Hello everyone this is Darrick
Well for me today was a pretty normal day until evening. I went to work we had our PT. You know jumping jacks, pushups, situps, other silly exercises and a mile and a half run. Then to work to clean up get in uniform and go to work. I got off at 1600, or 4pm for the non military types.
Then tonight I met with a guy named Randy a Pastor from Hope Chapel West Oahu. We just met to get to know each other. It was nice because I need to Christian men to talk to. I hope that we get the opportunity to do that again. He mentioned that we could meet with another guy he gets together with so maybe I can make some new friends.
Jenn says she had a normal day nothing to exciting. We did go for a walk this evening after I got home from my visit with Randy.
That is all I have for now
Talk to you all later
Darrick
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Scary...
Darrick had to go to firefighting school today. He had to be there at 4:30 am so he was pretty tired. The good thing was that he was home at 10:45 am-for the day! We were so surprised when he walked in the door. After an afternoon nap he felt much better!
We had a family meeting yesterday, our very first one. Darrick opened in prayer and then we explained to the boys our first allowance system. Micah's jobs are to clear the table and wipe it after dinner and then use the dusterbuster under the table. Jacob's jobs are to empty the bathroom trashcans after dinner and put the toys in the playroom. At the end of the week they each get $2.00 which is divided into God, Savings and Spending. They already had some money in another bank and Micah wanted to go buy a Wonder Woman action figure. It was so funny to hear them walking in the store together and Micah telling Jacob "You can't get that, you don't have enough money".
After that we went to Chili's for dinner. We love to get their Skillet Queso (It is a chili cheese dip served with tortilla chips). We were all eating it when Jacob started choking. He seemed to cough it up but then all of the sudden he started choking worse. I jumped up and pulled him out of the highchair and Darrick took him and turned him upside down. He coughed and threw up all over Darrick's lap. A few people jumped up to help us. He was fine and except for Darrick's clothes we were all ok but it was scary.
We had a family meeting yesterday, our very first one. Darrick opened in prayer and then we explained to the boys our first allowance system. Micah's jobs are to clear the table and wipe it after dinner and then use the dusterbuster under the table. Jacob's jobs are to empty the bathroom trashcans after dinner and put the toys in the playroom. At the end of the week they each get $2.00 which is divided into God, Savings and Spending. They already had some money in another bank and Micah wanted to go buy a Wonder Woman action figure. It was so funny to hear them walking in the store together and Micah telling Jacob "You can't get that, you don't have enough money".
After that we went to Chili's for dinner. We love to get their Skillet Queso (It is a chili cheese dip served with tortilla chips). We were all eating it when Jacob started choking. He seemed to cough it up but then all of the sudden he started choking worse. I jumped up and pulled him out of the highchair and Darrick took him and turned him upside down. He coughed and threw up all over Darrick's lap. A few people jumped up to help us. He was fine and except for Darrick's clothes we were all ok but it was scary.
George the Gecko
Aloha! My name is George the Gecko. I am a baby. About a week ago I found a nice warm house to live in. The family that lives in the house is the Hays family. They are nice to me and let me live in their reading room. I like to hang out by the light on the ceiling and crawl around looking for bugs.
Every morning when the two little boys get up they look for me to see where I am. Last night they decided to name me George. I like this family and think that I will "Stick" around for awhile!
I like to change colors during the day. I change from white to brown and just watch the boys run around all day!
Monday, June 27, 2005
Different kind of day
It was a different type of Sunday. Since we went to church last night because Darrick had duty the boys and I did not go today. I am glad that we got to go together as a family but it felt odd to me today.
Our good friends across the street invited us out to breakfast and then to the beach. It is always an adventure with 4 little boys. We love going out with them and Micah had so much fun at the beach. After we got back home I watched her boys (while they napped) while she ran an errand and then she watched my boys while I went to the commissary. On the way home I picked up pizza and we all enjoyed that for dinner. Another family also joined us with their son and daughter, so it was a full house.
The boys are completely exhausted and so am I. We will all sleep good I hope.
I posted a picture of the boys with their new lightsabers. They are so funny when they play with them. One is always the dad (Darth Vader) and the other is the son (Luke SkyWalker).
Our good friends across the street invited us out to breakfast and then to the beach. It is always an adventure with 4 little boys. We love going out with them and Micah had so much fun at the beach. After we got back home I watched her boys (while they napped) while she ran an errand and then she watched my boys while I went to the commissary. On the way home I picked up pizza and we all enjoyed that for dinner. Another family also joined us with their son and daughter, so it was a full house.
The boys are completely exhausted and so am I. We will all sleep good I hope.
I posted a picture of the boys with their new lightsabers. They are so funny when they play with them. One is always the dad (Darth Vader) and the other is the son (Luke SkyWalker).
Sunday, June 26, 2005
A moment we will never forget...
Today was really busy for us and we are all ready to crawl into bed for the night and get a good night's rest.
This morning Micah had his first swim lesson. And I guess it went ok. At first Micah refused to get in the pool and started to cry but his teacher, Miss Kristi, was great with him. She keep it real casual and took him in the 1 ft. pool. She was able to get him to blow some bubbles and kick but he would not let her touch him. She said this was a trust issue that hopefully Micah would overcome with time. We felt encouraged at the end.
In the afternoon Darrick had a soccer game. They won 5-4 in shoot outs!
Tonight we went to church. Hope Chapel West Oahu has a 6:30 pm Saturday night service. Darrick has duty tomorrow so we thought that we would try this service so we could still all go to church together. It was on the smaller side but we enjoyed it. After the service they had food and game night. Micah wanted us to play Candyland and the boys ate way too many donut holes but they had fun.
Tonight when I was giving the boys a bath for church, Micah started asking me these deep questions. He has been doing that lately to Darrick and I. Well, he wanted to know if God lives at church. So I told him that God is at church and that He can lives in our hearts. He said "I know, God lives in my heart. One day when we were at our other church with Auntie Bow, when Uncle Troy was singing, I asked Jesus in my heart!" The look on his face was pure joy and I'm sure mine looked just the same! I called Darrick into the bathroom and Micah told him the good news. It was truly a moment we will NEVER forget...
This morning Micah had his first swim lesson. And I guess it went ok. At first Micah refused to get in the pool and started to cry but his teacher, Miss Kristi, was great with him. She keep it real casual and took him in the 1 ft. pool. She was able to get him to blow some bubbles and kick but he would not let her touch him. She said this was a trust issue that hopefully Micah would overcome with time. We felt encouraged at the end.
In the afternoon Darrick had a soccer game. They won 5-4 in shoot outs!
