Well, we've been here before, but this time I have the pleasure of saying Keirnan is finally getting it! Its not an easy 3 day process, but we are making progress none the less!
We started Monday and it was a very long day full of fights and some good points. The goal of the day was to get Keirnan to understand this is it and I am in charge! I think we both figured out I might pretend to be in charge, but his bladder really is what's controlling everything! lol I think we went through the entire pack of Super Hero underwear that day!
Tuesday Keirnan had preschool, so he went in that morning in underwear!! He did fabulous and stayed dry not only through school, but through lunch out with Daddy! We did have an accident that morning before leaving and a couple more in the afternoon. The big problem is he doesn't want to poop on the potty!
Wednesday we had a play date at a friend's house and again Keirnan went in underwear, went on the potty there, and stayed dry through lunch! The afternoon was much like Tuesday, a few accidents. The problem seems to be he doesn't want to tell me he needs to go, so if I don't catch him and get him to the potty, he'll just go in his pants. He doesn't like it, but is being stubborn in connecting the two!
Thursday was preschool day again and again he did great. At lunch he said he had to go, and then went in the potty!! I thought we'd finally hit our breakthrough moment. I was wrong. I knew I needed to get him on the potty again mid afternoon, but got distracted while we played outside during nap time and he had an accident. I'm not surprised as like I said, he doesn't tell me before he goes. He had another accident after dinner while was a straight out him not wanting to cooperate. The rest of us were all still eating when he said he was done and headed off to play. As he walked away I asked him if he needed to go and he said no. Not 5 minutes later (literally) he was coming back with wet pants! Needless to say, I wasn't happy and he knew it! He did go on the potty before bed, and he has stayed dry in underwear all night every night this week! Leave it to my kid to do this backwards!
The biggest thing I've figured out, but am still working out, is he doesn't need to go first thing in the morning. Usually about a half hour after he wakes up. But with our busy mornings we've had a miss each day! He will go on the potty a tiny bit each day, and then when I finally give and have to get in the shower so we're not late he goes in his pants! guess what that means, we've been late every day!
I think we are definitely making serious progress though, and diapers and pull ups are a thing of the past. Its just going to take some time to get my boy to give fully over and 'get it!' Oh, and pooping might take a bit longer too! Ewww!
As for James and how he's handling the potty, well he's just silly! He gets excited every time Keirnan gets on the potty because he gets an M&M! He has also tried himself a few times. No success there yet, but we'll see. He is only 22 months, so I'm not so worried yet. But could you imagine going from 2 in diapers with one of the way to 2 in underwear with a baby!?! How sweet that would be!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
Dear Drama Queen
Dear Drama Queen,
I just need to get out this absolute need to laugh at you and your amazing ability to be such a drama queen at about 30 years old. I find it hilarious that, though I have done nothing to hurt you, I did apparently offend you. Apparently we're in grade school again and you can't just talk to me, rather you have to go behind my back and tell all our friends. Whatever, such is life.
But, your need to not just unfriend me on FB, rather to block me so I can't see what you put on your FB, really? That's just childish. Oh you weren't done, you mean you have to go further and when I finally see you, you ignore me completely but do make a comment about how you have to block people on FB because you don't want them to know what you're doing. Wow, just wow.
I always knew you were a bit of a drama magnet, but ignored it because you were a good friend to me, but really you're not actually that important to me at this moment for me to care to deal with your pettiness. Its time for me to move on because I don't play these games.
I wish you them best in life, and hope you learn to find joy and happiness again for the sake of yourself and your family. I also thank you for all you have done for me and my family over the past years. You were a good friend while it lasted.
Sincerely,
Me
I just need to get out this absolute need to laugh at you and your amazing ability to be such a drama queen at about 30 years old. I find it hilarious that, though I have done nothing to hurt you, I did apparently offend you. Apparently we're in grade school again and you can't just talk to me, rather you have to go behind my back and tell all our friends. Whatever, such is life.
