their house to be sure they didn't miss anything of value. Good thing people listen to me, the girl has some sticky fingers.

Perhaps it is just her magnetism. Since she was a young babe she has always attracted other little ones. It is interesting to watch since, you see, she is a girl of few words and many passions. Children her age enjoy her for her versatility. If they are in the mood for a marathon coloring session she's your gal. Every now and then one may need to have a little light saber fight. Well, she's been in training as a Padawan since she was about 10 months and at this stage of her training is quite an opponent. I guess when it comes down to it, Donna just simply attracts things. Whether it is of her own doing (the stuffed bags of things) or because she is content to just go along for the ride we will have to watch this girl. After all glaciers are quiet but a true force to be reckoned with.

Next month at this time...

School starts on August 11! 31 days to go, woohoo! The kids are so excited. It really is all about them ;-).

Why wade when you can dive?

To many it may come as a surprise that I think of myself as cautious, you know the type that slowly wades into any situation experiencing every longlasting moment. All I need to mention is cold water in a bathingsuit and speech class in high school and you know what I mean. However, there is another alter ego I harbor. So here I am: three kids with another on the way in the beginning of December, my husband deploying in September, and the constant twittering of getting a dog by the children. The things I can control are becoming fewer by the minute.

What I hope to achieve with this blog is keeping everyone updated with news from the fronts, which are home and abroad for our family. Comments are welcome. Here's to the year to come.

Beginning

We are preparing for a busy year, the hope is we will keep connected with our loved ones over the miles!