Tonight we went to church. Hope Chapel West Oahu has a 6:30 pm Saturday night service. Darrick has duty tomorrow so we thought that we would try this service so we could still all go to church together. It was on the smaller side but we enjoyed it. After the service they had food and game night. Micah wanted us to play Candyland and the boys ate way too many donut holes but they had fun.
Tonight when I was giving the boys a bath for church, Micah started asking me these deep questions. He has been doing that lately to Darrick and I. Well, he wanted to know if God lives at church. So I told him that God is at church and that He can lives in our hearts. He said "I know, God lives in my heart. One day when we were at our other church with Auntie Bow, when Uncle Troy was singing, I asked Jesus in my heart!" The look on his face was pure joy and I'm sure mine looked just the same! I called Darrick into the bathroom and Micah told him the good news. It was truly a moment we will NEVER forget...
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Day Off
This morning Darrick and some other people from the ship participated in the Ford Island Anchor Run. It was a 5K run (3.1 miles). The USS Hopper ran together as a team and finished with a time of 32 minutes and 8 seconds. They had to go back and get some stragglers. Darrick was happy that he did so well and that he was able to stay with the head pack the whole race. He got a t-shirt and a certificate and decided he would like to do more runs. The race was in the morning and after it he got the rest of the day off.
When he got home we headed to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Darrick had never been there and we thought this would be a good day to go. We had a great time and really enjoyed spending time together as a family. They have a fun summer program for kids where they get a passport and if they do an activity in each village they get a stamp in their book. If they get enough stamps they got a prize. Micah really liked this. He got a tatoo, made a fish out of palm frawns, learned to play the drums and played Hawaiian bowling. For his prize he got binoculars which he thinks are great!
On the way home we stopped in North Shore for dinner. We went to a new place called "Pizza Bob's". It was really yummy and we enjoyed dining on the patio by the fountain. Then we walked to our favorite ice cream shop for a hot fudge sundae-yummy!
Thanks for all the prayers for Micah's leg! It looks much today and by tonight it is just a small little bump! Praise God!
When he got home we headed to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Darrick had never been there and we thought this would be a good day to go. We had a great time and really enjoyed spending time together as a family. They have a fun summer program for kids where they get a passport and if they do an activity in each village they get a stamp in their book. If they get enough stamps they got a prize. Micah really liked this. He got a tatoo, made a fish out of palm frawns, learned to play the drums and played Hawaiian bowling. For his prize he got binoculars which he thinks are great!
On the way home we stopped in North Shore for dinner. We went to a new place called "Pizza Bob's". It was really yummy and we enjoyed dining on the patio by the fountain. Then we walked to our favorite ice cream shop for a hot fudge sundae-yummy!
Thanks for all the prayers for Micah's leg! It looks much today and by tonight it is just a small little bump! Praise God!
Friday, June 24, 2005
New Mini Church
Hello everyone this is Darrick
Would you all please pray for Micah's leg? It looks like he got bit by a spider and the bump is pretty big but we think he is OK. If it does not look smaller tomorrow we may take him to the doctor. We are giving him benadryl just incase.
Today Jenn watched the neighbor boys Alex and Charlie and was brave enough to take all four boys to the museum by herself. Everything went really good for her. The museum was empty during the time when she was taking the boys to see the robotic reptiles.
Tonight we went to a new Mini Church that is part of Hope Chapel West Oahu. We really enjoyed it. They totally made us feel welcome. First we prayed and sang. Then we studied the message from Sunday and reflected on how it applies to us or how it made us feel. Then we separated guys from girls. I liked that part because I miss my time and interaction with they guys back in California and really need that in my life.
Talk to you all later
Darrick
Would you all please pray for Micah's leg? It looks like he got bit by a spider and the bump is pretty big but we think he is OK. If it does not look smaller tomorrow we may take him to the doctor. We are giving him benadryl just incase.
Today Jenn watched the neighbor boys Alex and Charlie and was brave enough to take all four boys to the museum by herself. Everything went really good for her. The museum was empty during the time when she was taking the boys to see the robotic reptiles.
Tonight we went to a new Mini Church that is part of Hope Chapel West Oahu. We really enjoyed it. They totally made us feel welcome. First we prayed and sang. Then we studied the message from Sunday and reflected on how it applies to us or how it made us feel. Then we separated guys from girls. I liked that part because I miss my time and interaction with they guys back in California and really need that in my life.
Talk to you all later
Darrick
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Surprise Visitors
Today I got a phone call from AnneMarie Fuentes. The entire family, all 7 of them, are here! It is not under happy circumstances though-Mike's dad suddenly passed away this weekend. We know the Fuentes family from Friendship Community Church. They were good friends of ours and we also rented their house from them for a year. We are going to talk again and make plans to get together while they are here-we are so excited.
Micah threw up this morning-but it was only one time, so I don't think he has the stomach flu. His throat is still sore but he is acting and feeling better. I had to cancel Jacob's dentist appt., so we spent most of the day letting Micah rest on the couch.
Darrick got home early again-3:45 so we were able to eat dinner early and go for our run and then a nice long walk down to see the crabs. But the tide was high and all the way up to the wall so the boys could not get any rocks to throw in the water. But it was a beautiful evening and we enjoyed the exercise.
Micah threw up this morning-but it was only one time, so I don't think he has the stomach flu. His throat is still sore but he is acting and feeling better. I had to cancel Jacob's dentist appt., so we spent most of the day letting Micah rest on the couch.
Darrick got home early again-3:45 so we were able to eat dinner early and go for our run and then a nice long walk down to see the crabs. But the tide was high and all the way up to the wall so the boys could not get any rocks to throw in the water. But it was a beautiful evening and we enjoyed the exercise.
Nature Walk
This morning the boys and I went on a nature walk. It was so fun and we saw so many cool things! I really love the ages the boys are at. It is so easy to go and do things and it is really enjoyable taking them out. They are so curious and love exploring as much as I do.
Micah has a really bad sore throat but besides that he feels ok. The rest of us are getting back to our normal selves.
This afternoon I had a nice long conversation with my sister-in-law, Laura. They are doing good and will find out the sex of their baby in a few weeks!
Darrick was home by 4:00 today and so we all drew pictures outside with sidewalk chalk.
For dinner I made turkey cheddar burgers. They had shredded zucchini and red onion too and were so good! I also tried grilling some zucchini which was good but I think I like it steamed better.
After dinner we went for an exercise run. Jacob rode in the stroller while Micah rode his scooter and rode in the stroller some. Darrick and I ran. I ran almost all the way! We figured the whole trip is maybe 1 mile. I am not a very good runner. But the evening was so beautiful and the sky was filled with pink fluffy clouds-it looked like cotton candy. Ahhh...just another day in paradise!