But, your need to not just unfriend me on FB, rather to block me so I can't see what you put on your FB, really? That's just childish. Oh you weren't done, you mean you have to go further and when I finally see you, you ignore me completely but do make a comment about how you have to block people on FB because you don't want them to know what you're doing. Wow, just wow.
I always knew you were a bit of a drama magnet, but ignored it because you were a good friend to me, but really you're not actually that important to me at this moment for me to care to deal with your pettiness. Its time for me to move on because I don't play these games.
I wish you them best in life, and hope you learn to find joy and happiness again for the sake of yourself and your family. I also thank you for all you have done for me and my family over the past years. You were a good friend while it lasted.
Sincerely,
Me
Friday, August 31, 2012
HouseHold 6's Rules for the Soldiers
You know you've been an NCO wife too long when you have a quickly growing list of rules for your husband's soldiers. Here is the start to my list, I'm sure as the years continue to roll by, there will be more!
1. DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE! This may be a duh rule but it has to be said. I would rather my husband get a call in the middle of the night to come pick your drunk butt up than lose him to days of paperwork at the other sad alternatives you might end up in!
2. DON'T DRINK UNDER AGE!! OK, again duh. I know you are soldiers and while I agree its not right that you should be allowed to fight and die for our country, but not be able to legally drink alcohol, it is still against the law! So, do yourself a favor, and stay in your room or at a buddy's house to do it! Don't go out and be drunk in public when you are obviously only 19 years old!! I'm not saying breaking the law is right, but I'm realistic enough to know you're going to do it anyway, so be responsible!!
3. ENCOURAGE YOUR WIVES TO LEARN ABOUT THE ARMY! I am so sick of young wives who know nothing about their husband's job, or the benefits the entire family receives as an incentive for said job. There are literally tons of resources for you to learn about being a part of the military, whether soldier or spouse- use them!!
4. DON'T LET YOUR WIFE SCREW YOUR CAREER! Again, this involves knowing the benefits. If you and your spouse get in a fight and she becomes vindictive and crazy enough to call the cops, its your career on the line. Make sure she understands that if she gets you kicked out of the Army, she receives NOTHING!!!
5. USE YOUR EDUCATION BENEFITS! Even when you are deployed you can be taking FREE college classes. Do you know how stupid you sound when you say, "no, I want to wait and use my GI Bill." You don't lose your GI Bill by taking classes while still in the service. There are plenty of opportunities out there, even for those who haven't decided what to do when they 'grow up.' Don't let these go to waste!
6. DON'T TREAT THE DEPENDANTS AT THE PX LIKE CRAP! If you see a mom (or dad) struggling with her two kids while trying to pick up a mess the 3 year old just accidentally made, don't just sit there and watch. Chances are her husband is deployed and how would you feel if it were your wife and children being ignored when you could easily help. Use your manners and some common sense!
7. TEACH YOUR SPOUSE THAT THEY DO NOT WEAR YOUR RANK. Fraternization happens between the ranks, not the spouses. Your spouse can, and in the modern world of computers, will make friends with other spouses outside your immediate rank. This is actually OK, as long as its not with your immediate Chain of Command. The likelihood that your spouses new playgroup buddy happens to be the spouse of your CO is minuscule on most posts. Even if it happens, their playground friendship isn't likely to expand to the soldiers!
8. IF YOU DON'T LOVE YOUR JOB, FIND A NEW ONE! The military is not the place for disgruntled employees. My husband's life may depend on how well you know and do your job. Unhappy employees usually don't do very good on the job! I would prefer him not be killed because you were too busy hating the Army to watch his back!
9. TALK TO YOUR COC IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM! By not telling your CoC you have a problem at home, you are inviting them to not care. Many good soldiers 'go bad' because they think their Command doesn't care. That isn't always true! If you have an issue tell someone, it might save your career!
