30!

We love you and we are thinking of you today. Can't wait to celebrate together!

all aboard!

The VBS theme is "Boomerang Express" which takes the kids through the Australian Outback - and all the Bible stories are about Peter and Jesus. Not sure about the connection between the two, but the kids seem to be enjoying it nonetheless. Last night I pulled out my scrap fabric and made some smocks to go with the Aussie Animal masks that we had in our classroom - of course, Wil and Walker had to try them out this morning...And here are a few of the kiddos from our class during "Centers." Such cuties! By the way, the theme song has a line in it that Walker repeats, and seriously, it is so adorable! "You might hear a didgeridoo." He kept singing that on Monday in this itty-bitty-angel voice, and it was priceless!

boomerang express!

We had our VBS kick-off today. It was so fun! We had 29 kids in our completed pre-K class! Wow! Thank goodness we have a lot of workers =)I had to take advantage of the photo-op with our boys too. Such cuties!Then this afternoon while dinner cooked in the crock-pot, the boys played in the sprinkler... ...then jumped in the mud puddles...

...and were a filthy mess.

So, we opted for showers/bath BEFORE dinner. And those boys were tired out tonight!

Hoping for a great day #2 tomorrow!

Memorial Day

We met some friends at a park on post, and on the way we passed the cemetery. All the flags and flowers were so striking. I thought I should stop on the way home and walk through with the boys. I've been to Arlington Cemetery a number of times; but this one on post is tiny, and I felt a little awkward walking around. Then trying to explain Memorial Day to the boys was even a bit more awkward... But Wilson was intrigued, and they were both respectful. I am glad we stopped.

I had no idea that there were "unknown soldier" graves at our little cemetery. And I felt compelled to snap a picture of this grave marker. I don't know a lot of the military stuff (sometimes I like to pretend to, Hooah), but I do know that the Medal of Honor is a very high honor. I found a link to Col. Treadwell's citation, you can read it here if you like...

We had a good day. We are tired, and we are ready for Daddy to be home. But even in my weariness, today I was reminded about all of the other families that have given so much more than we have for the cause of freedom.

almost VBS time...

...the boys pitched in to help prep the classroom. Apparently, Wilson did not want his helpfulness documented. Don't you love the "sky" that Walker is coloring? The boys came with me to church this afternoon to set up the classroom. Nicole & Faith were also there, so we tied up loose ends... with a deadline because the church was hosting a neighborhood block party tonight! They sent flyers home to every elementary student in Lawton.

Here they are in the fire truck. They do this every chance they get. Walker would've probably been content to sit in it for quite some time - and then he would want to explore all the buttons...

And the pony rides... all of Wil's pictures were blurry for some reason.

***side note*** I guess enough people have said, "Walker Texas Ranger" to Walker when they find out his name that now he knows there is something else that sort of goes with his name. But he's just not sure what the words are - yesterday while he was playing, I heard him call himself "Walker Danger." Oh boy!

Anyone want to venture a guess as to what unspeakable mess happened in the bathroom sink? I discovered it after the boys were asleep, but I sure can't wait to get the details tomorrow a.m.

another milestone...

...I am still processing the fact that Wilson is no longer a kindergartner. My baby. Here he is with Ms. Frost... she was everything I could've hoped for in a K teacher. She definitely cultivated a love of learning in this little man...

...just a flashback from Day one. Nervous, but ready.

And here he is with his buddy, A.

To celebrate this milestone, we went out for ice cream. We went to Braum's for hand-dipped cones. You can see it was a big hit...Those boys are so unpredictable. Obviously they didn't quite finish their cones, so they had to wait for me. Maybe right after school isn't the best time for ice cream. This morning started on a high note because Daddy emailed the combination to the lock on his box. Seriously, this was the biggest treat for them... They went through it last night, but got right back into it this morning as soon as they got up. So adorable!

And randomly today, this was parked in the commissary parking lot. So we got a picture with it. Its the National Guard Chopper as constructed by Orange County Choppers.