Micah has a really bad sore throat but besides that he feels ok. The rest of us are getting back to our normal selves.
This afternoon I had a nice long conversation with my sister-in-law, Laura. They are doing good and will find out the sex of their baby in a few weeks!
Darrick was home by 4:00 today and so we all drew pictures outside with sidewalk chalk.
For dinner I made turkey cheddar burgers. They had shredded zucchini and red onion too and were so good! I also tried grilling some zucchini which was good but I think I like it steamed better.
After dinner we went for an exercise run. Jacob rode in the stroller while Micah rode his scooter and rode in the stroller some. Darrick and I ran. I ran almost all the way! We figured the whole trip is maybe 1 mile. I am not a very good runner. But the evening was so beautiful and the sky was filled with pink fluffy clouds-it looked like cotton candy. Ahhh...just another day in paradise!
Monday, June 20, 2005
Exercise
Today I decided that I would start walking again. In CA I loved walking and had no problem motivating myself. I loved the path and the distance was perfect. But since we have moved to Hawaii I have not been consistent. So today I decided to think about what my problem is. I have decided that I am trying to go to far. I was leaving my house and walking off the base until I reached 30 minutes and the I would turn around and go home. So 1 hour total. So today I walked 30 minutes total and that went so much better. I will try that 3x a week and see how that goes.
Micah also rode his scooter today while Jacob rode in the exercise stroller. He made it the whole time-I was so proud of him.
Does anyone else's house look like a bomb exploded in it after the weekend? Well today I did a complete overhaul of the house. I even rearranged the playroom. Things just get out of place and laundry to catch up on. It feels so good at the end of the day when it is all done.
But now it is bath time for the boys and Darrick has duty tonight so I am flying solo so I better go!
Micah also rode his scooter today while Jacob rode in the exercise stroller. He made it the whole time-I was so proud of him.
Does anyone else's house look like a bomb exploded in it after the weekend? Well today I did a complete overhaul of the house. I even rearranged the playroom. Things just get out of place and laundry to catch up on. It feels so good at the end of the day when it is all done.
But now it is bath time for the boys and Darrick has duty tonight so I am flying solo so I better go!
Father's Day
Happy Father's Day to those Dad's out there reading this. We had wierd weather today. It was rainy and misty-good thing we didn't plan to take Darrick to the beach.
We gave Darrick his gifts before church. The boys seemed to really enjoy this part and they seemed to understand why it was Dad's special day.
Church was GREAT! We really love it at Hope Chapel. Micah's got 15 Bible Bucks today (5 for attendance, 5 for praying this week and 5 for memorizing his verse) He had 5 from last week so he cashed them in today for a cool light up spinning top. He thought that was great.
After church we took Darrick to Tony Roma's for lunch (his choice). Parking was a nightmare, we had to park across the street at the mall parking garage. But the good thing was that we only waited about 15 minutes to be seated. That is one thing that we have noticed in a mostly Asian environment-the Asian buffets are PACKED but the other restaurants are ok. Today for the first time Micah ordered a real meal off the kid menu. Usually it is a hot dog or pizza but today he said "I want BBQ chicken" and he did pretty good on it too.
The afternoon was spent watching Star Wars IV, V and VI and relaxing. I had to leave the marathon to go to the commissary. Overall it was a great day!
We gave Darrick his gifts before church. The boys seemed to really enjoy this part and they seemed to understand why it was Dad's special day.
Church was GREAT! We really love it at Hope Chapel. Micah's got 15 Bible Bucks today (5 for attendance, 5 for praying this week and 5 for memorizing his verse) He had 5 from last week so he cashed them in today for a cool light up spinning top. He thought that was great.
After church we took Darrick to Tony Roma's for lunch (his choice). Parking was a nightmare, we had to park across the street at the mall parking garage. But the good thing was that we only waited about 15 minutes to be seated. That is one thing that we have noticed in a mostly Asian environment-the Asian buffets are PACKED but the other restaurants are ok. Today for the first time Micah ordered a real meal off the kid menu. Usually it is a hot dog or pizza but today he said "I want BBQ chicken" and he did pretty good on it too.
The afternoon was spent watching Star Wars IV, V and VI and relaxing. I had to leave the marathon to go to the commissary. Overall it was a great day!
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Saturday
We are all feeling pretty tired today. I got up with the boys at 6:30 am and let Darrick sleep in. They just watched cartoons so I could just sit on the couch and wake up. When Darrick got up we had pancakes and bacon-yummy!
Then we played and got ready for the day. We decided to get the boys a haircut. We normally buzz their hair at home. But I thought we should try growing their hair a little bit. We mostly wanted to get it cleaned up around the edges. Darrick thought we should take them to the barbershop by the exchange. It was so efficient. You take a number and they were whipping people in and out of those chairs so quickly. Most people were getting military haircuts. They gave the boys a lollipop to bribe them-actually Micah. Jacob got right in the chair, I had to put Micah in the chair and make him stay. Micah's looks really good, but I am not happy with Jacob's. I think it is the shape of his head. I hope this doesn't sound mean but his haircut reminds me of Frankenstien. So I don't know, we may go back to the buzz cut.
I stayed home with the boys and gave them both a nap while Darrick went to his soccer game. He played almost the whole game and his team won 5-1!
We did other things in the afternoon like run some errands, mow the lawn, laundry and clean the bathrooms. We want to just relax tomorrow and not have all that stuff to do.
Then we played and got ready for the day. We decided to get the boys a haircut. We normally buzz their hair at home. But I thought we should try growing their hair a little bit. We mostly wanted to get it cleaned up around the edges. Darrick thought we should take them to the barbershop by the exchange. It was so efficient. You take a number and they were whipping people in and out of those chairs so quickly. Most people were getting military haircuts. They gave the boys a lollipop to bribe them-actually Micah. Jacob got right in the chair, I had to put Micah in the chair and make him stay. Micah's looks really good, but I am not happy with Jacob's. I think it is the shape of his head. I hope this doesn't sound mean but his haircut reminds me of Frankenstien. So I don't know, we may go back to the buzz cut.
I stayed home with the boys and gave them both a nap while Darrick went to his soccer game. He played almost the whole game and his team won 5-1!
We did other things in the afternoon like run some errands, mow the lawn, laundry and clean the bathrooms. We want to just relax tomorrow and not have all that stuff to do.
Friday, June 17, 2005
End of the week
Well here it is Friday night. And what do two people married in their 30's do on a Friday night? That's right you guessed it...we dined at Chuckie Cheese and tonight I am scrapbooking and Darrick is doing homework! Here's a recap of our day...