10. BE PROUD OF YOUR JOB! It is often a monotonous and thankless job, but it is an important one. Be proud of it, I am!
1. DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE! This may be a duh rule but it has to be said. I would rather my husband get a call in the middle of the night to come pick your drunk butt up than lose him to days of paperwork at the other sad alternatives you might end up in!
2. DON'T DRINK UNDER AGE!! OK, again duh. I know you are soldiers and while I agree its not right that you should be allowed to fight and die for our country, but not be able to legally drink alcohol, it is still against the law! So, do yourself a favor, and stay in your room or at a buddy's house to do it! Don't go out and be drunk in public when you are obviously only 19 years old!! I'm not saying breaking the law is right, but I'm realistic enough to know you're going to do it anyway, so be responsible!!
3. ENCOURAGE YOUR WIVES TO LEARN ABOUT THE ARMY! I am so sick of young wives who know nothing about their husband's job, or the benefits the entire family receives as an incentive for said job. There are literally tons of resources for you to learn about being a part of the military, whether soldier or spouse- use them!!
4. DON'T LET YOUR WIFE SCREW YOUR CAREER! Again, this involves knowing the benefits. If you and your spouse get in a fight and she becomes vindictive and crazy enough to call the cops, its your career on the line. Make sure she understands that if she gets you kicked out of the Army, she receives NOTHING!!!
5. USE YOUR EDUCATION BENEFITS! Even when you are deployed you can be taking FREE college classes. Do you know how stupid you sound when you say, "no, I want to wait and use my GI Bill." You don't lose your GI Bill by taking classes while still in the service. There are plenty of opportunities out there, even for those who haven't decided what to do when they 'grow up.' Don't let these go to waste!
6. DON'T TREAT THE DEPENDANTS AT THE PX LIKE CRAP! If you see a mom (or dad) struggling with her two kids while trying to pick up a mess the 3 year old just accidentally made, don't just sit there and watch. Chances are her husband is deployed and how would you feel if it were your wife and children being ignored when you could easily help. Use your manners and some common sense!
7. TEACH YOUR SPOUSE THAT THEY DO NOT WEAR YOUR RANK. Fraternization happens between the ranks, not the spouses. Your spouse can, and in the modern world of computers, will make friends with other spouses outside your immediate rank. This is actually OK, as long as its not with your immediate Chain of Command. The likelihood that your spouses new playgroup buddy happens to be the spouse of your CO is minuscule on most posts. Even if it happens, their playground friendship isn't likely to expand to the soldiers!
8. IF YOU DON'T LOVE YOUR JOB, FIND A NEW ONE! The military is not the place for disgruntled employees. My husband's life may depend on how well you know and do your job. Unhappy employees usually don't do very good on the job! I would prefer him not be killed because you were too busy hating the Army to watch his back!
9. TALK TO YOUR COC IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM! By not telling your CoC you have a problem at home, you are inviting them to not care. Many good soldiers 'go bad' because they think their Command doesn't care. That isn't always true! If you have an issue tell someone, it might save your career!
10. BE PROUD OF YOUR JOB! It is often a monotonous and thankless job, but it is an important one. Be proud of it, I am!
Monday, August 20, 2012
I'm Back... with a gun post!
Well, after all, I do have an excess amount of boys in my life! And as we found out last month that Baby #3 is another boy, I just better get use to it! So, with that in mind, and a 3 year old who has a definite love of guns, I thought I'd do the big gun post!!
The past couple weeks has been crazy with hubby at Gunnery, but we did have a couple family events that allowed us to go out and visit him. A week ago we had a family BBQ and the boys loved seeing Daddy, "Daddy's soldiers," and "real guns." They were especially thrilled that the guys let them see the real guns and both boys got to hold Daddy's sidearm.
This past Saturday was family Day for the squadron, and we got to go out and not only let the boys play on the vehicles, but my husband's platoon was out on the range that day, so we got to actually watch them do a live fire. Though the firing point was a little bit away from us, we were at the base of the range tower and had an up front seat as the vehicles went out and came back in. The boys really liked watching the Bradleys drive past! So, that was the boys' fun for the week.