When we were walking away from it, Walker muttered, "I'm going to get a bike like that..." Super.

around the house stuff...

here are some pictures of a couple projects I worked on with Yaya. Here is the nasty before picture of the ottoman. I do wash it periodically, but wanted to be real with you... Yep, its that gross... ... which is why we thought it would be smart to make a washable slipcover. We had bought fabric to cover the floor pillows, and had enough to cover the ottoman too! I'd like to at least keep it nice to throw on the ottoman when company is coming ;)

Wilson: modeling proper usage of a floor pillow.

(here is what those pillows looked like before - they were hand-me-downs from Barbie...)

And this, my friends, is a sight for sore eyes... A big black case containing gear & stuff that Brad no longer needs over there... Time is ticking away...

Oh, p.s. my strep test was positive. Blah! But I started my z-pack today. And I don't feel that bad... especially when I remember to take my motrin on time. Please pray that the boys don't get it this time either! Thanks!

a few random Sunday photos...

...look what we found on our front patio light... No eggs though. Brad, I am guessing you would like this thing relocated before you get home???
Crazies on the bench...

And Walker's church-inflicted wounds.

I think I may have strep again. I went in today for a swab, waiting for the results before I begin another antibiotic. Hoping nobody else gets sick around here...

Wil's last day of school is Thursday. Next Tuesday-Friday our church is doing VBS. I am doing the (completed) Pre-K class. This is my week to prep everything. So I thought I better post now, or I might not for the rest of the week!

PWOC finale!

Well, I know time is passing because PWOC is over for this year. My last official act as VP/Programs was this morning at the board meeting. It was such a privilege to serve God in this position with these wonderful women this year. So many lessons and treasures to ponder in my heart! I hope that Brad will be able to meet some of these ladies when he gets back... This first picture is me with my "Spiritual Mommas." They have blessed me greatly this year with encouragement, prayer, and wisdom. Diana is wearing the pink, and she was our prayer coordinator this year, she also worked on my Programs team. Sherry was the president this year. She and her husband will be moving to Georgia this summer, but not the same post that we are supposed to be moving to.

And this is Crystal. She was one of my roommates at the retreat I went to in Dallas last November. She will be the president for our PWOC next year. I am so excited for her and all the things God will do through her here at Fort Sill. By the way, she is the one that did all the leg work for the "Dear Army Families" Christmas Card project. She is really humble about it, but honestly, if left to me - it would've only been an idea. She made it happen.

Last Thursday was the last meeting for the year, also the last program - which was the installation of the new board. This picture is the outgoing board...

And these ladies are the incoming board...

I can't even begin to explain all of the blessings that I have received by participating in PWOC this year. My heart is overflowing with gratefulness.

My service at PWOC wouldn't have been possible without Brad's support and encouragement - imagine problem solving a women's event from thousands of miles away - he is a good man! Also, Barbie helped with childcare every single month so I could be single-minded in my purpose. I am truly blessed.

"Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude." Colossians2:6-7

seriously?

...has it nearly been a week since I last posted? Last Friday was a beautiful day. I had decided to let Wilson stay home so he could have an extra day with Yaya. We went to the park... Yaya played at the playground with the boys...

Then we got the pool out... just look at Wilson's face...

Walker obviously had Wilson's swim trunks on...

Not sure why, but I really like this one... messy muzzle, anguish, and mischief all at the same time...

Friday night ended with a movie night, Wall-E because Yaya had never seen it. I had an event at the chapel, so it was just the three of them.

And I believe this was taken on Tuesday, the day after Yaya was supposed to leave...

In between the Friday pictures and the Tuesday picture, lots of other stuff happened, but none of it was photographed...

• I went to reintegration training most of the day Saturday, while the boys hung out in their pj's with Yaya.
• Saturday evening the boys and I went to the park with Gavin & Nicole... and then Wilson and I went to the ER for a few hours. He knocked his noggin on a bar at the playground and head injuries make me a bit nervous. They ran a cat scan and all was fine...
• Sunday - Mother's Day. It was a lovely day.
• Monday took mom to the airport (after cramming in one last sewing project... pictures to come... maybe). Brought mom home from the airport because her plane was delayed which would cause her to miss her connecting flight...
• Watched Hotel for Dogs to make up for the loss of our regular movie night on Saturday while we were at the ER

good times

The sun FINALLY came out Wednesday afternoon - following days and days of drizzly rain. The boys were eager to get out in the steam and enjoy themselves... Wilson loves to climb all over the swingset, but I don't remember him ever getting on this thing and sitting there by himself.