Micah was not thrilled to go to VBS again today but he went. Darrick and I told him that if he finished what he started and went like a big boy we would celebrate tonight at Chuckie Cheese. We are not totally sure what he didn't like exactly but we know that he did have some fun. When I asked him if he wanted to go again next year he said no. And I am ok with that-I guess I should say that I am learning to be ok with that. I am learning that Micah is not me or like anyone else. But he is EXACTLY who and what God dreamed he would be and my job as a parent is to guide him and not change him. I am confident that we will find activities that Micah loves if we just keep exposing him to new situations.
This was our first time to Chuckie Cheese's in Hawaii, it is 2 minutes from our house. It is crazy how much the boys loved it! We went early so to avoid the masses. We ate our pizza and watched the show. Darrick and I laughed because the boys couldn't take their eyes off of the show. But things have not changed since I was a kid. They still have the ridiculous characters that move their heads from side to side and blink their eyes and maybe move their arm every once in awhile-but the boys loved it. Then we had fun playing games together, I played a few rounds of skeeball-I love that game! Then they redeemed their tickets for a little flying thing.
Darrick is taking Astronomy through Program for afloat college education (PACE). After this class he only needs 5 more credits until he earns his AA degree! I am so proud of him. He is waiting to use the computer because he has to watch these outdated CD lectures. Better go!
Micah was not thrilled to go to VBS again today but he went. Darrick and I told him that if he finished what he started and went like a big boy we would celebrate tonight at Chuckie Cheese. We are not totally sure what he didn't like exactly but we know that he did have some fun. When I asked him if he wanted to go again next year he said no. And I am ok with that-I guess I should say that I am learning to be ok with that. I am learning that Micah is not me or like anyone else. But he is EXACTLY who and what God dreamed he would be and my job as a parent is to guide him and not change him. I am confident that we will find activities that Micah loves if we just keep exposing him to new situations.
This was our first time to Chuckie Cheese's in Hawaii, it is 2 minutes from our house. It is crazy how much the boys loved it! We went early so to avoid the masses. We ate our pizza and watched the show. Darrick and I laughed because the boys couldn't take their eyes off of the show. But things have not changed since I was a kid. They still have the ridiculous characters that move their heads from side to side and blink their eyes and maybe move their arm every once in awhile-but the boys loved it. Then we had fun playing games together, I played a few rounds of skeeball-I love that game! Then they redeemed their tickets for a little flying thing.
Darrick is taking Astronomy through Program for afloat college education (PACE). After this class he only needs 5 more credits until he earns his AA degree! I am so proud of him. He is waiting to use the computer because he has to watch these outdated CD lectures. Better go!
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Random items
Going to VBS today was not good. Micah freaked out and cried and wouldn't go in his class. We talked and it was not working. So we walked back to the car. I had a dr. appt. in about 20 minutes that I had to get to so I did what any desperate parent would do-I bribed him. I told him we would go to McDonalds after VBS and he could have ice cream and it worked liked a gem! Darrick came to watch the end of VBS and then we all went to lunch. So Micah then decided he wanted his ice cream for lunch, along with french fries and chocolate milk! Some days it is just not worth the battle...
But we made up for it at dinner. I served soybeans tonight and they were a huge hit. Jacob ate a ton and loved popping them out of the shell into his mouth. Micah even ate more then his four.
I went to the doctor today for my cough. He gave me some stuff that I am hoping will help me out tonight, but Darrick says his throat is hurting now.
In the end, Micah had a blast at VBS, one of his best days ever, and we are all hopefully getting some good rest tonight!
But we made up for it at dinner. I served soybeans tonight and they were a huge hit. Jacob ate a ton and loved popping them out of the shell into his mouth. Micah even ate more then his four.
I went to the doctor today for my cough. He gave me some stuff that I am hoping will help me out tonight, but Darrick says his throat is hurting now.
In the end, Micah had a blast at VBS, one of his best days ever, and we are all hopefully getting some good rest tonight!
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Nightly cough fest
Every day I think that I am better and then after dinner I start my nightly cough fest. It usually lasts until after midnight. It is so frustrating and no matter what I do, it will not stop, argh!
Micah is now over half way done with VBS and I think he is really loving it. I think his teacher has a lot to do with it. She is great and very nuturing and quite good with the kids. Micah has really taken to her.
Darrick's ship is now in the yards for the summer. We are looking forward to a lot of family time. We are both working hard again on eating right and exercising. Darrick is out running right now. I really enjoy cooking healthy for our family. The boys are doing better then I thought they would with the food. They have been trying things which is so nice. Jacob surprisingly likes any vegetable I put on his plate. Micah will eat his 4 pieces fine (They have to eat as many pieces as how old they are) and then he doesn't want more but that is fine with us. Darrick is also open to trying new things which helps. We have had some good meals so far this week!
Micah is now over half way done with VBS and I think he is really loving it. I think his teacher has a lot to do with it. She is great and very nuturing and quite good with the kids. Micah has really taken to her.
Darrick's ship is now in the yards for the summer. We are looking forward to a lot of family time. We are both working hard again on eating right and exercising. Darrick is out running right now. I really enjoy cooking healthy for our family. The boys are doing better then I thought they would with the food. They have been trying things which is so nice. Jacob surprisingly likes any vegetable I put on his plate. Micah will eat his 4 pieces fine (They have to eat as many pieces as how old they are) and then he doesn't want more but that is fine with us. Darrick is also open to trying new things which helps. We have had some good meals so far this week!
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Military Spouses
My friend Steph sent this to me and I loved it, I thought I would share it with you!
Military Spouses
This was written by Col. Steven Arrington. It was printed in our post paper "The Fort Bliss Monitor". It rings true to my heart as I am a military spouse.