I've been struggling to find a good reference about how to teach such little guys about gun safety. Everything seemed geared to older children, but I don't want to wait. With an arsenal in our family, I want them to start learning now. Finally, this weekend my Mom found the perfect site. I like that the mom who made the website is a mom of multiple boys herself and therefore has the knowledge and humor that I can connect with. So, we'll be working with the boys on this starting immediately.
Next week hubby has leave so we'll be buckling down on the potty training for Keirnan, and maybe a trip to the gun range will be just the incentive he needs to finally get this! He turned 3 in May and has no interest in using the potty at all. Tomorrow he starts a 2 day a week preschool program and while they allow diapers, I'd like to get him out of them as soon as possible! (Plus, with baby 3 coming in under 4 months, I really don't want 3 in diapers!!!) So, I still need to talk to Will about it, but I am thinking it sounds like just the thing to get him motivated!
Well, its been a pretty good summer, and hopefully, I'll get back to the blogging thing. I'll try to remember to give an update in a couple weeks on how the potty training goes! And maybe later this week, a quickie on how the first 25 weeks of this pregnancy have gone. Here's a heads up: Owen likes to tease the OBs and has a very powerful kick!
The past couple weeks has been crazy with hubby at Gunnery, but we did have a couple family events that allowed us to go out and visit him. A week ago we had a family BBQ and the boys loved seeing Daddy, "Daddy's soldiers," and "real guns." They were especially thrilled that the guys let them see the real guns and both boys got to hold Daddy's sidearm.
This past Saturday was family Day for the squadron, and we got to go out and not only let the boys play on the vehicles, but my husband's platoon was out on the range that day, so we got to actually watch them do a live fire. Though the firing point was a little bit away from us, we were at the base of the range tower and had an up front seat as the vehicles went out and came back in. The boys really liked watching the Bradleys drive past! So, that was the boys' fun for the week.
I've been struggling to find a good reference about how to teach such little guys about gun safety. Everything seemed geared to older children, but I don't want to wait. With an arsenal in our family, I want them to start learning now. Finally, this weekend my Mom found the perfect site. I like that the mom who made the website is a mom of multiple boys herself and therefore has the knowledge and humor that I can connect with. So, we'll be working with the boys on this starting immediately.
Next week hubby has leave so we'll be buckling down on the potty training for Keirnan, and maybe a trip to the gun range will be just the incentive he needs to finally get this! He turned 3 in May and has no interest in using the potty at all. Tomorrow he starts a 2 day a week preschool program and while they allow diapers, I'd like to get him out of them as soon as possible! (Plus, with baby 3 coming in under 4 months, I really don't want 3 in diapers!!!) So, I still need to talk to Will about it, but I am thinking it sounds like just the thing to get him motivated!
Well, its been a pretty good summer, and hopefully, I'll get back to the blogging thing. I'll try to remember to give an update in a couple weeks on how the potty training goes! And maybe later this week, a quickie on how the first 25 weeks of this pregnancy have gone. Here's a heads up: Owen likes to tease the OBs and has a very powerful kick!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Disneyland with family (pics)
The week before Memorial Day Will had a week of leave so we took a last minute trip to California! It was only 3 days (plus 2 travel), but just about the perfect length for toddlers! We flew out Tuesday and enjoyed the evening getting settled into our hotel.
Wednesday morning we were up and ready to hit California Adventure. Since the boys have so little they can do, it didn't take us very long at all. It would have been much longer if we'd done the shows but seriously, how many 3 year olds and 1 1/2 year olds do you know that can sit through a bunch of shows!?! So, we went straight to the back of the park where they have the Bugs Life area and the boys had a blast on all the kiddie rides! I did too for that matter! I was a bit sad we were a month early to see the new Cars Land, but the Radiator Springs rock formation is awesome!