Of course, I had to yell, "Be careful! Do you need help getting down???"
And he replied, "Do you know who taught me how to do this?"
I, of course, had no clue... "No, who?"
"Uncle David!" Wilson shouted, with a tone that said I should've known that... (That kid has a super memory, Uncle David was here nearly two years ago!) Meanwhile, Mom was giving Walker some spring training tips... we are working on NOT hitting the tee... need more practice!

And a picture of me with my boys on my birthday. See my "#1 Mom" pin?

shhh... don't tell anyone, but I am thinking of wrapping it up and giving it to my mom after I wear it to church Sunday morning.

I had a great day yesterday. Wilson got to stay home from school so he could bake a cake with Yaya while I was at PWOC. After lunch, I met Barbie for a pedicure (which by the way, are much cheaper here than in MI). Then I came home and took a nap with Walker while Wil and Yaya went to pick out a couple birthday gifts for me. We had dinner at Lonestar which was a great deal because they emailed me a free entree coupon for my birthday! And we got a big fat dessert to share for free... So we'll be eating the cake today.

To top it off, I got a few extra IM sessions with Brad yesterday which were a pleasant birthday surprise. We are planning on celebrating our birthdays together next month when he is home! EEEEEEEEEE!

yaya love

after dinner snuggles... ...begged to be photographed

yaya arrives!

we met Yaya's train, in the rain... we took her to see the OKC Memorial yesterday, as you can see the skies were gray...

walker got a treat, and then fell asleep.

---

I might even take a picture of Yaya while she is here. She didn't even bring her camera this time (gasp!).

four posts in one...

1. more company coming...
...therefore, more pictures will be online this week. It won't be hard to beat last week's number - zero. Unless you count the one with the Walk for Life post - but you could probably guess that I didn't take that picture.

2. We had a busy week...
...well, the last two weeks actually, were super busy. Which made the wait for Yaya's arrival go by quickly. We will be picking her up tonight in Norman (by OKC). It will be nice to have her here for El Cinco de Mayo, my birthday, and Mother's Day! FUN!

Wilson has told her that he has been bored lately, but he doesn't think he will be bored while she is here. No pressure, Yaya. And Walker told her he would be sleeping with her. She's a lucky duck for sure.

Wilson had his annual IEP this week. When he was first tested for the speech program here, he had 59 errors on the test. This week, he had 4!!!!! How amazing! I have always thought speech teachers were amazing, but now I do even more so!

3. We did not look at one single van this week...
...although, I think Chip-the-used-car-salesman has called me every day. We do appreciate prayers as we look for a vehicle. We want to buy a used vehicle that still has many miles to go. We aren't too interested in bells & whistles, but would like one with privacy glass because it is H-O-T down here. Both Brad and I are content to wait for just the right vehicle, which relieves the pressure to find something immediately. I might mention that to Chip. I do want to keep an open relationship with Chip, because I entered the contest to win a flat-screen TV and wouldn't mind if we won. Yesterday, I was watching my friend's 3-year-old twins, and the boy walked in and said, "where is your TV?" I pointed it out to him, and he said, "That's tiny!" It kind of made me chuckle. Our TV has been our visual reminder that we were working on getting out of debt... We wanted to wait to replace it. Our old one had some major picture quality issues; then some friends gave us their old one, which was better, but smaller; then one of the guys that deployed with Brad let us use his while they are gone... did you know that single soldier's have to store ALL of their stuff while they are deployed?

4. Speaking of single soldiers...
...I have volunteered to help another lady in our FRG prepare their rooms for them when they get back. Because all of their stuff is in storage, they come back to nothing. The unit is providing a small amount of $ per soldier and we are going to get sheets, a towel, some toiletries, etc to set up their rooms. We are also going to see if some kids will make "welcome home" signs for each guy. I think there are 54. Let me know if you have any ideas to make it more inviting for them.