"Over the years I have talked a lot about military spouses, how special they are and the price they pay for freedom too. The funny thing about it is, most military spouses don't consider themselves different from other spouses. They do what they have to do, bound together not by blood or merely friendship, but with a shared spirit whose origin is in the very essence of what love truly is. Is there truly a difference? You have to decide for yourself.Other spouses get married and look forward to building a home and putting down family roots. Military spouses get married and know they will live in base housing or rent, and their roots must be short so they can be transplanted frequently. Other spouses decorate a home with flair and personality that will last a lifetime. Military spouses decorate a home with flair tempered with the knowledge that no two base houses have the same size windows or the same size rooms. Curtains have to be flexible and multiple sets are a plus. Furniture must fit like puzzle pieces. Other spouses have immaculate living rooms and are seldom used. Military spouses have immaculate living room/dining room combos. The coffee table got a scratch or two moving from Germany, but still looks pretty good.Other spouses say good-bye to their spouse for a business trip and know they won't see them for a week. They are lonely, but can survive. Military Spouses say good-bye to their deploying spouse and know that they won't see them for a month, or for a year. They are lonely, but they will survive.Other spouses, when a washer hose blows off, call Maytag and then write a check out for getting the hose reconnected. Military spouses cut the water off and fix it themselves.Other spouses get used to saying hello to friends they see all the time. Military spouses get used to saying good-bye to friends made in the last two years.Other spouses worry about whether their child will be class president next year. Military spouses worry about whether their child will be accepted in yet another new school next year and whether that school will be the worst in the city...again.Other spouses can count on spouse participation in special events, birthdays, anniversaries, concerts, football games, graduation, and even the birth of a child. Military spouses only count on each other because they realize the Flag has to come first if Freedom is to survive. It has to be that way.Other spouse put up yellow ribbons when the troops are imperiled across the globe and take them down when the troops come home. Military spouses wear yellow ribbons around their hearts and they never go away.Other spouses worry about being late for Thanksgiving dinner. Military spouses worry about getting back from Japan in time for Dad's funeral.Other spouses are touched by an elderly lady putting a card down in front of a long, black wall that has names on it.The card simply says, "Happy Birthday Sweetheart. You would have been sixty today." A military spouse is the lady with the card. The wall is the Vietnam Memorial.I would never say military spouses are better or worse than any other spouses. But I will say there is a difference. And I will say that our country asks more of military spouses than asked of other spouses. And I will say without hesitation that military spouses pay just as high a price for freedom as do their active duty husbands or wives. Perhaps the price they pay is even higher. Dying in service to our country isn't near as hard as loving someone who has died in service to our country, and having to live without them.
God Bless our military spouses for all they freely give, and God Bless America." COL. STEVEN ARRINGTON
Military Spouses
This was written by Col. Steven Arrington. It was printed in our post paper "The Fort Bliss Monitor". It rings true to my heart as I am a military spouse.
"Over the years I have talked a lot about military spouses, how special they are and the price they pay for freedom too. The funny thing about it is, most military spouses don't consider themselves different from other spouses. They do what they have to do, bound together not by blood or merely friendship, but with a shared spirit whose origin is in the very essence of what love truly is. Is there truly a difference? You have to decide for yourself.Other spouses get married and look forward to building a home and putting down family roots. Military spouses get married and know they will live in base housing or rent, and their roots must be short so they can be transplanted frequently. Other spouses decorate a home with flair and personality that will last a lifetime. Military spouses decorate a home with flair tempered with the knowledge that no two base houses have the same size windows or the same size rooms. Curtains have to be flexible and multiple sets are a plus. Furniture must fit like puzzle pieces. Other spouses have immaculate living rooms and are seldom used. Military spouses have immaculate living room/dining room combos. The coffee table got a scratch or two moving from Germany, but still looks pretty good.Other spouses say good-bye to their spouse for a business trip and know they won't see them for a week. They are lonely, but can survive. Military Spouses say good-bye to their deploying spouse and know that they won't see them for a month, or for a year. They are lonely, but they will survive.Other spouses, when a washer hose blows off, call Maytag and then write a check out for getting the hose reconnected. Military spouses cut the water off and fix it themselves.Other spouses get used to saying hello to friends they see all the time. Military spouses get used to saying good-bye to friends made in the last two years.Other spouses worry about whether their child will be class president next year. Military spouses worry about whether their child will be accepted in yet another new school next year and whether that school will be the worst in the city...again.Other spouses can count on spouse participation in special events, birthdays, anniversaries, concerts, football games, graduation, and even the birth of a child. Military spouses only count on each other because they realize the Flag has to come first if Freedom is to survive. It has to be that way.Other spouse put up yellow ribbons when the troops are imperiled across the globe and take them down when the troops come home. Military spouses wear yellow ribbons around their hearts and they never go away.Other spouses worry about being late for Thanksgiving dinner. Military spouses worry about getting back from Japan in time for Dad's funeral.Other spouses are touched by an elderly lady putting a card down in front of a long, black wall that has names on it.The card simply says, "Happy Birthday Sweetheart. You would have been sixty today." A military spouse is the lady with the card. The wall is the Vietnam Memorial.I would never say military spouses are better or worse than any other spouses. But I will say there is a difference. And I will say that our country asks more of military spouses than asked of other spouses. And I will say without hesitation that military spouses pay just as high a price for freedom as do their active duty husbands or wives. Perhaps the price they pay is even higher. Dying in service to our country isn't near as hard as loving someone who has died in service to our country, and having to live without them.
God Bless our military spouses for all they freely give, and God Bless America." COL. STEVEN ARRINGTON
Monday, June 13, 2005
Turtle Food
Tonight at dinner we had broccoli, which we have not had for awhile. As soon as Jacob gets to the table and sits in his chair he points at the broccoli and says "Turtle Food!" When we go to Sea Life park the boys love feeding the sea turtles. In the cup of food is pellets, celery, lettuce and broccoli. I guess I should serve it more if Jacob thinks it is turtle food and not people food.
Today Micah had his first day of Vacation Bible School at the chapel on the base. He was in the youngest class, which was for 4 year olds. He was not sure he wanted to go once he saw all the kids but I showed him his class and met his teacher and then I just left. Micah is so extremely shy and I just felt like I was throwing him in water and saying "Sink or swim". He had a smile on his face when I picked him up and even said that he had fun. It is every morning this week so we will see how tomorrow goes!
Today Micah had his first day of Vacation Bible School at the chapel on the base. He was in the youngest class, which was for 4 year olds. He was not sure he wanted to go once he saw all the kids but I showed him his class and met his teacher and then I just left. Micah is so extremely shy and I just felt like I was throwing him in water and saying "Sink or swim". He had a smile on his face when I picked him up and even said that he had fun. It is every morning this week so we will see how tomorrow goes!
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Hope Chapel
I sure did not feel good last night but Darrick took such good care of me. He gave me medicine, the heating pad, hot tea and rubbed my back. My cough is getting better but it is still not great.
We went to Hope Chapel West Oahu this morning and totally loved it! It is held in a school but it was so well organized. They had a nursery for Jacob and a preschool class for Micah. They both went to their new classes great. Darrick and I really enjoyed the worship and the preaching. We will definitly be going back and we are thinking about trying one of their weekday Bible studies. Some different people came and talked to us, including the pastor.
At the end of the service before the last song a guy went up on the stage with a guitar. He looked familiar to us. The pastor annouced that it was Paul Wright! We couldn't believe it! He is in town for his sister's wedding and stopped by. If you don't know, Paul Wright is a Christian Music artist and Darrick and I saw him perform at Spirit West Coast last year-he is pretty popular. We really enjoyed hearing him again.
After lunch Darrick and Micah had some one on one time and went to a car show by the commissary. Jacob napped and lucky me, I had some one on one time with the laundry! Wohoo!