After lunch at the highly over priced Mexican grill, (At least at Disney World the dishes are huge! I was expecting the same, so we ended up needing seconds! I fell for this multiple times!) we watched (and danced at) the Phineas and Ferb street party and then went on The Little Mermaid followed by Mickey's Fun Wheel. By the time we'd finished, had a snack and gone through a couple gift shops it was time to head back to the hotel to catch up with Will's parents who'd flown in earlier that day!
After a nice nap for James and some downtime for the rest of us, my MIL and I went to pick up my SIL and her family, then we all wandered off to Dave & Busters for dinner and some fun! It was my first time at a Dave & Busters and I had a pretty good time and a very good steak! lol
Thursday and Friday mornings we were all up early to be at Disneyland at park opening. There are some things about Disneyland I really liked over Disney World, like the rides are still much like they originally were. Read Space Mountain is still completely dark and Pirates still has drops and is long! BUT, I was very disappointed by the lack of "magic" in the park. A friends husband says he prefers Land to World because it doesn't have all the extra 'fluff' but I call this the magic of Disney. Maybe its because I was raised in Florida and went to World at least once a year. But Disneyland doesn't have the extra little touches. Another friend who was raised in California asked my incredulously, "you didn't like it because of a shrub!?!" lol And really, yes it comes down to the shrubs!! At Disney World, every single bush is perfectly tended and formed, if not into a Disney character, than into a classic work of tree art! At Disneyland, the bushes were like every other bush in the area! But this is just an example, another would be the lack of Mickey heads! They are everywhere in Orlando and I went all day without seeing one in Anaheim! I was a sad kiddo!! (And yes, a bit ridiculous!)
But I overall enjoyed the park immensely! I loved watching my boys charm Will's family, since we don't get to see them but every few years (They hadn't met James yet!) and enjoy the wonders that Disney offers. They loved Pirates, Haunted Mansion, and Winnie the Pooh, and poor James slept through Toon Town, while Keirnan ran around Donald's Boat and Mickey's House and saw Mickey again! They both even loved the parade! (I also got to enjoy Space and Splash Mountains!)
Overall it was a great trip and I am so glad we were able to make it happen. Not only was this trip a dream of mine, but such a great experience for my boys!!
Wednesday morning we were up and ready to hit California Adventure. Since the boys have so little they can do, it didn't take us very long at all. It would have been much longer if we'd done the shows but seriously, how many 3 year olds and 1 1/2 year olds do you know that can sit through a bunch of shows!?! So, we went straight to the back of the park where they have the Bugs Life area and the boys had a blast on all the kiddie rides! I did too for that matter! I was a bit sad we were a month early to see the new Cars Land, but the Radiator Springs rock formation is awesome!
After lunch at the highly over priced Mexican grill, (At least at Disney World the dishes are huge! I was expecting the same, so we ended up needing seconds! I fell for this multiple times!) we watched (and danced at) the Phineas and Ferb street party and then went on The Little Mermaid followed by Mickey's Fun Wheel. By the time we'd finished, had a snack and gone through a couple gift shops it was time to head back to the hotel to catch up with Will's parents who'd flown in earlier that day!
After a nice nap for James and some downtime for the rest of us, my MIL and I went to pick up my SIL and her family, then we all wandered off to Dave & Busters for dinner and some fun! It was my first time at a Dave & Busters and I had a pretty good time and a very good steak! lol
Thursday and Friday mornings we were all up early to be at Disneyland at park opening. There are some things about Disneyland I really liked over Disney World, like the rides are still much like they originally were. Read Space Mountain is still completely dark and Pirates still has drops and is long! BUT, I was very disappointed by the lack of "magic" in the park. A friends husband says he prefers Land to World because it doesn't have all the extra 'fluff' but I call this the magic of Disney. Maybe its because I was raised in Florida and went to World at least once a year. But Disneyland doesn't have the extra little touches. Another friend who was raised in California asked my incredulously, "you didn't like it because of a shrub!?!" lol And really, yes it comes down to the shrubs!! At Disney World, every single bush is perfectly tended and formed, if not into a Disney character, than into a classic work of tree art! At Disneyland, the bushes were like every other bush in the area! But this is just an example, another would be the lack of Mickey heads! They are everywhere in Orlando and I went all day without seeing one in Anaheim! I was a sad kiddo!! (And yes, a bit ridiculous!)