We went to Hope Chapel West Oahu this morning and totally loved it! It is held in a school but it was so well organized. They had a nursery for Jacob and a preschool class for Micah. They both went to their new classes great. Darrick and I really enjoyed the worship and the preaching. We will definitly be going back and we are thinking about trying one of their weekday Bible studies. Some different people came and talked to us, including the pastor.
At the end of the service before the last song a guy went up on the stage with a guitar. He looked familiar to us. The pastor annouced that it was Paul Wright! We couldn't believe it! He is in town for his sister's wedding and stopped by. If you don't know, Paul Wright is a Christian Music artist and Darrick and I saw him perform at Spirit West Coast last year-he is pretty popular. We really enjoyed hearing him again.
After lunch Darrick and Micah had some one on one time and went to a car show by the commissary. Jacob napped and lucky me, I had some one on one time with the laundry! Wohoo!
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Busy fun day
Hello everyone,
This is Darrick again. It has been a little while but Jenn is sick tonight and was in bed by 8:30 and she asked me to write tonight.
Today we got up this morning and after I cut the grass we headed for breakfast at the Wright Brothers Cafe on Hickam Air Force Base. We met our friends Steph and Rico there. While we were eating breakfast we saw a submarine coming into port. I think it was the first time Jenn and the boys saw a submarine actually moving. After breakfast Jenn and Steph went and got pedicures and Rico the boys and I went to play mini golf. In the afternoon Jenn the boys and I went to Bishop museum and Pali Lookout. It was the first time I saw these places. At the Bishop Museum they had an exhibit of robotic reptiles. They had a snapping turtle, a rattle snake, an alligator and a chameleon. They were huge and really good looking. At Pali lookout it was super windy I had to hold Jacob or for sure would have been blown over. It was a long but good day.
That's our day.
Please pray for Jenn to get well soon.
This is Darrick again. It has been a little while but Jenn is sick tonight and was in bed by 8:30 and she asked me to write tonight.
Today we got up this morning and after I cut the grass we headed for breakfast at the Wright Brothers Cafe on Hickam Air Force Base. We met our friends Steph and Rico there. While we were eating breakfast we saw a submarine coming into port. I think it was the first time Jenn and the boys saw a submarine actually moving. After breakfast Jenn and Steph went and got pedicures and Rico the boys and I went to play mini golf. In the afternoon Jenn the boys and I went to Bishop museum and Pali Lookout. It was the first time I saw these places. At the Bishop Museum they had an exhibit of robotic reptiles. They had a snapping turtle, a rattle snake, an alligator and a chameleon. They were huge and really good looking. At Pali lookout it was super windy I had to hold Jacob or for sure would have been blown over. It was a long but good day.
That's our day.
Please pray for Jenn to get well soon.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Can we just get well?
Well my cold has only gotten worse and I can barely talk today, I am losing my voice. This makes it very hard to take care of two little ones when I can hardly talk. I also have a pretty bad cough.
Micah is feeling better and Jacob too. But then before lunch I was changing Jacob's diaper and noticed that he was breaking out in hives! And he was itching. So I called the doctor and they wanted me to bring him in. But Darrick took the van today because they had a lunch today for first class petty officers. So I had to call him on the ship and he had to skip the lunch so that he could take Jacob to the doctor. They said it was definilty hives but a reation to what we are not sure.
It could be the medication he is on or something he ate...
To respond about the double rainbow: we did take some pictures but the second rainbow was too light and it did not show up in the picture. Sorry!
Micah is feeling better and Jacob too. But then before lunch I was changing Jacob's diaper and noticed that he was breaking out in hives! And he was itching. So I called the doctor and they wanted me to bring him in. But Darrick took the van today because they had a lunch today for first class petty officers. So I had to call him on the ship and he had to skip the lunch so that he could take Jacob to the doctor. They said it was definilty hives but a reation to what we are not sure.
It could be the medication he is on or something he ate...
To respond about the double rainbow: we did take some pictures but the second rainbow was too light and it did not show up in the picture. Sorry!
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Double Rainbow
Tonight for the first time we saw a double rainbow. The first one was amazing. The colors were so vivid and it spanned across the sky. Then lightly right above it, following the same path was another rainbow. They were so beautiful.
Micah practiced riding his bike again tonight and has almost got it!
We also signed Micah up for private swim lessons. We were first looking into group classes on the base. They were almost all booked and what we didn't like is that they mixed swimming levels. Micah is so shy and uncertain in new situations and was refusing to go to lessons, so we knew this would not work. It was then that we started looking into private lessons. We found a great teacher who will give Micah one on one lessons. He seems very excited about this idea and meeting his new swim teacher. We will go to her pool since we do not have one. We are going to start on the 25th. We feel good about this decision and that it is the best for Micah even though it is more expensive.
He is growing up way too fast!
Micah practiced riding his bike again tonight and has almost got it!
We also signed Micah up for private swim lessons. We were first looking into group classes on the base. They were almost all booked and what we didn't like is that they mixed swimming levels. Micah is so shy and uncertain in new situations and was refusing to go to lessons, so we knew this would not work. It was then that we started looking into private lessons. We found a great teacher who will give Micah one on one lessons. He seems very excited about this idea and meeting his new swim teacher. We will go to her pool since we do not have one. We are going to start on the 25th. We feel good about this decision and that it is the best for Micah even though it is more expensive.
He is growing up way too fast!
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Wierd...
Today I was going to play pirates with the boys. We have all of the pirate stuff in a tub so we dumped it out. While we were playing I noticed a little white ball like thing in the middle of the toys. It was about the size of an m&m. I picked it up, and being a mom, I smelled it. It had a strange scent. I couldn't figure out what it was. I asked the boys but they didn't know either. So I squeezed it to see if it was hard or soft and it broke in my hand and yolk came out-it was an EGG! Now the mystery is what kind of egg was it and what creature laid it? I'm not sure if I want to know!
Also today the boys and I ran some errands. When we got back to the van I couldn't find my keys! I looked in the van and there they were on the front seat! Hello..where is my brain? Darrick is out to sea today and tomorrow so I couldn't call him. I could of called one of my neighbors but my house key was in the van too. I dug around in my purse and found a controller for the car alarm. We do not use the car alarm anymore because it was not working and I got stuck a few times. I hoped it would open the doors. I pressed it and nothing happened. I tired again and music to my ears-I heard the click of the doors unlocking! Praise God!
Also today the boys and I ran some errands. When we got back to the van I couldn't find my keys! I looked in the van and there they were on the front seat! Hello..where is my brain? Darrick is out to sea today and tomorrow so I couldn't call him. I could of called one of my neighbors but my house key was in the van too. I dug around in my purse and found a controller for the car alarm. We do not use the car alarm anymore because it was not working and I got stuck a few times. I hoped it would open the doors. I pressed it and nothing happened. I tired again and music to my ears-I heard the click of the doors unlocking! Praise God!
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Thanks!
We first want to say thank you to all of you who supprorted us on our blog or wrote such encouraging emails-we truly are blessed with amazing family and friends!
Jacob is feeling a little better today and Micah and I are feeling a little worse. Hopefully it will go away soon.
Tonight we went to a meeting for the Hopper Ohana. Ohana means family in Hawaiian. It was so interesting. We were able to meet the new captain and command master chief. They talked about upcoming Hopper events like a picnic and the Christmas party. They also asked for volunteers to be on leadership for the Ohana. I put my name in so we will see what happens. Every month the Ohana has a meeting for all the spouses and they also plan activities and stuff for the families while the ship is deployed-I think it will be a lot of fun. Hopefully they can use me!
Jacob is feeling a little better today and Micah and I are feeling a little worse. Hopefully it will go away soon.
Tonight we went to a meeting for the Hopper Ohana. Ohana means family in Hawaiian. It was so interesting. We were able to meet the new captain and command master chief. They talked about upcoming Hopper events like a picnic and the Christmas party. They also asked for volunteers to be on leadership for the Ohana. I put my name in so we will see what happens. Every month the Ohana has a meeting for all the spouses and they also plan activities and stuff for the families while the ship is deployed-I think it will be a lot of fun. Hopefully they can use me!
Monday, June 06, 2005
Good News
Tonight Darrick's brother called us and him and his wife, Maud, are expecting their first baby in the spring! We are so excited. Now I have a brother and Darrick has a brother who are going to be first time parents! We are so excited to welcome these new little ones into our families!
I also got the roommate letter today. This is a type of round robin letter that my roommates from Dordt started. We graduated in 1997 and have kept it going the whole time. There are 6 of us who write in it. If you don't know what it si I"ll explain. One person writes a letter and sends it to the second person. The second person writes a letter and sends their letter plus the first persons letter to person number 3. So when I get it each roommate has written a letter and included pictures. It is so fun to watch everyone's families grow and change and keep up on the news. I always look forward to getting it and taking out my old letter and pictures and sending it on with my new letter and pictures!
I took Jacob to the doctor today for a previous scheduled well check, even though he is sick. The doctor thought his ear looked like it was improving and just keep him on the antibiotics. From there the boys and I went to the exchange and commissary. We were surprised when we got home to find Darrick mowing the lawn! We were happy that he was home on time. Things are looking up...
I also got the roommate letter today. This is a type of round robin letter that my roommates from Dordt started. We graduated in 1997 and have kept it going the whole time. There are 6 of us who write in it. If you don't know what it si I"ll explain. One person writes a letter and sends it to the second person. The second person writes a letter and sends their letter plus the first persons letter to person number 3. So when I get it each roommate has written a letter and included pictures. It is so fun to watch everyone's families grow and change and keep up on the news. I always look forward to getting it and taking out my old letter and pictures and sending it on with my new letter and pictures!
I took Jacob to the doctor today for a previous scheduled well check, even though he is sick. The doctor thought his ear looked like it was improving and just keep him on the antibiotics. From there the boys and I went to the exchange and commissary. We were surprised when we got home to find Darrick mowing the lawn! We were happy that he was home on time. Things are looking up...
Sunday, June 05, 2005
I should have known...
Well judging by the type of day we had yesterday, I should of known what was coming. The boys were in bed by 7:30 and Jacob woke up crying around 9:30 pm. He was burning up and said owie. I checked his fever and it was 102.6! I called Darrick, since he had duty and had the van, to let him know if it got worse I needed to take Jacob to the dr. The tyneol brought his fever down a little and we both slept off and on. At 3:45 am Jacob woke up throwing up. Micah heard him crying and got up too. When I held Micah he was hot and said his throat hurt. His temp. was 100.5. We all crashed in the livingroom until Darrick came home in the morning. Right away we packed up and headed to the dr.
It turns out that Jacob has an ear infection caused by a virus and Micah just has a virus. So we were not able to try a new church today and just hung out resting. Darrick had the watch that started at 2:45 am so he was really tired too.
We did rent the Disney cartoon movie "Home on the Range". Has anyone seen it? Maybe it was because we were completley exhausted but that movie was cracking us up! We would recommend it.
So hopefully tonight will go better and we will all get a good night sleep!
It turns out that Jacob has an ear infection caused by a virus and Micah just has a virus. So we were not able to try a new church today and just hung out resting. Darrick had the watch that started at 2:45 am so he was really tired too.
We did rent the Disney cartoon movie "Home on the Range". Has anyone seen it? Maybe it was because we were completley exhausted but that movie was cracking us up! We would recommend it.
So hopefully tonight will go better and we will all get a good night sleep!
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Saturday
Today was a hard day with the boys. They miss Darrick so much and have not seen him since Tuesday. Darrick had duty for someone today and they were expecting to see him. Darrick also took the car to work and I think we all just had cabin fever. We were all kind of bored and not sure what to do.
Micah tried riding his bike without training wheels 3 times today. He is getting better but is not quite there yet. He had a few good spills and quit once. I told him the story how Papa (my dad) taught me to ride a bike. And how my dad wouldn't let me give up and I eventually did it.
We also watched Jacob's ultrasound video. If you know Jacob, you know that he sucks his thumb. It is not constant but usually when he is tired. I was so surprised to see him sucking his thumb in my womb. And he was doing it a lot. I have not watched his video since before he was born.
Darrick and I are really trying to foster love and affection in our home. We don't ever want the boys to feel awkward giving us or one another a hug or saying I love you. After we came in the house from Micah's bike riding the boys were taking off their shoes. And Micah says to Jacob "I love you Jacob!" and Jacob responds, "I love you brother!" and then they hugged. My heart just swelled at that moment. I really love watching the dynamics between them as siblings. It can be challenging since they are only 2 years apart but it can also be so rewarding! They do everything together because they are so close in age they are interested in the same things. They have their not so good moments too, but I really look forward to watching their relationship grow closer as they grow older.
Micah tried riding his bike without training wheels 3 times today. He is getting better but is not quite there yet. He had a few good spills and quit once. I told him the story how Papa (my dad) taught me to ride a bike. And how my dad wouldn't let me give up and I eventually did it.
We also watched Jacob's ultrasound video. If you know Jacob, you know that he sucks his thumb. It is not constant but usually when he is tired. I was so surprised to see him sucking his thumb in my womb. And he was doing it a lot. I have not watched his video since before he was born.