But I overall enjoyed the park immensely! I loved watching my boys charm Will's family, since we don't get to see them but every few years (They hadn't met James yet!) and enjoy the wonders that Disney offers. They loved Pirates, Haunted Mansion, and Winnie the Pooh, and poor James slept through Toon Town, while Keirnan ran around Donald's Boat and Mickey's House and saw Mickey again! They both even loved the parade! (I also got to enjoy Space and Splash Mountains!)
Overall it was a great trip and I am so glad we were able to make it happen. Not only was this trip a dream of mine, but such a great experience for my boys!!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
So Long, Farewell, Auf Weidersein to you...
There are so many blog posts I have started in my mind and just haven't put to the computer yet! Maybe if I get time in the coming weeks I'll get on it! This one is a very important one though as the feeling are so raw.
As an Army Spouse of over 9 years, I have passed into the category of 'seasoned.' Hm, I feel like a steak now! lol Anyway, I have moved all over the world and said goodbye to so many people who have become important to me. With small children I do not have a need to look toward the summer in any way other than as military moving season. And the season is again upon us.
Our summer, like everyone else's begins with Memorial Day and BBQs and ceremonies honoring those we've lost along the way. This is an important time for me as over the years the lost persons who I've known list has grown. This year we added another name to that personal list. So, I would like to take a moment to mention three names that aren't just friends of friends, rather friends and the spouses of friends we have been blessed to meet along the way.
I salute you and thank you for your service Ed Dixon and Clint Sikorski, and much love to those they left behind, Jana, Oliver, and Brianna, and Mandy. Most of all I say thank you to a great friend, John Vaughan.
We have moments in society when everyone remembers where they were, the loss of the shuttles Challenger and Columbia, and Sept. 11, 2001. When you lose a person who is very special to you, you always remember that place and those feeling also. John was more than a friend in college, he was a brother, and I think of him every single day. And in honoring him, I honor every soldier who has ever died for our country through the centuries. Each man and woman who has made that sacrifice deserves to be remembered, not just at Memorial Day, but every day. Even if its just a quick thought or pray to say thank you, they each deserve it!
Now, being in the military community we experience another kind of loss more regularly, that of friends as they move away. I had to say goodbye to two very special families this weekend. Thanks to technology, we will keep in touch in a way that was not available to military families even thirty years ago. See, Facebook can be a blessing!! But, while we make fast friendships, we can sometimes lose them too. As the distance grows in miles it grows in differences also.
Don't get me wrong, the people who I was close with in Germany 5+ years ago still mean a lot to me, but the truth of the matter is, if it weren't for social media I would not still be in their lives or they in mine! We don't talk, but we "FB Stalk" each other, just to know how each other is doing. Today I saw a picture of a friends son enlisting. I can't believe he is already at that age! I haven't talked to her personally in a very long time, but through FB I have prayed for her through a recent hard time and am now celebrating with her on her son's enlistment.
This recent loss of friends I think might be hardest because I found a truly amazing group of women here in Kansas the likes of which I haven't had before. It seems with each base we end up at the dynamics of the group are so different. Here we have a close group of about 10-12 of us. In Washington I had two groups of 3-4 close friends. In Germany we each seemed to have 2-3 close friends inside a larger group. I attribute the dynamics in Germany due to living on a tiny base (about 400 soldiers) in the middle of the German countryside! It's all very interesting to me, but I digress... again!