Darrick and I are really trying to foster love and affection in our home. We don't ever want the boys to feel awkward giving us or one another a hug or saying I love you. After we came in the house from Micah's bike riding the boys were taking off their shoes. And Micah says to Jacob "I love you Jacob!" and Jacob responds, "I love you brother!" and then they hugged. My heart just swelled at that moment. I really love watching the dynamics between them as siblings. It can be challenging since they are only 2 years apart but it can also be so rewarding! They do everything together because they are so close in age they are interested in the same things. They have their not so good moments too, but I really look forward to watching their relationship grow closer as they grow older.
Date Night!
Tonight Darrick and I had date night. Our neighbor Margaret watched the boys for us since we watched her daughter last week while her and her husband went out.
Since Darrick pulled in tonight, I picked Darrick up from the ship. From there we went to dinner at Denny's. It was so nice to talk and just enjoy one another's company.
Next we went to the movies to see Star Wars III. First of all I was really excited because they showed a preview for a remake of the movie "The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe". Growing up we use to watch a version of it on PBS and I had read the book. This new updated version look amazing and comes out in the winter!
We both loved Star Wars III. As Christians it really hit home for us what can happen when we allow evil in our lives. It starts small and before we know it, it destroys who we are and hurts others around us. We loved how well it was written so that the three new episodes give background to the original three.
If you are a Star Wars fan and have not seen it yet we highly recommend it-and if you cry at movies you better bring some kleenex!
Since Darrick pulled in tonight, I picked Darrick up from the ship. From there we went to dinner at Denny's. It was so nice to talk and just enjoy one another's company.
Next we went to the movies to see Star Wars III. First of all I was really excited because they showed a preview for a remake of the movie "The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe". Growing up we use to watch a version of it on PBS and I had read the book. This new updated version look amazing and comes out in the winter!
We both loved Star Wars III. As Christians it really hit home for us what can happen when we allow evil in our lives. It starts small and before we know it, it destroys who we are and hurts others around us. We loved how well it was written so that the three new episodes give background to the original three.
If you are a Star Wars fan and have not seen it yet we highly recommend it-and if you cry at movies you better bring some kleenex!
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Enjoying life...
I am really enjoying the ages the boys are at-for those you you who don't know they are 4 and 2. Things are getting easier.
I enjoy sitting down to dinner with the boys and hearing what they have to say. Then after dinner we went for a walk. Micah rode his bike and I pushed Jacob in the stroller. It was such a beautiful evening. The temperature was perfect and the sky was beautiful. The scent of Plumeria was floating on the wind. All the plumeria trees are in full bloom and they are so beautiful and smell divine.
We walked down to the water and watched the crabs. The boys threw rocks into the water. Then we walked back home. We were gone about an hour- and it was just right. I felt so at peace and content. The sun starting setting and the sky turned a beautiful shade of pink.
I having have been working on trying to relax more and chill as Darrick would say. To just enjoy life and my boys. To let the schedule bend a little and allow time to watch the crabs and smell the flowers, to read more bedtime stories and listen to all Micah's ideas. To hold Jacob when he comes up to me and says "Hold me!" and to take more time to pray.
I think the boys have noticed my change to. They do not argue as much and laugh a lot more. Throughout the day they say "I love you mom" and give me a hug or a kiss. These moments are priceless...
I enjoy sitting down to dinner with the boys and hearing what they have to say. Then after dinner we went for a walk. Micah rode his bike and I pushed Jacob in the stroller. It was such a beautiful evening. The temperature was perfect and the sky was beautiful. The scent of Plumeria was floating on the wind. All the plumeria trees are in full bloom and they are so beautiful and smell divine.
We walked down to the water and watched the crabs. The boys threw rocks into the water. Then we walked back home. We were gone about an hour- and it was just right. I felt so at peace and content. The sun starting setting and the sky turned a beautiful shade of pink.
I having have been working on trying to relax more and chill as Darrick would say. To just enjoy life and my boys. To let the schedule bend a little and allow time to watch the crabs and smell the flowers, to read more bedtime stories and listen to all Micah's ideas. To hold Jacob when he comes up to me and says "Hold me!" and to take more time to pray.
I think the boys have noticed my change to. They do not argue as much and laugh a lot more. Throughout the day they say "I love you mom" and give me a hug or a kiss. These moments are priceless...
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Our backyard
Tonight I was so happy with our new backyard setup. While I was making dinner the boys played outside the whole time. For those of you who are not parents, dinner time is one of the most difficult times of the day. The kids are tired and hungry and you are trying to get dinner together-it is very stressful. But tonight was so different, I just did my thing in the kitchen and I could hear the boys playing so nicely. It was a lifesaver.
We are all pretty tired since we brought Darrick to the ship this morning. They will be out to sea for a few days this week. Only one more out to sea time next week and then Darrick will be home all summer because the ship will be in the yeards!!!
We forgot to say that the Hopper soccer team has made it to the finals! We will see what happens!
We are all pretty tired since we brought Darrick to the ship this morning. They will be out to sea for a few days this week. Only one more out to sea time next week and then Darrick will be home all summer because the ship will be in the yeards!!!
We forgot to say that the Hopper soccer team has made it to the finals! We will see what happens!
Frogs love us!
We had a busy but good day today. The boys and I ran a lot of errands this morning. This afternoon we worked on setting up our backyard. Since the boys are getting older they are able to play without me right next to them at all times. So I thought I would set up the backyard so they can play out there. We dragged Tuggy from the frontyard to the back as well as the picnic table and other outdoor toys. We put a canopy up to give shade and a relaxing chair for me to sit in. Tonight we went to Walmart and I bought a red impatients plant to set by my chair. We are very pleased with the set up.
This morning when we went to water our pumpkin plants we noticed a few big holes in the dirt. I couldn't think what they were from. Upon further investigation and some moving of the pumpkin leaves we discovered that a frog has decided to make our box his new home. He seemed quite content buried in the dirt and hiding under the leaves. We posted his picture below.
Tonight when I went to put my new plant in the backyard I counted 5 frogs jumping around. When I walked around they would jump smack into our fence and fall down-it was pretty funny. For some reason they love our yard, and we actually love having them there!
This morning when we went to water our pumpkin plants we noticed a few big holes in the dirt. I couldn't think what they were from. Upon further investigation and some moving of the pumpkin leaves we discovered that a frog has decided to make our box his new home. He seemed quite content buried in the dirt and hiding under the leaves. We posted his picture below.
Tonight when I went to put my new plant in the backyard I counted 5 frogs jumping around. When I walked around they would jump smack into our fence and fall down-it was pretty funny. For some reason they love our yard, and we actually love having them there!
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