Anyway, this time I also had to deal with my children saying bye to their friends. Keirnan was only barely one when we left Washington, so he didn't really understand what was going on, but now at three, he was devastated that his friends were leaving him. And this, of course, means my heart was breaking for him!! We sometimes forget or don't realize just how much our children understand at this age, but they really get it. I had only mentioned to Keirnan that the Nevins family was moving a couple times over the past month or two and not at all on the day we went to say bye. But when I told him it was time to go, he burst into tears and clung, and asked to move with them. These friends were the ones who were there for us through Will's deployment, it was a major growing point in Keirnan's life and James' first year! That is the way of the Army family though. People you've only known a matter of months become so important and trusted. By the end of a couple years, forget it, they are family!
We said goodbye to the Brennans this weekend also, another close friend whose son is one of Keirnan's best buddies. Talk about a hard summer for the kid, all of his closest friends are leaving! Our group has 4 boys about Keirnan's age, by the end of the summer Keirnan will be the last one! In the next month or two we'll lose the Knaptons and the Walkers as well. These ladies and their children have become very special to me, each in their own way. And while I wish the best for them in their travels, I can't help but be sad to see them go!
So, in true military fashion, its not Goodbye, just See you later!
As an Army Spouse of over 9 years, I have passed into the category of 'seasoned.' Hm, I feel like a steak now! lol Anyway, I have moved all over the world and said goodbye to so many people who have become important to me. With small children I do not have a need to look toward the summer in any way other than as military moving season. And the season is again upon us.
Our summer, like everyone else's begins with Memorial Day and BBQs and ceremonies honoring those we've lost along the way. This is an important time for me as over the years the lost persons who I've known list has grown. This year we added another name to that personal list. So, I would like to take a moment to mention three names that aren't just friends of friends, rather friends and the spouses of friends we have been blessed to meet along the way.
I salute you and thank you for your service Ed Dixon and Clint Sikorski, and much love to those they left behind, Jana, Oliver, and Brianna, and Mandy. Most of all I say thank you to a great friend, John Vaughan.
We have moments in society when everyone remembers where they were, the loss of the shuttles Challenger and Columbia, and Sept. 11, 2001. When you lose a person who is very special to you, you always remember that place and those feeling also. John was more than a friend in college, he was a brother, and I think of him every single day. And in honoring him, I honor every soldier who has ever died for our country through the centuries. Each man and woman who has made that sacrifice deserves to be remembered, not just at Memorial Day, but every day. Even if its just a quick thought or pray to say thank you, they each deserve it!
Now, being in the military community we experience another kind of loss more regularly, that of friends as they move away. I had to say goodbye to two very special families this weekend. Thanks to technology, we will keep in touch in a way that was not available to military families even thirty years ago. See, Facebook can be a blessing!! But, while we make fast friendships, we can sometimes lose them too. As the distance grows in miles it grows in differences also.
Don't get me wrong, the people who I was close with in Germany 5+ years ago still mean a lot to me, but the truth of the matter is, if it weren't for social media I would not still be in their lives or they in mine! We don't talk, but we "FB Stalk" each other, just to know how each other is doing. Today I saw a picture of a friends son enlisting. I can't believe he is already at that age! I haven't talked to her personally in a very long time, but through FB I have prayed for her through a recent hard time and am now celebrating with her on her son's enlistment.
This recent loss of friends I think might be hardest because I found a truly amazing group of women here in Kansas the likes of which I haven't had before. It seems with each base we end up at the dynamics of the group are so different. Here we have a close group of about 10-12 of us. In Washington I had two groups of 3-4 close friends. In Germany we each seemed to have 2-3 close friends inside a larger group. I attribute the dynamics in Germany due to living on a tiny base (about 400 soldiers) in the middle of the German countryside! It's all very interesting to me, but I digress... again!
Anyway, this time I also had to deal with my children saying bye to their friends. Keirnan was only barely one when we left Washington, so he didn't really understand what was going on, but now at three, he was devastated that his friends were leaving him. And this, of course, means my heart was breaking for him!! We sometimes forget or don't realize just how much our children understand at this age, but they really get it. I had only mentioned to Keirnan that the Nevins family was moving a couple times over the past month or two and not at all on the day we went to say bye. But when I told him it was time to go, he burst into tears and clung, and asked to move with them. These friends were the ones who were there for us through Will's deployment, it was a major growing point in Keirnan's life and James' first year! That is the way of the Army family though. People you've only known a matter of months become so important and trusted. By the end of a couple years, forget it, they are family!
We said goodbye to the Brennans this weekend also, another close friend whose son is one of Keirnan's best buddies. Talk about a hard summer for the kid, all of his closest friends are leaving! Our group has 4 boys about Keirnan's age, by the end of the summer Keirnan will be the last one! In the next month or two we'll lose the Knaptons and the Walkers as well. These ladies and their children have become very special to me, each in their own way. And while I wish the best for them in their travels, I can't help but be sad to see them go!
So, in true military fashion, its not Goodbye, just See you later!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Keirnan's 3d Birthday Questions
I found this 20 questions to ask my kids at their birthday each year survey through Pinterest and really loved the idea. I have decided it was just meant to be seeing as Keirnan turned 3 last week! (I found this about a month or so ago, I'm only just getting to write this though!) This starts at 3 since before then its kind of hard to get these answers from a baby/ toddler!!
Keirnan: 3 years, May 10, 2012
1. What is your favorite color? Black
2. What is your favorite toy? Books
3. What is your favorite fruit? Strawberries
4. What is your favorite tv show? Mickey (Mouse Clubhouse)
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? dinosaurs
6. What is your favorite outfit? clothes with bones
7. What is your favorite game? candypops game (Candyland)
8. What is your favorite snack? grapes
9. What is your favorite animal? monkey
10. What is your favorite song? spaceships (Theme song to StarTrek:Enterprise, he loves the YouTube video)
11. What is your favorite book? Spaceships (from Grandma and Grandpa)
12. Who is your best friend? Beckett
13. What is your favorite cereal? Colors (Fruit Loops)
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? shovel (play in the dirt)
15. What is your favorite drink? juice
16. What is your favorite holiday? Santa Clause (Christmas)
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Baby Bear and KitCat
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? bread
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? pizza
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? Astronaut
Needless to say Keirnan has a great love of all things space, bones, and dinosaurs! His birthday party is space themed this year at his request. I will of course get pictures and such up after the event on Friday!! It just amazes me that he is already 3 years old. Though he still has no interest in potty training, he does and says so much that I can't explain just how proud of him I am. He routinely uses please and thank you, and has even started with you're welcome! He is usually very polite and though rambunctious, plays so well with others and his little brother! I can't wait to see what great things he does in life!
Keirnan: 3 years, May 10, 2012
1. What is your favorite color? Black
2. What is your favorite toy? Books
3. What is your favorite fruit? Strawberries
4. What is your favorite tv show? Mickey (Mouse Clubhouse)
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? dinosaurs
6. What is your favorite outfit? clothes with bones
7. What is your favorite game? candypops game (Candyland)
8. What is your favorite snack? grapes
9. What is your favorite animal? monkey
10. What is your favorite song? spaceships (Theme song to StarTrek:Enterprise, he loves the YouTube video)
11. What is your favorite book? Spaceships (from Grandma and Grandpa)
12. Who is your best friend? Beckett
13. What is your favorite cereal? Colors (Fruit Loops)
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? shovel (play in the dirt)
15. What is your favorite drink? juice
16. What is your favorite holiday? Santa Clause (Christmas)
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Baby Bear and KitCat
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? bread
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? pizza
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? Astronaut
Needless to say Keirnan has a great love of all things space, bones, and dinosaurs! His birthday party is space themed this year at his request. I will of course get pictures and such up after the event on Friday!! It just amazes me that he is already 3 years old. Though he still has no interest in potty training, he does and says so much that I can't explain just how proud of him I am. He routinely uses please and thank you, and has even started with you're welcome! He is usually very polite and though rambunctious, plays so well with others and his little brother! I can't wait to see what great things he does in life!
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